“Her Majesty is making efforts in all directions to transfer power to Duke Ansgar more legitimately. Almost everyone now knows that the nobles of the Imperial Faction couldn’t make him the Crown Prince, and they’re frustrated.”

“…”

“And your father has always been sensitive to the direction in which such power flows.”

“…”

“Anyway, Her Majesty wanted to give Duke Ansgar enough influence to easily settle in the capital. Since there is no one else to follow your sister with.”
Adele speculated on the reason he didn’t insist on it. Moreover, she was a powerful healer herself…

Shalote’s healing ability, born with the power of ‘Reihenau,’ had become stronger as time went by, reaching a level that even a talented healer would find difficult to achieve in a lifetime.

No matter how significant the injury, she could instantly stop bleeding and suture wounds.

Of course, using such a great power would make her bedridden for a few days, but that was only known to those who knew the inside story.

In the past, some people dismissed the rumors that exaggerated Reihenau’s healing abilities or deemed them unreliable. However, after Shalote revived Lady Hujak, who was considered dead, opinions changed, and praise was showered upon her.

Thanks to this, Shalote’s position among the nobles in Denburg was growing day by day. Some were curious about ‘Adeleheit,’ known as her sister, but due to her limited abilities, there was scarce friendly interest.

Especially since the rumors of Duke Ansgar falling victim to a fake marriage were resurfacing.

Anyway, Adele didn’t know the reason for the late spread of rumors, but if Mikhail’s words were true, it seemed like the people from the imperial side intentionally spread the rumors.

To undermine Adele’s position and easily achieve the goal of annulling the marriage. And to shift the responsibility onto the viscount, pushing for the marriage between Shalote and the duke.

“When did time pass like this…”

While Adele was lost in thought, the Crown Prince lifted his head to gaze at the bright sun.

As if refreshing her mind, he lightly clapped his hands.

“We’ll be late if we delay any further. Let’s talk while we’re on the way. It seems my carriage is ready.”

“I appreciate your suggestion, Your Highness, but it’s okay.”

“Weren’t you in a hurry? Your carriage seems to be having trouble with the wheel replacement.”

Following the Crown Prince’s words, Adele turned her head to look along with his gaze.

As Mikhail said, the black carriage with the crest of Duke Ansgar seemed to be facing difficulties with wheel replacement.

Judging by the fact that a sergeant was closely examining the lower part of the carriage, it seemed like they had encountered some fatal flaw.

“If you don’t hurry, you won’t be back before the evening banquet. If it’s not urgent, let’s postpone it for the next time.”

Adele just chewed on her lips, unable to say anything.

If today’s outing was canceled, she might not obtain information about Greta.

She alternated between the Crown Prince’s seemingly harmless smile and the carriage, then asked with a determined expression.

“Then, may my maid and knight accompany us?”

“Do as you wish. Prepare quickly since the road will be busy.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Adele bowed deeply and gestured towards Margaret, who had been nervously watching from a distance.
In the midst of that, Mikhail, not even realizing the sudden hand popping out from my shadow, firmly stepped on it and crushed it.

The Crown Prince’s carriage belonged to the imperial family, so even if knights or maids accompanied him, they couldn’t sit in the carriage’s seats.

Margaret sat beside the coachman, and with all the curtains drawn, the knights of the Crown Prince and Duke Ansgar followed in the front and rear of the carriage.

It was a bit bewildering when Adele thought about the Crown Prince riding alone in the carriage, but with Mikhail’s attitude, which seemed to completely exclude any actions that could tarnish her honor, Adele felt a bit relieved.

‘I’m tired.’

Perhaps due to the aftermath of focusing on magical practice in the morning, her entire body felt lethargic.

Adele continuously tried to stay awake, chewing on the tender flesh inside her mouth to prevent herself from dozing off.

Of course, it wouldn’t have been noticeable externally—neither her magical exhaustion nor fatigue. Adele cautiously tied the bracelet given by Valentine, as if being careful not to get caught.

Whether he knew about these struggles beneath the surface or not, Mikhail, who had been silently staring at her for a while, chuckled and opened his mouth.

“Don’t you usually talk more?”