Prince Robert organized the disordered documents on his desk and said,

“Please exercise caution while in Oberon. While it’s unlikely anyone would dare mistreat or harm Lady Gareth, accidents can occur in unexpected places. I ask that you conduct yourself with care.”

“Why should I?” Parma responded with a smirk. “On the contrary, I intend to behave recklessly and make life difficult for everyone. I’ll spend my days bothering Lord Oberon and his acting baron. Wouldn’t that ultimately work to your advantage? After all, they’ve likely heard of my reputation and Gareth’s renown. They wouldn’t dare nitpick.”

Recalling the rider they had just passed, Parma mused aloud,

“A horse and a young boy… He’s probably just started riding, finding each day on horseback more exciting than the last. I’m envious. Maybe I should ride too. Dragging people around in the cold weather doesn’t sound too bad.”

Robert couldn’t deny that Parma’s suggestion wasn’t entirely unreasonable. He replied,

“Then I shall gratefully accept Lady Gareth’s assistance. But may I ask one favor?”

“What is it? Don’t torment Sophia Ariel too much? Don’t worry. I know why I’m here. I won’t disgrace Gareth, so rest assured, Prince Robert.”

Parma Gareth adjusted her posture and sat up straight. Robert had no choice but to place his trust in her.

****

In front of Oberon Manor, servants were unloading a large number of belongings. Lord Oberon watched the endless stream of items being carried into the mansion with a bitter smile.

‘How long do they plan to stay?’

The carriage carrying Prince Robert and Parma Gareth had arrived first, but Parma had declared she wouldn’t step out until her luggage was unloaded and her room was prepared. As a result, everyone was waiting for her belongings to be sorted.

Those gathered to greet the two stood outside the entrance, but the wait grew longer, and they naturally formed into groups.

Lord Oberon and the deputy baron stood side by side, while Sophia, Helen, and Gunther waited separately.

Gunther urged Sophia and Helen to step inside the entrance hall to avoid the cold wind.

When Robert disembarked first, he personally escorted Parma Gareth from the carriage. The deputy baron approached the carriage to greet them.

Meanwhile, Gunther brought Sophia and Helen back outside. Sophia watched with amusement as the acting baron welcomed the pair. No matter how miserable he might feel internally, he had to appear delighted by the visit of such distinguished guests.

Sophia remarked to Helen,

“Who knew the deputy baron could be so accommodating?”

Gunther replied,

“Of course, he has to be. We’re talking about a prince and a noblewoman. They’re undoubtedly the highest-ranking guests Oberon has ever hosted.”

Helen added,

“Lady Parma Gareth is stunningly beautiful. It’s unfair—a noblewoman and a beauty of the highest order.”

Turning to Sophia, Gunther said,

“Well… please know that, in my heart, I support Lady Ariel.”

Sophia smiled at Helen and Gunther.

“In your heart, I see.”

It seemed Gunther had succumbed to Helen’s persistent pressure. Helen, looking pleased, gave Gunther an approving nod.

Meanwhile, Prince Robert glanced at Sophia, noting how her face seemed thinner than before.

‘Wasn’t she supposed to be recovering in Ariel? Shouldn’t she be eating and resting well?’

As Robert moved forward, intending to approach Gunther and Sophia, the deputy baron intercepted him.

“Although we’ve prepared rooms in haste, I hope they will suffice. Welcome to Oberon, Your Highness. I ask for your understanding regarding any shortcomings.”

Prince Robert offered the deputy baron a polite response.

Noticing the other guests, Parma remarked,

“Ah, we have additional company?”

Sophia stepped forward and greeted the noblewoman.

“I am Sophia Ariel. It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Gareth.”

“You’re said to be related, yet you look nothing like the Wiscombe siblings. Luckily.”

Sophia smiled and replied,

“I’ve always considered that a fortunate thing.”

Despite her unassuming appearance, Sophia’s bright, unwavering gaze left an impression. Parma found herself liking Sophia Ariel immediately. Unlike others, Sophia neither cowered in her presence nor twisted her words.

‘Indeed, it’s fortunate she doesn’t resemble the Wiscombes. She seems like a good person.’

Parma addressed Sophia again,

“Won’t my presence here be uncomfortable for you?”

Still smiling, Sophia replied,

“Not at all. We were feeling quite bored ourselves. With the Oberon family traveling south, Helen and I have been left alone, and it’s been rather dull.”

“Ah! Inviting young ladies here while sending the family away? That feels rather suspicious, doesn’t it, Prince Robert?”

Robert glanced at the deputy baron, who, despite the cold weather, was sweating profusely and unable to find the words to respond.

At that moment, Lord Oberon stepped forward and bowed.

“After meeting Miss Helen Finega in the capital, I was delighted to see her again and took the liberty of inviting her to Oberon. My thoughtlessness has caused inconvenience to both ladies, and I sincerely apologize.”

Lord Oberon also bowed respectfully to Sophia and Helen, expressing his regret with utmost politeness.

Parma spoke to Lord Oberon.

“I heard it wasn’t Miss Helen Finega. Well, we’ll see, won’t we? At least it’s fortunate to have you two here. I can’t tell you how dull it gets with just Prince Robert around.”

Sophia replied,

“With more guests than hosts here in Oberon, we might be overstaying our welcome. We’re considering returning to Ariel, Lady Gareth.”

“You said you were bored, didn’t you? Then you can’t leave. Prince Robert is so busy all day that I hardly know what he’s up to. You two must keep me company instead. Don’t you agree, Deputy Baron Oberon?”

