Chapter 14

The white handkerchief was soaked in warm water with a splash.

A large bed adorned with gold-threaded lace stood in a spacious room.

A white carpet covered the floor of the room, which was larger than that of most noble ladies, and soft peach-colored curtains hung by the windows.

A blonde woman in white lace nightwear gazed out at the setting sun.

Sitting on a blush silk sofa by the window, maids bowed their heads and gently wiped her hands with soft cloths.

‘To be kidnapped so foolishly.’

Aurelia cursed inwardly.

She always maintained a calm smile. Even with the crown prince’s lover, she never lost her composure or manners.

‘How can she be so indifferent when the crown prince showed up with a new woman just two weeks before the wedding?’

Everything was infuriating. She had survived several life-threatening situations, but this time had been truly dangerous.

Anyone would think the Duke of Hanover was behind it, but Aurelia, who had fainted and then regained consciousness, had no evidence. If she couldn’t identify the culprit, it would only backfire.

‘I will not forgive this.’

Aurelia shook her head vigorously.

‘I’ve come too far to stop now…’

Her already slender shoulders and neck trembled. Aurelia’s amber eyes, persistently watching out the window, narrowed.

‘He should have passed by now…’

The imperial meeting should have ended long ago. Yet, he did not appear to be returning this way.

A bit disappointed, Aurelia hugged her knees and fell back into thought.

First, she had to break off the engagement. She hadn’t come this far just to become the crown prince’s lover.

Her heart ached at the sudden image that came to mind. She had seen his face so many times, but it had never looked at her.

Then there was a knock. Aurelia startled and quickly turned around with a welcoming smile.

“Your Highness, the Crown Prince!”

“Why are you looking out the window like that?”

As the maids bowed and stepped back, Aurelia shook her head, pretending nothing was wrong.

“I was waiting for Your Highness to arrive.”

The subtle smile on Bardi’s lips deepened as he saw her smiling face. Catching something behind that smile, Aurelia buried her face in his broad chest.

“How will you manage if you can’t do anything on your own?”

“By the way, I haven’t seen Duke Delcliff.”

The expression on his face was one she had never seen before. Unaware, Aurelia continued.

“He’s like my only friend… It makes me uneasy not seeing him these days.”

The strong arm that held her tightened.

“What do you mean, Aurelia? I am your friend now.”

Aurelia’s golden eyes shone with gratitude and emotion. Hearing the Crown Prince’s words, it was clear how she should act moving forward.

***

The scent of late autumn gave way to winter. Vividly colored trees stood tall and orderly, shedding their leaves.

“Kaiden, can I ask you something?”

Heath, who had finished his work and settled at an outdoor café with a whiskey, asked.

“How long are we going to stay here?”

“Until the job is done.”

Kaiden replied indifferently.

“We didn’t need to come personally for this kind of work. It’s something we always do. The conference was a big deal, but… it ended today.”

The whiskey arrived with a small glass.

“Did you really just want to see the wedding?”

Heath asked, easily downing a glass.

“Or, is it about Aurelia?”

Kaiden’s face twisted in disbelief at Heath’s insinuation, making Heath shrug and continue.

“More importantly, why are we leaving Hanover alone? They did try to kill Aurelia.”

Heath’s question caused Kaiden to pause.

“I told Bardi to tighten security. Gregory isn’t stupid. He’ll lay low for a while.”

Kaiden’s face, despite his casual mention of the Crown Prince’s name, was cold and expressionless.

“How did your talk with Lady Rohana go?”

“Fairly well.”

Kaiden rarely discussed personal matters, but something seemed off when it came to Rohana.

It was uncomfortable and unpleasant for Heath, knowing Kaiden was hiding something.

“I see.”

Heath responded nonchalantly, though he made a displeased sound. Then, he noticed a familiar figure with his blue eyes.

“The Lady of Hanover…”

“What?”

“No, over there.”

Heath waved with a charming smile. Kaiden, frowning slightly, turned his head to where Heath was waving.

