“I told you I’d give you anything you want, Antor. Hmm? Remove that woman from my sight.”

Unfortunately, Selina Karnos’s only value seemed likely to be overshadowed by the newly rooted flower. She had instinctively realized it. That she needed to uproot and eliminate the invasive species disrupting the ecosystem she had cultivated.

While it was her own declaration of war, would Selina truly be the victor in this fight? The anticipation of an interesting game made Antor smile. Well, from a spectator’s perspective, it didn’t matter who claimed the trophy as long as the entertainment was guaranteed. The Achilleon he knew showed consistently ruthless attitude toward things he hadn’t given his heart to. Could this woman who could no longer capture Achilleon’s interest be of any use? Despite his skeptical inner thoughts, Antor’s gaze toward Selina was filled with hollow affection.

“But you’re not without fault either. If you had properly completed the Imprinting Ceremony, you would have been the one by my brother’s side, but things turned out regrettably.”

“Is that all you have to say?”

Though lacking in intelligence, she possessed exceptional beauty. While that beauty would soon be cast aside as well, Selina’s background remained a powerful weapon. A wealthy father loyal to the royal family. Thinking this, Antor kissed Selina. As he loosened the ribbon of the woman who fell into his arms and kneaded her flesh, sweet moans like those of a female cat filled his ears. However, in his mind, he was thinking of a new name that had grown like a poisonous mushroom.

Hari.

I thought he was just playing with a worthless servant. But seeing how long he’s kept her around, that woman must be something special. Is she skilled in bed? Antor smiled slightly and tilted his head. It didn’t take long to recall her cheeks like transparent forget-me-nots. Hari’s figure, made even more striking in contrast to the gaudy attire of royal women, was far from that of a seductress. If she was hiding the skills to manipulate men behind such a face, that would be absolutely- Antor licked his lips and grabbed Selina’s br*asts more forcefully.

“So when are you going to drive her out? Look at how haggard my face has become, Antor! I haven’t been able to sleep for days because of how worried I am about that woman.”

Surely there must be something more valuable than this woman who knows nothing but whining to monopolize Achilleon’s attention. While continuing to untie the ribbons of the bed chamber, Antor willingly agreed.

“Of course, I must do whatever Miss Karnos wants. When I think of your father’s efforts on my behalf…”

Though lately, it’s been nothing but disappointing.

“Don’t worry. The Galate woman won’t stay long in this palace.”

“You’re truly the only one on my side, Antor.”

Having quickly finished his calculations in his mind, Antor removed her skirt and positioned himself between Selina’s legs. While mechanically going through the motions to satisfy his lust, he thought. She’s still a useful card. After using this woman who is only beautiful on the outside but full of rotting medicine smell inside as much as possible… Then.

Selina threw back her head and screamed in pleasure while tearing at the cushions. Antor grabbed the woman’s br*asts, slick with sweat, and pressed his hips tightly against her.

Perhaps he could paint an even more satisfying picture than now. Antor rolled his tongue like a snake against Selina’s ear.

“Selina, you must reclaim your place that woman stole.”

“Of course, Antor. I’m ready…”

The woman’s eyes, clouded with ecstatic pleasure, sparkled under the light.

Her determination to do anything Antor commanded to remove the weed that had invaded her smooth life followed. Until deep into dawn, the sounds of their heated breaths mingling in messy coupling filled the bedroom.

* * *

The exterior of the White Jade Palace, with added decorations and replaced subsidiary materials, had doubled in splendor. True to its name, the outer walls of the White Jade Palace were pure white. The only difference from before was that half of the exterior now gleamed with gold, thanks to the massive budget that came in as a reward for winning the hunting festival. A newly expanded annex, and crystal and glass fountains and statues lined both sides of the path leading to the palace’s main gate.

As Hari blankly stared at the aggressively gleaming palace, a servant added a kind explanation.

“Public support for the Third Prince grows stronger by the day. There had been unfavorable rumors circulating after the unfortunate incident during the ritual, but it seems the gods have helped.”

