“Let’s leave right now,” Jade suggested to Lobelia.

Lobelia was relieved that she had someone to confide in, and Jade offered to take her back to the academy in the carriage. “Would you like me to accompany you?” Jade offered kindly, but Lobelia declined his offer. She believed she could handle Count Evelentia best if she was alone. She knew how to make Marlon let his guard down, and she feared that Jade’s interference would only make him more cautious.

“Instead, please let Sir Joachim accompany me. Count Evelentia may try to intimidate me,” she requested.

During her stroll in the Rose Palace, Lobelia came to the realization that Joachim had become more valuable to her than he was before. She appreciated that he would comply with her wishes as long as she stirred up his emotions a little, and she also appreciated that he didn’t inquire about anything during their ride back in the carriage.

“Joachim?” Jade asked, surprised. “I didn’t know you were fond of him.” Lobelia looked over at Jade, breaking her focus away from the window. As they neared the Academy building, she returned her attention to the passing scenery.

“No need to answer, I know Joachim may not be very talkative but he’s skilled,” Jade interjected before Lobelia could respond. He clapped his hands in agreement. “Joachim, I need you to protect Lobelia while she’s inside the Academy,” Jade instructed. Joachim looked surprised for a moment but quickly nodded his agreement, without questioning further.

“Understood, sir,” Joachim replied.

“Excellent. Once Her Majesty’s orders arrive, I’ll pick you up. Being appointed as Her Majesty’s deputy at the palace will give you a valid reason to leave the Academy,” Jade explained.

Before departing, Jade assigned another servant to Lobelia and instructed her to contact them if anything happened.

Joachim accompanied Lobelia to her dormitory room, which was clean and neat but devoid of any personal belongings. Upon realizing she had yet to unpack her luggage, Lobelia quickly opened her suitcase in the corner of the room.

“What are you doing, Miss Lobelia?” Joachim asked curiously.

“I need to decorate this room to make it look like I’ve been living here for a while. I don’t want to get caught for leaving the school as soon as I arrived,” Lobelia explained as she handed some clothes to Joachim.

“Can you help me with this, please?” she requested.

Joachim was taken aback by her request and blushed with surprise as Lobelia handed him her clothes. Despite her urging to make the clothes appear natural, Joheim hesitated before placing the items in the room. As Lobelia arranged various items to create a homey atmosphere, Joheim simply hung her coat on the chair.

Lobelia furrowed her brow as she surveyed the room, and then heard a knock at the door.

Lobelia heard a knock on the door and called out, “Who is it?” but received no response. The knocking persisted, and she had a sinking feeling as she approached the door, taking a deep breath before opening it.

As expected, she saw Marlon standing there. “Count? What brings you here…?” she asked, looking puzzled.

“Lobelia!” Marlon entered the room without answering her question, his sharp gaze scanning the room. He softened slightly at the sight of the clothes and books but remained on guard.

He was about to call out her name when he noticed Joachim standing beside Lobelia. “Aren’t you Jade Ferrado’s knight?” he asked, frowning.

“Yes, I am. My name is Joachim,” he replied.

Lobelia nodded submissively as Marlon looked at her with disdainful eyes, making her feel like a worm under his scrutiny. “I heard about your little midnight stroll with IJoachimlyan Regretina,” Marlon sneered. “Aina was so disappointed in your promiscuity. I let it slide since there were no further rumors, but now you bring another man with you. Tsk tsk…” he continued with a scolding tone.

Lobelia was stunned to learn that Aina had been spreading rumors about her personal life. Marlon was about to continue talking, but to Lobelia’s surprise, he suddenly lost interest in Joachim. She realized that Marlon had more important matters to attend to than her romantic affairs. “I have something to tell you,” he said abruptly.

Lobelia asked Joachim to leave the room for a moment, anticipating that Marlon’s news was not going to be pleasant.

“Sir Joachim, could you please wait outside the door? If there’s any loud noise, come in immediately,” she whispered to him, who was hesitant to leave her alone with Marlon.

As Joachim exited the room, Marlon and Lobelia were left alone.

“What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?”

Lobelia asked, trying to sound calm and composed.

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