The sky in June was more refreshing than usual.

The blazing sunlight and hot daytime temperatures. People in light clothing, the movement of fans quickening more than usual. On the other hand, footsteps became leisurely as many people came out for walks on the streets.

‘Should I go for a walk in the park too?’

Just sitting in the shade of trees and looking at the lake would be restful. If I packed some delicious food and went on a picnic, my mood would improve even more.

‘I should ask Mr. Eamon for picnic food.’

Whitney left her room and headed to the kitchen. She saw people bustling about, busy preparing lunch.

“Oh my, young lady. What brings you down here?”

Kitchen assistant Maxim spotted Whitney and scurried over. She waved her hand at the sight of the busy people.

“It’s fine, just continue what you were doing.”

“It’s the first time the young lady has come down to the kitchen! Please tell me if you need anything!”

Maxim’s eyes sparkled as she clasped her hands. Whitney requested a simple picnic lunch. She said sandwiches would be nice to eat at the park since the weather was good.

“A picnic! Please wait a moment! Mr. Eamon is actually making pies right now.”

“Thank you.”

Whitney sat on the sofa waiting for Maxim. She soon came out carrying a small basket.

“It might be difficult alone, so go together. There’s a child who knows the area well. Yeni!”

At Maxim’s call, Yeni, who was carrying laundry, tilted her head to the side. Then she bowed her head to Whitney in greeting. Having few opportunities to talk with others besides Sonia, this situation felt unfamiliar.

“I’ll stay here to keep watch, so it would be good for you to go with Yeni.”

“Is that alright?”

Whitney left the mansion with Yeni. When she came out holding a parasol trimmed with lace, her eyes involuntarily closed at the dazzling sunlight.

“Isn’t the sunlight too strong for you?”

Yeni asked, following behind with small steps. Though concerned about the small basket in her hand, Yeni only worried about Whitney’s skin burning in the strong sunlight.

“Perhaps because the parasol is good, it’s not hot and still cool for now?”

“Really? It seems unusually hot this year, but I guess you don’t feel the heat much, young lady.”

Whitney smiled slightly. For someone who had lived wearing long sleeves, this much wasn’t hot at all. She had always worn long sleeves even in midsummer. Whitney rather felt awkward in the dress with exposed arms.

She had considered wearing long gloves, but seeing others’ attire, she was glad she didn’t. Whitney looked at her smooth arms before turning her gaze forward.

There were several parks in the capital good for strolling. When the sun rose, everyone would come out like this with parasols to walk, but many often went to Perendil Park where the castle was visible.

‘Though it’s actually my first time going there.’

It was a good place for couples to stroll together or for friends to chat, but Whitney was visiting for the first time.

“If you go further inside, there’s a big tree. It’ll be cool if you spread out a cloth and sit there. But a bench would be more comfortable, right?”

“Hmm. Let’s go there. I haven’t seen the big tree, so I’m curious.”

At Whitney’s words, Yeni hurried her steps with an excited expression. Following her led to a secluded field. There stood a single large tree. An elm tree standing on the green field swayed in the wind.

The sound of wind cutting across the field sounded like waves. Or was it the sound of rain pouring?

Whatever it was, Whitney’s heart felt refreshingly open.

Yeni spread out a cloth under the tree and set down the basket. Whitney was looking at the wide field when her gaze was drawn to the castle visible at the edge.

‘To say he fell from that castle cliff…’

Could one survive?

Parts that weren’t visible then could now be seen. She pointed her hand towards where her blank eyes had looked while sitting where the beach was visible, then moved it straight up.

‘Huh?’

The position was oddly misaligned with the cliff. A ledge that looked like a cave was visible below. Rather, falling from there seemed to fit the location better.

‘Perhaps he didn’t fall from the cliff from the beginning.’

Whitney was staring quietly at where Karl had fallen when she turned her head at Yeni’s voice. Having set out the food and everything at some point, she called Whitney with a bright smile.

“Young lady, please come! Mr. Eamon said it’s delicious when eaten warm.”

Seeing the well-prepared pies and food made her mouth water. Whitney decided to leave complicated thoughts for later and sat on the cloth.

“I asked for something simple, but this is…”

“Mr. Eamon said to make sure to eat it all. He’s worried because you’re too thin. You don’t know how much he’s been concerned about your eating lately.”

At her words, Whitney put a pie in her mouth. Her eyes widened at the cinnamon flavor spreading in her mouth and the softly chewed apples.

