Robert and Sophia passed through the imperial forest in a carriage. The leisurely movement of the carriage under the shade of the trees mirrored the unhurried rhythm of their hearts. The scenery, with its vibrant autumn foliage just beginning to emerge, was breathtaking.

Looking ahead instead of at Sophia, Prince Robert asked,

“Have you read the article about Philip Wiscombe?”

Sophia, gazing at the sky rather than at Robert, replied,

“Yes. It’s curious, isn’t it? Typically, when a scandal like this breaks, people would question its authenticity. But this time, the biggest intrigue is about who leaked it. It feels like everyone’s reacting as if it were all preordained.”

“You think it was deliberate? How many people do you think are aware of that?”

“Not everyone, but those who need to know probably do. For starters, the Cressida family and the Empress would know, and Wiscombe himself must realize by now that it wasn’t you behind this. That’s why he’s neither denying it nor speaking up. And people familiar with the two families are likely piecing things together too. Why? Are you worried I might suspect you of leaking Philip’s story to exact revenge?”

“I was just curious about your opinion,” Robert replied.

“I don’t know you very well yet,” Sophia said, “but I know enough to say you wouldn’t stoop to publishing an article about Philip out of personal spite. Not in your current position, anyway.”

Slowing the carriage, Robert turned to look at her.

“That’s not about me—it’s about strategy and circumstances.”

“One and the same,” she replied, still not meeting his gaze. “Strategies always adapt to the person employing them.”

“And?”

“I don’t know you well enough yet,” Sophia admitted, “but I’m guessing you’re not desperate enough to engage in such a scheme. Not yet, at least.”

“Not yet?” Robert chuckled. “So you’re saying I might resort to that someday?”

“Who knows? You probably don’t even know yourself. You might have an idea of how you’d act under pressure, but reality often surprises us. Some things you can only truly understand by living through them.”

Sophia thought of her own realizations—how her supposedly straightforward fake engagement had proven more complicated than she’d imagined.

Though dissatisfied with her answer, Robert understood. Sophia Ariel didn’t know him well enough yet.

“Once you know me better…”

Robert said thoughtfully,

“The smear campaign seems to be working. It’s clear from how people look at me—they’re far from friendly. No matter what I do in the future, it’ll be dismissed as an attempt to undermine Frederick.”

“You have no choice but to press on. If you want to achieve your goals, you can’t expect people to praise you. If they think you targeted Wiscombe to weaken Frederick, you’ll have to make it true. Speaking of which…”

Robert smiled faintly.

“There’s no news from Oberon yet.”

Disappointed but realistic, Sophia nodded. It hadn’t been long since she’d sent someone; patience was required.

In a measured tone, she suggested,

“It’d be beneficial to further incite tension between Cressida and Wiscombe. If both sides attack, they’ll target not just you but each other as well. Wiscombe’s next move against you will likely involve implicating Cressida. I’m curious to see what that might be.”

“My guess is they’ll leverage Frederick. Isabelle’s notes are delivered to him daily. This incident has likely stoked his resentment toward me.”

“Does Cressida know about Isabelle’s notes?”

“Not yet. But I could ensure they find out. Even if they don’t punish Frederick for exchanging notes with Isabelle, they’ll question how it happened under their watch and why they were unaware.”

“They’d assume Wiscombe has infiltrated Frederick’s circle,” Sophia mused. “They wouldn’t take it lightly.”

“If the Empress loses her temper and lashes out at Isabelle, Frederick’s reaction would be fascinating to witness,” Robert remarked.

They exchanged conspiratorial smiles.

“Isabelle and the Empress…” Sophia thought, half curious to observe the unfolding drama and half wishing to stay far away.

“Though I might not have the time for either.”

She carefully concealed her feelings of regret and bittersweetness from Robert. He was already under relentless attack and desperately needed the backing of a strong family.

‘The Emperor must see what Robert needs right now,’ Sophia reflected.

The more she considered his precarious situation, the less significant her own feelings seemed.

This was Sophia’s first leisurely outing—far removed from her usual climbs through the Titania Mountains. Even her meals on the mountain trails had been simple and utilitarian, nothing like the elegant picnic she now experienced, complete with a sumptuous meal prepared by the imperial chef.

For Sophia, this was a delightful first. Robert had even brought along a map of the forest, marked with the most common flora for her interest.

As they walked and talked, Sophia compared the royal forest with Ariel and the Titania Mountains.

“Though it’s a similar environment, the trees in Titania are smaller,” she explained, her enthusiasm apparent. “But their fragrance and color are richer. And this flat forest—so lush—is unfamiliar to me. Titania’s dense forests are often on steep slopes.”

Sophia animatedly described the similarities and differences between the landscapes as they wandered and shared food. They spent the afternoon in the forest, engrossed in conversation and discovery.

When it was time to leave, Robert finally spoke.

“May I ask you something? I heard you met the Emperor again yesterday and even received a gift. From what I’ve seen, you seem to predict the Emperor’s reactions unusually well. Even I, his son, often can’t guess what he’ll do. How do you manage it?”

Sophia hesitated briefly. She had no desire to share the details of her meeting and conversation with the Emperor.

