It Seemed My Fiancé Hated Me, So I Distanced Myself—But for Some Reason, He Complained - Chapter 11

“Thank you for the invitation. However, as I already have a fiancé, I must respectfully decline attending as Your Highness’s partner.”

When I timidly spoke these words, the prince’s smiling expression instantly froze over.

“A… a fiancé? Of course. It makes sense that a young noblewoman of marriageable age, especially such a beautiful one from the Marquess Meriam household, would have a fiancé? Why didn’t I consider that possibility?”

Prince Lucas began muttering to himself with his hand against his forehead. Behind him, the envoy called Derek was watching with an exasperated expression.

“So you see, I—”

“Lady Clarissa. Might I ask who this person is?”

“Eh? Well, it’s Lord Ryan of the Duchy of Flory.”

“Ah, that handsome man! He’s quite suitable for Lady Clarissa, isn’t he? Both his lineage and reputation are impeccable. If only he were a slightly more mediocre man.”

“Your Highness?”

Prince Lucas spoke in a frustrated voice. He was being scolded from behind by Lord Derek.

Then Prince Lucas suddenly looked up as if struck by a realization.

“But wait, you’re not actually married yet, are you? That means the engagement could still be called off even now.”

“Your Highness! The Crown Prince cannot be allowed to break up an engagement between nobles of his own kingdom!”

“Lady Clarissa.”

Ignoring Lord Derek’s attempts to stop him from behind, Prince Lucas approached me. Then he took my hand and gently kissed the back of it.

“Y-Your Highness…”

“Lady Clarissa, won’t you please consider being with me? I promise I’ll make you happier than your fiancé ever could.”

“What are you saying?”

Being stared at by those beautiful blue eyes from such close proximity, I became completely flustered. Why was he saying such things? I couldn’t understand it at all. Was he making fun of me?

“Prince Lucas, that’s quite enough! Lady Clarissa, please forgive this rudeness. Allow me to escort you out.”

Perhaps unable to bear watching any longer, Lord Derek tried to guide me outside. Though bewildered, I followed after him. Then, a hand gently grabbed mine from behind.

“Wait. Just remember one thing. It seems I fell in love with you at first sight at that party.”

“Eh…”

“Let’s meet again, Clarissa.”

After saying this with a smile, Prince Lucas released my hand. My heartbeat quickened.

Was His Highness being serious? That couldn’t possibly be the case.

My agitation refused to settle as Lord Derek escorted me back to the Meriam mansion by carriage. Even inside the carriage, the prince’s words wouldn’t leave my head.