Instead of sunlight hidden behind clouds, raindrops were tapping on the dark blue umbrella Alessandro was holding. With his silver hair neatly swept back and wearing a blue suit, he exuded a cool aura that made one forget the humid weather.

“Emilia. I happened to pass by and dropped in, not expecting you to return home so early.”

Emilia tried not to show her surprise as she greeted Alessandro, who was looking at her with welcoming eyes despite his startled expression.

She remembered that he knew her home address because he had sent a letter before, but she was a bit flustered as she hadn’t expected him to visit so suddenly.

‘Is this a trait of royalty…? Why don’t both men think to send a letter before visiting?’

No, perhaps they just don’t want to. She gave a slight bow and then took his offered hand to step down from the carriage.

“Your Highness, may I ask what brings you here?”

As soon as she alighted, she quickly withdrew her hand and politely clasped her hands in front, slightly lowering her eyes.

“I apologize for the sudden visit. I was so worried that I found myself here before I knew it.”

“If you mean the incident at the theater, my injury is fine now. I’m receiving good treatment too.”

“Where were you injured? Is that why you returned home early today? Because it’s difficult to do ballet?”

Was he here just to ask about her well-being? Emilia glanced up at him.

Seen in the bright light, Alessandro’s eyes were a mix of gray and purple. She had thought they might be a lighter shade than Enrico’s clear violet eyes, but it seemed they appeared that way due to the mixture of two colors.

“…Yes. It’s just a small scratch from glass, so I plan to start again once the skin heals a bit.”

Alessandro’s eyes flickered briefly to her neck and arms, as if examining her body. Then, as if embarrassed by his own action, he cleared his throat and quickly averted his gaze, making Emilia inwardly puzzled.

Despite being so polite and kind, the letter he sent to her father was so arrogant and harsh that it didn’t seem like the same person.

‘What on earth was that jewel he demanded?’

Emilia gazed at him quietly for a moment before taking a step back. As she moved out from under the umbrella, he immediately followed with half a step.

“So, was this just a brief visit?”

She spoke subtly, implying that he should leave now. In response, Alessandro rubbed his neck awkwardly, showing signs of hesitation. Seeing his hesitant face as he gauged her reaction, she waited quietly with patience.

“…If it’s not too presumptuous, would it be possible to have a cup of tea together?”

“There are no cafes nearby, and I’m still in a state where I need to rest. It would be difficult for me to go out far.”

“Then would it be too much to go inside for a moment? I have something urgent to discuss. About the rumors circulating about you.”

“…Your Highness, I apologize, but as two women live here, it’s a bit burdensome to receive a male guest. Please understand.”

“Didn’t Duke Michele enter?”

“Pardon?”

She had lowered her eyes at the uncomfortable conversation, but raised them in surprise at his somewhat sharp voice. She saw Alessandro’s face with his smile gone and the ends of his eyebrows lowered.

‘Was it my imagination? I thought he looked angry for a moment…’

Emilia raised her head and bit her lip once, as if troubled.

“Your Highness, you have a fiancée. I think it’s best to be careful from the start, as even just greeting like this outside might lead to exaggerated rumors.”

“It’s a political engagement.”

What does he mean by that? Emilia tilted her head slightly.

“I’m aware.”

“If you’re worried about her misunderstanding, it’s fine.”

“Ah, while I am concerned about your fiancée misunderstanding, I’m referring to everyone. It seems I’ve become the subject of some unwanted rumors lately.”

“You mean the rumors of an affair with Duke Michele?”

“Yes.”

“But isn’t Duke Michele soon to be in the same position regarding engagement?”

They must really not get along. He keeps bringing up Enrico at every turn.

And the engagement talk seemed to be about Princess Vivian, but judging from Enrico’s reaction and the circulating rumors, she seemed more likely to end up with the second prince. Noticing her thoughts, Alessandro curled up the corners of his mouth.

“Riccardo will be leaving for study abroad again soon. That means it will be difficult for him to be with Princess Vivian.”

“Even so, Duke Michele isn’t engaged yet. If the day comes when Duke Michele also gets engaged, I will treat him the same way I’m treating Your Highness now.”

To be honest, since Enrico kept dropping by unexpectedly, she couldn’t promise not to let him in, and it felt a bit strange to make such a promise to Alessandro, so Emilia spoke firmly.

