Chapter 15

At that moment, Robellin was spending a relaxing time at home.

 

Having drawn public attention once again due to Cedric’s execution, and with winter setting in, she intended to refrain from going out for a while and rest quietly at home. Sitting alongside her was her friend, Cornelia.

 

As the firewood crackled in the fireplace, the two lay side-by-side on the bed, swinging their feet and giggling.

 

“Ah, at times like this, nothing beats peeling tangerines on an electric heated mat.”

 

“Hm? An electric heated mat? Tangerines? What’s that?”

 

When Robellin absentmindedly mumbled to herself, Cornelia turned to her with a tilted head. Seeing this, Robellin chuckled softly and patted Cornelia’s head.

 

“It’s just a line I read in a book.”

 

“Honestly, you really say the oddest things sometimes.”

 

“That’s my specialty. Entertaining you with weird phrases.”

 

Cornelia let out a bright laugh, asking what kind of specialty that was supposed to be. Looking at her, Robellin felt her mood lift as well.

 

‘Right, Connie is smiling right in front of me, so who cares about an electric mat?’

 

Cornelia’s smile was more than enough to warm her heart.

 

After exchanging silly jokes for a while, Cornelia suddenly asked, “Bell, by the way, when is Viscount Dines coming back?”

 

“Ah… Well, they departed in a hurry, but it seems the carriage roads were blocked at the border, so their arrival is getting delayed a bit.”

 

Viscount Dines and his wife were still abroad due to their business affairs. Hearing news about their daughter, they had tried to rush back, but their schedule was delayed by an unexpected accident. Because of that, Robellin had to shoulder many burdens without her parents’ protection. Though she was used to it by now, she couldn’t help feeling a sense of emptiness whenever she saw the Marquis and Marchioness Bennet together with Cornelia.

 

Cornelia, knowing this all too well, felt sorry for her friend.

 

“Why don’t you ask His Highness to grant you an estate this time? Since you’re going to have a royal wedding anyway, the Crown Princess’ family ought to at least have a fief.”

 

“Oh, come on, that’s a bit too much…”

 

“Why? You played a huge role in the Devil of Fernin incident. The whole nation knows you saved the country from reading the news articles, so how does it make sense that you received nothing?”

 

“Connie, that’s enough. I’m really fine.”

 

Robellin waved her hand at Cornelia’s suggestion. Thinking back to that overly enthusiastic article Ian had published made her feel inexplicably embarrassed.

 

“Even when Ian—I mean, His Highness—brought it up, I told him never to mention it again.”

 

“Still…”

 

“Besides, if you start seeking power or wealth through influence peddling, the country falls into ruin. Countless historical records prove it.”

 

At Robellin’s firm words, Cornelia ultimately closed her mouth. She knew all too well that her friend wasn’t the type to covet such things in the first place. Yet, she couldn’t help feeling a tinge of dissatisfaction in a corner of her heart.

 

‘His Majesty is really too much. I mean, would it kill him to give her a small estate? It’s not like she’s asking for the whole kingdom.’

 

Even if Bell declined, wasn’t it appropriate to reward her for such great merit? Then Viscount Dines wouldn’t need to travel abroad continuously, and Bell wouldn’t feel so lonely. Thinking she ought to ask Marquis Bennet to bring it up with the House of Lords, she was interrupted by a voice from outside.

 

“Young Lady, you need to come out for a moment!”

 

It was Sarah calling out to Robellin urgently from outside the door. Her voice sounded strangely excited.

 

“Someone has arrived from the Imperial Palace. They brought an order from His Majesty the Emperor!”

 

“From the palace?”

 

Robellin and Cornelia looked at each other with puzzled faces. Soon, Cornelia’s expression brightened completely.

 

“Bell, His Majesty must finally be recognizing your achievements!”

 

Cornelia bounced up from the bed, stamping her feet in excitement. Robellin, momentarily dazed, couldn’t help but burst into laughter at her friend’s innocent, child-like excitement.

 

“Calm down, Connie. We don’t know anything yet. Let’s head down first.”

 

Since they couldn’t keep the Emperor’s envoy waiting, the two quickly straightened their attire and went down to the reception room. Standing there was the Chief Chamberlain, who directly assisted the Emperor, holding a scroll of parchment.

 

“Lady Dines, please receive the command of His Majesty the Emperor.”

