A Happy Life in the Empire - The Princess Once Called a “Failure” Becomes the “Most Important Person” as a Hostage in the Empire - Chapter 20
The ceremony ended the next night.
Since it was already dark, the departure was postponed until the following day.
And so, the day of departure arrived.
“We have already received reports from the townspeople that the damage from monsters has decreased! This is all thanks to Your Highness and Lady Sophia! Thank you so much!”
Outside the town, the mayor spoke.
He was a middle-aged man in his forties with a somewhat bold and open personality.
Behind him, many townspeople had gathered to see them off.
“We should be the ones thanking you for the comfortable stay. If anything happens, don’t hesitate to inform the Imperial government.”
The mayor bowed deeply, and Alto turned to me.
“Shall we go, Sophia?”
“Yes!”
The two of us got into the carriage.
Alto subtly helped me up.
“Alright, let’s go.”
At Alto’s signal, the carriage began to move.
The air had grown noticeably colder, signaling the change of seasons.
◇
As the carriage rocked, I gazed out the window.
Watching the town of Tiorna gradually fade into the distance, I recalled the time spent there.
Yesterday, I had explored many shops alone.
Alto had been busy with meetings with the mayor and other matters.
Tiorna was a small town, but livelier than I expected.
Young people around my age brought in various things from nearby cities.
It wasn’t just goods, but culture as well.
There were foreign dishes and specialty products for sale.
“By the way, Sophia, what’s with that bag?”
Once Tiorna was out of sight, Alto asked.
He was referring to the shoulder bag resting on my lap.
It was made of leather and stuffed full.
“I bought it yesterday!”
“A bag is useful, after all. So, what’s inside? Looks like you packed quite a lot.”
“Hehe. Actually…”
I pulled a blanket out of the bag.
There were two, each made of thick wool.
They were soft to the touch, in calm beige and gray colors.
“Now we’ll be warm during the trip! Since it’s getting colder, I got one for you and one for me!”
I placed one blanket over Alto’s lap and covered myself with the other.
“Sophia…!”
Alto smiled warmly and lifted the blanket.
For a moment, I wondered if it was bothering him.
“Then, how about this?”
“Huh?”
Alto spread out both blankets and draped them over both of our laps together.
“Whoa…!”
I gasped in surprise as he smirked.
“Now it’s twice as warm! You won’t get cold either, Sophia.”
“Yes! Thank you!”
Feeling shy, I smiled and rested my head on his shoulder.
“Go ahead and sleep. Sleeping helps you grow.”
“If you say so, I won’t hold back! This carriage is so comfortable, after all!”
“Haha.”
Alto chuckled and gently stroked my head.
It felt so soothing that sleepiness washed over me.
(Ah… I’m so happy…)
As I felt my consciousness fade, I closed my eyes.
◇
“Mm… uuuh…”
When I woke up next, the carriage was still moving.
The faint sound of wind chimes rang softly.
A cool breeze entered through the slightly open window.
“…Huh!?”
As I fully woke up, I realized something shocking.
Under the blanket, I was holding Alto’s hand.
It must have happened while I was asleep.
Panicked, I quickly pulled my hand away.
“T-This is…!”
I turned to explain, but Alto was peacefully sleeping.
His silver hair was slightly messy, and his lips were relaxed.
(He’s sleeping with his mouth open!)
I stifled a giggle and gently pressed his lips shut.
Then, I smoothed out his tousled hair.
While doing so, a mischievous thought crossed my mind.
(Maybe… I can pet him just a little!)
I lightly stroked Alto’s head.
His smooth silver hair slipped through my fingers like fine silk.
Just as I was marveling at the sensation—
“Mm… Sophia…?”
“…!”
Alto started to wake up.
(This is bad, this is bad, this is bad!)
I immediately shut my eyes and pretended to sleep.
“Still sleeping… I thought I felt something, but maybe it was just my imagination.”
Alto muttered to himself.
I could hear him moving, but with my eyes closed, I couldn’t tell what he was doing.
—And then.
(Huh? No way…!)
Alto took my hand.
(Could it be… that when I woke up holding his hand, it wasn’t just me!?)
Even with my eyes closed, I became acutely aware of the warmth and strength of his hand.
It was firm, warm, and undeniably manly.
(Ah, he fell asleep…)
I heard the sound of his quiet breathing.
But I couldn’t sleep at all.
My heartbeat was too erratic.
For a while, I had no choice but to keep pretending to be asleep.
Sneakily holding hands like that was unfair.