For the next few days, Remesis diligently avoided Asil. Using the large amount of work as an excuse, she locked herself in her study and hardly left it.
Thanks to this, the number of encounters with the princess over the past few days had been kept to a minimum.
Honestly, the girl acted this way because she was confused. She still did not know how she should communicate and behave with Asil now. And if before this had come easily to her, now that she knew the truth, she certainly could not look at the princess with the same eyes.
This was a true dilemma from which Remesis did not know how to extricate herself.
So... to avoid all these problems, she decided to simply avoid Asil.
And so far, she had succeeded.
But... as expected, no matter how much she wished it, she could not hide in her cave forever.
A week after Remesis's return to the northern castle, one of the main festivals of the year was to take place in the north. It was a festival called the "Winter Solstice Day."
Since the symbol of the Nadal Empire was the sun, and the north was also part of the empire's territory, it was obvious that some of the country's traditions were honored there as well. Despite the vast differences in the way of life between the northern and southern regions, things like this still united them.
This was a day of worshiping the sun.
In the southern region, a similar festival was held, but it was called the "Summer Solstice Day."
So, although the celebration traditions differed slightly, this festival was popular throughout the empire.
Nord Fortress had been buzzing since early morning. From the courtyard came the sounds of carts, the laughter of servants, and the stomping of guards' boots as they hurried to change shifts early to make it to the opening of the market stalls.
In the northern princess's study, it was quiet.
Remesis sat at her desk in the same position as always: straight back, pen in hand, endless documents before her eyes. Today, she was reviewing reports on the grain storage facilities. Tedious, meticulous work requiring attention and not tolerating haste. An ideal occupation for a day when you have no mood to celebrate.
The door creaked.
Remesis did not raise her head — she knew it was Heitz Adelfo. His steps were, as always, quiet, almost inaudible on the stone floor.
"...Your Highness," he said, stopping at the edge of the desk. "I have brought the report on the inspection of the Torvald trade guild, as you requested."
Remesis looked up. But she did not look at the documents. For some reason, her assistant, holding documents in his hands, looked a little different than usual. More precisely, he seemed a little excited. This did not escape her eyes.
Remesis raised an eyebrow slightly in surprise.
"What is it, Heitz? Do you want to tell me something?"
Her assistant was clearly embarrassed before saying these words, but in the end, he gathered his courage and said:
"With your permission," he bowed his head slightly. "Today is a festival. I thought... perhaps we could finish work early today."
Remesis frowned and looked at him for a long moment, then shifted her gaze to the pile of unchecked reports, then back to him.
"I don't recall giving you a day off," she said finally.
"Yes, but..." he faltered. "Could you perhaps let me leave a little early today? I've been working almost without days off for the entire past year! I deserve some compensation!"
Remesis sighed and leaned back in her chair. Heitz had indeed never asked for anything for himself. In two years of service, he had never taken a day off, never complained about late hours, and never asked for a raise. He was... a very hardworking employee. Too hardworking for her to refuse him such a small thing now.
"Do you have plans for today?" she asked.
"Plans?" he repeated. "Perhaps, yes. There will be spices from the south sold at the market square today. A rare opportunity to buy cinnamon and cloves not at the price of gold. And also..." he hesitated for a moment, and Remesis noticed with surprise that the tips of his ears had turned slightly pink. "I am going to meet a girl today."
"A girl, is it?" Remesis repeated, and a shadow of a smirk touched her lips. "I see."
She was silent for a little longer, then sighed and said:
"Go, have fun."
"Th-thank you so much, Your Highness!"
Without hiding his joyful delight, Heitz Adelfo bowed his head before her.
The girl merely smiled slightly, watching him.
"Then I'll be going," he bowed, already heading for the door, but paused on the threshold. "Your Highness... perhaps you should also go out? The weather is surprisingly clear today. They say the northern lights are even promised by evening."
"I'm not in the mood," Remesis replied without looking up from her papers. "And I have a lot of work."
Heitz was silent for a moment, as if wanting to add something, but changed his mind. The door closed behind him with a soft click.
Silence reigned in the study again.
Remesis tried to focus on the reports, but the numbers and letters swam before her eyes.
She put down her pen and rubbed her temples. From the window overlooking the inner courtyard, snatches of cheerful music and laughter could be heard.
Out there, beyond her study, was life. And here, only documents and her own loneliness.
Remesis sighed heavily as she thought about why she had chosen to stay here rather than go with everyone to the festival.
In truth, before this, Remesis had celebrated the winter solstice day every year. Moreover, every year she ordered special preparations for this festival, as in her opinion, such an event was a good way to boost the morale of the northern residents.
But this year... the girl did none of that. There were no preparations. For many reasons.
Before this, Remesis also took a day off for this festival every year and went for a walk in the city with Hannes. Sometimes they also took Julia with them. And even earlier, when Master Luwen was still alive and in good health, they all went together.
But now... none of that remained.
This thought stung her heart painfully.
So, was there any point left for her to celebrate this festival?
Most likely, no. So instead, she intended to simply spend this day on something more useful, like work.
Remesis picked up her pen again and continued writing.
She truly intended to spend this entire day working in her study.
But...
Not long after Heitz Adelfo had left, there was suddenly another knock on her study door. Remesis was a little confused and looked up from her papers. She slowly set down her pen.
Of course, her first thought was that her assistant had returned, probably because he had forgotten something.
So she immediately said:
"Come in."
The door opened.
Remesis looked up and froze.
Nevertheless, that was not the case.
In the doorway stood the one whom she had not expected to see here at all this day. And, to be honest, did not particularly want to see either.
"Wife, I have come to invite you on a date."