His voice turned cold in an instant. Leticia closed her mouth, unable to say anything further.

“Of course, I know that would never happen.”

Once he fastened the last button, his appearance was neat once more. After tying his cravat, he looked like a priest devoted to serving the gods—at least, if he kept his mouth shut. His gaze, as he stared at her, seemed to pierce through even her most private thoughts. It was as though he pitied her for not yet understanding the ways of the world. Then, he turned his head away.

‘Is it because of that face?’

The problem was his face, which looked so devout when he wasn’t speaking, that it kept stirring up Leticia’s thoughts. She wished he would chatter endlessly so she wouldn’t have the chance to misinterpret his actions or expressions.

Leticia had only known Callius Maxis for a few weeks. Until then, he hadn’t occupied even a corner of her life. Not even a single moon’s cycle had passed since they met.

Whenever his gaze turned to her, there was no hesitation. Most of the time, that was the case. But on rare occasions, the confident face of a man who always knew what he wanted darkened, as if he were swallowing poison. Those moments confused Leticia.

“In any case, don’t be apart from Christine for even a moment. This is not a request.”

When Leticia didn’t respond, he added, “I will save you.”

She could tell he was sincere, even with her eyes closed.

“And I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.”

His voice was so earnest that, for a moment, Leticia almost believed he genuinely wanted to save her for her own sake. But how could that be? She laughed at her own ridiculous thoughts.

“I’ll stay with Christine.”

“Good to hear you’re reasonable.”

Callius finished dressing and left the inner chamber first. Now, Leticia was left alone with Christine. Even when she lived as the Lady of Rearbon, Leticia had never had a personal knight. There had been no threats to her safety back then. Only after losing the name of Rearbon did she receive a knight. Locking the chest after everything had already been stolen.

“I’ll be in your care, Christine.”

“It’s my honor, madam.”

Despite the initial impression that she might be rigid, Christine’s eyes were filled with curiosity. She didn’t bother to hide her interest in Leticia. But now wasn’t the time to satisfy her curiosity. Even now, Mathias was likely preparing to present Leticia to the nobles in a way that would make her an easy target for ridicule.

“Let’s go, Christine.”

“Yes, madam.”

The word “madam” felt awkward, but Leticia decided not to point it out. The dazzling lights of Le Deia Hall once again poured over her head. As Leticia entered the hall with Christine, the nobles began scrutinizing her from head to toe as if they had been waiting for her.

Leticia had anticipated such a situation. What surprised her was Christine’s reaction.

“Their stares are disrespectful, madam. Shall I deal with them?”

“Deal with them? What do you mean?”

“Just give the order, madam.”

Leticia was momentarily at a loss, trying to understand what Christine meant by “deal with them.” She had underestimated Christine, thinking she was simply competent. If Callius Maxis, a man who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals, had assigned Christine to her, then Christine must be more skilled than she appeared. Christine, with her wide, clear eyes, furrowed her brows seriously.

“No, don’t do that.”

“…If you change your mind, let me know anytime.”

Leticia would never give such an order. She began to worry that Christine might have misunderstood Callius’s instructions. Although she wasn’t in a position to worry about anyone, Christine’s clear eyes made it difficult not to.

“Christine, what exactly were your orders?”

“I haven’t received any specific orders yet, madam.”

“What do you mean? Didn’t Callius tell you anything?”

When Leticia whispered, Christine looked down at her with a puzzled expression.

“Orders from His Excellency?”

“Yes. Surely, you swore loyalty to him.”

“No, madam.”

No? Leticia almost forgot she was in Le Deia Hall and nearly raised her voice to question Christine.

“Then what?”

“His Excellency gave me one command.”

It must have been to monitor Leticia, right?

“To obey you, madam.”

“….”

“I will prioritize your orders above all else, madam. If you wish, I can swear loyalty to you right now.”

Thinking this might be the issue, Christine reached for her sword, preparing to swear her loyalty. Leticia, in the fastest motion of her life, stopped her.

