A stunning array of dessert plates adorned with heaps of sweet cream, a teapot delicately painted with flower petals by the hands of an artisan, and tea cups—all neatly arranged. The table edges were charmingly decorated with floral ornaments, and fresh fruits were prepared to accompany the tea time.

Erzhe’s eyes sparkled at the elaborate spread.

“Wow…!”

His expression seemed as if he was seeing something like this for the first time.

Smiling, Valia gestured for him to sit.

“Please, have a seat, Erzhe. If there’s anything you lack or need, feel free to let us know.”

“These desserts are really beautiful like this for the first time.”

“I hope they suit your taste.”

“The meals at the palace were all delicious! Really.”

Now, looking at Erzhe, it felt much more ordinary. There was still a slight bittersweet feeling, but it wasn’t as difficult as before to find meaning in each of her actions.

It was all thanks to Khalid. He rescued her from the remnants of the past.

Valia smiled at Erzhe.

“Were you surprised that day?”

“What?”

“I must have been quite unwell. I unintentionally put you in a difficult situation too…”

“No! I was just worried about the princess…”

Erzhe flicked his finger.

Then, with an awkward gaze that had been directed downwards, he looked up and worriedly observed Valia.

“Is your health better now?”

“Thanks to you, I’ve improved a lot. I heard you kept asking about my well-being… Thank you for caring, Erzhe.”

Erzhe’s cheeks turned slightly red.

As she scratched her cheek with her finger and chuckled, that innocent appearance felt refreshingly different to Valia, who had only looked at Erzhe through the lens of her memories.

“How have you been during this time?”

“I’ve been touring around the palace, enjoying the scenery… I’ve seen a lot of artworks. And I’ve eaten many delicious things…”

Erzhe enthusiastically talked about the experiences he had in the palace.

Then, suddenly, he remembered something and spoke up.

“Oh! And while strolling through the garden, I often came across Prince Erhan.”

Often came across…

Was that truly a coincidence?

“At that time, I couldn’t express my gratitude and chat a bit…”

Valia focused on Erzhe’s words.

“Prince Erhan seemed to be a kind person to everyone, just as the rumors say. He treated me so well, so I felt grateful and happy.”

“Did Prince Erhan treat you well?”

“Yes! He even said I could stay in the palace as much as I wanted.”

As much as he wanted?

Valia’s gaze turned cold.

Wasn’t Raul telling Erzhe to stay as long as he wanted a sign that Raul had some feelings for Erzhe? Valia couldn’t help but entertain the reasonable doubt and asked Erzhe.

“Do you want to stay longer in the palace, Erzhe?”

“…Uh, well…”

Seeing Erzhe unable to answer immediately, it seemed like he did want to stay longer.

Valia didn’t press further on the matter. It was more comfortable than before, but that didn’t mean she wanted to continue staying with Erzhe.

“Still, Prince Erhan seems to really like you, Erzhe. It’s not easy for him to say such things.”

Valia took a sip of her tea and casually spoke, making Erzhe’s face turn bright red.

“Oh, no! It’s not like that…”

“Hehe. He seems like a good person.”

Not wanting to continue the conversation about Raul, Erzhe quickly changed the topic.

“Come to think of it, Prince Erhan is also very kind. I was really moved seeing him take care of the princess.”

“Is that so?”
“It seemed that His Majesty really liked the princess.”

However, this was a topic Erzhe found too sensitive to bring up.

Valia responded with a small sigh.

“Thank you. But that’s not a story you should tell me.”

“Oh, I didn’t mean it that way. I’m really sorry…”

Erzhe stammered, his words trailing off.

Valia, feeling uneasy about inviting him for tea and changing the atmosphere, asked cheerfully, “So, what do you plan to do with the remaining time?”

“Well, tomorrow, I plan to explore the city center and come back. The place I live in is a small town near the farm, so I don’t often get a chance to see the bustling city.”

“There are many famous restaurants nearby, so be sure to try them. Don’t worry about the expenses, and I’ll inform the accompanying maid in advance.”

“Wow. Thank you, Princess!”

Erzhe smiled, saying that there was a place he really wanted to visit.

While Valia, if not for Raul, wouldn’t have dared to go alone, Erzhe’s honest and straightforward request felt different from the other noble ladies who usually tried to maintain their pride.

Suddenly, the thought occurred to Valia that Raul might have fallen for her after seeing this different side of her.

“It’s irrelevant now, though…”

Valia chuckled and, as she was about to wrap up, Erzhe, with an embarrassed expression, asked, “Um, sorry to be impudent, but could I make one request, Princess?”

Valia nodded slightly, granting permission.