 

“Yes.”

 

As Robellin stepped forward, the Chief Chamberlain began reading the Emperor’s decree in a dignified manner.

 

“I, Godric Heriet, Emperor of Heriet, deeply feel the responsibility for the ‘Devil of Fernin’ incident, and hereby praise the meritorious service of Viscount Dines’ house in resolving it.”

 

Robellin listened with her head bowed, her expression calm. Behind her, however, Cornelia and Sarah already looked overwhelmed with emotion.

 

“In particular, Robellin of the Dines family stepped forward actively to stop Cedric Maxwell, the main culprit of this affair. There is no dispute that she performed a duty that the Imperial Family should have undertaken. Therefore…”

 

Having read up to this point, he flipped the parchment scroll over. The Chief Chamberlain glanced at Robellin and began reading the final passage.

 

“The Imperial House of Heriet grants the Dines family the farmland located southeast of Centerfield as their fief, and elevates the rank of the Dines family to that of a Count.”

 

“…Pardon?”

 

Surprised by the reward, which was far greater than expected, Robellin raised her head. At first, she thought she had misheard.

 

At that instant, Cornelia and Sarah let out cheers and embraced Robellin tightly.

 

“I knew it! I just knew it! Bell, congratulations!”

 

“That’s right, Young Lady! Congratulations!”

 

“As you all likely know, once Viscount Dines ascends to the rank of Count,” the Chief Chamberlain added, looking at the three of them with a warm expression, “Viscount—or rather, Count Dines—will also enter the House of Lords. Consequently, Young Lady, you will possess the proper qualifications to become the Crown Princess.”

 

Robellin’s eyes widened. That meant the Emperor had officially recognized the relationship between Ian and herself.

 

“This was the very first matter His Majesty handled after retrieving his imperial seal.”

 

Lest Robellin still find it hard to believe, he added the clarification to make it absolute. Only then did the reality settle in for her.

 

“Bell! This is incredible!”

 

“Young Lady! I’m so happy for you!”

 

Cornelia and Sarah hugged Robellin tightly, overcome with joy. Having finished his business, the Chief Chamberlain smiled and bowed politely.

 

“Then, I shall take my leave.”

 

“Ah, let me see you out…”

 

“It is quite alright. Please fully enjoy the joy of this moment.”

 

The Chief Chamberlain quietly excused himself, showing consideration so the young ladies could thoroughly enjoy the occasion among themselves. As soon as he left, Cornelia squealed with delight.

 

“Bell! You’re really going to be the Crown Princess now!”

 

“Young Lady… I never imagined a day like this would come. I’m so overwhelmed…”

 

Sarah clasped her hands together, her eyes brimming with tears. She had been feeling guilty for having supported the idea of Robellin marrying Cedric in the past. To think she had cheered happily, unaware that she was pushing her young lady into a trap!

 

“Sob, it’s very late, but please forgive me.”

 

“Forgive you? What are you talking about, Sarah? Having you by my side is more than enough for me.”

 

As tears streamed down Sarah’s face, Robellin gently wiped them away. Cornelia also patted Sarah’s shoulder beside her. Sniffling loudly, Sarah nodded firmly.

 

“Yes! I will dedicate all my heart and soul to preparing for the wedding!”

 

“Wait, that’s a bit too hasty…”

 

When Sarah shouted with her fists clenched, Robellin’s ears turned bright red. She hadn’t even had a serious conversation about the future with Ian, the other party involved, yet discussing a wedding already felt far too embarrassing.

 

Seeing this, Cornelia laughed loudly. “Right, there’s something more important than a wedding right now.”

 

“Something more important?”

 

“I mean Viscount Dines. He doesn’t need to stay abroad anymore, right?”

 

“Ah, that’s right!”

 

At Cornelia’s words, Robellin’s expression brightened as she nodded. Since Viscount Dines would now stay in Heriet to manage the new estate, Robellin no longer had to be separated from her family. Thinking of sharing this joyful news with her returning parents, Robellin stood up with a determined look.

 

“Sarah, let’s tidy up the house first. We should welcome my parents in a clean environment.”

 

“Yes, Young Lady! Leave it to me!”

 

Sarah picked up a duster with a solemn face. Seeing her expression, Robellin and Cornelia broke into cheerful laughter. It was a blissful afternoon where nothing more could be desired.

