This sounds like trouble!

Hinael rushed over and shook Lutz’s face forcefully, almost tearing off his arms.

“No, no! I have no such thing as a fiancé!”

“Rumors don’t spread for no reason.”

“It’s just idle gossip.”

Seeing signs of him wanting to break the deal, her mind became a tangled mess.

Eventually, Hinael pushed him, not allowing him to change the subject.

“Is that such an important issue? You were going to just pick a princess randomly anyway, so what does this rumor matter? I want to leave with Your Highness.”

She really couldn’t understand it.

He had agreed to take her as his wife, but he didn’t say he would love and cherish her. He had bluntly stated he wouldn’t pay her any attention.

In this situation, why would he be concerned about her reputation?

Perhaps he couldn’t tolerate the sight of two men competing over a woman.

It might be demeaning for the Prince to show interest in a lowly princess.

‘But the welcoming banquet is tomorrow, what should I do?’

Since he had already obtained what he desired, Hinael’s wishes were likely of no concern to him.

If that was the case…

If he changed his mind, she would have no way to change the situation.

Cornered, Hinael pleaded desperately.

“I have no intention of marrying Count Phil.”

“But you don’t have the power to refuse.”

“I know. I should bow my head in gratitude countless times to the one who deigned to notice my inadequacies. But all I want is to leave Sarr….Your Highness has the authority to decide, since you’re stronger than the Count’s.”

With an expression of clear irritation, he clicked his tongue.

Fearful he might change his mind, Hinael took a half-step closer.

“You promised, remember? So please take responsibility for the words you’ve spoken.”

Suddenly, a spark of interest gleamed in Lutz’s eyes.

The sight of her trembling yet stubbornly asserting herself seemed to amuse him.

Hinael was fully aware that she lacked any real courage or spirit.

But what choice did she have? If she didn’t do this, would she have to die?

Nothing could surpass the fear of death.

She steeled her resolve once more. Her blue eyes sparkled, reflecting the lake’s waters.

“I know you may not be happy about having to oppose Count Phil to claim me, but please fulfill our agreement. I will never forget this kindness.”

“Kindness?”

“Yes. I will consider you the savior of my life.”

Perhaps sensing the exaggeration, he snorted derisively.

If she successfully separated from the demonic Chetter, Lutz would truly become the savior of her life. He might never realize it, but he was that crucial to Hinael.

He did not respond, and a suffocating silence descended.

An eternity of time flowed by.

Just as Hinael was about to plead again, a calm voice echoed.

“You may end up regretting following me. Don’t blame me later for having left Sarr.”

A definite permission had been granted.

Hinael quickly bowed her head, overjoyed.

“Of course not! I’ll never resent it. I’ll take full responsibility for everything that follows.”

Even if she became a nobody, even if they mocked her status, even if she was battered from all sides.

Afraid of her honest feelings being misunderstood if her gaze wavered, Hinael stubbornly held Lutz’s eyes.

So her guess about his hesitation had been correct.

“It’s because I have to openly covet you in front of everyone.”

Lutz clicked his tongue distastefully, slowly closing and reopening his eyes.

“But remember this — the moment we take our marriage vows, you’ll become my possession, and you’ll have to live by my rules thereafter.”

A wife becoming her husband’s possession… she had already experienced and understood this unfair reality — an inescapable shackle.

Perhaps Prince Viant could also be as oppressive and autocratic as Chetter.

His words just now implied not to talk back.

Hinael felt her breathing constrict, and she silently let out a long exhale.

Lutz glanced at her with his steely gaze and coldly said,

“Go.”

“Yes. Then I will see you tomorrow.”

Hinael reminded Lutz of the promise — to openly declare their intent to marry tomorrow.

Fortunately, Lutz did not get angry further and just gave a light nod.

As they left the lakeside, Dea hurried to catch up.

“Did it go well? I saw the Prince looked really ferocious earlier.”

“It’s my fault for not returning his item right away. It’s all my own doing.”

“So, how was it?”

“What?”

“How did it feel to see his handsome face up close?”

Dea had obviously become captivated by Lutz’s remarkable appearance. She likely had no idea that in front of Lutz’s menacing aura, she didn’t even dare to think of evaluating his looks.