The corners of Alessandro’s mouth gradually turned down. His eyes seemed to darken slightly.

“…What kind of relationship do you have with Duke Michele?”

“With all due respect, Your Highness, I don’t believe I have an obligation to discuss all of my personal matters with you.”

“That art-obsessed person is unlikely to engage in romance. I asked out of curiosity. Perhaps you’ve entered into a sponsorship contract?”

The phrase “art-obsessed person” almost made her smile bitterly. It reminded her of how she had been swayed by him and kept trying to give herself to him just a few days ago.

The sound of rain hitting the umbrella grew louder, as if the rain was intensifying.

“…I apologize.”

His face hardened at her attitude of simply repeating the same words as if she had nothing else to say. He muttered quietly behind her, as if frustrated, asking why she was being so guarded, when a familiar carriage bearing a family crest came rushing towards them.

Alessandro frowned and turned around when he noticed Emilia’s gaze fixed blankly behind him.

“…Now he comes so boldly.”

Alessandro muttered softly. Emilia simply kept her eyes on the approaching carriage, watching intently as the wheels stopped and Enrico stepped out of the opening door. His appearance, as if he had summoned this heavy rain, was so intense that it momentarily made the wind feel chilly.

“Crown Prince, what brings you here when you have a fiancée?”

Enrico walked leisurely towards them, wearing a black umbrella handed to him by Fabio, with the corners of his mouth turned up. Perhaps because he had just heard about the fiancée from Emilia, Alessandro’s expression worsened.

“I came out of concern for her as an old acquaintance. What connection does Duke Michele have with Emilia to be coming here?”

“Why ask when you already know? You’re well aware that I bought this house in the first place.”

Enrico stood right in front of Emilia and Alessandro, putting both hands in his trouser pockets. Alessandro smirked at one corner of his mouth in response to Enrico’s relaxed attitude.

“…Why did you place guards around after deliberately buying a house in a secluded area? If you were worried about crime exposure, you could have given her a mansion in a more populated area to begin with. Isn’t your purpose to confine and monitor her where no one knows? Did Emilia agree to this?”

Guards? There were such people? Emilia looked at Enrico with wide eyes.

“Judging by your expression, you didn’t know. Emilia, this is the kind of man who acts arbitrarily without even asking for your opinion. How did you get involved with him? I don’t know the circumstances, but if you need help, I’ll assist you.”

Alessandro reached out to Emilia with a face full of concern. But before he could reach her, Enrico blocked him, causing his hand to stop awkwardly midair.

“I just posted a few guards in case someone like this showed up unannounced. It’s too dangerous to leave a house with only two women unprotected, isn’t it? And having more people around doesn’t necessarily guarantee safety.”

“…I just happened to drop by while passing.”

“Did you also happen to know the address? I doubt that’s the case.”

Enrico’s eyes narrowed as he moved Emilia behind him.

“Please leave. Your beloved fiancée will be worried.”

“Haha, I never dreamed I’d hear the word ‘love’ from my uncle’s mouth.”

“My, I know at least that much vocabulary.”

Unlike Enrico’s expression with his mouth gently curved upwards, Alessandro’s face grew increasingly rigid.

“But our dear nephew seems to know? Ah− You must be referring to your fiancée. I asked something unnecessary.”

“…”

“As you know, I don’t have a fiancée.”

“…You’re starting to annoy me. How long do you intend to play word games with me?”

Alessandro was famous for his short temper, despite always pretending to be composed and kind. Knowing this temperament well, Enrico simply gazed at Alessandro’s trembling form as if enjoying the sight.

“I apologize, but as your conversation seems to be getting longer, why don’t you move to another location?”

At that moment, Emilia spoke calmly, half-emerging from behind Enrico.

“No matter how secluded this area is, I’m worried that someone might see if two such important figures stay here for too long.”

“…I’m sorry. It seems I came too hastily.”

Alessandro, noticing that Emilia’s eyes had turned cold despite her expressionless face, spoke first. He placed his right hand in the center of his chest and nodded his head politely.

“Not at all. Thank you for understanding my situation.”

“Next time, I’ll make an appointment before coming. But isn’t Duke Michele leaving?”

“No.”