 

***

 

However, unlike the happy Robellin…

 

“Sigh…”

 

A few days later.

 

Ian was sitting slouched over his desk, resting his chin on his hands with a serious expression.

 

“How am I supposed to handle this…”

 

Ian let out a deep sigh. For a man who had barely managed to obtain permission for marriage, there was not a trace of joy on his face.

 

“Your Highness? Has something happened?”

 

When Ian had first heard about the rewards the Emperor bestowed upon the Dines family, his eyes had sparkled as if everything were finally settled. Yet here he was again, wearing such a grave expression—what could be troubling him now? Fearing that a problem related to the poison remained, Brian approached with a worried face.

 

“Your… Highness?”

 

However, the moment Brian saw what Ian was studying so intently, his eyes narrowed. What Ian held in his hand was a magazine compiling gossip articles from high society.

 

With an utterly serious face, Ian pointed at a page.

 

“Duke, look at this. This magazine ranked the most beautiful ladies in Heriet.”

 

Next to an article introducing the latest winter fashion dresses, the list of beautiful ladies Ian mentioned was printed from 1st to 10th place.

 

“So?” Brian asked back, dumbfounded. Wasn’t this a common type of article in these kinds of magazines?

 

“Isn’t this just something shallow, envious young ladies would care about? What on earth is the problem—”

 

“Of course it’s a problem! How could Robellin’s name not be on this list?”

 

“…”

 

At that moment, Brian realized that when a person is utterly speechlessly amazed, no words come out. Yet, Ian was still glaring at the article with a serious expression. To him right now, this was the most crucial problem in the world.

 

“In your eyes, Duke, isn’t Robellin the most beautiful person in the world?”

 

“…How am I supposed to answer that?”

 

Brian couldn’t hide his absurdity. Of course, he agreed that Robellin belonged on that list. But having stepped back from their relationship, what could he possibly say?

 

“I have no intention of causing discord between the future Crown Prince and Princess. So if you have free time, please focus on your work again.”

 

Brian slammed a massive stack of paperwork onto the desk with a thud. Ian quickly waved his hands.

 

“No, no. Do you know how busy I am right now?”

 

“It doesn’t look that way at all.”

 

“It’s a misunderstanding. Even now, I’m agonizing over the decision of a lifetime—ever since His Majesty’s decree was issued.”

 

Ian tapped his temple with his index finger. Brian crossed his arms and looked at him with suspicious eyes.

 

“In that case, let us hear what this agony is about.”

 

“Well, you see…”

 

Ian opened his desk drawer and pulled out a sheet of paper. It was covered in dense handwriting written in his elegant script.

 

“This is the proposal plan I’ve been diligently drafting. I intend to execute it at the upcoming New Year’s banquet.”

 

Traces of rushed writing and erased sections showed how fiercely he had agonized over it. However, it only chilled Brian’s heart even further.

 

Without hesitation, Brian tossed the paper into the fireplace.

 

“Hey! I agonized over that for a whole week!”

 

Ian reached out hastily, but the paper was already turning to ash.

 

“I only managed to plan up to having all the nobles shower Robellin with rose petals while I hand her the ring, at which moment fireworks burst and the orchestra begins playing in unison!”

 

“…”

 

‘Isn’t that already way more over-the-top than necessary?’

 

Brian pressed his thumping temples with his fingers. However, knowing Ian wouldn’t be able to focus on other duties in this state anyway, Brian ultimately decided to help him.

 

“Your Highness, as a friend who has watched over Bell for a long time by her side, let me offer some advice.”

 

As one of Robellin’s close friends, he was certain of at least one thing: if Ian actually pulled off a stunt like that, he would make a spectacle of himself getting rejected by the Crown Princess right in front of the entire nobility.

 

“It would be best to discard all the plans you’ve made so far.”

 

“…What?”

 

Ian looked as if he had just received a death sentence. But Brian shook his head firmly. To get rejected due to foolishness after barely securing the Emperor’s permission—what kind of embarrassment would that be?

 

Brian said soothingly, “Bell prefers quiet and calm moments over flashy public attention. That’s why the conferring ceremony for the Count’s title was held modestly at the Dines mansion, wasn’t it?”

 

“But this is a once-in-a-lifetime—”

 

“No, Bell will definitely treasure a moment spent quietly with just the two of you much more.”

