Chapter 49

 If Adonis didn’t win the tournament, it wouldn’t just be her own humiliation—it would be a stain on Perfoné Dinia Daus.

Sure, she was the Empire’s first female royal guard, already proven in skill. But doubts still crept in.

“I’m surprised Lady Adonis said something like that. She’s not close to the princess, is she?”

“She’s not. And she wouldn’t say what happened either.”

“Well, silence is her second-best trait.”

“What’s her first?”

“Obviously, her swordsmanship.”

Perfoné smiled faintly with pride. Lervian, meanwhile, massaged his forehead, as if burdened by every trouble in the world.

Perfoné tried to focus on work—but April’s face kept coming back.

Maybe Adonis had noticed something. They’d studied together at the Academy. That could explain a lot.

“Perhaps… that’s the reason things went sour between me and April,” he murmured.

And Damian? Had he noticed too?

A knock interrupted his thoughts.

“Your Highness, you have a visitor,” the attendant said.

“Who?”

Perfoné casually motioned for Lervian to hand him another document.

“It’s Lady April Hill Rise.”

“What?”

Riiip.

The paper tore in his hand.

“Shall I let her in?”

Perfoné stood, nervously straightening his clothes. Then scoffed at himself.

What was he doing?

“Yes, let her in.”

He collapsed back into his chair. Lervian gave him a long, suspicious look.

Meanwhile, at the duchy…

“Miss, where have you been all night?” Amber nearly cried as we walked to the tea party.

I rolled my eyes.

I’d expected the duke or the young masters to catch me—but no. Amber turned out to be the most troublesome.

At least her worry felt genuine, not scolding.

“Do you know how scared I was when you weren’t there?”

“Did you tell the duke?”

She shook her head.

Smart girl. I returned just in time.

“Good. Don’t tell him next time either.”

“You’re going out again?!”

“Oops, busted.”

“Milady!”

I left her stomping behind and made my way toward the tea party venue.

We walked across grass still as soft as spring. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air—even though it was nearly autumn.

Pink petals fluttered in the breeze. This enchanted greenhouse was perfect for high society gatherings. Few nobles could afford it, and it only accepted five parties per day.

Of course, I arrived late—hosts always should.

A few young ladies were already seated.

“I’m late, aren’t I?”

The mild chatter died instantly as everyone turned to me. I greeted them with a warm smile.

“So nice to see you. It’s been a while.”

All familiar faces—just a bit more grown-up than three years ago.

Naturally, I sat at the head of the table.

After all, I was the host—and none of them came from a family higher in status than the House of Rise.

“We heard you were back. I’m sorry we didn’t visit sooner.”

“How’s your health? Fully recovered?”

“I’m fine. Took a month to rest, and now I feel better than ever.”

They all echoed the same rehearsed line: “That’s such a relief.”

I had worried they’d shun me after my supposed outburst at Perfoné. But clearly, the invitation from the duchess was enough to bring them all.

“Here, a small gift to celebrate your return. Nothing grand.”

“Too thoughtful of you.”

I smiled, taking the bouquet. Then turned to the group with a spark in my eyes.

“We have so much to catch up on.”

Today’s tea time was for gathering information.

I sipped my tea and quietly listened as the others chatted.

They didn’t seem to include me in the conversation. I wasn’t on bad terms with them, but clearly not close either.

I sat silently in the awkward exclusion, until—

“Ah, the founding festival is coming up soon!”

Eyes sparkled across the table.

It was the biggest celebration in the Empire. From sword tournaments that even foreign nations paid attention to, to the grand palace ball on the last night.

It was the event for young nobles—especially the final evening, when a confession under the pink full moon was said to guarantee eternal love.

Of course, the talk turned to romance.

“Julian, didn’t the young lord from House Gibisten ask to escort you?”

A pink blush bloomed on her cheeks.

“He even sent me shoes to wear to the party!”

“And you, Veronica? I heard your fiancé gave you a dress?”

“With a rose corsage, yes. He said I’d look beautiful in red.”

This season wasn’t just about love—it was about showing it off.

“What about you, milady? Surely His Highness sent something dazzling?”

Silence.

Veronica’s voice had stilled the warm atmosphere.

Anyone who read the scandal papers knew there were rumors about me and Perfoné.

She knew. She wanted to poke at me—either out of curiosity or spite.

Everyone waited.

I calmly set my teacup down.

“His Highness hasn’t sent anything yet.”

I smiled gently.

“But he said he wants to be the first to see what I’ll wear that night. So we’ll choose the dress together later.”

Their expressions lightened again. Perhaps the rumors weren’t true, after all.

“With His Highness?”

“Yes.”

I nodded gracefully at their astonished faces.

They must have thought the scandal sheets were telling the truth. That Perfoné and I were over. That our icy distance meant we were done.

But now this moment would spread—quickly—through the noble houses.

That was the point of today’s gathering.

Not just to gather information, but to crush the rumors of our falling out.

But even this wasn’t enough.

The real April, still at the villa, had to return to the duchy.

Barak wouldn’t bring her unless she asked to come on her own.

That was the final step.

I smiled again, softly curling my lips.

“They say the Crown Prince and I are drifting apart,” I said. “What a ridiculous rumor.”

“Indeed. Impossible!”

“You’re the Empire’s most admired couple.”

“Now you’re just making me blush.”

I deflected with light laughter, avoiding any further comment.