I sat on the bed, hugging my legs tightly as I pondered my actions. Should I go and apologize to him? No, my pride wouldn't allow it. On the other hand, pretending that the incident never happened and going about my life as usual seemed like a viable option. After all, it wasn't such a significant matter. Yet, the thought of facing him again terrified me, making me dread the possibility of bumping into him in the corridor.

But ever since I saw his face, an unsettling feeling lingered in my stomach, leaving me inexplicably uneasy. I couldn't quite pinpoint the source of this sensation. Strangely, I was certain it wasn't merely embarrassment that caused it.

What could it be?

It dawned on me that I might find answers by accessing my host's memories. It was peculiar, but I needed to specifically tap into her memories to gain insight. It was as if her recollections were locked inside a box in my mind — I had to open that box to access them. Unlike before, when I resided in the manor, I would unconsciously access her memories to navigate around the house and interact with the servants. But who would have anticipated randomly encountering an acquaintance of hers during this journey?

Upon delving into her memories, the man's identity became clear: he was none other than William Albertine, the eldest son of Duke Albertine. Handsome and charismatic, he was a favorite among the young ladies of high society. 'Maxine,' too, had fallen for his charm like many others. While the crown prince was the kingdom's most handsome man, few had seen him due to his extensive military engagements. Hence, it was widely agreed that William was the most eligible bachelor in the realm, possessing a combination of looks, talent, status, and fame.

What he was doing in a random inn in a random town was beyond me.

I let out a sigh; things had become a bit more complicated. I was certain he had recognized me at the counter, and it was likely that he would be suspicious of my presence in Albertine territory. What made it even more challenging was the fact that he was none other than Theodora Albertine's brother, the ultimate objective of my mission. I found myself at a loss for what to do next. Should I proceed with my mission as planned, or should I reveal to him that I knew his long-lost sister's whereabouts?

As I slumped down on the bed, I couldn't help but feel like this encounter with Theodora's brother was nothing less than a twist of fate. I recalled the reason why I had undergone such rigorous training for three months. Even though he was her brother, I couldn't risk revealing Theodora's location to him. My mission was of paramount importance, and disclosing her whereabouts would jeopardize my carefully crafted plan and draw unnecessary attention to myself.

Before I knew it, I had managed to forget about my embarrassing first meeting with him.

Sometime in the afternoon, as I was enjoying my tea and snacks, a knock resounded at the door. I had a strong feeling about who it might be.

"Young Lady, there's someone who'd like to meet you," Lucas' voice came from outside the door.

"Let him in," I replied, taking a sip of my tea.

And indeed, it was none other than William Albertine. Instantly, I shifted into my professional mode, carefully studying him. He was dressed in a loose white shirt, casually revealing a part of his well-defined chest. His long, vibrant blue hair cascaded down to his waist, appearing slightly damp, as if he had just stepped out of the bath. His leisurely smile and carefree stride exuded a captivating charm. Combined with his handsome, chiseled features, it was no wonder the ladies of the capital were so enamored by him.

"To what do I owe the presence of the most intelligent man in the kingdom?" I quipped.

William laughed playfully and replied, "Is that what they call me these days? However, I am not worthy of such a title."

"Is there a more intelligent man, then?" I asked.

"No, certainly not. I am, without a doubt, the most intelligent man in the kingdom," he said, his tone dripping with narcissism.

"Then... is there a woman more intelligent than you?"

His momentary seemed to suggest that there might be someone who could rival his intelligence. Unfazed, the spoiled young man casually pulled a chair opposite me and settled down. Propping his chin up with one hand, he casually remarked, "Aren't you going to serve me some?" gesturing towards the tea and snacks.

I obliged, pushing the plate of biscuits closer to him, and remarked, "I thought you didn't like black tea."

"I wouldn't have expected the Young Lady to know this," he said, a little surprised.

Of course, I knew. My host had a crush on him, and thus she had looked into his tastes and preferences. Additionally, being friends with several young noblewomen, she had always been privy to the rumors surrounding him.

"I do try to keep myself educated on the rumors going around in the capital, William," I replied.

"Oh? Then you'd also know that I don't like to be called William, but prefer to go by Liam."

"That, I didn't know."

"Lies. You were trying to tease me, weren't you? I didn't know the Young Miss of Ashbourne had such a playful side to her," he retorted, flashing a charming smile.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you always wore such a gloomy expression whenever I saw you. Since you keep yourself updated on the news of the capital, you would also know that you're known as the most unapproachable woman in the capital. Believe me, I've seen many people who looked like that. The expression you always wore resembled someone who had lost everything they loved."

My eyes grew cold. He had unintentionally tapped into my most painful memories. My head flooded with the image of my family, their cold bodies as they lay in the casket. My heartbeat increased, and my eyes stung.

"You... you've switched back to your usual expression," William said. His tone did not sound playful anymore.

I looked at him, my eyes chilling. On one hand, I had to thank this man for reminding me that I could not afford to dally here. I did not deserve to smile after what I had done to my family. At the same time, I was angry at him for reopening an old wound.

"Young Master, if I recall correctly, you had a younger sister, did you not?"

The man's face intentionally froze upon hearing the mention of his sister. His eyes became as sharp as a cold knife, and his voice sounded frigid as he said, "Why bring that up?"

"I assume the Young Master's face looks something like mine at the moment," I answered, a slight curve on my lips.

The chill in his eyes did not leave. "You know, you'd have just asked me to stop if I was crossing a line," he said.

"That won't do," I replied, sipping my tea.

"What a cruel woman you are," he said, standing up. I was glad he took his cue to leave my room.

"By the way, I hope the twins are doing well...," he said, as he turned to leave.

By twins, did he mean Brett and Brenda? Before I had the chance to ask, he had already left the room.