chapter 2

As the guard bowed and departed, Lucy sighed dramatically.

“Ahh! It’s starting again.”

Ria tilted her head. “What is?”

Lucy pouted. “Every time you come, my parents end up calling you. They really like you so much.”

Ria chuckled. “Isn’t that because of our parents’ friendship?”

Lucy smiled and said suddenly, “That’s part of it, yes—but it’s also because of you.”

Ria blinked, then laughed. “Hmm… I knew it!”

They reached the grand double doors leading to the audience chamber where the King and Queen awaited. The guards opened them with a bow, and the two girls stepped inside.

“Oh, Ria! How are you? It’s been such a long time since we met,” greeted both the King and Queen warmly.

“I am well, Your Majesties,” Ria said with a graceful bow.

The King smiled thoughtfully. “Ria, would you like to take your classes together with Lucy and Melvin?”

Ria was momentarily taken aback. “It would be my honor, Your Majesty, but I must apologize beforehand… I cannot do that.”

The Queen’s brow lifted gently. “May I know the reason, dear?”

Ria replied respectfully, “I’m comfortable with where I am now, so… I’d rather continue as it is.”

The Queen nodded kindly. “That’s perfectly fine—it’s your choice, after all.”

After a few more pleasantries, Lucy and Ria bowed and took their leave.

Once they were gone, the Queen turned to the King with a knowing smile. “Were you playing cupid again?”

The King chuckled. “Perhaps. I was thinking…”

“I would love to have her as my daughter-in-law,” the Queen admitted.

The King laughed softly. “Aren’t they already close? Let’s see what the future holds.”

---

Outside the hall, as they walked down the corridor, Lucy suddenly stopped and turned to Ria.

“Ria… what do you think about my brother?”

Ria froze, startled by the sudden question. “Uh… what?”

“You heard me right,” Lucy pressed, grinning. “Answer me.”

Ria smiled nervously. “Ah… he’s a good person. We’ve known each other since childhood, so… I guess I like him? A bit?”

“What? Guess? A bit? I knew you liked him!” Lucy teased.

“If you knew, why ask me then?” Ria pouted, crossing her arms.

“Riaaa, don’t sulk! I was just confirming,” Lucy laughed. “Should I play cupid for you?”

“No way! Absolutely not!” Ria said, waving her hands frantically.

“Well, your wish. But Ria… you’ve heard the rumor, right?” Lucy asked.

“Rumor? How many are there now?” Ria asked, confused.

Lucy smirked. “It’s the one about you—people are saying you’ll be the Crown Princess.”

“What?! There’s talk about that? Why didn’t I know?” Ria asked in disbelief.

“Your parents must’ve kept it from you,” Lucy said casually. “But it doesn’t matter—it’ll probably become the truth anyway.”

Ria flushed red. “Are you doing this on purpose?” she exclaimed, chasing Lucy down the hallway as the princess burst into laughter.

A few days later, Ria’s cousin, Bella, arrived in the capital.

“Ria! How have you been? Are you well?” Bella asked brightly, stepping down from the carriage.

“Yes, cousin. I’m fine—as you can see. And you?” Ria replied politely.

After the formal greetings, only the two of them remained in the hall.

“You still haven’t changed, my dear cousin,” Bella said with a faint smirk.

Ria smiled thinly. “Same to you.”

Their words were polite, but their eyes carried a quiet challenge.

Later that day, Lucy invited Ria to the palace again. Ria’s parents insisted she bring Bella along, and though Ria didn’t like the idea, she agreed—it was her parents’ wish.

At the palace, Lucy greeted Bella warmly, but there was a flicker of unease in her eyes. Though it was their first meeting, Lucy sensed something… off about Ria’s cousin.

After a while, Bella began wandering through the corridors alone. That was when she saw a young man with golden hair and deep blue eyes walking past—Melvin.

Her heart skipped.

“Is that… the Crown Prince?” she whispered to herself. “He’s so beautiful… but why does he have to be friends with her?”

An unpleasant glint appeared in Bella’s eyes. The boy she had fallen for at first sight was the one rumored to be close with the cousin she despised.

In that instant, Bella made a silent vow—she would ruin the bond between Melvin and Ria.

Moments later, she approached him gracefully.

“Your Highness, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said with a perfect curtsy.

Melvin turned to her politely. “May I know who you are, my lady?”

“My name is Bella Raven. I’m Ria’s cousin,” she said with a charming smile.

“Oh! Ria’s cousin. It’s a pleasure to meet you too,” Melvin replied warmly.

Bella, eager to prolong the moment, said sweetly, “I’ve heard so much about Your Highness from my cousin.”

“Oh, really?” Melvin asked, amused. “What has she been saying about me?”

Their conversation went on for quite some time, much to Bella’s delight.

Eventually, Melvin smiled. “It was a pleasant chat, Lady Bella. I’m glad we met.”

Just then, Lucy and Ria—who had been searching for Bella—found her as the conversation ended.

“Brother! Why are you with her?” Lucy asked sharply.

Melvin looked surprised. “I just met her in the corridor and had a short conversation—she’s Ria’s cousin, after all.”

Lucy frowned. “Okay, but what were you two talking about?”

Melvin replied calmly, “Nothing much—just about Ria, since she’s our common topic.”

Ria, standing behind Lucy, felt uneasy. Seeing Bella with Melvin stirred something uncomfortable within her.

From that day onward, Bella and Melvin began meeting frequently, engaging in longer conversations each time.

Ria couldn’t shake her discomfort. Something about Bella’s behavior unsettled her deeply.

One afternoon, Bella asked Ria to meet her near the palace lake.

“Are you having fun these days?” Bella asked, her tone oddly playful.

“What?” Ria blinked, puzzled.

“Do you want to know what real fun is?” Bella whispered.

Ria’s brows furrowed in confusion.

Suddenly, Bella grabbed Ria’s hand—and threw herself into the lake.

For a moment, Ria stood frozen, her mind blank. She didn’t understand what was happening…

Not until she saw—

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