Word of the ball hosted by Prince Daniel, spread like wildfire throughout the entire nation that very same day. As soon as Irene had returned home with her father, the manor seemed to immediately enliven with a flurry of maids and servants in a panic - in preparation for the upcoming event.

Irene's golden eyes observed the foyer, noticing a familiar group of noblemen standing ahead and seemingly immersed in a serious conversation. These were all the barons and counts who worked under Rudien. As though waiting in anticipation for the duke's arrival, they all crowded around him with panicked expressions.

"Your Grace! We heard the news!"

"Prince Daniel is returning to the palace, which has been locked for over a decade! He's trying to monopolise the throne!"

"His Highness Mikael is in a precarious position, the noble factions are already turning on him!"

"We have to do something!"

Irene frowned, gazing up at Rudien who simply sighed at the words of these frantic men. Strands of his silver hair fell over his ruby eyes, which were already heavy-lidded from how much work he had to do. Dealing with his unstable vassals wasn't going to help improve his condition.

This reaction was of course — not unexpected. Considering the Cherlianns were deemed as "Mikael supporters" in a way, those who were loyal to the duchy also sided with Rudien's decision to favour the second prince over the last four years. As a result, Mikael's reputation skyrocketed to the point he was already supported by over half the nobles in the empire, to run as the future sovereign.

A lot of these nobles went a little bit overboard in their support and beliefs — to the point they were prepared for a war between factions to break out.

Rudien's expression became stern, as he faced the nobles with a steely gaze.

"Mikael's position was always standing on thin ice. Many of the nobles who came to his side, only did so because they believed the first prince abandoned his duties," Although the men wore looks of concern, the duke only glared down at them with searing crimson eyes. "I don't know whether you are fools for being surprised at this outcome, but they were bound to switch back eventually."

From the way things are going, it seems the aristocracy is going to stir up trouble for the princes. Irene thought, glancing towards a doorway leading to one of the corridors. Her eyes widened a little bit at the sight of a young man, with perfect creamy-blonde hair and piercing sapphire orbs, leaning against the wall.

Their gaze met for a moment, but his expression only displayed the same indifferent, unfeeling look he always wore.

Mikael...

"I have no intention of becoming Emperor," the second prince's voice cut through the air like a frosty wind, and captured the attention of the nobles who seemed to be creating a fuss. "So stop starting unnecessary battles between me and my brother."

His lean figure and stoic expression displayed no hint of reluctance behind those words. Irene could tell more than anyone — Mikael wasn't someone who wanted conflict. Nor was he one that sought power and status. Being of royal blood meant nothing to him, so long as he could live as he wished.

Rudien closed his eyes, exhaling softly as he faced the discontented nobles. "You see? This conversation is pointless," The duke icily spoke, cutting the conversation short. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to continue to spend quality time with my daughter."

Irene flinched. Wait what? Now?

Just as she thought this, Rudien reached a hand around her thin shoulders and guided her towards the corridor where Mikael stood. The men seemed to fall silent with looks of perturbation plastered to their faces, and didn't speak up again.

Irene cast a fleeting glance back at them. These weren't bad men, but they did seem to get hysterical in their support for Mikael at times. Perhaps it was because they had seen his capabilities first hand throughout the years.

"So I take it you've heard the news regarding the ball in two weeks." Rudien sighed, as they approached Mikael. Irene watched the blonde-haired prince nod his head. He walked with them down the corridor, wearing a look of complete nonchalance.

"He had to return eventually. Even if Daniel abandoned the throne, I would still never become emperor." Mikael was serious when he said that, and it was something she knew more than anyone.

Even in the original novel, Mikael had little interest in power and status. Considering he grew up in a nation who scorned his very existence since birth, the only reason he had to overthrow Daniel was out of spite and desire to ruin the country.

That and — because he was madly in love with Isabella to the point he killed himself for not being able to have her.

Irene shuddered at the thought of such an outcome ever happening, and her protective side always strengthened whenever she remembered how different things were. For four years she kept Mikael safe and happy — there were many years more ahead.

"Live as freely as you like," Irene smiled, glancing up at the young man beside her. "Once Prince Daniel shows up, I'm sure the pressure will move away from you."

Although Mikael didn't internally believe those words of encouragement would work out for him, her reassurance did put him at ease.

"Irene, let's spend some time together," Rudien then suggested, a smile making its way to her father's lips. She could see the twinkle in his bejewelled eyes. No matter how many years passed, she always found this side of him cute. "We can go and have lunch together, or I can buy you more-"

"I'm afraid that won't be happening today, my dear!" A voice responded from behind, and all three figures turned to see the duchess approaching them with a wide smile on her radiant face. Dressed elegantly in a simple, practical yet modest olive gown — the kind of clothes she usually wore for a day out in town.

"Sarah?" Rudien blinked, and Irene's smile widened at the sight of her mother coming to her rescue, once again.

"Mother! Are you going out?"

Sarah nodded her head, chuckling softly. Her beautiful smile and sky-blue eyes shimmering with a slightly cheeky glint in them. "Why, yes. With the upcoming ball happening in only two weeks, there's not much time to lose. We must have our clothes prepared immediately," Sarah lifted a gloved hand to her face as she smiled at her daughter. "And of course, you will be joining me, Irene."

Rudien's brows furrowed, and he pursed his lips. "Hold on— I asked her first."

Sarah chuckled, approaching her husband and placing a hand on his shoulder with hidden daggers in her gaze. "Oh Rudien~ What's more important, you procrastinating with your daughter, or our preparations for the upcoming ball?"

Irene heaved a sigh, realising Sarah was having a lot of fun teasing her husband like this. I see that Rayvis definitely takes his personality after our mother. They're both sadists.

