Clutching the bell tightly in her hands, Celena took a moment to survey her unfamiliar surroundings. The opulence of the room starkly contrasted with her humble living quarters back home. Sitting at the exquisite vanity table, she ran the brush through her hair—a gift from Svan that she appreciated. Stepping out onto the balcony, she was greeted by the warm glow of the morning sun. The breathtaking view unfolded before her, with mountains, villages, and tiny figures bustling about their daily routines. A pang of nostalgia tugged at Celena's heart as she thought of Kale, who used to burst into her room, waking her up with his boisterous laughter and playful pillow fights.

With a sigh, Celena's mischievous gaze shifted to the bell in her hands. She was determined not to let her engagement to the prince, a man destined to die within two years, dampen her perspective on the world. She resolved to find ways to make this experience enjoyable and swiftly put an end to her commitment, returning to her ordinary life. The key was to avoid running into Natsu, the male lead, annoying Michiya to no end, and causing enough trouble to secure her freedom. The thought excited Celena, and she gleefully rang the bell in anticipation.

When Svan arrived, he was taken aback by Celena's giggling and enthusiastic bell-ringing. "You called me, Your Grace?" he inquired, confusion evident in his voice.

"I'm hungry, Svan. I need to eat before my body starts devouring itself," Celena confidently declared.

"Of course, I shall take you to the dining room then. Follow me," Svan replied, casting a cautious glance behind him to ensure Celena was following.

Celena maintained a mild interest in her surroundings as they left the chamber. After all, it wasn't every day one had the opportunity to explore and live in a grand castle. The majestic paintings adorning the hall caught her attention, each one meticulously crafted and capturing the royal family in elegant poses. She noticed Michiya's prudish expression and Natsu's unsettling gaze, which sent shivers down her spine. Moving along, she stopped at the family portrait titled "The fourth-generation Royal family of the Kilvestein Empire" which depicted the current royal family, and muttered the words under her breath. Continuing her walk, she inspected each picture one by one. However, she was puzzled to find no portraits beyond the second generation. Squinting her eyes at the second-generation royals and the space after, she read the title inscribed below, "The foolish king who lost his crown."

Caught off guard by Svan clearing his throat, Celena turned her attention back to him, quickly catching up with his brisk pace. "We've arrived," he announced, opening the grand double doors to reveal a sumptuous dining room. The air was filled with mouthwatering aromas, and an array of delicious food gleamed invitingly on the table. Maids bowed respectfully as Svan motioned for Celena to take a seat. Eagerly, she settled in, her eyes fixed on the food before her, causing her mouth to water in anticipation.

'Okay, first on the list. To annoy Michiya with her tactless manners when eating '  

Celena smirked, propping her elbow on the table and resting her chin in her hands. She eagerly awaited the arrival of the royal family, particularly Michiya. However, her excitement waned as she watched the food grow cold, realizing that Michiya and the others were not joining her. Confused, she turned to Svan with narrowed eyes. "What about Michiya? Or the others?" she inquired.

"The royal family doesn't eat together unless summoned by the king. Besides, Michiya doesn't typically have breakfast, and if he does, he prefers to dine in his office,"

"Oh..." Celena frowned, disappointed that her plan to annoy Michiya had been foiled on the first day. However, she couldn't deny feeling relieved at the prospect of less interaction with him, as it meant less attachment on her part. She grinned to herself and peacefully ate in silence, savoring the flavors of the food. As she chewed, a question that had been nagging at her since she noticed the empty spot in the family portraits resurfaced in her mind.

"Hey, Svan? Why isn't there a portrait of the First King?" Celena asked, peering at Svan, who appeared surprised by the question.

"Well, my Lady, the first King disappeared right after his coronation. Nobody knows where he went, and he took the crown with him. Despite tireless searches by his people and guards, he was never found. His brother assumed the throne, and the current royals are descendants of his brother, not him. The library has a history book that provides more details about his appearance and origins," Svan explained, coughing lightly.

With their meal concluded, Svan took Celena on a tour of the castle. They visited the library, kitchen, sunroom, garden, training area, and a grand throne room that doubled as a ballroom. Each space felt like a labyrinth to Celena, who couldn't help but anticipate getting lost the moment she took a step out into her room. Along the way, Svan warned her about the forbidden areas of the castle, further piquing her curiosity. Strangely enough, they hadn't encountered any members of the royal family during their tour, only maids and guards dutifully patrolling the premises.

