After reintroducing herself, Aris curtsied politely, and recognition slowly spread across the crown prince's face.

"Ah, so you're Aris Horissen," he said.

"I'm surprised you know of me."

"Father told me about you. He told me about both of you, actually," he explained, glancing at both Aris and Violet. So, the emperor had indeed singled them out. However, Aris wouldn't simply let someone else dictate her fate.

"You two ladies seem close," he continued.

"We share many similarities," Violet replied.

"I see," Hiel said, his smile beaming. He turned his attention to Aris. "You both seemed to be enjoying your conversation. I'd love to know what you were talking about."

Aris sensed that Hiel was trying to get closer to her. She pondered her response for a moment before answering. "We weren't discussing much," she replied.

"I'd still like to know, if you don't mind," he persisted.

"We were talking about what we look for in a man," Aris responded honestly.

"And what is it you look for?" Hiel inquired, expecting a shower of flattery. He wanted to hear how she had always dreamed of having a dashing prince like him come sweep her off her feet. She might not be his type, but he needed to hear that he was her type.

"Well," Aris began, noticing the eager anticipation in the crown prince's eyes. Unfortunately for him, Aris wasn't in the business of offering empty praise. "I appreciate men who are loyal, devoted to one woman for their entire lives."

Hiel's expression immediately soured at the unexpected response. "One woman?" he asked, taken aback.

"The kind of man who will love and cherish a single woman as the most important person in his life," Aris continued calmly.

"I see," Hiel sniffed, turning to walk away, and Aris watched his retreating figure with satisfaction.

With this response, there would be no chance of Hiel developing an interest in her. This turn of events was going perfectly according to her plan.

***

The garden was a symphony of colors, with flowers in full bloom and freesia petals drifting through the air, accompanying a dazzling array of sweets and refreshing beverages.

After indulging in some food, the ladies refocused on the purpose of the party—getting to know the crown prince. Hiel, surrounded by a bevy of beautiful women, looked at each of their faces and smiled contentedly. Violet remained steadfastly by his side.

A few paces away, Aris savored a cup of tea on her own. She sipped it slowly, enjoying the delicate fragrance of the palace tea, which had a sweeter finish than her usual brew.

"Is it good?" Lucine asked.

Aris nodded and continued to observe the unfolding scene. "What a magnificent garden," she murmured.

The Spring Garden truly lived up to its name. Flowers adorned every tree and shrub, and, as she had heard, they remained in bloom year-round. Aris couldn't believe her eyes. The garden's foundation was constructed from a magical material, maintaining a constant temperature regardless of the season. Aris wished she had a garden like this at home, a serene place where she could sit every day and enjoy her tea.

"I brought you some more snacks, my lady," Lucine said.

"Thank you," Aris replied. Having indulged in the sweet snacks, she was no longer famished. She smiled peacefully as she savored her tea and cookies.

"Ugh," Violet sighed, finally free from the crown prince's attention.

"Good work out there," Aris said sympathetically. She understood that Violet had no fondness for the crown prince, but she had to maintain a facade of respect. After all, he was the future emperor.

"What a chore," Violet grumbled, settling into the seat next to Aris. "What kind of tea is that?"

"It's freesia flower tea."

"That sounds nice; I'd like to have some too."

As her maid stepped out to fetch some freesia tea, Violet let out another heavy sigh.

"The garden is so beautiful. Let's take a moment to admire the flowers and lift our spirits," Aris suggested.

Violet clenched her teeth. "Oh, it's beautiful, all right. So beautiful, I want to set it all on fire," she huffed.

It seemed that dealing with Hiel for an extended period had left Violet with a considerable amount of pent-up stress. Aris summoned her kindest smile, one she had practiced several times in front of a mirror. Violet's demeanor softened slightly in response.

"You have a very pretty smile, Big Sister," she said.

"I do?"

"If that jerk had seen you smile, I'm sure he would have been all over you."

Aris chuckled at Violet's nickname for the crown prince.

"Father won't be pleased," Violet mumbled. Hiel had practically confirmed that he had chosen her as his dancing partner for the ball, and it seemed everyone was expecting an official announcement soon.

"My head hurts," the younger girl admitted, gently massaging her temples. Her maid returned with the tea, and Violet took a dainty sip. Gracefully holding her teacup, she observed Aris.

"You look so elegant when you drink tea, Big Sister," she commented.

"Really?"

"Yes."

Aris had indeed put in a lot of effort to appear elegant, but she didn't need to reveal that to Violet. "My etiquette instructor is an excellent teacher," Aris said humbly.

"Oh, who is your instructor?"

"Are you considering switching to her?" Aris asked.

"I don't really like my current etiquette instructor, so I was thinking about making a change," Violet admitted, her discontent with her teacher evident from the frown on her face. After obtaining the instructor's name from Aris, Violet seemed genuinely interested in switching tutors.

A few tables away, Hiel had latched onto another pretty blonde who also seemed less than thrilled with his attention. He had found another victim to pester.

"It's much more enjoyable over here," Violet remarked, watching the two as if she were at a comedic play.

"Isn't it?" Aris laughed and took another sip of her tea. "I had to deal with that earlier today too."

Violet appeared to have developed an even stronger dislike for the crown prince compared to when the tea party had first begun. Aris understood that if she had been forced to entertain the crown prince, she would probably feel the same way.

"I love the garden, but..."

"...I despise the guy who owns it," the girls chimed in unison before bursting into giggles.

