“To the Marquess of Matwood.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

He poured himself a glass of white wine and slowly savored the pale golden liquid. Although it tasted bitter on his tongue, the faint fragrance of orange lingered at the tip of his nose.

Aiden loosened his cravat. Beyond the window, the setting sun spread wide, captivating his gaze.

◯◯◯

At dawn the next day, Aiden set off for Czernok’s southern territory. His mission was to finalize the trade deal that he had spent a long time working on. After three days of travelling, he arrived at Czernok’s port.

The trade ships were ready and waiting to depart. A simple launch ceremony was held when the duke arrived. While Aiden exchanged formalities with the officials, the ships set sail for the Oakman Strait.

“I had expected Your Grace would request my company.”

The one to break the silence was none other than the Marquess of Matwood, standing beside him.

“Is that so.”

Against the backdrop of an elegant sky, a fair wind arose. The sails swelled, propelling the merchant ships forward.

“Shall we speak in detail once we return to the capital?”

“……”

Ignoring the Marquess’s words, Aiden kept his eyes fixed straight ahead.

The green surface of the water stretched out to the horizon, merging seamlessly with the clear sky above.

In an instant, she came to mind.

It felt as though Sveta was looking down on him from above.

The last time he had seen her, she had defied him with eyes as clear and guileless as the sky.

It had amused him. She had not been the least bit threatening.

When she stubbornly declared, “I hate it,” the clumsiness of her words was almost ticklish.

It was petty. But because it was petty, he laughed.

If he stopped at the capital on the way, the return journey would take four days.

If he rode straight back, it would take two days at most.

“…Your Grace?”

“……”

Aiden slowly shifted his gaze toward the marquess, who greeted his stare with a courtly smile.

“I plan to return immediately.”

“Ah, is that so.”

“If you have something to say, you’d better say it now.”

Though he had summoned the marquess with a purpose, Aiden had no intention of revealing his hand first.

After a moment’s hesitation, the marquess finally spoke, matching his pace as Aiden began to walk.

“With such rumors spreading so openly lately, I imagine you must be deeply troubled, Your Grace.”

“You said spreading openly?”

If the ever-composed Marquess even mentioned it, it was clear that the matter was important.

It meant that proof of Sveta’s identity as the barbarian princess existed. Proof that Sveta was indeed the barbarian princess.

Aiden stopped walking. Instantly, the atmosphere shifted. The Marquess noticed this, and tension flickered across his face.

“You’re referring to the rumor that my mistress is the daughter of the barbarian chieftain?”

“Indeed. However, if it pleases Your Grace, I can make sure that such a rumour disappears. When it comes to information and public opinion, no house rivals Matwood.”

Aiden arched a brow.

“Made to vanish? But it was false to begin with.”

“Y-yes, of course.”

“Then I trust you will ensure that the rumor is corrected.”

“…Naturally.”

The Marquess was quick-witted. It came as no surprise, then, that he was one of the Empire’s leading diplomats.

Although the conversation appeared casual, both men understood its underlying meaning.

They both knew the rumor was true.

They also knew that the other knew.

It was an opening for future leverage:

The Marquess of Matwood. Though he appeared gentle, Aiden would not tolerate even the slightest hint of restraint.

“The price.”

“…Pardon?”

“What is it you want.”

The Marquess’s shoulders twitched at the directness of the question. Swallowing hard, he replied firmly.

“You don’t want to marry Her Majesty the Queen, do you? Matwood can make that possible as well.”

He mentioned reviving the marriage talks with Alyona.

Aiden gave no reply. Instead, he simply mounted the horse his aide had prepared for him. From atop the horse, he looked down at the Marquess.

The man’s rigid face steadily darkened with unease.

“In due time, Marquess.”

Aiden’s voice was low.

“Of course! Whenever Your Grace desires.”

The Marquess’s obsequious reply and submissive demeanour were reminiscent of a vassal before his lord.

Aiden looked at him for a moment longer, then urged his horse forward.

◯◯◯

Sveta watched from the window as the Duke and his entourage rode away.

Immaculately dressed, Aiden had chosen to ride a horse instead of getting into a carriage. His upright, commanding presence radiated dignity.

Not a single servant — not even the butler — dared look up until he was out of sight.

This only served to deepen the sense of distance between her and Aiden.

She had just stepped back from the window with a sigh when she heard a light knock, followed by a familiar voice.

“My lady. Won’t you join me for a walk?”

Turning around, Sveta saw Lady Nora smiling as she lifted an orange in her hand.

“Lady Nora… I’m not in the mood right now.”

