It Seemed My Fiancé Hated Me, So I Distanced Myself—But for Some Reason, He Complained - Chapter 52

“Having something you can immerse yourself in is wonderful, I think…”

“That may be true for ordinary citizens, but there’s no point in a prince immersing himself in pharmacology, is there?”

“Is that so? I think it would be very reassuring for the people to know that the person who stands above the nation is well-versed in magical pharmacology, which has broad applications in medicine.”

When I spoke my mind freely, Prince Theodore shook his head.

“I can’t afford such diversions. I must live as befits a prince. Even as my brother’s spare, I have no time to indulge in unnecessary pursuits.”

Prince Theodore’s voice was flat, as if his earlier cheerful expression had been a lie.

His words sounded less like his own and more like he was parroting someone else’s.

“For someone like me, who isn’t naturally princely and has to force himself to act like one.”

“Then you’re just like me.”

“Huh?”

When I said that, Prince Theodore looked puzzled.

“I’m also someone who’s completely unsuited to being a duke’s daughter. As you can see, I’m not even accustomed to tea parties, which high-ranking noble daughters should have attended numerous times since childhood. I might be disqualified as a duke’s daughter.”

“…I don’t think you’re disqualified just for that.”

“Well. You say that to me, even though you claim you’re not princely yourself. Aren’t you the same, Prince Theodore?”

When I said that, Prince Theodore bit his lip.

Then, as if suddenly losing tension, his face broke into a smile.

“I didn’t expect you to say that back to me,” Prince Theodore said with a shy expression.

“O-oh? Did I say something strange?”

“I didn’t think it was strange. I just didn’t expect to be told we’re alike.”

Prince Theodore spoke hesitantly. Hearing his words, I suddenly realized something.

“I think I may have said something rude upon reflection! Unlike me, Prince Theodore, even while saying you’re unsuited, you still properly conduct yourself like a prince!”

When I flusteredly said this, His Highness laughed.

“No, I think we’re the same. Despite being a prince, I’m not actually good at dealing with nobles or engaging in diplomacy. My brother and Jenna can handle such things effortlessly. Avery will probably manage well too once she grows up. Since I’m not as skilled in social situations as those three, if I hadn’t been born into the royal family, I would have probably stayed holed up in a laboratory studying pharmacology.”

“Oh my! Really? Me too. Despite being a duke’s daughter, I’m rather poor in social settings. This tea party has made me realize it’s just not for me.”

“Is it alright to say such a thing while we’re currently in the middle of that very tea party? Weren’t they assessing your qualifications to be queen?”

“Ah! I’m sorry, that was a slip of the tongue.”

When I hurriedly covered my mouth, Prince Theodore burst out laughing as if he couldn’t hold it back anymore.

“You’re surprisingly amusing,” Prince Theodore said while chuckling.

Seeing His Highness’s smiling face after he had seemed displeased earlier, I felt somehow moved.