“Hold on, Your Highness. I will arrange another meeting with Lady Rothry.”

Shanna, standing behind Floria, stuck out her tongue in a seemingly disdainful manner as I pleaded with raised eyebrows. The person who knew best that the red gem Floria was rolling with her fingers was fake did not show an expression that would reveal it.

Floria, who had been staring at me intently, smiled slyly as she let go of the necklace. Then, gently brushing my cheek, she spoke as if pacifying me.

“Sister, you aren’t having baseless thoughts, are you?”

“Please trust my sincerity, Your Highness. Moreover, my heart is in Your Highness’s hands, so how could I harbor any other feelings?”

“Alright. After all, if a younger sister doesn’t trust her older sister, who will?”

Floria, as if she were a good-hearted younger sister, smiled brightly. It was fascinating how she could act so innocently in front of the person who had already revealed their true colors.

“I didn’t do it on purpose, so let’s leave it at that.”

I thought she would lose control and vent her anger, leaving a big stain on her social reputation. However, Floria did not dwell on this matter any longer.

She didn’t even cast a suspicious glance while we were having tea. She was oddly quiet. It was strange how, just when we first entered the room, she had a confrontational attitude but suddenly became so calm.

‘Why is she acting like this?’

While sipping tea, I subtly observed Floria, but her expression only hinted at curiosity about what had happened at the tea party.

“Then, I’ll take my leave.”

Even as I said my goodbyes and turned away, my feet didn’t easily move away due to a strange discomfort. A feeling that I might be missing something. A vague sense that I couldn’t shake off. I tilted my head at the uneasy feeling of something being off.

‘Did she perhaps notice that the gem is fake?’

But if that were the case, Floria wouldn’t be this quiet. If Shanna had been betrayed, Floria would have ordered her to cast a new spell on me, and if she had noticed the betrayal, she would be angry with her.

‘Or maybe she’s maintaining her expression to catch me off guard.’

Just before leaving the room, when I turned my head, Floria smiled brightly.

It was the day to set out for the inspection as the Ruler.

Sylvia, who was busy packing my luggage, and everyone else had been quite busy since early morning. While observing the knights moving around busily, I recalled Floria’s significant last act.

I had thought about it for a few days, and it seemed that Floria either noticed that the gem was fake or was planning to deceive me. Since I had no intention of prolonging the play, I wasn’t particularly disappointed, but I was worried about what kind of scheme she might have.

“Why are you in such deep thought?”

Awakening from my contemplation, I turned my head at the affectionate voice. Matthias, dressed more casually than usual, was looking down at me, smiling. Since it wasn’t a formal occasion, I had asked him not to offer praise-filled greetings unless necessary.
“It’s still raining heavily in the Sizz region. I was worried the carriage wheels might get stuck.”

“Ah, don’t worry. I’ve enchanted the wheels, so you don’t have to be concerned.”

I was speaking vaguely, unable to mention Floria, but Matthias responded seriously. His earnest nature, trying to alleviate my worries by explaining the type of magic, made me smile.

“Are you concerned about the carriage breaking down?”

Matthias asked, making an effort not to look down. It seemed like he was being careful not to make me uncomfortable with his gaze.

“I thought dresses might be uncomfortable. Besides, we might end up riding horses.”

As Matthias hesitated, I tilted my head as he pursed his lips.

“Why? Doesn’t it suit you?”

“No! It suits you really well!”

Matthias, who answered almost like he was shouting as soon as I finished speaking, lowered his reddened face and swept his nape.

“Do… do you know how to ride?”

“Yes, I recently learned, and it turns out I’m quite good at it. It runs pretty smoothly.”

Having received praise even from Cahilren, I confidently spoke with both hands on my waist. I wanted to boast more by waving my hair with my hands, but it was tied up high, so I gave up.

“Matthias, do you also know how to ride?”

“I can do basic riding.”

Matthias answered with a wry face.

“I’m not very skilled physically, so I didn’t improve much.”

“Instead, you’re very smart. They said you never missed first place at the academy, right?”

“Ah.”

Matthias, blushing and embarrassed, turned his head, making him look innocent and cute. I pointed at the back of my head with my thumb and teasingly said.

“If you can’t ride, it’s okay. If anything happens, I’ll give you a ride.”

“Thank you. However, His Highness the First Prince would not put Your Highness in danger.”

Seeing Matthias’s affectionate smile, I covered his mouth with my hand. His gentle aura felt new, probably because he was always with the gruff man.

‘Who would have thought they would get along so well.’