Upon arriving at the palace, Ivy bowed and greeted King Michel and Queen Nami, just as Winter did.
"You're back? How did the race go?" King Michel asked.

"Everything went smoothly, Father. Now, how are the preparations for tonight's party?" Winter inquired.

"Everything is 100% ready. By the way, where's Race?" King Michel asked, not seeing his nephew with Winter and Ivy.

"Race is finishing up an event, King Michel, and since all the preparations here are done, let me return to the race arena," Ivy replied to King Michel's question.

King Michel glanced at Ivy and Winter alternately, his face filled with suspicion. "Has something happened without my knowledge?" he asked.

Winter looked at Ivy and quickly squeezed her hand, prompting Ivy to look at Winter. "Nothing's wrong, Father. Ivy just wants to be with Race to help him finish everything, didn't you say all the preparations here are complete? So, let Ivy go," Winter interjected to reassure her father.

King Michel sighed softly. "Go ahead! You must stay with Race wherever he is," King Michel allowed.

"Thank you, King Michel," Ivy said, bowing before leaving.

"I'll escort Ivy to the carriage," Winter said, whisking Ivy away from her parents' presence.

Once in front of the horse-drawn carriage that had brought Ivy and Winter back, Winter released Ivy's hand. They exchanged a lingering look.
"Thank you, Winter," Ivy said.

"Go on now! You need to assist Race if he's in trouble," Winter replied.

"Alright."
Ivy bowed and bid farewell to Winter. Shortly after, Ivy started to step onto the carriage but hesitated on the steps. She looked back at Winter and then turned to the crown prince.

Ivy reached for her hair tie and let her long hair cascade down. Winter furrowed his brow, perplexed by Ivy's actions. After reciting a spell with closed eyes, Ivy placed a bracelet on Winter's wrist.

"Since your bracelet is with Race, use this one to protect yourself. The forest monsters won't approach you because of this bracelet, and I've shielded the entire palace area with a protective barrier."

Ivy looked at Winter and smiled after fastening the bracelet. Winter, in turn, gazed at Ivy with disbelief.
"How can there be a woman as kind as you, Iv," Winter thought.

***
Ivy utilized all her magical knowledge. Her tears kept falling, but she had to concentrate. Race lay unconscious in the horse race arena after the monster attack. Ivy tried to heal Race's severe wounds while other race participants, injured and in pain, groaned around her.

"I beg you, wake up, Race! I can endure anything as long as you're safe," Ivy pleaded silently while continuing to treat Race.

After a while, Race coughed and clutched his chest. He opened his eyes, and Ivy sighed in relief. Ivy held her aching chest, using her energy to heal Race in her weakened state.

"Race," Ivy whispered, helping her husband sit up.

Race looked at Ivy bewilderedly, surprised to see her return to this place.
"Iv, are you alright? Are you injured?" Race asked in a panic, closely examining Ivy.

On the other hand, Ivy cried harder upon hearing Race's questions. She then threw herself at him and hugged him tightly.
"I was terrified seeing you injured. Why are you worrying about me? Never lie to me again, Race! I can't live without you," Ivy said amidst her tears.

Race sighed in relief, realizing that Ivy was unharmed. He embraced Ivy and gently rubbed her back.
"It's alright! I'm fine, Iv."

"Even in this condition, you can say you're fine? Your head is injured, you were unconscious, Race."
Ivy cried even harder while Race smiled faintly behind Ivy's back.

"What matters is that you're okay, Iv," Race thought.

After resolving all the chaos at the race venue, Race and Ivy returned to their pavilion. Ivy helped Race lie down on the bed.
"Wait here; I'll ask Gareta to prepare warm water for your bath. After that, I'll perform healing magic on you, Race," Ivy said, leaving.

Race quickly grabbed Ivy's hand and was surprised by how cold it felt. Ivy turned back to look at Race.
"Iv, are you okay?" Race asked anxiously.

"Well, I'm fine," Ivy replied, nodding.

"But your hand is so cold, Iv. Have you been expending too much of your energy?" Race asked, starting to understand Ivy's condition.

Ivy smiled and then shook her head gently. "It's nothing. I can still control all my energy, Race. Now lie down, Race! I'll call for Gareta first," Ivy said, releasing Race's hand slowly.

***
Night fell quickly, and the guests for the grand finale of the annual East District festival began to gather. Everyone assembled in the great hall of the palace, which was magnificent. Winter sat in a chair to his parents' right while Race's parents occupied the seats to the left. Occasionally, they engaged in conversations. Winter was anxious because there was no news of Race and Ivy whatsoever. He occasionally glanced at the entrance.

"Why haven't they arrived yet? Has something bad happened to Race or Ivy?" Winter wondered, growing more and more uneasy.

"My child, why do you look so agitated?" Queen Nami asked, noticing Winter's unease.

Winter turned quickly to face his mother. He forced a smile and shook his head, avoiding her question.

"It's nothing, Mother. I'm just praying that today's event goes smoothly," Winter replied, giving an excuse.

Queen Nami smiled and gently stroked Winter's arm. "Don't worry! Everything will go smoothly. Ivy did her best to ensure our safety, didn't she?"

Winter nodded in agreement with his mother. He smiled again and tried to divert her attention from further questions.

"Ivy will face severe consequences if anything goes wrong today," King Michel added, overhearing their conversation.

Winter and Queen Nami turned to look at King Michel simultaneously. Winter appeared surprised by his father's statement.
"Father, isn't that a bit too harsh?" Winter disagreed with his father's words.

"There's nothing too harsh when it comes to the kingdom, Winter! Ivy has been sworn in and knows all the consequences if she makes a mistake," King Michel stated firmly.

Winter fell silent upon hearing his father's words. His father had always been strict regarding matters concerning the kingdom. Meanwhile, Lord Milano and Lady Maria exchanged glances, wearing knowing smiles.

Soon, the sound of a gong signaled the beginning of the event. Winter grew even more convinced that something had happened to Ivy and Race. They were nowhere to be seen. All the guests and King Michel stood up, ready to start the event. Winter continued to look toward the entrance.

"If you're both okay, Race, Ivy, please come quickly!" Winter silently pleaded in his heart.