In the Doghouse - Chapter 187
The nobles surrounding them each offered carefully crafted congratulations. Courtney, well aware of the bizarre rumors circulating in the capital thanks to her maids, exchanged pleasantries with them without hesitation.
She no longer cared if anyone slandered her behind her back. After all, most of it stemmed from petty jealousy and envy. At one point, she hadn’t been used to being envied and even felt burdened by the need to live up to the expectations of her new position.
But now, she decided to view it in her own way. Most people would have run away within three days—she figured she was handling things pretty well.
The men eager to speculate on current events broached another topic cautiously.
“With such strong heirs on the way, the Emperor must feel reassured.”
“It’s been a long time since His Highness reached adulthood, so perhaps…”
They were subtly probing whether the throne might soon change hands, casting glances at the Crown Prince. While abdication was rare, it was well known that the Emperor had long wished for it.
Contrary to the expectation that Richard might rebel at the idea, he replied calmly.
“I will simply follow His Majesty’s wishes.”
This was all thanks to Courtney’s careful guidance. Since things had come this far, she figured if she couldn’t shape him into a model ruler, she could at least ensure he wouldn’t become a tyrant. She was diligent about rewarding him with incentives and, occasionally, using a firm hand when needed. She suppressed a smirk trying to creep onto her lips.
After one group of nobles moved on, another approached. After greeting several groups in a row, Courtney began to feel weary. She took hold of Richard’s arm, feigning dizziness.
“Courtney?”
“Oh, I feel a bit lightheaded.”
“Are you all right? Shall I call for the court physician?”
Richard placed a hand on her forehead, and, of course, her forehead was only warm from the heat of the room. Courtney covered her mouth with her hand, pretending to suppress a wave of nausea.
“No, I just need some fresh air.”
“We’ll go at once. Please excuse us.”
Richard soon guided her away, leaving a group of nobles standing there with awkward expressions. As he turned toward the terrace, Courtney muttered under her breath.
“Outside… outside.”
“What?”
Richard looked at her with concern, missing the hint. Courtney rolled her eyes and spoke more clearly.
“Outside, as in the garden.”
“Oh, right!”
Richard promptly changed direction toward the garden doors.
Leaning on his arm as they exited the ballroom, Courtney cast a quick glance at her parents. They were engaged in quiet conversation with a few people who had approached them first.
While it was uncertain for now, she hoped that by the time Frederick returned, moments like these would be part of their daily lives. Tightening her grip on Richard’s arm, she followed him out.
As the Crown Prince and Crown Princess stepped outside, the servants and maids waiting by the entrance immediately rushed over with concern.
“Is something wrong, Your Highness?”
“Your Highness, are you all right?”
Oh, this was getting more complicated than expected. Courtney tried to think of a plausible excuse, but Richard quickly dismissed the attendants with a curt command.
“Mind your own business.”
The attendants retreated, visibly displeased by his tone. Courtney sighed softly.
“I did tell you to be polite.”
“My apologies…”
She shook her head, seeing how he reserved his gentler side for her alone. There was always something to correct.
Sighing, she took the lead along the colonnade. Richard, who had quickly picked up on her faintness act, trailed behind her, asking cautiously.
“Where are we headed?”
“For some fresh air.”
Since tonight’s celebration was one of the grandest, magical lamps had been lit throughout the gardens. Courtney avoided the well-lit main garden and walked down a quiet, secluded pathway.
Richard walked a bit behind, glancing at the ground and stealing glances at her from time to time. The place and atmosphere were ideal—now was the time to finally tell her. Yet, for some reason, he found it hard to bring himself to speak.
The warm spring breeze rustled the branches overhead. As the music and lights from the palace grew distant, Courtney suddenly stopped and turned to face him.
“Richard.”
Having missed yet another opportunity to speak, Richard hesitated in silence. At moments like these, it was best to gauge her intentions first to avoid making any mistakes.
Seeing his obedient stance, Courtney smiled with satisfaction. If he still couldn’t pick up on commands as basic as ‘wait here like a good dog,’ she’d be embarrassed as his master. Maintaining her gentle smile, she spoke kindly.
“It’s nice to be out on a walk, isn’t it?”
Richard fidgeted, nervously rubbing his neck. Even without a collar around his neck, he was still her loyal dog. Fidgeting, he looked at her and finally replied in a soft voice.
“Woof.”