 

Not giving Ian a chance to object, Brian rushed to continue. “So how about preparing a gift and setting that holds special memories known only to the two of you? She will definitely love it.”

 

“Hmm, memories just between the two of us…”

 

Perhaps Brian’s advice was convincing, as Ian’s expression soon turned serious. Ian nodded as if making up his mind.

 

“Right, I was planning to meet Robellin tomorrow anyway, so it would be good to gauge her thoughts. I should make a reservation at a restaurant where we can talk quietly.”

 

“Shall I handle it?”

 

“No, I’ll send Paula. It’s been a while, so I want to hide my identity and enjoy a comfortable time alone with Robellin.”

 

Ian put on an enthusiastic expression.

 

***

 

However, contrary to his overflowing motivation…

 

“…”

 

“…”

 

Ian and Robellin stood awkwardly in front of a dilapidated restaurant. The worn wooden signboard was cracked, its paint peeling off. Every time the crude sign swayed in the wind, a creaking sound echoed ominously. Ian’s expression grew steadily darker.

 

“So… the place you reserved… is here?”

 

“Um…”

 

At Robellin’s question, Ian pressed his hand against his forehead. The full story of the incident was as follows: Thirty minutes ago.

 

“How can there be no reservation? Is there no name under Paula Crawford?”

 

A small commotion had occurred at the entrance of ‘Imperial Court,’ a high-end restaurant. Being the most popular establishment in the Empire, it operated strictly on a reservation basis. However, no matter how much the staff searched, Paula’s name was nowhere on the guest list.

 

“Strange. Paula definitely said she reserved Imperial Court.”

 

“Ah, guest! Could it be that you made a reservation at ‘Imperial Cart’ instead?”

 

“What?”

 

“The names are similar, so customers occasionally confuse them.”

 

‘No way.’

 

Ian rechecked the thin reservation slip Paula had brought him. There, clearly written at the bottom, was the name:

 

「The Imperial Cart」

 

At first, he had simply thought the reservation slip looked a bit too cheap for a high-end establishment.

 

“…Good grief.”

 

“Th-The Imperial Cart is also quite a historic place in its own right. I am sure you will be satisfied.”

 

Seeing the customer’s disappointment, the polite staff member quickly tried to comfort them. In the end, the two had no choice but to head toward the location they had actually reserved.

 

And now…

 

‘This isn’t a cart, it’s an abandoned house…’

 

No matter how clumsy Ian was at dating, he could tell instantly: no man in the Empire would bring his lover to a place like this. As proof, passersby walked past while explicitly looking away, pretending the establishment didn’t even exist.

 

‘Ian Heriet. You need to find another place right now…’

 

His mind warned him, but the sudden turn of events had completely frozen his ability to think. As they stood there indecisively, an old woman stepped out of the shop.

 

“Are you the ones who made a reservation?”

 

“Ah, well…”

 

“Ho-ho-ho, come on in. Just sit wherever you find comfortable.”

 

The old woman gestured vaguely with her wrinkled hand toward the inside of the shop and the terrace. Since it was cold winter weather, Ian and Robellin took seats at a table inside. A faint flame flickered inside a shabby fireplace.

 

“A young couple, how wonderful that you’ve come. Couples who come to our shop stay together until they die.”

 

‘…Is that because they eat here and die immediately afterward?’

 

Ian inwardly questioned the old woman’s dreamy muttering, but he didn’t dare say it out loud. After picking a few dishes from the simple menu, Ian subtly checked the complexion of Robellin sitting across from him.

 

“Robellin, first let me apologize. Normally, I am not someone who fails like this—”

 

“Huh? I’m completely fine though?”

 

Contrary to Ian’s worries, Robellin’s voice was bright and cheerful. Her eyes sparkled with interest as she looked around the interior of the shop.

 

“…You like a place like this?”

 

“Yes, it feels unique.”

 

‘It also reminds me a bit of my past life.’

 

Swallowing her last thought, Robellin continued to look around.

 

‘It feels just like an old hidden alley restaurant. So is this the Heriet version of an authentic retro eatery?’

 

The familiar warmth of an old local joint in an unfamiliar setting stimulated both nostalgia for her past and fresh curiosity. To think she would experience something like this on a date with Ian.

