A Fake Marriage? Sure! …Wait, Is It Actually Fake? Something’s Not Right Here! - Chapter 10

Lidoria trotted over to him.

“Um…”

“What is it?”

“Thank you for believing me.”

“Huh?”

Alex shot Lidoria a glance as if exasperated.

“That couldn’t possibly be fake. I don’t know why he’d believe something like that.”

“He must believe in Miss Sena.”

“Love is blind, huh? How dreadful.”

Alex shuddered with a shiver.

“He joined the order at the same time as me. Back then, he was actually the one who got more attention. But gradually, people started noticing that ‘something was a bit off.'”

Lidoria could clearly understand that “something’s a bit off” feeling.

It was hard to put into words, but something was indeed “off.” It was as if his way of perceiving things differed from most people’s.

Not only was he unaware of this discrepancy, but he seemed to believe that most people were wrong and that he had to guide them toward the correct path which only complicated matters further.

“But since it’s troublesome, no one would tell him the truth, right? The captain’s always telling me, ‘You joined together, so do something about him’… This turned out to be a good opportunity.”

Speaking matter-of-factly, Alex began heading toward the tea party venue.

As Alex had mentioned earlier, the venue was bustling with activity.

Some groups were sitting on picnic blankets and had started simple games, with bursts of laughter erupting now and then.

Under the parasols at the seated areas, some pairs were chatting in a relaxed atmosphere, while others—men discussing something with serious expressions—could be seen, but most people seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Glancing over at the maids, Lidoria saw them working amiably under Amanda’s direction beneath a tent, leisurely serving tea and sweets.

Lidoria’s eyes met Amanda’s.

Amanda smiled and waved, so Lidoria waved back.

The humiliation and anger she had felt just half an hour ago seemed purified by the sunlight pouring down.

No.

Perhaps it was Alex’s words that had erased those feelings.

“Lidoria.”

Turning toward the gentle voice, Lidoria saw Crown Princess Sophia.

Surprisingly, she was sitting on a picnic-style blanket. Next to her was Crown Prince George, sitting so close their shoulders were touching.

Lidoria had assumed they would be in the seated areas, but that didn’t seem to be the case.

On the blanket, a tea set and sweets arranged on trays were laid out, surrounded by several gentlemen and ladies sitting with smiles.

“It really feels like we’re having a picnic. Thank you for such a wonderful experience.”

Sophia beamed at Lidoria, who widened her eyes in surprise.

“What are you saying, Your Highness! I should be the one thanking you for permitting my idea!”

“Word of this event has reached Their Majesties. I, too, would like to express my gratitude for such a grand and enjoyable occasion.”

Even George spoke up, and Lidoria nearly let out a squeak.

“My sister the princess is quite a handful… I wonder how long she’ll keep this up.”

Ignoring Lidoria’s reaction, George sighed quietly.

“Their Majesties are also concerned. We’re currently working on countermeasures in secret, so please rest assured, Sophia.”

George spoke seriously, and Sophia smiled softly.

Her smile seemed almost resigned, painfully so, and George furrowed his brow slightly before quickly changing his expression and scanning the participants.

“Next time, I’d like to hold an event like this outside the royal castle. Say, do any of you know of good locations?”

When George asked, the gentlemen and ladies pondered, then suggested several candidates.

What impressed Lidoria was that their suggestions weren’t based on “it’s near my territory” or “it’s a place I frequent,” but rather locations suitable for the crown prince and princess to visit.

Though they were all new faces, both Sophia and George seemed very relaxed as they conversed.

The fact that they were attending this tea party likely meant the men were “hounds,” and the women had some connection to the crown prince’s side. The women’s calm, gentle demeanors were also pleasant.

(This could be a good connection. They might become friends with the crown princess. I should help them grow closer!)

As Lidoria secretly clenched her fist in determination, George called out, “Hey, Alex.”

“Yes.”

“Could you scout out some of the places we just discussed? I’d like to try having a picnic with Sophia.”

George took Sophia’s hand and smiled warmly.

“Will you accompany us?”

“Of course, Your Highness. It would be my pleasure.”

“If you’d like, we could extend invitations to all of you as well. How about joining us for another pleasant tea and conversation?”

“Of course,” “We’d be honored,” the participants replied with modest bows.

As Lidoria breathed a sigh of relief, George turned a smile toward her.

“When that time comes, Miss Lidoria and Alex, please join us as well. We invited you today but ended up keeping you busy with work. We hardly had a chance to talk.”

“I-I’d be honored.”

Lidoria gave a perfunctory bow. As for Alex, he remained expressionless and didn’t even respond.

“Now that I think about it, it’s been a month since your engagement. If you’ve only met twice, perhaps we shouldn’t pry too much. Right, Sophia?”

“That’s true, Your Highness. By the time of the picnic, I’m sure you’ll have gone on several dates, so it might be better to wait until then.”

Hearing the crown prince and princess chatting cheerfully, Lidoria broke out in a cold sweat.

“…How many fake dates are we supposed to go on?”

Alex murmured to Lidoria, moving his lips as little as possible.

“Couldn’t we just make it up? If we share the same story…”

“Shared delusions. Let’s do that.”

As they nodded in agreement, they noticed a sharp gaze and both shuddered simultaneously.

Turning their heads at almost the same time, they locked eyes with Sophia.

She smiled sweetly at them.

“Of course, I’m sure they’ll be wonderful dates. Yes. Not just in words, right?”

This is… we’ll be found out. If we try to share delusions, they’ll catch us in the act.

Lidoria glanced at Alex. He nodded with a grimace.

“Of course, Your Highness. I will do my best to escort Miss Lidoria and ensure we both enjoy ourselves.”

“How wonderful.”

As Sophia laughed, the other participants smiled and continued.

“The beginning of a relationship is the most fun, isn’t it?”

“We haven’t heard any romantic stories, but to be connected with such an accomplished young lady. Lord Reading, please have a wonderful time.”

“Miss Lidoria, you may have family matters to attend to, but please do enjoy your engagement period.”

Lidoria and Alex forced awkward smiles, bowing and saying, “Thank you,” “We’re looking forward to it.”

To the amused onlookers, they appeared to be “the shy, bashful couple.”