With those words, he vanished. Seeing him leap down from the second floor without hesitation made the hair on her neck stand on end.

By her logic, his legs should have shattered.

Hinael rushed to the balcony and scanned below.

Unhindered in his stride, he swept away his robe as he walked.

* * *

The next day, after finishing her preparations, Hinael was on her way to the West Palace.

Just as she was leaving her secluded quarters, someone suddenly appeared and called out to her in a stern voice.

“Your Highness.”

The lady-in-waiting attending to the Queen spoke haughtily, lowering her eyes as if she was looking down on a subordinate.

“Her Majesty the Queen summons you.”

So it has come.

The charges the Queen would recite naturally flashed through her mind.

Her reckless wandering of the palace at night, the crime of inheriting lowly blood and being unable to discern heaven and earth, the audacity of chasing after a foreign prince.

She was concerned about bringing disgrace to her mother, but to revive her extinguished life, she had no choice.

‘Mother, I’m sorry.’

Swallowing the tension-knotted saliva, Hinael followed the lady-in-waiting.

They walked for a long time, passing through the spacious garden. Finally, a lavish exterior came into view, far exceeding the other consorts’ quarters.

Bathed in sunlight, the gray stone building appeared even brighter.

She felt like a frog dwelling in a gloomy swamp. The realization that prolonged exposure to the sun would dry out her skin and force her to return to her den was clear.

“Please, come in.”

Hesitating to take a step, the lady-in-waiting urged her.

Observing the lady-in-waiting’s cues, Dea helped Hinael ascend the stairs.

The room she was guided to was a vast reception hall. With all the windows open to the garden, the verdant foliage seemed to extend into the interior.

A tea time was in full swing. Summoning her close consorts and noble ladies was clearly an intent to publicly humiliate her.

Hinael did not hide her stern expression. Feigning an appropriate cluelessness would boost the Queen’s self-esteem.

That way, the time of mockery could end a little sooner.

Determined not to keep Viant waiting, she suppressed her shame.

“I humbly greet Your Majesty the Queen. I greet the First Princess and the Third Princess.”

Bowing her knees in turn, they all haughtily lifted their chins and smiled.

“Did you enjoy your evening stroll?”

Marsily Flake, the Queen of the Sarr Kingdom and the ruler over five concubines, spoke. Hinael’s mother was naturally the lowest-ranking, referred to as the ‘fifth concubine’.

Hinael looked up to gaze at Marsily. She was a beautiful woman with captivating eyes. However, the maliciousness and greed that constantly rippled across her face often overshadowed her positive traits.

The noblewomen who relied on Marsily’s influence also showed a contemptuous attitude. One of them leaned towards Marsily and whispered in her ear, seemingly wanting for all to hear.

“About the matter you mentioned earlier? My goodness, did she really think of going there?”

Hinael’s face flushed crimson in an instant.

Even though she had resolved countless times to start a new life, the tangible reality was not easily dulled.

No, it’s better this way.

If she appears ashamed of her sin, they will quickly send her away.

As Hinael pursed her lips, Marsily put down her teacup and seductively raised her own.

Her voice was so affectionate that anyone listening would think she adored Hinael.

“I heard Count Phil has taken a liking to you? But is the Count not enough, so now you’re also ensnaring Prince Viant?”

“……”

“You really take after your vulgar mother. I told you not to disgrace the royal family and to conduct yourself properly… It’s so frustrating how you never improve.”

“……”

“Even though Prince Viant’s standing is low, you are not his equal. Did you think you could just spread your legs and have him as well, like your mother?”

Her father’s womanizing had somehow transformed into her mother’s shame. Though she was used to hearing it, a nail still pierced her heart.

How long would these lashing words continue to tear her heart to shreds? She grew more anxious by the minute.

‘I need to leave quickly, what should I do?’

It was clear they were deliberately obstructing her from meeting Lutz. Becoming the Countess was already distressing enough, but the thought of becoming a princess consort was sickening.

“Pardon me.”

The maid’s nervous announcement interrupted Hinael’s words.

“Your Majesty, a messenger has arrived from the West Palace.”

Marsily’s eye twitched, as though a needle had pricked her. Her piercing gaze flew towards Hinael.

The arrival of someone from the West Palace meant Prince Viant had intervened, as if Hinael had sought help from the Prince.

Hinael, who had not seen a single strand of Lutz’s hair since last night, could not help but feel wronged.

“Have them enter.”

As the door opened, Marsily’s sharp eyes curved elegantly.

