Blanche already regretted giving in to Theodore's nagging and giving him her handkerchief. Now they had a serious issue.

Seraphina normally hid her feelings rather quickly, but this time, it was visible how she circled through the different emotions. At first, her eyes widened in shock, then her whole body tensed in anger before everything was over, and she just glared at her husband and his mistress in frustration before turning to her brother. Was she really going to ignore this? Of course, discussing with Theodore now would only draw more attention to the situation, so it might be better for her to.

While Blanche was thankful that the heroine didn't confront them, another problem arose.

Seraphina stood at a spot that was both visible from the hunting podium and the grand table so that most people could see her. As soon as the empress pulled out a handkerchief and gave it to her brother, the crowd was silenced. The guests looked from her to the emperor and Blanche, and most of them were probably able to figure out what happened from that alone. These new rumors were surely going to accuse the concubine of bothering Theodore until he gave in and took her handkerchief, which ultimately offended his wife.

So, Blanche was one step closer to becoming the villainess now. It was only a little gossip in a midst of more unpleasant talk, but every bit of failure could bring her closer to her doom. Especially since the empress was fuming now. Blanche sighed at that and glanced at her lover, who had watched the empress too and now turned to her.

Theodore gave her another smile. “See? It's not a problem.” It was one.

Blanche returned the smile as well as she could. “Not for you. It's different for me. Since this is your fault, you have to protect me if people are against me now.” Her voice was much too uncertain for her liking, but she couldn't prevent that. As long as the heroine and the public saw her as the villainess, only her lover could save her.

Theodore seemed to be pretty confident that he could do that. “Naturally. No one will ever harm you as long as I'm by your side.”

“Well, then it's great that you have to leave to prepare for the hunt now.” She couldn't help but slouch her shoulders at the thought of being alone and having to run to avoid meeting Henry so that he couldn't lecture her.

Theodore turned around to look at the other participants, who were already gathering by the podium, before responding. “Unfortunately. I have to leave now, but that doesn't mean that anyone can attack you. Remember what I previously said. You are free to defend yourself against anyone, no matter who they might be. In any case, I'll be back soon and take care of the situation. Wish me good luck so that I get more than eight points.”

Blanche shook her head to herself and held back a groan. “You're not supposed to over-exhaust yourself. But I still wish you good luck. Come back safely.”

“I will.” With that, he turned around and walked to the other participants, only to be stopped after a few steps.

Fiona approached the emperor with her typical gentle smile and curtsied. One glance at her posture was enough to prove what she intended to do. She was currently holding something between her hands and hiding it from view. That was definitely a handkerchief.

Theodore didn't seem to pay attention to that though. He turned his head toward her and showed her the same stoic expression that he mostly had in public to underline his authority. “Yes, Lady Lamont? I do not mean to offend you, but I do not have much time to prepare for the competition, so please be direct.”

That was a rather distant answer but all that Fiona needed to begin her act. She put on a shy smile and even blushed a bit while fluttering her eyelashes. “Of course, Your Majesty. It was not my intention to be impudent. I merely could not help myself and observed your interaction with Lady Blanche. Since you were generous enough to accept her handkerchief and thus proved that you do not mind non-romantic gifts, I wanted to offer you mine as well. I do not have any audacious thoughts with this, I just wish to give Your Majesty mental support so that you can be sure to win.”

Blanche inwardly cursed Fiona at that. That woman was definitely trying to maneuver Theodore into a situation in which he couldn't decline. After all, he had just taken the concubine's handkerchief, and to prove that this gesture had nothing to do with a relationship, he would have to accept others' ones too. If he did that, he could fight against future rumors and calm the situation before it had escalated. Consequently, it was only logical for him to grasp that opportunity to protect his bond to the Duremont family.

However, the only reason that Blanche wasn't boiling with anger and jealousy already was that she could read her lover better. She knew that Theodore would find a tactful way to decline. After all, he had only ever loved two women, the villainess and the heroine, and rejected any attempts by Fiona or anyone else. He had always done so respectfully and calmly, so the concubine she didn't doubt that he would do so again.

