Warm and fragrant. As Irene laid back in her bathtub, the subtle scent of water lilies and lavender relaxed her nerves. Isabella gently leaned her arms against the edge of the free-standing tub, her fingers twirling around strands of wet, white hair as silky as satin.

It's so pale and shiny... Isabella thought, gazing at the threads of hair wistfully. Just like Rayvis's, but a little paler.

Those golden eyes were distracted, gaze lowered to the rippling water at her knees as soap bubbles glistened like gemstones. Noticing her perturbation, Isabella peered into her face.

"Are you alright, Rene?" Noticing her troubled expression, the brunette looked at her quizzically.

Irene blinked, realising she'd been lost in her thoughts for a moment. "Ah- I'm fine. I was just thinking about something."

Things really were taking an unpredictable turn, recently. Not only was her mother's life in danger, but Daniel was coming to train under the Cherliann duchy?

Did this mean he would be living here too? The palace was quite a distance from their estate, and travelling there every day would likely become inconvenient. Not to mention, Irene had wished to avoid interacting with him as much as she could. After all, he was the male lead of her story.

It wasn't that she was afraid of him killing her. In fact, the princess was rather confident this wouldn't happen, with the way things had drastically changed.

What Irene feared, was falling in love with him. As embarrassing as that was to admit.

I need to make sure he and Isabella get together. She firmly told this to herself, brows knitting together with resolve. She's the best person to take on the role of empress!

"Isabella, did you and Dan- I mean, the First Prince end up talking at all today?" Irene's sudden question took her friend off-guard, as she stared at her with confused chocolate-coloured eyes.

"Well... Not much? Why do you ask?" She tilted her head, noticing the fervency in Irene's golden orbs.

The white-haired girl stared at her vacantly for a moment. "Then, don't you think he's handsome?"

"Eh?" Isabella was genuinely confused. Though Irene was the direct type, she never talked about boys like this before. For a moment, the brunette was bewildered. But when she saw the passion glimmering in those fiery eyes, the realisation dawned upon her.

Isabella stifled a gasp. Could it be that...

Erin is interested in him?!

Isabella's cheeks flushed a bright red, her eyes wide. This was a moment she had been waiting for, for a long time. To think that Irene - the Angel of Cherliann who was loved by all that met her - was interested in a young man. And the first prince, at that! At last, they could take a step forward in their friendship.

The step in which they would remain helping each other with the men they liked!

Isabella's eyes were practically a galaxy of stars when they sparkled at the mere thought. Observing this reaction, Erin could feel her heart race.

She started blushing and became all starry-eyed the moment I asked her that...

A smile tugged at her lips. A success. The female lead was interested in the male lead. That reaction of hers to Irene's question alone, was more than enough proof.

With a beaming smile, Irene gripped Isabella's hand at the edge of the bathtub, gently laying a soapy palm over her friend's. "Isabella. I have your back!"

The brown-haired maiden wanted to squeal with excitement. Despite having kept her feelings for a certain silver-haired marquess a secret for a number of years now, it wouldn't have surprised her at all if Irene figured it out. Unfortunately, she was a little bit obvious about it at times.

But what's important is Irene has found someone she likes! A sense of happiness lifted all of Isabella's spirits as she wondered what it was about Prince Daniel that she liked. He was handsome, of course. But not as much as Rayvis, in her opinion.

Either way, Isabella was sure to help her out. "I'll also support you in every way I can!"

After the two girls seemingly affirmed their friendship, Irene stepped out of her bath and was brought some fresh clothes from her maids. The pair then strolled towards the gardens outside the estate, to finally have the tea Isabella brought with her.

A small white table of delicacies had been prepared for the two as they chatted away. Neither brought up the conversation they shared in the bathroom, both deciding they could already tell what the other was thinking.

It was nice to be able to have her spirits lifted, given the current tense situation in the Cherliann Household. Irene couldn't help but worry about Sarah's situation, hoping to visit her in her chambers soon. But it seemed the duchess was currently resting and did not wish to be disturbed.

"I see... So Her Grace is unwell right now..." Isabella frowned, after Irene explained the situation to her. Though she didn't wish to disclose the information, Isabella was probably the only person the princess felt comfortable enough to talk about this with.

Lifting a hand up to her chin in deep thought, her soft brown eyes lowered in rumination. "I wonder if I can make something to help her symptoms, with my medicinal alchemy."

"If you could, it would be a great help." Irene sighed. Lashes downcast, she lifted the porcelain teacup to her lips.

Suddenly- a sharp pain shot through her wrist.

"Ouch!-"

With a flinch, she quickly set the cup down onto its saucer - saving it from falling. But the throbbing pain in her slim hand remained.

Isabella's eyes shot towards Irene with concern. "Are you alright?"

A strained smile crossed her face. "I'm fine. I think I pulled a muscle during training today..."

Stretching her arm out, she slowly rotated her wrist and allowed her muscles to relax. Irene could feel the knot in her palm untangle, and the cramping sensation slowly faded.

