It Seemed My Fiancé Hated Me, So I Distanced Myself—But for Some Reason, He Complained - Chapter 24

“Do you truly believe it’s permissible to raise your hand against the young lady, no matter how emotional you become?”

“Your Highness. This is a matter between Clarissa and myself. I would ask you not to interfere.”

Lord Ryan spoke to the prince without concealing his irritation in his tone.

Then Prince Lucas came over to me, placing his hands on my shoulders and drawing me close.

“Um, Your Highness…!”

“Clarissa, are you alright? I’m sorry I looked away. I’ve let you experience something frightening, haven’t I?”

The prince spoke apologetically. Then, Lord Ryan’s voice came down like a thunderclap.

“Prince Lucas! Clarissa is my fiancée! I’d appreciate it if you didn’t touch her so casually!”

“…Fiancée, is it?”

Prince Lucas’s eyes glinted coldly. Then the prince spoke in a chilled tone.

“I hear you’ve been treating your fiancée quite poorly. Because of the words you spoke to her, Clarissa had come to believe these beautiful eyes were ugly. Can you really call yourself her fiancée with such pride when your relationship causes her suffering?”

“…That’s none of your concern.”

“What does Clarissa think about this?”

Prince Lucas shifted his gaze from Lord Ryan to me as he asked. I drew a small, sharp breath.

“I… I don’t want to be with Lord Ryan anymore.”

When I managed to say this, Prince Lucas broke into a full-faced smile.

“Lord Ryan, Clarissa has said this. What will you do?”

“Clarissa…! Do you understand what will happen if you defy me!?”

Lord Ryan spoke in a voice filled with rage. He continued, clearly agitated.

“Frankly, I thought it was strange from the moment you said you wanted to attend a party with another man despite having a fiancé! Don’t you feel ashamed clinging to His Highness like that now!? Flattering another man right in front of your fiancé—what an outrageous hussy you are!!”

“Lord Ryan!”

Prince Lucas frowned at Lord Ryan’s words and stepped forward to stop him.

I spoke before the prince could open his mouth.

“Fiancée, fiancée… Lord Ryan, didn’t you just say you would break off our engagement if I didn’t obey your words…!”

The moment I said this, Lord Ryan’s face twisted. I continued.

“And it wasn’t just now! It’s been like this all along! You’re the one who never truly acknowledged me as your fiancée! I have no intention of obeying you anymore!”

As I pressed forward, Lord Ryan faltered.

When Lord Ryan tried to grab my arm again, Prince Lucas stopped his hand.

“Would you mind withdrawing for today? Let’s discuss this later when we’ve both calmed down. Nothing will be resolved while we’re both emotional.”

At Prince Lucas’s words, Lord Ryan’s shoulders trembled violently.

“Prince Lucas. Even as the Crown Prince, interfering in matters between unrelated nobles is excessive meddling, isn’t it?”

“Even so, I can’t simply stand by and watch someone try to strike the young lady. If you wish to speak with Clarissa, please do so after you’ve calmed down somewhat.”

“Wh…!”

“You wouldn’t want today’s events to become known among the other nobles, would you?”

At Prince Lucas’s words, Lord Ryan froze.

Prince Lucas turned back toward me and extended his hand, saying, “Let’s go.”

Though hesitant, I took the prince’s hand and began walking.

When I glanced back just once, Lord Ryan’s face was filled with rage directed at me.