Hugo is looking at the window with so many thoughts racing through his head. He hasn't stopped thinking about Rachel since he ran into her again. Looking into those eyes makes him feel as though a curtain has been lifted. A long-forgotten memory suddenly came back during their childhood....

The Carlyle palace hosted a tea banquet reception, and all the high-ranking noble children were invited to participate in order to gain influence and find their future potential partner. On that occasion, the aristocrat children surrounded a young girl who was as beautiful as the heavenly beings. They are drawn to follow her because of her bright and happy aura, including the Crown Prince of the Southern Kingdom. Hugo has always longed to approach her, but she always seems to be in the company of others. All he can do is observe her from a far.

While gazing at the little girl, he was approached by a noble kid who wanted to chat with him but as he glances in her direction, she's already gone. He left the kid and search for the little girl until he found out that she went to the palace kitchen. There...he saw her sitting in the table enjoying her food with no care in the world. Hugo rushes over to the little girl, his excitement soaring at the chance of speaking with her alone for the first time.

"What are you doing here little girl?"

The little girl stops eating and hid the cupcake behind her back. She looks cute even with pastry crumbs in her cheeks. Hugo smiled to reassure her that he means no harm.

"Uhmm, I'm eating my favorite cupcakes. I'm not allowed to eat there in the ball since my mother will scold me for eating too many sweets".

She then gave him a pitiful, cute face expression to gain his sympathy. "Crown Prince, if you like, you can also eat my cupcake. Here I'm giving it to you".

Her small hands reach out to give the cupcake she hid behind her back. Hugo accepted the cupcake with a flushed on his face.

"Thank You. I can ask the royal chef to prepare more cupcakes for you, if you wish to eat more."

"Really? Wow! You're very kind." The little girl giggles gleefully and tugs at his sleeve, asking in a quiet voice, "Would you mind not telling my mother about this?"

Her expectant eyes plead as Hugo enchantedly say yes. "I promise not to tell your mother but on one condition". He teases the little girl.

"Huh? What is it?"

He shyly scratches his head. "Can you be my friend? I don't have any other friends besides my older cousin, the little Duke Astrid". Hugo anxiously awaits her response.

"Sure! Then, we are now friends. Friends do keep each other's secrets". She then sealed their secret by showing her pinky finger to him.

"Pinky swear?"

"Pinky swear." Hugo affirmed, and to keep her little secret safe, they interlocked their pinky fingers.

From that time on, Hugo was eager to meet again the Marquise Monchy's famed young daughter. When he realized he couldn't wait for another banquet to see her, he made the decision to ask his father for permission to visit the Monchy manor. They sent a royal letter to the Monchy household, but it was rejected because the young girl was afflicted with unknown disease that they were uncertain if she could transmit to others.

She suddenly vanished from southern society, only to reappear a year later without the brightness and enthusiasm that had once surrounded her. It seemed as though a new child with the same face and body, but a different person emerged in place of the kind and friendly child. From that point on, he lost interest in the little girl and his desire to be her friend. He had also eventually forgotten about it.

After reflecting on the past, that particular memory was reopened. The little Rachel he encountered before she vanished from the society was the Rachel he saw at the banquet. Her bright and crystal blue eyes radiates purifying energy that any person will be drawn to be near her. His heart began to race as he remembered how her lovely smile made him feel. This was his impression of her when they were young. And the promise they made to keep her secret.

'Why am I feeling this way right now? I despised her so much that I called off our engagement. Right now, I'm already married to Ara, and she is the person that I love.'

But something doesn't feel quite right, he muttered to himself. He wants something else. To fill the void he felt, he desired for a lovely, radiant light.

'Hah! I'm going insane! How can I covet my cousin's wife so badly? If I touch his possession, he'll kill me for sure. Why does he have everything? And me? a weak prince who borrows the Astrid's power as his own.'

Since he was a child, Hugo felt resentful about his family's standing. They are at the mercy of the Astrid's Dukedom. He cursed the Dragon Gods for creating the Guardians and gave them so much power to rule above them. Why only them, and not us? He also desired that kind of power and strength. To be feared and worshipped, like Sebastian. He thought that by having Ara, he had defeated Sebastian. But he got it all wrong because Sebastian never gave a damn. He let go of his feelings for Ara so easily, just like a worn-out old item. Why hadn't he realized that before? In the end, he lost.

Right now, he wanted what Sebastian has. She was mine to begin with! He wanted to destroy her until she moans and ask for his mercy. Isn't it the reason he assaulted the Crown Princess after the banquet? because he felt the need to express his desire for that lovely innocent face. But Ara didn't give him that feeling anymore. She lost her light the moment Rachel reappeared.

After a week had passed, he was still trying to come up with a reason to go to the Astrid Castle, but thankfully, his wife had planned a tea banquet as a way to express her apology to Duchess Astrid. The thought that he would meet her again today gave him a rush of anticipation.

'I'll just sneak a peek, and maybe once I see her today, this feeling will go away.'

***

The Royal Duchess Rachel Astrid was spotted wearing a light floral casual dress and a stylish side sweep hat. Her attire exudes modesty and sophistication with a touch of modern flair. The iconic hat in particular made the noble ladies gasp in admiration at her attire. It was a much-desired hat that wasn't yet accessible in the southern kingdom. They were all aware that this was the northern region's fashion trend, but after seeing the Duchess wearing it, they all wanted one.

Cameras are flashing everywhere as she enters the Carlyle Palace. The Duchess's appearance in southern society caused the news about her to go viral. She is the buzz of the town, particularly after the episode at the ball, when she was praised in all magazines and newspapers for handling the Crown Princess's breakdown so gracefully. Both nobility and commoners keep up with all of the stories about her, but they weren't able to see her after the banquet. They came to the conclusion that the Duke kept her hidden because he didn't want anyone to see his lovely wife.

The noble women made their formal pleasantries and bowed down as Rachel entered the garden.

"All rises. Please feel at ease in my presence."

The Duchess Astrid caught the lady's attention as their eyes sparkled in awe and admiration. They can't suppress their excitement at the prospect of speaking with her. When the Crown Princess appeared and extended her formal greeting, the commotion subsided.

"I greet the Duchess Astrid, and I beg you to accept the apology of this humble servant for my misconduct during the banquet." Ara knelt and expressed repentance.

"Crown Princess, I accept your apology. Please rise and be comfortable." To let her know that she will not put up with any more misbehavior from her, Rachel replied modestly while maintaining her rank.

"I'm grateful for the Duchess Astrid's benevolence." Ara stood up and gave the royal attendant the order to begin the tea banquet.

Since Rachel's position is equivalent to a royal queen, she then directed her to take a seat in the center of the table. Ara made sure to assist Rachel and make her comfortable while maintaining her demeanor of humility.

The noble women believed that the Crown princess regretted her behavior toward the Duchess and was now using this opportunity to make amends for her because she became docile and maintained an innocent appearance throughout.