Chapter 3.5

“Wow…”  

As the island, which had been a mere speck on the horizon, grew closer and larger until it was fully visible, Katia let out a gasp of awe. She had heard about the beauty of the Belynas Island, but this was her first time seeing it with her own eyes.  

Leaning forward against the railing, a gentle smile spread across her face. The salty southern sea breeze, warm and pleasant, brushed against her skin. For a brief moment, she was able to forget the issues that had been troubling her.  

But it was only for a moment.  

“Isn’t it truly beautiful?”  

Startled by the voice beside her, Katia quickly straightened her posture.  

“Lady Ivans, aren’t you supposed to be by His Highness’s side…?”  

“I came out to take a look too. It’s been a while since I’ve been to the Belynas Island, and I wanted to see it in advance.”  

Marielle’s soft, elegant voice matched her aristocratic demeanor. Even in an era where noble titles were fading, she exuded nobility. Her straight posture, hands neatly clasped near her waist, slightly raised chin, and gently closed lips all radiated grace.  

Although Katia also held a noble title, her family was practically middle-class, consisting of merchants and legal professionals. Since her grandparents’ generation, her family had pursued practicality and wealth over noble dignity.  

Looking at Marielle, who possessed qualities Katia could never hope to emulate, she couldn’t help but feel a little intimidated.  

Before Marielle appeared in her life, Katia had never felt lacking. At the academy, she had always been one of the top students, confident in her abilities and even blessed with a likable appearance. Katia had always thought of herself as someone who shone brightly.  

But strangely, in front of Marielle, that light seemed to dim, if not completely extinguish.  

Stealing a cautious glance at Marielle’s profile, Katia thought she looked like a fairy. Though it couldn’t be true, it almost seemed as if a shimmering glow surrounded her.  

Suppressing her discomfort, Katia spoke to Marielle with a polite smile.  

“Well, I’ll leave you to enjoy the view in peace.”  

“Oh no, please stay with me.”  

“Pardon?”

“That’s…”  

Marielle lowered her head with a somewhat shy expression. A faint blush spread across her round cheeks.  

“Well, as I mentioned before, I want to get closer to you, Aide Evlaine.”  

“…”  

“I’ve heard about you for a long time, Aide Evlaine. Smart, capable, and beautiful.”  

Katia looked at Marielle with a bewildered expression. She couldn’t help but ask in a slightly foolish voice.  

“You’ve heard about me?”  

“Yes. His Highness occasionally mentioned you, but Leonid—no, Captain Karev—talked about you often.”  

“Oh…”  

“I’ve only ever had the chance to meet people from environments similar to mine, but the more I heard about you, Aide Evlaine, the more I thought I’d really like to get to know you.”  

With a sweet smile, Marielle shyly confessed. She cautiously reached out and held Katia’s hand. Marielle’s fingertips, touched by the sea breeze, were slightly cool. Lowering her head slightly in embarrassment, she asked,  

“We might not become close right away, but I hope we can be friends. We’ll be seeing each other often, and I don’t want us to be formal with one another.”  

“Lady Ivans, that’s…”  

“And please, call me Marielle. There’s no need for such stiff titles.”  

All sorts of complicated thoughts swirled in Katia’s mind. She had never intended to get close to Marielle. To become close to Alehin’s lover—that would be truly strange. Even though Katia had never dreamed of being Alehin’s partner, it was hard to purely like Marielle, who had taken that place beside him. Yet, for some reason, Marielle approached her with an abundance of goodwill.  

On top of that, Marielle said Leonid often talked about Katia to her. Suddenly, Katia recalled Leonid’s flushed face when he confessed his feelings for her before they departed for the island. 

Since when? Why? For what reason? 

Katia couldn’t pinpoint the moment Leonid had started taking an interest in her. She had always thought there was no significant connection between them…  

Oddly enough, Katia barely paid attention to Marielle’s mention that Alehin had occasionally talked about her as well. Her mind was so filled with thoughts of Leonid that she couldn’t think beyond that.  

“Come to think of it…”  

Marielle had naturally called Leonid. This indicated how close the two of them were. Katia found herself feeling envious of Marielle, who seemed to attract the attention of both men.  

Standing silently for a moment with their hands clasped, Katia lowered her head slightly and cautiously withdrew her hand. Marielle let go of her hand without resistance.  

