A banquet in the Arkes Principality.

Amidst the unexpectedly awkward and silent atmosphere flowing through the banquet hall, near the balcony, two men whispered quietly.

“It seems that the prince’s retinue has brought the records and goods from that village.”

“Then, the claim that the child is the envoy seems to be true.”

“Yes, it seems so. What should we do now?”

“Do as we discussed last time. Otherwise, our lives are already forfeit.”

“Yes, then I will prepare.”

As one of them left, the remaining man looked at the crown prince, biting his nails.

Originally, the atmosphere should have been lively with flattery due to the crown prince from the Empire.

However, the gathered nobles seemed somehow to be in a mood as if they had come to a gloomy funeral.

That was understandable because, after comparing annual tributes, the crown prince had identified the corruption, leading to all those who had controlled the social circles being sent to prison.

Thus, the obviously inept ones who were certain to create a smoke screen had disappeared, leaving only high-ranking officials engaged in quiet mind games or eccentric behavior.

Among them, Earl Tailun Hardman, who had managed his territory well, approached the crown prince.

“His Highness, the Crown Prince of the Imperial Eldarian, Tailun Hardman, the Earl.”

He was undoubtedly an elderly man with white hair, a lot of wrinkles, and a dignified but thin figure, appearing as one of the few capable nobles in the principality with a prosperous domain among the three attendants.
“Ah, Count Hardman. I’ve been wanting to ask, is it true that your family has served as dukes for generations? Rumor has it that even after all these years, your reputation for integrity is more widespread than anyone else’s.”

“Haha, no, it’s not true. All an old man like me can do is barely hold his position.”

“Haha, what are you saying, the one with the cleanest backside is making such remarks.”

As Iren laughed brightly, watching the nobles eavesdropping on their conversation disperse with coughs, it seemed quite painful for them to be filling their pockets in a declining principality.

“You flatter me. By the way, we should quickly conclude the matter of the envoy, but…”

“That’s true. Since we’re spreading inquiries in all directions, once the investigation is satisfactorily completed, I’ll let you know.”

“But, that…”

He glanced at the young knight, Hees.

The only knight brought in was Hees, and not only during the investigation but always stayed by the Crown Prince’s side.

In response, the Crown Prince awkwardly smiled and said, “That friend doesn’t sleep much at night.”

Unable to mention that the infamous Black Monster accompanied them, the Knight Commander of Shadows was not included in the official roster.

As a result, Lucia’s movements became much more convenient, but strange rumors began to circulate.

Rumors spread that the Crown Prince had come to the principality to stir up trouble under the pretext of the envoy.
In reality, as soon as the clear-eyed Crown Prince arrived in the principality, he sent quite a number of nobles into exile to the extent that it caused a disruption of their influence.

Amidst the rumors, the Crown Prince, with his bright eyes, looked around, smiling like a refreshing flower. Everyone began to avert their eyes and cover their necks as if avoiding poisonous flowers.

That was when the atmosphere, which had been quiet, began to be filled with people’s sighs.

A woman of beautiful appearance appeared, parting through the crowd as if she were the sea.

Her white dress, adorned with rose lace like cherry blossoms, flowed elegantly. A ribbon lightly tied to her rough black hair, along with small flowers, left traces of spring with every step, making people catch their breath.

Even the Crown Prince couldn’t take his eyes off the woman who appeared during the conversation. Count Hardman asked.

“Your Highness, do you know that lady?”

“I only know her. Such a beautiful lady….”

In response to his answer, the Count opened his eyes, which were creased with wrinkles, and looked at the woman once again.

The envoy he brought indeed had many women. To the Count, who was familiar with the rumors of his reputation as a libertine, it was not particularly noteworthy.

However, the Count had not lived his years in vain.

His reddened face, as if he were intoxicated by undrunk alcohol, indicated that he was a man in love, neither more nor less.

Now, having descended from the second floor where people were looking down, he stepped on the central staircase and approached the woman who had just arrived.
Prince Irene, adorned with cufflinks matching the vivid pink of his flowing hair, the only color in his white attire, stood beside her. When he intentionally matched his attire with hers and lingered by her side, they became a dazzling pair, drawing people’s attention as if they were a perfectly matched couple.