Orland, who had finished dealing with the Pelmira family in the provinces, returned to Marquis Brellof’s estate.

Since it had now been revealed that the second culprit linked to Charles’s death was the Calua Imperial Family, there was far more to handle in the capital.

Noxia only learned the truth behind the rumors about Tanashia after meeting Orland.

Moreover, she was the last in the family to hear that both the Pelmira family and the Calua Imperial Family were entangled in Charles’s death.

Though Orland explained everything with as little emotion as possible, Noxia could not possibly fail to notice the sorrow and anger he felt.

Thanks to that, she listened to everything that had happened as calmly as she could. But ever since learning the full truth, she could no longer sleep at night.

‘The Calua Imperial Family was involved in Mother’s death…’

That alone was nearly unbearable—but the problem was, it didn’t end there.

‘The Calua Emperor tried to force a marriage with my sister, and spread these absurd rumors to cover it up—I’m so furious.’

Noxia had a gentle disposition, but she was not so passive that she would quietly tolerate injustice.

Fortunately, Orland and Tanashia were already searching for ways to take revenge against the Calua Imperial Family—but something else still weighed on Noxia’s mind.

‘If the Pelmira family left behind the poison, and the intruder was sent by the Calua Imperial Family… then who exactly was the true murderer of Mother?’

The truth of that day was tangled in so many layers that she had long been lost in confusion.

Though the roles of the Pelmira family and the Calua Imperial Family had been uncovered, the identity of the person who directly stabbed Charles with a blade remained unknown.

‘Father and Sister seem busy with matters concerning the Calua Imperial Family—so I suppose it’s up to me to investigate further.’

Originally, once Orland and Tanashia’s affairs were settled, she had planned to personally meet those who had been at the villa twenty years ago on the day Charles was murdered.

Though the newly revealed culprits and the rumors about Tanashia had not yet been fully resolved, with Orland’s return, there was no longer any reason for Noxia to remain at the estate.

Thus, after several sleepless nights, Noxia resolved to depart in search of the true murderer of Charles.

With no reason to hesitate, she began packing her bags early in the morning and headed to Orland’s study.

Knock knock. Noxia knocked and spoke in a calm voice.

“Father, it’s me.”

After a moment, Orland’s deep voice came from within the room.

“Come in.”

Opening the door and stepping inside, she saw Orland looking gaunt, his beard grown dark and unkempt—clearly having stayed up all night.

Glancing discreetly, Noxia noticed the desk piled high with documents concerning the Calua Imperial Family.

Even without words, she could feel Orland’s exhausting efforts—he was working tirelessly, determined to exact revenge on the Calua Imperial Family as soon as possible.

She briefly wondered whether she ought to stay by his side to ensure he didn’t ruin his health—but Noxia steeled her resolve.

From past experience, her attempts to care for him in such situations rarely made any real difference.

In the long view, the best solution was to catch the true murderer of Charles and bring the revenge to complete closure.

Orland looked at Noxia with a puzzled expression and asked,

“What brings you here so early in the morning?”

“I came to speak with you, Father. I wish to personally meet those who were at the villa twenty years ago and re-investigate the incident from that time.”

“You?”

Surprised, Orland’s expression shifted visibly.

But Noxia, having already made up her mind, spoke with unwavering certainty.

“As you know, the true culprit hasn’t yet been revealed. While you and Sister focus on the Calua Imperial Family, I intend to do what I can.”

Orland fell silent, lost in thought. After a moment of contemplation, he stared quietly at Noxia and asked,

“What will you do if I try to stop you?”

“Even then, I won’t change my mind.”

Moved by Noxia’s firm resolve, Orland nodded slowly.

“Very well. If that is your decision, I grant you permission. But be careful—promise me you will prioritize your safety above all else.”

Apparently, after Tanashia’s experiences crossing into the Calua Empire, Orland was now deeply concerned for Noxia’s safety too.

“I promise. And….”

Noxia paused briefly, then subtly raised her hand. Following her gesture, water rose from the teapot into the air and poured itself into the empty cup on Orland’s desk.

