Chapter 3

It's a beautiful day.

The deep blue sky is without a single cloud, and the white of the clouds floating here and there is vivid. The sunlight shines gently and warmly, illuminating the garden softly.

The garden, meticulously tended by the gardeners, is as beautiful as the name of the Baygrante Marquess family. Each flower is lovely, and every leaf is fresh to the very tips. The exquisitely placed elegant objects blend seamlessly with the plants, enhancing their beauty.

"Every time I'm invited to a tea party, I think how wonderful the garden of the Baygrante Manor is."

In her favorite salon, where she can best enjoy the pride of the garden, Eliza sighed in admiration at the greenery visible through the large, open windows. Alphina smiled warmly in response.

"The gardeners will be delighted. Thank you."

She signaled the nearby maid to prepare the tea and returned her smile to her best friend, who was seated opposite her.

"I heard you've been very busy lately, but I'm relieved to see you looking well."

"Haha, my only strength is my stamina."

Eliza's attire was as lovely as ever today.

The simple dress suited her active nature, and upon closer inspection, the quality of the fabric was evident. It was probably the new material from the neighboring country that had recently entered this country. While other young ladies would have adorned themselves extravagantly, Eliza's ability to incorporate it subtly and wear it gracefully was quintessentially her.

Her hair accessories, necklaces, and bracelets were all small, but a closer look revealed intricate and beautiful craftsmanship. Only those without discerning eyes would find them plain, and that was why she ignored them. Her straightforwardness was also admirable.

"Fools I despise. I also despise those who cannot use their power properly."

Eliza, who said this with a smile, was the admiration, goal, and pride of Alphina, who had given up her freedom to live as a marquess's daughter. When she first saw Eliza at the tea party held to choose the Duke Prince's fiancée four years ago, Alphina deeply wished she had spoken to her, following her intuition.

Eliza, savoring a sip of tea—she had procured this year's new tea from the Solvene region for her, a tea connoisseur—seemed to enjoy it. She placed the cup down and smiled.

"I'm glad to see you looking well, Lady Alphina. They say love makes a maiden beautiful, and it's true."

Alphina, receiving her pure joy without any malice, couldn't stop her cheeks from warming. She hurriedly covered her mouth with a fan.

"P-please don't tease me."

"Hahaha, I'm so glad you're happy."

"Oh, Eliza, you..."

Behind the fan, the breath she let out was, to her own awareness, embarrassingly sweet. Alphina touched her left hand, which held the fan, and—out of even more embarrassment—covered her forehead as well.

To be honest, she had never imagined this would happen when she was shown around the garden by the Duke's family.

She had immediately noticed Prince Julius's affection, but it felt more like admiration for an older woman, which she found endearing and charming. The fact that their heights were not much different might have influenced this.

However, a few days later, when the prince sent her sweets and, following Eliza's advice, invited Prince Julius to a tea party,

"I have admired you, Miss Baygrante, ever since I first saw you four years ago."

He confessed, his face red, but without averting his eyes, looking straight at her.

A person skilled in social interactions would have pressed on while Alphina was flustered. But Prince Julius did not force his feelings, saying he wanted to be friends first... even if their love did not come to fruition, he wanted to maintain their friendship. With a gaze that was strong yet gentle, and words that were considerate, how could anyone's heart remain unmoved?

Not only at the tea parties at the marquess's house, but also in the library, at the theater, and in the park, their interactions were incredibly peaceful. Alphina often wondered if he truly had romantic feelings for her, given his gentlemanly behavior.

Thus, Alphina began to search for his true intentions in his profile, gaze, and the way he escorted her.

With each meeting, the tension in his smile towards Alphina gradually eased, becoming softer. Every time Alphina was happy or moved, his eyes would shine with joy.

It didn't take long to realize he was truly in love.

And with each meeting, his growing height, the size of his hands, and the thickness of his arms made her realize he was no longer a child but a man in the making.

The feeling of admiration had long vanished. After all, the prince was a fine gentleman, a man who sincerely loved her.

By the time she realized this, it was already an inescapable destiny.

Days passed, filled with the gentle manipulation of her feelings, and three months later.

Five days ago, Alphina gave Prince Julius a handkerchief she had embroidered. She received a beautiful ribbon in return. When he said—

"Thank you, Miss Baygrante. I will treasure it forever."

—and kissed the handkerchief, in that moment,

(—No!)

