Emilia wrapped an arm around the young girl’s shoulders, smiling brightly.

— “Your room’s already been prepared, though I’m not sure you’ll like it.”

— “Thank you,” — Margaret replied softly, her heart warmed by her sister’s kindness.

The next morning, when Margaret came downstairs to the dining hall, breakfast had already been served.
Emilia was sitting at the table, happily eating. She looked up with a grin.

— “I have school later, so you can stay home and relax, okay?”

— “Yes, sister,” — Margaret answered politely.

Lady Isabella turned to her with a gentle smile.

— “It seems you still don’t have proper clothes, do you? I’ll take you shopping after breakfast.”

— “Ah… that’s not necessary, ma’am,” — Margaret said quickly, flustered.

— “Nonsense,” — Isabella replied firmly, then effortlessly lifted the little girl into her arms.

After breakfast, the two went together to the bustling shopping district.
The moment they stepped into a luxurious boutique, Isabella turned to the shopkeeper without hesitation.

— “Bring out everything that will fit this child.”

Margaret froze in surprise. She opened her mouth, stammering:

— “I… isn’t that a bit too much?”

Isabella only smiled, her tone certain and warm.

— “Of course not. In fact, I’d say it’s barely enough.”

Margaret could only follow along, overwhelmed by her adoptive mother’s decisiveness.

When they returned to the mansion, a young maid came rushing over.

— “My lady, your room has been completely arranged. Please come with me to change.”

Margaret nodded and followed her into the spacious, cozy room.
The décor was elegant yet soft — delicate curtains, polished wood furniture, and sunlight filtering through the windows.

As Margaret sat still, the maid began to gently brush her silvery hair.

— “Ah, I almost forgot to introduce myself,” — she said with a cheerful tone.
— “I’m Aricia — your personal maid from today onward.”

Margaret turned her head slightly, eyes wide in surprise.

— “M–my personal maid?”

— “Yes, my lady,” — Aricia replied with a kind smile.

After Aricia had brushed her hair and helped her change into a new dress, she led Margaret on a walk through the mansion’s gardens.
The morning breeze carried the soft fragrance of blooming flowers, and for the first time, Margaret felt truly at ease.

Then, from a distance, a familiar voice called out:

— “Margaret!”

She turned and saw Emilia running toward her, beaming.
Behind her walked a young man with dark, obsidian-black hair and deep crimson eyes that glimmered like rubies.
Even in silence, his presence was commanding.

Margaret blinked, slightly nervous. She tugged gently at her sister’s sleeve.

— “Sister… who’s that man with you?”

Emilia smiled proudly.

— “Oh, that’s my best friend — Kione de Eldridge.”

Margaret’s eyes widened in realization. She quickly stepped forward, bowed deeply, and said clearly:

— “Greetings, Your Highness the Crown Prince. I am Margaret Wahles.”

Kione raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised.

— “I never mentioned my title. How did you know I was the Crown Prince?”

Margaret lifted her head, her voice calm but certain.

— “Because in the Empire’s history books, it says those of royal blood share the same family name as the empire.
However, only legitimate royals bear the prefix ‘de’. Your name is Kione de Eldridge… so I deduced it.”

For a moment, silence hung in the air. The wind rustled softly through the garden.
Kione studied the small girl before him, his expression softening into a faint, amused smile.

Who is this girl…? She’s quite sharp.

Emilia laughed, breaking the tension.

— “Anyway! I was just about to take Kione to the tea garden for a little break. Everything’s already been prepared!”

She turned to Margaret, her eyes sparkling as she took her hand.

— “Come with us, little sister. You’ll love it.”

Margaret hesitated for only a second — then nodded.

Hand in hand, the two sisters walked toward the sunlight filtering through the roses,
while the Crown Prince followed behind with quiet curiosity —
his crimson gaze lingering thoughtfully on the white-haired girl who had just joined their world.