Thus, his reply startled her.

Theodore gave Fiona a small smile. “Thank you for your offer, Lady Lamont. However, I have to refuse. It appears that you misunderstood the part about the handkerchief's intention. I, unfortunately, cannot accept your gift because of this. I apologize, but I have to join the hunt now.” Without waiting for a response, he moved on to the podium and left behind a completely confused woman. He hadn't even given an excuse but just directly refused, which was even more amusing to watch.

For a moment, Fiona's mask fell, and she frowned in confusion at being rejected, which made Blanche grin gleefully. It was satisfying to see that this amazing actress noticed that her skills wouldn't ensure that everyone played along with her plan no matter what. It wasn't good to be happy about others' misfortune, but since Fiona had attempted to provoke the concubine first, Blanche didn't feel bad.

Unfortunately, Blanche's joy didn't last long.

Another person stepped in front of her, and their tall frame made it obvious that this was a man that would have no problem intimidating her.

She didn't even need to look up to confirm who that had to be, but she did so anyway to avoid being disrespectful.

Henry glared down at the concubine, even though she hadn't spoken a single word yet and looked in his direction for the first time today. For a moment, their eyes just met, and both were silent. Blanche had to force herself not to shrink in herself under his piercing gaze. After all, he had always been angry at the concubine for being scared of him and accused her of acting to gain sympathy when she began to cry. Apparently, he hadn't ever looked in a mirror while being upset to see how terrifying he was when he threatened others.

Even without the novel's memories, Blanche would have been able to guess what he wanted, but with their help, she even knew the exact lines Henry would voice. At least up until the point at which the original Blanche had spotted Theodore and ran to him while crying, which had caused another argument between the two men. She didn't have the intention of repeating that and worsening the relationship between them. Hopefully, this small sacrifice would prevent a few fights later on, but she doubted it. After all, she had just given the emperor her handkerchief and basically made fun of his wife with that. If Duke Duremont had noticed that, she could only pray for her survival.

“Lady Blanche.” Even Henry's voice was laced with icy resentment. “We need to talk.”

It took all of Blanche's self-control not to shiver at the freezing atmosphere around them. She would have loved to spin around to run away or to pretend that she was sick to leave instantly, but she didn't have a choice here. “Good day. What do you need, Your Grace?”

“I would like to discuss this matter in private.” Of course, he did. Henry had said that in the novel as well, and the villainess had declined, which Blanche could very much understand. While being glared at like this, everyone would fear being killed and buried in the ground at the next chance the other party got.

Even though the concubine knew that that wouldn't happen, that she wasn't in danger, she wasn't keen on being alone with the man who hated her more than anyone else, one who would definitely yell at her. She would stick to the original answer but reply in a more respectful tone. After all, telling him to spit it out and inquiring why he suddenly stopped ignoring her wouldn't raise his spirits. “I do not wish to anger you, Your Grace, but I would like to kindly decline. No one is in our vicinity, so you are free to speak here without anyone listening. There should not be much that is so confidential that it requires even more privacy.”

Seemingly, her polite reply annoyed Duke Duremont too. He narrowed his eyes at her before speaking up. “If you do not wish to leave, then I don't care. I merely wanted to give you the chance to converse without being observed by anyone present and revealing even more of your abhorrent behavior.” Again, those were the exact lines from the book.

Instead of trying to reply like her original counterpart, Blanche just stayed quiet to avoid being interrupted by the fuming Henry.

He was already continuing without waiting for her to voice her opinion. “I have been lenient for long enough and accepted that His Majesty was blinded by you. But I won't sit in silence while my daughter is being-”

“What?” A third voice chimed in, and Blanche stared at the person who stepped out from behind Duke Duremont with widened eyes. She definitely hadn't expected that. The order was all wrong.

Henry seemed to be as surprised as she was and almost jumped back when he saw the emperor standing directly next to him. “Your Majesty?”

Theodore was giving him the same fake smile that he had shown when Henry was in his office. “Yes, Your Grace? What did you want to say about your daughter?”

