Humiliation, Nolan Falls to the Ground

Serena Feng's sharp retort made Princess Vivian's face flash with embarrassment. She forced herself to defend: "It's not that I won't help—it's just that Prince Nolan refuses to accept my goodwill."

If only Prince Nolan were willing to accept her kindness, he wouldn't have had to stay in Southlyn for so long—she could have persuaded the Academy Chancellor ages ago.

"Is that so?" The mockery in Serena Feng's eyes deepened. "So the Princess will only help if Prince Nolan shows gratitude? I thought you were devoted to him, willing to do anything without expecting anything in return."

"I really don't expect anything in return." Princess Vivian raised her voice as she said this, but her confidence was clearly lacking.

"The Princess is truly noble and selfless." Serena Feng's lips curled in a perfunctory smile, clearly just going through the motions.

If Princess Vivian were truly as selfless as she claimed, she would have persuaded the Academy Chancellor long ago instead of letting Prince Nolan idle here.

Princess Vivian's real aim was to wait until Prince Nolan had no other options, then step in to help—so he would be moved by her gesture.

Claiming not to expect anything is just self-deception. Back then, when she helped Prince Nolan, it truly wasn't to make him grateful or fall in love with her.

At that time, all she wanted was to help Prince Nolan, to do as much as she could for him—even if he didn't appreciate it, it didn't matter. She was never doing it for his gratitude.

Princess Vivian seemed about to say something more, but Prince Nolan had already returned with several lotus pods. Vivian immediately fell silent, gazing at Nolan with deep affection—like a young wife waiting for her husband to come home.

But Prince Nolan didn't even acknowledge her. Wearing a grim expression, he shoved all the lotus seeds into Serena Feng's hands. "Eat."

Making him pick lotus seeds—honestly, it was pretty humiliating.

"Thank you." Serena Feng beamed, completely ignoring Princess Vivian.

She could be so bold and self-assured in front of Princess Vivian because she knew she had Prince Nolan's heart. As long as she didn't cross his bottom line, she could play however she liked.

Princess Vivian's smile nearly faltered. She was jealous—deeply jealous of Serena Feng. But with Prince Nolan present, she would never show her aggressive side.

Seeing Serena Feng act as if nothing had happened, Princess Vivian let the earlier conversation drop and smiled: "These lotus seeds look so tender. I should try some too."

As she spoke, she reached for the seeds in Serena's hand—only for Prince Nolan to move Serena aside first: "If the Princess wants lotus seeds, let the servants pick some for her." He hadn't picked them for any princess.

Princess Vivian's hand froze in midair, her face awkward. But since it was Prince Nolan who said this, no matter how angry she was, she couldn't show it.

Princess Vivian quietly took a breath, then withdrew her hand with practiced poise. She said with a look of envy, "Serena, Prince Nolan treats you so well—it's enough to make anyone jealous."

This woman was truly shameless—able to smile even in such an awkward situation. Serena Feng gave Princess Vivian a meaningful glance, then turned away and tugged on Prince Nolan's sleeve: "Let's sit in the pavilion. I want to peel lotus seeds."

Nolan showed no trace of guestly politeness, leaving Princess Vivian behind.

Serena Feng silently mourned for Princess Vivian in her heart.

Serena was now certain: in Nolan's eyes, Princess Vivian was cannon fodder—and not even important cannon fodder.

Serena, in excellent spirits, sat in the pavilion focused on peeling lotus seeds, quickly gathering a small handful. When Princess Vivian had composed herself and walked over, she saw Nolan and Serena—one sitting expressionless, the other absorbed in peeling seeds. The two had no interaction, not even exchanging glances for most of the afternoon.

Seeing this, Princess Vivian felt a bit better: Nolan didn't seem to care about Serena as much as Serena claimed. Otherwise, he wouldn't be sitting alone, not helping Serena peel lotus seeds.

Vivian's fighting spirit rekindled; she calmly sat beside Serena. When Serena had finished peeling all the seeds, Vivian kindly had a servant bring a small cloth bag: "There are so many lotus seeds, Serena, you won't finish them all at once. Pack them up and eat them slowly—don't waste Prince Nolan's kindness."

"Thank you." Serena didn't refuse Vivian's kindness, since she never intended to eat the seeds right away.

Serena patiently packed the seeds one by one, nearly breaking Vivian's forced smile.

What exactly was Serena doing?

Finally, when Serena finished packing the seeds, Princess Vivian let out a big sigh of relief. With a glance, she signaled her maid to help Serena wash her hands. Once Serena was ready, Vivian smiled brightly and said, "Serena, I heard from my royal brother that when you dueled Wendy on the guqin, you played heavenly music on a stringless zither. I wonder if we could hear your famous piece today?"

"I don't want to play." Serena refused without a second thought.

She had refused Master Marcus Wynn before; now she could refuse Princess Vivian just as easily.

Princess Vivian seemed prepared for this and continued: "Serena, of the four gentlemanly arts—music, chess, calligraphy, painting—music is the foremost. The Palace Master says a person's character can be heard in their music. If you can move the Palace Master with your guqin skill, he'll surely see you as a kindred spirit."

Her words hinted that if Serena wanted to help Nolan persuade the Palace Master, she should try using her music—and Vivian would be the messenger. If they worked together, they could solve Nolan's diplomatic crisis perfectly.

"Princess Vivian is thoughtful." Serena smiled playfully and stood up...

Just as Princess Vivian thought Serena was about to play, Serena instead turned to Nolan: "It's getting late. We should go."

"Alright." Nolan stood up readily, gave Princess Vivian a brief, formulaic farewell, and left, not caring whether Vivian had recovered from her shock.

"What are they doing?" As soon as Nolan left, Vivian's face changed.

She wasn't stupid—of course she understood Nolan was using her.

Nolan never invited her to tour the gardens before, nor did he after. Only now, after Serena arrived in Southlyn, did he invite her—clearly using her as a pawn to provoke Serena.

As for how Serena got into the garden, that was obvious—it had to be thanks to her long-lost brother.

Princess Vivian trembled with anger but forced herself to stay composed, refusing to lose control.

Serena Feng, remember this—every humiliation you gave me today, I will repay double in the future.

In front of Princess Vivian, Serena showed off her affection with Nolan. But as soon as they left the royal villa, Serena's face turned cold, and on the carriage she closed her eyes, ignoring Nolan.

Nolan saw Serena's attitude and knew she'd figured something out, but he wasn't worried.

They rode in silence. Nolan didn't mind—while Serena rested with her eyes closed, he just watched her. After nearly two months apart, he couldn't get enough.

Unfortunately, the trip was short. Before Nolan had his fill, they'd reached their destination, and he had to look away.

Nolan got out first and helped Serena down, just as always. Their routine hadn't changed in two months—they were perfectly in sync.

Just as Serena landed, she turned to Nolan with a flirtatious smile. Nolan, delighted, was about to speak when suddenly he felt a sharp pain in his foot—then, in the next instant...

There was a loud "thud"—and then...

Prince Nolan fell to the ground!