The party held not far from the imperial palace was uniformly lavish. The mansion was enormous, and the guests in attendance were all well-known figures in the capital. This was fitting since the event was hosted by the Empress’s family, the most noble aristocrats in the Empire.

As the atmosphere deepened, the beautiful melodies played by the orchestra permeated throughout.

Tremendous attention focused on Lexion, who was watching the couples dancing in the center with indifferent eyes, but he showed no awareness of it as if it were only natural. Then, a delicate woman approached him, greeted the Empress who stood beside him, and shyly addressed him.

“Your Highness the Crown Prince, I am Bella. May I request a brief conversation with you?”

She was a woman who, despite being embarrassed and flustered, boldly stated what she wanted to say.

“I would like that as well, but I must stay by my mother’s side in place of the Emperor.”

Lexion declined with an elegant smile.

“I-I apologize.”

As the woman, her face bright red, lowered her gaze and hastily retreated, the Empress, who had her arm linked with Lexion’s, rolled her eyes.

“How cold-hearted my son is. Did you come just to put on airs? Don’t use me as an excuse—go out there, ask someone to dance.”

“This is the gathering you arranged, Mother. I’ve attended, and I believe I’ve fulfilled my duty to this extent.”

“You were the one who asked me to arrange a meeting with the Marquis.”

“I didn’t ask you to push his daughter on me.”

“Look at you, do you think your mother did this thoughtlessly? If you want to make the Marquis your ally, targeting his only daughter is the fastest way. I hear he takes everything his daughter says at face value. And as it happens, the girl has feelings for you. Though her father has a rough temperament, the family is excellent, and she’s quite beautiful.”

“Haha.”

Nothing entertained idle noblewomen more than the affairs of their unmarried children. Lexion drew a line, as if tired of the Empress’s nagging.

“I understand your intention to get rid of me somehow, but I have no desire to marry yet.”

“The country is in turmoil both inside and out these days, and nothing would be better than a joyous occasion for the imperial family. It doesn’t have to be the Marquis’s daughter. Lexion, is there no young lady you’re seriously seeing?”

Knowing that she was pretending ignorance despite clearly having heard the rumors about him and the saintess, Lexion let out a cynical laugh. The reason his mother had arranged this gathering, dredging up past events he barely remembered, was likely because of the scandal currently buzzing around the capital.

“Well, there is a woman I’m interested in these days.”

“You mean Miss Widro? Yes… though the family status is somewhat lacking, she seems like a fine and decent young lady.”

“I mean Estelle.”

As expected, the Empress’s expression instantly turned cold.

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

Her tone suggested she had never even considered the possibility. The idea that her precious son, who carried the legitimate bloodline of the Valois imperial family, would marry a woman no better than a pr*stitute was preposterous. This would be something worthy of mockery even in aristocratic society.

“Why do you say that? Isn’t she the woman most suited to me?”

The Empress squeezed Lexion’s arm forcefully, as if she had heard something horrific.

“That child is a saintess!”

“Yes, the holiest being closest to the goddess.”

“That’s not what I mean!”

“Miss Estelle Arcis is a lady of high refinement. Mother, it seems you’ve developed prejudice by thinking of ordinary saintesses from history.”

“Lexion, are you saying you would share your wife with the other dukes? Besides, a saintess cannot conceive children! Are you saying you’ll cut off the bloodline of the imperial Guardians?”

“Aren’t you overreacting? I said I was interested, not that I’m marrying her right away.”

Seeing him laugh lightly, the Empress finally realized his words were a joke and took a deep breath.

“Good heavens! Don’t scare me like that. You could have just said you were spending time with her. Do you have to turn your mother’s insides out to be satisfied?”

“You’re not the same as before, Mother. Why are you so concerned?”

“Fine, if that’s not the case, then it’s settled. Try hearing the same thing dozens of times a day yourself. It’s enough to drive one insane.”

The Empress smiled as if relieved, but Lexion’s eyes darkened.

Marriage with Estelle Arcis…… Though it was a statement made in anger, it didn’t seem like a bad idea. Of course, she would seriously hate it.

