Rohel, in truth, also found it grueling to be confined in the cramped carriage with Noxia.

It was blatantly obvious that Noxia was scheming to get rid of him somehow, but he pretended ignorance for one reason alone.

It was because of what he had recently heard from Lucellion—the Emperor of Arwen Empire and Rohel’s own father.

—So, is this what you wanted? Since the Kalua Empire has now seized all the magitech weapons crafted by the Brellof heiress, are you satisfied?

Until now, Rohel had stubbornly resisted countless pressures to send marriage proposals to the Brellof family, simply because he had no desire to accept either Tanashia or Noxia as his Crown Princess.

Yet the consequence of that stubbornness was the engagement rumor between Tanashia and Helsion—the Emperor of their enemy nation.

Ultimately, due to Rohel’s obstinacy, Arwen Empire risked losing Tanashia—the genius of magitech—and potentially jeopardizing national security.

—As Crown Prince of Arwen Empire, you must remedy this! Whether it’s the eldest or the second daughter of House Brellof, you must secure a marriage alliance by any means necessary!

Lucellion’s anger was not the main issue. When Rohel thought rationally, he realized he had no choice but to change his heart for the sake of Arwen Empire.

Though he wished to avoid it as much as possible, he resolved that if necessary, he would proceed with a political marriage to House Brellof.

Initially, he had been tracking Tanashia’s whereabouts to properly assess the situation, but he could not determine where she had vanished.

Even aside from Rohel, many others were watching for news of Tanashia due to the enormous reward offered by Helsion—yet no credible information had surfaced despite the passage of time.

It was then that Noxia left Brellof Mansion.

From Rohel’s perspective, Noxia’s movements inevitably seemed highly suspicious.

‘Could she have made contact with her sister?’

Although rumors that Tanashia had been kidnapped were rampant, they were not one hundred percent reliable. Unless the situation was truly impossible, Tanashia would likely have found a way to contact House Brellof.

Therefore, the possibility that Noxia was secretly meeting Tanashia could not be ignored.

Moreover, if the engagement rumor between Tanashia and Helsion was true, Rohel would have no choice but to pursue Noxia as his political marriage partner—the next best option.

Though he disliked the idea, he deemed it necessary to build some rapport with Noxia. Thus, he deliberately sabotaged his own carriage wheel and waited for her to pass by.

In short, this was no coincidence—it was a planned encounter.

Had it not been intentional, Rohel would never have boarded Noxia’s carriage merely to escape the rain.

To break the awkward silence, Rohel spoke first.

“Miss Noxia, I’m curious—what compels you to embark on such a long journey? May I ask?”

“It’s a personal matter—I’d rather not discuss it.”

No matter how gently Rohel spoke, Noxia’s replies carried a subtle sharpness, making conversation difficult to sustain.

Eventually, an uncomfortable silence settled within the carriage.

“…….”

“…….”

They had spent so long avoiding each other—there was simply nothing meaningful to say.

Moreover, Noxia seemed even more determined to push him away than Rohel had anticipated.

Though he felt no regret and wanted to simply step out of the carriage, he knew he had to endure it for the bigger picture.

Thus, within the silent carriage, only the sound of rain filled the air.

The ceaseless downpour continued without pause until nightfall.

By dawn, they barely reached a village and secured lodging—Rohel and Noxia remained together in the carriage until then.

Since it was far too late to find alternative accommodations, they agreed to stay at the same inn, booking separate rooms.

Noxia turned away with a chilly expression and said,

“Then, good night, Your Highness.”

Though Rohel found her attitude unpleasant, he showed no outward sign.

“Sleep well, Miss Noxia.”

Though Rohel had intended his farewell to sound as gentle as possible, Noxia vanished with the indifference of a cold wind, showing not a flicker of interest.

For someone to treat him—the Crown Prince of an entire nation—with such rudeness made Rohel want to snap back immediately, but he held his tongue for Arwen Empire’s sake.

Rohel frowned, pinching the bridge of his nose as if nursing a headache.

Seeing this, a royal guard spoke with concern.