Soon, a man in Northern attire entered the reception room. His shoulder-decorated fur coat swayed as he walked. He approached Marsily and knelt on one knee.

“I pay my respects to the Queen. I am Evan Renov, the adjutant to the Prince.”

“Rise, Lord Renov.”

Evan stood up straight and handed a small box to the maid, saying,

“This is a necklace crafted from the finest white jade produced in the North. It is a gift from the Prince.”

When the maid opened the box to show it, Marsily beamed with delight. The quality of the white jade mined from the glaciers of the North was already renowned.

“How beautiful! Please convey my thanks and that I’m delighted with it.”

Evan bowed in acknowledgment. As he turned to leave, he oddly addressed Hinael, who was clearly present.

“Aren’t you the Princess?”

“Ah, yes.”

“Why are you still here? I heard you were to go to the West Palace.”

It was as if he was blaming the Queen for intercepting Hinael. Despite his audacity in being rude to the Queen, Evan’s expression was remarkably calm.

A suitable smile and unwavering gaze.

Marsily could have had him dragged out and executed on the spot, but since he was the adjutant to the Imperial Prince, she dared not act rashly.

Though the Sarr Kingdom had seceded from the Empire, they had been defeated in war, so now was a time to tread carefully.

Marsily forced a stiff smile as she answered.

“I was just about to send her off. Right, Hinael? Go on now.”

Unexpectedly freed, Hinael quickly greeted Marsily before leaving the Queen’s quarters.

Once outside, the pent-up breath she had been holding burst out in relief.

“Phew…”

Dea also seemed considerably tense, exhaling a deep breath after puffing up her chest.

The departing Evan glanced back.

“We almost made His Highness wait.”

It seemed like he was shifting blame, or perhaps gloating over helping them. His refined appearance could not have been more dry.

Somehow embarrassed, Hinael pretended to be distracted by a bird flying in the sky.

“Since His Highness values his promises, I recommend you prostrate yourselves before him shortly.”

Now it was clearly a threat.

In fact, the deal was already done, so there was no need to prostrate herself. She simply had to act according to the circumstances, as others did not know that the almoner had been returned to Lutz the previous night.

“Okay, I’ll be sure not to displease him.”

When she answered meekly, Evan gave a light nod and looked ahead.

Walking with the foreigner-dressed Evan, the passing courtiers shot them sidelong glances. Feeling the uncomfortable scrutiny, Dea spoke up.

“Why didn’t you take me with you last night? I thought you were just sleeping.”

“Honestly, I was embarrassed.”

“What is it?”

Hinael laid out the excuse she prepared.

“I heard he’s so handsome, his fame has even reached the Sarr Kingdom. I just wanted to catch a glimpse of him from afar. But things have blown up like this…”

“I see… Still, that’s really impressive. How did you manage to send a message directly to the Prince? I didn’t know you were so brave.”

Dea stepped forward proudly, as if Hinael’s courage was something to boast about.

Hinael did not mention her marriage arrangement with Lutz.

There were widespread rumors in the palace that Count Phil would propose to Hinael. If she were to show signs of wanting to flee to Trycas, it would raise many suspicions.

And Dea would not stay silent.

She would bombard Hinael with difficult questions — why was she leaving her homeland, when the Count could provide shelter, why did she choose the Prince instead?

Even though Dea was practically an extension of her, there was a secret Hinael could not reveal.

‘But I respect you. I won’t force you to come to Trycas.’

She might have to go to a distant foreign land alone, without a single acquaintance.

Hinael recalled the harsh realities once more and reaffirmed her resolute determination.

* * *

The artificial lake created behind the West Palace was open only to the King, Queen, and distinguished guests. This was Hinael’s first time seeing the lake.

Despite living in the palace, there were so many things she had not experienced. In contrast, Lutz seemed perfectly at ease, as if he had already become the master of the West Palace.

He stood with his hands behind his back, admiring the flock of ducks waddling along the lakeshore.

Evan spoke up.

“I have brought her, Your Highness.”

“Clear the area around us.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Why was he creating such a grim atmosphere?

Hinael, who had come with a light heart, felt her throat tighten from the rapidly mounting tension. Dea also looked worriedly at her, feeling as if some ominous event was about to occur.

With a brief command, the surroundings were cleared in an instant.

The serene landscape no longer seemed peaceful. The heavy silence that had descended between the two radiated an eerie aura.

Hinael was the first to speak.

“Did you have something to say…?”

“I’ve heard you have a fiancé.”