After breaking the silence with a cough, Mav continued.

“The Marquis has requested that the border defenses in Umbriel be raised by one level. From that, it seems he is aware of the risk. Lady Sophia and her entourage are set to leave for Oberon in a week.”

Mav felt pitiable for having come all the way to the capital just to deliver this message. But there was no avoiding it. He spoke again, clearly tense.

“I suspect that the Marquis’ decision not to intervene means there’s a strong possibility he favors Lord Oberon and expects an engagement. The border defenses are likely just a precaution. If the situation with Saturn doesn’t escalate, they probably want to avoid clashing with Oberon and form an alliance instead. Since the breakup with you, Your Highness, is a foregone conclusion, Oberon may now be considered a viable option for Ariel.”

Prince Robert’s expression grew serious.

‘Is there a real possibility of an engagement with Oberon? Or is she deliberately putting herself in danger? Which is it, Sophia Ariel? What are you really thinking? Are you provoking Oberon into treason? That won’t happen. Neither the engagement nor the treason will proceed.’

“As soon as preparations are complete, prepare to leave for Umbriel.”

As Mav turned to leave with a look of disappointment, Prince Robert spoke again.

“I meant I’ll be going to Umbriel, too, Mav. And, of course, you’ll be coming with me.”

Mav responded weakly, “Yes, I’m so glad to be accompanying you, Your Highness. Yay.”

Prince Robert hurried to prepare for the journey to Umbriel. He reported the reason for his trip to the Emperor and requested support.

Officially, he was spending his first year-end and New Year in his territory as a lord. He didn’t care if Prince Frederick took control of the social scene in his absence.

After all, the crown prince was no longer determined by how many people he knew, but by how trustworthy he was. Most of all, the Emperor’s trust was essential.

‘Nothing secures the Emperor’s trust more than preventing invasions and treason.’

***

But Duke Gareth’s perspective was different. He scolded Parma.

“So you’re just supposed to sit back and watch Prince Frederick and the Wiscombe parade around together? You don’t even have enough time to win favor, and now he wants to leave the capital?”

“Well, that’s just how princes are. Besides, it’s not like you’re going to support Prince Frederick, right? Prince Robert knows that, too.”

“That only makes it worse… Damn it, Parma! Are you sure about this? Should I call your brother?”

Since the powder room incident, Duke Gareth had been doing everything he could to protect Parma. Now, rumors were spreading that Parma had threatened Isabelle.

Parma wasn’t particularly bothered by the rumors since they weren’t far from the truth, but Duke Gareth took them seriously. He didn’t want to send her into the battlefield of high society alone.

Unlike the furious duke, Parma remained calm. However, her words were firm.

“I want to go to Umbriel, too.”

Duke Gareth sat down and, lowering his voice, asked urgently, “Why on earth? The north is cold. And Prince Robert isn’t going there for leisure. He might not have time to see you all day.”

“Hehe, Father, I know that. I’m not a child. It doesn’t matter. I heard Prince Robert’s fiancée is in Ariel. I want to meet his fiancée.”

“Huh? Why? Didn’t I tell you they’re not officially engaged?”

“But Prince Robert said otherwise. He said he doesn’t want to break the engagement.”

“What?”

Duke Gareth grew agitated again. Parma replied calmly.

“I’m curious. Prince Robert isn’t the kind to let a woman ruin his plans like Prince Frederick. His decision to choose Ariel over Gareth seemed rational. But I want to know what kind of woman could change his mind. Didn’t even the Emperor approve of her?”

Duke Gareth studied Parma suspiciously. She continued.

“I think it’s better to go with Prince Robert and see what happens in Ariel and Umbriel. Besides, I want to know more about Prince Robert. A few conversations aren’t enough to understand him.”

Duke Gareth sighed. “They say his personality is like that — nothing particularly good or bad.”

“Is that so? I still want to see for myself. And I don’t want to stay in the capital and watch Frederick and Isabelle flaunt themselves.”

Duke Gareth postponed his decision.

***

The next day, Duke Gareth visited Prince Robert. As Prince Robert greeted him, he said, “I was just about to visit you regarding the trip to Umbriel.”

“Parma wants to accompany you, Your Highness,” Duke Gareth stated.

Prince Robert replied.

“I will speak frankly. In truth, Umbriel is not safe. There is information suggesting a suspicious relationship between Oberon and Saturn. That’s why I’m hurrying back to Umbriel.”

“An invasion from Saturn?”

“There’s a possibility. For now, I plan to visit Oberon to assess the situation. My fiancée happens to be in Oberon as well.”

“Then…”

“To be honest, having Lady Gareth accompany us would indeed be a great help. Bringing an army or troops might alert Oberon and Saturn. But if Lady Gareth comes along, increasing the escort wouldn’t seem suspicious.”

Duke Gareth rose from his seat and paced the office before speaking.

“You said you want to maintain your engagement with Ariel?”

“Yes. When considering the future, I don’t believe an alliance with the Gareth family is the best choice. I assume the same goes for the Gareth family. But that is for you and Lady Gareth to consider carefully.”

Duke Gareth fell deep into thought. He understood Parma’s desire to learn more about Prince Robert.

