Chapter 532: The Comfort of Mutual Trust

The imperial palace garden was quiet that evening. A thin layer of mist hung over the hedges, and the crystal lanterns along the garden paths had already been lit, their pale violet light illuminating the grounds.

Inside the glass-paneled garden pavilion overlooking the pond, Yerel sat across from Philia. A silver teapot rested on the small charcoal burner between them, keeping the tea warm. Yerel had changed into a simple navy silk tunic after a long day of attending to affairs and reviewing reports from the border regions. He looked more at ease now, no longer carrying the same tension he had worn throughout the day. Across from him, Philia sat comfortably in a soft lavender tunic, looking as lovely and composed as ever.

"You look exhausted, Your Highness," Philia spoke softly as he picked up the teapot to pour a fresh cup for Yerel before filling his own. "Work must be keeping you rather busy these days."

Yerel accepted the cup with a faint nod, taking a sip before setting it down on the table. "It doesn’t matter. Spending this quiet time with you relaxes the mind, Philia. Tell me, how was your gathering at the Avery estate?"

Philia offered a soft, radiant smile, resting his chin lightly on one hand as he leaned slightly forward. "It was delightful, as per usual. Marchioness Avery always knows how to host her guests with such flawless warmth. The garden was lovely, the berry pastries were sweet, and the tea selection was truly exquisite."

"I am glad," Yerel murmured, leaning back into the cushions of his seat. "The omegas of the high court can be... demanding company when gathered in large numbers."

He paused for a moment before looking at Philia with a hint of concern in his eyes. "Though, I must admit, I was a little worried about you. Have you recovered well enough? I hope the gathering wasn’t too exhausting for you."

Philia let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head as he lifted his teacup. "Of course, Your Highness. If I hadn’t recovered properly, I wouldn’t have been able to attend the gathering and return in one piece, would I?" He took a sip before continuing with a smile. "Besides, spending the afternoon exchanging stories with everyone was quite entertaining."

Yerel smiled faintly, seemingly reassured by his answer. "Indeed. I’m glad you enjoyed yourself."

"They certainly share some good stories," Philia continued. "Everyone was in high spirits today. We discussed the upcoming light festivals, the regional embroidery exhibitions, and, of course, the recent drama surrounding the grand theater."

At the mention of the grand theater, Yerel showed no visible reaction. His expression remained composed as he reached for his cup.

"Ah, yes," Yerel replied, taking another small sip. "The incident with Heinrich Bramwell. Karson briefed me on it earlier today."

Philia kept his brown eyes fixed gently on Yerel’s face, his expression holding pure, warm attentiveness.

"Lord Derrick was quite eager to share the story," Philia continued, his soft smile holding genuine warmth as he brought up Cherion’s name without a single trace of hesitation. "He was practically singing Lord Cherion’s praises to anyone who would listen. It seems Cherion handled the situation with remarkable strength and composure. Everyone at the gathering was thoroughly impressed by how much he has matured."

Yerel set his cup back onto the silver saucer with a tiny, clean click. "Heinrich acted like a desperate fool. Bringing things like that into a public venue in broad daylight is an insult to capital security and high-court order. Cherion showed impressive reflexes in disarming him before the situation could escalate further into bloodshed."

Philia paused for a brief moment, swirling his tea lightly in his cup before lifting his eyes back to Yerel with a thoughtful, innocent glint.

"Actually, when I arrived back at the palace grounds earlier..." Philia began softly, his tone relaxed and curious, "I saw Karson in the inner courtyard. He was supervising the palace transport guards as they loaded several heavy crates from the crown vaults onto two imperial carriages."

Yerel blinked slightly, taken aback for a short second before a warm, subtle realization crossed his sharp features.

"Oh, really?" Yerel chuckled softly, shaking his head with a faint smile. "I was just about to tell you about that, Philia."

Philia tilted his head, his smile remaining sweet, gentle, and utterly open. "Karson mentioned the crates contained rare moon-blossom medicinal teas, tonics, and other necessities. He said they were being dispatched directly to the residences of Lord Cherion and Lord Derrick under your personal orders."

