Chapter 77

The gaze directed at me was dim and heavy, as if entangling me.

I couldn't help but hold my breath, feeling a chill run down my back, but I couldn't look away from Princess Camilla.

"...Alicia Bloom. What makes you different from me? You can get what you want, but why do I get scolded? Is it because you met Einhardt first? Isn't that kind of 'first come, first served' unfair?"

I couldn't pretend not to notice the jealousy lurking in her calm words. This must be Princess Camilla's true feelings.

Next to me, I could feel Noah's anger deepening.

I placed my hand on his arm around my waist and squeezed it tightly, trying to convey that I was okay.

"I am with him because I like him and want to be with him. It's not like I want to keep him by my side like Princess Camilla."

This way of speaking wouldn't get through to Princess Camilla. She furrowed her brow and tilted her head in confusion.

I didn't know how much it would resonate, but I thought I had to say it.

"You say it's unfair because it's first come, first served... But what if he was already engaged to someone else before you met him? No matter how much I wanted him, I wouldn't tell him or try to break them up."

"Even if you wanted Einhardt so much?"

"Yes, no matter how much I wanted him and longed for him. I couldn't destroy the happiness he shares with the one he loves. I want him to be happy because I like him."

Noah's arm around my waist tightened.

When I looked up, I met the gaze of the evening star. I smiled back at his gentle smile, and my tense body began to relax.

"He is not an ornament. Just because you like him, does that mean you can keep him by your side? Does he have a say in that?"

"Because... if he were by my side, he could live a luxurious life, do what he likes, and be happy, right?"

"Did he ask for that?"

Princess Camilla fell silent at my question.

Her gaze slowly shifted to Noah, then to me, and finally to the Second Prince. She looked more uncertain and confused than before.

"You will reflect on your actions at the palace. That is all that is allowed to you."

The Second Prince's cold voice was absorbed into the dim sky.

The soldiers responded to his words, surrounding and leading Princess Camilla away. She didn't resist, only glancing at Noah and me once before leaving.

As her figure disappeared into the palace, a small sigh escaped from someone. I realized I had been holding my breath and let it out deeply. Noah's hand, which was around my waist and shoulder, gently patted my shoulder in comfort.

"Einhardt, and his fiancée. I am Jade Trin Anheim. First, I apologize on behalf of the country—my foolish sister has caused you trouble. And to Sieg, I am sorry."

Prince Jade bowed to us, then turned to Prince Sieg.

I didn't know how to respond to a prince bowing to a commoner, so I remained silent.

"Camilla will be confined?"

"There is no other choice. She cannot leave the country, and no family will take her as a wife. We have raised her to be a disaster, so we must take responsibility. My brother and I, who turned a blind eye to her being spoiled by her parents, are also to blame. The palace is small, and the quality of life will have to be reduced. Dismissing all her sycophants and replacing them will be a punishment for Camilla."

"For how long?"

"Until she completes all the studies she has neglected and changes her mindset—whenever that may be."

Hearing about Princess Camilla's punishment, I thought it would be a difficult life for her, who had always been surrounded by what she liked and did as she pleased.

As I was thinking this, Johan approached us.

"Thank you earlier. Thanks to you, we managed to reach the main gate before the prince arrived."

Johan smiled as he always did in the library, and I felt my tension ease.

"You are Prince Jade's subordinate?"

"Yes. I was supposed to keep an eye on Camilla to make sure she didn't cause trouble, but that was impossible. After reporting the situation to the country, both Prince Jade and our Crown Prince became busy. They had to negotiate with Montbrowe to cancel the marriage and secure support, and convince the king and queen. It took a while to get here, so I apologize for the inconvenience."

"Really. It would have been better if you had brought her back earlier."

"For that, I can only apologize."

Johan bowed repeatedly at Noah's sharp words. I couldn't help but chuckle at his apologetic demeanor, and I suddenly felt very tired.

But now, everything was finally over.

I no longer had to be on guard, and Noah wouldn't have to suffer. I could return to work and resume my normal life.

I looked up, and Noah's eyes softened when he noticed my gaze.

Noah always watched over me like this. When I was anxious or felt lonely at night, he tried to ease my worries.

My heart ached with love.

"You must be tired. Alicia should go home."

"But..."

"Hey, Alicia! The carriage is here!"

My words were cut off by Lars's energetic voice.

Right, I had asked Mark to pick me up. I had requested the back gate, but he couldn't get close because of the commotion. He must be worried.

"I'll see you to the carriage. I need to explain to Mark."

"Thank you."

"Alicia, thank you for your hospitality. I might come to read books again, so please take care of me then."

Johan smiled and saw us off.

Right, Johan is going back to his country. But I thought he might really come to the library, so I laughed.

"Yes, please come anytime. Goodbye, Johan. Take care."

As Lars opened the back gate, I could see the carriage parked a distance away. Even from afar, I could see Mark's relieved expression on the driver's seat.

"...It was long, but it's finally over."

"Yes. Noah, you really worked hard."

"Yeah, you too. ...Alicia, thank you."

Noah's soft voice melted into the night air.

When I looked up at him, he was looking at me with a gentle smile. His gaze made my heart ache and tighten.

He didn't seem to want to answer my question.

I was happy to see him smiling so contentedly, so I didn't press him further. It felt right this way.