While finding other men’s stories boring, she found anything related to him intriguing.

So far, nothing had captivated her to such an extent. She had never experienced pouring her heart out, nor had she experienced someone not desiring her.

The fact that the person I like may not like me back and may like someone else.

Princess Larratu couldn’t admit it.

Unlike usual, looking at her hazy eyes, Karsatuna calmly asked, “What did Aris Dorensia say?”

“Mistress.”

Princess Larratu mumbled absentmindedly.

“What?”

“Egrain is an imperial spy.”

“What? No way, you don’t believe that, do you? Egrain would never do such a thing.”

Huh, under the princess’s gaze, Karsatuna faltered in her words.

“How can you be sure?”

“Well…”

There was no logical evidence. Naturally, she thought it couldn’t be true. Someone like Egrain, with such a comfortable and refreshing aura, could never be a spy.

She had her own conviction, but convincing Princess Larratu was a challenge.

“Oh! Egrain was the one who warned of this crisis in the first place.”

“It could be a maneuver to avoid suspicion.”

Karsatuna’s face darkened. It seemed like suspicion had firmly rooted itself in the princess’s heart.

“Why is everyone so curious about delaying the marriage proposal of the 5th prince? Then why does he stay in the kingdom if he has no ill intentions towards the kingdom? What if he has malicious intentions towards the kingdom?”

“…”

“Then everything makes sense. Egrain is captivated by that man and is acting as an imperial spy.”

“Princess.”

“Aris Dorensia said so.”

Karsatuna unintentionally recalled Aris Dorensia.

Beautiful but somewhere vulgar and untrustworthy.

Although the power she possessed was not bad, her selfish attitude was unpleasant.

“I can’t believe it. She caused a commotion to begin with.”

“Yeah, I don’t trust people either.”

“Yes, Princess…”

“But was it necessary to say such things?”

The bright expression on Karsatuna’s face clouded again.

“Originally, I gave my heart too easily to someone I couldn’t trust.”

Who was she talking about?

Egrain? Or Giovanni, the prince?

When Karsatuna, who met eyes with Princess Larratu, got goosebumps.

She truly looked like someone from the same gang.

The stubborn princess.

Young and inexperienced, she was praised for playing the role of a delicate first lady.

But now, blinded by jealousy, she looked more creepy than sunny.

“If I want to punish those who deceived me, I have to safely escape from here first.”

“…”

“Punishment comes next.”

“…”

Her pretty mouth gradually twisted.

“If Egrain really collaborated with the empire, I won’t just let it go with everything I have.”

“Princess, if the reason you suspect Egrain is because of her relationship with the 5th prince…”

“No!”
Princess Larratu spoke in a low voice. Contempt was evident in her cold tone.

“So that’s how it is. She deceived me. Even when she witnessed me not caring about their relationship, she said nothing and remained silent. If that didn’t make me a fool, what does?”

Then, what should have been Egrain’s stance?

Karsatuna thought of the usual Egrain she had known.

Calm and modest personality. Bold and sometimes mischievous.

But she also had a side that didn’t easily trust others.

Even when she pretended to be indifferent, it was clear she felt awkward if someone treated her well.

“She’s not used to enjoying others’ favors.”

Thinking about the malicious rumors surrounding her origin and surroundings, Karsatuna felt sorry for her.

Despite the refreshing aura, Karsatuna liked Egrain.

“She didn’t have such intentions.”

“You’re siding with Egrain.”

Disappointed, Karsatuna closed her mouth. She looked at Princess Larratu, who had been a playmate and cousin since childhood.

The gaze of Princess Larratu was slightly uncertain. Karsatuna, who had briefly expected a good answer while looking at those eyes, soon despaired at her cold voice.

“She is sincere and reliable. I understand why you like her, but don’t trust her too much.”

“…”

“She warned me of the danger? Ha! How could Egrain have known that such a thing would happen?”

“That’s…”

“Even the royal guards didn’t know.”

The princess muttered coldly.

“Is it okay to really trust her?”

“…”

“You are my friend and cousin, Karsatuna. Think about whom you should prioritize.”

“Of course, it’s you, Princess.”

“Yeah. The Egrain we met is a good person, but she has no pedigree or family background. It’s as hard to believe as that. The only ones we can truly trust are us.”

“…”

“Also, don’t misunderstand. Apart from my feelings for her, this is suspicion and action that should be taken as a royal family responsible for the security of the kingdom. Understand?”

Karsatuna nodded heavily.

“Yes, Princess.”

Her words were correct. No matter how much Karsatuna liked Egrain, the top priority should be Princess Larratu’s safety.

Thud!

The boat bumped into something. The strong vibration caused the bodies of the two to tilt to one side.

“Why are you whispering like that? Planning to run away?”