 

“Well, as long as you like it, that’s a relief.”

 

Ian turned his head, covering his mouth with his hand to hide the corners of his lips that kept curling upward.

 

While they spent some time taking in their surroundings, the old woman approached pulling a food trolley. Seeing the two round dome dish covers placed upon it, Ian grew tense once again.

 

‘Please… let the food at least taste good.’

 

By some miracle, they had managed to get past the shabby atmosphere, but if the food turned out terrible, the day would undoubtedly be ruined. Looking closely, this old woman was the manager, the chef, and the server all by herself. How much care could she possibly put into the food when managing everything alone? Ian was seriously considering whether he should taste it first.

 

“Thank you for the meal.”

 

However, Robellin had already lifted the dome dish cover to inspect the chicken dish inside. The red seasoning coated the chicken perfectly, wafting a nostalgic and familiar aroma reminiscent of Korean seasoned fried chicken. Taking a piece with her fork and tasting it, Robellin’s eyes widened in surprise.

 

“Oh my goodness, this is really delicious.”

 

As expected, the dish tasted just like seasoned fried chicken. The crispiness of the outer batter and the tender, juicy meat formed a perfect harmony. Seeing Robellin’s face brighten contrary to his fears, Ian asked cautiously, “You like it? Really?”

 

“Yes! Even more than the one I had on 4th Avenue before! How did you find out about a place like this?”

 

What she had missed the most all this time was a familiar taste. Having finally encountered a taste she knew, Robellin was deeply moved, her expression involuntarily turning luminous.

 

At that moment, confidence spread across Ian’s face. “Now you see, don’t you? The intelligence power of the Crown Prince.”

 

“Ahaha.”

 

‘Didn’t you explicitly call it a failure with your own mouth just a moment ago?’

 

Robellin tilted her head slightly, but decided not to point out his contradiction. It was the generosity born of fried chicken.

 

For a while, a peaceful time flowed, filled with the sounds of clinking cutlery, crackling firewood, and birds chirping outside.

 

“…”

 

Yet Ian kept fidgeting, stealing glances at Robellin. Focusing on her meal, Robellin suddenly raised her eyes and found Ian staring at her intently.

 

“Ian, is something wrong?”

 

When their eyes met, Ian’s shoulders flinched. He quickly cleared his throat and shook his head.

 

“No? Why would something be wrong?”

 

Ian leaned back against his chair with an exaggerated gesture and waved his hand.

 

“I have nothing like that going on. I am in a completely transparent state, like a clear lake where you can see straight to the bottom. In fact, I’m curious why you’re looking at me like that.”

 

‘…There’s definitely something.’

 

If nothing else, Ian was still terrible at lying. With his earlobes turning beet red, he hastily shifted the subject.

 

“More importantly… that brooch is quite lovely. Is it a violet?”

 

Ian gestured slightly toward the brooch Robellin was wearing today. Carved delicately out of purple amethyst in the shape of a violet, the brooch sparkled in the sunlight.

 

Robellin tilted her head and replied, “Isn’t this the gift you gave me before, Ian?”

 

“I-Is that so? Oh dear…”

 

Ian couldn’t conceal his embarrassment. Hearing Robellin’s words, the memory finally returned to him. Wasn’t this the gift he had secretly sent to Robellin through Cornelia back when the Emperor forced him to meet Cornelia and Amelie?

 

Ian mumbled softly in defense, “I couldn’t go to the jewelry shop in person and ordered it via letter, so I never saw the real thing. That’s why I didn’t recognize it.”

 

“Ah, I see. That makes sense.”

 

Robellin nodded with an unbothered expression. Suddenly, a spark flashed in Ian’s mind.

 

“Do you like violets?”

 

“Violets? Hmm…”

 

Robellin set down her fork, thought for a moment, and then nodded with a soft smile.

 

“Of course they’re special to me. It’s the first flower you ever gave me, Ian. Back during the Spring Festival.”

 

Back then, she had never imagined she would end up in a relationship like this with Ian. Remembering the memories shared with him brought a warm, fluttering feeling to her chest.

 

“I didn’t realize it at the time, but looking back, I think violets became my favorite flower starting from then.”

 

At those words, Ian’s face turned even redder.

 

“Ian, are you really okay? Your face is so red. Are you running a fever from overworking lately?”