"We desperately need to go and buy some new gowns for the event. There's no time to lose, the Cherlianns have a reputation to uphold." Sarah continued, producing a very sound argument.

Frowning a little bit, the duke averted his gaze in a rather petulant manner. "Can't you just wear one of the hundreds of dresses you're yet to wear?"

Sarah only chuckled in return, raising a hand up to caress her husband's cheek. "Oh Honey, you just wouldn't understand."

Rudien was unable refute, because his wife was never the type of person he could win an argument against. But a large part of him was still eager to spend more time with Irene. As soon as he glanced down to see those beautiful golden eyes, and soft tresses of white hair — the man could feel his resolve strengthening.

Rudien cleared his throat. "...In that case, I'll esco-"

"I'll escort you." Mikael purposely interjected, ignoring the death stare his words elicited from the silver-haired man.

"Ah, how nice of you, Your Highness!"

Irene tried not to sigh at the sight of Mikael's triumphant smirk, and Rudien's menacing glare. Although it was entertaining watching her father get left in the dust — she knew it would be better to not let him feel abandoned, for the safety of everyone else. Most specifically, the servants and knights who would have to deal with that bad mood of his.

"Don't worry, Papa. I'll come to you once I've returned." She assured him, gently taking the man's large hand and wrapping her palms around his own; he seemed to recover almost instantly.

Rudien kneeled down, leaning in to plant a kiss on her forehead. "Alright, my dear. Just don't take too long."

Soon after they dispersed to get ready, Irene changed into a more comfortable white and yellow gown. Since they were going out to town, she decided it would be a good idea to pay a visit to the publishing firm, to hand in the next volume of her story Lady Rosamunde while she was out.

Just as a maid started to do her hair, a knock resonated from the doorway of her room, and Irene turned to see Mikael waiting for her at the end.

"Are you ready yet? Aunt Sarah is waiting downstairs." Mikael asked, and Irene smiled.

"I'm almost done. Could you take my book out from the box on the shelf? I'd like to take it to be published today."

Mikael nodded silently, heading towards the bejewelled white and gold chest — a gift she received from Rayvis not too long ago. The heir of Cherliann had been busy handling ducal affairs around the vast territory, and so he hadn't been home very often these days. Of course, it was in preparation of his future as the one to succeed Rudien after his retirement.

Mikael blinked at the box, wondering just how many gifts he had sent to Irene by now. But he thought little of it and opened it, to procure Irene's novel. It was teeming with numerous little trinkets and treasures Irene had collected over the years.

Just as he picked up the hardback book, his sapphire orbs noticed something circular and shiny stuck to the spine's end. Raising an eyebrow, the prince gently took it out with his slender fingers — but his eyes only widened at the little object in his palm.

A very old coin, which was still sparkling with a silver glint as if it were newly-crafted. There was the image of a rose meticulously printed to the piece, and a wave of recognition almost instantly washed over him.

"A girl who seemed to be hiding her identity gave me a handful of coins."

Mikael took the coin, examining it in the dimly lit room. As he continued to munch on the meat, he noticed the rose design imprinted onto the silver penny. "Isn't this..."

"Yeah, it's one of the two Lovers' Rose coins. The girl gave it to me, knowing just how valuable it was..." Daniel smiled, gazing at the floor as he recalled her benevolent smile. "I didn't think kind people like that still existed."

Mikael's brows furrowed, the realisation suddenly piercing through him.

Could it be that Irene was the one who gave Daniel the lover's rose all those years ago...?

"What are you staring at with such a scary face?"

Mikael flinched, turning to see Irene standing closely behind him with a curious look in her eyes. She then noticed the little coin between his fingertips, and tilted her head. "Is something wrong?"

He pursed his lips silently for a moment, lashes downturned as he focused on the silver penny in his elegant hands. "This coin... It's the lover's rose, isn't it? Where did you get it from?"

Although she couldn't see why he was seemingly startled by the fact that this coin was in her possession, Irene smiled at him. "I've always had it. I used to have the other one too, but now it's out in the world somewhere."

Mikael's eyes widened, and as he turned to face Irene, she froze up a little bit when his face leaned closely into her own. The view of his beautiful eyes which sparkled with the colours of seven seas, and the pale golden locks of hair with a soft, wavy air around them.

Even though his expression was still the same, stoic and expressionless one he always wore — she could see a sense of unease concealed beneath his aloof exterior.

"Do you remember..." He paused, as though reluctant to hear an answer. "...Who you gave it to?"

The prince's height loomed over her own, and his voice had deepened into that of a young man. Moments like these reminded Irene of how much Mikael was growing up, but she realised these thoughts weren't important right now.

"I don't really remember... I gave it away a long time ago, but I think it was a boy who wanted to buy food for his brother," She told him. "Why do you ask?"

Irene wanted to sigh at herself. The only reason I know that is because I remember thinking the boy was adorable, but I've already forgotten his face.

Mikael didn't respond for a moment. He simply continued to gaze at the silver coin with a frosty gaze. Something about the look on his eyes displayed a sense of dissatisfaction — but Irene wasn't sure why.

He must have noticed her staring in confusion, because he quickly placed the coin back and closed the box shut.

"I was just curious since it's a rare coin with a lot of history," Mikael told her, shaking it off. He then turned and began to head towards the door, leaving Irene bemused as she stared at the back of his blonde head. "Come on, if you're ready now, let's go."

"O-Oh, right!"

As she caught up to the prince and dismissed her maids, Irene followed Mikael out. They silently walked down to the foyer together. He was still quiet for a long moment, but that was normal for the prince who lacked conversational skills. It was usually Irene who would help him by initiating, and yet — she didn't know how to spark conversation with him for once.

I wonder what that was all about...

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