A gentle breeze swept through the Imperial Capital as Marbella's carriage came to a stop before the Royal Conservatory.
Built by the First Emperor more than a century ago, the conservatory was home to countless rare flowers collected from every corner of the continent. Its towering glass dome shimmered beneath the afternoon sun, while nobles strolled leisurely through the marble pathways.
"My Lady."
Mia stepped down first before offering Marbella a hand.
"Lady Suzanna has already arrived."
Marbella nodded.
"Let's not keep her waiting."
Suzanna stood beside a bed of white lilies, speaking with the head gardener.
She turned at the sound of approaching footsteps.
A bright smile immediately appeared on her face.
"Marbella."
"I'm glad you came."
Marbella returned the smile.
"I've been wanting to visit this place again."
Suzanna laughed softly.
"I knew you would say that."
"You always loved flowers."
Marbella paused for a fraction of a second.
She had.
Even after becoming Empress, she had continued tending the palace gardens herself whenever she found the time.
"…Some things never change."
The two young ladies began walking side by side through the conservatory.
Around them, butterflies danced among colorful blossoms while the gentle sound of flowing water echoed from nearby fountains.
"It's beautiful."
Marbella spoke almost absentmindedly.
Suzanna nodded.
"I come here whenever I need to clear my thoughts."
"You've been troubled lately?"
Suzanna hesitated before smiling.
"Nothing serious."
"My father has simply become busier than usual."
Marbella understood.
Count Ashford served as one of the Empire's senior ministers.
The arrival of the Northern Emperor had likely doubled his workload.
"The entire capital seems busy."
Suzanna sighed.
"Everyone is talking about the state visit."
Marbella glanced at her.
"What do you think?"
"I think…"
Suzanna looked toward the blooming flowers.
"…it might be a good thing."
"Our Empire has enjoyed peace for many years."
"I hope this visit keeps it that way."
Marbella quietly observed her expression.
There wasn't the slightest sign of deceit.
Suzanna genuinely wished for peace.
At least…
That was what Marbella saw.
The two eventually reached a quiet pavilion overlooking a pond.
Several noble ladies sat nearby enjoying tea, while musicians played soft melodies beneath the shade of ancient trees.
Suzanna poured tea into two porcelain cups.
"I've been meaning to ask."
"Hm?"
"You and His Highness the Crown Prince…"
"Were you acquainted before your birthday banquet?"
Marbella gently placed her teacup down.
"No."
"That was our first proper conversation."
Suzanna smiled.
"You seemed comfortable around each other."
"His Highness looked happier than I've ever seen him."
Marbella lowered her gaze.
"He deserves happiness."
"He does."
Suzanna's smile softened.
"I've always admired him."
Marbella looked up.
"Admired?"
"As a person."
Suzanna laughed awkwardly.
"Not in the romantic sense."
"I simply think he's remarkably kind."
"He never looks down on anyone."
"He even remembers the names of the palace servants."
Marbella silently agreed.
That was exactly the kind of person Wilbert was.
Too kind for a palace filled with ambition.
Too trusting for a throne surrounded by enemies.
"If only he were healthier…"
Suzanna murmured.
"I'm sure he'd become an excellent Emperor."
Marbella felt her heart tighten.
"So do I."
As the afternoon wore on, the conservatory became increasingly crowded.
More nobles had arrived to admire the rare spring blossoms.
Suddenly, a murmur spread through the garden.
"Who are they?"
"I've never seen those uniforms before."
"They're foreigners."
Marbella instinctively turned toward the entrance.
A group of nearly twenty men entered the conservatory.
They wore dark uniforms unlike anything seen in Terraina.
Each moved with disciplined precision.
Even among the surrounding crowd, they stood out immediately.
"They must be from the Northern Empire."
Suzanna whispered.
Marbella's eyes narrowed slightly.
The delegation walked calmly through the conservatory, accompanied by several Imperial officials.
At their center…
A familiar silver-haired man briefly lifted his gaze.
Their eyes met.
For only a heartbeat.
Recognition flickered across his sharp features.
He had seen her before.
At the marketplace.
Marbella's expression remained composed.
She inclined her head politely, as one noble would to another.
The silver-haired man returned the gesture before continuing forward without a word.
Only after the delegation disappeared into another section of the conservatory did Suzanna let out a quiet breath.
"They certainly have an intimidating presence."
Marbella said nothing.
Her thoughts remained with the silver-haired man.
Who exactly are you?
He clearly wasn't an ordinary knight.
The way the others unconsciously gave him space…
The respect in their movements…
It wasn't merely loyalty.
It was reverence.
And men inspired such reverence for only one reason.
They followed a ruler.
Far ahead, hidden from Terraina's nobles by a line of flowering trees, the silver-haired man glanced back one final time.
"The daughter of House Petrovic…"
he murmured.
"Interesting."