However, that wasn’t sufficient evidence to explain his behavior.

The more I thought, the more my head became a mess.

‘Duke Kaidel…’

Simply put, it was simple. He saved me from a predicament. I should be grateful.

I would never take on such a burden for a woman who insulted me at such an important event.

I both envied and resented his boldness and courage.

Frustrated by my tangled emotions, I wondered if maybe I was so restless because I had never received such favor before.

Eventually, I gave up thinking.

‘What, did he do it for me? An insane person did something insane.’

Complaining didn’t improve my mood.

So, I curled up my aching body and had to chew on this absurdity.

My master drove me to a cliff, and an enemy-like madman saved me in a strange situation.

“What are you doing?”

Outside the ceremonial hall, Grehyan quietly confronted Rocard.

However, Rocard’s answer was naive.

“I did it according to the rules of conquest. And I trusted your quick wit.”

Grehyan didn’t even snort at his explanation.

“You… surely you don’t have feelings for that bastard?”

Grehyan frowned nervously, but Rocard narrowed his eyes and replied,

“I do. Feelings.”

“Rocard!”

“Initially, she should have been one of your people. You need competent people from various classes by your side, don’t you know?”

“Don’t you think your words and actions are contradictory now?”

Grehyan’s point was valid.

It was contradictory for Rocard to covet Lorisha Roar and help her secure a position as Miliora’s maid.

But Rocard slightly frowned, looking at the distant mountain, then smiled.

“I’m looking at the long term.”

As Grehyan nervously turned away, Rocard caught up and said,

“You also pity her, don’t you? If you knew it would be like this, then back then.”

At Rocard’s question, Grehyan tightly shut his mouth then opened it.
“It’s already a thing of the past. Consider the gifts for His Majesty’s birthday carefully.”

“I have thought about it.”

Greyan hastily offered a warm smile, and Duke Rocard squinted in amusement.

“But it’s not that easy, Your Grace.”

The next day, I contemplated the servant’s medal before me. Now that the competition had begun, I should be wearing the medal, but it wasn’t mine.

Hesitating, I donned the medal and headed for Lady Miliora’s reception room.

I wanted to return the medal to Duke Kaidel, but he had not yet returned from the academy.

As I stood at the door, Ariana noticed my medal and looked surprised, then smiled and opened the door.

“I greet Your Highness, the Princess.”

I entered and bowed, but the Princess did not acknowledge me. She hadn’t changed at all.

Instead, the tea party members all stared at my medal. It was somewhat embarrassing to have people, even if they were women, staring directly at my chest.

Their eyes shifted from my medal to my face, and then they pretended not to know me.

Then, Keril glanced at me and spoke to the ladies.

“Now, everyone. Let’s continue preparing the gifts for His Majesty’s birthday.”

What?

What were these ladies, not even maids, talking about?

Keril briefly glanced at me with a smile full of triumph, then spoke assertively as if intending for me to hear.

“If we don’t help Her Highness in the competition, who will? Right?”

“Of course, it’s only natural!”