Only after hearing the title "Princess" did Lilith belatedly look at the honey-haired girl whom the masked man had been shielding.
She studied Wendy's face, then recalled the portrait she had happened to see while passing a noticeboard earlier. At last, it dawned on her.
So she was Wendy, the Empire's Fifth Imperial Princess!
Although Lilith was the Kingdom's Second Princess, she had little interest in social activities or politics. She turned down or avoided the noble ladies' tea parties, balls, and social gatherings whenever she could.
As a result, she still did not have a single close friend.
So it was hardly surprising that she had failed to recognize an imperial princess.
In stark contrast to Lilith's reaction, neither Vivian nor Victoria beside her looked at all surprised.
They had already known Wendy's identity, so they remained quite calm.
"I won't go with you."
Standing behind Greg, Wendy looked steadily at the steward, her voice cool and resolute.
The smile on the steward's face did not change, but a hint of coldness entered his dark brown eyes.
His tone remained elegant, yet carried an unmistakable pressure as he said:
"Princess, this is your last chance. Come with me, and you can live. Otherwise-"
He paused. "You can only die here."
"No matter what you say, I will never go with you!" Wendy answered without the slightest hesitation.
The steward fell silent for two seconds.
"Fine. Very fine."
The smile finally faded from his face, replaced by undisguised, icy killing intent.
"In that case, I'll have to do it myself."
The instant he finished speaking, pitch-black malice surged toward Wendy. Just then, a figure stepped in front of her, shielding her from it.
Greg said nothing. He merely raised his right hand toward the steward and slowly extended his middle