The knights and their attendants could not rest completely until their master fell asleep.
I assumed that the man in front of me had also searched for a secluded place to rest in peace.
“This is not really a good time for anyone to come here, and there are still many plants I would like to observe.”
“…Plants? I’m curious – what kind of plants are you observing?”
A perfect opportunity has presented itself.
In response to his puzzled question, I moved my foot slightly from its place on the ground, and a small flower appeared blooming in the crack of a rock covered with green grass.
This species is called evening primrose. If you pick it when it is in full bloom and chew it raw, it can neutralize mild toxins instantly. However, because it does not form clusters and only blooms at night, it is very rare to find.
Finally, I got an appropriate response from the man.
“You seem to have a good knowledge of medicinal herbs.”
Without responding, I just nodded.
Evening primrose roots were known for their skin care benefits, and Limia was always keen to obtain them.
Of course, I was responsible for collecting or purchasing them.
In fact, most of the herbal trade that passed through the Salt Palace required my approval, so it was strange that I didn't know about it.
“I won't stay long, so can you just let it go this time?”
This was a comforting place I found in the midst of a situation where I was constantly having to rack my brain – I couldn't give it up so easily.
Perhaps my pleas worked, as the man let out a light laugh before answering.
“...It's fine.”
“Oh, thank you!”
“The Grand Duke has brought with him something interesting.”
"…pardon?"
But he did not answer, and yet there was complete silence.
...In other words, the atmosphere became tense.
“Ahem.”
I glanced behind me.
I had been staring at the moon absently, but now I couldn't ignore the presence of the strong man behind me.
Even when he was completely still, he had an overpowering aura.
“The second characteristic of an introvert: the inability to tolerate awkward silence.”
In the end, I was the first to raise the white flag.
“…I should have a chat and head back.”
I straightened my skirt and stood up.
After spending such a long time abroad, I felt like I would be able to sleep well once I got back.
“I'm coming back now. You should come in too soon.”
“Why?”
“It looks like it's going to rain.”
“What makes you think that?”
His question, as if he really had no idea, made me point my finger at the sky.
“See? There is a halo surrounding the moon.”
A faint, milky-white ring surrounded the bright, round moon.
So, this world doesn't have that kind of general knowledge yet.
Whether he understood or not, I got up to leave, but at that very moment, his loud voice stopped me a little.
“That may be true, but do you know what this rain symbolizes?”
“Okay...”
I never expected to be asked this question here.
I thought about it, so I nodded.
“This heralds the beginning of a hurricane.”
“What makes you think that?”
“This...”
Before I left the park, I made a brief response.
“Given the season, it's easy to tell.”
* * *
Swoosh.
As I expected, heavy rain began to fall that night as a bad omen – just as the storm was about to hit my life.
The next morning, after a sleepless night, I dragged my exhausted body outside and was greeted by the sight of the Grand Duke waiting at the door, looking as calm as ever.
“The Crown Prince has proposed a tea session in appreciation of your efforts regarding the Empress.”
“Do I really have to do this?”
“You should come.”
"…concept."
So, after eating a breakfast I could barely stomach, I was dragged into the arranged meeting.
“It's raining hard.”
Sitting there was the same man I met last night.
Or rather – Raiden has two kidneys.
“This must be a joke.”
I've lost count of the number of times I've denied reality at this point.
In fact, it was so dark last night that I couldn't see the man's face clearly. But…
His shadow, his voice, his overwhelming presence in the quiet garden – and most of all, my instincts.
After putting everything together, there was no doubt.
The Crown Prince in front of me was the same man I met last night.
This means…
“I spent last night alone with the Crown Prince of Kletan in the park...”
I could barely contain my inner scream.
This was not the only problem that was worrying me.
“That may be true, but do you know what this rain symbolizes?”
“This heralds the beginning of a hurricane.”
“What makes you think that?”
“This...”
“Given the season, it's easy to tell.”
Thinking about it, his repeated questioning was suspicious.
Was that… a test?
The fact that I gave such a convincing answer only made matters worse.
Am I not at risk of being imprisoned and exploited again?!
Also, if he was the Crown Prince, he should have said it outright! Why does he hide it?
As a silent storm of panic raged inside me, I did my best to maintain a calm façade.
Why?
“If I admit it, I'll be involved in something.”
In such situations, the best approach was to feign ignorance.
All these thoughts came to my mind in less than a minute.
I kept my pace, followed the Grand Duke, formally saluted the Crown Prince, and then subtly positioned myself outside his direct line of sight.
Fortunately, I wasn't alone – there were other guests too.
While the Crown Prince nodded in acknowledgment, the Grand Duke took the initiative, and everyone gradually sat down in their seats.
“I heard it from my mother.”
The moment he spoke, all eyes turned to him.
Despite his casual stance – with one leg crossed over the other – he exuded an aura of dominance that seemed completely natural.
And the reason?
“…Oh my God, he’s so handsome.”
Golden hair that shines like molten sunlight, and eyes that sparkle like polished gold.
His skin was as pure as white jade, and whenever a slight smile crossed his lips, it left an unforgettable impression.
Is this… the man infatuated with the hero?
I had heard countless stories praising its beauty, but seeing it in person was a completely different experience.
But after reading the original novel, I knew better not to be fooled by his stunning appearance.
Readers gave him a very appropriate nickname.
“A den for the mentally ill.”
As if waiting for everyone's attention, the Crown Prince smiled wryly before finally speaking.
“I didn't know the Grand Duke was doing such interesting things.”
Was he referring to comic books?
Before I could decipher his cryptic words, he spread his arms in an exaggerated manner.
“Since these are the guests of the Grand Duke, it is only right that I make time to meet them.”
“We appreciate your hospitality,” the Grand Duke replied in a polite but devoid of warmth.
“Are they really not close?”
I glanced at the Grand Duke's features and felt another wave of worry. His green eyes were cold as ice.
He was usually a reserved person, but now, his gaze held an unsettling emptiness.
“Of course, he won't be in a good mood.”
From the novel, I knew that Crown Prince Raiden and Grand Duke Blair were fierce contenders for the throne.
Although they shared blood, they were more enemies than family.
It is also not explicitly stated in the novel whether the Grand Duke inherited his title voluntarily or not.
In other words, I had no idea what emotions he was hiding at that moment.
But one thing was certain – he was not pleased at all.
Anyway, the Crown Prince let out a light laugh and smoothly changed the topic.
“Oh, I recently acquired a new type of tea from outside the continent. It has a very wonderful flavour.”
At his signal, the maids began pouring tea into delicate white porcelain cups, filling the air with a pleasant aroma.
I intended to let the Grand Duke direct the conversation while I quietly enjoyed my tea.
But then—
“There you are, miss. What's your name?”
As my lips were about to touch the tea cup, the Crown Prince addressed me directly.