Who Killed My Parents

April, Year 825 of the Conrad Zeppelin Empire calendar.

It was the first meeting between Ronia Iherf and Friederike Elforg.

“Greetings, Young Lord.”

Prince Friederike appeared as meticulously crafted as a doll from an artisan’s workshop, and Ronia seemed to have fallen in love at first sight. Then,

“They poisoned me.”

…he felt sympathy for him.

Then, one day:

“…There’s something you need to confirm, Your Grace. The Duke and Duchess have…”

A carriage accident. For the first time, Ronia had to face the unguarded world without the protection he’d always known.

Amidst the brilliant, gray clouds, drowning in grief, his mind barely functioning, Ronia thought about the one person who had been waiting patiently for Iherf to weaken.

Friederike pulled Ronia into his embrace. Ronia buried his face into the prince’s shoulder and wept bitterly.

“Why, Your Highness, are you so sorrowful?”

Their breaths tangled, making the words nearly unintelligible. Yet Friederike replied:

“Because it concerns my friend.”

His voice carried a warmth of gentle affection. Indeed, the prince was strange today. He had walked along the muddy path without hesitation and held Ronia without complaint or repulsion.

“You said you disliked me.”

“I never said such a thing.”

His voice, his touch—everything was gentle. Although he said nothing more, the prince comforted Ronia with his entire being.

Lips faded pale from the rain parted to speak. The prince’s gaze lingered on those lips.

“Tell me if you need help. I will help you.”

“Did you know? You’re unexpectedly kind, Your Highness.”

His lips smoothly curved into a smile as he spoke, his cheekbones shifting beneath his hand.

“Is that so.”