Arthur nodded in agreement. "Compared to last time, I can see that you've been much more restrained this time."

Li Aili: "..."

Fifteen minutes later, the Archduke of Red Pomegranate formally received the Duke and Duchess of Cold Emerald in the reception hall of Neuschwanstein Castle.

Throughout the entire process, Brandon Red Pomegranate maintained a serious expression, but Ellie Lee found it hard to ignore the striking handprint on his face.

After exchanging pleasantries, both sides...

Despite the death stare of his own steward, Brandon plopped down next to the Duke of Cold Emerald.

"Hey, Wolf is still not coming this year. Sigh, it's so hard to get all three of us together for a drink."

"You said we should go find him, but hey~ Ice Castle has a ban on alcohol, is that even reasonable? Listen to that, a ban on alcohol, that's practically inhumane!"

Arthur listened quietly.

Li Aili noticed that Arthur Cold Jade seemed to speak even less when facing the Duke of Red Pomegranate.

"Your Highness, Duke Cold Jade has come from afar and must be very tired!" the Swan Castle steward said through gritted teeth.

Red Pomegranate slapped her thigh. "It was my oversight! Okay, Mark, you take your wife to the prepared guest room to rest, and Arthur and I will go to the lake for a drink."

Li Aili: "..."

Interior Minister Mark: "..."

She had assumed that, given Arthur's personality, he wouldn't agree, but to her surprise...

Arthur Cold Jade stood up and said calmly, "Let's go."

...

No matter how convenient the magic carriage was, the journey of several days still left Li Aili feeling exhausted.

She followed the first lady-in-waiting of Neuschwanstein Castle to the guest room located on the second floor of the north side of the castle.

The maid prepared a petal bath for Li Aili, and after Li Aili indicated that she did not need any service, the maid respectfully left.

Li Aili took a comfortable hot bath.

During her travels, she always felt very cramped when using the bathroom because of the Duke who lived just a door away.

etc!

She suddenly raised her hand, splashing a series of water droplets.

The situation doesn't seem to have changed!

Habits are truly terrifying.

She leaned back in the bathtub, "No matter what, with the magical contract in place... there shouldn't be any unexpected problems with me getting a divorce and taking the territory a year from now."

The steaming water was covered with rose petals, and the bathwater contained rose dew made by fairies, filling it with fragrance.

After a comfortable shower, Li Aili wrapped herself in a towel and went to the window of her room.

Neuschwanstein Castle is surrounded by lakes on three sides, and you can enjoy the stunning scenery of Swan Lake just by opening the window.

Li Aili leaned on the windowsill, "Huh?"

Arthur and Brandon were sitting side by side on a bench near the lake shore.

They were holding wine glasses, seemingly talking about something.

Both of them were facing away from her.

Li Ai Li only glanced at them, but Brandon noticed and turned around sharply.

Those cold, gray eyes met Li Aili's gaze directly.

Upon seeing her, Brandon immediately flashed a bright, wide smile and even seemed to whistle, causing Jade Cold to turn around and look as well.

Li Aili then realized that she was only wearing a bath towel.

But Arthur Cold Jade reacted much faster than her.

He kicked his "fair-weather friend" Brandon straight into Swan Lake.

He then turned around and sternly gestured to Li Aili as if to "pull the curtains."

Li Aili hurriedly pulled the curtains shut, and through that sliver of a crack in the window, she saw the Duke of Pomegranate climb ashore and then begin to wring the water out of his clothes with a blank expression.