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CHAPTER 27
The next morning, the imperial palace was abuzz.
Word of the previous night’s banquet spread like wildfire.
“Did you hear? His Majesty praised Princess Lirien himself.”
“He even said she judged the moment wisely. That’s practically an endorsement.”
“Could she be… rising in favor?”
Every noble, whether present or not, now discussed the First Princess.
Some dismissed it as a fluke.
Others were more cautious, realizing the winds of power might be shifting.
But among the staff and palace officials, another rumor took hold:
“I heard Count Riven’s eldest daughter has been dismissed.”
“Is it true she poured wine on the First Princess?”
“How foolish… That girl just ruined her entire family.”
Meanwhile, inside the First Princess’s palace—
Lirien sat before a table in the sunroom, sipping tea.
Ilia stood nearby, holding a stack of neatly written reports.
“Your Highness, these are today’s reports on the noble houses.”
“Thank you, Ilia. Please, sit.”
Ilia hesitated.
“May I?”
“Of course. You’re no longer just my maid—you’re my confidante.”
Ilia’s cheeks flushed.
“I… I will do my best.”
Cecil entered, holding a sealed letter.
“Your Highness, a personal invitation has arrived.”
“From whom?”
“The Crown Prince’s palace.”
A brief silence followed.
Lirien took the envelope and examined the seal: the golden phoenix crest.
“So Dmitri finally makes a move.”
She broke the seal and unfolded the letter.
“He’s invited me for tea… this afternoon.”
Ilia’s eyes widened.
“Isn’t this… quite sudden?”
“No. It’s expected.”
Lirien’s voice was calm, but firm.
“He tested me by inviting me to the banquet. Now he wants to see how far I’ve come.”
“Are you going?”
“Of course.”
She set the letter down.
“This is a rare chance to speak with the Crown Prince directly.”
“Should we be cautious?”
“Always.”
She stood.
“Prepare a simple but elegant dress. And find out which retainers will be present in his palace this afternoon.”
“Understood!”
Ilia and Cecil bowed and quickly went to work.
That afternoon—
The Crown Prince’s palace was quieter than usual.
A private courtyard, far from the main building, had been prepared.
Under a canopy of blooming white wisteria, a tea set glittered in the sunlight.
Dmitri stood there, dressed impeccably, looking every bit the Crown Prince.
When Lirien arrived, he turned and smiled.
“You came.”
“Your invitation was most kind.”
She curtsied gracefully.
He gestured to the seat across from him.
“Sit. I thought we should talk without everyone watching.”
She took her seat.
A servant poured tea, then discreetly stepped back.
For a while, silence lingered—only the soft breeze stirring the leaves.
“You’ve changed,” Dmitri said suddenly.
Lirien raised an eyebrow.
“Is that so?”
“You don’t deny it.”
“Should I?”
A faint smile tugged at her lips.
Dmitri chuckled.
“It suits you. You’ve become… interesting.”
She didn’t respond immediately. Then:
“Was that your goal in testing me?”
“Partly. And partly curiosity.”
He leaned forward slightly.
“You were never weak. But you hid too well.”
“I had to.”
“And now?”
“Now I choose not to.”
Their eyes met—sharp, probing.
Then Dmitri broke into a soft laugh.
“I see. So you intend to step into the game fully.”
“I already have.”
She sipped her tea.
“And I assume you’ll try to win?”
“Not try. I will win.”
Her confidence wasn’t arrogant—it was calm, absolute.
Dmitri leaned back, folding his hands.
“In that case, let me offer a suggestion.”
“I’m listening.”
“Let’s not be enemies.”
Lirien’s brows lifted slightly.
“That depends. Are you offering alliance?”
“I’m offering… conversation. A way to keep the board balanced.”
She considered that, then smiled.
“Very well, Crown Prince. Let us converse.”
