As the carriage of the Ruschev family arrived at the palace, a line of waiting maids approached slowly.

Viare raised an eyebrow at this and let out a hollow laugh.

“There was no need for such a treatment.”

“It’s the Crown Prince’s order,” replied one of the maids.

Viare was incredulous, wondering if all this was done in case she decided to flee back in the carriage.

Suppressing a sigh, she pointed to one of the maids with a nonchalant expression.

“You, lead me to the Crown Prince.”

“Understood, Lady Viare.”

With a bow, the maid took the lead, and Viare followed her to the Crown Prince’s palace.

‘I never thought I’d come here again.’

Although she had visited the palace several times as a child with her father, it was always an uncomfortable place for her, stirring up unpleasant feelings.

From the intricately gold-carved statues to the opulence within, the palace seemed to reflect the Crown Prince’s pride in always seeking the best.

‘You need to rise higher for me to enjoy my triumph.’

When he reached the pinnacle of his joy, Viare planned to ruthlessly drag him down to hell. Until that day, she intended to play along with what Ivan wanted.

Passing through the long corridor with regularly spaced arched windows, she finally arrived at the audience chamber.

After the maid knocked three times and announced Viare’s arrival, a deep and low voice responded from inside.

“Let her in.”

The maids opened the door, and Viare entered the audience chamber with proper decorum.

“To the holy glory of the Marta Empire.”

It was the first time she had seen him since her birthday banquet three years ago, and he looked even healthier than before.

Politically adept, he had recently implemented successful relief policies and was receiving widespread praise.

Even though she didn’t want to hear about him, tales of Ivan’s deeds were unavoidable in gossip magazines, newspapers, and social gatherings.

“I told you, there’s no need for formalities between us.”

With his light blonde hair pushed back, he was as mischievous as ever.

Despite the years, seeing his unchanged demeanor, Viare suppressed a sigh.

After finishing her greetings, she sat on the sofa opposite him and observed his self-satisfied expression.

“You seem to be in a good mood, Your Highness.”

“Indeed, today is a joyous occasion.”

He seemed certain about the reason behind her audience request.

Then, he took out a gift box from his possession and placed it on the table.

“You haven’t forgotten about this, have you?”

Recognizing the unforgettable gift box, Viare almost bit her tongue in shock.

“……You’ve kept this all this time?”

Staring into her astonished teal eyes, Ivan lifted the lid of the box and placed it before her.

“I said before, didn’t I? No one else would suit it better.”

“…….”

The delicately embroidered white lace gloves still radiated their exquisite beauty.

Viare realized that Ivan was cunning enough to anticipate her intentions.

Executing her plan against him wouldn’t be easy; she needed to be even more subtle in her acting.

Picking up the lace gloves and slipping them on, Viare spoke to Ivan in a deliberately affectionate tone.

“It seems these gloves have finally found their owner.”

“Yes, no one else could be more suitable than you, Lady.”

“Then I gratefully accept them, Your Highness.”

At that moment, Viare offered him the most radiant smile she had ever shown.
Even after practicing in front of the mirror, Viare felt that any more would almost lead to a cramp.

Ivan watched her intently, stiffening his body slightly, and then cleared his throat lightly a couple of times before speaking.

“How well I have listened to the Lady’s words over the years.”

Over the past few years, Ivan had not sought her out, and on the occasions they attended the same events, he kept his distance, making no acknowledgment of her.

Seemingly pleased with his own conduct, he seemed to be seeking recognition for his efforts.

“I made personal efforts to become a person befitting for you.”

He then went on to describe, almost complainingly, how well-behaved he had been during that time.

Unaccustomed to such a response from him, Viare quietly listened without knowing how to react.

“I used to say that. The Lady was too young to understand.”

Leaning back on the sofa with his arms crossed, Ivan slightly twisted his mouth and continued.

“…….”

“But understand this. Weren’t you young back then?”

“…….”

“Not even fully grown.”

Viare, who had been silently listening to him, looked directly into Ivan’s eyes and responded.

“Yes, I was young then, a flaw of mine. But now, I’ve developed an ambition for that position.”

Her conscience had long since ceased to trouble her as she uttered these insincere words. She clenched her fists under the table, suppressing her rising anger.

‘I’ll destroy you more miserably than the pain Zion must have felt.’

Oblivious to Viare’s inner turmoil, Ivan smiled more contentedly than ever.

“I am delighted that the Lady seems to share my sentiments. Sincerely.”