Under the dim light of the banquet hall, Ardion reappeared, showcasing a sharp intellect. He quickly grasped the intricacies of the books he had read, and his perceptiveness stood out.

    “It seems the sorcerer in the black cloak is absent. He’s always shadowing you, yet now he’s left you to your own devices?” Ardion remarked.

    “Ardion, that’s not your concern, is it?”

    “Wasn’t it you who preferred to speak through magic rather than words? Attempting to harm an innocent servant was quite telling.”

    A memory of Ardion’s declaration three years ago flickered to mind. He had been powerless then and had to follow Rowell’s commands.

    Yet now, he bore a striking contrast to his past self.

    As the atmosphere at the banquet grew tense, a voice broke the silence with a cheerful interjection. “Ah, this wine is made from grapes near the frontier, isn''t it? Life struggles to emerge from dead earth to create such a vintage.”

    Clinking glasses echoed as everyone took a sip.

    “It’s delightful, isn’t it, Serina?” one person ventured.

    “Yes,” she replied, her tone clipped and unengaged.

    Just then, a chair scraped back, and Ardion’s polished shoes vanished from view. “I’ll take my leave now. Though this seat was prepared for me, the memories of the frontier make me queasy.”

    His words pointedly referenced Rowell.

    Amidst the silent room, Serina spoke up. “I too must depart. My swordsmanship practice remains unfinished.”

    “After all the preparations, you should stay a little longer out of courtesy,” Rowell murmured.

    “It’s not just nausea. I need to find someone,” he replied.

    His shoes brushed dangerously close to mine, barely avoiding a collision, as the sound of his wine glass hitting the table echoed.

    “I’ve had my fill. I’m leaving.”

    With Ardion''s departure, Rowell slammed his palm on the table, causing me to flinch.

    Suddenly, the banquet hall’s tension thickened while I hesitated, lingering for a few more minutes. Fortunately, everyone else seemed to be engrossed in their discussions, oblivious to my presence.

    I hurried towards the exit, almost breaking into a run, until someone bumped my shoulder, causing my wine glass to spill onto her dress.

    “Aren’t you going to apologize?” the woman exclaimed, her eyebrows knitting in disbelief.

    I sighed softly. “I apologize.”

    Despite her intentional shove, I only wished to escape the situation.

    “Sorry?” Her incredulous voice pierced the air, silencing the surroundings.

    I felt the pressure rise. Not wanting to linger further. I feigned fought-back tears, knowing that a servant’s tears usually elicited some leniency from aristocrats, but this woman seemed unmoved.

    I hadn’t expected to run into Ardion like this. Still, grateful for his earlier help, I quickly said, “Thank you, Young Master. I should—”

    He stepped in front of me. I looked up in surprise.

    “Um, Young Master...”

    “I’m no longer your young master.” He grasped my hand, his gaze intense, filled with an unspoken longing. He hadn’t been this forward when he was younger, and now his touch felt unexpectedly warm.

    I instinctively pulled back, only to realize I was pressed against the wall as he moved closer, his breath warm against my skin.

    Ardion’s expression changed, a mixture of softness and the rigidity of his princely role evident on his face.

    It suddenly dawned on me that he was the only prince here. Had he not stayed at Duke Orchid''s mansion, I would have never crossed paths with him.

    “I’m sorry for what happened back then,” I managed to say.

    I regretted the circumstances of our last parting. I should have used my water magic against the duke and Rowell.

    “If you’re sorry, stay by my side.”

    His unexpected words left me momentarily speechless as he pulled me along.

    “Wait, where are we going, Young Master...?”

    I still hadn’t found Derol, but Ardion was leading me deeper into the palace.

    Holding my hand firmly, he stopped at a grand door. “Not a day passes without thinking of you. Even on the battlefield, you were in my thoughts.”

    I slowly looked up. Our eyes met before I instinctively lowered mine. Something was odd. His words felt final.

    I recalled the original heroine. Serina must be around here somewhere.

    Gathering my courage, I said, “I appreciate your feelings, but we’re no longer in the same relationship.”

    His expression darkened, but I pressed on softly. “I’m just a commoner...”

    “I can grant you a title whenever you want.”

    “But—”

    Sudden footsteps approached. A knight was nearing with a rustling sound.

    I spotted Derol, the small black rat, trapped in a cage.

    “Derol!” I exclaimed. I reached for him, but Ardion blocked my way.

    The knight whispered to him, and he nodded.

    With a cold demeanor, Ardion looked down at me. “Laila, Derol bit a noble’s hand, but that was justified. He also stole cheese from the palace’s storeroom, which means the owner should be punished, but... I’d prefer not to go through with that.”