“You’ve been cooped up indoors all this time. At this hour, no one will be in the gardens. Let’s just take a short walk.”

It had been several days of the same gentle insistence.

“It’s a crime to waste such a beautiful setting.”

Lady Nora added, her thin lips pressed together with unusual determination. Her eyes showed firm resolve — this time, she would not take no for an answer.

Sveta had no choice but to nod.

“…All right.”

Lady Nora’s face brightened at once.

“The cornflowers near the artificial lake are in full bloom, as are the sunflowers. I’ve truly never seen such a splendid garden.”

“Is that so?”

“This place is on another level compared to the Baron’s estate. Come now, lift your face. You look much prettier when you smile.”

Sveta smiled faintly at her, and Lady Nora’s eyes crinkled with warmth in return.

“But Lady Nora, if you continue to accompany me, the Dowager may not look upon you favorably. Even my mother would object. From tomorrow onwards, you don’t have to come and see me.”

The two of them walked side by side along the long corridor carpeted in gold.

“Then who will look after you, my lady?”

“…I’ll take care of myself.”

“Don’t try to do everything alone. Ask for help.”

Lady Nora met her gaze earnestly.

She had once been the late Duchess’s maid and had no reason to treat Sveta kindly. In truth, it would have made more sense to think it was all an act. Yet the words carried a ring of sincerity.

Sveta gave a small nod.

“I’ll try.”

The moment they stepped out of the main building, a group of strangers suddenly blocked their path.

“Stop.”

Two of them wore armor and were clearly knights, while the other two wore maid uniforms. All four were as solid as boulders.

“What is the meaning of this?”

Lady Nora said this, placing herself in front of Sveta.

“Step aside.”

“Agh!”

The next instant, Lady Nora was thrown to the ground. The knight who pushed her did so without hesitation.

“The madam is enraged.”

The knight said flatly. Even as the words left his mouth, the two maids seized Sveta’s arms with a crushing grip.

Startled, Sveta glanced around desperately, but the corridor was empty.

“Release her and speak first! You’ll hurt the young lady!”

Lady Nora tried to tear them off, but she was thrown to the ground again. She scraped her cheek against the floor, leaving it red and swollen.

“What do you think you’re doing!”

Sir Failin appeared out of nowhere, but two knights blocked his path.

As soon as Sveta saw him, she knew it was a set-up.

‘They only sent knights to hold Sir Failin back.’

He tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, but looked at her instead as though asking for her permission. His fierce eyes glittered.

He was undoubtedly a skilled knight. He could easily take on two opponents at once. But might that not be exactly what the madam wanted?

“No, Sir Failin. Please, stand down. I’ll be fine.”

Sveta shook her head gently, her amber hair swaying down to her waist. Failin’s eyes wavered with the movement.

“My lord commanded me to protect you.”

“The duke wouldn’t want you to spill blood on my behalf. Please… step back.”

“……”

Though reluctant, Failin loosened his grip on the sword.

Sveta turned her gaze back to the maid, who was still holding her arms in a painful grip.

“I can walk on my own. Please, release my arms.”

“It is the madam’s command.”

Although Sveta spoke with polite composure, they did not budge. With no other option, she was dragged along like a criminal.

Meanwhile, Lady Nora was repeatedly shoved aside, falling to the floor each time but quickly getting up to follow.

Finally, Sveta was brought to the entrance of the west wing. There stood Elise Strilland, her neck craned forward like an enraged ostrich.

Sveta was cast down at the madam’s feet.

She braced herself against the floor as a blue leather shoe pressed against the back of her hand.

“Do you know why I summoned you?”

“No, madam. I would be grateful if you would tell me.”

The madam shifted her weight, and crushing pressure bore down on Sveta’s knuckles.

Sveta bit her lip hard to keep from crying out.

Watching her with disdain, Elise spoke.

“A maid cleaning your room found this hidden in your wardrobe.”

At her signal, a maid stepped forward carrying a beautifully adorned box.

The sight was painfully familiar.

Hadn’t she once also been accused of stealing Beth’s jewellery? Everything that followed was predictable, almost rehearsed.

She already knew what she had to do.

“You little rat.”

“Forgive me, madam, but I know nothing of it.”

Elise pressed down harder on her hand.

“Ugh…!”

“With the witness and the evidence before you, do you still dare to deny it?”

“I truly don’t know. I’ve never even left my room – how could I possibly have stolen it?”

Clap, clap.

The sharp crack of the fan striking her palm cut the air above Sveta’s head.

“And that maid — she’s a complete stranger to me.”

Elise jerked her chin towards the maid. As if waiting for her cue, the woman began to rattle off her testimony.