Diary of Our Days at the Breakwater Episode 4: Eging

The tea party ends in chaos, an arrow attack leaving everyone shaken. Maria acts instantly, shielding the Queen Mother, who, it turns out, is not cold at all, but rather delighted by Maria's heroic cool. In the distance, Marquis Ireneos observes, marking Maria as an intriguing target. Maria is left on the lawn, contemplating the scattered treats. She picks up a macaron, her frustration building. The culprit will pay for every single ruined sweet, she decides, a personal vendetta born of pastry.

Maria's attempt to walk through the gardens is interrupted by Marquis Ireneos, who appears with an excess of charm. He introduces himself as Reinard's cousin, a notorious womanizer. Maria notes his persistence, his over-the-top compliments, his attempts to touch her hair. He asks her out. Maria evades him with subtle, almost imperceptible movements, shocking the Marquis. Raymond arrives, sternly promising to report Ireneos's behavior to the Prince, but the damage is done.

Inside the palace, Reinard is relieved to find Maria safe, thanking her for protecting his mother. He expresses frustration with the elusive assassin. He reveals the Queen Mother's cold demeanor was a mask for social anxiety, a front that cracked once she witnessed Maria's martial prowess. Now, the Queen is Maria's dedicated fan. Reinard, feeling responsible, asks Maria to stay at the castle for her safety. She politely declines, preparations for her journey home already underway.

Reinard speaks with Raymond about Maria's return journey. Raymond warns of increased bandit activity on the mountain route Maria must take. Reinard clenches his fist, blaming himself for putting her in danger by proposing. He instructs Raymond to beef up Maria's guard detail and tighten academy security. The timing of Maria's trip, so soon after an assassination attempt, troubles them both deeply.

At the academy, Maria finds herself in several awkward situations. Her intense shadow boxing practice is mistaken for a dance by a confused teacher. Later, during an outdoor sketching class, her abstract, dark drawing unnerves her classmates, particularly Rosalia. Then, Marquis Ireneos appears again, finding Maria alone. He surprises her by praising her unsettling art, his mannerisms reminding her strangely of her younger brother. He again touches her hair before being called away.

Back at the palace, Maria is caught napping during a private lecture from Raymond. He scolds her for neglecting her studies in royal etiquette and history. Maria explains her demanding schedule, balancing school, royal duties, and early morning martial arts. Raymond sighs, acknowledging her busy life, but stresses the mental discipline required of a future Crown Princess. He again emphasizes the danger of her upcoming journey.

Reinard joins Maria for a training session in the garden, impressed by her technique. Maria explains her family's martial arts tradition, passed down through generations to protect the Muro royalty. She was trained as if she were a son, learning rigorous combat skills from childhood. A flashback shows a young Maria with her father, learning that strength is for protection, not just fighting. Her father emphasizes that strength without kindness is empty, a lesson she carries.

In the present, Reinard wipes sweat from Maria's face, moved by her story. He admits he will miss her during her journey home. Unexpectedly, he pulls her into a tight hug. Maria, flustered, reminds him she is sweaty, but he does not care. He asks her to promise to return safely. Aida and her father bid Maria farewell as her carriage departs the castle. Maria looks back at the grand palace, her mind on Reinard's request. As the carriage rolls through the countryside, she reflects on the rumored bandit activity and her commitment to Reinard.