Sylvia initially thought that Renéolla had suddenly gone out for urgent business. However, on the third morning, she realized that something was wrong. Concerned, she asked the maid about Renéolla’s reason for going out, noticing the subtle change in her expression. Moreover, the hesitant response raised suspicions.

Hurriedly searching Renéolla’s room, Sylvia noticed that nothing had changed since her last visit. Suddenly, Ginger, who had seemed unusually cheerful for the past few days, came to mind. Sylvia became convinced.

‘Something must have happened to Lady Renéolla!’

Furthermore, rumors spread among the maids that Renéolla was transferring to the First Prince’s palace. If that were true, Sylvia could make a guess.

Although it was considered an outdated and cruel practice to confine someone in a dark room for days, Sylvia couldn’t help but wonder if Renéolla had been subjected to such punishment.

‘She couldn’t have been confined, right?’

Her sudden disappearance and not being seen for days seemed ominous.

Sylvia immediately searched the Second Prince’s palace. However, the places she could visit were limited, and even those yielded no results. The housekeeper would know the location of a secret room, but she wouldn’t reveal it willingly.

“Let’s go and speak to Lady Bee.”

Turning around, Sylvia abruptly stopped. The image of Renéolla, who had behaved differently after the confrontation with Ginger, flashed through her mind. It wasn’t the first time they clashed, but on that day, Renéolla’s response was different. The only thing that differed was that Floria was watching.

“Even if you go, the maids won’t be able to meet her.”

Although the housekeeper was in charge of monitoring the maids’ confessions, it couldn’t be done without the silent approval of the maids. An anxious Sylvia went to find Matthias. Since Matthias had a close relationship with Renéolla, Sylvia thought he might help.

“Did you say that Lady Renéolla is missing?”

Surprised, Matthias dropped the book he was holding, and Sylvia’s subsequent words left him in contemplation.

“How could such a dreadful thing happen…?”

“I searched the palace thoroughly all day, but I couldn’t find Lady Renéolla anywhere.”

Sylvia choked back tears.

“I don’t know what to do. What should we do about Lady Renéolla?”

“Calm down. She’ll be fine.”

Matthias handed Sylvia a handkerchief. Though he appeared calm, he, too, felt restless, not knowing what to do. As much as he wanted to rush to the Second Prince’s palace and find Renéolla immediately, reason held him back. Even if he went to the Second Prince’s palace, there was nothing he could do. Requesting help from the Second Prince or the Prince Consort would imply that Sylvia had arrived first, which was impossible.
Seeing someone come to me first hinted that Renéolla and the Second Prince’s relationship might not be as close as I thought. Moreover, spreading another rumor about Renéolla, who had already been caught up in an investigation, was prevented.

‘What can I do?’

Concerns about Renéolla being alone in a dark place kept bothering me.

‘Quickly come up with a plan.’

Matthias moved anxiously, searching for a solution. Although he wanted to utilize all his connections, there was no one daring enough to search the Second Prince’s palace. Furthermore, attempting to find a single maid would be met with disdain, as it was clear they wouldn’t tolerate anyone interfering.

The knife he had encountered a few days ago in the library suddenly came to mind. Although he didn’t ask Renéolla in detail, it was unusual for the owner of a small bookstore to be involved with the royal palace, especially the royal library. Even with permission, it was strange, and if it was done secretly, it was even more suspicious. While not as strict as the main palace, security at the outer palace was still tight.

‘She must not be an ordinary person.’

The atmosphere exuded by the man didn’t fit the typical demeanor of a bookstore owner. Remembering the chilling gaze he had received, Matthias grabbed his coat. There was no time for further contemplation.

“This is strange.”

As Cahilun casually flicked his fingers, Machi, who had been reviewing documents, turned his gaze. He nodded immediately.

“Yes, it’s strange.”

Cahilun squinted his eyes and stared at the magic device.

“It’s been quiet for three days. Normally, there would be colorful curses about the princess every day, but now there’s nothing.”

The bracelet that Cahilun had given to Renéolla was doing its job well. The Second Princess would call Renéolla whenever she had the chance. While not obtaining important information as the owner desired, it provided enjoyment for Machi and Rands. However, for the past few days, the magic device had remained silent.

“Well, there’s no need to call her.”

Machi, who regretfully adjusted his taste, shrugged his shoulders indifferently.

“Renéolla is probably busy preparing for her transition.”