Philip arrived near the Crown Princess’s residence.

He paused for a moment and looked around. The edge of the raised roof was certainly familiar, yet much had changed in the past six months.

‘…Were there always this many trees?’

Perhaps it was because of the winter. Back then, it had been a barren plain with just the rectangular residence standing alone.

Now, more than half of the building was hidden behind garden trees. As he got closer, the size of the trees felt almost overwhelming.

The entrance to the path was beautiful, yet equally uninviting. To someone unfamiliar with the area, finding the way to the building wouldn’t be easy.

Just as the chamberlain had said, this place had become one that clearly did not welcome outsiders.

“…”

Inside the garden, there were even deer. Judging by the handkerchief tied around its neck, it seemed they were being kept there. The leisurely animal glanced briefly at Philip before sauntering away in the opposite direction.

As Philip took in the unfamiliar surroundings and reached the front of the residence, a maid happened to step out of the door.

“Excuse me.”

The maid, carrying a basket under her arm, turned to Philip. She was the same person who had arranged for him to meet Amelia when she first arrived here.

“Oh, Sir Philip Clavier.”

She seemed to recognize him and approached with a respectful nod.

“It’s been a while.”

“Do you remember me?”

“Of course. You’re Amelia’s maid, aren’t you?”

“Yes… My name is Betty.”

Though she smiled politely, her expression remained uncertain.

“Are you here to see Lady Amelia?”

“Yes. May I go inside?”

The maid looked uneasy.

“She’s not here right now.”

“When will she return?”

“She likely won’t return today.”

“Then when can I see her?”

Previously, the maid had easily told him Amelia’s whereabouts. Philip, frustrated by this inexplicable change, felt like he was pressing her too hard.

“She said she would return before sunset tomorrow.”

“Then I’ll come back then.”

“Sir Philip.”

The maid hesitated before speaking again.

“Did you happen to notify Lady Amelia in advance?”

“Yes. I sent an urgent letter.”

“…I see.”

She still seemed uncertain. As if about to deliver difficult news, she spoke carefully.

“I handle all the mail that arrives at the residence, and there hasn’t been anything special recently.”

“What?”

“It seems Lady Amelia didn’t receive it either.”

Hearing this, Philip realized why the maid was treating him like an uninvited visitor.

If Amelia had known he was visiting Olstein, she wouldn’t have left the residence. For some reason, his letter hadn’t reached her, and they had missed each other.

Or perhaps—

“Philip, return to Sarnica.”

Did Amelia not want to see him?

“…”

But that was something he could only know for certain by meeting her in person.

“…I’ll come back tomorrow.”

Philip smiled faintly and turned away.

***

The funeral of Sir Will Valentin, the fallen knight from Brienne, had concluded. The Valentin baronial family accepted the silver medal, given dispassionately by Josef, with tears in their eyes.

“Your Highness, will you stay another day?” Henrik asked as he approached with the horses.

“No, I’ll return immediately.”

Josef shook his head as he removed the cavalry uniform jacket he had worn for the occasion.

While Josef boarded the carriage, Henrik conveyed the Crown Prince’s departure to the knights gathered to honor Will Valentin’s memory.

The Crown Prince’s carriage turned onto the dirt road leading out of the territory. As he rode alongside on horseback, Henrik asked, “Your Highness, what about Philip Clavier’s request for an audience?”

Josef, watching the river flow outside the window, replied, “Didn’t I cancel it?”

The curt response left Henrik looking sheepish.

“I heard the chamberlain canceled it, but I thought you might be reconsidering.”

“Why would I?”

Josef scoffed.

Philip Clavier had followed his father into a diplomatic career. A few days ago, Josef had denied Sarnica’s request for Philip to meet him.

This was the man who had once tried to take Amelia away. Josef had no intention of ever showing him goodwill.

In fact, merely allowing Philip to set foot in Olstein was already a generous act of grace. Josef’s confidence that he had Amelia secured made this possible.

For a moment, Josef’s eyes wavered.

“…”

The carriage rolled along the riverbank. To the left stretched a forest with scattered birch trees. A girl in a worn apron crouched in the grass, picking flowers.

Josef called for Henrik to stop the carriage.

“Your Highness, what is it?”

He stepped down from the carriage instead of answering and approached the girl.

The small girl was so engrossed in filling her basket that she didn’t notice Josef drawing near. The space, though not very large, was densely packed with wildflowers, mostly daisies. There were also blue and purple lavender flowers, the kind that weren’t cultivated in the imperial gardens.

“How much?” Josef asked.

Only then did the girl flinch and turn around. She looked up at Josef with a frightened expression.

“…Pardon?”

“The flowers.”

Her eyes flicked between Josef and the carriage behind him. She had probably never seen a man stop a carriage by the roadside to buy flowers.

