Chapter 8: The Suspicious Tea Invitation

l

Late afternoon sunlight filtered softly through the large glass windows of the academy's lounge, casting golden shimmers across the spotless white marble floor. 

I had just stepped out of the dressing room after the practical exam ended, intending to head straight back to the dormitory to collapse onto a soft mattress. 

However, my footsteps forced a sudden halt the moment I saw a neatly uniformed palace servant standing right by the exit door. 

The middle-aged male servant bowed respectfully upon seeing me, then handed over an envelope sealed with red wax bearing the royal crest. 

"Lady Alicia Valerian," the servant spoke in a calm, polite voice. "His Highness Crown Prince Leonhardt requests your presence at the east garden pavilion this afternoon to enjoy a cup of tea." 

Hearing those words, my inner self screamed hysterically at the top of its lungs. 

*Tea with the prince?! In the original novel, a two-person tea scene with the prince is the starting point of a major disaster where Alicia typically begins plotting wicked schemes against the heroine! Why do I have to get dragged into this dangerous plot?! Please, I just want to retire as a farmer!* 

Outwardly, however, I stood tall with my chin raised, projecting the haughty and cold expression typical of a Duke's daughter. I glanced at the envelope casually with one eyebrow lifted. 

"Tell His Highness that my busy schedule does not permit such trivialities," I replied flatly, trying to reject the offer smoothly. 

The servant smiled faintly, as if he had anticipated that exact response. "His Highness instructed that should you decline, he will come personally to pick you up at your dormitory room." 

*What kind of threat is that?!* 

Cold sweat beaded down behind my back. Remembering how hard it had been to avoid the prince lately, arguing in public would only draw even more attention from other students still lingering in the corridors. 

With a heavy heart, I finally let out a long sigh inside my head. 

"Fine. Lead the way," I said coldly. 

The east garden pavilion turned out to be far quieter than the rest of the academy. The area was surrounded by classic carved stone pillars and lush climbing vines bearing bluish flowers. 

In the center of the pavilion, a round table draped in white cloth had been set up, complete with an antique porcelain teapot puffing fragrant wisps of berry-scented black tea. 

Leonhardt sat in a single chair with his legs crossed casually, staring straight at me as I stepped into the pavilion area. 

"Please sit, Alicia," the prince spoke in a calm, low tone. 

I settled into the seat across from him, keeping as much distance as possible, then glared at him with an ice-cold stare. 

"Straight to the point, Your Highness," I stated without preamble. "What is your reason for summoning me here in the middle of such an exhausting day?" 

Leonhardt poured tea into my porcelain cup before filling his own. The corners of his lips lifted slightly into a mysterious, faint smile. 

"Can't a fiancé invite his prospective bride for tea after such an extraordinary exam?" Leonhardt asked lightly. 

I gripped the hem of my robe tightly beneath the table. 

*Fiancé? Please get a reality check, Your Highness! In the future, this relationship is definitely getting broken off! Don't make my heart pop with that ridiculously handsome smile!* 

"If that is your only reason, my time is far too valuable," I answered sharply. "The practical exam just ended, and I need rest." 

Leonhardt placed the teapot down on the table, then rested both hands on his knees. His sapphire-blue irises stared intently at me, piercing straight through my cold defenses. 

"You've truly changed, Alicia," Leonhardt said softly, his voice turning slightly serious. "You no longer chase after me, you no longer act harshly toward others at the academy, and your magic... is far more mature than the reports I received last year." 

My heart abruptly stopped beating for a second. 

*He noticed! Does he know I'm not the real Alicia? Will I be labeled a fraudulent sorceress and burned at the town square?!* 

Overwhelming panic struck my mind, but outwardly, I merely let out a soft, dismissive snort. 

"People grow and learn from their mistakes, Your Highness. Wouldn't it be strange if someone remained childish forever?" I countered sharply, masking my nervousness with fake arrogance. 

Leonhardt fell silent for a moment, then a rare, faint chuckle escaped his lips. 

"Yes, you're right," Leonhardt murmured softly, looking at me with a gaze that made my stomach churn violently. "And, I much prefer the you of now compared to before." 

I froze in my seat. 

*Huh? Prefer the you of now? Wait a minute... why is the plot veering off into this weird romance direction?! My peaceful retirement plan is total toast!*