To anyone unaware, it was a sight astonishing enough to make them gape.

“I can protect myself as well as Sister can—so please don’t worry.”

A faint smile appeared on Orland’s weary face.

“Good. But just in case, take some private guards with you.”

Though traveling with more people would be cumbersome for Noxia, Orland would never permit her to journey far without any escort.

She reluctantly nodded and replied,

“Understood. You must also eat properly… and don’t overexert yourself.”

She knew staying at the Brellof estate wouldn’t help much—but leaving Orland alone like this still didn’t sit right with her.

“Don’t worry. I have no intention of collapsing while you and Tanashia are still here.”

“Of course.”

Orland seemed to see straight through Noxia’s anxious heart.

Hearing him say directly that he wouldn’t collapse brought her some measure of relief.

Gathering her wavering resolve, Noxia smiled brightly like sunshine and said,

“Then I’ll return with good news, Father.”

The person who volunteered to escort Noxia was Andrew, commander of the private soldiers within the Brellof estate.

Previously, when Orland had lost contact, Noxia had spoken with Andrew to mobilize the private guards—and since then, he had been the first to send her letters with news regarding the Pelmira family.

Though once merely a servant and young lady in a formal relationship, lately Andrew had grown so close to her that his loyalty was palpable.

Noxia felt greatly relieved that she would be traveling with Andrew rather than anyone else.

Besides Andrew, over ten private soldiers and a maid also set out on the journey.

Since Noxia wasn’t leaving the Arwen Empire like Tanashia had, she brought only a minimal retinue—but even so, it was still a considerable number.

Several days had passed since they left the Brellof estate.

Swaaaa—

Torrential rain poured down with a tremendous roar.

In such obviously foul weather, Laura, seated beside Noxia in the carriage, asked,

“Miss, are you feeling unwell?”

Laura was a woman in her mid-to-late thirties, Noxia’s closest maid who had cared for her since childhood.

Noxia looked out the window at the gloomy, overcast sky and nodded.

“I’m fine. It’ll stop soon.”

The unpleasant weather wasn’t cheerful, but she had prepared herself for a grueling journey since she had far to go.

Though their pace would slow until the rain stopped, she didn’t let it trouble her much.

At that moment—

“His Highness the Crown Prince of the Arwen Empire! Halt your carriage!”

A booming voice from outside prompted Noxia to lean out and look.

On one side of the mountain road, she saw a carriage with a broken wheel, surrounded by mounted Imperial Guards.

Even without the recent shout, the Arwen Imperial crest engraved on the luxurious carriage was enough to clearly identify the occupant.

‘Why is the Crown Prince here…?’

She was puzzled, but for now, she had no way of knowing what was happening.

Through the window, she saw Andrew and the Imperial Guards conversing in the rain.

Soon after, Andrew approached the carriage and reported the situation to Noxia.

“Miss, His Highness’s carriage wheel is broken and cannot move. He requests to ride with you until your destination—how shall we proceed?”

“…What did you say?”

She couldn’t comprehend it.

Just as Noxia had deduced the occupant’s identity from the Imperial crest, Roheal must certainly have recognized the Brellof family carriage.

Ever since their disastrous first meeting in childhood, even when they coincidentally encountered each other at formal events, they never exchanged glances.

Just as Noxia disliked Roheal, she knew he found her disagreeable too.

Given their mutual dislike, his sudden request to share her carriage naturally aroused suspicion.

‘If he were the Crown Prince, I’d think he’d rather get soaked in the rain than set foot in my carriage—what on earth possessed him to ask?’

Unless Roheal were frail—but he was a sword prodigy who had trained in swordsmanship since age five.

It made no sense that he’d request a ride simply to avoid the rain—but she couldn’t outright refuse the Crown Prince’s request.

Indeed, asking whether she could offer him a ride to her destination was a request impossible to decline.

With a displeased expression, Noxia replied,

“…I suppose we have no choice.”

Andrew seemed to sense Noxia’s reluctance.

He quietly bowed and returned to speak again with the Imperial Guards.