She found herself grabbing his sleeve with her fingertips.

She realized she was jealous of the handkerchief.

A heat like being under the midsummer sun coursed through her body, leaving her helpless.

She could only cover her face with both hands.

"Miss Baygrante..."

Encouraged by his gentle voice, she looked up through her fingers to see Prince Julius, his face, ears, and neck all red.

Ah, he's still as adorable, she thought, relieved.

Ah, my face must be the same color, she thought, feeling both happy and embarrassed.

"I... I..."

The prince took a step closer, extending his hand.

His hand, hardened in places from sword training, looked strong and reliable, making her heart race uncontrollably.

"Miss Baygrante, I... I love you. I will love you for the rest of my life. Will you accept my heart?"

There was no reason to reject him, not in the entire world.

"If you call me Alphina...,"

She removed her hands from her face and looked up to see Prince Julius, still red-faced, with slightly teary eyes.

"Alphina... Please, call me Julius, not 'Your Highness.'"

"Yes... Julius."

Prince Julius shed a large tear, but quickly wiped it away and took Alphina's right hand.

"I will certainly obtain the permission of your father and the Marquess Baygrante. Please wait for me."

The first kiss on the back of her hand was incredibly gentle and warm, giving Alphina the utmost happiness she had ever experienced. It was the moment when all the cold and painful memories from the Duke's family melted away from her heart.

To cut to the chase, that night, a proposal of engagement from the royal family arrived. Her father, mother, brother, sister, and all the servants cried with joy, as if a festival had begun.

Of course, whether it was appropriate to say so or not, a response was sent that night, and the engagement was formalized the next day. As the person involved, she felt a mix of joy and hesitation.

That said.

The main topic of today's tea party was precisely this matter. It couldn't be avoided.

Alphina, still hiding behind her fan, took a small deep breath—still lacking the courage, she only revealed her eyes.

"I invited you today, Lady Eliza, because I wanted to report to you first, as you have always been there to listen to me..."

Looking across from the edge of the fan, Eliza was beaming, her face clearly saying, "I understand."

—In fact, she probably understood what Alphina was about to say. Even though it hadn't been made public, the correct response would have been to pretend not to know.

This would never happen in a professional setting; she wouldn't let her true feelings be read. But because Alphina recognized her as a friend, and because she judged that only trustworthy people were in the room, her facial muscles relaxed.

She was genuinely happy. But at the same time, she felt a slight resentment and frustration—inevitably, or perhaps naturally.

After all, she could see 'that man's' smile behind Eliza! She wanted to be the one to tell her first, but she had to be the one to tell her first!

She exhaled, letting go of her frustration, and placed a ladylike smile on her lips. Lowering her fan,

"Recently, my engagement to Prince Julius has been finalized. We will marry after His Highness comes of age."

"Oh! Congratulations, Lady Alphina!"

"Thank you. I have always been grateful for your support, especially during my engagement to the Duke of Allheigh's son. I am deeply thankful for all the advice you have given me."

"Hahaha, you're being too formal. A close friend's problems are also my major concerns. It's only natural to help solve them."

"Oh, what a strong statement. I can't let you down."

She smiled back at Eliza, who was smiling.

"I've heard that you and Duke have become quite close. I would love to hear more about it."

"......"

"......"

"......"

"......"

"......"

"Have you already heard about my engagement to Prince Julius from Duke?"

"Ugh..."

Eliza's smile collapsed.

Though she was expressive, this was the first time Alphina had seen her frown so deeply, as if it would leave a mark on her forehead. She even groaned and clutched her head, causing Alphina to grip her closed fan tightly.

(You seem to be in a more serious predicament than I thought. ...That scheming Duke.)

What came to mind was the outrageous act three months ago.

After the pain from the engagement cancellation had subsided, thanks to the beautiful garden and Prince Julius, Alphina returned to her room with a calm heart. What she saw was Duke Prince kneeling before Eliza, holding her hand, and Eliza looking confused.

There was only one conclusion.

(To try to seduce my dear friend, whom I barely knew! How indecent!)

Her calmness instantly vanished, replaced by anger and frustration. When she interrupted their conversation, Duke Prince tried to explain, but his eyes were completely indecent! There was no doubt about it! She was confident!

Eliza, who forgave Alphina's suspicions with a heart as vast and deep as the sea, had just become even more deeply and sincerely fond of her. To try to seduce her so casually, without even knowing her well, was unforgivable!