Finally, she replied,

“I think it’s because I operate on the assumption that the Emperor wants what is beneficial for you. Balancing his roles as both father and Emperor can’t be easy, but all of my judgments are based on the premise that he genuinely wants to support you.”

Prince Robert remained silent for a while.

The sun was setting, and a chill wind began to blow. Sophia observed Robert, lost in thought, and then said,

“Let’s head back, shall we?”

And with that, their outing came to an end. It was time to return to where they had started.

***

That night, Sophia lay on her bed, looking at the map Robert had given her.

It seemed as though he had personally annotated it with things he thought would interest her. Clutching the map to her chest, Sophia closed her eyes. She couldn’t help but attach meaning to Robert’s kindness and thoughtfulness.

But staying by his side like this was dangerous. She feared she might start harboring unreasonable desires. After all, she had agreed to the position of his fiancée for practical reasons: Robert’s conditions, the advantages, and the opportunities they brought.

‘I’ve already gained the title of marquis, wealth, and the Emperor’s gratitude.’

There would be much work waiting for her in Ariel.

‘As a newly appointed marquisate, there will be countless procedures and organizations to restructure.’

The Emperor’s gift made his intentions clear: Robert needed another fiancée, and it was time for Sophia to step aside.

She didn’t even have the courage to face Parma Gareth in social settings.

‘Could I genuinely support Robert and Parma Gareth getting married as his pretend fiancée? Could I praise and admire Parma Gareth? Could I really push Robert to treat her well?’

The thought alone made her feel small and weak.

‘Cheering them on and bridging the gap? I can’t do it.’

Two days later, Sophia left for Ariel. It felt as though she had been away for a very long time. Yet, including the travel time, she had only been gone for about three months and a fortnight.

Before her departure, Sophia ensured that her letter would reach Robert after she left.

She doubted he would try to stop her, but the idea of secretly hoping he might frighten her.

***

When Robert received news of Sophia’s departure along with her letter, he spoke calmly,

“Of course. This must have been her plan all along—staying as far from the capital as possible to avoid entanglement. That clause about providing financial support during the engagement… I thought it was just for the travels…”

Vian, quietly relieved, remarked,

“Staying in the capital but avoiding social circles for too long would’ve caused rumors. It wouldn’t have been good for either of you or Lady Sophia Ariel. Besides, once Ariel’s salt mines gain attention, there will be plenty of work to do there. She wouldn’t have been able to stay idle in the capital anyway.”

Robert glanced at Vian and said,

“You seem relieved.”

Although Vian had been caught out, he retreated without betraying any emotion.

‘Lady Ariel is as shrewd as they come—bowing out at just the right moment. I should pray for Ariel’s prosperity as a gesture of thanks.’

Free from concern, Vian felt comfortable praising Sophia and wishing for her success in Ariel.

***

Ariel was bustling with construction. The streets were lively with carriages carrying building materials and workers. Sophia’s father, now the Marquis of Ariel, came out to greet her.

“Welcome back. It’s good to see you home, but I heard you had quite a busy time in the capital. Won’t life in Ariel feel too quiet?”

Looking around, Sophia replied,

“With construction in full swing and the estate as busy as it is, how could I be bored? Besides, I brought back plenty of books and other items from the capital, so I’ll have plenty to occupy me.”

Sophia handed out gifts to the household. She had purchased various items during her time in the capital, knowing she’d eventually return. Robert’s financial support and her own steady income had allowed her to prepare generously.

Watching Sophia distribute gifts so nonchalantly, her father felt conflicted. He had, at times, harbored suspicions about her sudden engagement to Robert.

‘The timing was too perfect. Even my rapid promotion to marquis seemed oddly coincidental.’

It wasn’t Sophia’s intentions he doubted—it was Robert’s. Robert was too lofty a match to pursue Sophia as a partner.

If Frederick’s claim to the throne had been secure, the situation might have been different. But Frederick’s position was shaky, visible even from the distant province of Ariel.

Sophia’s return to Ariel gave the marquis insight into the state of the capital. The stronger Robert’s claim to the throne became, the more precarious Sophia’s position would be.

Ultimately, Sophia’s place wasn’t by Robert’s side. No matter their new title, Ariel’s salt mine development, or the wealth they were beginning to amass, they could never compare to families with generations of influence, prestige, and fortune.

Sophia noticed the complicated expression on the Marquis of Ariel’s face and thought he might have a sense of what lay ahead. Once again, she felt reassured that returning to Ariel had been the right decision.

‘As long as I’m by Father’s side, I’ll soon be back to normal. I can put everything in order before the wounds deepen.’

Even if she were to spend the rest of her life alone in Ariel, Sophia felt she wouldn’t regret it.

‘It’s all going according to plan. Everything. So there’s nothing to worry about.’

Sophia would live well in Ariel, cherishing the memories she had made in the capital. Whether she let those memories remain as beautiful recollections was entirely up to her.

‘After all, it’s better than going through life without ever having loved someone. Sophia Ariel, you were lucky. You’ll be fine soon—no, you’ll feel nothing at all.’