Reneb found a suitable excuse after a short hesitation.

“I’ve been outside for a long time, and it’s a bit chilly. I appreciate the offer, Your Majesty, but I think I should go in now.”

No sooner had Reneb finished speaking than Icar suddenly took off his military jacket.

“……?”

He then wrapped it around Reneb’s shoulders.

“The princess certainly requires a lot of care.”

Reneb was greatly taken aback by his abrupt action. Likewise, the Velkain Viscount’s mouth hung open in surprise.

“……Your Majesty?”

“I will personally escort the princess to her room. You are a valuable guest of Bashuker.”

Icar gestured to Reneb to lead the way, giving her a slight nod.

“……Thank you, Your Majesty.”

(This is a time separator.)

Dehan and Bane were hiding behind a tree, watching the three people moving towards the palace.

“Dehan, did you hear what His Majesty said?”

“No, I couldn’t hear it from this distance.”

“What do you think the conversation was about?”

At Bane’s question, Dehan quickly shook his head.

“I don’t know.”

“My guess is this.”

Bane proudly lifted his chin, narrowed his eyes, and lowered his voice.

“The princess. Did the Velkain Viscount secretly propose an alliance between the two countries?”

He seemed to be roughly imitating His Majesty.

“You are mistaken, Your Majesty.”

This time, with a troubled expression, he spoke in a trembling voice. It seemed like an impression of the Siren Duke’s daughter.

Dehan looked at Bane with a slightly contemptuous look in his eye.

However, Bane didn’t stop there, but again lowered his voice.

“It would be wise to tell the truth. Princess. What did you talk about with the Velkain Viscount?”

Quite pleased with himself, Bane spoke in a brisk and clear voice this time.

“Your Majesty, you are mistaken. The Countess of Siren and I merely exchanged words to strengthen our friendship.”

“Enough.”

Dehan, unable to bear it any longer, pushed Bane’s face away.

“Ah, damn!”

As Bane furrowed his brows in anger, a thin voice came from behind.

“Excuse me. Sir Dehan and Sir Bane.”

Bane turned his head as if nothing had happened, then calmly said,

“It’s the Princess of Raina.”

Meanwhile, Dehan’s face turned slightly red. It was an ironic situation that Dehan felt the shame for the embarrassing act committed by Bane.

“I thought you looked quite happy as I passed by. Was there something fun going on?”

“Nothing important enough to tell Your Highness……. Besides, is there anything uncomfortable with your stay?”

Dehan quickly changed the subject.

(This is a time separator.)

Reneb licked her dry lips as she walked down the palace corridor.

Icar was on her right, and the Velkain Viscount was on her left.

“Thank you for accompanying me to my room.”

Reneb bowed to the two men who had followed her to her bedroom door, and began to take off the jacket. Then Icar gently touched Reneb’s shoulder and shook his head.

“Have it cleaned and returned.”

“…….”

Reneb blinked her eyes, momentarily at a loss for words.

‘Is he saying that it’s dirty because I wore it, so wash it and give it back?’

Reneb’s brows involuntarily furrowed.

But she quickly changed her mind. Perfectionism suited this perfect man as a rather fitting mental disorder.

Considering all sorts of people in the palace, Reneb had seen it all.

A perfectionist, then. Well, that’s cute.

Thinking this, she immediately nodded her head.

“Certainly! I will have it washed and return it to you, Your Majesty.”

At Reneb’s reply, the corner of Icar’s mouth twitched slightly upward.

In contrast, the Velkain Viscount, who had been watching the two, had a hint of irritation in his serious brows.

“Then.”

As he was about to turn away, Icar spoke to the Velkain Viscount, who seemed to have no intention of leaving yet.

“Ah, Viscount. I have something to discuss with you. Do you have a moment?”

“……Yes, Your Majesty.”

After giving Reneb a regretful glance, the Velkain Viscount followed Icar.
Reneb, watching the backs of the two men as they grew distant, went into her bedroom.

Kierun, who seemed to be cleaning, was standing with a wool duster and bowed slightly.

“Welcome back, Lady. Did you enjoy your outing?”

Kierun quickly placed the slippers she brought in front of the sofa.

“Thank you, Kierun.”

Reneb slipped her feet, tormented by new shoes, into the comfortable slippers.

Watching her, Kierun tilted her head and asked,

“Is this a men’s jacket?”

“The Emperor lent it to me.”

Briefly explaining the situation, Kierun’s eyes seemed to bulge out.

“The Emperor… did?”

Reneb, who did not immediately understand her reaction, questioned,

“Why’s that?”

“Ah, it’s nothing.”

Kierun quickly shook her head.

Reneb blinked a few times and handed the jacket to Kierun, emphasizing certain words with a meaningful expression.

“Please launder it. Ah, very thoroughly.”

“Ah… Yes!”

Kierun, who seemed momentarily hesitant, took the jacket and left the bedroom.

Reneb chewed over Kierun’s reaction for a moment.