There she was. Unlike before, Rohana had her face covered with a light veil and wore a beige velvet hat.

She was draped in a short, dark navy cape and carried a briefcase in her small hand.

Kaiden stood up and was about to speak.

“Lady Rohana!”

It was loud enough to make everyone around them look.

Startled by the sudden voice, Rohana turned around. A man with bright blue hair was waving at her. So the silver-haired man sitting with his back to her was…

“My lady.”

Kaiden nodded. His enigmatic and composed face was the same as ever.

Rohana extended her free hand to accept Heath’s greeting, who had already approached her.

His dark sea-blue eyes sparkled as he smiled at her.

“You came to the capital alone?”

Rohana tightly gripped her briefcase, feeling uneasy. She was on her way back from meeting Job.

“Yes, it was a simple matter.”

Watching Kaiden put money on the table and leave, Heath spoke up.

“Oh, I should head back now.”

“Oh, we were just about to go in…”

“No.”

Kaiden cut off Heath’s words. Then he stepped closer to Rohana and continued.

“Since we’re here, I have something to discuss with you.”

Heath looked puzzled. Rohana slowly opened her mouth.

“What is it?”

Kaiden paused for a moment before speaking.

“It’s been so long since I’ve been in the capital; I don’t know any suitable places. Perhaps we could go somewhere comfortable for you to talk.”

As long as Aurelia was here, Kaiden wouldn’t easily leave the capital. It wouldn’t be strange if he used this opportunity to learn more about the city. Rohana nodded slowly.

“Well…”

Rohana also didn’t know much about the capital. She had always been busy secretly helping with her father’s business instead of exploring the city.

“It doesn’t have to be in the capital.”

Kaiden added.

If not the capital… Rohana thought of a place.

Tobaka Lake.

It was a lake on the outskirts of the capital, beloved by young ladies for its vibrant, colorful autumn foliage. It seemed like a suitable secluded place for a secret conversation.

“Then… shall we go to Tobaka Lake?”

***

Despite the weather, he wore only a shirt and a thin cloak. The only ornament on him was a silver pin with the Delcliff crest, yet he was striking enough to turn heads.

Standing by her side with strict courtesy, he appeared kind, though he was meticulously proper. Even with the woman who nearly got Aurelia killed, he was very polite.

He truly was the villain who had deceived everyone.

The red leaves reflected in the lake, creating a crimson glow. Distantly, the sounds of people gathered in small groups could be heard. Rohana and Kaiden sat on a bench.

“Is Lady Aurelia all right?”

Kaiden raised an eyebrow, as if questioning why she would ask him that.

“I’m sorry. I haven’t even visited her. I guess I felt guilty.”

Rohana lowered her eyes. It was a formal gesture but also somewhat sincere.

“There’s no need to apologize to anyone. You have nothing to be sorry for with me.”

Kaiden’s sharp words made Rohana involuntarily smile. He genuinely seemed uninterested in Aurelia’s well-being.

“Has Duke Gregory Hanover said anything?”

Though she had heard that Gregory had killed Brandt’s horse, Rohana kept silent.

“Nothing in particular. He’s probably being cautious. Is that what you wanted to discuss?”

Kaiden paused before asking another question.

“Has the Crown Prince said anything?”

Rumors said Brandi hadn’t left Aurelia’s side since she was rescued. Rohana shook her head slightly.

“No.”

Rohana’s voice trembled slightly.

“It doesn’t look good.”

“Pardon?”

“If I had managed Brandi’s feelings better, none of this might have happened.”

Rohana murmured. Kaiden looked down at her silently, then asked an odd question.

“You seem genuinely regretful.”

Rohana, usually perceptive, couldn’t grasp Kaiden’s meaning.

“Excuse me?”

For the first time, Kaiden’s face showed a fleeting, unreadable expression.

What was it?

“Never mind.”

Seeing his composed face return, Rohana turned her gaze back to the lake.