Rustle—The soft sound of footsteps on grass that had started to fade to golden echoed quietly. Diana was walking toward the fourth concubine’s palace, holding a parasol. She glanced up at the sky through the parasol and faintly wrinkled her nose. The weather is nice.
Bella, who was following behind Diana, looked around and spoke softly. “It’s quite… a natural place.”
“You can just say it’s poorly maintained, Bella.”
“Hmm.”
At Diana’s words, Bella let out a troubled sigh and rolled her eyes.
Diana’s remark was accurate, after all. The area surrounding the fourth concubine’s palace was unusually overgrown. The paths, usually well-maintained by palace staff, were almost entirely covered with grass.
The fourth concubine was more like a scholar who had come here for diplomatic relations with the Kingdom Arlas rather than an actual concubine. Because of that, she was always secluded in her palace, far removed from any power.
“It’s more annoying when people loiter around near my lab, so don’t bother with maintenance or anything.”
…That’s what she famously said. That’s why this area is in such a state now.
Diana glanced ahead at the distant fourth concubine’s palace. The building, which could barely be called a palace, had a peculiar structure with a small tower jutting out at the top, catching her blue-violet eyes.
The location for their tea time was none other than the research lab of Fourth Concubine Miaena.
That was the Fourth Concubine Miaena’s laboratory and today’s location for their tea time. No noble would normally suggest having tea time in a laboratory.
When Bella first saw the location written on the invitation, she could hardly believe her eyes. But then again, the strange bow the fourth concubine used in the forest during the hunting competition wasn’t exactly ‘normal’ either.
Diana, having accepted that the fourth concubine was quite far from ‘normal,’ wasn’t surprised. Besides, tea time isn’t really my purpose for coming here. But if I dawdle any longer, I’ll be late.
As Diana walked, leisurely chatting with Bella, she suddenly remembered that the appointed time was approaching and quickened her pace. Just as she was about to take a larger step,
“Ludwig Kadmond greets the Third Princess Consort.”
It was on the path leading to the front gate of the fourth concubine’s palace. Ludwig appeared from nowhere and greeted Diana with a smile. Startled by the sudden figure blocking her path, Diana halted. Behind her, she heard Bella gasp in surprise.
“…It’s a pleasure, Marquis Kadmond.”
In truth, she wasn’t pleased at all. But it wouldn’t do for anyone to see her being rude to someone who smiled so warmly. Moreover, Ludwig wasn’t the type to quietly accept being ignored. He’d smile in front of people but sharpen his knife behind his back. So Diana forced herself to smile and nodded slightly at Ludwig.
Ludwig responded with a literal bright smile and continued speaking to her. “Are you on your way to meet the fourth concubine?”
“…Yes, I am,” Diana replied, doing her best to conceal her wariness.
Ludwig Kadmond wasn’t someone who would waste time on trivial pleasantries. And given that he was engaging with her, Kayden’s wife, made it all the more suspicious. Whatever it is, I need to get out of here before getting caught up in his scheme.
The problem was that Ludwig didn’t look like someone who would easily step aside just because she had an appointment. As if to confirm her suspicions, Ludwig spoke again.
“That’s surprising.”
“What is?”
“The fourth concubine is famous for not allowing anyone into her palace. She never attends tea times or parties either. She has no interest in worldly matters after all..”
Ludwig trailed off slowly and took a step forward. Diana instinctively stepped back to maintain the distance. Seeing this, Ludwig smiled as if he had just witnessed something amusing. His handsome face only intensified Diana’s unease.
“Is there a particular reason why someone like her would take an interest in Third Princess Consort?”
“…”
The wind tousled Ludwig’s light golden hair. Sunlight poured down on him in the afternoon. To anyone else, it might have seemed as if he were gazing at Diana with deep affection. But that was only on the surface. His light green eyes clung to her with the intent to dissect her every thought.
Diana was careful not to let even a single breath escape unnoticed as she replied calmly. “Well, I’m not sure of the reason, but if the fourth concubine thinks well of me, that’s a good thing.”
“Hmm.”
“I think that’s enough pleasantries. I’m concerned about possibly offending the fourth concubine, who has been kind enough to think well of me. I’m sure you understand, right Marquis?” She softened her brows and smiled innocently.
Ludwig’s brows furrowed momentarily beneath his hair, but they soon returned to normal as he smiled and extended his hand. “Oh dear. It seems I’ve kept the Third Princess Consort too long out of my eagerness to see you. Well then.”
Diana stared at Ludwig’s outstretched hand. But seeing no sign of him backing down, she sighed lightly and placed her hand on his. Ludwig’s lips neared Diana’s hand. And in the next moment—
“What the…?”
His lips brushed against her hand, and then he slyly flicked his tongue to lick her exposed skin, his teeth grazing her delicate flesh.
It was far too much for a mere parting gesture.
Diana jerked her hand back, her shoulders trembling. Bella, seeing this, instinctively moved to shield Diana. But Ludwig, as if oblivious to the sharp looks from both women, straightened his posture and tilted his head with a nonchalant expression.
Diana, cradling her hand with the other, glared at Ludwig. “What do you think you’re doing, Marquis?”
“I’m afraid I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”
“Just now, Marquis, you…”
Diana was about to say, ‘Didn’t you just lick and bite my hand?’ but she pressed her lips together. It was too indecent to say out loud.
Diana glanced down at her hand, wondering if she had imagined it. Sure enough, the spot where he had licked and bitten was perfectly fine.
Cunning b*stard.
Now, even if she accused him of being rude, Ludwig could claim that she had merely imagined it. And the scandal itself, should it spread, would undoubtedly harm Kayden’s reputation.
For a brief moment, Diana considered slapping Ludwig across the face and then claiming, ‘There was a leaf on your cheek,’ but she dismissed the idea. Whatever his true intentions, ignoring him was the best way to avoid getting entangled in his schemes.
“…Forget it. Let’s go, Bella.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Diana turned her gaze away from Ludwig and walked away coldly. As she passed him, he whispered with a hint of amusement.
“Until next time, Your Highness.”
Next time? Keep dreaming. Diana scoffed inwardly as she entered the fourth concubine’s palace.
Ludwig didn’t take his eyes off Diana until she disappeared from view.
* * *
“Welcome, Third Princess Consort.”
As Diana entered the fourth concubine’s palace, a maid bowed her head. After guiding Bella to a guest room on the first floor, the maid returned to lead Diana upstairs.
“This is the laboratory. I hope you have a pleasant time.” The maid bowed deeply as she led Diana to the staircase leading to the top floor.
As Diana ascended the stairs and opened the antique wooden door, it creaked softly.
“You’re late.”
Inside, the fourth concubine, lounging carelessly against the back of a chair, greeted Diana with a cigarette in hand.
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