The incident at the market spread throughout the Imperial Capital before nightfall.
By the following morning, even the servants at the Grand Duke's mansion were whispering about it.
"My Lady saved a child with her own hands."
"I heard the horse almost trampled her."
"The townspeople couldn't stop praising House Petrovic."
Marbella paid little attention to the rumors.
She sat in the garden pavilion, turning another page of a medical text.
Nothing.
There was still no mention of an illness resembling Wilbert's.
"My Lady."
Mia approached carrying a folded letter.
"This arrived from the palace."
Marbella accepted it.
The seal belonged to the Crown Prince.
She broke it open.
Lady Marbella,
Thank you for keeping me company during your birthday banquet and for yesterday's visit to the palace.
I heard about what happened at the market. I'm relieved you weren't injured.
If your schedule permits, would you join me for afternoon tea tomorrow?
There are a few matters I'd like to discuss with you.
— Wilbert
Marbella folded the letter.
"I'll accept."
Mia smiled.
"I thought you would."
The following afternoon…
Marbella arrived at the Eastern Palace.
Unlike the main palace, the atmosphere here remained peaceful.
Servants walked quietly through the corridors.
The scent of herbs lingered faintly in the air.
A familiar maid greeted her.
"Lady Petrovic."
"His Highness is waiting in the garden."
Marbella thanked her before making her way outside.
Wilbert was already seated beneath a large maple tree.
A chessboard rested between two chairs.
"You came."
Marbella smiled.
"I hope I didn't keep Your Highness waiting."
"Not at all."
Wilbert gestured toward the empty chair.
"I wanted a break from reading reports."
Marbella took her seat.
"I didn't know Your Highness enjoyed chess."
"I don't."
Wilbert laughed.
"I simply enjoy losing with dignity."
Marbella couldn't help smiling.
"I suppose that's one way to describe it."
A servant poured tea before quietly withdrawing.
For several minutes, neither of them spoke.
They simply moved chess pieces across the board.
Wilbert eventually broke the silence.
"You've changed."
Marbella looked up.
"You mentioned that before."
"I did."
"This time…"
He studied the chessboard.
"You've become far more patient."
Marbella calmly captured one of his knights.
"I've learned that rushing often leads to mistakes."
Wilbert stared at the board before laughing.
"And there goes my knight."
"I'm afraid so."
"You planned that several moves ago, didn't you?"
Marbella nodded.
"I did."
Wilbert looked at her thoughtfully.
"That's not how you used to play."
Marbella's hand paused for the briefest moment.
"I suppose people change."
"They do."
Wilbert's smile became quieter.
"I only hope I've changed for the better."
The game continued.
Wilbert soon found himself completely cornered.
He looked at the board before letting out a defeated sigh.
"I surrender."
"You let me win."
Marbella shook her head.
"I didn't."
"You simply underestimated me."
Wilbert laughed.
"I'll remember that next time."
As the servants cleared away the chessboard, another servant hurried into the garden.
"Your Highness."
"What is it?"
"A messenger has arrived from the Northern Empire."
Wilbert looked surprised.
"So soon?"
The servant bowed.
"He carries a personal letter addressed to His Majesty."
Marbella remained silent.
The Northern Empire…
The largest empire on the continent.
Even Terraina maintained a cautious relationship with it.
Wilbert noticed her curiosity.
"The Northern Empire rarely contacts us."
"Has something happened?"
"I'm not sure."
He smiled apologetically.
"I suppose Father will find out soon enough."
Lady Eleanor appeared beside the garden entrance.
"Your Highness."
"It's time for your medicine."
Wilbert nodded.
"I'll be there shortly."
Marbella instinctively glanced toward the wooden medicine box in Eleanor's hands.
Once again…
Everything revolved around that medicine.
She rose from her chair.
"I should take my leave."
Wilbert smiled.
"Thank you for coming."
"I enjoyed today."
"So did I."
As Marbella walked away, she glanced back one last time.
Wilbert accepted the medicine without the slightest hesitation.
Without questioning it.
Without suspecting anything.
Marbella quietly clenched her fists.
I will find the truth.
Before it's too late.
Deep within the Imperial Palace…
A royal messenger hurried into the Emperor's study.
He lowered himself to one knee.
"Your Majesty."
"The envoy from the Northern Empire has arrived."
Emperor Hans looked up from the documents on his desk.
"So they finally came."
The messenger presented a black envelope sealed with silver wax.
Upon the wax was engraved the emblem of a soaring eagle surrounded by a laurel wreath.
The Emperor's expression became solemn.
He broke the seal and unfolded the letter.
After reading only a few lines…
His eyes widened.
"…Impossible."
Standing nearby, the Empress looked concerned.
"What is it?"
The Emperor slowly lowered the letter.
"The Emperor of the Northern Empire…"
"…has requested permission to visit Terraina in person."
Silence filled the room.
Neither of them realized…
That a single letter would soon alter the fate of both empires forever.