Three days had passed since Hyacinth Hener was caught by Caleb near the training grounds at dawn. That afternoon, Lady Laurel Hyacinth Hener received a message from the King.

It was a loving invitation to join him for tea.

Hyacinth carefully selected and arranged roses herself, then dressed up beautifully and headed to the King’s chamber. Both her uncle and aunt loved seeing her dressed up so nicely.

Standing before the imposing door, Hyacinth took a moment to check herself. She ensured her hair ornament was properly in place and that the roses in the bouquet were not disheveled. She nodded to the attendant after her careful inspection. The attendant gave a brief bow and knocked on the door a couple of times.

“Uncle!”

Hyacinth entered with the brightest smile she could muster. She intended to hand over the bouquet and hug him, but…

In the next moment, her smile shattered.

“Hoho, our Hyce is surprised.”

She was not alone with her uncle in the King’s private quarters. There was a new face there. Someone she did not know.

A rather young-looking… man.

Hyacinth hesitantly approached her uncle and handed him the bouquet first. As she warily glanced at the stranger, the man slowly stood up and extended his hand to her.

“Nice to meet you, Lady Hener.”

Hyacinth tried her best to smile naturally.

As she placed her hand on his, his cool lips briefly pressed against the back of her hand and then released.

It was an impeccably perfect gesture.

Even if she didn’t know who the man in front of her was, his lineage was evident. Well-educated, noble lineage. Someone who could match the royal family in stature.

“I am Michael von Regenstein of Kochen.”

“Nice to meet you. I am Hyacinth Hener of Laurel.”

Hyacinth withdrew her hand and took a couple of steps back. She curtsied appropriately, and her uncle smiled contentedly.

Memory brought forth information.

Michael von Regenstein. The second prince of Kochen.

He had a fiancée from a young age, but about a year ago—due to the downfall of her family—the engagement was broken off. Since then, there had been rumors of him seeking a new political marriage, and it seemed he had set his sights here.

“You two look wonderful together.”

“You flatter me, Your Majesty. I did not know Lady Laurel was such a dazzlingly beautiful person.”

Such sweet words.

“Thank you…….”

Hyacinth tried not to be stiff.

“Your Highness is also quite gallant.”

“Hoho, the atmosphere is so good, should this old man leave?”

“Uncle!”

“Alright, alright. Our Hyce is a bit upset from the surprise?”

“I was a little surprised.”

She answered primly, and both men laughed simultaneously.

Hyacinth tried to join in the laughter. She tried to understand what she was currently feeling.

Betrayal? Surprise? Awkwardness? Unease?

He could have given me a heads-up about this kind of meeting……. It seemed she was the only one out of the three who knew nothing. Facing the situation unprepared left her feeling unsettled.

Hyacinth hid her hands under the table. She didn’t want to be caught acting childishly. You were prepared for this. The voice in her mind scolded her again. She had resolved to be composed, but now that the situation had arrived, she felt weak.

Disappointment in herself. Yet, the unease that wouldn’t go away seeped into every breath. It made her even more upset. She felt so foolish and pathetic.

The man sitting across from her was still smiling serenely.

A smile full of affection for her, and an expression that seemed to find this situation endlessly enjoyable. He was kind and friendly. If she wanted love, this man seemed willing to give that emotion.

The prince was also handsome.

Refined features. Bright blue eyes and golden hair as if spun from gold. His colors were so vivid, he seemed like a midsummer person.

Young, handsome, noble lineage…….

Not a single condition was lacking. It was clear her uncle had put great effort into finding a good match.

“When Lady Laurel came in with the roses, it’s hard to tell which was the flower.”

“Our Hyce is truly beautiful. It’s a relief to hear that even the prince finds her beautiful. What do you think, Hyce?”

“What?”

Hyacinth reflexively asked back, then quickly composed herself as her uncle raised an eyebrow.

“He is a wonderful person.”

“The lady is very prudent. I envy that.”

Was that a jab or a genuine compliment?

Hyacinth seriously pondered, then changed her mind upon seeing his sincere eyes. The man, who seemed to be molded from passion, appeared transparent.

……Unlike someone.

Yes. Unlike someone. Something surged within her, and Hyacinth clenched her teeth for a moment. The tension in her jaw caused a slight pain.

She repeated her thoughts for the umpteenth time.

