Creak, creak.

Noxia sat in the carriage, lost in thought as she listened to the sound of its wheels rolling along.

‘How did things end up like this?’

Opposite Noxia sat Rohel. She had tried to separate from him back in the village, but after the plan failed, he continued to travel with her.

Though Rohel’s shameless clinging played a part, the main reason was that Noxia could no longer treat him as coldly as she once had.

She should have hated him… clearly.

She should have felt suffocated by discomfort…

Yet her blue eyes, filled with warmth, quietly took in Rohel sitting across from her.

‘Why don’t I hate him?’

Ever since she saw Rohel helping the common folk, she no longer felt the same intense discomfort as before.

Perhaps there had been some misunderstanding between them. The Rohel Noxia had imagined until now simply wasn’t who he truly was.

Squeak—the carriage halted, and Andrew’s voice came from outside.

“Miss, there’s no village nearby, so we’ll need to camp here for the night.”

“Understood.”

She had braced herself for such eventualities on this long journey, and having already camped several times along the way, she was quite accustomed to it.

To clear her increasingly tangled thoughts, Noxia stepped out of the carriage.

The night air felt especially refreshing, perhaps because she had just emerged from the confined space.

Soon, people lit a campfire, and Noxia went to sit nearby. She was holding her palms toward the fire, savoring its warmth, when—

Swish. She sensed someone approaching beside her.

Turning her head, she was surprised to see Rohel settling down right next to her.

“Miss Noxia, are you troubled by something? You seem deeply lost in thought.”

She couldn’t tell him the truth—her mind was entirely occupied with thoughts of Rohel.

Noxia hastily averted her gaze to the campfire and replied,

“Troubled? You must have mistaken my vacant stare for deep contemplation.”

“Is that so? Then I’m relieved.”

Rohel didn’t seem convinced, but he didn’t press further.

A brief silence settled between them.

The problem was that, unlike before, Noxia no longer found this silence particularly uncomfortable.

This feeling was entirely new—a strangely tickling sensation in her heart.

Just as she began sinking back into reverie, trying to decipher this unfamiliar emotion, Rohel’s soft voice reached her ears.

“During our journey here, we encountered former servants of the Brellof household. If it’s not impolite, may I ask why?”

“Oh.”

Noxia’s original purpose in leaving home was to investigate those who had been at the manor twenty years ago, seeking the true culprit behind Charles’s murder.

Having traveled alongside Rohel for quite some time, he surely had some idea of what she was doing.

Anyone would have been curious about her purpose, yet he had waited this long to ask—suggesting he had been hesitant to broach the subject.

‘Should I tell him honestly? Or should I deflect?’

Noxia hesitated briefly.

Charles’s murder had been a major incident. Though time had dulled its memory, there was hardly anyone in the Arwen Empire who didn’t know of it.

Thus, she had no particular reason to hide it from Rohel—but equally, no urgent reason to confess it.

Ultimately, the choice was hers.

After a moment’s contemplation, Noxia made her decision. If there had been misunderstandings between them, she didn’t want to create more.

“…Actually, I’m investigating my mother’s death.”

Rohel’s eyes widened, clearly caught off guard.

After a pause, he spoke cautiously.

“Wasn’t the murderer of your mother from the Pelmyra family?”

Apparently, even Crown Prince Rohel knew that Orland had recently brought down the Pelmyra family. Of course—he couldn’t not know.

“You’re right that the Pelmyra family was involved, but the true culprit hasn’t been uncovered yet. That’s why I’m meeting in person those who worked at the manor back then.”

Noxia always carried a notebook since beginning her investigation—to record statements from former servants and review them regularly.

Rohel nodded slowly, as if finally understanding.

“I see. So that’s why you left the manor.”

“I also have a question for you, Your Highness. Will you answer me honestly?”

“Go ahead.”

“Why are you following me?”

Rohel looked even more surprised at Noxia’s blunt question.

She had always been curious. She couldn’t believe Rohel was accompanying her without any reason.

