Ania gazed at the carriage, moving away outside the window for a while.

When it was no longer visible, she took a deep breath and looked down at the small garden below the mansion.

The garden, once filled with various colors of flowers, was now illuminated in a golden yellow hue.

It was because, in the winter, when the other flowers withered and returned to the ground, only the goldenglows remained.
Despite the weather, they continued to bloom brightly.

Goldenglows were flowers that bloomed steadfastly regardless of the weather.

Ania liked that about them.
Looking at the unwavering garden always brought a sense of tranquility to her heart.

However, even while gazing at her favorite flowers, Ania’s heart sank into complexity.

‘I apologize for yesterday.’

What was he apologizing for?
Since she was the one who didn’t want to meet him, she couldn’t understand the reason for the apology.

Was it an apology for not answering?
Or an apology for being ignored?

In any case, it was not a warm expression.
Ultimately, it meant that his affection for Ania’s affection had faded.

Ania felt her body trembling with the sensation of sinking deep into dark water.
No, it wasn’t just a feeling; it was a reality.
Her lower abdomen was tingling, and her waist was tensing up.

‘My body’s condition is worse than I thought…’

Why does it always hurt so much every month?

If I become more sensitive while I feel down… I might end up getting angry with Edward again.

In that case, Edward would probably hate me even more.

Despite the pain in her body, Ania found it amusing that she, who was concerned about such things first, laughed.
Even though she made a promise not to be betrayed this time, not to give her heart first, thoughts of that man had gradually filled her mind.

Even though she made such resolutions, she constantly sought affection from him to the point of absurdity.

However, even if she fell apart like this, Ania didn’t want to let go of Edward.

She would gather the pieces her overflowing emotions pushed away.

***

“With this, let’s conclude the demonstration.”

The vast circular arena was filled with the pungent smell of gunpowder, and the firearm demonstration event ended successfully.

The crown prince clapped approvingly on the podium on the stage.
There were no accidents.

Of course, the nobles’, who emphasized the sword’s sanctity and legitimacy, were irritated.

However, the era of firearms was coming.

Currently, the musket took a whole minute to load and fire, making it seem like an unimpressive weapon.
However, someday, this weapon will change the course of this world.

In that regard, the crown prince was undoubtedly ahead of his time.

‘I wish I could create ties with the crown prince…’

The contents of the novel came to mind in a faint memory.

If it serves me right, he will undoubtedly ascend to Emperor someday.
Unfortunately, at the moment, I have no legitimate reason to get close to him.

As the son of a failing earl, Edward Radner, even mixing words with the crown prince, a figure as distant as the sky, would be impossible.
I glanced at the crowd leaving the venue and subtly spoke to the attendant sitting next to me.

“Now, shall we start heading back?”
“I’ll have the carriage ready.”

The attendant nodded, immediately stood up, and blended into the crowd leaving the venue.

The evening was approaching.
When I returned to the mansion, it would likely be sunset.
In that case, I should have dinner.
At the mansion’s dining room…

Would Ania refuse to join me for dinner again today?
I had apologized, but her anger probably hadn’t subsided.

However, I couldn’t continue like this indefinitely.
The fate of the Radner family was essentially tied to Ania’s feelings.
In the end, it meant that, somehow, I had to bend things in my favor.

“Phew…”

A low, melodious voice reached me from the right as I sighed deeply.
I turned my head in surprise, and there stood an unexpected figure.

“Is there something on your mind?”

A young man with golden hair, a clear sign of noble lineage, spoke to me.

“If it’s alright with you, I might be able to help with your concerns.”

He was Eldrigan Lionheart, the crown prince of the Empire.

***

“I’ve been wanting to meet you.”

As Eldrigan walked through the palace corridors, he expressed his desire to meet me.

“Me… are you referring to me?”
“Yes, Edward Radner. I’m talking about you.”

I wanted to ask why he wanted to meet me, but it was against the etiquette of nobility to inquire about such matters.

I kept my curiosity to myself and silently followed Eldrigan.

Soon, Eldrigan reached a door where the butler and maids were waiting.
They greeted Eldrigan with a bow and opened the door smoothly.

“Come in.”

It wasn’t his office but a guest room prepared for receiving visitors.
However, it was so splendid that one could easily mistake it for an office.

Amid tension that almost took my breath away, I recalled proper etiquette.
I must not look directly at the noble’s face, express gratitude for every action, and, most importantly, never sit before the noble takes his seat.

As I entered the guest room and stood in front of the chair, Eldrigan smiled.

“Haha, as they say, you truly are a well-mannered person. Feel free to sit comfortably. No need for formalities in front of me.”

Although I thought it was just a courteous remark, Eldrigan casually crossed one leg and comfortably took his seat as soon as the door closed.

“I appreciate your direct invitation. It is an honor beyond words.”
“No need to be so formal. I just wanted to have a conversation with you.”

He chuckled.

“Opening up about concerns is not easy. It can be burdensome. So, let me ask first. How… enjoyable is married life?”

When I reacted with a slightly surprised expression, Eldrigan laughed heartily.

“Ahaha. Doesn’t seem too enjoyable, huh?”
“…”
“Marrying the woman known as the most beautiful in the Empire isn’t bringing much joy… You’re quite the ambitious man.”
“No, Your Highness. It is enjoyable.”
“I was joking.”

He laughed as if he found it amusing and sipped his red tea.

“I understand well enough. Ania seems like a tiresome one.”
“You seem to know my wife well.”
“Yes. She was quite a beloved younger sister. I was quite surprised when she said she wanted to marry with her volition.”
“Did My Lady… say it herself?”
“Seems like you’re hearing it for the first time.”

He chuckled with an intrigued tone.

“Didn’t Ania tell you?”
“… She did not.”
“Truly an unchanging child.”

The crown prince rose from his seat, approached the window, and looked outside.
The once-lit guest room was tinged with crimson as the evening festivities unfolded.

“That child rarely expresses what’s inside. She always expects those around her to accommodate, thinking it’s only natural.”

I listened silently, unsure of how to respond.

“That might make you feel a bit frustrated and annoyed. Isn’t that right?”
“She is an extraordinary person.”
“Even if you say that, Edward, your expression shows how you feel. You’re probably going through some trouble because of her.”

I conceded to Eldrigan’s straightforward remarks.

“Your Highness is correct.”
“Haha. Still, take good care of her. Although Ania may seem naive, she must have done much to get your marriage approved.”

As Eldrigan chuckled, the door to the reception room swung open wide.

“Now, it’s time to head back. Ania must be waiting for you.”
“Yes… I will keep your words in mind.”

Following his escort, I stepped out of the room.

Strolling with the attendants by my side, Eldrigan turned abruptly toward me.

“Edward!”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I wanted to tell you something but seem to have forgotten.”

With an enigmatic smile, Eldrigan spoke.

“It’s important for couples to have many conversations. Since feelings are only known if you express them.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
“Then be careful heading in. Let’s meet again when the opportunity arises.”

Bow in respect, I watched as Eldrigan walked away.

‘Since feelings are only known if you express them…’

Engraving his words in my mind, I boarded the carriage returning to the mansion.
The sky had darkened without me realizing it.