“There’s no need for that right now.”

“Then I’ll arrange a proper moment soon.”

Leticia wondered if Christine was acting, but she quickly concluded otherwise. She didn’t want to believe that someone with such clear eyes had hidden motives.

Leticia had expected to be humiliated the moment she appeared in Le Deia Hall. But nothing of the sort happened. She wasn’t sure if it was because of Callius’s reputation or Christine’s presence.

‘Whatever the reason, it’s a relief.’

Even if she could endure humiliation, it was best to avoid it altogether.

“So, Christine, you’re saying my orders take priority?”

“Of course, madam.”

At least it was good news that Christine wasn’t assigned to spy on her.

“That’s a relief.”

“I’m glad you think so, madam.”

Christine’s cheeks flushed slightly, as if she genuinely felt pleased. It was as if an invisible barrier surrounded Leticia, keeping others from approaching her. At that moment, she sensed someone lingering near her. Though unfamiliar, the person didn’t seem to fit in with the rest of the hall, as if they weren’t a welcomed guest.

‘Who is that?’

It would have been better if it were someone she knew, but unfortunately, the face was unfamiliar.

“Shall I check, madam?”

Christine seemed to read Leticia’s thoughts and asked first.

“Can you?”

“Of course. Please wait a moment.”

Christine bowed slightly and walked away. It was unexpected help. Leticia found herself instinctively relying on Christine. She wasn’t sure if that was the right decision, but now wasn’t the time to dwell on it. Soon, Christine returned.

“I’ve confirmed it, madam. The man’s name is Damian Gorset, a viscount. What should I do?”

“…Ah.”

Viscount Damian Gorset. She didn’t recognize his face, but his name was one every noble in the empire would know. He was Princess Kelsior’s lover.

Princess Kelsior, who remained unmarried and lived in the imperial palace, refused to marry because she would have to leave the palace if she did. Damian Gorset was practically her consort. In other words, he was Kelsior’s sole ally.

Kelsior was Mathias’s only rival and wasn’t afraid to openly challenge him. She was one of the few people whose goals aligned with Leticia’s—at least on the surface. Though she had made a deal with Callius, Kelsior was still a valuable opportunity. However, approaching Kelsior recklessly could ruin her arrangement with Callius. While she wouldn’t make the first move, if Viscount Gorset extended a hand, it would be hard to ignore.

“Thank you for checking, Christine.”

Even if Christine hadn’t sworn loyalty to Callius, Leticia couldn’t risk interacting with Gorset in front of her.

“Christine, I’m feeling a bit thirsty. Could you bring me some water?”

“Understood, madam.”

Christine walked off into the distance. As soon as she was gone, the nobles’ blatant stares toward Leticia grew more intense. She wanted to leave immediately, but that would be like waving to Mathias to come find her.

Leticia walked to a table laden with desserts and pretended to examine the small, dainty treats. Then, she sensed someone approaching her from behind a pillar.

“You have quite a capable bodyguard.”

A voice spoke to her from the shadows. Leticia was certain it was Damian Gorset.

“Viscount Gorset, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

In the reflection of the window, she saw a man with light brown hair and a gentle, likable face. His build was more suited to a scholar than a soldier. It was said that he served as both Kelsior’s lover and her strategist. Whatever the case, it didn’t matter.

“…So you already know who I am.”

He sounded surprised.

“Is there something you wish to say to me?”

“It’s not me but Her Highness who wishes to meet you.”

In the past, this would have been a welcome offer without a second thought, but not now. On the surface, Leticia appeared to be a trapped animal caught between Mathias and Callius. In her current situation, there was little Kelsior could do to help her. If anything, Leticia might be more useful to Kelsior. After all, who else was as close to Mathias and Callius yet capable of betraying them?

The intent was obvious. Helping Kelsior to gain her trust was one option, but not now. For now, her priority was the deal with Callius.