The academic festival held this time felt strangely chaotic.

The emergence of the new weapon, K01, was so sensational that everything else seemed overshadowed. On top of that, Tanashia’s injury only added to the unease.

For Noxia, the fact that Tanashia was hurt was the most important thing. Even when Orland asked, she kept repeating that it was just an accidental fall, which made the atmosphere tense.

Because of this incident, Orland was extremely angry. He even subtly urged Noxia to find out exactly how Tanashia had gotten injured.

‘There must be a good reason why she’s hiding the circumstances of her injury, but for Father and me, worry is unavoidable.’

The accident occurred not long after Tanashia’s talent in magical engineering became publicly known.

Ever since Charles’s death, Orland had become hypersensitive to such situations. If someone had targeted Tanashia, the Brellof family was, quite literally, in a state of emergency.

Though Orland had asked her to look into it, Noxia was visiting out of genuine concern after hearing that Tanashia had been hurt.

When she finally reached Tanashia’s room, she saw a figure she had never expected to encounter.

‘That face…!’

Fiery red hair like blazing flames and strikingly beautiful features visible even from afar—it was none other than Rohel, Crown Prince of the Arwen Empire.

In Rohel’s hand was a bouquet of flowers. Given the location—right outside Tanashia’s door—it was natural to assume he had also come to visit her.

Just as Noxia spotted Rohel and paused mid-step,

Rohel, too, noticed Noxia approaching and frowned.

‘Hah? Who exactly should be upset right now?’

At the imperial ball, Rohel had falsely accused Tanashia and Noxia of deliberately splashing water on him.

Of course, Noxia never believed Rohel’s claim that Tanashia had intentionally tripped him. Tanashia had no reason to do such a thing, and even if she had, Noxia believed it would have been an accident.

That the Crown Prince of an entire empire would make such an absurd accusation in front of everyone left Noxia utterly speechless.

‘How on earth is the Arwen Empire being led if someone like him is the Crown Prince?’

That day, whatever favorable impression she’d had of Rohel vanished completely.

Truthfully, she’d never liked him to begin with.

─It’s a ball held to celebrate my birthday, yet I’m forced to mingle with the Brellof young lady, whom I have no interest in whatsoever.

She’d accidentally overheard Rohel saying this while searching for Tanashia in the garden.

For Noxia, it was a shocking revelation. She’d never imagined Rohel would deliberately approach Tanashia—or herself.

Noxia despised people who were two-faced. A man harboring such dark intentions was someone she wanted nothing to do with.

She forced herself to resume walking as if nothing had happened, despite her momentary hesitation upon seeing Rohel.

She had no intention of yielding her turn to visit Tanashia to someone she disliked so intensely.

“Jerin, tell my sister I’ve arrived.”

Jerin, standing at the entrance, noticed Noxia and bowed respectfully.

“Lady Noxia, you’ve come. Understood. I’ll inform her immediately.”

Noxia was still watching Jerin hurry inside when

Rohel, overhearing her, twitched his eyebrows. Then, without hiding his displeasure, he spoke.

“Can’t you see I arrived first?”

“To call it ‘first’ over just a few steps’ difference?”

“Even a few steps matter—the faster person should take precedence.”

Childishly, Rohel, too, showed no intention of yielding his visiting turn to Noxia.

His attitude only further ignited Noxia’s competitive spirit.

“Your Highness, I’m truly grateful you came all this way out of concern for my sister. But as family, my worry for her cannot be compared. I must confirm her condition as soon as possible—please forgive me if this displeases you.”

Though politely phrased, the underlying message was clear: whether Rohel liked it or not, Noxia would visit first.

Rohel clearly understood her intent and laughed incredulously.

“Naturally, family concern is understandable—but I must return after paying my respects. It seems you lack consideration for others.”

“When one’s family is injured, showing consideration for others isn’t easy. And might I cautiously ask—do you perhaps take it for granted that, as Crown Prince, you deserve special consideration?”

Noxia’s words remained courteous, but their underlying meaning was anything but.

Rohel’s previously exasperated expression hardened into icy coldness. Though she sensed his anger, Noxia paid it no mind.

“No matter how powerful the Brellof family may be—even birds falling at their name—you are still a noble, and I am the Crown Prince of a nation. Are you fully aware of what you’re saying?”

Hearing this, Noxia bristled.

Rohel’s words about upholding noble duty could easily be interpreted as a warning not to defy the Crown Prince.

Living in noble society, she understood the importance of status. But holding a high position didn’t grant one the right to behave arrogantly.

