It Seemed My Fiancé Hated Me, So I Distanced Myself—But for Some Reason, He Complained - Chapter 10

“If I could be of even the slightest help to Your Highness, then I’m glad.”

“Say, Miss Clarissa. Won’t you let me thank you? Whether it’s a dress or a hair ornament, I’ll prepare anything you want. Though saying this might make you run away again.”

His Highness tilted his head slightly and spoke with a somewhat troubled expression.

“I haven’t done anything worthy of receiving thanks.”

“Don’t say that. It doesn’t have to be a dress or hair ornament. Is there anything you want? Or something you’d like me to do?”

His Highness kept pressing closer and closer. I was completely at a loss.

“Prince Lucas. Miss Clarissa seems troubled.”

Perhaps unable to watch any longer, the attendant who had been observing nearby came to my rescue. His Highness looked at the attendant with dissatisfaction.

“But I want to thank her somehow.”

“There’s no point in troubling her while doing so, is there?”

“Well, that’s true.”

Told this by the attendant, Prince Lucas reluctantly backed down.

“Miss Clarissa, I’m sorry if I bothered you. But I want to become friends with you.”

“Friends?”

“Yes, that’s why I want to make you happy, even just a little.”

Prince Lucas said with an embarrassed laugh.

I unconsciously brought my hand to my eyes hidden by my hair. The crown prince of a nation wants to become friends with someone as ugly as me? Is he just being considerate because I helped him when he wasn’t feeling well? He really doesn’t need to worry about such things.

“…I’ll accept your feelings alone. I only did what was natural, so please don’t trouble yourself any further.”

I said this hesitantly.

Prince Lucas made an openly disappointed face. Then his eyes sparkled as if he’d thought of something.

“That’s right, then let’s set aside the gift matter for now. Miss Clarissa, did you know there’s going to be a garden party at the palace soon? Would you like to attend with me?”

“Garden party?”

“Your Highness, please wait. That matter hasn’t been announced yet.”

To Prince Lucas who spoke in a bright voice, the attendant spoke with a stern expression.

“Ah, that’s right. My apologies, Derek. Miss Clarissa, I’d like you to keep this secret, but we’re going to hold a party in the palace courtyard soon, inviting nobles. It’s not a formal event but a casual one aimed at socializing. Would you be my partner for the occasion?”

While brushing off the attendant who tried to intervene, His Highness made this proposal. I hesitated about whether it was appropriate to hear information that hadn’t been announced yet, but there was an even bigger problem.