An entire day passed in silence between Leticia and Aleph. Disturbed and confused, Aleph had withdrawn, seeking refuge in his own thoughts. Leticia, consumed by insecurity, immersed herself in romance novels, searching for answers to her own feelings and to Aleph's unexpected reaction.
As night fell, Aleph returned to the inn, bringing with him the royal carriage of the Winter Kingdom. They had left it for repairs in a village early in their journey, opting to travel discreetly to avoid drawing attention. Now, however, the carriage, in all its splendor and bearing its royal crests, was necessary for Leticia's formal arrival in the Autumn Kingdom. Aleph had retrieved it using a portal, ensuring the princess would arrive at her destination in a manner befitting her station.
Daniel, who was waiting outside the inn, was struck by Aleph's attire. The knight wore the ceremonial uniform of the Winter Kingdom's Royal Knights: a deep blue tunic with gold details on a long, flowing cape, both imposing and elegant.
"Wow!" Daniel exclaimed, his eyes shining with admiration. "Where did you get these incredible clothes?"
"It is the ceremonial attire for the knights," Aleph explained, holding up two packages he was carrying. "I brought one for you. I hope it fits."
Daniel's eyes lit up with excitement.
A Royal Knight's uniform! It was a dream becoming reality.
He rushed inside the inn to try it on. Sir Ritz's tunic fit him perfectly. Daniel spun around, admiring the billowing cape.
"It's perfect!" he exclaimed, radiant. "But what about this mask? And the hood?"
"The knights wear the mask and hood on special occasions, such as ceremonies and banquets," Aleph explained. "It is a way to ensure the protection of royalty without drawing undue attention. The mask covers the face, and the hood further conceals the knight's identity. The rule is to avoid eye contact with guests, unless requested to do so."
Aleph, now dressed in the imposing ceremonial uniform of the Winter Kingdom's Royal Knights, knocked lightly on Leticia's door.
"Pardon me, Princess," he said as he entered, after receiving her permission. "I've brought your luggage."
Leticia, surprised to see him in such attire, accepted the suitcase in silence. A thousand questions flooded her mind—how had he procured the uniform so quickly?—but the memory of the kiss and the shame it carried kept her from speaking. Aleph, after a brief bow, took his leave, informing her he would finish the preparations for their departure.
"Tomorrow, we shall arrive in the Autumn Kingdom, Princess," he said before withdrawing.
The next morning, Aleph and Daniel, already in position, awaited Leticia. Aleph led her to the carriage, explaining that he and Daniel would serve as the drivers. The journey, however, was surprisingly brief. In the blink of an eye, following a precise movement of Aleph's sword, they passed through a portal, emerging into a completely different landscape.
"But... what...?" Daniel stammered, stunned. "Who are you, really? A simple knight wouldn't possess such power!"
"You will find out soon enough," Aleph replied with an enigmatic smile.
They had arrived at the capital of the Autumn Kingdom. After identifying themselves as Princess Leticia's retinue, they awaited clearance to enter the city. Aleph opened the carriage door, announcing their arrival.
"We have reached the Autumn Kingdom, Princess," he said with a reverent bow.
Leticia, thoroughly impressed, recognized this as another of Aleph's special abilities. With countless questions swirling in her mind, she remembered she first needed to apologize and, gathering her courage, asked Aleph to come inside to talk.
"Aleph, please, come in," she requested. "We need to speak."
Aleph entered the carriage, and Leticia, with earnest sincerity, expressed her regret.
"Aleph, I must apologize if I offended you in any way," she said, meeting his eyes directly.
Aleph, touched by her words, took her hand. He was finally going to tell her the truth, but they were interrupted by the arrival of the Autumn Kingdom's Royal Knights, who received them with full honors and formality. The arrival of the future king's betrothed caused quite a stir, with everyone eager to catch a glimpse of her and admire her beauty.
After the final preparations, Leticia, dressed in an elegant gown, entered the main hall of the palace. The luxurious decor and exquisite details showcased the wealth and power of the Autumn Kingdom. Aleph followed close behind, his face partially obscured by the mask and hood, as protocol demanded.
A long red carpet stretched the length of the hall, leading Leticia toward her destiny. The room was filled with nobles in their finest clothes, their curious and appraising gazes fixed upon the princess. The atmosphere was heavy with expectation and silent judgment.
Leticia walked the length of the red carpet, each footfall echoing in the vast hall. Her eyes locked on the young man seated on the throne, flanked by knights and nobles. He had vibrant red hair and eyes of a grayish-blue... just like Aleph's. A shock coursed through her. That was Ryuuji, the Prince of the Autumn Kingdom. But if that was him... then who was Aleph?
Despite the surprise and confusion that threatened to overwhelm her, Leticia maintained her composure. She could not show weakness before the court. Prince Ryuuji rose from the throne and walked toward her with a confident stride. With a cordial smile, he took her hand gently and introduced himself.
"It is with great joy that I, Ryuuji, welcome Princess Leticia of the Winter Kingdom," he said, his voice smooth and welcoming.
"It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness," Leticia replied, executing a graceful curtsy, hiding the whirlwind of thoughts that assailed her mind.
"Your presence will bring a new vitality to our kingdom," Ryuuji declared with a charming smile. "I trust our union shall be prosperous for both our realms."
And, with impeccable gallantry, he brought Leticia's hand to his lips, placing a courtly kiss upon it.