That hadn't happened in the novel. In the story, the emperor had been completely immersed in his preparation for the hunt and had almost had a heart attack when Blanche ran into him with full force to cling to him. Now he had come here on his own before Henry had even been able to begin his lecture. Blanche could just stare at her lover in awe and felt how the tension around her slowly faded away. As long as Theodore was here, Duke Duremont couldn't yell at her and had to hold back to not insult her with his words.

The emperor met her gaze, and his smile became genuine for a second before he turned to Henry and put on his polite but also intimidating smile again. “Well, Your Grace? Did you forget what you wanted to say?”

Duke Duremont clenched his jaw at that but maintained his composure. “No, I still remember everything very clearly. I was just taken aback by Your Majesty's sudden appearance, that is all. Isn't the hunt about to begin? You intended to take part, correct? Then you should prepare to set out.”

Theodore made a dismissive motion with his hand. “Two hours are more than enough time to shoot a few arrows, so I don't need to hurry.” Then his smile faltered a bit, and he stared at Henry with a cold gaze that rivaled the duke's. “Besides, I believe that I have the right to join this conversation. You were talking about me just now, weren't you? In the case that you wish for a serious discussion, in which all participants are able to voice their view on the situation, everyone should be present. So, that would include me and your daughter as well. It irritates me that you wished to speak with Blanche alone.” He left out the title again. Naturally, his lover didn't mind, but Duke Duremont would care.

As it was to be expected, Henry's face only scrunched up more at this. “Your Majesty.” His tone had a warning edge, which was somehow understandable since he was fuming but also rather audacious since he was talking to the emperor. When Theodore didn't reply to that and just crossed his arms, Duke Duremont resumed in a tone that wasn't any kinder. “It's only natural to address the root of a problem first. Haven't I reminded you that I won't ignore it when my daughter's reputation is destroyed by your careless actions multiple times?”

Theodore put one of his arms on his hip and glanced to the side while staying quiet for a moment. That would only serve to infuriate Henry, and it was obvious that both men were aware of that. Theodore demonstratively looked around before finally responding when the atmosphere had already thickened to the point that made it seem like they would begin fighting any second. “I remember you putting pressure on me a few times. To quote your words from earlier, ‘I have been lenient for long enough’. After all, attempting to force the emperor to comply with your demands and threatening to withdraw your political support should he not spend his free time in a manner that you approve of is...quite insolent. Don't you agree?”

Henry gritted his teeth at that. He probably had many complaints about this event being public and not part of the emperor's free time. He didn't get to say any of that though.

Theodore didn't give him a chance to speak up and immediately continued. “Though, I believe that you will disagree with me on that topic. So, I'll give you an argument that you might understand. If you were truly worried about your daughter's reputation, you wouldn't seek out a confrontation in the middle of a social gathering. What do you assume will people think about a duke who intimidates a helpless baroness of less than half his age while she has no chance but to listen to his insults and baseless accusations? Since his daughter is the reason for this discussion, it might cast a bad light on her too. If you cared to look around, you could see that most of the guests are currently watching us. If you wish to discuss this matter when your family's name isn't on the line, it might be better to postpone this.”

It was obvious that the gears in Henry's head were turning when he let his gaze roam across the venue. Of course, he noticed that most of the aristocrats were holding their breath and gawking at the argument between the emperor and the most influential duke in the nation. His response was clear before he opened his mouth. “It appears that a conversation at a later point in time is absolutely necessary. I will take my leave now, Your Majesty.” He glared at Blanche for another second, which was enough to make her shrink in herself, before turning around and moving toward the other end of the venue.

As soon as he was gone, Blanche relaxed and let out a deep breath. Slowly, the chatting between the guest got louder again, and the people were focusing on their own matters again. Still, a bit of concern remained.

“Are you alright?” Theodore stepped a bit closer to his lover, and she had to restrain herself from hugging him when she saw his worried expression.

