Winter has arrived imperceptibly.

Sighing and blowing out a breath, seeing the frost forming white, it truly felt like winter.

Compared to the winter in the Kingdom of Ronika where Belia resided, the winter in the Empire couldn’t be considered extremely cold. The winter in Ronika Kingdom was bone-chillingly cold.

“Princess, should I add more firewood?”

“No, it’s okay. It’s not that cold right now.”

As Belia spoke, everyone widened their eyes as if finding it strange.

It didn’t mean it wasn’t cold at all, just that it was bearable for the time being.

“Then, should I bring more blankets?”

The maids asked, perhaps worried about her, as she seemed delicate no matter how you looked at her.

Eventually, Belia smiled and gave an affirmative answer.

“Well, would you?”

Then, a few maids briskly went out of the room to fetch blankets with bright expressions.

‘It seems this winter will be quite fulfilling.’

To prepare for the coming heavy snowfall next year, they planned to gradually release the firewood, fur, and provisions that each regional clinic had stored during this winter.

Fortunately, there had been no reports of any problems with the stored items up to now.

Of course, there were not no issues at all.

There were reports that moisture had formed in some clinics built far from the capital, making the furs damp.

However, as the steward promptly checked the conditions and dried everything thoroughly, quick recovery was possible.

‘Really fortunate.’

If they hadn’t prepared in advance this year, it would have been quite difficult.

Even so, thanks to the precautions, they seemed able to withstand the upcoming heavy snowfall.

Of course, next year’s winter, experiencing an unprecedented severe cold, might bring even bigger problems, but considering what they had gone through this year, they believed they could handle it.

“Is there any interesting news these days?”

Belia asked the remaining maids.

Then, everyone started to bring up any small information they knew or accidentally heard, as if they wanted to help Belia in some way.

“Recently, I heard that Lady Cantereph frequently attends parties with the First Prince. There are rumors that they seem very close.”

“So?”

Belia raised her eyebrows unexpectedly at the surprising news.

That Raul often appeared together with Ellen Cantereph. Was he managing his image?

“Lately, Lady seems to be very cheerful.”

As Raul paid attention to her, it seemed that Ellen’s mood had improved significantly.

Then, one of the maids muttered boldly.

“Until now, the First Prince didn’t pay much attention to Lady, who is your fiancée, because he was always looking at you.”

“Shh! What if you say such things!”

“Well, everyone knows this story…”

As it was a sensitive topic, those who brought up the subject whispered to each other.

Realizing that they were in front of Belia, they immediately closed their mouths.

“Sorry. It was indiscreet.”

“I’m sorry too…”

More than the maids’ whispering, Belia felt more awkward that this story had spread naturally.

Recently, Belia had reduced her outings, so there were hardly any chances to meet Raul. Perhaps at some occasional parties.

Because of Khalid’s concern, she deliberately tried not to meet Raul accidentally. If she happened to run into him in an unavoidable situation, she would pretend not to notice and pass by.

But even so, rumors spread like this.

“I’m fine. But in other places, I should be more careful with my words.”

“I’m sorry, Princess.”

“Remember it well.”

Seeing the unusual strictness of Belia, the maids lowered their heads. It was because they realized they had made a big mistake.

Observing their actions silently, Belia gave them a little time to reflect before asking in a slightly relaxed voice.

“How’s the atmosphere in the Empress’s palace these days?”
The maids, who had become gloomy at her question, exchanged glances and one of them responded.

“Um… It seems that Her Majesty the Empress is not feeling well.”

“…Really?”

“She often visits the Imperial Palace from the Empress’s Palace, and the atmosphere seems more subdued than before.”

Belia focused on the conversation.

“But it doesn’t seem to be a very dangerous situation. The maids say it’s just that Her Majesty is a bit tired.”

“Yes, and they say the Empress’s condition hasn’t worsened.”

“That’s a relief.”

It seemed that the antidote was being delivered properly.

Everything was going well as planned. Belia’s lips curled slightly.

While Belia was absent-mindedly staring at the crackling firewood, Khalid entered the room holding the blanket that the maids were supposed to bring.

“Belia.”

The maids who noticed the appearance of the Second Prince quickly greeted him and all left the room.

“Oh, Khalid? Weren’t you supposed to go check the guard today?”

“I’m already on my way back.”

As Khalid covered Belia’s knees with the blanket and spoke, Belia, surprised, looked out the window.

When did so much time pass?

Outside the window, a dark curtain had already fallen, making it dark.

“How was it today?”