Hinael pretended to look flustered.

“I was so nervous, I couldn’t really see properly.”

“Whenever you gather your courage, I just feel sorry for you.”

Dea pouted her lips as she glanced back at the lake.

* * *

It had indeed been a long night.

Knowing that the day to change her arduous fate had arrived, she could not find sleep.

At least she managed to catch a few winks, so she wouldn’t have to stand before the imperial family and nobles with a haggard expression.

As dawn broke, Dea entered to attend to her. She had been preparing flowers since yesterday, and now carried an assortment of accessories.

Seeing some unfamiliar jewelry, Hinael raised her eyebrows.

“Where did these come from?”

“Oh, these? Aren’t they lovely?”

Placing the tray on the vanity, Dea lifted a set of purple-tinted accessories.

“I borrowed them from the Fifth Consort.”

“What? From Mother?”

Dea seemed even more excited than Hinael, actively running around. Hinael covered her mouth to stifle a laugh.

“Dea, you really are incorrigible. How did you even think of going to Mother?”

“I just want the Princess to shine most beautifully today. Anyway, the King had gifted these to the Fifth Consort before.”

Gifted before… The past tense felt particularly poignant.

Her mother’s loneliness had grown so old that Hinael didn’t even know when the King’s visits had ceased.

‘If I wear this, maybe His Majesty will recall his affections for Mother…’

Erasing the bitter look, she soon donned a bright expression and stretched out her neck.

“Try putting it on me, let’s see how it looks.”

“Okay!”

Eagerly responding, Dea began meticulously adorning her.

After a while.

“Wow! As always, the Princess is the most beautiful among the royal ladies.”

“Is that so? I’m grateful that you said that.”

“I’m not just saying it! It’s like His Highness doesn’t even realize how beautiful you are.”

As if. No one even spared her a glance.

No, there was one person.

Chetter Phil.

Suddenly, a chill ran through her body.

The painful memory of entering a marital bond with the ardent Chetter stung her heart. Goosebumps rose, and fine hairs stood on end.

Feeling dizzy, Hinael rapidly shook her head to erase the lingering impression.

“Why, what’s wrong? Does something feel uncomfortable?”

“No, I’m just a bit tense, that’s all.”

“Phew… In that case, I’m relieved. It would be a shame not to attend after putting in so much effort.”

Dea’s shining eyes carefully scrutinized Hinael.

Satisfied with her own choice of the most magnificent dress, she continued fixing Hinael’s braided hair.

“But Dea…”

“Yes, go on.”

“Doesn’t this dress seem a bit too low-cut?”

The design exposed her chest, bulging out prominently.

If she were to move vigorously, the flesh might dangerously spill out.

While Hinael felt anxious, Dea was all too eager.

“Honestly, this is still considered modest. The others are probably trying to reveal even more!”

In Sarr, it was considered a virtue for women to flaunt their voluptuous figures. Ladies shared their beauty, while men used wealth and power to claim them.

Appearance was not everything, but the reality was just that.

That’s why Dea was making such a fuss.

“Since Count Phil has already set his sights on Your Highness, you must completely capture his attention today, not letting any other woman take him. Thrust your chest out and shake it around!”

Dea acted as if she had become Hinael, dramatically pushing out her chest and shaking it. Hinael frowned at the improper behavior, but Dea paid no heed.

* * *

In the most magnificent and expansive space in the Sarr Palace.

Standing in the central hall, Hinael widely opened her eyes to gaze up at the domed ceiling. Its semi-circular shape created an imposing atmosphere.

This was her first time attending such a grand banquet.

Due to her low standing in the palace, without the Queen’s permission, she had previously been barred from even entering the banquet hall.

But today, there were rumors that Count Phil would make an important announcement, allowing her to attend.

Of course, the royal ladies had also been gathered to choose a match for Lutz, but in her previous life, Hinael had merely been a supporting character.

Today would be different.

Looking at the massive chandelier hanging in the center, she painted a picture of hope. Just as those countless candles illuminated the darkness, she believed her newly begun life would also shine.

Wandering in and getting to the center of the hall, Hinael was startled by the concentrated gazes upon her.