Episode 13

Daisy has endeavored not to leave her residence ever since she learned that the prince would be on the hunt for the individual responsible for the malicious gossip about Raven. Even with the empress's support, she made certain to pin the origin of the whispering on someone else; that way, the trail wouldn't lead back to her. Moreover, the empress was thoroughly convinced of the rumor's veracity.

In the interim, Vivian has divulged to Raven the tales circulating about her. The green-haired woman simply laughs it off. She hasn't even undergone the official betrothal ceremony to the prince, and already there are attempts to slander her. She realizes it could spell serious trouble and perhaps she should have rejected the proposal outright.

"Raven, this is no laughing matter—it's your reputation at stake."

"The prince will take care of it. The next time you hear that gossip, just tell them it sounds like the sort of thing a jealous person would invent out of envy for my good fortune."

"Oh! You're probably right, it's likely just a baseless rumor spawned by some envious girl."

"That's exactly what it is. You know the way these society ladies behave; that's why I never accompany you."

The world of noblewomen is not her realm. Yet, now that she's to wed the prince, she will undoubtedly have to attend such gatherings. She's beginning to regret her decision. After chatting briefly with Vivian, she decides to step out to buy some herbs. She always enjoys experimenting with new medicinal concoctions, and the local market is the prime place to find the freshest herbs. She always visits the stall of a woman who supplies her with the most vibrant plants. As she walks, she notices someone tailing her. Deliberately, she veers into a deserted alleyway. Swiftly, she hides and scales up the wall. The man following her, shrouded in a hood, couldn't be identified, but for the moment, evading his sight is enough. She traverses across rooftops, fortunate to know the layout of the area well enough to navigate to the herb shop.

Meanwhile, Aiden has been conversing with various noble ladies, but none could pinpoint the source of the rumor. If this continues, proving Daisy's involvement will be impossible; it's rather evident. As with everything in his future, she must be eager to win his affection and marry him. He can barely believe how foolish he had been in that time. As he's about to step into his carriage, he glimpses Raven moving from roof to roof. He smiles, instructs the coachman to leave without him, stating he has something else to attend to. He follows the woman through the streets. While he lacks her agility, he also notices the figure shadowing her. He’s uncertain who it might be, but surely it isn’t someone with good intentions. Raven descends into a deserted street, and that's when the man reveals himself, brandishing a sword to threaten her.

"Don’t resist, miss. I just want to mar that pretty face of yours."

"It seems whoever sent you didn’t do their homework."

Raven is about to cast a spell when Aiden leaps at the man and disarms him. He swiftly positions himself between Raven and the aggressor. Upon noticing the prince, the man tosses a pouch that releases a cloud of smoke and makes his escape.