Chapter 46
“Because it’s our family crest.”
Before him, Lady Marchioness Panna still wore her beautiful, gentle smile.
Her smile hadn’t changed.
But Haon’s feelings while looking at that smile could never be the same as before.
That delicate smile felt eerily chilling. It was as if a cruel nature was hidden behind the mask of that smile.
How foolish had he been to let his guard down so completely, fooled by a single smile and a voice disguised as kindness?
‘And I was looking for the person who killed Prince V.’
He hadn’t realized that the culprit could be right here.
Haon felt his entire body go numb. His muscles stiffened, and a cold sensation ran through his veins.
“Th-that’s… so…”
He tried to smile, but the corners of his mouth refused to move, frozen in place. On top of that, his words stumbled out in a strained voice.
“Is there… something about the Panna family?”
Even the simple question from Lady Panna felt unsettling.
“No, it’s just… well…”
Haon’s mind went completely blank. He couldn’t think of a proper response.
The only thought dominating his mind was one:
‘Did Lady Marchioness Panna kill Prince V?’
The family crest on the murderer’s pocket watch was similar to hers. That was the only evidence so far, but given the circumstances, it was a reasonable suspicion.
If the Panna family was behind it, the mastermind would undoubtedly be the Marchioness herself.
The murderer was right in front of him.
The thought alone sent a shiver of fear that could never have been predicted.
“So, I just…”
His legs trembled. It felt like they would give way and he would collapse.
He gripped his name card tightly.
“Are you alright, Lady…? Come to think of it, I didn’t catch your name.”
Lady Panna studied Haon’s complexion with concern.
“You’re part of Princess Pireone’s entourage…”
Her gaze shifted.
Oh no. Haon realized his mistake—he’d revealed Princess Pireone to her. She might be the very person who killed Prince V.
‘Could it put Princess Pireone in danger?’
That would be far worse.
He had to somehow divert Lady Panna’s attention. She had to think this was just trivial chit-chat at the tea party.
“She’s beautiful!”
Haon blurted it out desperately.
Thinking of Princess Pireone, the corners of his mouth could finally move more naturally. It was slightly stiff, but at least it resembled a smile.
“I was just curious because the crest was so beautiful. I wondered which family had such a lovely emblem.”
“Is that so?”
Lady Panna tilted her head, looking at her pendant.
“Rather than beautiful, I always thought it was rather abstract. But I suppose young ladies these days might see it differently—their tastes are changing so uniquely.”
“Exactly, exactly.”
Haon laughed awkwardly, nodding vigorously.
“I usually have no connection to places like this, but thanks to Princess Pireone’s graciousness, it’s my first time here. Wow, amazing. So this is how nobles spend their time.”
He mimicked the speech he’d heard in historical dramas, looking around in awe, clasping his hands together tightly.
“It’s an honor, an absolute honor. I can’t believe I’m here—it feels like a dream.”
Haon smiled innocently, playing the fool. He shone his eyes brightly, letting out continuous exclamations of admiration.
“Wow, incredible! I wonder what’s over there. I’ll never get a chance like this again, so I have to explore as much as possible.”
He shaded his eyes with his hand and looked around, pretending to inspect the garden.
“Well then, I shall take my leave! I hope Lady Marchioness enjoys the tea party as well~”
Striking a pose as if taking her leave, Haon hurriedly retreated.
Lady Panna watched Haon leave in a fluster, her expression unchanged: a calm smile and gentle eyes, as if it were her default face.
“That young lady… didn’t end up telling me her name.”
Muttering to herself, she turned her gaze to the tea table. The name card that had marked her spot had disappeared.
“Hm.”
Lady Panna hummed softly, adjusting the family crest pendant on her chest, and swept her fingers over the empty spot where the card had been.
Pretending to be busy sightseeing, Haon exited the reception hall and returned to the garden.
“What’s with today? Is it some special occasion?”
It felt like she had been running all day.
