But the exclamation Geor made when she fell from the horse sounded genuinely surprised.

‘It’s unknown. Geor could be an excellent actor in Donghuje.’

Geor had already tried to kill Ariana once.

‘I shouldn’t let my guard down for a while.’

While Geor was talking to Russell, saying, “It seems like you were shot by something like a bee,” Ariana grabbed Caradin’s hand and got on the carriage.

+++

Things have taken a turn.

Duke Obeliar couldn’t bear the twisting feeling in his stomach.

Even after the carriage carrying Ariana disappeared, people continued to talk about the princess’s figure.
‘Why does that woman have such skills? Wasn’t it just a rumor that she learned nothing while she was in Seoryeong?’

Today’s events ended up portraying Ariana in a favorable light. Even those who had been sending cautious or jealous glances towards Ariana had now changed their attitudes.

Ariana’s smile, which bloomed after handling the situation, was just as lovely, at least in Duke Obeliar’s eyes.

‘It seems that woman possesses something I don’t know.’

Duke Obeliar admitted that he had been a bit hasty in this matter.

‘I shouldn’t have acted based solely on rumors. I need more information. I have to be patient until then.’

+++

Although the welcoming ceremony for Ariana’s safety at the Grand Square was canceled, Ariana was recognized as Dongryeong’s princess.

A festival celebrating the princess’s return was held in the streets.

While people talked and laughed about the princess, Ariana safely arrived at Chase Castle.

Shinie was discreetly moved to a room prepared for her, and Ariana headed to the restaurant where dinner was prepared. It was a gathering place for the White family only.

Family members discussed Ariana’s custody trial and the recent falling incident. There were concerned voices, but most of the discussion centered around cheerful topics.

Ariana nodded appropriately, smiled, and responded, occasionally casting glances toward Geor. Each time she did, Geor was looking at Ariana. He seemed to have no intention of hiding the fact that he was watching her.

‘Why is he looking at me like that? Could the falling incident have been Geor’s scheme?’

She didn’t think Geor acted impulsively because the horse went berserk. When Geor examined the horse’s thigh earlier, he had an intense gaze that seemed to conceal something.

‘But that man didn’t seem like he would plan things so casually. Did I misjudge him?’

If Geor were to act, Ariana thought he would do it more meticulously.

On the day of the princess’s return, it didn’t seem like he would recklessly undertake uncertain tasks in front of the many people gathered for the festival.

While Ariana was lost in thought, Geor, in his own way, was contemplating Ariana.

‘He must suspect me.’

Sometimes Ariana’s gaze towards Geor was cold and piercing. The shining pupils that seemed to read Geor’s inner thoughts were not like those of a young girl.

Geor felt like he was facing a wild beast.

‘I’m going crazy.’

Duke Obeliar had entrusted Geor with this matter. If Geor didn’t act, Duke Obeliar said he would take matters into his own hands, believing it would remain calm for a while.

‘He will immediately act on the day of the entrance… and so violently…’

Geor’s head throbbed with pain.
Duke Obeliar had always been hasty. The same applied to the eldest son, the Marquis, and even the young ladies.

‘I’m going crazy. Could the Duke have already given some instructions to his children?’

There was something Duke Obeliar didn’t know.

The feelings Dongjehu had towards his daughter were deeper than Duke Obeliar imagined. It could be seen from the gaze he sent even from the side.

Russell was looking at Ariana with a gaze Geor had never seen before. It was a look as if all these moments were like a dream, a look that said he would give his life for his daughter.

Dongjehu was known as a just and cool-headed man, but that was when his daughter wasn’t around.

‘It won’t be fair to the princess’s affairs even with Dongjehu.’

The same was true for other members of the White family.

The first-generation Dongjehu couple, of course, and Viscount Felos White almost passed out every time Ariana smiled.

‘If it becomes known that Duke Obeliar is behind this…’

Those who followed the Obeliar name would not escape unharmed.

‘Even the mother…’

As long as Ariana didn’t pose a threat to Dongryeong, Geor had no intention of harming her. Unless Duke Obeliar planned to harm Ariana.

‘I have to protect her. But… what about her mother?’

Geor found it increasingly difficult to sit still in this place. It was also challenging to endure the gaze that seemed like Ariana was observing him.

“I’m tired, so I’ll go in now.”

Eavester said to Geor as he stood up.

“Get some rest early, brother. You need to rest well today since there’s a party tomorrow.”

“Yeah, see you tomorrow.”

As he lightly greeted and left, Ariana’s surprised voice reached Geor.

“Another party tomorrow?”

“Again? We didn’t have a party today.”

“But earlier on the street, that was…?”

“That was a welcome ceremony for you. Tomorrow is a real party. Don’t you like parties?”

“No, it’s not that… I was just surprised.”

Before leaving the dining room, Geor glanced back for a moment. Ariana was conversing with Eavester with a truly surprised expression.

‘She’s really an unpredictable one.’

Sometimes, she seemed like a snake that had been dormant for a million years, with an inscrutable nature. Other times, she looked so much like a young child.

With wide-open eyes and slightly parted lips, her side profile was incredibly beautiful. Geor seemed to understand why Russell couldn’t take his eyes off his daughter.

‘With such a beautiful daughter returning, it’s only natural that he’s delighted. He probably won’t even think about someone like me.’