Last night, the imperial family’s secret security unit—responsible solely for protecting the Emperor’s direct bloodline—arrived. Thanks to Benjamin informing them of the real leave schedule too late, they only reached this place by nightfall yesterday.

“Yes.” Edward gave a brief reply and turned his gaze back to the window.

“Forget about Lady Macy. I’m sure she will manage just fine on her own.”

Sensing Edward’s inner conflict, the Earl of Holland brought up Eva first. Even though he now knew the full situation, he still seemed dissatisfied with her.

“How can you say that after seeing that scene?”

Edward, who had been standing with his hands behind his back, sharply turned his head. Thinking of Baron Beattie’s shameless family and Eva trembling before them made his jaw tighten.

“If Your Highness’s words are true, then she is no ordinary woman. She must have gone along with the Beattie family’s act while finding a way to persuade both you and me. That is not something easy to come up with in such a short time.”

“……”

Edward’s cold gaze slowly softened. He found himself agreeing with that point.

From the beginning, he had never thought Eva was like that. He had believed it to be a misunderstanding or false accusation and had waited for her to explain herself.

Eva, who seemed troubled and unable to speak honestly. At some point, she had taken a calm, composed approach and delivered a perfect reversal.

A vow over a kiss that never even happened—any fool could see her confession was a lie.

It was as shocking as a sudden attack, absurd and unbelievable, yet at the same time, it made him want to laugh. He had thought she was only gentle, kind, and soft—but he never expected such strength hidden within her.

He was proud of her. And that made him worry even more. No matter how intelligent she was, life in that household would not become easy.

“You’ve become too attached to her, Your Highness. That is unlike you.”

“I know.”

Edward admitted it calmly with a dry laugh. Even he found the situation ridiculous. He could not believe he had developed such emotions in such a short time unless he had gone mad.

‘I hope Sir Ruth is happy as well. Though we’ve only just met, he seems upright and strong. Wherever he is, whatever he does, may God’s blessing be with him.’

Perhaps he had grown tired of living constantly on edge and watching his surroundings. The moment he heard Eva’s words of encouragement, his heart had shaken. It was nothing new—he had heard such formal blessings before—but hers felt sincere, warming his chest.

Just as she had in his childhood, she stood by his side, cheering him on and offering her blessings. Though he realized it only now, she had already guessed he was her former fiancé and had spoken with that in mind.

It felt as though past and present were connected into one, and Edward felt a sharp ache in his throat. And in that moment, he understood why he had been shaken.

Eva from the past had remained like a shadow in his heart. Meeting the Eva of the present had brought her into the light. And once she was in the light, he could see her nature. Seeing her, he was drawn to her. And being drawn to her, she became beautiful.

Her large eyes blinking as she held back tears, her joyful expression while riding a horse, her shy face turning red when embarrassed, or her faint, casual smile—all of it was beautiful. Bathed in moonlight and white stone light, he had been unable to look away, as if enchanted. By the time he regained his senses, he had been on the verge of kissing Eva while holding her in his arms. It was the first time he had ever lost control like that, and even he had been startled.

‘I’m sorry.’

Edward had fought against himself with all his strength and pulled away from Eva. He knew it would hurt her feelings, but he had no choice. If they had kissed, their fates would have become entangled again, and Eva would have been drawn into his life. He did not want to drag someone already burdened into his uncertain future.

“You should not be worrying about Lady Macy right now, Your Highness. You must also consider how to appease Her Majesty the Empress, and how to persuade the Duke of Kensington. And also…”

“And also?”

When the Earl of Holland hesitated, Edward prompted him.

“The one who should become the Crown Princess must be someone who benefits Your Highness. For example, Lady Olivia Kensington.”

“Why is Olivia being mentioned here?”

Edward frowned and glared at him.

Their plan was not to go directly to the imperial palace but to visit the Duke of Kensington’s estate in the west first. Since the Duke was the head of the council and a neutral faction leader, building ties with him was a sound strategy. Edward had agreed, but now realized Holland had another intention.

Olivia Kensington.