Blanche quickly nodded. “Yes. Thank you.” She would have liked to kiss him for that, but she couldn't even talk to him properly now. After all, Theodore was still in a hurry. Blanche glanced over at the podium, on which a man was currently announcing the beginning of the hunt. “I'm sorry that you'll be late now because of this. How did you see me from over there?”

“Don't apologize. The one to blame is only the person that began the fight.” Not really, but Theodore didn't seem to think about that much. Her lover let out a quiet huff and shook his head before a little smile appeared on his face. “Besides, I promised you that I would come to your rescue whenever you needed me, and I intend to keep that promise. So, I wouldn't have cared even if I had been too late. But I still have more than enough time to win, so you don't have to ponder about that.” His expression darkened again. “I'm just glad that that man left you alone. The only problem is that I will go into the forest now, so I won't be able to keep an eye on you anymore. If he approaches you again, I wouldn't be able to interrupt, so it might be better for you to have a safe haven.” He gestured to a little tent that was close to the trees with only a few guards, who wore their navy uniforms for going out today, standing in front of it. “Do you see that green tent?”

She nodded, which he took as a sign to continue.

“Some decorations are being stored in there, but the odds that they will be used are close to zero. That's why I put a little table with two chairs and some tea in there. The guards will only allow you to enter, so you can retreat into the tent if someone or just the event in general annoys you.”

This was perfect. As long as no one could see Blanche, she couldn't be accused of being impolite because she refused to sit with the other ladies. She wouldn't have to chat with anyone or risk running into any pleasant people like Sefare or Duke Vasquez. Blanche stared at the relatively secluded area for a moment before turning back to her lover with a bright smile. “You really know how to lift my mood. Thank you.”

Theodore showed her a just as happy expression. “That's what I'm here for.” He glanced at the podium again before resuming. “Though. I fear that I don't have time to show you the tent myself. I'll have to join the hunt now.”

While she would like to speak with her lover for a little longer, it was definitely better for him to go. After all, they had already been alone together for some time, and that, along with the handkerchief, would already ruin the concubine's hopes of not creating any new rumors. So, Blanche just bid him farewell for now. “Good luck. I'm sure that you will win. Give your best, but don't overdo it.”

“Don't worry. I'll make sure to impress you.” Theodore turned around with these words and waved her goodbye after taking a few steps, which made her cringe. Why did he have to emphasize that they were close to each other today? They had already given the nobles the foundation for a year's worth of gossip, so they should at least hold back now.

Halfheartedly, she waved back and sank in herself while looking around to see who might have noticed. Luckily, most people focused on the competition that had begun seconds ago and the hunters that were currently mounting their horses, so Blanche could relax. Now that she was alone with Stella, no one would care as long as she stayed quiet in a secluded area of the venue while the men were doing the interesting things. So, she had time to go over the past and future events and could get an overview of the problems that she would have to face now.

But as soon as Blanche remembered the part about Seraphina giving her handkerchief to Allen, she couldn't concentrate on those issues anymore. Instead, a soft smile that wasn't quite too joyful spread across her face. She was torn.

The heroine hadn't been the one to hand a gift over to Theodore. In fact, the empress was probably furious now and certainly wouldn't praise her husband for winning. This meant that the scene from the novel wouldn't happen.

If causing a mass of rumors and ruining the concubine's reputation kept the main characters apart, she wouldn't mind doing this over and over again. As long as her lover wasn't angry of course. Otherwise, clinging to him would only annoy him and make it more likely for him to spend time with Seraphina.

However, at the same time, this action today had come at a risk. Maybe Henry didn't know about the handkerchief yet, but when he found out, Blanche didn't know what would happen.

Stella's voice pulled her out of her thoughts. “What are you thinking about, My Lady?” The maid stepped closer to her mistress and gave her a curious look.

Blanche forced her smile to get brighter as she tried to be positive. “I just remembered how happy Theo was when I handed over the gift. He really-” She cut herself off as she made eye contact with yet another person that was walking in her direction.

Unfortunately, this was even worse than before.