However, sending Parma to the north with Prince Robert would make their engagement seem inevitable. Yet, Prince Robert had made it clear he didn’t intend to marry Parma.

Having made up his mind, Duke Gareth said, “Leave with Parma first. I’ll send my son to Oberon right after. He wanted to meet you in person, so he won’t refuse. With him there, both Parma and you will be protected.”

Prince Robert smiled faintly. “I’ll finally meet Sir Gareth, then.”

“Don’t expect too much. He’s big, but still little more than a child. Still, he’s good at thinking on his feet, so he won’t be a burden in Oberon.”

Following Duke Gareth’s approval, preparations for Parma to accompany Prince Robert began. Duke Gareth took Parma aside and said, “Neither Oberon nor Umbriel is safe. But the Gareth family never avoids danger. Your brother will follow soon, so don’t worry.”

“You worried so much about leaving me alone in the social scene, yet now you’re sending me to a region that might be invaded… Father, really!”

Duke Gareth replied, “I’m sending you because you can help the Empire in times of crisis and danger. You know what I mean.”

“Yes. I won’t bring shame to the Gareth name.”

Duke Gareth nodded. In his heart, he resolved that if even a single hair on Parma’s head was harmed, he wouldn’t forgive Prince Robert — no matter how incompetent Frederick was. As for Oberon and Saturn, they were enemies and needed no further consideration.

Meanwhile, Prince Robert entertained an optimistic thought.

‘If Sophia went to Oberon deliberately to become a hostage… could they dare to take Duke Gareth’s precious daughter as well? Could Oberon really go that far?’

***

It was December. While the capital buzzed with invitations to year-end and New Year’s balls, Prince Robert and Parma headed north.

Fortunately, the weather was favorable, and they arrived in Umbriel without much trouble. After their departure, rumors about Robert and Parma swirled throughout the capital.

The Wiscombe and Cressida watched the north with growing anxiety.

When Prince Frederick heard that Robert was heading to Umbriel, he initially celebrated. But when the news of Parma accompanying Robert became the talk of the capital, he grew irritated.

More people gossiped about Parma and Prince Robert — and Robert’s fiancée — than about Frederick and Isabelle’s romance.

Isabelle tried to soothe Frederick, saying that she was only talked about because she was provocative. She whispered sweetly to him, “Parma won’t let this slide. Prince Robert will struggle between two women.”

Only then did Frederick smile. Isabelle offered a bitter smile in return.

‘Idiot. You shouldn’t be smiling. You should have argued. You should be finding a way to stop Parma and Robert’s engagement.’

As soon as she left Frederick, Isabelle went to see the Duke and Duchess of Wiscombe.

She couldn’t sit idly by while Parma and Robert’s relationship developed. She needed to find a way to sabotage it.

****

The Count of Cressida and the Empress sat together in silence. When Frederick entered, the Empress forced a smile.

“Did you enjoy your time with Isabelle?”

Frederick replied, “It was less enjoyable thanks to Robert. Is Cressida really going to do nothing? Are you just going to let Gareth and Robert be? Isabelle was clearly worried, even though she tried to hide it. Parma openly threatened her, and I’m supposed to do nothing?”

The Count of Cressida almost laughed at the absurdity.

‘Then stop whining and think of a solution.’

The Empress sighed and said, “We’ve sent people to Oberon. If they have any sense, they’ll know our intent. They won’t dare to claim Sophia Ariel.”

Frederick snapped, “Who’s worried about that woman? Make Gareth give up on Robert. Or ruin Gareth. Or get rid of him.”

The Empress and Count of Cressida exchanged incredulous glances. Seeing their expressions, Frederick sneered.

“I must have said something foolish again. But find a solution if you want me to be Emperor.”

Now, Prince Frederick had only one teacher: Sir Federico. A week after the Empress had asked for Frederick’s time, the Emperor told him that the deal would be valid as long as he had one teacher.

Prince Frederick had no objections. He found a way to keep his promise of studying with the teachers the Emperor had sent, even while attending social events for a year.

Sir Federico’s advice proved useful to Prince Frederick. In particular, his counsel regarding the Empress and Countess Cressida freed him from fear.

“After all, the Empress and everyone in Countess Cressida’s household must help you, Prince Frederick. They need you, but you can choose Wiscombe. Or you could choose another family. So, there’s no need to fear them too much.”

With that, Prince Frederick no longer feared the Empress or Countess Cressida. He could demand what he wanted from them without hesitation.

And this newfound confidence in Prince Frederick became a bigger headache for Cressida and the Empress than Wiscombe had ever been.

***

Umbriel had improved significantly since the first time Prince Robert had arrived. The castle and roads were in much better shape.

Prince Robert’s office and private room were now fully repaired, and rooms had been prepared for Parma and her entourage.

With a pleased expression, Robert patted Mav’s shoulder and said, “Mav, I knew you’d do well in Umbriel.”

Mav, who was delighted by the compliment, suddenly turned pale.

‘Are we going to end up settling in Umbriel for good?’

Mav silently cried out as he watched Robert’s satisfied figure from behind.