In Hwangseong, there was a restricted area. The palace used to suppress the Hwangjok, known as the palace for the Second Prince, Ludvig, had prohibited any external access for two years.

And today, as Ludvig emerged from that place, people, including palace guards and officials, lined up in the deserted palace.

Awaiting the prince, they nervously swallowed their saliva. Meanwhile, they stared only at the wide-opened door.

Footsteps from inside echoed, and as Ludvig revealed himself, everyone kneeled. He was always a fearful person.

Because even a slight mistake would lead to severe punishment, they hadn’t seen the face of the prince, who appeared after two years.

Only one person, Ludvig’s guard, approached him but stopped in awe of the energy emanating from him.

However, soon, as if nothing happened, he went to Ludvig and draped a red cape over his shoulders.

“You’ve suffered.”

His long hair and roughened skin testified to his two-year isolation. Except for the person who provided meals at the right times, no one had entered.

Ludvig had met no one, hadn’t even received the basic amenities like hot water.

So, no one knew how much anger had accumulated in his heart, whether it was due to his clumsy attempts at dealing with the Crown Prince or for some other reason.
It was the moment when the tense knight was willing to offer himself if, by any chance, the prince decided to vent his anger.

“How long has it been? The suffering.”

“Th… That’s true?”

“It was only two years.”

Ludvig said, looking at his long, neglected fingernails. Not knowing how to trim them, they had broken and split in the middle.

Even now, his fingernails were a mess. However, Ludvig’s expression as he looked at them was refreshingly serene.

“It was a suitable time for me to repent and embrace a new mindset… A fitting period.”

Nodding, Ludvig continued to speak to the knight.

“It was a good time for growth.”

“I’m glad.”

Whether the response “I’m glad” was appropriate or not, the knight gave a suitable answer and stood behind the prince.

Ludvig adjusted the cape covering his shoulders. The feel of the luxurious fabric in his hands made him feel good. It was a sensation he hadn’t experienced in two years.

Especially pleasing was the symbol of the royal family embroidered in the center of the cape. When his guard saw him, it was commendable that he immediately draped the cape around him.

Ludvig looked at the satisfied smile on his face and, belatedly, noticed the attendants who had knelt on one side.

“Why is everyone kneeling? Get up.”

At Ludvig’s words, everyone stood up immediately. However, they kept their heads bowed, avoiding direct eye contact with him.

“Don’t be so tense. I’m in a very good mood right now.”
His neat appearance from the past was nowhere to be found, but his expression looked genuinely pleasant.

“There’s a place to wash up, so get ready.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Some attendants hurriedly left at the mention of his command, while the guards and the remaining attendants stayed behind Ludvig.

Ludvig, showing a determination to move at his command anytime, nodded with a satisfied expression.

As he headed toward his residence, Ludvig even hummed a tune. It felt so strange that one of the guards cautiously asked.

“Are you alright?”

“Huh? Why? Do I look like I’m forcing a smile?”

Since the guard couldn’t bring himself to answer, Ludvig let out a deflated laugh.

“It was a moment of self-reflection. I realized what mistakes I made and also…”

Ludvig paused, and the guard stared intently at his back, waiting for his next words.

“I received help on how to proceed from now on.”

“In the palace? But…”

There was no one there. So, naturally, there was nowhere to seek help. Perhaps reading the guard’s confusion, Ludvig shrugged his shoulders.

“It’s not necessary to talk about everything.”

Even with his explanation, the guard still looked at Ludvig with a perplexed expression until he suddenly noticed something in Ludvig’s hand. There was a book slightly larger than his palm.

“Now, I should try to do things properly from now on.”
Ludvig, who had momentarily stopped, muttered while looking at something. The guard, who followed his gaze, saw the Crown Prince’s castle but pretended not to notice, turning his head away.

It seemed as if Ludvig had glimpsed into the Crown Prince’s inner thoughts. Although he appeared to repent and reflect on his mistakes, vowing not to repeat such actions again…

He still had a metaphorical sword pointed at the Crown Prince. Moreover, it seemed like he had found a more skillful way to conceal it.

It was time to leave after completing all preparations and getting ready to board the carriage.

“Miss, someone sent this.”

Lathein, the butler, extended a small box to her. Etienne, who had stopped walking, looked at it, then turned to the butler with a face indicating a lack of explanation. At least, it seemed like he wanted to know who sent it.