Filia handed a neatly folded letter to Maximus, the second prince.
"Is this from that publishing house?" he asked.
"Yes," Filia replied, adjusting her glasses. "It looks like they sent a response. Please read it, Your Highness."
"Gladly," he said, unfolding the letter with interest.
Dear Anonymous Sender,
I appreciate your thoughtfulness in offering financial support. However, we do not accept funds from anyone. Our publishing house is doing well on its own.
If you were concerned we might be struggling, then I assure you, you have the wrong idea.
Thank you for your concern—but I must sincerely decline your offer.
—Editor Daliah
Maximus blinked at the letter, then slowly folded it back with a thoughtful hum.
"She rejected it just like that," he murmured, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"She's quite straightforward," Filia added quietly. "What will you do now, Your Highness?"
Maximus tapped his fingers on the desk. "This is interesting. Maybe I should write another letter."
"Another?" Filia narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"Yes. I'll thank my favourite author Rena properly… and ask the editor when she plans to publish the fourth volume of 'The Prophetess'. It's my favorite, after all."
Filia let out a sigh and hit her forehead lightly with her hand. "You're impossible, Your Highness."
He chuckled under his breath, clearly amused. But before he could say more, Filia added, "By the way, I heard the crown prince has been unusually quiet lately. Isn't that strange? After all… he's tried to poison you, sent assassins, and even tried to sabotage your efforts to gain His Majesty's favor."
Maximus fell silent, his smile fading.
He didn't respond immediately. Instead, his eyes clouded over as a darker thought settled in.
Why? Why would my own brother, the one destined to inherit the throne, be so intent on killing me? Just what is he afraid of…?
"Perhaps he thinks I want the throne," Maximus said quietly.
Filia crossed her arms. "Well, of course. That's the only reason that makes sense right now."
Maximus sighed and leaned back in his chair. "By the way, where's Matthew? Is he skipping work again?"
Filia's eyes darkened. "I swear, if I find him, I'll kill him. He dares to dump all his work on me!"
Maximus smiled nervously. "Maybe he's just… busy."
Filia narrowed her eyes. "Don't you dare take his side, Your Highness." She spun on her heel and stormed out of the room, muttering curses under her breath.
Dyanne placed a stack of letters neatly on Serena's desk. Serena glanced up from the documents in her hand. "What are those?"
Dyanne circled her arm to ease the stiffness. "Invitations. Quite a lot of them."
Serena picked them up, flipping through one by one. "These many… People barely knew who I was until recently."
"They started noticing after you saved so many lives," Dyanne said with a smile. "They've come to recognize your influence over the Duchy."
Serena folded her hands together. "I don't think I really hold any power. Not many allies either."
Dyanne looked at Serena, a flicker of sadness passing through her eyes.
Serena went back to flipping through the invitations again. Her fingers paused as she picked up an envelope with a familiar seal.
"Oh?" she murmured, opening it. "An invitation to a horse race… from Viscount George Blake."
Horse races were typically arranged by the nobles for profit. People would bet on which horse would win and often lose large sums of money.
Serena rested her finger on her chin. "It wouldn't be bad to attend… I've never been to a horse race before."
Dyanne tilted her head. "Are you planning to go, Your Grace?"
Serena nodded slowly. "Yes. It's time I step outside the annex a little more."
Dyanne smiled faintly. "Then I shall prepare an outfit suitable for the occasion."
A simple yet elegant outfit had been prepared for the occasion, crafted by one of the designers from Serena's boutique. As Serena adjusted her hat and gracefully took her seat in the viewing area, Dyanne and Rika stood attentively at her side.
Moments later, Viscount Blake approached with a courteous bow. "It is an honor to meet the Dowager Duchess."
Serena offered a polite smile. "It's nice to meet you too, Viscount."
Placing a hand over his chest, the Viscount continued, "Since you've graced us with your presence, may I invite you to view the horses before the race begins? You might find it easier to decide which one to place your bet on."
Serena considered his offer for a moment, then stood up gracefully, her dress flowing gently around her. "Very well. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to see them up close."
Viscount Blake smiled and gestured ahead. "This way, please."
As they walked toward the stables, Dyanne leaned in slightly and whispered, "Are you really going to place a bet, Your Grace?"
Serena chuckled softly, "Just one, for fun. It's not every day I attend something like this."
Rika nodded in agreement. "Then let's make sure to choose the most impressive horse."
Soon, they reached the line of groomed horses, each glistening in the sunlight and held proudly by their handlers. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as noblemen and guests chatted eagerly about odds and favorites.
Serena paused in front of a tall black stallion with striking eyes and a calm stance.
"This one," she said, gently brushing her fingers against the horse's mane. "He seems… determined."
Viscount Blake grinned. "Ah, that's Nightfall. A strong contender today. A fine choice."
Serena gave a quiet nod. "Then I'll place my bet on Nightfall."