Chapter 36

Jayden’s POV

As soon as I stepped into the service court, the noise hit me first—low murmurs, scattered laughter, the restless shuffle of boots against stone. The knights were gathered in small clusters, far too relaxed for my liking.

“What a surprise to think the lady used to be one of the Ducaines’ escorts for almost a decade.”

“I couldn’t tell at all. She looked like a perfect noble lady.”

“Well, that’s a shame. But if the Queen is fine with it, it’s not our place to say anything.”

“Plus, she’s pretty and nice. I really like her.”

“Me too.”

I let them talk for one more second. Just enough. Then I cleared my throat—deliberate, sharp.

The murmuring died instantly. Every spine straightened the moment they saw Duke Christian and me standing there.

I walked forward, my gaze sweeping across them. “Watch your mouths,” I said evenly. “Regardless of her past, Lady Miu is a royal guest and has been officially appointed as Royal Commissioner.”

No one dared to meet my eyes.

“Refrain from such remarks,” I continued, my voice lowering, “unless you wish to have your tongue cut out.” I delivered the Queen’s words exactly as she had spoken them—without embellishment, without mercy.

“Y-yes, sir…”

As I passed, I caught a whisper barely contained. “Sir Jayden is as scary as the Duke.”

I suppressed a sigh. Rumors moved faster than any regiment I commanded.

They were disciplined men. Smart enough to know where loyalty lay. None of them would openly defy Her Majesty. Still… familiarity bred carelessness, and carelessness could grow into something uglier.

I will not allow that.

Whatever they think of Lady Miu—curiosity, admiration, suspicion—it ends at idle chatter. If their words ever turn into something that threatens the Queen…

I will make certain they regret it.

“J-Jayden…”

Duke Christian’s frail voice cut through my thoughts. I turned immediately, only to find dread written plainly across his face. My brow furrowed, and I followed his gaze.

And then I understood.

“Good day, everyone!”

Her voice rang across the service court—bright, effortless, disarming. Lady Miu walked toward the gathered knights with an easy smile, as though she belonged there. As though she had always belonged there.

“The weather’s nice today. Did you all have a proper breakfast before we begin?” she asked warmly.

My chest tightened.

Prince Matthew…?

Yesterday, I told myself it was merely a resemblance. Even in a dress, there had been moments—angles, expressions—that unsettled me. But now, in that uniform…

It was no longer resemblance.

The straight posture. The way her shoulders squared when addressing everyone. The natural authority in her voice despite its gentleness.

They were practically identical.

No…

It would be absurd to claim they are the same person. I know that. I know it.

If only you weren’t a woman…

Because if you truly were Prince Matthew, then I would—

“Now then, I’m told Her Majesty has already assigned most of your duties,” Miu continued, offering a soft smile to everyone.

Before my thoughts could spiral further, Lieutenant Earn stepped forward and bowed. “Excuse me, Lady Miu. I have been tasked by the Queen to guard you throughout your work in Tungsten. I was strictly instructed to remain by your side at all times.”

Miu blinked. “W-what? But that’s not necessary—”

“I was informed you would object,” Earn replied evenly, her expression as blank as ever. “However, Her Majesty asked me to remind you that there are still individuals pursuing you. Your safety remains a priority.”

Miu hesitated. I could see the reluctance in her eyes.

I stepped forward before she could refuse again. “Lieutenant Earn may be young,” I said calmly, “but she is a capable knight. Please bear with her—for the Queen’s sake.”

My gaze met Miu’s for a brief moment. Too brief. Too familiar.

She paused, then exhaled softly. “Very well…”

Soon enough, the knights and palace staff began to disperse, breaking formation as they headed toward their respective duties. The area that had been buzzing moments ago thinned into scattered footsteps and fading voices.

Lady Miu walked ahead with Lieutenant Earn at her side, her figure gradually growing distant. I waited until she was far enough—far enough that even the sharpest ears would not overhear.

“Earn.”

She stopped immediately and turned. “Sir Jayden.”

I stepped closer, lowering my voice so only she could hear. “I have a personal favor to ask of you.”

Her posture remained straight, attentive.

“Do not take your eyes off the lady,” I continued quietly. “Watch her every move.”

For a fleeting second, something shifted in her expression. It was subtle—so subtle most would have missed it—but I did not. A faint widening of the eyes. A crack in that perfectly composed mask.

“Report any suspicious behavior to me and Duke Christian immediately,” I added. My tone hardened. “We cannot trust her… not yet.”

I glanced around the courtyard, scanning for lingering eyes or wandering ears. Satisfied we were alone, I spoke one final instruction.

“And do not mention this to Her Majesty for now. Simply observe. Until you are certain Lady Miu poses no threat to the Queen.”

Silence hung between us.

Earn straightened even further, her voice steady once more. “Understood, Sir Jayden.”

I gave a slight nod and watched as she turned to follow Miu.

Lady Miu.

Whether you are merely an unfortunate resemblance… or something far more dangerous…

I will uncover the truth myself.

—

Earn’s POV

“Hmm… which would be better?”

Lady Miu murmured to herself as she examined the trays of seeds laid out before her, slender fingers hovering thoughtfully over each labeled pouch. She handled them with surprising care, as though they were fragile treasures rather than simple grain.

From where I stood, she looked like any other noblewoman—composed, refined, soft-spoken.

Well… perhaps not entirely noble. After nearly a decade with the Ducaines, that title sat strangely on her. Even so, I understood why Sir Jayden would consider her a potential threat.

What I do not understand… is what exactly he fears.

Or perhaps it is not fear.

When he looked at her earlier, there was something else in his eyes. Something tense. Almost… expectant. As though he were waiting for her to become someone else.

“Earn?”

I blinked and straightened immediately, realizing I had let my thoughts wander. “My apologies, my lady. I was momentarily distracted.” I bowed my head.

“That’s quite all right,” she replied lightly. “I was just saying we should head to the city now.”

She lifted a bag of seeds with a small, satisfied smile. “I chose varieties that resist pests and grow quickly. Winter may come early—or another storm. They won’t have much time.”

“Understood, my lady.” I stepped ahead to open the door for her.

As she passed, she released a quiet sigh. “I hope everyone will like them.”

The words lingered.

I suppose she would understand hunger. Sir Alric’s account of her past was not flattering, but it was… illuminating. A woman who has endured hardship would know what starving people need.

And yet—

Compassion can become weakness.

My father once questioned a noble who favored one town over the others. He called it injustice. The Duke called it insolence.

Father was punished publicly.

We fell into debt. My mother was taken to settle what we could not pay. My brothers and sister grew thin, then sick. Eventually, they did not survive the winter.

Mercy without discipline breeds favoritism. Favoritism breeds suffering.

Would Lady Miu understand that?

A runaway noblewoman. A former escort to a syndicate. Does she know how to balance kindness with order?

I watched her slight frame as she walked ahead of me, clutching that bag of seeds with such earnest hope.

If she allows compassion to cloud her judgment… if she forgets that justice must stand above sentiment…

Then the line will be drawn.

And when that boundary collapses, the weapons of my fellow knights will not hesitate to rise.

If that day comes, Lady Miu…

I will not hesitate either.