A week after the wedding, Servini appeared before Xu Yi and Stille, much to Xu Yi's surprise.
"I'm truly sorry," Servini said to the two of them, her face full of remorse. "I intended to attend your wedding and offer you my congratulations in person, but some unexpected matters delayed me. I really am very sorry."
Xu Yi studied Servini carefully and noticed how exhausted she looked. He could not help frowning, then waved a hand. "It's nothing serious. You have plenty to attend to, Your Royal Highness. It's only natural for something to hold you up. But I heard... things haven't been going very well for you lately..."
A hint of surprise appeared on Servini's face. She looked at Xu Yi and asked, "Why would you ask that?"
"It's something I inferred from a few things, and some people have also given me information..."
"Does that include Count Samo?" Servini asked.
"Count Samo didn't say anything outright, but he told me his successor was a member of the Stark Family. I imagine... that certainly wasn't the outcome you wanted, Your Royal Highness." Xu Yi paused before continuing, "Viscount Leslie also revealed some of the situation in his reply to me. Your Royal Highness, haven't those people in the Noble Senate always supported you? Why have they suddenly turned around and started supporting Prince Eric?"
Servini glanced at Stille.
Xu Yi immediately said, "Stille is my wife. I don't need to hide anything from her."
"I envy the closeness between you and Stille, and I'm happy for you." Servini smiled faintly and shook her head. "Unfortunately, I can't find anyone to whom I can reveal everything. So... there are some things I can't readily disclose to you either."
Xu Yi shrugged and gave a self-deprecating smile. "I thought I was