Viscount Caprié smiled silently, calmly observing the people without saying a word.

Both artists and nobles were enjoying their time, creating a festive atmosphere before the upcoming auction.

“Princess Valia is more intelligent than I thought.”

At the sudden compliment, Khalid’s lips twitched, moved.

Hearing praises for Valia, he somehow felt more irritated than pleased.

“It’s strange that Her Highness doesn’t bother to hide her expressions. There have been quite interesting events lately.”

“If you’re going to tease, stop it, Viscount.”

Khalid said with a smirk.

In reality, these two had been secret collaborators for a long time.

Although the Viscount didn’t openly support Khalid, there were many times when he secretly aided Khalid’s endeavors. Likewise, Khalid had also assisted the Viscount behind the scenes.

“When Rachel mentioned that the princess liked her, I was genuinely surprised. She’s not someone who easily opens her heart to anyone.”

Khalid waved his hand dismissively.

“I don’t know about that. Since the bazaar is over, let’s tighten the security so that no one can come to the palace.”

He wore a cheeky expression.

To this, Viscount Caprié burst into laughter, as if finding it amusing.

“Hahaha. How can that be done as you wish? Anyway, if that child took a liking to you, Princess Valia must be a very kind person.”

The Viscount raised the champagne he held towards Khalid.

“You’ve met a good person.”

At his words, Khalid laughed and clinked his glass against the Viscount’s.

“I’m a lucky person.”

“Haha. That’s true.”

Khalid stood by the Viscount’s side, leaning against the railing.

Then he glanced around to see where Valia was.

Finding her didn’t take long. Khalid’s eyes widened as he watched Valia chatting and laughing with someone.

“Today, let the rumors spread just enough. Just sow the seeds of suspicion.”

No one would actually believe that Viscount Caprié had joined hands with the Second Prince.

But what if?

Just planting that doubt was enough.

“Then, I should go now. There seem to be some strange guys lingering around Valia.”

Khalid looked at a young man whose expression had loosened while talking to Valia.

Huh?

He had a face as if he couldn’t regain his senses after falling for Valia.

I can’t just leave that alone.

Especially when my potential husband is around.

Khalid handed the remaining champagne glass in the Viscount’s hand to the Viscount and walked down the stairs with brisk steps.

As Khalid approached, the reactions of the people around him became apparent.

Not only the young men directly conversing with Valia but also the surrounding men all had their mouths agape, not taking their eyes off Valia.

‘Tsk. Having a popular person is difficult.’

Joking to himself internally, Khalid took a step forward.

“Valia.”

Khalid called Valia quietly.

“Hmm? Oh, Khalid. When did you come?”

Without taking his eyes off the young man, Khalid embraced Valia’s waist.

Then he pulled her into his arms.

“I was watching you from over there.”

As if declaring that this woman was his, his attitude was unreserved.

“Is the conversation over? If so, can you spare some time for me too?”

Valia felt a bit embarrassed as Khalid openly expressed affection in front of others.

“If you came, you should have told me beforehand… Wait a moment.”

Smiling, Valia sought understanding from those who were chatting with her. Then she clasped Khalid’s hand and moved to another spot.

“What were you doing?”

“Viscount Caprié was here, so I had a brief chat with him. You seemed to be having a great time?”

“Hahaha. What is it? Don’t say it as if you’re jealous.”

When Valia giggled, Khalid’s brow furrowed.

“Jealousy suits me.”

“Okay, okay. So, what did you talk about with Viscount Caprié?”
Ignoring Khalid’s words, Valia asked without a care.

“Hmm. You really…”

“Did you call me just to make a joke?”

Well, it’s not exactly that.

I just wanted to clear away the nuisances around and, well, it’s a bit bothersome to be completely disregarded whether I came or not…

Khalid pondered on how to explain and just ended up smiling slyly.

No matter what he says, he feels too narrow-minded.

“Hmm? What is it?”

When Valia narrowed her eyes and glared at him, Khalid raised both hands.

“Okay, okay.”

“What did you talk about with Viscount Caprié? Was it an important conversation? I’m about to start the auction, so hurry up and tell me.”

When Valia turned around and urged him, Khalid sighed and gave her a light peck on the lips.

“Actually, I just called you because I wanted to kiss you.”

“What did you say?”

“Hahaha. Can I make it deeper?”

“No way!”

Khalid burst into laughter, made the kissing sound again, lightly brushing his lips against hers.

“Khalid…!”

“Okay! It’s really over now! You can go.”

Valia looked bewildered.

Did he bring her here just for this?

“If you have something else to discuss, do it after it’s over. Got it?”

Valia headed towards the place where the auction items were prepared, preparing for the most important event of the day.

‘Let me check one more time…’