"The snow has really piled up."

The 1st Princess, Michelle Loire, smiled, delighted by the unexpected gift from the winter sky. What began as light flurries of the season's first snow had quickly transformed into a heavy snowfall, blanketing the capital in white. Even the once gray sky now seemed to reflect the brilliance of the snow it had poured down, creating a peaceful, post-storm stillness across the kingdom. Five days had passed since the incident at the Magic Tower, and the kingdom was basking in the calm after the storm.

"The first snow came rather late this year, didn't it?"

Michelle glanced over at a woman standing nearby, her face half-covered by a mask. With a calming smile, Marion nodded in agreement.

"Yes, usually the first snow falls by the end of November."

"It’s been bitterly cold, biting at the skin, but the snow only began falling now."

Michelle pulled the blanket around her shoulders a bit tighter. Small birds flitted to and from the terrace railing. Looking up at Marion, Michelle noticed that despite the chilly weather, her lady-in-waiting wore nothing more than her standard attire.

"You should take care not to catch a cold. I worry about you, wearing only that uniform in such cold weather."

"I appreciate Your Highness' concern," Marion responded with a polite nod.

Michelle thought to herself that, by now, they could at least relax a little more around each other. Her lady-in-waiting was always so formal. Deciding to ease the atmosphere, Michelle offered Marion a seat next to her.

"Sit down. I’ve got some time to spare, so why not keep me company for a while?"

"...It would be an honor, Your Highness," Marion replied hesitantly, placing the teapot down before awkwardly taking a seat beside the princess. While she appreciated Michelle's kindness, the grandeur of the royal palace still felt overwhelming to her.

"Am I that intimidating?" Michelle asked with a playful smirk. Marion, startled, quickly shook her head.

"N-No, not at all, Your Highness! It's just that I’m still adjusting. I’m not yet accustomed to all of this."

Michelle had realized some time ago that Marion was, in her own way, amusing to tease. At first, having a lady-in-waiting sent by Count Agon had felt burdensome, even worrisome. But now, she viewed Marion as a treasured companion. Whatever political intentions came with the knights who had accompanied Marion, those were matters for another time.

"When will you ever get used to it, I wonder? I told you days ago that you could be a little more at ease around me, but you still seem just as stiff as the day you first arrived at the palace."

"My apologies, Your Highness..."

Watching Marion's eyes flicker in confusion whenever she didn't know how to respond was one of the few pleasures Michelle had in these quiet moments. But sensing that any more teasing might make her cry, the princess decided to stop.

"Alright, alright, I’m sorry for teasing you. But do take my words to heart. You don't have to be so formal with me all the time."

Marion nodded, her face turning red, as she murmured her agreement. The fondness in Michelle’s gaze resembled that of an older sister looking out for her younger sibling. Whether Marion noticed this or not, she remained flustered, replying with a quiet “Yes,” as Michelle’s eyes drifted back out toward the window.

"I don't know what Count Agon asked you to do, but right now, whatever task he had for you doesn’t concern us."

Count Agon’s purpose was to align himself with her father, the king, in order to counter the influence of the powerful Duke of Bening, who supported her half-brother, the second prince. But Michelle had little interest in the bloody political battlefield that awaited them.

Yet, if her younger brother, Louis, were to spill blood, Michelle would willingly step into the fray herself, even if it meant entering a war of ghosts and demons.

"I..."

Marion spoke up then, her voice firm for the first time. Michelle, intrigued, turned her full attention to her. Gone was the timid expression, replaced by one of quiet strength.

"I was not sent here by Count Agon," Marion declared.

"Then?"

Marion’s eyes remained on Michelle, though her thoughts seemed far away, as if she were recalling something deeply personal.

"I came here to help someone important to me."

"That's new. Why tell me this now?"

Michelle, now fully engaged in the conversation, sat up straighter, her earlier boredom forgotten.

"Why reveal this to me?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

"Because I serve you now, Your Highness. As your lady-in-waiting, I believe it is only right to be honest with the one I serve."