“That said, don’t act in ways that make the saintess resent you too much. If you give her reason to be swayed by other dukes, it could potentially lead to war. Treat her well. She’s also a poor child born with the fate of a saintess. How frightening it must be for her.”

The Empress, who had just moments ago spoken of her as if she were the most detestable person in the world, changed her attitude and offered motherly advice.

“But… I understand that the saintess stabilizes your special ability, but aren’t you hovering around her too much? Moving her into the palace and all… What if such scandalous rumors spread? It looks as if you’re enjoying a secret affair. Do be mindful of that.”

“Would those rumors subside if you attached another woman to me? I’d only be called a philanderer.”

“Don’t be like that, Lexion. It doesn’t look good for the heir to the throne to be alone. Try meeting someone, anyone.”

“I’ll consider it.”

“You’re such an unlovable boy.”

“I believe my business here is done. May I leave now?”

“Have dinner before you go. It’s been a while since you’ve seen your grandfather.”

Lexion, visibly bored, nodded slightly. His rudeness was exclusive to Estelle. But soon he had to rise from his seat before even picking up his utensils.

“Lexion, what’s the matter?”

Upon receiving a message from the imperial palace, he left the mansion without looking back, forgetting even to say goodbye.

* * *

To Estelle, Lexion was like the sun, emitting the only bright light in a world filled with earth tones. That’s why she thought she harbored such a dark shadow. After all, the closer one gets to light, the deeper the darkness beside it becomes.

‘A dream……’

Estelle was reflecting on the past before her regression occurred. Her body, moving independently of her will, was walking through the corridor of nature. Though it was a path she frequented, she had only entered Lexion’s office a few times. She had turned back several times after hesitating, not wanting to disturb his work.

But this time she was determined. Even knowing she would get hurt, she couldn’t stop her hand from flinging the door open.

“Excuse me……”

Cautiously entering the office while reading the atmosphere, Estelle stood before Lexion, who was buried in documents. He raised his dry gaze to stare at her.

“What.”

His voice was bored and sharp. Lexion hated situations that disrupted his concentration. She knew this, but he always returned to the bedroom late and left early as soon as the bed warmed up. And there were more days when he didn’t come at all.

Estelle clenched her fists and calmed her pounding heart before speaking.

“Please clear some time tomorrow afternoon.”

“……”

Lexion’s gaze shifted to his aide who stood like a statue.

“After the meeting ends, there is a scheduled departure to Maron with the Marquis.”

At the aide’s explanation, Estelle hastily added.

“Just a moment is fine.”

“What for?”

Perhaps knowing it wasn’t appropriate to bring up in the serious atmosphere with war clouds hanging over the Empire, Estelle’s face flushed.

“I-I decided to host a tea party……”

“……”

Estelle couldn’t look directly into Lexion’s silent eyes and lowered her gaze. She knew it was embarrassing, but it was an important matter for her. She was being treated like a scarecrow Crown Princess not only by the nobles but also by the servants.

She hoped Lexion would attend to quell the rumors and uphold her dignity. The position she had endured believing only in his love was now precariously shaken. Day by day, depression gnawed at her mind, and she was consumed by her complex about Maria, desperately needing him.

“Estelle.”

Lexion called her name softly, as if reprimanding a thoughtless child. At this, Estelle, her eyes reddening, bit her lower lip.

“Just show your face… It’s not too much to ask……”

At that moment, a knock sounded from outside, announcing Count Florence’s arrival. Lexion stood up from his chair with a short sigh.

“J-just a moment!”

Grabbing the arm of Lexion, who was about to leave with his aide, Estelle asked anxiously.

“You’ll stop by, won’t you?”

“I’ll send a bouquet.”

“I don’t want that—I want you to come!”

Lexion responded irritably.

“I don’t have the luxury of leisurely keeping rhythm with noblewomen. We’ll talk later.”

At his indifferent words, Estelle clung to him more desperately.

“When? It’s always just words! Do you even know how long it’s been since we had a conversation?”