'It feels like just yesterday we had the engagement ceremony, and now I'm already knee-deep in wedding preparations. This whole process is incredibly exhausting. Why must royalty have such an abundance of events? It would be much simpler if they could consolidate everything into one grand occasion and be done with it,' Vivienne sighed to herself as she diligently began organizing the arrangements.
She continued, lost in her thoughts, 'It's like an isekai logic, where paper is never scarce. If only paper were truly rare, then theoretically, I'd have less paperwork to handle. But knowing my luck, I'd probably end up having to venture out more frequently to track down the scarce resource.'
Abruptly, a young boy burst into the room, clearly in a state of panic.
"Apologies for intruding so abruptly, but we're facing an urgent crisis!" the boy exclaimed, capturing the attention of both Milo and Vivienne. "The eastern region is currently in the grip of a severe drought, and there are talks of an impending riot!"
"Take a breath, John. Please, calmly explain how this situation unfolded," Milo requested, his voice filled with reassurance in an attempt to calm the boy. "Vivienne, could you please gather everyone in the meeting room? It appears that the eastern region is facing a severe famine, and it's disconcerting that we're only learning about this now."
"Consider it done," Vivienne responded promptly.
'As much as I had hoped for the wedding ceremony to proceed smoothly,' Vivienne pondered, contemplating the situation, 'it seems that we may need to consider postponing it for the time being.' With that thought in mind, she stepped out to gather everyone and assemble them in the meeting room.
A few hours later...
'This blame game accomplishes nothing,' Vivienne observed, frustrated by the ongoing squabble. 'It's been hours, and we can't afford to waste any more time. The emperor appears unusually fatigued and restless.' She contemplated how to restore peace among the group and find a solution.
Suddenly, the emperor coughed, prompting a hushed silence to fall upon the room.
"Enough of this finger-pointing," the emperor declared, his tone filled with anger. "All of you cease the blame and focus on finding a solution."
An eerie silence enveloped the room as uncertainty hung in the air, leaving everyone at a loss for a solution. The emperor's frustration escalated, growing angrier by the moment.
"Foolish incompetence! I did not assemble this group to idly waste their days away," the emperor complained bitterly, expressing his dissatisfaction.
Then, unexpectedly, someone spoke up, suggesting Vivienne as a capable individual to tackle the eastern drought. The mention of her name caught Vivienne off guard, surprising her.
'Why does it seem like I'm being burdened with even more responsibilities?' Vivienne wondered to herself, feeling a sense of overwhelm. 'I should not allow myself to be taken advantage of. I need to assert myself.'
"I appreciate your confidence in me, but I already have other pressing matters to attend to," Vivienne responded, attempting to evade taking on additional work. "Unfortunately, I cannot divide myself into two individuals, so I wouldn't be able to effectively address this issue."
The emperor questioned her, wanting to know what other matters were occupying her attention. Vivienne replied, "I am currently assigned to oversee the preparations for the crown prince's wedding ceremony."
Exasperated, the emperor retorted, "We are facing a potential riot. A wedding ceremony is of secondary importance. Go to the east and resolve the problem."
As the emperor's order to prioritize the crisis, the crown prince seemed on the verge of voicing his complaint. However, a stern glare from the emperor swiftly silenced him, leaving the crown prince with nothing but a discontented grumble.
Vivienne couldn't help but feel disheartened by the emperor's brusque manner. 'I've become too much of a pushover,' she thought to herself.
"I will accompany Secretary Vivienne," Ava's sudden declaration surprised everyone in the room. The unexpected determination in her voice caught their attention.
The crown prince, attempting to dissuade Ava, interjected, "Ava, there's no need for you to go. Vivienne is more than capable of handling this task."
Ava remained resolute, refusing to back down. "No, I cannot simply stand idly by while our people suffer. I am going, and you cannot change my mind."
Moved by Ava's conviction, the crown prince made a decisive statement, "I will go with you."
"Your Highness!" Milo exclaimed, taken aback by the crown prince's decision. "But you still have important responsibilities to attend to here."
The crown prince, resolute in his choice, issued a firm order. "Milo, you will remain here and oversee matters in my absence. I trust you to handle it."
Milo couldn't help but release a tired sigh, feeling the weight of his own exhaustion. However, he nodded in understanding, accepting the task at hand.
"Very well," the emperor interjected, his voice filled with authority. "With all three of you joining forces, go and resolve this crisis. Dismissed!"