 

“Huh? Ah, no. There’s no problem at all. Absolutely.”

 

Ian hurriedly turned his attention to his plate and took a large bite of chicken. However, his mind was occupied with only one thought.

 

‘Violets, huh…’

 

He felt as though he had finally found the answer to what he should prepare for the upcoming New Year’s Festival.

 

***

 

A few days later, shortly before the New Year’s banquet.

 

Robellin and Cornelia visited Daphne’s Tailor Shop to prepare the dresses they would wear to the banquet. As a token of gratitude for everything that had happened, Jonathan Daphne had invited them personally.

 

“Ladies! It is an honor to see you again. Come, right this way.”

 

Following Jonathan’s guidance, Robellin and Cornelia entered the waiting room prepared for guests. Plush sofas and refreshments were set up inside.

 

“If you would wait a moment, I will bring the dresses out.”

 

While they maintained an air of dignity in front of Jonathan, the moment he stepped out, Cornelia flopped straight down onto the sofa.

 

Then she asked Robellin, “Bell, how are things with His Highness these days?”

 

“How are things?”

 

Robellin let out a gentle sigh and sat down beside her friend. Ever since that day at the restaurant, Ian had been acting differently than usual. It was hard to pinpoint what it was, but he was definitely hiding something.

 

“I have no idea what he’s thinking. He keeps treading carefully around me and asking out-of-the-blue questions. I feel like he must have messed up again, just like with that newspaper article.”

 

“Really?”

 

Cornelia shrugged lightly as if it were no big deal. “It’s probably not a mistake or anything. His Highness is just a bit odd in general.”

 

“…I can’t deny that.”

 

At words that were hard to tell whether they were meant to comfort or not, Robellin burst into laughter despite herself. Even so, she inwardly hoped she wouldn’t encounter another embarrassing newspaper article like last time. She had given him a firm warning that day, so he wouldn’t do the exact same thing again… right?

 

“Now, ladies. The dresses are ready.”

 

At that moment, Jonathan and his assistants entered carrying two dresses. Robellin’s dress was an elegant white silk gown with a refined design.

 

And Cornelia’s—

 

“Hm?”

 

Robellin absentmindedly looked at Cornelia’s dress, only for her eyes to widen. Cornelia, who usually preferred calm and muted colors, had chosen a dress as red as a rose today.

 

At first, Robellin thought the wrong dress had been brought out. “Connie, is this the right color?”

 

“Yes, it’s correct.”

 

Cornelia herself nodded with a satisfied expression. Robellin felt thoroughly baffled by the sight. Of course, Cornelia would look good in anything, but still…

 

“What brought this on? Did your taste suddenly change?”

 

Curious about her friend’s sudden change of heart, Robellin asked, and Cornelia replied nonchalantly, “I decided to match with Lord Wood. The uniform of the Crown Prince’s Imperial Knights is red.”

 

“Ah, I see… Wait, WHAT?”

 

Nodding casually at Cornelia’s nonchalant tone, Robellin suddenly realized what she heard and jumped up from her seat in shock.

 

“Y-You and Lord Wood are in that kind of relationship now? Since when?!”

 

“Yeah. It hasn’t been very long.”

 

At the completely unexpected news, Robellin held her cheeks with both hands. She had thought they were merely comrades fighting side-by-side against Cedric all this time. To think she hadn’t even noticed the romantic feelings between the two, despite being right next to them! All those past days where he had volunteered to act as Cornelia’s bodyguard felt almost comical now.

 

Even so…

 

‘Well, Lord Wood is a good person.’

 

Though she hadn’t known him for very long, Wood was a man of deep loyalty and integrity. Even Ian and Brian had evaluated Wood as someone trustworthy.

 

‘This is why trying to stick to the original novel plot is completely useless.’

 

Robellin smiled inwardly and clasped Cornelia’s hands tightly.

 

“Connie, if Lord Wood ever upsets you, tell me right away. I’ll run over and scold him for you!”

 

“Sure, Bell. Having you around makes me feel so reassured.”

 

The two looked at each other and giggled cheerfully.

 

And finally…

 

The New Year’s banquet of Heriet, ushering in a brand new year, commenced.

 

***

 

The night of the Heriet New Year’s Banquet.

 

Grand, sparkling chandeliers brightly illuminated the imperial banquet hall, which was filled with nobles. Having endured a storm-like year, the aristocrats now comfortably laughed and caught up with one another. The spacious hall overflowed with the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses.