“Your Highness, if you’re tired, please go inside and rest.”

“Alright. See you early tomorrow.”

Merely sitting in the carriage had left Rohel more exhausted than if he had physically overexerted himself.

He hurriedly prepared for bed and lay down on the soft mattress, yet sleep refused to come.

Something churned restlessly in his chest—it seemed undoubtedly due to Noxia, who had stared at him all day with unmistakable disdain.

Eventually, Rohel rose from bed and sat at the desk within his room.

His loyal retainer, Regard, had not accompanied him on this journey, as he was separately searching for Tanashia’s whereabouts.

Rohel picked up a pen and began writing in elegant script, pouring out his frustration.

Miss Noxia is even more insolent and rude than I imagined.

Whenever I look at her, an uncontrollable rage wells up—but since I may be forced into a political marriage with her for Arwen Empire’s sake, I grit my teeth and endure.

I could ask for nothing more than to swiftly end this uncomfortable companionship.

If by some misfortune I truly end up marrying Miss Noxia in the future, I already dread imagining what kind of married life awaits.

If you uncover any news regarding Miss Tanashia, inform me immediately.

—Rohel, enduring a sleepless night fueled by anger.]

After spending the entire day masking his true feelings while dealing with Noxia, finally expressing his honest emotions to Regard left him feeling strangely relieved.

Thus, Rohel eventually returned to bed and fell asleep.

Noxia rose before sunrise and finished preparing to depart.

She had already instructed Andrew and her private soldiers to prepare for an early departure.

Having accompanied Rohel to the village, she felt she had done enough. She intended to sneak away in her carriage before he could stubbornly cling to her again.

Rohel might later discover the truth and resent her for leaving without a word—but that was a problem for another time.

Better to endure his curses from afar than suffocate beside him as she had yesterday.

Thus, Noxia tiptoed silently toward the carriage, carefully focusing on the sensation in her fingertips as she quietly opened the carriage door.

“Huh!”

Noxia gasped involuntarily at the unbelievable sight before her.

Somehow, Rohel had anticipated her secret departure—and was already seated inside the carriage.

His utterly composed demeanor felt ghostly.

Looking at Noxia, who had frozen like ice, Rohel offered a crooked smile.

“Good morning, Miss Noxia.”

How did he know?

Noxia scowled, glaring at Rohel.

She could endure no longer. She resolved that she must learn why he clung to her like a leech.

“Help us!”

A man who appeared to be a villager came running, shouting loudly.

Naturally, both Noxia’s and Rohel’s gazes turned toward the suddenly appearing villager.

Noxia, puzzled, asked first.

“What’s wrong?”

“The rain has been so heavy—the dam blocking the stream is about to overflow. Last night, I saw many strong men arrive—please help us!”

She didn’t know how dire the situation was, but rain still poured down relentlessly.

If the dam collapsed, the villagers would suffer severe damage.

Noxia immediately stepped forward and addressed Andrew, who stood behind her.

“Let’s go help them quickly.”

“Yes, Miss.”

The villager looked surprised—he hadn’t expected Noxia to volunteer so readily.

With her radiant silver hair and fairy-like beauty, Noxia was unmistakably a noblewoman.

Most nobles would not spare time for commoners outside their jurisdiction—so her willingness to help was astonishing.

Seeing the villager still frozen in place, Noxia urged him.

“Where is the dam? Lead us quickly.”

“Ah, yes—follow me.”

The villager, snapping back to his senses, hurried through the heavy rain.

Noxia followed him without even bothering to take an umbrella, prompting Laura, who had been watching, to protest.

“Miss, at least take an umbrella…!”

“No time for that.”

One of the things noble heiresses dreaded most was getting caught in the rain.

They could not tolerate muddy water splashing onto expensive dresses or their hair becoming disheveled—yet Noxia showed not a moment’s hesitation.

The one most astonished by her behavior was Rohel.

Staring blankly at Rohel, still seated in the carriage, a royal guard cautiously asked,

“Your Highness, what shall we do?”

