"Huh?" Lorin's sudden words left Lilith momentarily confused. "Why would you think my relationship with Miss Xueyi could turn like that?"

Their past hadn't been perfectly harmonious, but it wasn't outright hostile either. Xueyi had simply seen Lilith as a rival. Through countless sparring matches, Lilith had learned Xueyi wasn't truly malicious—and always accepted her challenges willingly.

When Xueyi was ostracized over the poisoning incident, Lilith had been among the few who believed in her innocence. Recently, with Lorin's help, their bond had even grown warmer. So Lilith genuinely couldn't fathom why Lorin would say such a thing.

"Well..." Lorin realized his bluntness and scratched his cheek awkwardly.

In his mind, as the original storyline's protagonist, Lilith merely avoiding hostility toward Xueyi could drastically alter Xueyi's tragic fate. Her death had always been tied to the protagonist.

He wasn't asking Lilith to avoid Xueyi entirely—just to show mercy at the critical moment. But how could he possibly explain that? Telling her "You're the story's main character" would surely make him seem unhinged.

Seeing his discomfort, Lilith covered her mouth and chuckled. "I don't quite understand what you mean, but don't worry—I won't let things with Miss Xueyi turn sour."

Relief washed over Lorin. With her promise, Xueyi should stay safe even while he was away from the Royal Capital.

Lilith set down her teacup and met Lorin's gaze. "But if one day Miss Xueyi surpasses me... would you still say the same?"

"Impossible!" Lorin waved his hands. "No matter how skilled she becomes, she could never overtake you."

*How could the protagonist ever be overshadowed by a side character?*

"I wonder," Lilith mused softly, "if you know Miss Xueyi too well... or simply lack faith in her."

*Good thing Xueyi isn't here,* Lilith thought. *Even coming from you, those words would anger her.*

A breeze swept through the courtyard, stirring the steam from their teacups. The silence stretched until Lilith spoke again.

"There's something I've been curious about."

"Hm? Ask away."

"When Miss Oulei proposed that partnership... why did you refuse? It seemed harmless enough." Her eyes searched his, as if trying to read his soul.

Lorin froze. He'd downplayed Oulei's offer to avoid misunderstandings, never expecting Lilith to dwell on it.

"Don't tease me," he laughed lightly. "With so many admirers, you'd never be controlled by someone like me. If anything, *I'd* be in danger if they all came after me."

His only edge was one daily Advanced Magic—but Lilith would master such power soon enough through sheer talent. As a powerless Second Prince, he'd been exiled from the capital on a whim. Many of Lilith's suitors would become influential figures here.

Frankly, Oulei had vastly overestimated his worth.

Lilith paused, then maintained her gentle smile. "Perhaps you're right."

"Just be careful," Lorin cautioned. "Especially with those close to you. Since I refused Oulei, she'll seek other allies."

"I will."

Noticing the late hour, Lorin stood. "Miss Lilith, I must take my leave—I have other matters to attend to."

"So soon? Won't you stay longer?"

"I have another stop to make. It'd be rude to arrive too late."

"Let me see you out." She rose.

"No need. I've already interrupted your afternoon tea." He waved and strode toward the garden gate.

Lilith watched until his figure vanished. Only then did she sink back into her seat. The floral tea had gone lukewarm, but she sipped it absently. Gazing at the cloudless sky, she sighed after a long moment. "The weather doesn't feel quite right today."

---

Back in the carriage, Lorin slumped against the seat. Simple conversation had drained him after a sleepless night.

"Next stop," he told the driver. "Gleiter Manor."

The carriage lurched forward. Inside, Lorin swallowed hard, nerves tightening his throat.

*Get a grip,* he scolded himself, slapping his cheeks lightly. *It's just her house. Nothing to panic about.*

He was visiting Xueyi's home for the first time—but last night's dream kept replaying in his mind.

*It was just a dream!*

At the manor, servants delivered unwelcome news: Xueyi wasn't home.

*Where could she be?* Lorin frowned. She was either at the academy or here. With no classes today...

"Second Prince," her father Naba called, gesturing to a servant with a teapot. "Please, have some tea. My good-for-nothing daughter owes you so much."

Relations had been strained between Xueyi and her family, and the academy had shunned her—until Lorin came along.

"I've done little," Lorin demurred. "She just needed a way to let off steam."

Naba's expression darkened. "Must you truly leave the Royal Capital? Can nothing be done?"

He understood the politics: Lorin, long overlooked, had revealed alarming talent just as Prince Romon prepared to inherit the throne. Suspicion was inevitable.

"It's fine," Lorin said. "But if anything happens to Xueyi after I'm gone... please write to me. I'll help if I can."

Naba was startled. Why would the Second Prince care so deeply for the Gleiters?

"My daughter," he murmured, "truly has a blessing in disguise."

Lorin simply needed eyes on Xueyi. Her family was his only lifeline to her fate while exiled.