Chapter 8: : The Suspicious Tea Invitation

The afternoon sunlight filtered softly through the academy hall's large windows, casting golden glimmers across the pristine white marble floor.

I had just stepped out of the changing room after finishing my practical exam, intending to head straight back to my dormitory and collapse onto a plush mattress.

However, I stopped abruptly the moment I spotted a palace servant—impeccably uniformed—standing by the exit.

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

"Lady Alicia Valerian," the servant said in a calm, courteous voice. "His Highness Crown Prince Leonhardt requests your presence this afternoon at the East Garden Pavilion for tea."

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

Tea with the prince? In the original novel, a private tea session with the prince is the starting point for a major disaster—the moment Alicia usually begins plotting evil schemes against the heroine. Why am I being dragged into this dangerous plot? Please, I just want to retire and become a farmer!

Outwardly, however, I stood tall with my chin held high, projecting the haughty, cold expression typical of a duke's daughter. I glanced at the envelope nonchalantly, arching an eyebrow.

"Tell His Highness that my busy schedule does not permit such trivialities," I replied coolly, attempting to tactfully decline the invitation.

The servant smiled faintly, as if he had anticipated that very response. "His Highness has ordered that, should you refuse, he will come to fetch you from your room in the student dormitory himself."

What kind of threat was that?

A cold sweat broke out across my back. Knowing how difficult it had been to avoid the prince lately, arguing in public would only draw more attention from the other students still lingering in the hallways.

With a heavy heart, I finally let out a long, silent sigh.

"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 encircled by classic carved stone pillars and lush vines bearing bluish flowers.

In the center of the pavilion stood a round table draped in a white cloth, alongside an antique porcelain teapot that released fragrant wisps of wild-berry-scented black tea.

Leonhardt sat in a single chair, legs crossed casually, his gaze fixed on me as I entered the pavilion area.

"Sit down, Alicia," the prince said in a calm, low voice.

I settled into the seat opposite him—keeping as much distance as possible—and fixed him with an icy stare.

"Get straight to the point, Your Highness," I said without preamble. "Why have you summoned 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 curled slightly into a faint, enigmatic smile.

"Can't a fiancé invite his future wife for tea after such an extraordinary exam?" Leonhardt asked lightly. I gripped the hem of my robe tightly beneath the table.

*Fiancé?* Please, be realistic, Your Highness! This relationship is definitely going to end eventually! Don't make me sigh at that ridiculously handsome smile of yours!

"If that’s your only reason, my time is far too valuable," I replied curtly. "The practical exam just ended, and I need to rest."

Leonhardt set the teapot down on the table and then rested both hands on his knees. His sapphire-blue eyes fixed on mine, piercing straight through my cold defenses.

"You’ve changed a lot, Alicia," Leonhardt said quietly, his tone turning slightly serious. "You don’t chase after me anymore, you don’t treat others at the academy harshly, and your magic... it’s far more mature than the reports I received last year indicated."

My heart skipped a beat.

He’s noticed! Does he know I’m not the real Alicia? Will I be branded an imposter sorceress and burned at the stake in the town square?

Overwhelming panic seized me, but outwardly, I simply let out a soft, disdainful snort.

"People grow up and learn from their mistakes, Your Highness. Wouldn't it be strange for someone to remain childish forever?" I retorted sharply, masking my nervousness with feigned arrogance.

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

"Yes, you’re right," Leonhardt murmured softly, looking at me with a gaze that made my stomach turn. "And, to be honest, I much prefer the person you are now to..."