 

“I honestly don’t know where the time went last year.”

 

“I know, right? We should be grateful just to attend the New Year’s banquet with smiles like this.”

 

“Still, I’m glad the support for the poison victims was handled so swiftly. Everyone is full of praise for the Crown Prince.”

 

Having perfectly executed his role as the Regent, Ian had firmly established his footing as the next ruler. People showered him with unreserved respect and trust.

 

“It is truly an honor to meet you in person, Your Highness.”

 

“Your Highness, do you have anyone in mind for the next Prime Minister? Would it be Duke Raven, as expected?”

 

“Your Highness, if you could also spare us a glance…”

 

Thanks to his popularity, Ian was currently surrounded by layers of people. Wearing a calm smile, he maintained a dignified posture while conversing with the nobles.

 

However, Ian’s gaze subtly drifted toward one side of the banquet hall.

 

‘Good grief. At this rate, I won’t have a single spare second to talk to Robellin.’

 

Robellin was chatting with Cornelia and a few other young ladies. The dancing was scheduled to start soon, yet the people surrounding Ian showed no sign of leaving anytime soon. Fearing that another man might ask Robellin for a dance, Ian was on high edge.

 

‘Where on earth did she get such a stunning dress? Every man here looks ready to target only Robellin.’

 

Robellin in her new dress was nothing short of dazzling. No matter how much he thought about it, her absence from that magazine’s beauty ranking was a massive mistake—or perhaps the editors had fallen under a severe curse that clouded their judgment.

 

“Your Highness, Viscount Grant from Landsend wishes to pay his respects.”

 

“…Ah, yes.”

 

Unfortunately, the swarming nobles didn’t grant Ian even a brief moment to look at Robellin. Reluctantly shifting his gaze, Ian put back his Crown Prince mask to deal with the crowd.

 

Meanwhile, Robellin was also receiving an immense amount of attention.

 

“Lady Dines, congratulations on becoming the daughter of a Count.”

 

“I heard you held the conferring ceremony modestly. It couldn’t have been an easy decision, but it was truly wonderful.”

 

Most offered their congratulations regarding her family’s elevation to a Count’s house. Questions about her future followed naturally.

 

“What do you plan to do about His Highness?”

 

Since holding hands with Ian and running away at the trial had become a hot topic, people were naturally curious about their future. One news publication even predicted that since Robellin now possessed all the proper qualifications for a Crown Princess, a wedding would take place before long.

 

“Ahaha, well. Isn’t it still a bit too early to talk about that?”

 

However, Robellin, the person in question, could only laugh sheepishly.

 

And for good reason.

 

‘I don’t even know what Ian is thinking myself.’

 

Ian’s strange behavior was still ongoing, even today. Not only did he struggle to focus during their time together, but whenever she entered his office, he hastily tried to hide something.

 

‘What am I hiding? As if. I have nothing to hide from you. Rather, I just want to keep showing you my overwhelming feelings.’

 

Yet whenever she asked, Ian feigned innocence smoothly. The answers were no different when she asked Brian and Paula.

 

“His Highness…? Isn’t he just the same as usual…? Did something happen? Nah, it can’t be. Probably not…”

 

“Well, isn’t it simply because he’s busy with work? I really wouldn’t know. Hohoho.”

 

Both of them had also dodged Robellin’s questions with suspicious attitudes. In the end, she welcomed the New Year’s banquet without getting a proper answer.

 

Just then, music signaling the start of the dance echoed through the hall.

 

“Lady Bennet, would you honor me with a dance?”

 

Wood carefully extended his hand toward Cornelia, his face so red it was indistinguishable from the color of his dress uniform. Cornelia smiled brightly and took his hand without a moment’s hesitation.

 

“I’d love to. Bell, I’ll be back in a bit.”

 

“Okay, have a wonderful time.”

 

Watching their departing backs, Robellin smiled warmly.

 

‘I still can’t believe it, even seeing it with my own eyes.’

 

Well, as long as Cornelia was this happy, there was nothing more to ask for.

 

However, her brief moment of solitary leisure was short-lived as several nobles began creeping toward her.

 

‘This won’t do.’