The royal palace maintained a festive atmosphere day after day. The captured sacred beasts were confined to the protection zone and opened for viewing. The cheers and screams of Academy students on field trips echoed chaotically. The world was dressed in deep blue-green, and dazzling sunlight colored the streets evenly. While the streets were filled with the sound of cheerful band performances, the joy they experienced was just a story from a different world far from Hari.

Her chest felt heavy as she quietly gazed at the free-spirited scene like a perfect painting. Hari turned away from that scenery. The servant guided her to a sun-filled terrace. As the ornate double doors with golden handles opened, the summer garden landscape spread out beyond the balcony. The sweet smell of food carried by the wind stimulated her senses.

“Sit.”

“…What is all this?”

Hari looked at Achilleon sitting across the table.

“Consider it a reward.”

Food was laid out on the table covered with a white tablecloth. Feeling slightly dazed, she sat down, and the servant immediately poured the aperitif.

“You could have just sent me to the annex.”

“There’s nothing wrong with arranging a place to celebrate victory once in a while. Isn’t it better to dine while enjoying a splendid view rather than in the gloomy annex? Go ahead.”

A splendid view, indeed. No matter how many hundreds of beautiful flowers there were, this was still enemy territory.

The meal began. Pork roasted with fragrant oil and pepper, strange new desserts she had never seen before, tagenia (pancakes) kneaded with honey and sheep’s milk, and dishes of salted bonito and sardines. It was a feast she couldn’t have dreamed of even when living in the royal palace. Her uncertain gaze wandered over the utensils placed on either side of the plate. She didn’t know what to use or how. Hari put down her spoon and chose the safe butter knife. While nibbling on bread studded with raisins and figs, she felt his gaze.

“Any foods you dislike?”

“None.”

How could there be foods she disliked when she had survived on watery soup and hard rye bread? Those were times when even that was scarce, and she had gone hungry.

“Do you like alcohol?”

“I’ve never tried it.”

The clinking of utensils seeped between the broken conversations. Perhaps this meant sharing lunch together because she had done her job well. By the time she finished the bread and soup, she was able to relax a little.

Her gaze naturally went to the garden bathed in white sunlight. True to being a garden where money had been lavishly spent, it was a feast for the eyes. She could see people walking past the garden trees trimmed into hedge shapes. Though that peaceful daily life wasn’t hers, while watching it, Hari smiled as she felt herself seeping into the languid mood. It was Achilleon who broke this somewhat peaceful moment.

“What have you been doing lately?”

“I practiced the lyre today.”

“I hope your skills have improved since I last saw you. Did you learn the instrument while staying at the royal palace?”

“I learned from Masera, my mother’s closest friend.”

Afterward, Achilleon continued to ask questions. About the lyre, Hari’s only hobby, about her birth mother, about life in the Lagonia tribe. Though thinking it was meaningless conversation and unnecessary attention, Hari answered her superior’s questions honestly.

Holding his water glass loosely, Achilleon watched Hari focusing on the meat and spoke.

“Let’s be honest now. Stop lying about not learning swordsmanship when you were young.”

“I learned enough for self-defense. But that’s not important anyway, is it? If you think I might harm you, you can take away my sword.”

Thinking he was particularly interrogative today, Hari accepted a new plate. After eating the suckling pig roasted to maintain its moisture, she filled a clean plate with fried roll bread, cloud-like whipped cream, asparagus, and dried fruits. The plate that had more empty space was now filled with new dishes, making it her third plate.

Achilleon’s laughter escaped when Hari tasted the meat juices used as sauce. While it was questionable if all that food could fit in such a small body, surprisingly, the woman was steadily clearing one plate after another. Perhaps it was a survival method from living an impoverished life. As he watched the parade of food being neatly packed into her small mouth and stomach, their eyes met over the glass.

Hari furrowed her brows questioningly at his persistent gaze. A drop of sauce remained unwiped on her plump lips.

Achilleon didn’t take his eyes off it as he asked.

“I’ve been worried, you know? It would be troublesome if something happened to the precious princess without my knowledge, yet there’s been no news at all.”