“Isn’t that why your father put them together? So they could both suffer a slow, agonizing death. Or, if things go his way, they might even fall for each other and have a child. Wouldn’t that make your father happy?”

The Empress carefully observed Selheim’s reaction as she spoke. Her son simply nodded in agreement, his expression calm.

“You’re right. In the end, everything will go according to Father’s will.”

Selheim rose from his seat after his composed reply. As he was about to excuse himself, the Empress asked with a worried tone,

“So, you’re not worried anymore?”

Selheim nodded.

“No. That won’t happen again.”

With that brief answer, he turned, his gaze fixed on the glass door.

As he turned his back to the Empress and walked away, his eyes slowly hardened. The playful smile had vanished, replaced by a chilling iciness.

Back in the Crown Prince’s office, someone was already waiting for him. Selheim’s expression remained unchanged as he asked casually,

“Any news?”

“They’ve decided on the site for the train station in Glinford yesterday. They’re also planning to expand the port to receive goods in bulk from the Republic.”

“My, my, my brother is a busy bee. Always working so hard. A man needs his rest.”

Worried, are we?

He chuckled softly, the corner of his lips lifting in a smirk.

It was just Reizen, after all. No matter how much of a nuisance he became, Selheim knew him better than anyone. Since childhood, Reizen had been nothing more than a doll he could play with.

The problem was that sometimes, the doll offered unexpectedly amusing scenes. Perhaps it was growing up in the Rose Palace, but the boy was a real thorn in his side.

A thorn he couldn’t remove.

But it wasn’t entirely unpleasant. Amusing, even.

Selheim had no real rivals.

From birth to adulthood, his life had been constantly under threat. But now, with the Rose Palace gone and Duke Grey dead, there was no one left to oppose him.

Ah, to live such a boring life?

In time, the throne would naturally be handed over to him. If waiting became too tedious, he could always just dispose of his father and take the throne himself.

But for now, there was no need.

No need to take unnecessary risks and get his hands dirty. His position was secure. He could enjoy his status and ascend to the throne when the time was right.

Until then, Reizen would be his plaything, just like the women his father entertained himself with.

Reizen was an amusing toy. Sometimes, Selheim would make a move to get rid of him, but the way he narrowly escaped was almost endearing.

There were times when he sent assassins, only to be genuinely happy that Reizen had survived. He was so happy that he even sent a congratulatory wreath. He meant it, too.

It was like a ball he had thrown had finally been returned after countless throws, a chance to finally volley. It was exhilarating, like a game of racketball.

Moreover, Reizen was providing a safe space for Melissa’s treatment. There were things Selheim couldn’t do, things only Reizen could, and that’s why he entrusted Melissa to him.

But… even Selheim, who had everything under control, encountered a variable.

“There’s one more thing to report.”

Selheim hummed a tune as he pulled up a chair in his study. Just as he was about to sit down…

“Melissa Grey’s stigma has manifested.”

The smile vanished from his lips.

* * *

The morning at the Glinford Hotel was bustling.

It seemed Reizen wasn’t the only one who had indulged in alcohol last night, judging by the weary faces around him. Among them were a few familiar noble faces, but most were commoners.

It was only natural that they wouldn’t look kindly upon Melissa. She was infamous, after all.

The men, still recovering from their hangovers, shot her dirty looks as she stood on the lobby stairs. They quickly averted their gazes, pretending she didn’t exist, but not before she caught a glimpse of their disdain.

“His Highness went to see the harbor early this morning.”

Nora, noticing Melissa’s puffy eyes, spoke carefully. Melissa hadn’t even asked where Reizen had gone, but Nora answered anyway.

Reizen was in Glinford for work, so his busy schedule was unavoidable.

“Did he go alone?”

Nora’s face fell as she shook her head.

“No, he went with Miss Florence…”

Even the maid seemed to be aware of something going on between them.