Sefare had a fake smile on his lips when he approached her. As soon as he spoke to her, a baroness would be trapped in the conversation. She couldn't just ignore a marquess after all. But Blanche didn't have the nerves to deal with him now. She had been already been involved in two arguments in the little time that she had spent at the festival. This was enough drama for today.

Without thinking twice, Blanche spun around on her heel and hurried toward the tent Theodore had shown her. “Come, Stella.” Her maid was barely able to follow her, but Blanche didn't slow down. After she had set one foot inside the tent, she could just claim to rest since she was feeling unwell, and Sefare couldn't simply demand of her to come out or enter. She still had to walk for a few seconds before she would be safe. But as long as she didn't hesitate, the man wouldn't catch up to her without running, which he definitely couldn't do in public. This meant that nothing could stop her unless someone else got involved.

In the end, thinking like this proved to be a mistake.

Another person stepped in front of her, and Blanche could barely come to a halt before crashing into them. “Lady Lamont! Please forgive me, I didn't expect you to suddenly appear like that.” The concubine scanned Fiona, who gave her a typical fake soft smile, and sighed inwardly. Meeting this woman wasn't pleasant, but it was better than running into Claude or Luciano, who would force her to speak to Sefare.

Fiona curtsied without letting her happy expression falter. “My apologies, Lady Blanche. I didn't mean to surprise you. I merely wanted to stop you without having to raise my voice. I feared that you would not notice me otherwise and simply pass by.”

The concubine forced herself to smile at the other woman before glancing over her shoulder.

Sefare's expression had darkened, and he stood a few steps away from the women, probably hoping to address her as soon as Fiona left.

Blanche hadn't ever believed that she would be thankful that the other woman was bothering her. Now she was. In fact, she would keep the conversation going as long as possible so that Sefare couldn't interrupt. She could just hope that the other woman wasn't resentful because Theodore had rejected her handkerchief. “Oh, no. You don't have to apologize. I should not have moved that quickly. Is there something you wished to speak to me about?”

Fiona nodded with the same angelic smile. “Yes. I noticed that you were walking in circles the whole time. I thought that you might not be comfortable taking a seat at the table all alone. I know how awful it is to hear how the noble ladies gossip while you are bored and wished to spare you that fate. So, I wanted to offer you to sit with me. We could use that opportunity to have a long chat for once.”

Blanche doubted that Fiona's motives were that kindhearted. The other woman would probably trouble or provoke her in some manner that was supposed to make herself seem a good person. Naturally, the concubine wasn't keen on that. But if the other option was facing Sefare, she was happy to accept. “How considerate of you, Lady Lamont. If I don't bother you with my presence, I would be honored to join you.”

Fiona pretended to be taken aback at that. “Oh my. I hadn't expected you to agree. This is certainly a pleasant surprise. Please allow me to lead the way.”

Blanche stuck to the other woman's side after glancing at Sefare, who was glaring at her in a manner that made shivers run over her body.

Fiona brought her to the grand table and took a seat at one of the less frequented parts. She gestured to the chair next to her. “We can talk a bit here without being disturbed too much. Though, I still feel like events like this are just too loud, don't you agree?”

The concubine sat down and looked around. They were in the middle of the venue now so that everyone could see them if Fiona attempted to stir up another fight again. However, it should be fine as long as she didn't play along. “I do believe that it is quite exhausting to spend a day with this constant chattering in the background, but it can't be helped. After all, many people are here, and all of them wish to talk. Naturally, their voices will reach the other end of the table as well. We can't blame anyone for wishing to exchange some words with their friends, whom they might not have seen for a few weeks. By the way, now that I mentioned friends... Isn't Lady Valerian with you? You normally spend a lot of time together.” Blanche had just meant to direct the conversation in a random direction to keep the other woman from addressing an unpleasant subject.

So, she hadn't expected Fiona to avert her eyes with a dejected expression.