Marriage is often without love. Moreover, she had received immeasurable grace and unforgettable love from Their Majesties that she could never repay in a lifetime.

“Thank you.”

“The weather is nice. Would you like to take a walk sometime?”

“Why not now? What do you think, Hyce? Tyche’s summer garden is very beautiful, Prince. You can look forward to it.”

“I am very much looking forward to it, Your Majesty. It would be perfect if the lady grants me the honor of escorting her.”

Hyacinth slowly nodded.

“I will guide you.”

“It is an honor.”

She slowly rose and accepted the prince’s escort, causing her uncle’s smile to deepen.

“You look very well together.”

“I will cherish your niece, Your Majesty.”

“……I always thank you.”

Hyacinth cautiously approached and kissed her uncle’s cheek. His gaze, filled with pride and concern, and enveloped with affection, lowered to meet hers.

As she left the King’s chamber with the prince, she glanced back one last time. Her uncle, with a complex expression, watched them and then hurriedly gestured for them to go on.

As if urging them to leave together.

Hyacinth nodded and stepped out with the stranger.

Walking through the palace corridor, they discussed the latest book by the legendary alchemist Ursen Nacht. At the end of the book, Ursen claimed the existence of the ‘Philosopher’s Stone,’ which could turn anything into gold.

“If such a thing existed, the world would be quite interesting.”

The prince commented,

“It would be interesting, but…… wouldn’t it cause too much disruption to the monetary system?”

Hyacinth pointed out realistically.

“Well, if the Philosopher’s Stone could produce unlimited gold, there would indeed be chaos. Do you think such a stone exists, lady?”

“Well……. It seems as unlikely as a chicken turning into a dove. I think it’s a meaningless debate.”

“You are quite realistic.”

“Do you pursue romance, Your Highness?”

Prince Michael tilted his head this way and that, then nodded affirmatively. There was a playful glint in his eye as he winked.

“Yes. I still believe there’s a jewel box beyond the rainbow. Ah, perhaps there isn’t such a legend here?”

“There is.”

“Oh, but I suppose our lady doesn’t believe in it.”

Hyacinth slowly shook her head.

“Not anymore……. I don’t believe it anymore.”

“That’s unfortunate.”

He didn’t believe it either…….

In many ways, they are so different. She shouldn’t think of someone else while facing another person, but her thoughts kept drifting.

The prince was kind.

No matter how much Hyacinth was the flower of Tyche, the only direct royal female descendant, could she meet another man like this?

Hyacinth, being as realistic as some might say, knew the limits of her choices. Even as a princess cherished by the kingdom, finding a marriage partner like him would be difficult.

As Hyacinth and the prince turned the corner, she saw familiar red hair come into view, and she raised her hand to greet.

At that moment, her second cousin Benjamin took a step back and turned around……

……Oh, dear God.

Hyacinth had to hold her breath at the sight that unfolded. She sighed inwardly. Today seemed to be determined to test her bad luck as she faced the one person she least wanted to meet at this moment.

Usually, you can’t even see the tip of his shoe.

Why today. Why now, of all times.

“Hello, Hyce.”

With Benjamin waving his hand in greeting, she couldn’t pretend not to see. Don’t show it. Hyacinth reminded herself.

Is there anything worse than revealing your feelings for another in front of the man you might marry? No. Hyacinth absolutely did not want to ruin her life.

She had to act naturally. She had that much shamelessness.

Resolving herself, she walked with the prince to stand right in front of them. Benjamin looked at them alternately with a very curious expression.

The man… looked utterly bored.

As if he had no interest in the situation. His hand movements, ruffling his hair, were slow and languid.

“Good afternoon, Brother Ben. What are you doing right now?”

“Waiting for my brother with the Duke. For once, he’s not keeping his appointment.”

“He’ll be out soon.”

“Yes, probably.”

Benjamin shrugged his shoulders once and then asked in a voice full of mischief.

“……And you? Enjoying a cozy time with Michael?”

“Haha, the lady is enduring a boring time with me.”

“Not boring at all, Your Highness.”

“I’m relieved, lady. I was worried you might be bored since Ben’s company seems quite dull.”

Huh? What did I just hear?

Hyacinth swallowed a gasp and blinked. Benjamin did the same. With a slight look of shock and clear confusion, he stared at Prince Michael.

It was only natural.