The palace garden, three days later.
Piglette wandered through the rose-covered arches, admiring the way the morning dew caught the sunlight. Behind her, a short distance away, her personal maid—Sari—watched over her with care.
"Lady Piglette," Sari said softly, "you shouldn't wander alone."
"I'm not alone," Piglette smiled. "You're here."
Suddenly, a group of noble children rounded the corner—three boys and two girls, all older than Piglette by a few years. They sneered the moment they saw her.
"There she is. The 'orc princess,'" one said with a chuckle.
"She's too pretty to be an orc. Maybe she's just wearing brown paint," a girl added cruelly.
Piglette flinched, but kept her head high.
"You don't belong here," the lead boy said, stepping closer. "Go back to the mud pits, pig-girl."
Sari gasped. "You dare speak to a royal betrothed like that?!"
But before she could step in, a presence silenced the entire garden.
Serenil stood atop the steps of the pavilion, arms crossed, his silver gaze locked on the group of children.
"I see rats have wandered into my garden," he said coldly.
The nobles turned pale.
"P-Prince Serenil! We didn't mean—"
"I heard everything."
He stepped down slowly, his tone as cold as iron. "You mock the woman chosen to share my house. That is no longer childish banter. That is treasonous disrespect."
One boy stammered, "We didn't know you were—"
"Silence."
His voice made the garden go still.
Then he turned to Piglette, and for the first time, in front of others, he bowed slightly. "Forgive my house for their lack of discipline."
Piglette's eyes widened, touched and stunned.
The noble children were dragged off by guards moments later.
Piglette stepped forward, heart pounding. "Why did you… do that?"
Serenil's reply was simple. "You're mine to protect."
A faint smile touched her lips. "Then I will protect your name with just as much strength."
Behind a rose bush, Astarotte watched silently. A flicker of amusement passed her face.
"Not bad… for an orc."