She knew that he deliberately let the rumors spread. Therefore, there was no need to respond to such courteous words that were just an excuse to emphasize the relationship between them.

The more Raoul spoke to her, the more the rumors would grow. Raoul, too, was likely aware of that fact.

So, the words he deliberately offered here were merely an opportunity to emphasize his relationship with Belia.

“Let’s go.”

With the funeral proceedings and the memorial service finished, and with no reason to stay here, Belia returned to the palace, leading Rachel out of the temple.

And at that moment,

“Your Highness!”

“Princess Belia!”

“Your Highness! We believe in you!”

Petals of various colors fluttered in a surprisingly lively manner, considering it was a place where the funeral was held.

As soon as people confirmed Belia’s presence, they showered her with flower petals they had prepared.

Yellow and red petals floated in the air, contrasting vividly with the white ground. The colors were remarkably conspicuous.

“Even the Second Prince will come back!”

“We will pray for Your Highness!”

“Your Highness!”

“We will protect Your Highness!”

Belia stood there, staring blankly at them.

Even those who were coming out of the temple, thinking they had attended Baron Ceylon’s funeral, joined the crowd and cheered for Belia, unlike the audience that had gathered for her.

“Your Highness…”

Beside her, Rachel already had tears welling up in her eyes.

‘Ah…’

Belia took in their appearance.

Their expressions, actions, the various colors of flower petals swirling in the vast square, and the resounding cheers…

‘…I had them.’

She could fully feel the unconditional trust the Imperial citizens were directing towards her.

She hadn’t done anything for them. She had only acted selfishly for herself. Yet, the favors done with such a selfish heart were received with gratitude and repaid in this way.

Belia’s eyes reddened.

She could endure it.

The insults directed at her meant nothing.

It was really okay.

Khaled would come back, and all the words people muttered against her were not true.

But seeing the Imperial citizens cheer for Belia without conditions healed her tattered heart.

It felt like they were counting the days, waiting for Khaled.

Counting every day, wondering if tomorrow would come, and the day after that.

Like a child waiting for its mother, she blindly waited for Khaled.

Endless anxious nights followed.

However, unexpectedly, those she had not thought of comforted and consoled Belia.
Belia suddenly rushed to cover her eyes with both hands, trying to hold back the tears that were about to burst out.

“……Thank you.”

In the single syllable she uttered, it was unclear whether the deep gratitude and affection she felt at this moment were conveyed.

Belia pressed her eyes with the palms of her hands, swallowing the tears, and then withdrew her hands. She smiled brightly at them.

“Thank you, everyone.”

Truly.

Those living in the Kingdom of Ingot.

They felt genuinely lovable.

And so, as time passed, the day of Raoul and Lady Kanteleef’s wedding arrived.

The sky was dark, and a light drizzle fell, obscuring the view with a hazy mist.

It was like the eve of a storm.

“Your Highness. Are you really going to attend?”

“Yes.”

The maids asked with a worried tone.

But Belia’s expression was blank.

“But, Your Highness, the situation is not favorable.”

A few days ago, rumors began circulating that Raoul and Belia were seen exchanging kisses at the palace. It was also heard that Lady Kanteleef fell ill upon hearing this news.

“When the lady came, the atmosphere was strange. Wouldn’t it be better to say you’re unwell?”

A few days ago, Elin came to Belia, expressing her wish for her not to attend the wedding. It was said that she went back cursing and almost pouring out insults rather than delivering the message politely.

Belia raised her head.

“If I hide here, the rumors will only grow. It’s better for me to show myself. There are still people who doubt the rumors.”

Belia gazed silently at her reflection in the mirror.

A thin woman in a dark green dress, looking ahead with a pale face.

Despite the comfort she received from the Imperial citizens, Belia looked increasingly fragile. It had been three months since Khaled went missing.

“Who would think that I’m the one trying to seduce the First Prince and crave power, just by looking at me like this?”

“…Your Highness.”

“Preparations seem to be complete.”

Belia stood up from her seat.

As expected, various mutterings were heard as they observed Belia attending the wedding alone.

However, with an indifferent expression, Belia sat in her place. Rachel, who noticed her, came straight to her and sat by her side.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes.”

Belia’s heart ached at Rachel’s caring attitude, which was no different from hers.

She must also be holding onto a small hope and enduring.

After that, they didn’t exchange any words.

Not long after, the wedding began, and Raoul and Elin entered with bright smiles.

As the wedding vows continued, and the wedding proceeded smoothly with everyone’s blessings, at that moment.

Pitter-patter.

The rain, which had momentarily paused, intensified, and the sound of the heavy rain falling became audible.

Fortunately, since the wedding was held indoors, there was no sudden mishap due to the unexpected rain.

Then.

The voice of a guard pierced through the rain.

“His Imperial Highness, the Second Prince, has returned!”