“Maybe… he actually has a thing for you?”

Meanwhile, Evelia once again stepped into the clothing store.

She’d never been talkative, and her icy demeanor made genuine connections rare. Even though the manor maids were all kind-hearted, the only person she could truly chat with was the shop owner. After all, this young woman had strategized every step of the way—playing a key role in Arman and Evelia’s budding relationship.

“Really? I feel like he’s been resisting me the whole time.”

Evelia recalled how Arman had squirmed in her arms. Sure, he’d later obediently let her lick his ears all over… but it never felt entirely voluntary. In the end, he’d even run off.

“Is that so?” Anna fell into a thoughtful silence for a moment. “Maybe… he was just shy?”

“Shy?” Evelia tilted her head, puzzled. “He doesn’t strike me as the shy type.”

Honestly, “shy” wasn’t even in Evelia’s emotional dictionary. She simply couldn’t perceive that expression on Arman.

“Then… could he really, *really*, *really* be gay?”

Anna revisited the theory. With a girl as captivating as Evelia, how could any straight man possibly resist?

“What does he usually like?”

“Hmm…” Evelia racked her brain but drew a blank. Arman’s life was meticulously scheduled—time neatly divided, tasks precisely assigned. Nothing stood out as a passion.

She’d heard he enjoyed watered-down beer and simple bar snacks from the commoners’ district, but he never seemed particularly eager. Bought them if convenient; didn’t crave them otherwise.

“If I *had* to pick… flowers?”

She remembered Arman often sitting in the garden admiring blooms. And those blue roses she’d picked—apparently his favorite. She’d never dared present them to him. She’d followed gardening books to preserve them, but they’d withered during this long campaign. Still, she kept the dried bouquet in her room.

“Whoa…”

Anna knew flower-loving men existed—but under the *possibility* that Evelia’s target might be gay, this felt like… tiny evidence.

“Miss Evelia, that gentleman of yours… I’m afraid…”

“He’s not *mine*.”

Evelia’s stubborn correction spoke volumes.

“Never mind that—*gosh*, Miss Evelia… you won’t end up a *tongqi*, will you?”

“*Tongqi*?”

“The wife of a gay man… It’s a tragic path.”

“I don’t care,” Evelia said flatly. “As long as I win him.”

“Ohhh, Miss Evelia…” Anna’s eyes welled up. *What devotion!* For love, such a radiant woman would willingly walk that path? Evelia’s resolve suddenly towered in Anna’s heart.

“Sob… You’re so noble! Please, if you need anything—I’ll help you!” Anna wept openly, dabbing tears with a tiny white handkerchief while patting Evelia’s shoulder.

“Ah… thank you,” Evelia murmured, baffled but polite.

“That gentleman of yours—”

“He’s not *mine*.”

“Then… Miss Evelia, may I see your knight?”

“See him?”

“Mm. Gay or straight—auras differ. After years in fashion, I spot it instantly. If you bring him here, I’ll devise better strategies.”

Truth was, Anna’s plans *were* sound. Evelia’s emotional misunderstandings made them seem failed—and Anna quietly blamed herself.

“But…” Evelia hesitated. *Could* she even invite him? Bringing the Knights Order captain here felt… inappropriate. She’d hidden Arman’s identity for a reason. One misstep, and trouble would follow. As Nightingale House taught: *No one cleans your mess.*

“Troubled?” Anna’s sharp eyes softened. “Is he… a public figure?”

“Mm.” Evelia nodded.

“No worries!” Anna clasped her hands tightly. “My lips are sealed, Miss Evelia! Crown Prince or commoner—I’d never speak your name. Celebrities have rumors *everywhere*. That day, the shop opens *only* for you. Your secret dies with me!”

Evelia studied Anna’s earnest face, silent.

*If Anna has a method… bringing Arman isn’t impossible.*

And if chaos came? She’d handle it. A few lives to tidy things up? Child’s play.

“Mm. Alright.”

Watching Anna’s joyful tears, Evelia gave a small nod.

“When I can, I’ll bring him.”

Anna hugged her, heart swelling with trust.

Meanwhile, Arman stood alone at the town’s busiest market.

“Um… boss? Do you have ketchup?”

Had Anna seen this? She’d have declared without doubt: *Straight. As. They. Come.*