The Duke of Kensington’s daughter, two years younger than Edward. The Earl of Holland was suggesting her as a candidate for Crown Princess—not for himself, but as Edward’s future wife.

“You know I’ve been supporting her as the Crown Princess candidate. What better way is there to win over the Duke of Kensington?”

“I said I don’t want that.”

“She is beautiful, refined, and you two are familiar with each other. In my eyes, you are quite well matched.”

“Being acquainted does not mean we are close. By that logic, you are my cousin, yet you are often unbearable.”

Edward admitted he had known Olivia better than most noble ladies. They had often met at palace balls and gatherings since childhood. Unlike others, she was not clingy, and their conversations flowed easily. But that was all.

“You are too much. Do you know how much I suffer because of Your Highness?”

“Hmph. Call the attendant. I need to put on my armor.”

Edward scoffed, completely unaffected by Holland’s complaint.

While the attendant arrived, Edward removed his shirt. His tightly sculpted upper body, formed of hardened muscle, was revealed. Unlike his refined face, his body bore multiple scars from swords, spears, and arrows.

He stopped Benjamin from helping him with inner armor and instead grabbed the doublet, putting it on himself with practiced ease.

“And it is true I once had feelings for Lady Macy, but that is over now. There will be no further concern on that matter.”

Edward spoke calmly, as if it were nothing.

One could not forcefully erase feelings once formed. But if cut off early, they would fade on their own. It had not been deep love—only the beginning of something. With time and distance, it would disappear. He was certain of that.

“You’ve made the right decision.”

“And do not think of placing Olivia in that position either.”

Edward immediately cut off Holland’s expectations with a grin.

What a cunning man.

The Earl of Holland—Edward’s cousin, friend, court advisor, and one of the seventy council members of nobles, clergy, and the imperial court.

Though he appeared polite and kind, he was highly intelligent and coldly pragmatic. He did not waste time on low-probability plans and discarded anything or anyone that hindered his goals.

Edward did not dislike that. In fact, it made him more comfortable, as Holland was similar to him. Most of the time, Holland followed his decisions without resistance—making him a reliable ally. Only in moments like this did they differ.

A servant soon entered, bowed, and picked up a piece of plate armor.

From this moment, Edward would don heavy armor and ride through a relay route all the way to the imperial palace.

“I do not know whether I have come on leave or to perform in a spectacle.”

As the servant knelt with iron boots and toe caps, Edward extended his foot and spoke indifferently.

It was imperial tradition. Whether departure or welcome, royals appeared in shining armor to display dignity and heroism.

Since news of his official leave had spread, a crowd would gather in front of the palace in four days. Though he would follow protocol, he found the heavy armor irritating.

“You wore heavier armor during horseback jousting. Why complain now? Besides, Lady Kensington quite likes you in armor.”

“……”

“That is all I meant.”

Holland deflected smoothly under Edward’s sharp glare.

Layer by layer, silver armor was fitted onto Edward. From his lower body to his chest, gauntlets and gorget were secured. His once refined appearance gradually transformed into that of a battlefield knight.

At last, fully armored, Holland draped the royal cloak bearing the Butterfield crest over his shoulders. Beneath the dawn light stood the image of a perfect knight, hero, and crown prince.

Admiring him, Holland handed him his helmet.

“Benjamin.”

Edward called his friend’s name in a low voice.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Send people there from time to time. Keep an eye on her.”

“……”

“Don’t misunderstand. It is merely courtesy for a former fiancée. Just confirm she is doing well.”

When Holland gave him a suspicious look, Edward added dryly.

It was not romantic concern. Eva’s situation required basic human attention. Since she refused financial help, sending people to check on her was all he could do. That alone would pressure the Beattie family enough to prevent further misconduct. In a few months, she would become an adult and no longer require guardianship.

“And soon, Eva will be independent. Make sure she is watched over.”

“So we are only to observe her?”

“No. Keep the Beattie family from coming anywhere near her. And if they continue to harass her…”

Edward recalled the red marks on Eva’s wrist.

“…you may kill them.”

He would not interfere in Eva’s life unless she wanted it. He would not force help on her. As promised, he would only watch over the lost flower. But pests—those could be dealt with.