‘It’s really delicious!’

The thin dough was layered, giving a crisp bite like a pie. Yeni handed Whitney another piece of pie as if she had been waiting.

I ended up eating it all.

Whitney laughed helplessly looking at the empty basket. Her stomach was so full that her dress felt tight. Yeni looked satisfied as she cleaned up.

“The sunset is beautiful. The sky looks so pretty, perhaps because the weather is clear.”

As Yeni said, the red light spreading across the sky felt beautiful. Whitney didn’t like the color red. Melissa’s red hair color was like that, and Karl’s eyes were also red. Whitney got up from her seat after watching the blue sky turn red.

“Shall we head back now?”

“Yes, I’ve finished cleaning up.”

Whitney and Yeni returned to the mansion carrying the light basket. Unlike the light footsteps when going out for a walk, they felt a bit heavier now.

Returning to the mansion, Whitney fell into contemplation upon seeing an invitation from the palace.

“I wonder why Her Majesty the Queen is calling for you again?”

“The frequency is a bit high. It may be because of the upcoming debutante ball.”

“Elder brother Cheston sent a letter saying to be careful, it might be related. You don’t think they’ve noticed something, do you?”

“Of course not. Don’t worry too much, nothing will happen.”

At Sonia’s words, Whitney read the letter several times before going to bed early for tomorrow.

On the carriage ride to the palace, Whitney couldn’t figure out the Queen’s intentions no matter how much she thought about it. Thanks to Cheston’s mention to be careful, Whitney felt tense.

Finally arriving in front of the Queen’s palace, Whitney took a deep breath and got out. Following the person sent from the Queen’s palace, she entered not the garden or reception room, but the training grounds.

“I was waiting, and you’ve come just in time. Come here and sit.”

Whitney was walking towards the prepared chair when she stopped in her tracks. The woman sitting next to the Queen spotted her and smiled softly. The woman, wearing clothes and with her hands neatly folded, was truly beautiful.

Whitney felt strangely uneasy at the dress style not seen in the Kingdom of Reowen. At that moment, for some unknown reason, what Cheston had mentioned came to mind.

‘Fiancée.’

She had heard talk of choosing the Second Prince’s fiancée. Just as Whitney’s uneasy eyes turned towards the seated woman, the Queen opened her mouth.

“Ah, introductions are late. Greet her. This is Princess Violet of Petontra. I personally invited her as there’s talk of engagement.”

“I am Whitney Orlean, Your Highness.”

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Violet Chartre. I heard you’re cherished by Her Majesty the Queen.”

“You flatter me.”

“Please sit. The training will begin soon, so I hope you enjoy watching.”

At the Queen’s words, Whitney sat down with a smile. With the Queen in the middle, Whitney and Violet sat on either side, gazing at the knights entering the training grounds.

‘Will elder brother Cheston come too?’

Though concerned about Violet, Whitney tried not to be conscious of her. Soon her eyes moved busily, searching for Cheston.

Many people entered, but the golden hair stood out distinctly. As Karl and Cheston entered, an exclamation escaped Violet’s lips.

“Wow!”

She covered her mouth and stared at one spot like a girl in love. Karl and Cheston were walking out side by side, so it was impossible to tell who she was exclaiming over.

For a moment, Karl’s eyes met Whitney’s as he looked around. Soon after, at the sight of his bright smile, Whitney gently turned her gaze to look at Cheston. Though it was a fleeting moment, she briefly exchanged glances with Cheston.

A faint smile spread across his lips, but he didn’t give her a single glance afterwards. At that sight, Whitney rather felt relieved.

Remembering his words not to trust his actions, Whitney also maintained a calm attitude. From now on, no matter what he did, she would not be shaken. No, she had to be.

Soon the training began, and the duel of those who had drawn their swords started. Cheston, perhaps conscious of the Queen, did not properly parry Karl’s sword. Every time a sharp sound echoed through the training grounds, a sigh flowed from Violet’s lips.

“It seems Violet is weak in body and mind. But you’ll have to get used to it from now on. This is frequent training in the Kingdom of Reowen. Watch carefully. It’s a place where the weak and powerless cannot survive. It’s better to observe well who is strong. Princess.”

“…Yes, I’ll keep that in mind. I should cheer! I’d feel bad if Your Highness gets hurt.”

Unlike before, Violet adjusted her posture and clasped her hands. Whitney turned her head to confirm where her gaze was directed.