How long had it been since she’d last come here?

The memories washed over Mirexia in a blur, leaving her with a feeling like she’d stepped into another lifetime.

Ever since she learned her mother had long passed away and that she herself would eventually inherit Camella’s throne, grief and responsibility had forced her to pour every waking moment into honing herself and managing affairs of state.

Meanwhile, Vinny had grown more and more extreme, his thoughts veering into baffling, incomprehensible places. She was buried under endless duties, and his antics only ever added unforeseen “surprises” to her already crushing workload—leaving her to clean up after him.

Yet even so, Mirexia hadn’t abandoned him. Even when rumors about him spread across Camella’s capital, she had wanted to pull her childhood friend back from the edge.

For Vinny, who back then was so extreme, manic, and riddled with inferiority, Mirexia had already done more than enough. And now that he had changed for the better, no one could be happier than she.

With practiced familiarity she walked upstairs to the second-floor corridor, to the very end. She still remembered exactly which room was his. Raising her hand, she knocked.

“Van… Vanessa, I’m here.” Mirexia cleared her throat, gathered her words, pressed lightly against the door, and spoke softly. “It’s just me.”

A pause—then movement inside, deliberate light footsteps.

“Mirexia?” came that familiar, melodious voice, delicate as a lark’s. Doubt and uncertainty laced it.

“You can come out now. Don’t worry—Dale has already left,” Mirexia said.

“All right.”

The lock clicked open.

And in that instant, spring’s most dazzling bloom seemed to spill into Mirexia’s eyes. For a moment her mind went blank before she regained composure.

“Where did Dale go?” Vanessa asked naturally, seeing Mirexia at the door.

“I told him you’d triggered the signal scroll last night and gone to the palace. Arrangements would be made there for his lodging, and I added that you had secrets not fit to be shared with others. So he didn’t ask further.”

“I see. Thank you, Mirexia.” Vanessa’s smile was radiant, enchanting. “As expected, I knew asking you would be fine. My adorable childhood friend really is the most reliable~”

“…”

Mirexia averted her gaze, silent, expression outwardly steady.

But in truth—

[Virtue +100]

[Current Virtue: 6234]

…pfft.

Vanessa laughed quietly, saying nothing.

“So, how much longer until you change back?” Mirexia asked.

“Well, I transformed in my dream last night, so probably not until tonight.” Vanessa thought aloud.

“Then why not come with me to the palace?” Mirexia suggested. “I told Dale you were already there. That way you can return together—otherwise tomorrow he won’t see you.”

“I could… but,” Vanessa fidgeted with her skirt, “I can’t just walk the streets like this, can I? After all, during Erunios’s descent, every kingdom student there saw me. If anyone spotted me now… At least let me wear something completely different.”

“No need. I brought this.” Mirexia produced a vial of alchemic potion.

“This… an Invisibility Elixir?” Vanessa recognized it immediately.

“Yes. Drink it, and no one else will see you. Then you can accompany me to the palace.”

Such potions weren’t merely costly—they were precious. Any alchemy involving concealment was notoriously difficult to refine.

Vanessa didn’t fuss. She accepted it with poise.

“Thank you, Mirexia. I’ve troubled you again.” She smiled sweetly at her, and though no Saint Light shone, Mirexia felt her fatigue from endless paperwork dissolve.

“It’s nothing.”

Vanessa drank. In moments, her form vanished from Mirexia’s sight.

“Will this suffice?”

“Yes. Just follow me. Though entering the palace may be troublesome.”

“Understood.” Vanessa didn’t ask; she could guess.

The royal palace wasn’t somewhere just anyone could waltz into. If one bottle of invisibility potion were enough, then the Dragon-Knights might as well be replaced by mercenaries.

The two left the courtyard and walked into the streets of the capital.

Mirexia’s elixir was clearly no ordinary one—its duration lasted well, and even after the long walk to the palace gates it hadn’t faded.

At the towering draconic-arched gates, two Dragon-Knight sentries instinctively invoked [Dragon Eye]. From afar, they spotted Mirexia—and something amiss behind her. Something unseen clung close, its form concealed but faintly detectable.

Their vigilance spiked.

“Greetings, Princess. Please, allow us—”

“No need. All is by my and my father’s leave.” Mirexia cut them off smoothly.