Just as Noxia was about to retort,

Creeeak—the door opened, and Jerin, looking awkward, spoke.

“Lady Tanashia says both of you may enter.”

Only then did Noxia realize their conversation might have been overheard inside.

In their refusal to yield even an inch, their voices had clearly risen.

Suppressing her frustration, Noxia bowed slightly. She couldn’t enter before Rohel, who was Crown Prince.

Rohel glanced at her, then abruptly turned his head and strode inside.

Noxia followed, suppressing the urge to smack him upside the head, trailing behind Rohel into Tanashia’s room.

Tanashia, lying in bed, tried to rise to offer a bow to Rohel. Ascan was beside her, helping her up.

Ascan was unlike other slaves or servants. His strikingly handsome appearance gave him a presence so strong he hardly seemed like a slave at all.

“Lady Brellof, since I know you’re injured, there’s no need for formalities.”

Hearing Rohel’s words, Noxia glanced sideways at him.

Fortunately, he didn’t seem entirely devoid of decency.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Tanashia bowed her head gratefully and lay back down.

Noxia hurried to the bedside. Though bandages obscured the injuries, it was clear she had more than just one or two wounds.

“Sister, are you alright? I was so worried when I heard.”

“I’m fine. Sorry for causing you worry.”

“We’re family—it’s only natural.”

Tanashia seemed to glance briefly at Noxia at the word “family.”

Though Noxia had simply stated the obvious, Tanashia’s eyes appeared touched—making Noxia’s own mood lift in response.

Whatever made Tanashia happy, made Noxia happy too.

After all, they were twins.

Rohel, too, quietly observed the bandages wrapped around Tanashia’s body before speaking softly.

“I’ve brought rare palace medicinal herbs and a skilled physician—if you need them, feel free to use them.”

“I had no idea you’d go to such lengths—thank you, Your Highness.”

Tanashia replied with polite grace.

Jerin, sensing the moment, stepped forward to accept the bouquet Rohel had brought, bowing deeply in Tanashia’s stead.

Soon after, Jerin returned, having arranged the flowers beautifully in a vase.

When the vase was placed near the bed, Tanashia smiled faintly as she looked at it.

“The flowers are lovely.”

“I heard you liked flowers. Glad you approve.”

At Rohel’s words, Noxia turned her head so only Tanashia could see her face—and made a gagging face.

Tanashia’s smile deepened, though she carefully hid it as she looked at Rohel and asked,

“I didn’t expect Your Highness to visit me personally—do you perhaps have something you wish to discuss with me?”

It was a naturally timed, perfectly appropriate question.

Rohel nodded, not denying Tanashia’s assumption. He wouldn’t have come all the way to the academic festival without reason.

“I’ve heard about the K01 you unveiled at the festival. Many distributors are eager to meet you—but that’s for you to decide, not my concern…”

Even standing still, Rohel exuded an aura that dominated the room.

Noxia hated to admit it, but she couldn’t deny he had the imposing presence fitting of a Crown Prince.

“If you’re considering selling K01 to another nation, I’d appreciate it if you’d hold off. The rumors lately aren’t good—there’s talk that the Calua Empire or Lazent Empire are preparing for war.”

Noxia, listening quietly, was utterly shocked.

War? It was a word she’d never seriously considered before.

But Tanashia remained calm, as if already aware of this. And what she said next was even more surprising.

“If you’re aware of such developments, shouldn’t the Arwen Empire also prepare? It’s not just about which empire K01 ends up in.”

Noxia wasn’t the only one stunned. Rohel, too, seemed caught off guard by Tanashia’s words—his eyes flickered with surprise.

After a moment’s thought, Rohel spoke again, his voice lower than before.

“Honestly, I want to prepare as well. Since you’re hailed as a genius in magical engineering, I’m looking forward to the weapons you’ll create next.”

“I’d be glad if I can help strengthen the Arwen Empire’s power. Rest assured—I’ll never do anything that harms the Arwen Empire.”

At Tanashia’s firm reply, a smile—his first—finally touched Rohel’s lips.

To Noxia’s surprise, it was an unexpectedly handsome smile, utterly unlike the authoritarian Rohel she knew.

At that moment, Rohel’s and Noxia’s gazes met midair.

Seeing Noxia’s startled expression, Rohel instantly wiped the smile from his face, reverting to his usual stern demeanor.

“Hearing that puts my mind at ease. I intend for the Arwen Empire to support your future research. Detailed documents will be sent soon—feel free to look forward to it.”