Rohel, belatedly regaining his senses, hurriedly stepped out of the carriage.

“We must help too. Let’s go.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Following the villager, they arrived at the dam—already in a perilous state, threatening to overflow at any moment.

They needed to act swiftly, but the relentless rain offered no reprieve.

Andrew asked gravely,

“What should we do, Miss?”

“Evacuate everyone to a safe location.”

Knowing that Noxia possessed hydrokinetic abilities, Andrew immediately called villagers near the dam and moved them far away.

Once the area was clear, Noxia took a deep breath and slowly raised her hands.

Shwaaaa—

The torrential rain abruptly ceased, as if by magic.

It was an astonishing sight—raindrops hung motionless in midair.

Then, using her ability, Noxia drew as much water as possible from inside the dam and lifted it into the air. A vast quantity of water floated weightlessly.

She hesitated briefly—she could not simply dump the water anywhere.

Then, unexpectedly, Rohel’s voice rang out from an unforeseen direction.

“Over here!”

Following his voice, Noxia turned her gaze. Rohel was pointing toward a barren, uninhabited area devoid of homes or crops.

It was a temporary solution—but diverting the dam’s water there might buy them time.

Deciding quickly, Noxia moved the water to the location Rohel indicated.

Chwaaaaak!

An enormous volume of water poured down from the sky—but exactly as anticipated, caused no damage whatsoever.

The villagers, witnessing Noxia’s ability, stood stunned with mouths agape.

Noxia called out to the frozen crowd.

“The rain continues—you must reinforce the dam now, before it collapses!”

Plop. Plop. Plop.

The rain, which Noxia had temporarily suspended, began falling again.

Only then did the villagers snap out of their daze and spring into action.

Andrew and Brellof’s private soldiers assisted with dam repairs. Rohel’s royal guards did the same.

Noxia, having pushed her ability to its limit, felt her stamina rapidly draining.

As she stood panting heavily beneath the pounding rain—

Swish—

A black umbrella quietly approached, shielding her head from the downpour.

Startled, she turned to see Rohel standing there, holding the umbrella.

“Your Highness…?”

She had never expected Rohel—of all people—to offer her an umbrella.

But apparently, Rohel was just as surprised. He looked at her, drenched and unexpected, and said with evident astonishment,

“I never imagined Miss Noxia would jump in with both feet like this.”

“When I see people in trouble, of course I help if I can.”

“You may not realize—but most nobles would never take such action.”

“I wasn’t raised that way by my father. Had anyone else from House Brellof been here instead of me, they’d have done the same.”

It wasn’t empty words.

Looking into Noxia’s unwavering eyes, Rohel asked curiously,

“I’ve heard rumors that Miss Noxia once harshly scolded a commoner dressed like a noble for being insolent.”

“Hmm, I did do that recently. But it wasn’t because of insolence—it was because the clothing had been stolen.”

“…I see.”

For some reason, Rohel’s gaze toward Noxia seemed subtly changed.

Glancing at the heavy rain, Rohel handed her the umbrella, then stepped out from under its cover and said quietly,

“Perhaps… there’s been some misunderstanding between us.”

Suddenly, Rohel began walking into the rain. Noxia, startled, called out,

“Your Highness, where are you going…?”

“I must help too. I can’t just stand by while others struggle. Miss Noxia, you’ve done your part—go back and rest.”

Rohel’s actions now were truly unexpected.

Having seen him treat high nobles with visible contempt, she had assumed he was an extremely authoritarian man.

Yet here he was, walking without hesitation through the mud-soaked ground, helping commoners—and it astonished her.

This was a completely different Rohel from the one she had imagined.

‘…What is this?’

Whenever other nobles praised Rohel as an exceptional Crown Prince, Noxia had inwardly thought they were all deceived by his outward appearance.

But the Rohel before her eyes now was truly a man worthy of his title.

Watching him sweat under the rain as he aided the people—he looked magnificent.

Clearly, he was drenched and looked more disheveled than before—yet strangely, in Noxia’s eyes, he seemed to shine brighter than ever.