 

If she got caught by them, she’d obviously be stuck conversing for quite a while. Robellin decided to look for a balcony where she could rest quietly away from the public eye.

 

As she was searching for a suitable balcony…

 

“Robellin! Get in, quick!”

 

“Eek? Wait!”

 

Suddenly, someone pushed her into a balcony and swiftly shut the door. Turning around, Robellin saw the back of Ian’s figure checking outside through the glass.

 

‘Wait, this familiar situation is…’

 

Just as Robellin was recalling the banquet from last spring, Ian closed the door and meticulously drew the curtains. Soon, the noise of the banquet hall receded into the distance, leaving only the tranquil moonlight to illuminate the two of them.

 

“Finally, we’re alone.”

 

Ian looked at Robellin and let out a soft laugh.

 

Robellin sighed and leaned against the balcony railing. “Can’t you escort me like a gentleman for once? You’re still as willful as ever, Ian.”

 

“Why, I only helped because you looked like you wanted to run away quickly.”

 

Ian approached her and placed his hand on the railing. A playful smile danced across his face.

 

Looking at him, Robellin couldn’t help but laugh as well.

 

‘Come to think of it, I had something to say to Ian…’

 

She had intended to ask what on earth he had been plotting all this time, and to warn him not to even dream of it if it was another article like last time.

 

Yet as she went to speak…

 

“…”

 

Meeting Ian’s blue eyes made Robellin feel as though time had come to a standstill. Only her heart beat fiercely against her chest. The cool winter night air brushed past her skin, but she didn’t feel cold in the slightest.

 

Ian spoke again.

 

“Robellin.”

 

In an instant, his playful smile vanished, replaced by an expression of utmost earnestness.

 

“There’s something I absolutely must tell you here tonight.”

 

Ian carefully pulled out something he had prepared in advance on the balcony and presented it to her. Robellin’s eyes widened in surprise upon seeing it.

 

“This is… a violet?”

 

“You said it recently, didn’t you? That violets became your favorite flower.”

 

“That’s right, I did say that…”

 

And she had also said that it was because of Ian.

 

Robellin took the flower with trembling fingertips.

 

“Robellin, if it weren’t for you… I might not even be standing here right now.”

 

Ian slowly reached out and enveloped Robellin’s hand with his own. It was a gentle yet firm grip, carrying a resolve never to let her go.

 

Taking a deep breath, Ian slowly dropped to one knee.

 

“Ian?”

 

Robellin’s eyes grew round with shock. Seeing her unable to conceal her surprise, Ian also inhaled slightly, looking nervous himself. Yet, his blue eyes were filled with absolute conviction.

 

“Because of you, I didn’t lose my life. So… I can no longer imagine a future without you in it.”

 

At Ian’s heartfelt confession, Robellin felt her breath catch for a moment.

 

“So… will you stay by my side from now on as well?”

 

Ian’s hand trembled faintly. However, his gaze remained steadfast and unwavering.

 

At the sight, emotional tears welled up in the corners of Robellin’s eyes.

 

“…Yes.”

 

Finally, Robellin smiled and nodded.

 

“Ian, I want to be with you forever, too.”

 

At those words, Ian felt as though he had gained the entire world.

 

He let out a relieved laugh, stood up, and pulled Robellin into a tight embrace. Along with the rustling sound of the bouquet, the subtle fragrance of violets enveloped them both.

 

Robellin chuckled softly.

 

“Ian, at this rate, the flowers are going to get ruined.”

 

“It’s fine. If you want, I can fetch enough violets to fill the entire Imperial Palace.”

 

‘So for now, let’s fully enjoy this moment.’

 

Ian whispered gently, holding her even tighter.

 

‘The Duke wasn’t wrong after all. Just Robellin and I—the two of us alone—is already more than enough.’

 

Without Robellin noticing, Ian subtly gestured downward with his hand. The orchestra, which had been hiding in wait for a dramatic grand entry, quietly withdrew. Though he had prepared them to the very end out of lingering reluctance, they were no longer needed.

 

“Robellin.”

 

Ian whispered softly in her ear.

 

“From now on, for eternity, you’re the only one I’ll ever love.”

 

“Yes, me too.”

 

Robellin nodded inside Ian’s embrace.

 

The two shared a gentle kiss with happy smiles. It was a perfect night just for the two of them, leaving nothing more to be desired.

 

[End of Main Story]