And in high heels and a dress—hardly the attire for running around.
“I wish I had some heel cushions…”
Her heels were starting to hurt.
Even without cushions, maybe a bandage would help—but it would feel too much like tape. Haon slowed her pace, thinking of all this.
Once she realized the pain, her heels became more bothersome, and she started limping slightly.
It was all because of the shoes.
Haon held her dress up with one hand, looking down at her heels, limping as she walked.
“Out of the way!”
A voice rang out from above.
Reflexively, Haon turned toward the sound. She looked up and accidentally made eye contact with the sun.
“Ah! My eyes!”
Blinded by the sunlight, she had no time to look away before a dark shadow swooped between her and the sun.
Wham!
The black shadow struck Haon’s face, sending her tumbling backward.
Thanks to the soft grass covering the garden, her head was spared from injury, but the impact to her face was intense.
Her entire face throbbed with pain.
The shadow landed safely and immediately stood up. Haon, still dazed, watched as he extended a hand toward her.
“Lady, are you alright?”
His voice was youthful and clear but still polite.
Haon rubbed her forehead and slowly opened her eyes. Spots floated in her vision from looking at the sun.
“What just happened?”
A collision from the sky seemed absurd, but she suppressed her irritation, assuming the person was a noble.
“I was on a swing and didn’t see you in time.”
A swing? There was a swing in the garden? Damn that swing.
Haon grumbled internally but responded politely.
“It’s my fault for not watching where I was going.”
She reached for the hand he extended, but it was unusually small. Small enough to fit entirely within her hand. Even his silhouette seemed petite.
As Haon rose slightly, blinking, she noticed his height was roughly the same as hers while seated. No need to tilt her head much to meet his gaze.
As her vision adjusted, she recognized him.
“Prince Q?”
“You know me?”
Prince Q’s face lit up, his cheeks sparkling. Recognized, he looked slightly excited and hopeful.
Straightening his shoulders, he ran a finger under his nose.
“I haven’t even debuted in society yet—could my reputation have reached you?”
He seemed genuinely pleased.
Haon, puzzled, asked,
“You were at the ball. Haven’t you debuted yet?”
“The ball? Ah, you saw me at the palace.”
Prince Q covered his small fist to his mouth and coughed.
“Yes. I am fourth in line to the throne of the Heosen Empire: Q Sahana Kar Heosenia.”
A formal introduction, delivered with effort.
Haon was more surprised that Prince Q hadn’t recognized her.
‘Is clothing really that different… or maybe makeup?’
Though she hadn’t seemed much different in the mirror.
Even though Lady Panna had recognized her after a brief encounter, not being recognized by Prince D and Prince Q stung a little.
“Which family are you from, Lady?”
How many times had she been asked that today?
It felt like the same moment was repeating all day.
“You really don’t know me?”
Haon felt a playful mischief arise along with slight annoyance.
With a pout, she teased Prince Q.
“I know you very well, Prince~.”
“Me?”
Prince Q’s eyes widened.
“Perhaps…?”
His cheeks flushed, ready to say something.
Sunlight reflected off the reception hall windows behind him. Momentarily distracted, Haon stood up abruptly.
“Oh no. Prince, I’m sorry.”
She had seen Princess Pireone through the glass door, staring straight at her. And her expression.
Startled, Haon felt a pang of guilt for having tried to avoid her.
“I’m really going to get in trouble for this.”
Haon hurriedly left.
“Wait, Lady.”
Prince Q reached out, but Haon’s pace was faster.
She hadn’t even noticed his hand—her eyes were fixed on Princess Pireone, far ahead. Her steps quickened as she approached the princess.
“Princess… I mean, I…”
“Enough.”
Haon, panting faintly, slowed down. Princess Pireone gave her a flat, expressionless glance before turning sharply.
“Let’s return to the palace.”
Her voice was low and monotone. Haon was certain the princess was upset. Following silently behind was the best option for now.
