Chapter 277

277/279: All The Little Tricks

“Where are we going?” Riela asked as Beatrice pulled her along the palace corridor and out toward the courtyard.

“Well, I want to buy a few things at the market,” Beatrice replied with a wide grin. “And since it’s our free day, we might as well enjoy it.”

As they made their way outside, Beatrice suddenly spotted someone familiar ahead.

Her face immediately brightened.

“Uncle!”

Arturo turned at the sound of her voice and walked toward them halfway, a faint smile already forming on his face.

“Are you done attending the court meeting?” Beatrice asked cheerfully as she approached him. At the same time, her sharp eyes carefully observed the interaction between her uncle and

Riela.

She grinned inwardly.

Riela’s cheeks had turned slightly pink as she gave Arturo a timid smile, while Arturo greeted her with a respectful bow and a warm expression

‘Ah… these two really look good together,’ Beatrice thought to herself with satisfaction.

An idea quickly sparked in her mind.

“You should come with us to the market, Uncle!” she suddenly suggested brightly. “It’s been a while since you visited the capital city, right? Let me show you around together with Princess Riela.”

Without even waiting for his response, Beatrice grabbed his arm with her free hand while still holding Riela’s wrist.

“Come on!”

Laughing, she began dragging the two of them toward the waiting carriage, clearly determined to carry out her little matchmaking mission.

As soon as Riela stepped inside the carriage, Beatrice turned to her uncle with a mischievous smile.

“Uncle, why don’t you go ahead with Riela and make sure the two of you enjoy the tour,” she said casually, “I’ve decided I’ll ride a horse and follow behind.”

Arturo opened his mouth, clearly about to protest. But Beatrice was already backing away.

“Don’t worry about me!” she called quickly.

1/5

277/279 All The Little Tricks

+25 Bonus

Before he could say another word, she turned and hurried off toward the stables, almost running. If she stayed any longer, her uncle might insist on accompanying them-and that would completely ruin her plan.

Those two needed more time getting to know each other. Her uncle was not as direct like any men, so she was just helping her uncle out.

Also, it had been a while since she last rode a horse outside the palace grounds anyway, so the idea genuinely excited her.

She quickly changed into a proper riding outfit before heading out again. The weather was perfect.

It wasn’t snowing today, but the air carried that crisp winter chill she loved so much. Most people in the capital disliked the cold, wrapping themselves in thick cloaks and complaining about the biting wind.

But Beatrice had always enjoyed it. The cold made her feel alive.

Unbeknownst to Beatrice, Uriel had been watching everything from the balcony of his chamber.

He leaned lightly against the railing, a cup of tea in his hand as his eyes followed her movements below.

“Why is she riding a horse in winter?” he muttered irritably. “It may not be snowing, but the air is still freezing. Did she forget she’s an ordinary human now? The cold will seep into her bones.”

Down in the courtyard, Beatrice appeared completely unconcerned.

Dressed in her riding outfit, she mounted her horse with ease, a bright smile spreading across her face as if the crisp weather only made her more excited.

Behind Uriel, his young apprentice Juno leaned over the balcony rail, also watching the scene unfold.

“How about you go with her, Master?” Juno suggested eagerly. “It’s a perfect opportunity. I heard she’s heading to the market. You could simply say the infirmary needs more supplies.”

His eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

“Let me go make the arrangements right now!”

Uriel shot him a flat look.

The boy was far too invested in his personal life. Worse, Juno had somehow grown close to Beatrice and now constantly fed her bits of information about him. At this point, the boy was practically determined to play matchmaker.

“There’s no need, and-”

2/5

277/279: All The Little Tricks

+25 Bonus

Uriel suddenly stopped mid sentence.

His expression darkened.

Juno followed his gaze and leaned farther over the balcony.

“Oh… Lord Evan seems to have noticed her,” the boy said thoughtfully. “He’s here for the morning court meeting. I suppose he’s offering to accompany Lady Beatrice.”

Uriel’s jaw tightened.

Below, Evan was already approaching Beatrice, clearly ready to offer his company.

“What are you standing there for?” Uriel snapped sharply.

Juno blinked.

“Go prepare my horse.”

The boy scratched his head in confusion but quickly ran off to obey.

Uriel set his tea aside and went inside to change his clothes.

His annoyance simmered beneath the surface.

Even now, he still couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened the night before… about how Beatrice had left him in that state before falling asleep like nothing had happened.

And judging by how carefree she looked now, she clearly remembered none of it.

The thought only irritated him more.

“How dare she not remember and take responsibility,” Uriel muttered under his breath as he strode down the corridor. “She swore to me she wouldn’t look at another man… and now she’s

happily entertaining every gentleman who comes her way.”

His irritation only grew with every step.

Meanwhile, outside in the courtyard, Beatrice had initially been about to decline Lord Evan’s offer to accompany her. But just as she opened her mouth to refuse, her eyes caught sight of someone approaching from the palace entrance.

Uriel.

Behind him, Juno was leading a horse.

The young apprentice quickly met her gaze and gave a subtle nod with an excited grin.

That was all the confirmation she needed.

Uriel was going out as well.

3/5

277/279 All The Little Tricks-

+25 Bonus

A mischievous spark flickered in Beatrice’s eyes. She immediately turned back to Lord Evan and gave him a polite, charming smile.

“Of course, Lord Evan,” she said sweetly. “Your company would be greatly appreciated.”

Just then, Uriel arrived near them.

Both Beatrice and Evan bowed politely in greeting.

“Lord Uriel.”

Uriel’s expression remained cold, his voice even colder.

“Are you two going out?” he asked, his gaze flicking between them.

“Yes,” Lord Evan replied with a courteous nod. “Lady Beatrice mentioned she wished to ride to the market, so I offered to accompany her.”

“I suppose I’m in luck,” Uriel said after a brief pause, his expression settling into a polite but unreadable forced smile. “I’m heading to the market as well, so we might as well go together.”

Beatrice blinked in mild surprise, though the corners of her lips curved faintly as if she had expected that answer all along.

Lord Evan, however, simply nodded courteously. That would make the ride more pleasant.”

Uriel gave a small nod before taking the reins of his horse from Juno. With practiced ease, he mounted, his gaze briefly flicking toward Beatrice.

“Shall we?” he said calmly.

“Of course,” she replied lightly.

As she adjusted the reins of her horse, a brilliant idea suddenly flashed through her mind.

A mischievous smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

It seemed all the little tricks she had prepared to deal with Uriel might come in handy much sooner than she expected.

4/5