From April to June, it was the social season, and many nobles gathered in the imperial capital, Styrian City. The streets with villas where nobles from different countries or regions stayed and the upscale inn district were bustling, and salons were fully booked.

Recently, whenever nobles gathered, they chattered about Ariana’s custody trial and the dispute between the Eastern Prince and the Western Prince. It was interesting gossip, but it couldn’t surpass the fight between the two princes and the involvement of the Western Prince.

Nobles continuously sent party invitations to both the Eastern and Western Princes, but neither responded, and they both left the empire.

The story of how the pitiful girl Ariana, on the verge of being bound by her wicked mother’s chains, was saved by the Western Prince, became a popular theme in the lyrics of minstrels. Some even prepared to turn it into a play.

Thus, Ariana and the Western Prince Cyrus, who had caused a stir in the imperial capital, were leisurely enjoying dinner in the small town of Obang.

The Eastern Prince Russell had rented an entire large inn in Obang, offering rooms to Cyrus and Isaac. In the evening, he invited both of them to a dinner.

“I apologize for the modest treatment in a place like this for a benefactor.”

Cyrus replied calmly to Russell’s words, “It’s just right. The capital was inconvenient due to too many onlookers.”

“If you visit the Eastern Capital later, I will warmly welcome you.”

“Yes, I’ll gladly accept your invitation.”

Russell sent a complicated gaze towards Cyrus, who calmly enjoyed his meal.

In the past, the Eastern and Western Capitals maintained quite an intimate relationship, thanks to the huge city of Headran in the Hynan region located in the northeast of the continent. Due to the actions of Pagannus, the giant city of Headran occasionally crossed the borders of the Eastern and Western Capitals, kidnapping and looting people. To curb this, cooperation between the Eastern and Western Capitals was a natural occurrence.

Sende Northjehu, who ruled over the Eastern Capital, lost his life in the war along with his wife during the time of the previous war, making the Northern Capital a lawless land. This was partly due to Cyrus being too young at the time.

Russell wanted to help Cyrus, but due to having his military command authority taken away by the emperor and receiving a clear imperial decree to behave, he couldn’t openly take action.

Even though he secretly had people look for Cyrus, no information was found. They thought he might be dead, but he not only survived but also splendidly reclaimed the position of the Western Prince.

Russell sent congratulatory letters to Cyrus and also sent invitation letters, but received no reply.

But he understood.

Cyrus couldn’t extend a helping hand in the most challenging moments, so Russell could guess what was on his mind.

Yet, Cyrus helped Ariana.
Gratitude, apology, and longing for old friends filled Russell’s heart.

Unlike Cyrus, who quietly enjoyed his meal, the seat where Isaac sat was lively and bustling.

“Well, Grandma. If you apply this ointment every day, the princess’s scar will gradually disappear. It may take some time for an old scar, but it should be gone in about three months.”

“Thank you for taking care of our child.”

“I just did what I’m good at, so there’s no need to thank me. Father always said not to discriminate in treating others.”

“Yes, Baron Feren is truly generous and noble.”

As Carady spoke as if missing something, Isaac’s green eyes were also filled with longing. However, it was only for a moment, and Isaac soon laughed and started talking about something else.

Ariana, who was having her meal in Russell’s adjacent seat, discreetly raised her eyes to observe Isaac and the Eastern Crown Prince and his wife.

‘The relationship between the Northern and Eastern Capitals was even more intimate than I expected.’

She knew that Cyrus’s parents had established a friendship with the Northern and Eastern Capitals before dying in the war. However, she didn’t know that the relationship was so close as to establish a connection with the Perrin family, not even belonging to the noble class.

‘When the Third Prince investigated before, he said that their relationship was very bad.’

The Third Prince Herald, who aimed for the throne, was most concerned about the strong military forces of the Northern and Eastern Capitals. Prince Herald wanted to pull both countries to his side, but both the Northern and Eastern Crowns paid no attention to his aspirations.

If the Northern and Eastern Crowns joined hands and sided with the Crown Prince, no matter what the Third Prince did, he would be unable to ascend the throne. Therefore, the Third Prince paid close attention to the trends of the two countries.

Until Ariana’s death, the relationship between the Northern and Eastern Crowns did not recover. Even when the Eastern Capital collapsed, the Northern Crown did not extend a helping hand to the Eastern Crown.