“…”

The knights were dumbfounded. Normally they had full right to inspect any who entered—but never royalty. That would be rebellion.

So… someone hidden was following the princess? And she knew, even told them to ignore it?

Experienced as they were, they understood instantly.

But… why? Why would the princess smuggle someone in under concealment? Why not just walk them through openly?

Unless…

A shocking thought dawned.

As nobles, they’d heard stories. A princess, smitten young, sneaking a lover into her chambers—a commoner beneath royal standing, unfit for recognition. It had happened before, not rarely.

They couldn’t be sure, of course. But one thing was clear: Princess Mirexia didn’t want anyone else to know.

So they didn’t dare pry further. Curiosity was dangerous. The princess herself claimed her father’s sanction, and she would never misuse his name.

Even if it really were what they suspected, then it was mutual, blessed by the King. What business was it of theirs?

Besides… what lucky brat had won the princess’s favor?

They could hardly blame her either. With such crushing responsibilities, she needed some release.

So the knights said nothing more, saluted deeply, and stood aside as if nothing had happened.

Mirexia strode into the palace. Vanessa followed silently at her heels.

But soon enough, they encountered an unwelcome figure.

Caron—the Dragon-Knight commander’s son.

Him, again.

Vanessa’s eyes half-lidded, too weary to even look. But at his level, even with [Dragon Eye], he couldn’t sense her.

Mirexia saw him too but feigned ignorance, continuing ahead. Neither of them wished to speak with him.

But fate was unkind. Oblivious to cues, Caron approached as soon as he saw her.

Vanessa sighed, shaking her head.

No wonder this man was always disliked. Even without Aesphyra, would he have stood a chance? Hardly.

He was utterly blind to nuance. Even housemaids of noble families knew how to read skies and faces. Yet Caron, son of the Dragon-Knight commander, hadn’t the faintest.

And now he was forcing conversation on a Mirexia who clearly wanted none of it.

Had she herself once been this unbearable, Vanessa wondered?

“Greetings, Princess Mirexia.” Caron bowed formally.

“Lord Caron, no need for ceremony.” She couldn’t simply ignore him.

“Do you have business?” Her voice was cool.

“Your Highness, ah… lately, I’ve advanced in both realm and swordsmanship.” His voice stiffened, nervous.

Pfft.

Vanessa nearly burst laughing, covering her lips. What an absurd, empty opening line.

No wonder Aesphyra had trounced him in every romantic attempt. This level of conversation didn’t compare. And he still couldn’t read the mood—anyone could see Mirexia didn’t want to talk.

“I see,” Mirexia nodded curtly.

What? That was it?

Caron blinked. Normally she’d offer praise. Why so cold now?

“T-then, if you have time, «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» I’d like to spar with you, Your Highness…”

“Yes, I understand. Lord Caron, I’m pressed for time. Unless you have something more urgent?” Her meaning was unmistakable.

“Yes! Something very important!” he blurted.

“And what is that?”

“Last night I found that brat Vinny loitering in the palace—near the bedchambers, no less! I suspect he hasn’t changed at all, still plotting to bother you. For your peace, shouldn’t we ban him from entering the palace entirely?”

He had no idea the “brat” stood right beside him, regal and serene, lips curved in silent amusement.

“Lord Caron, that is not your concern.” Mirexia’s tone, once merely cold, now bristled with impatience.

“I…” Caron froze. What had changed? Once, she would never have spoken to him so.

“Your Highness, I only worry for you—”

“Last night, it was my father and I who brought Vinny to the bedchambers. Do you have a better idea?” Her gaze was icy now.

“But… haven’t you always despised that useless brat—”

“Lord Caron, do you need me to remind you how insulting your words are?” Her voice cut like a blade. For her to speak so bluntly in a formal tone meant her patience had truly collapsed.

“I have never said I despised Vinny.” She turned aside. If Vanessa hadn’t been present, it would have been easier to say. But knowing Vanessa had heard it all made heat rise in her chest.

“Lord Caron, do not presume to interpret others’ hearts. Do not say such things again. Otherwise, I may find I have no way to speak with you at all.”

With that, Mirexia turned her back on him and walked away—without so much as a farewell.

Caron could only stand frozen, face stiff, as she left him behind.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep