#8. In Search of a Fateful Encounter (8)

“So you like Eli too?”

At the entrance to a ramshackle stable, its broken, dilapidated state a testament to its age.

The two of them sat crouched side by side in front of their beloved horses, which were eagerly eating after their rather arduous journey, and talked.

Quite unlike the Empire’s most revered woman—or someone bearing titles like the Empire’s Blade and the Guardian of the North.

“Haa. Dominique. Why are you doing this to me, too!”

Dmitri answered in a tired voice. He shook his head and, his voice thick with annoyance, looked at Dominique, whose golden eyes gleamed.

Dominique, however, paid no heed to Dmitri’s disrespectful attitude toward the princess and continued the conversation.

“What do you mean, why? It’s about my precious friend’s love life!”

“Since when did you and Lady Eleonore become such precious friends?”

“Since I invited her to tea after her debutante ball! We even call each other by pet names now! Unlike some people, our Eli calls me Domi!”...