Laura, who had been riding in the carriage with Noxia until now, glanced around and said,

“Miss, I’ll move to the driver’s seat.”

“No need. You don’t have to move. It was His Highness who suddenly demanded to ride in the carriage.”

“Still…”

Laura offered an awkward smile and hurriedly stepped down from the carriage.

Noxia, who didn’t care about status, had been comfortable sharing the carriage with Laura—but most nobles disliked sitting alongside their maids.

And Roheal, being Crown Prince—a rank above nobility—apparently made Laura even more self-conscious.

Understanding Laura’s discomfort, Noxia didn’t insist she stay—but inwardly, she resented Roheal for creating this situation.

Just as Noxia sat alone, arms crossed and scowling…

Knock knock. The carriage door opened, and in stepped Roheal—with fiery red hair like blazing flames and strikingly handsome features.

Seeing Roheal thoroughly drenched by the rain, Noxia was reminded of the time in her childhood when, during a party, she had accidentally used her water ability and drenched him.

The boy who had been soaked through back then had now grown into a full-grown man.

“Pardon the intrusion.”

Roheal sat opposite Noxia with impeccable manners—but even that irritated her.

Noxia had always hated people whose outward appearance didn’t match their inner nature.

Outwardly, Roheal was flawless—but ever since she’d accidentally overheard him mocking her and Tanashia as children, she had found him deeply distasteful.

“I didn’t expect to encounter Your Highness in a place like this.”

At first glance, it sounded like a casual remark—but from Noxia’s tone and demeanor, it was clearly not meant kindly.

Moreover, though she could have offered Roheal a handkerchief, she chose not to.

She had no desire to show kindness to someone she disliked. Merely allowing him into the carriage was already more than enough.

Roheal, however, acted as if oblivious to Noxia’s feelings and replied calmly,

“Indeed. Thanks to you, Miss Noxia, I’m saved.”

She had no use for empty pleasantries. Eager to get rid of him as quickly as possible, Noxia asked,

“Where are you headed? I’ll drop you off at the nearest village.”

Instead of answering, Roheal glanced briefly out the carriage window. Like Noxia moments before, he looked up at the heavily overcast sky and murmured,

“The rain doesn’t seem likely to stop soon. And where are you going, Miss Noxia?”

Somehow, it felt as if Roheal was evading her question—but since she couldn’t press him further, she let it pass for now.

“I’m setting out on a long journey.”

“A long journey? Where exactly?”

He might have let it go under normal circumstances, but today Roheal was strangely persistent.

Noxia was inwardly annoyed but restrained herself due to his status as Crown Prince.

“I’ll be visiting various places, so it’s hard to specify—but my first destination is the Tekana region. And Your Highness, where are you…?”

She hadn’t even finished speaking.

“How fortunate. I, too, am heading to the Tekana region—it seems we share the same destination.”

“What?”

That was impossible.

Such a coincidence couldn’t exist.

Noxia stared at him with suspicion, but Roheal didn’t flinch—he opened his mouth with a shamelessly bold expression.

“Since we’re going the same way, let’s travel together.”

What on earth was his scheme?

Noxia had not the slightest intention of enduring an uncomfortable journey alongside Roheal, so she stated firmly,

“If it becomes known that Your Highness and I were alone together in this carriage, we could be dragged into unsavory rumors. It would be better to purchase a new carriage upon reaching the next village and transfer there.”

She phrased it as a reasonable excuse—but the underlying message was clear: she did not want to travel with him.

Roheal surely understood her true feelings—but today, for some reason, he acted as if he had no sense of tact whatsoever.

“You worry too much. Even if society’s rumors are fearsome, merely sharing a carriage won’t drag us into scandal—set your mind at ease.”

“But…”

“If rumors do arise, I’ll take responsibility. Is that sufficient?”

Whose decision is this?!

It sounded as if he were willing to accept even marriage as a consequence—it was utterly ridiculous.

Until just recently, they had treated each other like invisible beings—why had his behavior suddenly changed so drastically?