Breathing heavily, but not showing any of it on the surface, she returned to Eliza's side and subtly guided the conversation. When Duke Prince was easily led, it was even more infuriating! Was he heartless? Was he completely captivated? What happened to his usual shrewdness? She knew Eliza was a wonderful woman, but still!

As a marquess's daughter, and due to their cousins' engagement, her interactions with the royal family were more frequent than other nobles. She knew very well that Duke Prince was not the person he appeared to be or was rumored to be.

He was a scheming man who always had plans behind his gentle smile. She couldn't let him take away Eliza's freedom!

So, Alphina guided the conversation, making Eliza praise her guard and show her trust, subtly warning Duke Prince, "Don't think you can seduce her easily."

He was undoubtedly jealous, as Alphina could tell from his expression, attitude, and aura. She was certain of it.

But,

(Now, I can't deny that I overdid it...)

Duke Prince was surely aware of his jealousy. What should have followed was predictable.

She remembered Prince Julius's tired face when he said, "I wish my brother would let me go."

Yes, Duke Vinsdam Prince was a personification of possessiveness.

Moreover, he loved intrigue more than anything. Once he realized Eliza was special to him, he would act immediately. He would work behind the scenes. By now, Eliza's defenses were probably almost completely breached.

(I should have cleared up the misunderstanding then. It was my mistake.)

With a sigh, Alphina's eyes moved to the sofa set in the room.

A person, not too close but not too far, eating a cookie, noticed her gaze and smiled.

This person, with long red hair tied simply at the back of her neck, was Eliza's guard and the teacher of self-defense. She was also the one Alphina had tricked into making Duke Prince jealous.

The familiar 'her' swallowed the cookie with tea and spoke casually.

"Lady Alphina, you don't need to worry. It's just that our lady was careless."

Eliza jumped up, angry.

"Careless...! That's terrible, Lotte!"

In response, Lotte laughed brightly.

"Careless is careless. She kept missing the chance to say no while hesitating to offend the prince."

"Ugh..."

"Whether he's a commoner or a prince, a lecher can be toyed with easily. Her sense of duty is admirable, but she needs to know when to let it go."

"Ugh..."

"Especially with that type, once you show a weakness, it's over. She's been played with all sorts of tricks. Her experience in manipulation is far superior. It's actually fun to watch."

"Stop treating it like it's not your problem! If... if I become a princess, what will you do? You can't be a guard if you're a commoner. You'll lose your job!"

"Don't worry, Lady Sophia will hire me."

"You betrayed me, sister-in-law!"

"And I have Lord Kylas's permission."

"You're a jerk, brother! You don't care about protecting your little sister?!"

Alphina, looking at Eliza's head, which had fallen onto the table, remembered a fact and smiled wryly.

"I remember you once said your ideal man should be as intelligent as Lord Kylas."

It was Lotte, not Eliza, who nodded.

"He still is. I think being a 'big brother lover' is a lifelong condition."

"How many times do I have to say I'm not a 'big brother lover'?"

"Your lack of self-awareness is also a lifelong condition."

Lotte, easily dodging Eliza's outburst, smiled at Alphina. Her usual nonchalant gaze carried a clear intention.

Alphina received it and smiled back, gently waving her fan as she thought.

(Could it be that you're not entirely averse to Duke? You seem to prefer strong-willed men.)

Eliza's ideal man was rational, intelligent, quick to make decisions, and a skilled strategist. The only men in her circle who met all these criteria were her brother, Kylas, and her father, the Earl of Scozward.

However, indeed. Ignoring status, Duke Prince was right in the middle of Eliza's ideal. The various character flaws were, for Eliza, merely 'considerations.'

(As a future princess, an earl's status might be a bit lacking, but the fact that the Scozward family is one of the wealthiest in the country is significant.)

The current Earl of Scozward is a capable man, but it is a well-known fact that the next earl, Kylas, is even more capable. Many nobles would want to ally with Kylas.

Thus, the influence of her family is significant, and it is unlikely that her status would be a hindrance.

(Then, ... Oh? Could it be that an engagement between Eliza and Duke wouldn't be a bad thing?)

Of course, there are things to confirm.

First, Eliza's resolve.

Becoming Duke Prince's partner means becoming the Crown Princess and, eventually, the Queen. The biggest obstacle is whether she has the resolve to sit on that throne.

(I should listen to Eliza's feelings