Sophia fell silent once again.

That phrase again.

She seemed to be deceiving even herself, being stubborn to this extent.

She had already tormented herself to the point of critical illness, yet her heart was still considering other people's matters, while her mouth still stubbornly insisted it was only for herself.

If it was for herself, why would she risk injury and throw herself into danger without regard for her safety?

Why participate in that competition, even knowing it was full of difficulties and dangers?

For Celitia, this was something with absolutely no benefit to herself.

"I've never seen... such a fool like you."

Looking at the girl who was so weak yet so persistent, Sophia felt a slight ache in her heart.

She felt both heartbroken for her and helpless.

"Who are you calling a fool?"

Celitia said incredulously.

"No matter how foolish I am, I'm still better than someone who was naked... ahem, better than someone."

Having promised Sophia to forget about that night's events, Celitia had to take back this highly aggressive remark.

Sophia didn't respond.

She sighed, curled her index finger, and very lightly flicked the girl's forehead.

"Don't think about competitions or anything like that. Wait until your body is properly healed before considering such things."

Celitia was unconcerned: "I'll recover quickly. There's still half a month until the end of the month."

"There you go again!"

Seeing Celitia's nonchalant attitude, Sophia became angry.

When would she ever take her own body seriously?

"Listen up, all of you!"

Sophia turned her head and loudly gave orders to the maids guarding at the palace door.

"Before Celitia's body has completely recovered, she is forbidden from leaving this door! If I discover she's snuck away, I'll hold you all responsible!"

Celitia was dumbfounded: "Hey, Sophia! What does this have to do with those maids?"

"You don't want them to be punished, do you?" Sophia gave her a confident smile. "Then behave yourself and properly recover your health!"

Sophia had already understood that no matter how earnestly she emphasized things to Celitia, it would only be futile effort.

Managing her directly was useless—she had to manage the people related to her.

Because with Celitia's personality, she absolutely couldn't watch the maids be punished because of her.

Celitia: "..."

There was a feeling of being firmly grasped and controlled that was inexplicably annoying.

But there was nothing she could do about it.

Dropping her shoulders, Celitia chose to compromise:

"Alright, alright, I understand. I'll properly recover my health."

Although she felt Sophia was completely worrying too much...

That pure concern without any ulterior motives made Celitia's heart feel slightly warm.

She would reluctantly accept this "threat."

Sophia was finally satisfied.

"I still have some matters to handle during the day, so I need to leave first. I'll come see you again after I'm done with my work."

Standing up, Sophia gave Celitia detailed instructions.

"In a while, Rebecca and the others should bring over the prepared medicine. You must drink it all—no complaining about the bitterness."

Celitia thought to herself: I can't taste bitterness anyway.

But to avoid having the Princess's continue nagging, she could only keep her mouth shut and nod with a smile.

"If you need anything, go find the head maid outside. If you need me or Mom, ask the lady-in-waiting to contact us."

Sophia didn't let her off, continuing to chatter: "If you feel unwell, you must notify me and Mom immediately, understand?"

Celitia muttered quietly: "Even my grandmother wasn't as much of a nag as you."

"What did you say?!"

Sophia's eyes widened as she angrily reached out to poke Celitia's forehead.

"Nothing."

Seeing the girl's finger about to poke her forehead, Celitia finally obediently closed her mouth.

"I understand. Go handle your business. I'll just lie obediently in bed and won't go anywhere."

"Promise me!"

"I promise."

Finally sending Sophia away, Celitia lay back down on the bed and pulled up the soft, thick cotton quilt.

The familiar lavender scent lingered around her. Celitia took a deep breath, letting that sweet, fresh fragrance merge with her breathing.

Then she realized a problem.

Speaking of which, this couldn't be...

Sophia's bed, could it?

Looking down at herself, her clothes had been changed from inside out, and the bloodstains on her body had been carefully wiped away, revealing her fair skin again.

"..."

Grabbing the quilt with both hands and pulling it up, Celitia shrank inward, letting the thick quilt cover her head.

In the darkness, the girl's jade-white ears gradually turned completely red.

At the same time, elsewhere.

Marianne arrived at the reception room and sat down in an elegant high-backed chair, leisurely waiting for the maid to brew her tea.

Shortly after, Viscount Charles Herbert and his wife Aloque hurried over, led by a lady-in-waiting.

Aloque was dragged behind by Charles, still looking thoroughly unwilling.

In Aloque's view, the matter was simple: Olar had been beaten by Celitia, so she had ordered people to lock Celitia in the dungeon.

Her actions were reasonable and justified—at most, the punishment of confinement in the dungeon was a bit heavy.

Why shouldn't they seek justice for the injured Olar, but instead require her to personally come and apologize for yesterday's events?

The more Aloque thought about it, the angrier she became.

"Good morning, Your Majesty Marianne."

Charles removed his hat and elegantly bowed to Marianne.

Marianne sat by the high table, lifting her steaming hot tea with graceful bearing and elegance as always.

"Come, Charles, sit down and have some tea."

Marianne pointed to the chair across from her. Charles walked over as instructed and sat down at the high table.

Aloque followed and was about to sit in another chair.

Before her bottom could touch the seat, Marianne turned her head and gave her a light glance.

"I only invited Charles to sit and have tea. I didn't invite you, Lady Aloque."

Aloque's movement froze in mid-air. She had no choice but to stand up again and stand beside Charles.

Seeing his wife rebuffed, Charles said nothing.

He handed his hat to the attending maid and watched as the steaming tea was placed before him.

"Your Majesty's elegance is as breathtaking as ever," Charles opened with flattery.

Marianne only smiled faintly.

Secretly observing Marianne but unable to fathom her thoughts, Charles had to speak up proactively to explain his purpose:

"Your Majesty Marianne, yesterday evening there was indeed quite a commotion that offended you and Princess Sophia. I brought Aloque here today to formally apologize to you."

After speaking, Charles turned his face sideways and glared up at Aloque, constantly signaling with his eyes.

Aloque's expression struggled. Remembering what her husband had repeatedly told her last night, she finally opened her mouth with difficulty:

"Your Majesty Marianne, yesterday I was too emotionally agitated, thinking only of Olar's situation, which led me to offend you and Princess Sophia. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."