A sigh of relief resounded from her lips, but she was quick to scowl with irritation. "That damned Mikael - he just never pulls his punches. I'm a lady, you know! You should be gentler with me." She ranted, grumbling in aggravation. But upon glancing at Isabella's expression - her sheepish eyes seemed to be staring at something behind Irene.

"What's that about being a lady? All I see is an idiot."

The familiar voice froze her in place.

Turning slowly around in a petrified state, Irene's wide eyes were veiled with dread when a pair of cold, clearly irritated blue orbs glared daggers down at her from directly behind her seat. Mikael's soft blonde locks shadowed his head and those slender arms were crossed.

Please tell me he didn't hear that-

Oh, who am I kidding. He definitely heard it.

"W-Why are you here?" She quickly questioned, still surprised by the prince's sudden appearance. He eyed her clinically - like a hawk for a long moment.

Before he could respond, Isabella broke the ice. "Prince Mikael! Come join us!" Her amicable invitation as she pointed to a free chair, only drained the colour from Irene's face.

No! This was supposed to be our date!

Observing her dismay towards the idea, Mikael sighed. "I'm afraid my company isn't wanted here, so I'll excuse myself."

Yes! Go away! Irene wanted to shout this triumphantly. Evidently, she was still bitter about losing to him multiple times today. But before Mikael could turn to leave, Isabella pulled something out from the basket of treats.

"Come, now! Look, there's cream cakes here with strawberries on top." Her bribe seemed to capture the blonde's attention, because as soon as she said the word 'cake', he turned around. A glimmer of anticipation in his eyes.

"Then... I guess I can stay for a bit."

Mikael was weak to cakes with cream and strawberries. The moment she displayed it, he'd found himself taking a seat. Irene stared at Isabella, amazed. She was smiling victoriously at the awkward blonde, as his slender fingers gingerly took the strawberry off the top of his cake, and raised it to his lips.

"It's sweet, isn't it?" She chuckled softly as the boy took a bite from the fruit. He nodded, too focused on his strawberry to respond.

It hadn't caught Irene's attention until now, but seeing the pair interact made her realise they too were good friends. Mikael wasn't the type to be comfortable easily around others - especially women. Perhaps because they'd known each other through Irene for the past four years, the second prince had grown closer to the original female lead than she thought.

This weighed on her mind a little bit. As he finished his cake, Mikael began to reply to Isabella, but their conversation was frowned out by Irene's thoughts.

Mikael was very much in love with Isabella in my original story...

Meaning, it's entirely possible for him to gain feelings for her even now.

As her eyes drifted towards the blonde, he was smiling. A stunningly gorgeous expression overlapping that usual, cold indifference. Strands of his soft blonde hair falling to the side as he leaned against his elbows. His eyes were closely fixed to Isabella, listening attentively as she talked to him.

This was how he usually looked when immersed in conversation with her. But with most other people, Mikael was curt, impatient and sometimes frightening. At times, he would even ignore Irene completely.

Irene's eyes widened as the realisation washed over her. Could this mean that...

He does like Isabella??

"Oi, what are you thinking so deeply about?"

Mikael's voice snapped the princess out of her thoughts, causing her to blink at him with confusion for a moment. Both Isabella and Mikael gazed at her vacantly, after noticing Irene had fallen quiet for some time.

Smiling sheepishly, Irene raised her hands and shook her head. "Ah— it's nothing."

The prince's lips pressed into a straight line as his eyes bore into her for a moment. It clearly wasn't nothing, considering the flicker of sorrow that drifted across her pale face. Mikael surveyed her for a moment, realising it was probably the situation with her parents weighing on her mind.

Maybe I shouldn't have gone so hard on her... He began to think.

Isabella seemed to notice the mood fell a little, glancing back and forth between the two. It was then she tried to lighten the atmosphere. With a radiant smile, the brunette clapped her hands together. "I just had an idea!" She exclaimed.

Both of them turned to face her quizzically.

Isabella then raised her hands to her face. "Did you hear, the annual summer festival is around the corner! How about the three of us go out to town on that day?"

Irene's eyes widened. That's right! The summer festival!

I've been before back when I was young, with Rayvis and Sir River...

Mikael sounded displeased already. "Festival? Where hundreds, if not thousands of noisy people will gather?" He laid back in his seat, sighing softly. "I'll pass."

Isabella's smile faded, her excitement dimming. "Oh... Well if you don't wish to go, we won't force you."

Isabella's honey-golden eyes glimmered with disappointment, like that of a sad puppy. Shoulders slumped as she sank into her seat, Irene shot Mikael a glare.

The troubled prince heaved another sigh. "...Fine. I'll go."

"Really?!" Isabella beamed, suddenly recovering as a grin split across her vivacious face. "Yay! We can also invite Prince Daniel! And Rayvis!"

Irene flinched, realising this was the perfect opportunity for both Daniel and Isabella to get closer. She probably included Rayvis because he would complain about it later if he wasn't invited - but that also meant Irene could enjoy herself without third wheeling.