Yerel leaned forward slightly, looking directly at Philia. He took a moment before answering, wanting to make sure there was no misunderstanding between them.

"I ordered them," Yerel explained softly, his tone laced with genuine, practical consideration. "Given the history between Cherion and the court... and our past engagement... I felt it best to send official imperial care to both victimized houses under the crown’s name. It prevents any accusations of imperial negligence or favoritism while maintaining court stability."

Philia looked at Yerel with a gentle smile. He tilted his head with a soft, comforting smile that held no hidden bitterness whatsoever.

"You sent those recovery gifts because you were worried about them as your people, right?"

Yerel offered a firm, clear nod without a moment’s hesitation. "Of course. They are young nobles of prominent houses who were targeted by a dangerous criminal under our watch. Is there any other reason?"

Philia let out a quiet, melodic laugh as he reached across the small table to rest his slender hand over Yerel’s broad, warm palm.

"No, not at all, Your Highness," Philia replied smoothly, his eyes full of absolute confidence in his fiancé. "Why would there be? You are simply looking after your subjects and ensuring the safety of our noble houses. It is the proper, honorable duty of the Crown Prince. I am glad you handled it so prudently and attentively, even before the King had to step in."

Yerel’s sharp features softened completely, a warm smile breaking across his handsome face. He turned his hand over, interlocking his fingers with Philia’s and squeezing gently.

"I knew you would be understanding, Philia," Yerel said softly, his voice thick with sincere affection. "You always possess such remarkable grace, trust, and clarity when it comes to state affairs. It is one of the many reasons I value and respect you so deeply."

Philia squeezed Yerel’s hand in return, his heart entirely at peace. "My heart is always aligned with yours, Your Highness. Your duties are my duties, and I trust your judgment completely."

Yerel continued holding Philia’s hand, gently brushing his thumb over the back of it. After a moment, he gave Philia’s hand a gentle tug and gestured for him to get up.

"Come here," he said with a small smile.

Philia rose from his seat, looking at Yerel with mild curiosity. Before he could ask what his fiancé had in mind, Yerel gently pulled him closer and guided him onto his lap, wrapping an arm around his waist once he was comfortably settled.

"Your Highness," Philia said with an amused smile, placing one hand against Yerel’s shoulder. "What has gotten into you all of a sudden?"

"Am I not allowed to spend some time with my fiancé?" Yerel asked, his lips curving into a smile.

"Of course you are."

Yerel slipped an arm around Philia’s waist, keeping him close. He looked at him for a moment, then gently brushed a loose strand of hair away from his face.

"I hope you haven’t been thinking too much about what happened at the grand theater," Yerel said. "I know the situation with Cherion is rather complicated, especially considering our past. I wouldn’t want you to misunderstand my intentions or let it trouble you."

Philia blinked before letting out a quiet chuckle. "Didn’t I already tell you, Your Highness? I understand."

He leaned closer, resting his forehead lightly against Yerel’s.

"I know you have your responsibilities, and I know you wouldn’t send those gifts without a proper reason. Besides, Lord Cherion and Lord Derrick were the ones who suffered from that incident. It would be rather unreasonable of me to begrudge them a little consideration, wouldn’t it?"

Yerel studied his face for a moment before his smile returned.

"You really are too understanding."

"Then you should be grateful to have such an understanding fiancé," Philia replied playfully.

Yerel laughed, his hand moving to Philia’s cheek. "I certainly am."

He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Philia’s lips. Philia returned it without hesitation, resting his hand against Yerel’s cheek as their kiss lingered for a little longer.

When they finally parted, Yerel kept his forehead against Philia’s, smiling at the sight of his flushed cheeks.

"Shall we stay like this for a while?" he murmured.

Philia smiled and nestled closer against his chest. "As long as you don’t have another pile of reports waiting for you."

Yerel laughed softly and tightened his arm around his fiancé.

"For tonight, I think Karson can manage without me."