A strange tension lingered between them.

The surroundings were too quiet, even swallowing felt careful.

In the growing silence, Icar’s face gradually leaned towards Reneb.

A shadow that Icar created loomed over Reneb’s face.

Just as Icar’s face came close enough for their breaths to mingle.

Reneb managed to squeeze out a trembling voice.

“Yo, Your Highness?”

Narrowing his eyes, Icar spoke.

“You have a fallen eyelash.”

“Ah…”

Only then did Reneb understand Icar’s action.

“May I remove it?”

“No, no. I’ll do it.”

“Do you know where it’s attached?”

Icar tilted his head slightly and whispered softly.

“I can do it myself.”

Reneb frantically rubbed her face.

Watching her trying to remove the unknown eyelash, Icar added,

“Stubborn.”

“It’s alright. I can do it.”

Icar, who had been watching with disdain, let out a sigh.

“It’s fallen off now.”

He casually tossed the words and walked ahead.

‘…I thought he was going to kiss me.’

Reneb watched Icar’s broad back, her surprised heart settling down.

But the direction Icar was heading was back the way they had come.

“Your Highness? Where are you going?”

“Seems best to head back. I’ll call for the doctor on the way.”

According to Dr. Dahan, who had visited the garden early this morning, Icar had been quite busy lately with imperial trade matters.

Even though he had offered to show her the guest room, Reneb had initially declined.

There was no need to tour the place with someone busy.

But Dr. Dahan insisted that they should check the place for any needed renovations.

So if they returned now, it would mean Icar had wasted precious time.

Reneb hastened her steps to catch up with Icar and grabbed his sleeve.

“Your Highness!”

“What is it?”

“I’m really fine. I’ll get examined later, let’s go to the guest room first.”

“This is the second time.”

“What?”

“You’ve experienced breathing difficulties.”

Reneb slightly bowed her head, hiding her expression.
The day Reneb first confronted Esika after her regression. That day, too, she had experienced an abnormal reaction in her body.

Icar had watched it all from the closest distance.

There were no excuses.

Reneb bit her lip, avoiding Icar’s piercing gaze.

Icar sighed.

“Your Highness, your well-being is important to me.”

“I know.”

Reneb nodded slightly.

If anything were to happen to Reneb during her time in Basheker, it would mean the peace treaty between the two countries would be broken.

The House of Siren would be the first to make a move.

The Paradium Royal Family would not escape the disgrace of failing to protect their citizens.

Nobles who were aware of Reneb’s sacrifice for going abroad in place of the princess would lose faith.

Although legally an adult, she was still just a young girl.

If news spread that she had faced difficulties in a foreign country, there would be public outrage.

That’s why Icar was so concerned.

Reneb faced reality.

She thought she was fine, but in reality, she was ill.

Since the physical symptoms had only recently appeared, if she recognized the severity of the situation and received treatment…

“I can’t let your stubbornness go any longer.”

A deep sigh came from above her head.

Reneb looked up at Icar, eyes wide.

“Then you, Your Highness, should take the lead this time.”

Icar gestured forward. As soon as Reneb looked, he continued.

“If you lag behind because of breathing difficulties again, it’s a problem for me.”

Reneb then understood Icar’s meaning and took the lead.

“Yes.”

Throughout the long corridor, Reneb was wrapped in a strange mood.

Icar said nothing, but the sound of his shoes reassured her from behind.

Even the darkest dawn eventually sees the sun rise; the secret passage that had felt like a dungeon also had an end.

When they came outside, the fresh air and warm afternoon sun bathed Reneb.

“From now on, you are prohibited from entering the secret passage. Remember that.”

Icar spoke coldly, glancing at Reneb.

“Yes. I’ll keep Your Majesty’s words in mind, again and again.”

Reneb repeatedly nodded, and Icar’s eyes narrowed.

“I am serious.”

Icar frowned sternly, and Reneb didn’t answer, rolling her eyes before spotting Dahan in conversation with a knight.

Their eyes met, and Dahan quickly approached.

“You’re late, Your Majesty.”

After giving a light bow to Reneb, Dahan hurried Icar with a troubled expression.

“There were reasons.”

Upon seeing Icar’s truthful expression, Dahan turned his head towards Reneb.

“Then I’ll guide you to the guest room you’ll be using.”

“Please do, Sir Dahan.”

As Reneb moved towards the guest room with Dahan, she realized Icar was absent and turned around.

He was standing some distance away, giving instructions to his attendants.

“This newly built place is a detached building. From now on, Your Highness can use this place.”

Dahan proudly boasted about the guest room.

“It’s definitely worth boasting about.”

Reneb looked around the interior and nodded her head.

The interior of the newly built guest room was simple yet elegant. Unlike the ostentatious gardens, it seemed to focus on practicality.

And Reneb liked this place more than the gardens.