The problem was Mikael. If she was right, and he truly did like Isabella, then it would probably hurt his feelings seeing her with the first prince... right?

All of a sudden, a feeling of dread settled in her stomach. Wait... Mikael got incredibly jealous whenever he saw Daniel and Isabella together in the original...

What if he goes down that obsessed route again?!

Her eyes lingered on the prince for a moment. Considering his personality, Mikael had definitely strayed from the crazed, psychotic villain he was supposed to be — thanks to Irene's efforts over the years guiding him away from that path. However, if there was even a slim chance of him becoming a murderous obstacle, Irene knew she needed to keep an eye on him.

It wouldn't hurt to be cautious. Though Mikael was someone she cared deeply for and trusted, she wasn't sure just how far ill feelings could ruin him. Emotions were unpredictable, after all.

Especially when it came to romantic ones.

As she contemplated this, she hadn't realised Mikael and Isabella were still talking.

"It's been so long since I've worn plain clothes! I'm somehow excited!" Isabella beamed.

Mikael blinked down at his current outfit - his usual training clothes. Consisting of a loose, airy white blouse-shirt with plain pants and long boots. Though they were plain and comfortable, the vague intricate designs still indicated it was all tailor-made.

"I'll just go like this." He said, but Isabella only shook her head.

"You'll stand out like a sore thumb! We have to go plainer." She instructed, as Irene stifled a sigh. Even if Mikael went wearing the plainest clothes in all of Laydel - he would still stand out like a sore thumb simply because of his face.

Not only because he was handsome and carried an air of innate grace about him - but because he was the spitting image of Laydel's beloved late emperor.

Still, I think we should be fine. I'll keep him close. Irene thought, firming her resolve. As she glanced at Isabella, the smiling brunette stood up. "Leave it to me! I'll prepare everything!"

She was practically bubbling with excitement, and it was cute to watch. Even Mikael smiled at the sight of her. As Isabella slid out of her seat and tucked the chair into the table, her shining chocolate pools for eyes flitting between the two.

"I'll take my leave now! There's only three days, so we have no time to lose," She beamed, raising a hand up in a loose wave. "I'll leave it to you both, to let Prince Daniel and Rayvis know!"

And before they could say anything, she'd already whizzed away. Both Mikael and Irene sat in silence for a moment, their eyes lingering in the direction Isabella had disappeared. When the white-haired female turned her head, she noticed the small smile on his face remained.

"A festival, huh..." Sighing softly to himself, Mikael's smile faded.

Irene observed him silently for a brief moment, wondering what was going through his mind. She couldn't help but wonder if he really did take interest in Isabella, or if he was just being nice to his friend. The thought in itself bothered her enough for her to decide to ask.

Screw it.

"Hey, Mikael."

He hummed in response, eyes meeting hers attentively.

Irene swallowed. "D-Do you..." She hesitated. "...W-What do you think about Isabella?"

I asked!

The question elicited a look of confusion. Mikael raised an eyebrow - but answered the question anyway. "Well, she's my friend."

Irene could feel her face burn a little. There was a placid anxiety in her golden orbs, and as Mikael observed her keenly - he noticed a vague reddening in her cheeks. Opening her mount to speak again, there was obvious reluctance in her demeanour.

"D-Do you think it's possible for you to like her romantically?"

Mikael dead-panned. "No."

She blinked, dumbfounded by his directness. For a moment she wondered if he was simply in denial of his own feelings, but when Irene looked into his eyes - she could see the truth behind them.

It filled her with a wave of relief. Thank goodness... He won't try to kill his brother out of love for Isabella, in this life.

"Why are you asking me weird questions anyway?" He seemed a little irritated, crossing his arms as he laid back in his seat. A passing wind swept his soft blonde waves of hair over his head as those piercing blue eyes bore into her.

"I just thought you might be interested in her, because you're never nice to people," Irene plainly stated, gently stirring her tea with a silver spoon. It had already turned lukewarm and she was merely fiddling with her utensils at this point. "But you're always good to Isabella."

Mikael sighed. "You know how she is. It's impossible to be cruel to her when she's only ever been nice to me."

So he finds it hard to be rude to genuinely soft people...

When she contemplated this, it made much sense. Mikael was always nice to Sarah, who always treated him with love and genuine kindness. The same went for Haren, whenever he came to visit Laydel during his holidays. Perhaps such people were a weakness to him.

"You're right, it was silly of me," Irene chuckled softly, realising she'd misunderstood something that had always been plain as day. "You don't seem like the romantic type anyway."

Her gaze was too focused on the porcelain teacup in front of her, to notice Mikael's attentive gaze. The prince was silent, but surveyed Irene keenly.

A small smile played at his lips. "Well you never know."

The hint of amusement in his voice instantly caught Irene's attention. When she glanced up at him, Mikael's blue eyes were alight with mischief. Leaning his head into a hand, he cocked his head and held her gaze.

Irene blinked. Her eyes widened slightly. "Then... Does that mean you're interested in someone?"

He closed his eyes. "It's a secret."