The following world-building remains the same. ———

Crown Prince, Arden von Estellion. The dazzlingly brilliant sun.

That is what I was called.

The Arden Empire possesses a long history and tradition of aristocratic society. In particular, my father, Arden von Aurelius, brought an end to the seemingly eternal war between the Arden Empire and the Kingdom of Balten. Through 'unification.'

Afterward, my prestige rose even higher.

Princesses from the Kingdom of Edelheim, the Kingdom of Elterion, and even the Republic of Armedia...

They all came to me to propose marriage.

Father always devoted himself to state affairs and had no interest in me. Whenever the princesses visited, I welcomed them with hospitality, treating them to lavish jewels and banquets.

I always declined their marriage proposals indirectly, and more than anything, there was something weighing on my mind.

'Leopold von Kreuzen.'

I had heard vague rumors that he had married the only daughter of Marquis Arbel, Guest. No, there was no way I wouldn't know. For she was the one who gifted spring to a man whose life seemed to consist only of winter. When we met as children, both she and he seemed similar. Expressionless, clever, and cold.

To think those two had married.

As the nation prospered, the responsibilities entrusted to me grew, and only the moonlight seeping through the curtains allowed me to feel the passage of time.

At which lake they shared a kiss, in which season they held their wedding, why he offered her buttercups that bloomed so tragically tempting.

I did not know.

As the country stabilized, I attended a banquet with a faint smile. Since I hadn't been able to get up for a long time, my legs could not properly support my body. But I endured. Because the dignity of the Crown Prince represents the nation.

I saw her for the first time in a while. She was beautiful, but her eyes, still extinguished, looked even pitiful. Beneath those eyes, a thin smile was traced.

It was different from the hollow smile I saw in childhood. Something... She was swallowing a fiercely boiling emotion.

Her fists were burning white.

I wanted to know.

Without realizing it, I called her name.

"Lady Guest."

Right now, only one thought occupied my mind. Just what. Who dared to leave her in such a state.

I did not know the reason. The reason did not matter. I could not tolerate it.