He seemed to have planned what to tell her. Mentioning her personality was likely just an invitation to come and hear why he was at the fountain. Etienne finally understood the source of her discomfort with Prince Rudby.
His smile appeared as relaxed as Leharht’s, but it was simply an expression of waiting to catch prey, because there was something he wanted from me. It resembled the expression he had before, wanting to involve even Duke Supraher before cutting my throat.

“Anyway, I understand why you approached me.”

He said that she could decide whether to come to meet him at night or not. Now, the choice was up to Etienne.

Of course, Etienne had already decided without much thought.

She chose to meet Prince Rudby.

“Fernando.”

On a night ambitious with the setting sun and rising moon, Hanna blocked Fernando’s path as he walked.

“I have something to say.”

She skipped greetings and spoke bluntly to Fernando. As Fernando’s indifferent gaze brushed her face, Hanna nervously released her lower lip that she had lightly bitten.

“You must listen.”

“Is it important?”

When Hanna nodded her dark face, Fernando stood beside her without saying a word.

“Let’s go to my room.”

When Fernando accepted without refusal, Hanna smiled joyfully, and she relaxed her body, which had been tense. Although the task was not over, she had at least created time to talk with Fernando.
Following Fernando, Hanna looked around. It had been three days since the Emperor’s funeral began, and the Imperial Palace was still quiet. The funeral would continue for four days, so tonight would be the last night when everyone held their breath.

Fernando entered the room and turned to face Hanna. As he did, Hanna, who was about to close the door and go inside, was startled and took a step back, fearing a collision with Fernando.

“Ugh.”

Perhaps due to the sudden movement, Hanna’s foot got tangled, and as she tried to fall backward, Fernando grabbed her arm.

In that instant, Hanna, as light as the hair fluttering in the air, fell into Fernando’s arms.

Surprised at finding herself being embraced by him, Hanna, with a stunned expression, looked at me. She blinked back tears, feeling moved by whatever he had done by hugging her. She felt foolish about why she was so touched, and she couldn’t help but cry.

“Fernando.”

Hanna looked up at him with teary eyes. The future with Fernando seemed uncertain because of Prince Rudby. She hoped it was just her misconception, but her ominous premonition didn’t disappear.

She couldn’t figure out who was to blame for all this. In the entangled relationships, she couldn’t bring herself to hate just one person.

It was pitiful that he became visible to Prince Rudby, and it was regrettable that he confessed and got rejected by me.
And considering how devastated Etienne would be if he learned that she had become the lover of the Crown Prince, it pained her heart. “I am in love with Fernando like this.” She had liked him, but now she realized that it went beyond mere liking; she was willing to risk everything for him. The realization intensified the pain in her heart, but…

“Now, don’t like Etienne.”

Without looking into Fernando’s eyes, Hanna muttered as if sighing.

“If that’s what you want to say, consider it unheard.”

“Don’t confess to Etienne.”

Upon Fernando’s words, Hanna raised her head abruptly and shouted. Watching Fernando’s pupils gradually cool down, she held her chest.

Even though she knew how he would perceive her, her sadness at being unable to avoid those eyes was temporarily pushed aside.

“Even if you confess now, he won’t accept it.”

“That’s not your concern.”

“Fernando!”

As if he wouldn’t listen anymore, Fernando turned away, and Hanna urgently grabbed his arm.

“Etienne is dating the Crown Prince.”

Hoping he would pay attention to her words, Hanna quickly spoke. Whether Hanna’s wish reached him or not, Fernando turned his body, which had been half turned away, back to her.
“I don’t know if it’s been since the debutante ball. At that time, Etienne came alone. I don’t know if you rejected my confession because you’re dating the Crown Prince, but don’t do that anymore. It will only hurt you and become dangerous.”

Though she was fulfilling Prince Rudvi’s orders, Hanna took a brief breath and spoke with a firm voice, emphasizing the importance of Fernando’s safety.

“The more you like Etienne, the more the Crown Prince and Prince Rudvi won’t leave you alone.”

Please, may Fernando understand the meaning behind my words.