No red flowers for ten days. Maria Ethel seemed unaware that the Crown Prince’s attitude had become less favorable lately. So, even now, in this palace, I am still considered the best.

But a shrewd steward didn’t bet on one side.

The steward called a page and subtly spoke.

“Go to Tiaze Palace and inform Count Hargis. Lady Ethel is here.”

At the same time, in the eastern corridor of Tiaze Palace.

Sophron Viscountess, matching her steps to the halted prince, gave a rest to her stumbling ankles.

Suddenly visiting Tiaze Palace, the prince surveyed the entire palace as if he would grasp every detail.

…As if. Just like the last day when the lady left the palace.

What was different was that instead of the lady who faintly smiled while exploring the palace, the prince now frowned frighteningly. The sea-blue eyes, looking at the splendid flower vases and vividly blooming Lycianthes, were fierce.

Whether he knew this atmosphere or not, the hastily approaching aide Count Hargis also hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Your Highness.”

“…….”

“Lady Ethel is waiting for you in the palace, Your Highness.”

Without realizing it, the lady bowed her head. Would the ridiculous miracle that unfolded today end here? But the prince, who seemed like he would return to his palace immediately, did not stop walking and opened his mouth.

“…The palace looks miserable.”

“Excuse me? No, I apologize, Your Highness.”

Surprised by the unexpected words, the lady rushed. The current appearance of the palace was all to Maria Ethel’s taste. He would know that. Saying such words…!

“Bring it back to how it used to be. My lady.”

“…Yes!”

Although Viscountess Sophron’s answer was a beat late, Leopold had no energy to point it out. And with sharp eyes, he stared at the palace corridor.

“First, remove these flowers.”
This messed-up palace had to return to its original state. Only then could I feel comfortable here again.

…After that, the true owner of the palace would return.

Leopold stepped outside. Under the sky now tinged with the southern light, the roofs of Tiaze Palace shone brightly in a cold silver.

As if honoring the true owner who left this palace.

The reception room of Duke Madeleine’s residence.

Conrad, who had been scrutinizing the ledger until late at night, suddenly sighed heavily when he saw an empty section in the accounts.

It was hard to concentrate, and now there was an empty section. Everything felt like it was making fun of him.

Suddenly, a prince inviting the Hepherti envoy to the summer festival, and even passing by the foreign minister as if it were nothing.

Conrad shook his head and headed to his room. However, there were no documents in his room where he could confirm the payment processing of the bills.

Everyone was asleep. In Conrad’s awkward moment, Jayde’s words suddenly came to his mind.

“The ledgers are in Olivia’s room… in the drawer.”

She had brought all these ledgers from Olivia’s room. It was hesitant, but there was no more time to delay. If he waited a little longer, the day would dawn, and then it would be time to go to work.

Conrad stood in front of Olivia’s room, replacing the word “hesitant” with a strangely nervous heart.

It felt strange. He had never willingly entered this room, but hesitated when it opened. Even though he knew it was an ownerless room, Conrad absentmindedly knocked. Naturally, there was no response.

Carefully opening the door and entering the room when he turned on the light, Conrad involuntarily clicked his tongue. It was completely different from Esella’s room. Unlike the warm and cozy atmosphere of Esella’s room, Olivia’s room was bleak.

Rather than personal items filled with memories, it was a place filled with valuable and neat furniture and only a minimal amount of belongings.

Thinking that it looked like Olivia, Conrad, who thought of her as a resemblance, hurriedly went to the desk.

The drawer, which he thought was the only one, was on both sides of the desk. It was unfortunate. Conrad, who was contemplating which drawer to open, eventually opened the right one.

Fortunately, inside the drawer were five thick notebooks. At a glance, he thought the appearance was different from ordinary ledgers, but he assumed that the exterior could be different. Conrad opened it casually somewhere in the middle.

And at that moment, Conrad’s eyes widened as if struck by lightning. The writing in the notebook was as if just beginning to write, and the handwriting was awkward.