The last rays of the setting sun disappeared into the depths of the horizon, and even the gentle breeze blowing by the riverside carried a bleak and chilling aura of late autumn.

A silver-haired girl with an elegant demeanor stood quietly, clad in a simple white dress. She was as striking as a snow lotus blooming atop a glacier—stunningly beautiful yet coldly aloof.

However, the moment she appeared, the atmosphere in the area shifted instantly. It was as if a new predator had wandered into the hunting grounds, and the other hunters immediately became alert, their eyes narrowing and their bodies tensing in preparation. Only the little rabbit continued to tremble in fear.

"Celicia… What… What are you doing here?"

Celicia seemed oblivious to Moen's question. Her icy gaze swept casually past him and landed instead on the two other girls standing beside him.

"Anna Kablin?"

"It's been quite a long time, President," she said.

Anna released her hands on Moen and smiled politely as she nodded in acknowledgment.

"It has indeed been a while. You seem to have changed quite a bit," Celicia remarked, looking her up and down.

"And you, President, are as beautiful as ever," Anna responded, her own gaze evaluating Celicia.

The girl before her had cascading hair like silver rivers, lashes like frosty crystals, and a face of unparalleled beauty. Her eyes were cold and detached, and though her simple white dress did not reflect her lofty status, it only further accentuated her natural elegance and otherworldly allure.

How breathtaking she is, Anna murmured inwardly.

When it came to beauty, Anna considered herself second to none. But Celicia's unique temperament—like that of a snow lotus untouched by the world—was something no one could match or replicate.

Anna understood that, to men, such an air of untouchable sophistication was the most irresistible form of allure.

Especially for someone as twisted as a certain individual…

"I remember... your name is Ann, isn’t it?"

Celicia then shifted her gaze to the next woman, speaking softly, "We’ve met before at the duke’s estate. You’re Moen’s personal maid."

"It is truly an honor to be remembered by Your Highness."

Ann released her hands too, pinched the hem of her maid's skirt, and offered a respectful bow. Despite the close bond she had demonstrated earlier with Moen, she was still representing the duke’s estate and had to assume the composed posture of a perfect maid in front of the princess.

"Hmm."

Celicia nodded lightly and said no more, as if merely acknowledging her in passing.

But then her gaze moved yet again—to Kinzer, and specifically to the shackles in his hand.

"Kinzer, what are you trying to do?" she asked.

"Th-That… Moen Campbell attacked me..."

"Even if he did attack you, unless he’s a heretical believer, this is just a minor public security issue. Since when did the Silence Agency stretch its hand so far as to get involved in such matters?" Celicia's icy eyes narrowed slightly, her voice cold.

"I… uh…"

Kinzer froze in place but soon became visibly excited.

"Yeah, that’s right! This is just a public security issue; it’s not even supposed to be my business! Haha, not my problem at all!"

"Moen Campbell, just you wait. I’m going straight to the city guards to report you! You won’t have anything pleasant coming your way, mark my words!"

With that, Kinzer turned and bolted, disappearing in mere moments.

Moen stared after him, dumbfounded, his mind reeling with countless questions he couldn’t voice.

A public security issue? I didn’t punch some random passerby—do you even grasp who you are as a Silencer, for heaven’s sake?!

And what’s the point of going to the city guards? Those useless drunkards wouldn’t come within ten miles of this place if their lives depended on it!

Any one of the people here could crush them a hundred times over like it was nothing!

Tears threatened to stream down Moen’s face in his despair. By now, even the other observing silencers had silently withdrawn, leaving behind a deserted street and just four remaining figures: one man and three women.

At some point unbeknownst to him, those three women had subtly shifted their positions, standing at the vertices of a triangle with Moen at its exact center.

What is this ultimate stable structure? Even Santiago would be screaming insider recognition at this moment!

But stay calm, Moen. You’ve got to stay calm.

This is not yet the moment for despair.

Think carefully—this triangle hasn’t solidified to the point of being utterly hopeless.

After all… no matter how you look at it, Celicia can’t possibly have any feelings of affection for me.

And given her personality, there’s no way she’ll get involved in childish rivalries or fight with other women over a man.

The connection between us is nothing more than that marriage contract—though admittedly, it will soon evolve into an official engagement. But Celicia would never let herself be bound by such a thing.

You’re just passing by, right, Celicia?

Moen turned to her with hope-filled eyes.

Celicia’s gaze swept over everyone once more before finally landing back on him. Then, her crimson lips parted, her voice soft yet clear, delivering a statement that struck like a thunderclap:

"Moen Campbell, you will come with me."

“...”

Heart. Stopped.

In that instant, Moen felt as though the air pressure around him dropped yet another notch. The two gazes that had previously shown traces of respect toward Celicia’s identity now turned completely frigid.

The equilateral triangle was now perfectly closed.

"W-What?" Moen stammered, his teeth chattering.

“W-Why?”

"Because…"

Celicia began, but her words faltered as she finally seemed to register the oddly tense atmosphere. Her gaze flitted back and forth between Ann and Anna, her delicate brows slightly arching.

Her lips curved into a faint, playful smile as she changed her tone.

"Do I need a reason to ask you to come with me?"

Dominance. Authority. Unquestionable.

Though the girl stood gracefully before him, Moen felt as if an icy and overbearing CEO had appeared in her place—a boss whose black-stockinged foot was metaphorically pressing against his face.

She’s so domineering… I think I love her…

Wait, no! This is not the time for that!

Why?!

Moen was brimming with confusion.

Why, Your Highness, are you getting yourself involved as well?

This little pond of mine can’t withstand the ripples caused by a great white shark like you! Two is already scary enough!

"Wait a moment, Your Highness," Ann finally spoke, stepping forward. She said, "Young Master is injured and needs to return to the duke’s estate to recuperate. He cannot leave with you."

"That’s right," Anna chimed in.

"Moreover, simply taking someone away without providing a clear reason seems rather unbecoming of you, don’t you think, President?"

"How strange." Celicia’s tone remained nonchalant.

"When it comes to recuperation, where could possibly offer better conditions than the royal palace?"

Ann’s face stiffened. On this point, she had no way to dispute Celicia’s logic.

"As for… unbecoming?" Celicia raised an eyebrow.

"That’s even stranger. If we were to measure this by legitimacy, wouldn’t I, compared to you two with your ambiguous relationships, be the most qualified to take him away?"

As she spoke, Celicia turned her head and cast Moen a subtle yet knowing smile, her crimson lips curling just slightly.

"Am I wrong? My soon-to-be fiancé… Moen Campbell?"