Michelle chuckled at Marion’s words. "I don't know who taught you to speak so eloquently, but you’ve become quite skilled."

Marion Borden—Michelle had taken a liking to her, but she knew little about her. Why had the daughter of Emil Borden, one of her political enemies, ended up as her lady-in-waiting? And why had Count Agon sent her? Michelle didn’t have all the answers yet.

"Who is this person you wish to help?" Michelle asked gently.

"There is someone who once helped me, someone I will spend the rest of my life with."

"The ring you wear—is it theirs?"

Marion softly touched the blue ring on her finger and nodded. Michelle watched her quietly before asking more questions, her curiosity growing.

"Is it worth turning against your family and facing the Duke of Bening?"

"My family was never on my side to begin with. I never considered them as such, and I never will."

"Even if it means walking a path soaked in blood?"

"It doesn’t matter, whether it’s drenched in blood or consumed by fire," Marion said, her voice steady and resolute.

Michelle smiled, pleased by her response. Perhaps Marion was too precious to keep as just a lady-in-waiting.

"I hope we get more chances to talk like this."

Their brief moment of peace would soon be over, Michelle knew. The palace would once again be engulfed in turmoil before long. The new year was approaching, and with it, the royal martial tournament. Would it be a celebration, or would it devolve into yet another battlefield? Michelle closed her eyes, musing on the possibilities.

"So, you’re leaving early to see your fiancé today?" Michelle said with a teasing smile.

Marion, having reverted to her usual shy demeanor, nodded sheepishly, her earlier boldness completely gone. Michelle chuckled at the sudden shift.

"There’s no need to be embarrassed. I’ll let you go early today, so you can spend more time with your beloved."

Marion’s face turned even redder as she bowed deeply.

"T-Thank you, Your Highness."

Michelle’s playful thoughts returned as she watched Marion’s bashful expression. Maybe it’s too fun teasing her to let her go just yet.

==

It was an unexpected encounter.

Marion, having finished her duties early, hurried through the snow-covered streets, a smile on her face. She was eager to visit Maxime, who was still recovering in the hospital. Until now, the limited visiting hours had left her unsatisfied with their brief conversations. But today, she hoped they could talk for longer. Maybe she could even surprise him by arriving early.

As she approached the familiar building, Marion’s heart quickened, and her steps grew faster, leaving small, neat footprints in the snow behind her. Warm breaths escaped from her scarf, forming little clouds in the chilly air.

"Third floor..."

She whispered to herself, recalling Maxime’s room number. Entering the building, the scent of disinfectant greeted her as she rushed toward the stairs, eager to reach him. She reached the third floor, her footsteps slowing as she realized how loudly she had been moving. The ward was quiet, as usual, and she adjusted her pace, moving more cautiously down the hall.

"Room 310..."

Marion stood in front of Maxime’s room, where he had been given a large private space, courtesy of the knights. It should have been quiet, as he was supposed to be alone. But as Marion approached, she heard the sound of a man and woman laughing softly.

"Senior, you always say things like that..."

"You always think that way..."

The light in Marion’s bright blue eyes faded instantly. She instinctively drew closer to the door, listening to the voices inside. Just as she leaned in, she heard someone approaching the door from the other side. Marion clenched her fists and stepped back.

"Well then, I’ll be going now."

"Yeah, take care. Be careful, it’s slippery out there with all the snow."

Maxime’s voice carried a hint of warmth, and Marion’s clenched fists turned even paler. Her white knuckles looked as if they would soon match the snow outside. The footsteps grew closer, until—

Screech!

The door slid open. Marion heard a sharp intake of breath, as if the person who emerged had been startled. She looked up to see a woman with golden hair and green eyes. Although they had never met before, Marion recognized her immediately. This was Christine Watson, the junior knight Maxime had mentioned. The woman he had rescued. The woman who knew that Maxime was, in fact, Arsen Bern.

"Oh... hello," Christine stammered, her voice filled with surprise and tension. It seemed far too nervous for what should have been a simple hospital visit. Marion didn’t reply immediately. She only stared at Christine with dull, lifeless eyes.