She had never dared to ask until now, but the current atmosphere felt safe enough for honesty.

Rohel hesitated briefly, then answered softly.

“Since you answered me honestly, I’ll tell you. Actually, I’m searching for Miss Tanashia.”

“My sister?”

“Yes. There have been marriage talks with Emperor Calua—I wanted to understand his true intentions. As you know, Miss Tanashia is the continent’s foremost arms merchant; many are keenly interested in whom she marries.”

“…I suppose so.”

This reason was entirely unexpected for Noxia. But upon hearing Rohel’s explanation, it did make sense.

‘It was because of my sister.’

For some reason, her heart gave a strange pang—but she couldn’t understand why.

Still, it wasn’t unpleasant. Rohel hadn’t lied; he had answered her question honestly.

She used to think he was a man full of contradictions—but that wasn’t true. It was actually good that he spoke so frankly, even about something she might have found disagreeable.

In fact, Noxia could now answer many of Rohel’s questions. Before leaving the Brellof manor, she had heard news about Tanashia.

“I can’t speak carelessly about my sister’s affairs, but one thing is certain.”

Rohel looked at her intently, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.

“My sister will not marry Emperor Calua.”

Unlike the prettily packaged rumors, Helsion had tried to forcibly marry Tanashia. There was absolutely no chance the two would wed.

Rohel’s expression brightened. Tanashia not becoming Empress of Calua was excellent news for the Arwen Empire.

“That’s truly fortunate. Thank you for telling me.”

This was the first time Noxia had heard gratitude from him.

Her face instantly flushed. To hide her emotions, she shook her head vigorously and replied,

“Don’t mention it. I can’t give details, but that much is a foregone conclusion.”

“As you know, Miss Noxia, His Majesty is a man burdened with many worries. He’ll be greatly relieved to hear this.”

Thanks to Noxia, Rohel had achieved his objective—not by finding Tanashia’s whereabouts, but by confirming she wouldn’t marry Helsion.

The only remaining issue was that Rohel, as Crown Prince, was in a position where he needed to send a formal marriage proposal to the Brellof family.

Previously, he had refused, unwilling to marry either Tanashia or Noxia. But after this experience, he could no longer hesitate.

Though it would be a political union rather than one of love, if necessary, he would push it through—he was, after all, Crown Prince of Arwen.

Noxia spoke.

“Then I suppose you no longer have reason to accompany me?”

Rohel involuntarily stiffened. Now that he thought about it, having achieved his purpose, he truly had no reason to remain with Noxia.

Yet for some reason, he felt a sudden pang of regret. He had clearly disliked being with Noxia before… hadn’t he?

Rohel gazed at Noxia before him. Illuminated by the campfire, she looked beautiful—her long silver hair cascading down, lending her an air of mystery.

As Rohel searched for the right words, Noxia spoke first.

“I suppose I should bid you farewell here. Starting tomorrow…”

“No. Since we’ve come this far together, I’ll help you with your investigation.”

The words slipped out before Rohel could fully process his thoughts. But once spoken, they didn’t feel wrong.

They had already traveled together for so long. Whether he returned alone now or stayed until the end and returned together didn’t seem to make much difference.

Moreover, once back in the capital, Rohel might have to choose between Tanashia and Noxia as his Crown Princess.

He wanted to learn a little more about Noxia during this opportunity.

‘With how I feel now… I would choose Miss Noxia…’

Rohel’s eyes grew warmer, deepening in intensity—

When Noxia, startled, blurted out,

“Are you serious?”

She never expected he would volunteer to help investigate Charles’s death.

“Of course. Even if you have personal guards, it may still be dangerous—I’ll escort you.”

“There’s really no need…”

Noxia possessed the elemental power of water. She was confident she could protect herself in any situation.

When leaving the Brellof manor, she had confidently told Orland not to worry.

Yet for some reason, she didn’t want to refuse Rohel’s offer. Saying no here would mean parting ways with him.

“…I, I can’t refuse Your Highness’s kindness. Thank you.”

