The garden of Barguedon Castle exuded tranquility. Flowers in full bloom spread a gentle fragrance, but the harmony of the place was shattered by the shrill cry of Millie, Prince Michael Peralta's future wife.

— "Get out of here with those ridiculous flowers!" — her voice echoed through the flowerbeds, causing the two little girls holding modest bouquets to step back in fear.

Michael, standing beside the golden-haired girl, watched the scene in disbelief. He already harbored a distaste for Millie, but this behavior only confirmed his worst fears. How could she treat children so cruelly? And if they had children in the future, how would she treat them?

— "What is wrong with you?!" — he snapped, his voice full of disdain. Without waiting for her indignant response, he walked away, frustrated, needing to leave before saying something he might regret.

Peralta wandered through the garden, his heart still racing, until something caught his eye in the distance. Between the shrubs and flowers, he spotted y/n, one of the castle’s maids, kneeling and calmly talking to the same two little girls who had been mistreated moments before. They were now smiling, the shine of their tears replaced by soft giggles as y/n showed them how to weave small wildflower branches.

There was a lightness to the scene that touched him deeply. She had no idea she was being watched, but the kindness and patience with which she interacted with the children radiated a rare gentleness. The prince approached silently, admiring the serenity of the moment. When y/n noticed his presence, she quickly stood up, a slight blush coloring her cheeks.

— "Prince Peralta..." — she murmured, a bit nervous, bowing slightly out of respect.

However, he gave a slight smile, still watching the children who were now happily running around.

— "You seem to have a special way with them." — Michael commented, his tone softer now. — "That’s how a woman should treat little ones... With care, not contempt."