A luxurious, gold-colored carriage rolled gracefully through the bustling town, its ornate design gleaming under the afternoon sun. The lively chatter of merchants and townsfolk filled the air, blending with the rhythmic clatter of hooves against cobblestone streets.
Yet, within the grand carriage, a stark contrast unfolded. The interior was enveloped in an eerie silence, so profound that one might mistake it for empty. But in reality, two figures sat across from each other—a man and a woman—both lost in their own thoughts.
Marie sat with her arms crossed, her gaze fixed on the patterned ceiling of the carriage. The gentle swaying did little to ease the tension in her shoulders. Across from her, Darian rested his chin on his hand, fingers drumming lightly against his cheek. Neither spoke. The silence between them was thick—not awkward, but not exactly comfortable either.
This is going to be tiresome.
Lost in thought, Darian sighed
Turning his head, he glanced at Marie, who sat opposite him, gazing out the window. The lively streets reflected in her violet eyes, her expression unreadable.
"…Marie."
Clearing his throat, Darian called her name.
She turned toward him slowly, her gaze meeting his with quiet curiosity. "What?"
"That—"
Darian stopped mid-sentence, the words caught in his throat.
Hesitation flickered across his face as he debated whether to voice the thoughts that had been troubling him.
Marie, noticing his uncertainty, remained silent, watching him with quiet patience.
Just say it.
With that resolve, Darian turned to her, his eyes steady, meeting hers.
"Are you okay with this?"
"With what?"
Marie, in turn, questioned Darian.
"Accompanying me to the academy."
Marie stared at Darian for a moment before she opened her mouth.
"Your Highness, it's my duty to take care of you," she responded.
Darian's behavior ever since he woke up had been strange—whether visiting the library or learning swordsmanship from Aldric—but now, even showing concern for her was beyond comprehension. It left her puzzled.
"Alright."
Darian replied subtly before turning his gaze towards the window, though his mind wandered elsewhere. He didn't want anyone to accompany him because he was well aware of the kingdom's dynamics. He couldn't just trust anyone. Although Marie didn't show any signs of suspicion, being cautious wouldn't hurt.
"Not being careful will only lead you to become a puppet of others."
Darian had learned a lot about the current situation in the palace while gathering information about the academy.
"The situation is anything but bizarre."
Everyone in the palace must have heard about his sudden transformation, and those pulling the strings behind the scenes couldn't possibly ignore such a variable.
What about you—friend or... foe?
Thinking so, Darian glanced at Marie from the corner of his eye. She had already turned her head away.
Let's see moving forward
With this, Darian closed his eyes. Although he was physically fine, thinking about every possibility had led to severe mental exhaustion.
The carriage once again sank into silence, mirroring the hush that had settled before, as if the conversation had never taken place. Outside, the world passed by unnoticed, while within, the quiet lingered, undisturbed. And so, the journey continued.