“What’s the point of causing trouble? Really, you’re such a hassle.”

What the hell is this guy saying?

I became irritated and once again was at a loss for words. At the same time, I realized I’d brought a man into my room at the royal palace.

A chill ran down my spine.

‘If the soldiers burst in now…!’

Instinctively, I clenched my teeth and pointed towards the window from which Duke Caidel had entered.

“Get out!”

Now, Duke Caidel crossed his arms. Despite trespassing into a woman’s room, he looked annoyed.

“Rumor has it you ruined Her Highness’s tea party. It’s the talk of the palace.”

“Ah, that… Aren’t you busy? Don’t you need to study hard during the vacation to maintain your top rank at the academy? Even Misha studies.”

The mention of ‘top rank’ made the frown on his forehead intensify.

However, he soon smirked and spoke as if bestowing a favor.

“I came out of curiosity. Don’t worry, I have no intention of meddling or helping. It’s pure curiosity.”

“…”

I struggled to grasp the situation. I’d dug my own hole, but I’d caused no harm to the Second Prince.

So why would Duke Caidel mock me?

“Don’t you consider the Earl’s position?”

This jerk, hitting where it hurts…

“Look, Duke. Any moment now, soldiers could burst in to arrest me for insulting the royal family. Don’t you think it’d be best for you to leave before that?”

“Answer.”

I looked at his brazen face and realized something else.

To him, the soldiers weren’t a big deal. The son of the First Lion, the servant of the Second Prince, the top student at the academy—soldiers would apologize for disturbing him and take only me.

That was the fundamental difference between us. The world rearranged its order for him, whereas I struggled to even keep up.

As this realization set in, my irritation slowly flared.

I understood that it wasn’t his fault for possessing enormous power and freedom, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t be frustrated.

From our first meeting till now, what a wretched fate this is.
He sat on the sofa as if it were his own home, crossing his long legs in a manner both elegant and relaxed. His side profile was unbearably dislikable.

In any case, I had to send this wretched foundling away quickly so as not to add unnecessary sins.

However, a strange thought occurred to me. No matter how strong he may be, this was the imperial palace, where the entry of extramarital men is strictly controlled…

“Are the soldiers not coming?”

He slightly furrowed his brows, as if annoyed by my quick wit.

I suddenly felt at ease and sat opposite him.

As I stared at him waiting for an explanation, he wore an unfortunate smile.

“I was planning to make you confess that you wrote that letter, to prevent you from getting arrested, but it seems that will be difficult.”

I was genuinely surprised, my mouth gaping open. Breaking into the imperial palace over a prank letter?

“Wow… That’s some serious obsession.”

However, he shrugged his shoulders without a trace of embarrassment.

“I consider myself someone who doesn’t miss opportunities.”

“Ah. Opportunities.”

This time, I was the one to ask.

“Why are the soldiers not coming?”

“You tell me.”

It was odd. His tone felt more formal than before, yet also slightly more confrontational.

I had never been particularly close to him, but the effortless, human charm he usually exuded was no longer felt, which made me somewhat disappointed.