After hesitating for a while, she awkwardly pulled the basket closer and held it out to him.

“One coin per bundle, sir.”

When Josef took a few gold coins from his pocket, the girl, near tears, cried out.

“S-Sir! I can’t take that much! Even if you buy everything, it’s not worth a single silver coin…”

“Consider the basket paid for with the change.”

Josef tucked the gold coins into the pocket of her apron, took the basket she was holding tightly, and walked back to the carriage.

“Let’s go,” he said curtly once seated.

“…”

“Henrik.”

“Ah, yes.”

Henrik, who had been watching Josef’s actions in a daze, finally nodded.

The carriage pulled away, leaving the bewildered girl by the riverbank. As the uneven dirt road jostled the flower basket on the seat, the strong scent of lavender filled the air.

It was a spontaneous act, driven by the sight of flowers not found in the castle.

Amelia’s expression had been cold when she said she needed nothing, but surely she wouldn’t frown at the scent of flowers. If he was lucky, he might even catch a faint smile.

Josef leaned out the window, ready to tell them to go faster.

***

The servants of the Mieschko ducal household were busy from early morning. In two days, there would be a tea party gathering young nobles. Philip Clavier from Sarnica had sent a reply confirming his attendance.

Josef had given no response. That was only to be expected.

“…”

Perfectly dressed, Marika stood by the window like a painting. Josef, who used to demand reports of even the smallest parties, now seemed uninterested in any social event.

Had he ever truly been interested? Perhaps, like the soldiers he commanded, he merely controlled her.

And now, perhaps she had slipped beyond that control.

The old Marika wouldn’t have cared about this change. She had always known that Josef held no affection for her.

But ever since she speculated that he might have asked Amelia for something in return for settling the war in Brien, anxiety had gradually eaten away at her.

As long as they maintained their engagement, she shouldn’t care what he did.

But every time she recalled Amelia’s face, a sudden urge to uncover what had happened between them surged through her.

The jealousy she felt made her feel like a scorned wife, which infuriated her.

Marika bit her lip, spun around, and stormed out of the bedroom with heavy footsteps.

She didn’t want to sit pathetically in her room any longer. A servant stopped her as she stomped down the stairs.

“Lady Marika, where are you…”

Marika hurled the fan in her hand at the servant’s face and shouted.

“Shut up! Don’t talk to me!”

“I-I’m sorry!”

The servant nearly stumbled down the stairs but quickly bowed low. Breathing heavily, Marika stepped outside the mansion.

Before she could shield her face, the sharp sunlight pricked at her eyes. The garden trees swayed, bringing in a breath of fresh air. Her breathing slowly returned to normal as her temper cooled.

“…What is that?”

Marika spotted an unfamiliar carriage. It was an expensive one, suitable for a noble.

The carriage rolled through the gates, which had been briefly opened for cargo wagons, and crossed the courtyard. Curious, Marika approached, and the carriage stopped.

“Lady Marika!”

An unexpected figure stepped out and hurried toward her. Marika’s eyes widened.

“…Lady Lily?”

The noblewoman who had emerged was Lily Lorenzo, the chancellor Konrad’s daughter.

****

“Forgive me for visiting without notice, Lady Marika,” Lily said awkwardly, sitting in the drawing room.

Marika was surprised but satisfied to see the woman who usually looked down on others at balls showing such humility.

Despite her name, Lily had long, flowing black hair, a mark of Olstin’s pure bloodline.

What stood out was her dress—it was entirely black.

“Not at all. You’re always welcome, Lady Lily,” Marika replied warmly, though inwardly she was confused.

They had barely any personal connection beyond occasional meetings at parties. Lily mostly associated with her immediate and extended family.

Moreover, since Josef’s engagement to Marika, Lily hadn’t exchanged more than a greeting with her.

Marika was perplexed by Lily’s visit, but seeing her desperate expression, she lowered her guard.

“Lady Marika, I came to ask you a favor.”

“A favor?”

Anyone could see that from Lily’s face, but Marika feigned surprise out of courtesy.

“Of course, I’d be happy to help you.”

“Really, Lady Marika?” Lily leaned forward, her expression pleading.

“This is something only you, as Crown Prince Josef’s fiancée, can do. There’s no one else left I can turn to. Especially since Will is gone… Ah… Will…”

Lily, whose voice had grown agitated, suddenly covered her face and began to cry.

“Lady Lily…”

Marika rose and patted Lily’s shoulder.

“What happened? And who is Will?”

Lily, calming slightly under Marika’s comfort, continued.

“Will was my lover.”

“Will Valentin, who died in Brienne.”

“…Brienne?”

Marika froze, her hand still holding Lily’s. Lily nodded, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief.

“You might not know. Will’s death nearly caused a war in Brienne.”