"Do you know where he went?" In Lorin's mansion, Xueyi, who had just returned, sat in the living room and asked the maid beside her.

"Hmm..." The maid glanced at the others nearby. Everyone wore confused expressions and shook their heads.

"His Highness rarely leaves the mansion. We don't know where he is."

Xueyi bit her thumb. Earlier, Lorin had mentioned he had something to attend to, but he hadn't said what. After dropping her off at the mansion, he left in a carriage.

"No, no." Xueyi shook her head vigorously. "What does it matter to me where he went? Why should I even care?!"

In Xueyi's mind, her connection with Lorin was limited to spending one night as his guest. They barely spoke beyond that.

Meanwhile, Lorin's carriage headed straight to Lilith's estate. As it stopped at the gate, a guard approached the driver. "May I ask your business?"

"The Second Prince heard Miss Lilith was unwell and came to visit," the driver replied clearly.

"The Second Prince?" The guard paused briefly, then nodded immediately, allowing the carriage to enter.

"Hmm? They didn't seem surprised at all." Inside the carriage, Lorin felt the guard's reaction was unusually quick, with no verification.

"Because the First Prince and others have been visiting often these past two days," the Bookkeeper remarked rarely.

"I see."

Indeed, besides the First Prince and Liraya, many admirers sought Lilith. They wouldn't miss such a chance to show concern.

Led by a servant, Lorin entered the inner courtyard and arrived at a garden. In a small pavilion at its center, Lilith sat sipping flower tea, her face still slightly pale.

"You seem well enough not to worry too much," Lorin said, relaxing a little. Her condition clearly wasn't serious.

"Second Prince." Lilith looked surprised to see him in her garden.

"Many must have visited you these days. Would it be so bad if it were just me?" Lorin sat casually at a nearby seat.

"You always joke, Your Highness." Lilith gestured for tea to be poured for him. "But your visit truly surprised me."

"Still, what happened that day must have shocked you more than my visit."

At this, Lilith's expression turned grave. "So you came out of curiosity about that incident."

"Yes. I'll be direct—do you truly believe Xueyi used underhanded methods to win against you?"

Lilith shook her head. "I've faced Miss Xueyi many times. I don't think she's that kind of person."

They'd dueled nearly ten times, with Lilith always winning. Yet she never believed Xueyi would cheat for victory.

"Good. That makes this easier."

Seeing Lilith held no grudge, Lorin explained Xueyi's recent situation.

"You mean Miss Xueyi is being shunned because of that day?"

"Not entirely. That incident just gave people an excuse. Many never liked her much anyway," Lorin sighed.

"So I came to ask—what happened that day? Or did you notice anything strange during your duel?"

Lilith recalled the event, then shook her head. "I've thought about it, but everything was normal. Nothing unusual."

Sword practice was a routine academy class, often with Xueyi and Lorin. But yesterday's incident was unprecedented.

"That is strange," Lorin muttered. Something that big shouldn't have no signs.

He sipped the freshly poured flower tea. Its fragrant aroma briefly relaxed him. "This tea is excellent."

"A friend of my father sent it from the south," Lilith smiled. "You're the first visitor these past days to compliment it."

Southern flowers were famous for tea. Many had drunk it, but only Lorin had praised it.

"Their attention was all on you," he teased.

"Haha. Stop joking, Your Highness." Lilith took a small sip.

Suddenly remembering something, Lorin asked, "Do you often drink flower tea?"

"Sometimes." Lilith set down her cup. "My academy friends gather for tea and snacks, but Miss Xueyi never joins."

Girls formed small circles over shared hobbies like tea parties. Xueyi's absence made her seem aloof.

"She doesn't strike me as the type to enjoy that," Lorin said wryly, picturing Xueyi.

"Did you gather that day too?"

"Yes, but nothing was wrong." Lilith didn't understand his sudden focus. "I recall Miss Laei brought the snacks."

"Laei Mog of the Mog family," the Bookkeeper supplied instantly at the name.

"You all get along well," Lorin mused, stroking his chin.

"It's fine," Lilith smiled faintly. Even among noble girls, such friendships rarely lasted.

Finishing his tea, Lorin stood. "I'll take my leave now."

"Oh? You're leaving already?" Many had visited Lilith, but Lorin was the first to talk like this.

"Mm. I thought of something." He glanced at her. "Knowing you're well eases my mind. I shouldn't overstay."

"I wish you'd visit more often to chat," Lilith said.

"I dare not," Lorin joked. "With so many admirers, even a Second Prince might be shunned for talking to you too much."

Lilith smiled, knowing it was playful. Seeing he had business, she didn't press him. She gave him a small box of flower tea and ordered servants to see him out.