‘Ariana, you must be happy now. Enjoy that happiness to the fullest.’

Victoria’s eyes flickered.

‘While you enjoy happy times in Dongryeong, I will acquire a power that you can never possess.’

Victoria recalled the abilities of Paganus.

The power of Amanthal possessed by Paganus. The things she needed to do to obtain that power.

She didn’t want to be treated like a filthy heretic, but she desired that power. Since Dongjehu had given permission, there was no need to hesitate.

Thinking of the day she would step on Ariana’s head, Victoria smiled coldly.
Catherine, the maidservant, had prepared a bath for Ariana. The bathtub, filled with plenty of lemons and oranges, emitted a refreshing fragrance, and just the scent alone was enough to relieve fatigue.

Ariana undressed and dipped her feet into the bathtub.

The temperature was just right.

While in the bath, Ariana examined her body. The ointment Isaac had given her was effective, gradually fading the scars that had appeared here and there. Eventually, she would have a clean body as if nothing had ever happened.

Though her mind was unsettled due to the fall incident, she decided not to dwell on it during her bath. Cyrus had emphasized the importance of taking a rest.

‘Is Louis and Noah doing well?’

As Ariana immersed herself in the tub, she remembered the makeshift tub they had prepared for her on the journey. The tub, exclusively arranged for Ariana, was truly warm and comfortable.

That time had been the most relaxing moment so far.

She didn’t fear enemy attacks, and there was no need to be cautious of hidden foes.

‘The journey felt safer than this castle, where many people care for me.’

Despite not wanting to think about the fall incident, memories of that time kept coming back, dripping black water into her mind.

Being familiar didn’t mean it wasn’t scary.

Every time she jumped off the carriage or fell from the horse, it was always frightening. She feared the physical pain that would be inflicted.

‘I wish I knew who was targeting me. Is it really Donghoje?’

Ariana recalled the names of the Dongryeong nobles she had memorized while helping the Third Prince. There was no one she thought could be responsible for this.

‘This is troublesome.’

She couldn’t inform Dongjehu or his family about this fact.

Even if they cared for Ariana, her time with them had been short. It was questionable if they would believe, and even if they did, Ariana didn’t want to become a presence that disrupted the atmosphere as soon as she became the princess of Dongryeong.

It was difficult to reveal such matters in peaceful Dongryeong.

‘I must not make Dongryeong noisy because of me.’

Now that Ariana was unwell, she might be taken care of, but if problems kept arising because of her, there would be those who frowned upon it.

For a while, she had to act like an innocent but slightly clever girl.

“Ariana, I’m coming in!”

A cheerful voice penetrated Ariana’s consciousness. Before Ariana could respond, the bathroom door creaked open, accompanied by Catherine’s voice, “Oh my, Miss. You shouldn’t do this.”

“Look at this, Ariana. This is the dress you’ll wear tomorrow. Isn’t it beautiful?”

Isabel was holding a lilac dress. The upper part started with a light lilac color, gradually darkening as it descended. The deep purple at the hem was studded with diamonds, resembling the starlight of the night sky.

“Yeah, it’s really beautiful.”
Isabel smiled as if relieved, handed the dress to Catherine, and entered the bathroom. Isabel pulled a small chair next to the bathtub and sat down.

“Since you’re the protagonist tomorrow, you have to look the most beautiful. I’ve picked out some jewelry too. I’ve decorated it so beautifully that it might seem excessive. Understand?”

“Yeah, I got it.”

“But, Ariana. I didn’t ask earlier because of the atmosphere, but…”

“Yeah?”

“How is the North Crown Prince? Is he really handsome like a portrait?”

“Sister, did you see the portrait too?”

“Of course. There’s always at least one at the portrait shop. Some people even pay a high price for a portrait. What about you?”

“Me?”

“Ah, I’m not at that level. So, how is he? Is he really handsome? Like the god of the moon?”

Ariana recalled Cyrus’s face. Impeccable features to an almost overwhelming degree and eyes that shone beautifully in a terrifying manner with a deep red color.

Suddenly, the last conversation they had flashed back, and her mood sank. She didn’t want to speak well of Cyrus.

“Just like that.”

“Huh?”

“Just ordinary. Rumors are just rumors.”

Disappointment appeared on Isabel’s face.

“What? Really? Well, I expected that. There’s no way there’s such a pretty person. How about compared to Avestar or Zeor?”

“Of course, those two are much better.”

“Ah, then it must be nothing special. How about his skills? He claimed to have saved you from the enemies of the North Crown Prince, right? So, have you seen him fight?”

“Yeah, I’ve seen it.”

“Is he strong?”

“Um, yeah, he’s strong. Very.”

Isabel’s eyes sparkled.

“Really? He’s that strong? If he fought our dad, who do you think would win?”

“Lord… Uncle Felos is that strong?”

“Very. He may not use magic like the North people, but without it, he can handle several North knights alone. I once followed him to the battlefield and saw him fighting with Paganus. Until then, I just thought he was a foolish dad, but at that moment, I saw my dad again.”

Isabel, boasting about her father, glittered so brightly that her eyes were dazzling.

Isabel behaved as independently as Helena, but there was something in her that couldn’t be found in Helena. Something very clear and cheerful, like starlight.

A girl who grew up receiving abundant love looked so beautiful.

Unconsciously, Ariana reached out her hand towards Isabel. Her wet fingers brushed against Isabel’s cheek.

Isabel tilted her head as if asking why Ariana did that. Ariana smiled faintly and said, “Just because. Sister looks so beautiful.”