***

At the conclusion of the tea party, a light dinner was served. Aris and Violet hurriedly finished their meals and bid their farewells, leaving as soon as they could. The other ladies remained in the dining hall, eager to spend more time with the crown prince. Hiel appeared to want both ladies to stay longer, but as their fathers had arrived to pick them up, he had no choice but to let them go.

Ian and Louison were pleased to see their daughters growing closer. The girls chatted cheerfully the entire way to the carriages. After promising to write to each other soon, each climbed into their respective carriages and headed home.

"It looks like you've become good friends with Lady Essel," Ian remarked.

"We have a lot in common," Aris replied with a smile, sharing a knowing glance with Violet about their shared views on men, specifically.

"Father?"

"Yes?"

"Are you ever going to remarry?" Aris asked.

Her mother had passed away during childbirth, and Ian had never remarried. One night, in a drunken stupor, he had mistaken a maid for his late wife, resulting in Lucine's birth. If not for that fateful night, he might never have had any more children.

"Remarry? How frightening," Ian mumbled.

Aris fixed her father with a serious gaze. "Seriously, once I get married, you'll be all alone."

"You will become Marquise Horissen," he said.

"Father!"

"I mean it. I intend to pass my title onto you." This was a deviation from the original novel where Aris had been too foolish to receive any title. However, things were different now, and Ian saw his daughter as more than deserving of the title of marquise. "That means you'll continue to live on our estate."

"Are you going to find a husband for me?"

"Yes, I will."

Aris was taken aback.

Things keep straying further from the original plans, she thought.

At this rate, she'd never be able to marry the male lead.

"I don't want to become a marquise," she said firmly.

"Aris..." Ian was puzzled. Most people would covet such a title, so he couldn't fathom why his daughter was rejecting it.

"Pass your title on to someone else. All I need is a little money to live on in the future."

Becoming the Marquise would tether her with obligations and duties, leaving her with no personal time. Her dreams of a cozy, stress-free life with the male lead would vanish. Aris didn't want to become the crown princess because she didn't desire the responsibilities that accompanied the title.

"I've made myself clear, right?" Aris reiterated.

"But Aris!"

"I already said I don't want it," she emphasized. She was certain one of her relatives would gladly take over the estate; there were plenty of Horissens in the capital, and surely one of them was capable enough to become the marquis. "I really like Lady Violet. We've decided to have tea together sometime," Aris said, quickly changing the subject.

Ian didn't press the matter any further.

"Hmm."

"He seemed to like Lady Violet," Aris commented.

"Did he now?"

"He especially favored all the blonde ladies."

"Just as you predicted."

"Yes," Aris said with a grin. She felt sorry for Violet, but she was just relieved to have avoided the crown prince's attention.

***

Once the tea party came to an end, Hiel made his way toward his residence, the Lion Palace, with his gentleman-in-waiting, Razael, dutifully trailing behind him.

"The ladies were all quite beautiful," Razael remarked.

"There were a lot of blondes," Hiel noted, satisfied that many of the women had caught his eye. In his opinion, the evening had been a great success. He opened the doors to his bedchambers, only to find his father waiting for him.

"The tea party lasted longer than I expected," Juselle commented, checking the time, which had already passed 10.

"Father, what brings you here?" Hiel inquired.

"I'm here to hear your decision," Juselle replied, prompting his son to hold his chin between his fingers. "You are aware of the purpose of tonight's party, aren't you?"

"To find a lady to dance with?"

"Correct."

"I've made up my mind," Hiel declared without hesitation.

"Whom have you chosen?"

"Lady Aris Horissen."

From the doorway, Razael could barely conceal his surprise. Lady Horissen had not received much attention from Hiel at the tea party.

"I see."

"What do you think, Father?"

"You've made an excellent decision," the emperor affirmed. Hiel had chosen the lady favored most by Juselle. Satisfied with his son's choice, he left the room. As he watched his father depart, a small smile crept onto Hiel's face.

"Why did you choose her?" Razael couldn't help but ask, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Hiel tossed his blond locks casually. "I had to choose her so my other admirers wouldn't get jealous."

"Excuse me?"

"I mean, think about it. Almost every lady at that party was already head over heels for me. If I chose my dance partner from among them, I'd surely hurt their feelings. I had no choice but to pick someone they didn't even consider competition."

"Ah."

"Aris Horissen isn't even interested in me. She has a different type in mind. If I select her as my first dance partner, she'll simply be grateful for the honor. She'd never assume it signifies anything romantic."

"I see!" Razael exclaimed, barely suppressing his laughter. The crown prince's thoughts were as arrogant as ever, as they were every day.

***

"Fetch me a pen and paper; I want to write a letter," Aris demanded.

"A letter?"

"Yes."

Lucine was puzzled but followed her instructions. The stationery featured a delicate floral pattern, and the paper carried a subtle fragrance.

"Do you think it suits me?" Aris inquired.

"It does."

"Good!" Aris began to write.

Dear Commander Roy,

I would like to commend you for your tireless efforts in safeguarding our borders. My heart swells with pride whenever I read about your courage and achievements. [...] Spring has arrived in our Empire, though I understand it is still winter where you are stationed. Please take good care of your health. There's no need for you to write back.

"All I need to do now is send it," she murmured.

Roy was the first name of the male lead. Though she knew where to send the letter, she had no idea how to address it to ensure Roy received it.

"I should send a messenger," she mumbled.

"A messenger?" Lucine echoed.

"I need to know if he received it or not."

"Hmm." Lucine looked at the letter, conflicted. "My lady, do you understand what might happen if you send a letter to a man you've never even met?"

"Of course, I do. If a 16-year-old aristocrat sends a letter like this, rumors are bound to spread," Aris said with a smile.