Noxia answered before she could think rationally—afraid he might retract his offer, claiming it was mere politeness.

Realizing belatedly what she’d said, Noxia’s face flushed crimson. Fortunately, the firelight masked it.

‘What on earth did I just say?’

Flustered, Noxia unconsciously covered her mouth with both hands—when Rohel gave her a faint, gentle smile.

“Good. I’m glad my journey with Miss Noxia isn’t ending yet.”

Thump, thump, thump, thump.

At that moment, Noxia felt the warmth of his gaze more intensely than the campfire’s heat.

Just as the world seemed to pause, Andrew approached quietly and reported,

“Miss, dinner is ready.”

“Oh! I should get up quickly. Your Highness, please enjoy your meal.”

Noxia scrambled to her feet, eager to escape the situation.

Rohel gave a light nod and replied in a voice that sounded especially sweet today,

“Miss Noxia, eat well.”

Thud. His words made her heart feel as if it had dropped.

Though Rohel soon rose and disappeared toward the royal guards, Noxia’s heartbeat refused to calm.

Later, when a maid brought dinner, she ate without registering what the food was or how it tasted.

Even lying down to sleep, Rohel’s face kept floating across her mind against the night sky.

‘I… must be going crazy!’

Whoosh—Noxia yanked the camping blanket over her head, covering herself completely.

Rohel had already achieved his goal, and Noxia could have parted ways with him—but somehow, their journey together continued.

Starting from locations near the capital, Noxia’s latest destination was a quiet rural village.

It was where Harrison, once the steward of the Brellof manor over twenty years ago, had retired.

Knock, knock. Upon arrival, Andrew knocked on the door of a modest house.

“Who is it?”

An aged voice answered as the door opened, revealing an elderly man.

His head was thick with white hair; at a glance, he appeared over sixty, yet his figure was lean and dignified.

Noxia, standing behind Andrew, stepped forward and spoke.

“Steward Harrison?”

After a moment, the old man recognized her—his eyes widening.

“Miss Noxia?!”

“My, it’s been so long.”

“What brings you all the way here? Did the Master and Miss Tanashia come as well?”

“No, I came alone.”

As she answered, Rohel came to mind. Turning belatedly to introduce him, she found Rohel subtly shaking his head in refusal.

Upon reflection, a Crown Prince’s visit to an ordinary home might indeed be burdensome.

Understanding Rohel’s unspoken meaning, Noxia conveyed her acknowledgment with a glance.

Unaware of the situation, Harrison asked,

“So you traveled all this way alone, Miss?”

“I’m all grown up now. I have some questions for you, Steward—if you have a moment?”

“Of course. Please, come in.”

Harrison swung the door wide open, inviting Noxia inside.

He looked exactly as she remembered—his kind smile and gentle nature still putting people at ease.

“Thank you.”

Noxia expressed her gratitude as she stepped into the house.

The house was too small for the entire entourage, so most waited outside while only a few followed her in.

The selected group included Rohel, Andrew, and several royal guards and personal guards.

As Harrison prepared teacups according to the number of guests, he noticed Rohel naturally taking the seat of honor—and tilted his head curiously.

“And this gentleman is…?”

Traditionally, the highest-ranking person sat in the seat of honor.

From Harrison’s perspective, it was only natural to expect Noxia to occupy that seat—seeing Rohel there instead was puzzling.

Both Rohel and Noxia momentarily showed signs of fluster. Until now, it had felt so natural they hadn’t even thought about it.

Noxia was about to explain—but Harrison spoke first.

“Could he be your fiancé?”

A noble young lady wouldn’t travel such a long distance with a man unrelated to her. And Rohel’s aristocratic bearing was unmistakable—Harrison’s misunderstanding was only natural.

Noxia frantically waved her hands, her face burning red. Rohel, seated in the honored position, also hastily spoke up.

“No!”

“No!”

Noxia and Rohel shouted simultaneously, then turned to look at each other.

Somehow, the situation felt even more awkward.