In her reverie, Scarlett found solace in dreaming about ordinary moments shared with Viktor. Moments where, despite the weight of their responsibilities, he would lean towards her with unabashed happiness or make endearing mistakes after being flustered. These simple joys seemed impossible for Viktor to experience. He was the sole link between the Dumfelt family’s storied history and the exiled princess, tasked with becoming the leader who would guide the family towards prosperity. Above all, he had to embody the greatness of the family itself—a figure worthy of admiration by future generations.

While Viktor never seemed to voice any complaints about his duties, Scarlett couldn’t help but feel a deep pity for him. She questioned why he had to mould himself into a framed individual, sacrificing his own life and personal desires. She believed they should have their own life together—a life filled with love, laughter, and the freedom to make mistakes. That, to her, was what life was all about.

Whenever Scarlett expressed these sentiments to Viktor, he would gaze at her as though she were beneath him. Yet, even in the face of such disdain, she still cherished that look from him. It was a testament to how deeply she loved him, regardless of his lofty status and expectations.

Scarlett had spent her teenage years in the bustling Crimson family, constantly burdened with responsibilities. It was in dreaming of moments like this that she could find joy and escape from her duties. She revelled in the trivial, such as arranging colourful gobstoppers in a glass jar like precious jewels. But she also dared to dream of grand scenarios, imagining the crown prince—fodder for high society gossip—suddenly appearing before her and confessing that he had fallen in love with her at first sight.

These simple and grand dreams provided Scarlett with a source of hope and happiness amidst the constraints of her reality.

However, life had a way of surprising Scarlett, and it turned out that reality took a different path than her dreams. Reflecting on the carriage ride to the Dumfelt estate, she contemplated the unpredictable nature of life. Little did she know what awaited her.

During the two years she spent loving Viktor, he transformed her into a refined lady. Yet, Scarlett couldn’t help but feel that she hadn’t made a lasting impact on him. In their final moments together, he sent her off to a monastery, parting ways without leaving a trace of their relationship.

Leaving the villa momentarily, Scarlett stepped out into the South’s relatively mild weather. Unlike the snow-filled North, where every step was buried in snow, the snow here only accumulated to the point where footprints were still visible in the dirt. As she took a few steps, a dark figure resembling a human suddenly appeared in front of her, causing her to nearly shriek in surprise.

Quickly covering her mouth, the mysterious figure turned her around, revealing himself to be none other than Viktor. Supporting her with his arm, Viktor helped her regain her composure.

“It seems that my visit hasn’t even crossed your mind,” he remarked.

“I had no idea… Why did you come?” Scarlett questioned, still taken aback.

“Your plan was to find someone reliable among them and hire them to build the engine, right?” Viktor inquired.

“You’re right,” she confirmed.

“In that case, I should also interview them,” he declared.

“Interview? For what?” she asked, perplexed.

“There are so many spies that I need to identify,” he explained. “Bringing them here has made my job easier.”

Realising what he meant, Scarlett nodded in understanding.

“That’s true. Andrei was also a spy,” she admitted.

“You mean Hylum Pitt,” Viktor corrected her.

“He doesn’t like it when you call him that,” Scarlett explained. “He never cared for his own family. He believed that since his brother was going to inherit everything, there was no reason for him to protect it.”

The revelation of spies among them added a new layer of complexity to their situation.

Viktor turned his gaze towards Scarlett, his expression softening.

“Would you like to have some tea with me before you sleep? After coming all the way here, it’s the least I can offer,” he suggested.

“I think it might burden others if they see us together,” she replied, concerned.

“In that case, let’s have it here,” Viktor proposed, motioning for the maid he spotted through the windows of the villa.

“Bring us some tea,” he requested.

“Yes, Young Master,” the maid acknowledged, promptly returning with a tray. Scarlett and Viktor each took a cup of tea, creating a momentary pause in the conversation.

Sitting on the porch of the villa, sipping tea while still clad in their coats, felt oddly serene. Scarlett broke the silence, her words carrying a tinge of vulnerability.

“Earlier, I was thinking… I wouldn’t have done what you did,” she confessed.

Viktor’s expression remained stoic as he inquired, “What do you mean?”

“I would never have sent you off to a monastery,” she clarified, her voice filled with sorrow, resembling the night sky adorned with a crescent moon.