They were scheduled to return to the castle in the evening after Reizen’s work was done, so it wasn’t like she had much time to dwell on it. But last night, Reizen hadn’t seemed bothered by such a scandalous situation.

It wasn’t as if he was touching her solely to satisfy his own desires; it felt more like he was constantly gauging her reactions. Not that she disliked it… No, she enjoyed it immensely…

But the more she thought about it, the more she imagined the handsome man out and about, and it drove her crazy.

This was bordering on paranoia. Dwelling on such thoughts wouldn’t do her any good in the long run.

‘Stop thinking about it.’

Melissa took a deep breath, composing herself. She then gathered her dress and descended the lobby stairs.

A group of rough-looking men, who seemed to be staying together, parted like the Red Sea as she passed.

They weren’t looking at her directly, but their awareness of her presence was palpable. It was understandable, considering her notoriety as a murderer.

“Milady, His Highness won’t be back until late this afternoon. Would you like to go see the sea?”

Laila hurried after her, her tone cheerful.

“It’s my first time seeing the sea. I’d love to go touch the water.”

Nora shot Laila a look that said, “Please be quiet,” but Melissa didn’t mind her bright demeanor.

Like Clara, there weren’t many people around Melissa who were so open and genuine.

Perhaps that’s why she was drawn to them. People who spoke their minds, who weren’t constantly trying to please others… Come to think of it, Reizen was like that too.

Melissa realized she had been thinking about him again. She pictured Florence’s bright smile as she walked arm in arm with Reizen around the harbor.

Melissa shook her head internally, pushing the image away. Instead, she forced a smile and said softly,

“Then let’s have a picnic. Where’s Clara? Is she…”

Melissa trailed off, noticing the sharp looks from the men nearby. They seemed like they were about to leave, but the atmosphere made it clear she shouldn’t linger.

“Clara left last night. She wanted to spend the whole time at the hotel playing with you, but you weren’t feeling well…”

It was a shame that Clara had to leave without a proper goodbye. Melissa had grown fond of her and wanted to take care of her.

“I guess we’ll have dessert later.”

Laila, pleased to see Melissa’s concern for Clara, beamed and nodded enthusiastically.

Glinford was known as one of the most beautiful places in Miellin’s territory.

In some areas, waves crashed against the cliffs, their roar echoing across the shore. In others, the sea was a breathtaking turquoise, its surface rippling peacefully.

The wind was just right for sailing, and the weather was clear and bright, invigorating the people.

Melissa had no doubt that building a train station here would lead to a population boom.

It would be good for the future of the territory, and financially significant as well.

Even if Reizen didn’t involve her in his work, she understood that much. It was another reason why she tried not to get in his way…

“Oh my, Milady! Look at this!”

Laila, having removed her boots, strolled barefoot across the sand, picking up pretty pebbles. They sparkled like jewels under the sun.

“It’s beautiful. Just like the color of your eyes, Laila.”

“Really? Are my eyes that pretty?”

Melissa’s eyes crinkled with amusement.

Laila invited her to join her, but Melissa hadn’t done such a thing since she was a child, playing carefree with Rael by the river. For an unmarried noble lady to step on the ground barefoot was considered incredibly improper.

What if Reizen was here, reaching out to her, asking her to come down?

Melissa imagined Reizen, his hand outstretched, beckoning her closer.

His blond hair would be as radiant as ever, his captivating gaze filled with love. She wouldn’t be able to resist…

Caw!

Melissa flinched at the sudden cry of a seagull beside her.

The bird, seemingly annoyed that Melissa had encroached on its space, glared at her menacingly. As if summoned by its cry, more seagulls flocked around her, surrounding her like prey.

“Shoo, go away.”

She tried to shoo them away gently, but the seagulls only responded with harsh caws. She could understand various foreign languages, but seagull was beyond her.

Still, she preferred peaceful negotiation over violence. Melissa cautiously backed away.

And then it happened.

She caught sight of a man and woman walking along the shore in the distance.