As Roselia, pretending to be Antonio, came to mind along with the many noble ladies who adored her and even the psychotic-like Jucid, a wry smile formed on her lips.

Ivellionne, observing Roselia’s troubled smile, let out a chuckle.

“If someone as delicate as you were in the royal family, it might have been less lonely.”

In the original story, Roselia becomes a maid to the Crown Princess through the machinations of Duke Balthazar.

In the process, she gathers information about the Crown Princess and Prince, eventually getting caught by Esteban and facing death…

While harboring these bitter thoughts, Ivellionne was already deeply engrossed in the painting Roselia had brought.

“The person who painted this… I feel like they had a heart similar to mine.”

Roselia’s gaze curiously fell on the painting.

Though their situations and circumstances were vastly different, the two women had similarities.

Both were women who had forgotten their true selves, surrendered everything, and lived in oblivion…

And like Nadia, who longed for the vast, bright, and beautiful sky, freedom…

Roselia smiled gently, looking at the painting.

“I’m glad Her Highness the Crown Princess likes it. The title of this painting is ‘Freedom.'”

Ivellionne’s response to Roselia’s words was a deeply peaceful and warm smile.

As Roselia left the audience with the Crown Princess, her steps were heavy.

Once again, the Crown Princess had given her a cheque for a thousand verang.

Of course, if she used it all to pay off her debts, she would only have a thousand verang left to pay…

But Roselia planned to send 500 verang for Nadia’s treatment.

Though it might be more than enough for the treatment, it would also help repair her crumbling house and prepare for any major surgery she might need.

Of course, Nadia might refuse to accept it, but Roselia intended to persuade her to start with the treatment.

For Abel and his daughter Erlin, the artists of her first work, things were improving as they regularly received patronage funds from the Crown Princess.

In fact, their situation had always depended on their own willpower, and now they were living actively and enthusiastically.

On the other hand, Nadia needed treatment for her severe illness… so Roselia thought to share her portion, even if it took longer.

Technically, it wasn’t really ‘sharing’ considering it was supposed to be her payment for the paintings.

Lost in these thoughts as she walked through the royal garden, an unfamiliar shadow suddenly blocked her path.

Lifting her gaze in confusion, Roselia found the Crown Prince, Esteban, standing with his hands behind his back.

Having just left Ivellionne, Roselia’s feelings towards the Crown Prince were far from cordial.

Involuntarily frowning, Roselia gave a brief nod and tried to walk past him.

However, her efforts were in vain as he stepped in front of her again, causing her expression to sour.

This psycho-like Crown Prince!

“What business do you have with me?”

Roselia’s cold question was met with a casual, smiling response from the Crown Prince.

“Oh, I just wanted to say hello. Isn’t that a bit too cold?”

She should be worrying about the Crown Princess at a time like this!

Struggling to contain her bubbling frustration, Roselia tried to ignore him and turned to leave.

“Having greeted you, I will take my leave now.”

Just as she began to step away, Esteban’s indifferent voice halted her in her tracks.

“The scent seems a bit stronger than before…”

Roselia’s gaze turned back in confusion.

Scent? Was he referring to her?

“Scent?”

“I’ve mentioned before, haven’t I? I have good eyesight and quick reflexes. To be precise, all my senses are rather sensitive. Sight, touch, taste, hearing, smell, all of them. It’s a characteristic of the Lugbelzhet royal family.”

Suddenly, why this unsolicited introduction?
As Roselia looked at him with perplexity, Esteban stepped forward and leaned close to her shoulder.

Startled by his sudden approach, Roselia grimaced in displeasure and stepped back.

Esteban then raised his arms, as if to show he meant no harm, and smiled meaningfully.

“Are you wearing perfume?”

Confused by his odd question, Roselia replied almost instinctively.

“No…”

“Then it must be your natural scent, but it’s rare for someone to naturally exude such a strong fragrance.”

What are you trying to say? That I’m not human?

As Roselia frowned at him as if he was talking nonsense, Esteban smiled lightly.

“But it’s not entirely impossible. Some of the Rapelios bloodline are known to emit fragrances from their bodies.”

The Rapelios bloodline? Fragrance?

What kind of nonsense is this?

Roselia stared at the Crown Prince as if he were a con artist, and he cleared his throat.

“Could it be that you don’t know much about yourself?”

“I don’t understand what you’re talking about…”

Still filled with distrust, Roselia’s gaze made the Crown Prince frown in displeasure.

“Has no one ever mentioned your scent to you?”

“No.”