Christine felt her skin prickle under Marion’s cold, unwavering gaze. Just as Marion recognized her, Christine also knew who this masked woman was: Maxime’s fiancée, Marion Borden. And as if things couldn’t get worse, Christine’s mind flashed back to that impulsive moment in the snow when she had kissed Maxime.

Could there be a worse time for this encounter? Christine swallowed hard, feeling a deep sense of dread. She had to make sure Marion didn’t learn what had happened just an hour earlier.

"Hello," Marion finally spoke, her voice as cold as steel. The chill in her tone sent a shiver down Christine’s spine. Maxime had described Marion as shy and quiet, but there was nothing shy about her presence now.

"May I ask what brings you to Maxime’s room?" Marion inquired, her voice polite yet icy.

Christine forced a stiff smile, trying to maintain her composure. Stay calm. Act natural.

"I came to check on him... see how he’s doing. It’s just a routine visit."

Marion’s gaze shifted past Christine to the man lying in the bed. Maxime, who had been watching from the doorway, seemed frozen in place, his hand trembling slightly. Marion’s voice grew even colder.

"This is our first time meeting, isn’t it?"

Christine nodded awkwardly. "Yes, it is. I’m Christine Watson, Maxime’s junior."

There was no need for handshakes in this introduction. Marion simply nodded in acknowledgment.

"Nice to meet you. I’m Marion Borden, Maxime’s fiancée."

The word fiancée landed heavily, causing Christine’s expression to falter even more. Blood-soaked paths? Marion was realizing that her battlefield wasn’t confined to a single front. Meanwhile, Christine felt like she was crumbling under Marion’s sharp gaze, unable to even think about seeking Maxime’s help. She knew that would only make things worse.

"Have you been taking good care of him?" Marion asked.

"O-Of course," Christine stammered.

Deciding her presence was only making things worse, Christine quickly moved toward the door. But just as she was about to step through, Marion casually shifted her body, blocking the way. Marion tilted her head slightly, her blue eyes locking onto Christine’s.

"Please continue to take good care of him."

Marion’s lips curved into a smile, though only her mouth showed any sign of warmth. Her eyes remained cold, sending a shiver down Christine’s spine. In a shaky voice, Christine replied.

"S-Sure... I will."

Only then did Marion step aside, allowing Christine to leave. Christine hurried out without looking back, leaving Maxime to face the inevitable. He awkwardly shifted in bed, sitting up as Marion approached.

"You... came early," he muttered.

Idiot. That was all you could say? Maxime cursed himself, wishing he could rip his tongue out. But Marion’s face was as calm and serene as ever, her smile soft and warm—too warm. Maxime found himself shaking his head, trying to clear his thoughts.

"I missed you," Marion said sweetly as she sat down beside him. But the warmth in her smile felt terrifying.

"Y-Yeah... I missed you too," Maxime replied, guilt weighing down on him.

As Marion sat down, she sniffed the air slightly, as if catching a faint scent.

"What’s wrong?" Maxime asked, his voice filled with nervous energy.

"Hold on a moment."

Thud.

Maxime felt Marion’s light weight on top of him as she leaned in, her head resting against his chest. Her soft, black hair brushed against his face, and he could feel her warm breath against his skin.

Sniff, sniff.

Marion seemed to be smelling him, as though trying to catch a particular scent. Maxime’s heart raced, but he didn’t move to stop her. He didn’t push her away or pull her closer. He just sat there, frozen.

"Maxime," Marion murmured, lifting her head slightly to meet his gaze. Her expression was not cold, but there was a hint of dissatisfaction. Beneath the slight tilt of her mask, her blue eyes gleamed with a knowing look.

"Can I stay like this for a little while?"

Marion’s voice was soft, almost pleading, as she buried her face back into his chest. Maxime, feeling a pang of guilt and helplessness, simply sighed and began to gently stroke her ebony hair, offering silent comfort in the only way he knew how.