Crown Prince, I hate you!

Hair pinned up high.

Dressed in a light yet elegant dress, I prepared for my outing with a flutter of anticipation in my heart.

“Where are you headed today?”

Meisha, who was helping me straighten my attire, asked gently.

“To meet someone dear,” I replied.

Though Meisha couldn’t discern the meaning behind my words, she simply nodded in acknowledgment.

My preparations for the outing were nearly complete. As a final touch, Meisha handed me a small bag and waved at me.

“Have a safe trip.”

“I will. See you soon.”

With a faint smile, I turned and left the room.

Clatter. Clatter.

The carriage moved forward, swaying side to side, much like it had on my previous journey to the imperial palace.

As on that day, perhaps because it had been some time since I last rode a carriage, the ride felt far from smooth. Every ten seconds or so, the seat beneath me jolted, my body colliding slightly with the bench.

It was an uncomfortable ride, but thankfully, today’s destination was much closer than the palace. We arrived sooner than expected.

“Please stop for a moment,” a faint voice called out.

The carriage gradually slowed, likely halted by guards stationed at the main gate.

“Show them this.”

Opening the window, I handed over a letter. Shortly after, the carriage resumed its journey.

How much time had passed?

It felt like we were finally nearing our stop.

“Hm.”

As I stepped out of the carriage, I was greeted by the sight of a warm, inviting mansion.

Nestled amidst a verdant garden, the estate eschewed the extravagance of blooming flowers, favoring instead tall, stately trees and climbing vines. The result was a scene of understated elegance and serene charm.

“Miss, are you sure about this?”

Illa, who had been closing the carriage door, looked at me with concern.

“I’m not entirely sure,” I admitted softly.

“Pardon?”

Illa’s surprised expression made me feel a pang of guilt for not sharing more, but I steeled myself with conviction.

I trusted the person I was about to meet.

“This is necessary to reclaim what was lost. I can only hope my choice isn’t a mistake.”

With that thought firmly in mind, I strode confidently into the mansion.

The clock struck 1 PM—a tranquil hour for the nobles but the busiest time for their servants.

The hallways were bustling, teeming with people hurrying back and forth on their errands.

Yet, amidst the crowd, there was no one waiting to guide me.

It’s customary to assign at least one maid to guide a guest expected at the estate.
This lack of courtesy made it painfully clear how the person I was meeting regarded me.

“Excuse me.”

I gently tapped the shoulder of a passing maid.

“Oh! Who might you be…?”

The maid, her hair neatly tied up, turned to me with wide, startled eyes.

“Where is Lady Porhan right now?” I asked.

At my question, the maid clapped her hands lightly, as if suddenly realizing something.

“Ah, are you a friend of the lady? She’s on the second floor right now. Shall I escort you to her?”

“I’d appreciate that.”

The maid, walking ahead of me, led me to a room at the far end of the second floor.

“She should be inside,” the maid said, excusing herself quickly, explaining she had other tasks to attend to.

I knocked on the white door.

“Come in,” a voice called out from within, as if expecting my arrival.

With a soft click, I opened the door. Sitting at a table was a woman with long gray hair draped over one shoulder, her gaze cool and steady as it landed on me.

“Welcome, Lady Clody.”

Though her tone lacked warmth, I couldn’t help feeling a small sense of relief at seeing her. Internally, I repeated her name.

Rael Porhan.

One of the few people who hadn’t openly disliked me. Along with Meisha, Rael had always been one of the few willing to help.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Porhan,” I greeted her.

Though a wave of gratitude washed over me for all the times she had supported me, I kept my expression neutral, offering a polite smile.

“Have a seat,” Rael said, gesturing to the chair across from her.

“You’re the lady who danced with His Highness the Crown Prince, aren’t you? The commotion that caused made it impossible not to hear about,” she remarked, instructing the maid behind her to prepare tea.

“Yes. It wasn’t something I particularly sought, but it’s true,” I replied calmly.

“I heard that was the day you returned to society after a long absence. To think you danced with the Crown Prince on such an occasion—it’s quite intriguing.”

“…”

“And yet, I never imagined that the same lady would come looking for me,” she continued, her words layered with an inscrutable meaning.

Rael’s expression remained completely impassive as she spoke, her pointed remarks landing with calculated precision.

“So, why are you here? Have you grown weary of public attention and decided to attach yourself to someone else to remain in the limelight? Or perhaps you’ve noticed I’ve been in a precarious position lately and come to covet my place?”

Rael looked at me with a faint smile and asked,

Even though she had prepared for my arrival, there had been no servant to greet me, and the state of the tableware was far from ideal—visibly tarnished and poorly maintained.

From those details alone, I understood.

“Well, whatever the case, I have no intention of indulging either possibility,” she added lightly.

It was clear she was wary of me.

Behind her poised smile, a maid appeared, carrying a teapot and cups.

Clink.

The teacups placed on the table couldn’t have been more different.

Rael’s was an ornate cup, the kind used to entertain distinguished guests, while mine was smaller, adorned with a plain and unremarkable design.

I glanced briefly at the cups before shifting my gaze back to Rael. She, as always, remained composed, taking a sip of her tea without a flicker of emotion.