“Over time, gradually, um… we might get closer, Lady…”  

“Just Marielle.”  

“…Marielle.”  

Katia barely managed to utter the name with her tongue stumbling over itself. Her mouth felt awkward, but Marielle, oblivious to Katia’s discomfort, smiled brightly. She seemed genuinely happy that Katia had called her by her name.  

Even so, Katia didn’t want to stay beside Marielle any longer. As she tried to come up with an excuse to leave, a faint look of disappointment appeared on Marielle’s face. But she wasn’t the type to act childish. Marielle let Katia go without fuss.  

Returning to her cabin after barely spending any time outside, Katia now had a headache for an entirely different reason. Broin, who had been waiting for her in the cabin, jumped up with a bright face to greet her.  

“Aide Evlaine, where have you been?”  

“I just went out for some fresh air. But why are you here? We’ll be landing soon—are you all prepared?”  

“Of course!”  

For some reason, Katia felt as though she could see a wagging tail behind Broin. She had momentarily forgotten, but Broin was also someone who had surprised her with an unexpected confession. Katia deliberately acted as if nothing had happened between them.  

“Then get some rest. You won’t have time to relax later when you’re attending to His Highness.”  

“Have you thought about what I mentioned?”  

“What?”  

“Free time. Going out with me.”  

As Broin stared at her with sparkling eyes, Katia shook her head firmly.  

“I haven’t thought about it yet.”  

“Then start thinking now!”  

“Aide Glendale, I don’t want to spend my free time hanging out with colleagues.”  

“We could meet without titles during that time.”  

Katia suddenly realized—Broin was deliberately pretending not to hear her rejection. Just as she had ignored his confession.  

At that moment, her gaze fell on Broin’s hands. Though he spoke brightly, his hands fidgeted nervously, betraying his unease. The sight amused Katia, and she almost laughed. Despite his boldness, he seemed to be nervous in his own way.  

She had been about to reject him outright but suddenly thought,  

‘I came here having decided to completely give up on His Highness.’  

So wouldn’t it be good to try meeting someone else? 

Katia glanced at Broin up and down absentmindedly. With soft light brown hair like a ripe wheat field and sparkling brown eyes, he was a young, handsome man who had caused quite a stir among the maids since entering the Crown Prince’s palace.  

Just as she was about to think positively, Leonid’s face flashed through her mind again.  

Oh, seriously. 

Katia clicked her tongue inwardly. If she agreed to go on a “date” with Broin while thinking of Leonid, it felt like she was doing something truly wrong.  

She made her decision.  

“No, I think I’d rather… be alone.”  

“Oh…”  

Disappointment was written all over Broin’s face. His drooping eyes looked so pitiful that Katia felt a pang of guilt, even though she hadn’t done anything wrong. On purpose, she raised her voice.  

“If you have time to think about free time, focus on attending to His Highness and Lady Ivans without any hiccups! We’re not here to play.”  

“Yes…”  

Ignoring his dejected voice, Katia turned her attention to her tasks. She didn’t have the luxury of focusing elsewhere. After all, she wasn’t here for leisure either.  

The ship docked smoothly at the harbor. The governor of the island was waiting at the harbor, as expected. With the future King of the nation visiting, there was no way the governor wouldn’t personally come to greet him.  

Although the administrative offices of the Belynas Island weren’t located on this island, the governor naturally came to this small resort to meet them.  

As Alehin appeared, the orchestra positioned behind the governor began playing lively music. The sound was loud enough to be overwhelming, but Alehin showed no signs of displeasure. Marielle, standing beside him, was the same. They elegantly disembarked and walked toward the governor.  

The bearded governor greeted the Crown Prince with a hearty smile and a bow.  

“Your Highness, it’s been so long! Four years, isn’t it?”  

“Governor Copain, it’s understandable that you rarely leave Belynas. I came quietly to rest for a while, but I appreciate the warm reception.”  

“How could I ignore your visit, Your Highness? Ha ha!”  

Laughing heartily, the governor then greeted Marielle with utmost courtesy. It was only natural to show such respect to her, as she was certain to become the Crown Princess.  

“Even in distant Belynas, stories about Lady Ivans are well-known. It’s an honor to finally meet you.”  

“I’m equally delighted to meet you, Your Lordship.”