As the room cleared out and everyone dispersed, ready to confront the impending challenges, Vivienne made her way toward the exit. Just as she was about to leave, Ava and the crown prince approached her with determination in their eyes.
"Vivienne, we should depart tomorrow. Time is of the essence, and the sooner we address this crisis, the better," Ava declared, expressing her intentions.
Surprised by the promptness of Ava's decision, Vivienne took a moment to collect her thoughts before responding, "Indeed, the urgency calls for swift action. I agree. See you tomorrow."
As the couple walked away hand in hand, Vivienne turned her attention to Milo, who was patiently waiting for her. It had become a routine for them to meet and walk together down the hallway after their encounters or work, an unspoken joy they both cherished. However, with Vivienne's imminent departure for the east on the following day, this shared routine would be put on hold for quite some time.
Engaged in their familiar stride, Vivienne couldn't help but inquire, "How long do you anticipate this journey will take?"
Milo pondered for a moment, considering the distance they needed to cover and the complexity of the task ahead. "Travelling from the capital to the east would take approximately five days, and then resolving the problem may require at least a month," he estimated. "So, at best, I would estimate almost two months. But who knows? Perhaps there might be a miraculous turn of events that allows for an early return."
Vivienne mused to herself, placing her hopes on the potential miracle that often accompanies the power of a strong female lead. She couldn't help but feel grateful that Ava would be accompanying her on this journey. However, when considering the crown prince's involvement, she couldn't deny that it might make the trip more arduous.
With these thoughts in mind, she replied to Milo, "I understand. It's crucial for me to inform my family promptly so that they won't be concerned during my absence."
As they walked together, Vivienne's mind buzzed with preparations and thoughts of the tasks that lay ahead.
The Next Day...
'I've just realized that I haven't made much progress in courting Milo, and now I'll be away for two whole months. What a stroke of bad luck,' Vivienne thought to herself, her tone tinged with sadness.
"Vivienne, there's no need for you to work so tirelessly," the Duke of Ravenswood voiced his concern, his presence taking Vivienne by surprise. It was heartwarming to see her family there to bid her farewell, even though the message had only been sent the night before. Though she was genuinely glad to see them, Vivienne chose to conceal her true feelings.
"Dad, I assure you, I am genuinely content working for His Highness," Vivienne replied, although it was a lie. She didn't want her family to worry unnecessarily.
Her father's response was tinged with skepticism. "If you say so," he said, his tone revealing his lack of conviction in her words.
But deep within her thoughts, Vivienne made a silent promise to herself. 'Don't worry, Dad. After the wedding ceremony, I will submit my resignation letter. Once the couple in this story achieves their happily ever after, it means that I no longer need to concern myself with any potential danger,' she mused, holding onto a glimmer of hope as she bid her family farewell.
"Here are some of your favorite snacks for the journey," the Duchess of Ravenswood said, presenting Vivienne with four carefully prepared boxes. It was a gesture that didn't surprise Vivienne, as her mother had always been fond of over-preparing snacks for her since childhood.
Vivienne's face lit up with gratitude as she responded, "Thank you, Mom." Her happiness was evident as she continued, "Leopold, please take good care of Mom and Dad while I'm away."
Leopold nodded earnestly. "I will, sister. Have a safe trip," he assured her.
With the reassurance of her family's support, Vivienne felt a sense of relief from their worry. As she made her way to the carriage, Milo was there, ready to lend a helping hand. He assisted Vivienne with carrying her belongings and carefully packing them into the carriage, a small act of support that brought her comfort in the midst of the upcoming journey.
Upon the couple's arrival, Vivienne and Milo swiftly made arrangements to ensure the comfort of the crown prince and Ava within the carriage. Fortunately, the royal couple had their own dedicated carriage, which meant Vivienne could occupy her own space and travel separately.
With the couple settled and cared for, Vivienne took a moment to settle into her own carriage. As the carriage began to move, gradually distancing itself from the departure point, Vivienne turned her gaze back to catch a glimpse of Milo's figure. He stood there, watching them with a mix of emotions.
Feeling a pang of nostalgia and gratitude, Vivienne opened the carriage window, allowing the wind to gently brush against her face. She waved goodbye, silently conveying her appreciation for Milo's unwavering support. To her delight, Milo responded with a wave of his own, a gesture that spoke volumes of their connection and friendship.
As the distance between them grew, Vivienne closed the window, taking a deep breath. With her resolve fortified, she embarked on the journey ahead, carrying with her the memory of that final exchange, a reminder that she had someone to return to when the task was complete.