Rachel looked up at him in surprise, and he smiled faintly before turning to Randolph.

“Since matters remain unsettled and Lord Hestein needs private discussion with Lord Randolph, courtesy suggests I should leave. Don’t you agree?”

Ryan asked Randolph, who glanced between Ryan and Rachel before nodding.

“Yes, please do.”

“I’ll return another time. Looking forward to seeing Lord Hestein again.”

After briefly greeting Randolph and Edward, Ryan turned to Rachel.

“Shall we go? I’ll escort you.”

Ryan extended his hand toward Rachel.

“No, I can go by myself.”

“I understand, but it would ease my mind. Please understand.”

Seeing his neutral expression, Rachel paused before nodding.

“Then please accompany me just to the Magic Tower entrance.”

Unable to refuse completely and conscious of Randolph and Edward watching, Rachel compromised by limiting the escort to the entrance.

She placed her hand on Ryan’s.

Ryan gently held Rachel’s hand, his smile deepening.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes.”

Rachel walked through the door Ryan held. A servant in the hallway closed it behind them.

Ryan scanned the corridor, looking puzzled.

“Did you come alone?”

Usually, Pluret family employees would await Rachel. Only imperial servants stood outside.

“Yes, I came alone. I planned to finish quickly and return.”

“…I see.”

Ryan, accustomed to constant attendants, struggled to understand a noble lady walking unescorted, but accepted her explanation without question.

“How did you plan to call for a carriage?”

Ryan asked, knowing servants typically handled such matters.

“Should I have someone call one?”

“No need. I didn’t come by carriage.”

Rachel declined his offer, seeing no necessity.

“By horse then?”

“No. I walked.”

“…”

Ryan stopped walking. Rachel turned to look at him.

“Your Highness?”

Rachel called out. Ryan shook his head and smiled.

“I apologize. Let’s go.”

Though this defied his worldview, remembering her refusal of the Magic Tower Master candidacy helped him accept it.

“Lady Pluret, you are quite unique.”

“I simply prefer moving around alone.”

Rachel found herself explaining defensively. Ryan nodded with apparent understanding.

“Then I’d like to walk today too.”

“Pardon?”

“If acceptable, may I escort you to your mansion?”

Despite Ryan’s casual tone, Rachel took his request seriously.

“While not presumptuous, it’s unnecessary. I prefer solitude.”

Facing her direct refusal, Ryan persisted.

“Traveling alone poses risks. Just today, consider accompanying me?”

“I can defend myself. Your Highness saw my survival in the Witch’s Forest. You witnessed what the Magic Tower Master offered me.”

“True. But allowing a lady to go alone would spark rumors of my inconsideration. The Magic Tower Master and Lord Hestein saw us leave together. If anything happened to you…”

“…”

Rachel narrowed her eyes at Ryan’s smooth reasoning.

Nothing would threaten her return journey.

Any danger she couldn’t handle would likely overwhelm even Crown Prince Ryan.

“Besides, we’re friends, aren’t we?”

Ryan asked pointedly.

“Don’t you have commitments, Your Highness?”

“Yes, but the walk to Pluret mansion shouldn’t take long.”

Though the distance stretched considerably, Rachel sensed this persistent man would counter any argument to accompany her.

“…Fine. Do what you want.”

“Really?”

Ryan’s surprise showed in his repeated question, unexpected acceptance catching him off guard.

“If you dislike it, I can go alone.”

“No, I don’t mind. It’s an honor.”

They crossed the square after leaving the Magic Tower.

Rachel abandoned her plans for a quick return and rest, walking forward.

The lively square soon lifted her mood.

[That man seems drawn to you.]

Creon’s sudden comment made Rachel frown unconsciously.

‘Don’t suggest such things. Even if he shows interest now, our paths diverge.’

Knowing this world originated from a novel, Rachel understood Ryan would eventually love Viola.

Current interest in Rachel stemmed from her sudden changes and growth, but time would restore the original course.

She had no intention of becoming a villainess.

[Will events truly follow your expectations?]

Creon chuckled with amusement.

‘Why not? You think the Crown Prince might love me?’

[Who knows? You’ve seen how changing events alter circumstances.]

‘Even then, I’d decline. Why date someone my friend once loved?’

[But that hasn’t occurred in this timeline.]

‘So? I remember it.’

[I see.]

Creon replied mysteriously. Rachel prepared to challenge his troubling words when—

“My lady?”

“…Yes?”

Ryan’s worried voice interrupted her thoughts.

Rachel belatedly responded.

“Were you calling me?”

“Something troubles you?”

“No, nothing.”

Rachel touched her face, realizing she’d dropped her composed expression while talking with Creon.

“That’s good then.”

Ryan carefully replied, looking forward.

“What did you ask earlier? Sorry. My thoughts wandered.”

Rachel apologized briefly. Confirming her distraction, Ryan smiled wryly.

“I asked when you met Lord Hestein. You seem close.”

Ryan’s voice lacked energy. Rachel glanced at him.

“We’ve known each other since childhood. You know his sister, Viola Hestein, is my friend.”

“I remember. You accompanied her at yesterday’s banquet?”

“Yes. With Lord Tervan Sanchez, the Sanchez family heir.”

When Rachel agreed readily, Ryan searched his memory.

“Lord Sanchez and Lady Hestein appeared quite close.”

He probed casually about them.

“True. Viola shares more closeness with Tervan than I do.”

Rachel smiled briefly thinking of them, then quickly neutralized her expression.

She couldn’t help it. The dynamic between oblivious Viola and admiring Tervan differed notably from her awkward relationship with Tervan, both aware of their feelings.

“I see. What about you and Lord Hestein?”

“Edward and me?”

Ryan’s persistent questions about Edward seemed odd.

His interest made her wonder about Creon’s earlier suggestion regarding Ryan’s feelings.

Rachel frowned while studying Ryan, then considered her relationship with Edward.

To her, Edward represented an invaluable benefactor who uniquely supported her growth.

Without him, exhaustion from endless regression might have defeated her.

“He’s trustworthy. Edward truly is. Among everyone, I trust Edward most. Does that answer you?”

“…”

Ryan fell silent at Rachel’s response, his expression hardening.

She recognized how others might misinterpret her answer but, enjoying Ryan’s silence, chose not to clarify.

Rachel ignored him and walked faster.

Walking without magic took longer than expected.

She regretted not taking a carriage with servants to the Magic Tower, despite the hassle.

Finally, Ryan spoke again.

“Does Lord Hestein feel the same?”