Robert interjected,

“Deputy baron, Lady Gareth.”

Turning to the deputy baron, Robert added,

“Could I meet the baron? His Majesty has been concerned about his health, and I’d like to report back personally after seeing him.”

The acting baron smiled awkwardly.

“He’s not in a state to receive guests… Most of the time, he remains asleep in bed and hardly recognizes anyone. I’m afraid it wouldn’t be possible, Your Highness.”

“What do the doctors say? Ah! I should have brought one from the capital…”

“That won’t be necessary. Several doctors have examined him, and all they’ve recommended is rest, as his condition stems from old age.”

“Old age, I see… Then rest truly is the best remedy.”

Parma remarked casually,

“If that’s the case, there’s nothing to be done. Why don’t we take a break ourselves?”

Finally, Robert and Parma headed into the castle, with Sophia and Helen following behind. The sound of hooves echoed outside as Sol returned to the manor. Helen called out to him,

“You’re late!”

Sol jumped off his horse and replied,

“I lost track of time. Where are the guests?”

Parma turned and addressed Sol

“It seems you’ve only recently started learning to ride. On such a cold day, you must’ve worked up a sweat. Be sure to tend to your horse properly.”

Blushing, Sol responded,

“Thank you for the advice. I still have much to learn about horses. I’d be grateful for any guidance in the future.”

His eyes sparkled, and Parma said,

“Perhaps we should go riding together sometime.”

Beaming, Sol replied,

“It would be an honor, Lady Parma Gareth.”

Sophia looked at Sol again. His expression was no longer that of a child.

‘Is everyone in the Finega family this direct? Sol Finega… Lady Parma Gareth is far too high for you.’

And thus, nearly 14-year-old Sol Finega experienced the stirrings of his first love.

***

The atmosphere at Oberon Manor, once loose but tinged with suspicion, grew visibly tense with the arrival of Prince Robert and Lady Gareth.

This was primarily due to the sheer number of attendants they had brought along, rivaling the number of staff employed at Oberon Manor.

Both the deputy baron and Lord Oberon were taken aback by the continuous arrival of the prince and noblewoman’s entourage.

The attendants accompanying Lady Gareth, in particular, exuded an aura of severity, embodying the reputation of the Gareth family as the “Lions of the West.”

Dressed neatly and holding pens and documents, they nonetheless gave off an impression that the pens could be used as weapons if needed. Introducing her entourage to the deputy baron, Lady Gareth explained,

“My father was deeply concerned about this being my first trip outside the capital and our lands. He was worried it might be dangerous.”

The deputy baron was left speechless.

Industrious as ever, Prince Robert met with Gunther shortly after a brief rest. The deputy baron remained anxious about this meeting between the prince and the emperor’s auditor.

Although Robert had claimed his visit to Oberon was to see Sophia Ariel, it was evident his primary focus was elsewhere, as he spent more time with the auditor than with the deputy baron or Lord Oberon.

This left Lord Oberon with little opportunity to win Sophia Ariel’s favor. Lady Gareth, within just days of her arrival, had requested a thorough tour of Oberon Manor.

While the deputy baron used his duties as an excuse to avoid the situation, Lord Oberon had no such recourse. It was clear that Lady Gareth was now both the most significant and potentially the most dangerous figure present.

***

The day after their arrival, Lady Gareth invited Sophia and Helen to her sitting room. The room she was using had once belonged to the late Lady Oberon.

Surveying the space, Lady Gareth remarked,

“It’s old-fashioned, but I like it. They say Oberon may be small, but it’s solid, and it seems that’s true.”

Sophia also looked around the sitting room. For a room that had been unused for a long time, it was well-maintained, featuring large windows, a fireplace, thick curtains, luxurious carpets, and ornate sofas adorned with beautiful orchids.

Sophia, gazing at the orchids, commented,

“I still don’t know much about the Oberon family,” Sophia began. “The family members are all away traveling, there are few staff around, and Baron Oberon is unwell, so I haven’t even seen his face.”

Parma responded,

“What about Lord Oberon? He seems likeable, has money, and is close to Ariel.”

Helen, holding her teacup, silently observed the two women. Although her inner excitement was at its peak, she remained outwardly composed, even controlling her breathing.

Sophia gave a faint, weary smile.

“I don’t think Lord Oberon is very enthusiastic about the idea of engagement. He probably pretended to be interested in me just to bring me to Oberon.”

Parma raised her eyebrows.

“Really? A proper deception should be carried through to the end. It seems Oberon isn’t as meticulous as one would think.”

“Have you heard about the relationship between Saturn and Oberon?”

Parma nodded. Leaning in and lowering her voice, Sophia continued.

“My worth to them is likely just as a hostage or a means to lower Ariel’s guard.”

With a furrowed brow, Parma replied,

“They wouldn’t dare take you as a hostage now. Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, and if my brother arrives, Oberon won’t be able to make a move.”

Sophia was impressed. Lady Gareth hadn’t even mentioned Prince Robert in her reassurance.

“With Gareth here, there’s nothing to fear.” That confidence! How admirable!

Sophia thought to herself that Lady Parma Gareth’s reputation for arrogance was well-deserved—or rather, it was a compliment.

‘Of course, arrogance is fitting for Gareth. It would be hypocrisy if someone from Gareth pretended to be modest—like the Wiscombes.’

Compared to the hypocrisy of the Wiscombes, the arrogance of Gareth is a hundred, no, a thousand times more dignified.