Fiona immediately covered up her initial reaction with her perfect mask of politeness, but it was too late. “Naturally. Lady Valerian is my close friend, so she will come back in a few minutes so that we can use the rest of the hunt to chat. Right now, she is only discussing something with her father. As soon as she is done, she will join us without a doubt.” Fiona let her gaze roam across the venue before making eye contact with the concubine again. “But let's not dwell on that before she is back. There is actually something that I wish to inquire about. During this event, I noticed that His Majesty is behaving a bit strangely. As his acquaintance, who also lives in the palace, you surely must have realized that too, haven't you?” That depended on what Fiona was referring to.

Of course, Blanche had been irritated at Theodore's carelessness in public, but she wouldn't speak about that now. Anything related to her lover had nothing to do with the other woman, so the concubine used a typical excuse. “I feel like he was rather stressed today. Organizing such an event while governing the nation must be very hard on him. After the attack two weeks ago, he had to take care of many things and was busy almost the whole time. It's understandable that he would not be as carefree today as he might normally be.” This wasn't a lie. She had just left out the fact that Theodore had worked way less since the assassination attempt.

Fiona received a tea from her maid and slowly sipped on it before offering Blanche a cup too, which the concubine declined. Then she showed a concerned expression and stared into the distance for a moment before making eye contact again. “That does sound like His Majesty is burdened by a lot at this point in time. I can't help but worry about him, but as long as nothing bad happened, it should be fine. After all, he is the most powerful man in the nation and capable of holding himself back if he was hurting. I just feared that something...unpleasant had occurred.”

Blanche almost didn't want to ask since she was sure that this was some kind of trap. However, she was too curious not to question the other woman. Knowing how the aristocrats saw Theodore would help her later if she had to regulate her actions depending on his reputation. “What made you think that?”

Fiona put her hand on her cheek and tilted her head to the side while maintaining her graceful posture. “Well, I couldn't help but notice that His Majesty's gaze was...colder than usual. I thought that he was angry at someone the whole time. Of course, that could just have been his normal expression. He always had an authoritarian aura. But today he seemed even more intimidating, if I may use that words without sounding offensive. I was sure that you had to have seen that too, but apparently, I was just a bit more observant.” Before Blanche could become annoyed at that veiled provocation, Fiona continued. “However, that might also be the case because he changed his expression whenever he engaged in a conversation with you. I felt like he was always smiling while you talked to him. It's great to see that you are such a great friend and a pillar that supports him, but you should not do something like this too often. Her Majesty might misunderstand.” Well, Seraphina actually had the right idea, so this wasn't the issue. The emperor's behavior was more problematic.

Blanche recounted the moments, in which she had talked with Theodore. It was true that he had smiled more than usual during their talks, especially when she had given him the handkerchief. It should have been obvious that someone would notice the difference between his polite and his genuine smile. If people saw that he kept grinning at her, it would certainly fuel the rumors.

Though, there was no way that Blanche could admit that she worried about that in front of Fiona. “Oh, well. You know how quickly people begin to gossip. He must have been relieved upon not having to be so formal around me in contrast to when he is around other guests.” Only when she finished, she realized that this made it sound even worse. “Naturally, I didn't mean to say things that could be misinterpreted again. I only wished to point out that he does not need to fear forgetting any conventions or norms around me. As his acquaintance, I would not blame him for being lenient after a long stressful day.”

Fiona folded her hands together and gave her a bright smile. “How kind of you. His Majesty has to be glad that he got to know someone as considerate as you. It has always been known that you do not care for the proper etiquette as much as others do, which is truly a refreshment in this society. That's such a wonderful attitude. I wish I could be as relaxed as you in that matter. However, I fear that I am too scared of any rumors that might circulate afterward. Luckily, it seems like you are a little different from me.”

Blanche forced herself to keep a neutral expression. As expected, the other woman was keen on insulting her in some way, but she wouldn't allow Fiona to provoke her. “I do not find gossip pleasant either, especially if it consists out of lies. Though, there isn't much to do against that, unfortunately.”

Fiona seemed surprised at that. “Oh, but there is something that you could do. To prevent rumors, one must prove the accusations wrong by doing something that contradicts them. In your case, Lady Blanche, that would be marrying.”

She couldn't be serious.