As the tour drew to a close, Svan led Celena to a chamber that surpassed the luxury and extravagance of the room she had awoken in earlier. "This is your room from now on. The chamber next to your left is His Highness' chamber. As he requested. Don't worry about your belongings; the maids have already arranged them for you while you slept in the guest room. If you need me, simply ring the bell and please, do not disturb His Highness. That is all," Svan announced, bowing before leaving the room.

'But that's exactly what I'm planning' Celena grinned, observing yet another unfamiliar space. 

Meanwhile, Svan made his way to Michiya's office, knocking once before entering. Michiya looked up from his desk and inquired.

"How was Celena?" 

"I'd say she was overwhelmed, Your Highness...She would pick on her food and space out...A lot" 

Nodding, He placed his quill back in its holder and stretched. However, his curiosity got the better of him. "May I ask why you abruptly proposed to Lady Celena? You're aware of the outlandish rumors surrounding her, not to mention her lack of elegance and manners. Perhaps she's your..." Svan's sentence was cut short by Michiya's intense glare, sending chills down his spine.

"Svan, that is none of your concern. The decisions I've made are mine alone. You have no part in them," Michiya stated firmly, leaving Svan disappointed and muttering an apology.

Seizing the opportunity, Michiya continued, "Now, go find me a patissier for Celena. I had a conversation with Kale, and he mentioned that sweets always brought her entertainment and made her feel normal. I'm not entirely sure what he meant, but it's one way to calm her down and make her happy. Since the royal family doesn't indulge in sweets, search the kingdom and even beyond our borders for skilled patissier qualifications must be up to Celena's tastes." 

Bowing once more, Svan excused himself and let out a sigh. "Well, at least he cares for the lady. Strangely..." he muttered to himself, pondering over Michiya's enigmatic actions.

Back to Celena, she had been staring at the empty space where the portrait of the first king should be, it had been hours when she finished her meal and started staring into space What could have happened to him? Did he get kidnapped or was he pressured by the power he had to hold and run away from his kingly duties? Scrunching her face Celena sight and shook her head this was not the time to be playing detective since it didn't concern her anyway now was the time to be productive, scout the areas for possible escape, and plan ahead; she had to keep her head in the game so she can go back where she was supposed to be in her rightful place which was far away from the main plot. 

Looking around there was not much to be seen other than excessive luxury. Groaning She started walking where her feet took her, the palace was huge double in size to be exactly compared to the froister mansion, she stumbled upon the kitchen absentmindedly and scanned the room finally deciding to do something in her spare time other than broad around the place Celena searched for ingredients determined to bake herself some cookies, finally finding some she started baking unaware of the chef and some maids uncertain whether they should report this to Svan or help her. 

Finishing up, Celena nodded to herself salivating at the simple chocolate chip cookies. 

'Now, that the cookies are done I'm gonna find a book concerning the history and origin of the first royal family, especially the first king. Planning the escape can wait later' With that in mind she giddily ran past the maids and went into the library. When she came back to the kitchen to claim her cookies it was already gone.

"Your Highness, this is Svan speaking" 

Michiya simply replied inside the room for  Svan to enter with a plate of food in his hand, staring at the plate. He directed a curious brow at Svan wondering why he brought a plate of cookies when he knew he doesn't indulge in sweets before he could even ask Svan spoke. 

"I heard from the chef that Lady Celena baked this herself, I do not know why the lady doesn't bother to deliver this to you herself but I think she is just shy and left this at the counter, I didn't want this to go waste so I delivered them for her" putting the plate beside his table Svan directed him an expectant smile. 

"You know I don't eat sweets, take this back Svan" Michiya grunted. 

"Just a little bite you Highness" Svan pleaded and urged the plate near him.

"She made this just for you, Your Highness! I just knew it"

Golden eyes narrowed to black ones in a silent clash. Michiya sighed and hesitantly took a bite grunting from the sugary aftertaste of the food. While Svan couldn't help but smile. 

Celena left fuming after searching high and low for even a single crumb of the cookies but it couldn't be seen. She was glaring at whoever she passed her by she vowed to get her revenge and stalked towards her room grumbling the entire time as she went.