“That’s wonderful news.”

Tanashia smiled openly, unable to hide her joy. To Noxia, her confident smile looked incredibly beautiful.

“Well then, keeping an injured person too long would be impolite—I’ll take my leave. Wishing you a swift recovery, Lady Brellof.”

With that, Rohel strode out of the room. Then, as if remembering something, he glanced back and added softly,

“Lady Noxia, you may now enjoy your family reunion in peace.”

With those final words, Rohel left, and the door to Tanashia’s room closed.

Noxia, pondering Rohel’s parting remark, turned to Tanashia lying in bed and said with an incredulous expression,

“Sister, that was definitely a petty jab, right?”

Tanashia looked vaguely troubled and didn’t answer.

But she didn’t need to. It was obvious Rohel had left that final remark simply to ensure he didn’t lose to Noxia.

Noxia made a disgusted face and spoke.

“Ugh, I really hate him.”

“Do you dislike His Highness that much?”

Noxia nodded emphatically at Tanashia’s question.

“Yes, I swear—even if the entire world vanished and only the Crown Prince and I remained, we’d never end up together.”

Strangely, Tanashia’s expression grew odd at those words. Frowning slightly as if troubled, she murmured softly,

“…You two really were such a perfect couple…”

Noxia, not catching the words clearly, widened her eyes and asked,

“Huh? What did you say?”

“Nothing. It’s nothing.”

Tanashia forced a smile and tucked Noxia’s loose silver hair behind her ear. The gentle touch felt so nice that Noxia leaned against the bed and grinned goofily.

Noxia would never fall for Rohel like other young ladies might.

In her eyes, Rohel was an extremely rude and authoritarian man. Though, admittedly, his smile had been—just a little—handsome.

That was all.

After Noxia left, the room grew quiet again.

Truthfully, she’d only allowed Rohel and Noxia to visit because they were special. Wanting to rest undisturbed, she’d sent nearly everyone else away.

Gazing out the window, I murmured absentmindedly,

“The weather’s nice.”

Hearing this, Ascan, standing beside me, asked softly,

“Shall I open the window for you?”

“Oh, would you?”

At my words, Ascan immediately opened the window. The cool breeze that flowed in felt refreshing rather than cold.

Perhaps my pleasant expression gave me away—Ascan’s gaze, as he looked at me, seemed softer than usual.

I was lying comfortably, enjoying the fresh air, when—

Clang!

A sharp sound made me turn my head. Ascan had knocked over the vase holding Rohel’s bouquet.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize the vase wasn’t usually there—it was an accident…”

But contrary to his words, Ascan deliberately stomped on the fallen bouquet. It was now impossible to place the flowers back in the vase.

For some reason, I was reminded of myself stepping on Reiana’s group’s dresses.

“Why stomp on the flowers? You could’ve just cleaned up the broken glass and rearranged the flowers.”

“There were bugs. Such pretty flowers must have attracted them.”

“B-bugs?”

I grimaced—I found any insect with multiple legs utterly horrifying.

Ascan, watching my expression, asked casually,

“Would you like me to show you?”

“No, that’s fine. Just clean it up quickly.”

For some reason, Ascan’s eyes narrowed slightly, glinting with amusement. He promptly cleared away the bouquet and broken vase, then approached me.

“If you’re disappointed, I can prepare other flowers for you.”

“No need to go through the trouble.”

“Not at all. You said earlier how lovely the flowers were—I’ll prepare some for you.”

Lately, Ascan had changed in some indefinable way. I couldn’t pinpoint exactly what, but something about him was undoubtedly different from before.

‘What is it…?’

While I was lost in thought,

Ascan handed me a fragrant cup of tea and spoke softly,

“Please drink. It’s the herbal tea you like.”

“Oh, thank you.”

I took the cup and savored the aroma first. I wasn’t sure exactly when it started, but Ascan preparing herbal tea for me had become routine.

I’d always enjoyed tea, but with him attentively serving me, I now drank it without any lack.

‘Maybe he’s just become more loyal than before?’

Ascan fulfilled every wish I had and increasingly devoted himself to me. Far from disliking it, I found it deeply pleasing.

Not long ago, I’d thought I needed to help him escape the Brellof mansion. Now, he’d chosen to stay by my side, trusting me.

No matter how I thought about it, it was nothing but a good thing.

Though Ascan’s gaze, as he looked at me, felt overly tender to be explained away as mere loyalty, since the original story contained no special details about it, I didn’t dwell on it deeply.