It's Too Late for Regrets - Chapter 3.5

“If His Highness the Crown Prince is visiting, we’re truly grateful. The master keeps being away for longer and longer….”

Kyra calmly responded to the Crown Prince’s words and looked at his face.

The Crown Prince, Edgar, who was a close cousin of Rayan, was also familiar with Kyra. Back when they were children playing together at Eleanor’s estate and the Lezan imperial palace, Kyra had often accompanied them.

Seeing how much the Crown Prince had grown, just like her nephew, made her feel emotional. The boy who used to be much smaller than Rayan and full of charm had grown into a mature young man.

Edgar replied with a soft and relaxed smile.

“I received a letter from my brother as soon as I returned from Jenaire. Really, how long has it been since the war ended, and he’s already off on another campaign…?”

“Rayan always goes through a lot.”

Edgar Ruseliger, the Crown Prince and next in line for the Lezan throne, was naturally gentle and kind.

There was even a well-known story in high society about how, as a child, he once cried because he felt sorry for killing an ant.

‘Is that why he’s so concerned about that illegitimate child?’

Kyra picked up her teacup, hiding her unnatural expression.

After the painting of the Rhine Valley arrived at the estate, Kyra secretly sent someone to follow the person who had delivered it.

However, as if the other side had expected to be tracked, the results were not very satisfying.

All they had learned was that the person who ordered the painting to be sent to Eleanor was from the Lezan capital.

So she investigated from another angle. Going out into Lezan’s social circles and listening to rumors, she began to piece things together.

When the illegitimate child from Jenaire disappeared without a trace, causing a stir across the continent, it was said the Crown Prince had predicted it and even volunteered to be Jenaire’s envoy.

It was also said that the Crown Prince had always shown interest in illegitimate children or those from the lower classes.

That was more than enough to identify the mysterious person sending gifts to the Grand Duchess.

And now, face-to-face with Kyra, Edgar didn’t even bother to hide his interest in the Grand Duchess.

“Since the Duke is away, the Grand Duchess must be feeling quite lonely.”

“She’s been too busy trying to adjust to this place.”

“But it’s already been a year and three months, Aunt. I was growing curious since the Grand Duchess has never once appeared in Lezan’s social circles.”

If anyone else had said it, it would have sounded like mockery. In society, saying you were curious about a Grand Duchess from low birth was a way to ridicule her.

But the Crown Prince didn’t have the eyes of someone lying.

“Anyway, since I’m already here, I believe I have time for at least a cup of tea. She is my brother’s wife, after all—I must see her face.”

“I hope we’re not wasting your precious time. She’s still very unready to be seen.”

Edgar tilted his head slightly with a smile.

“Unready, you say?”

“She hasn’t yet learned Lezan etiquette properly, and she’s still unfamiliar with the court language.”

“Well… she speaks the common continental language fluently. Honestly, we don’t use court language much anymore. It’s too complicated and overly ornate—it makes even the listeners feel awkward.”

The Crown Prince wasn’t wrong. The court language, once the exclusive domain of nobles, had lost its luster during the long war. Now even nobles mostly used the continental language to communicate with commoners and knights.

“Still, there are reasons why Eleanor has not presented the Grand Duchess to society. You’ll understand when you meet her. That child is quite…”

Difficult to like.

Kyra softened her wording.

“Even the Duke has instructed her not to leave the estate. She’s not ready to be shown to Your Highness.”

“Sometimes, having a good guardian take you outside can be the best kind of education.”

“….”

“If she stays in one place with the same people for too long, life becomes routine and stagnant, doesn’t it?”

Kyra’s elegant expression finally faltered slightly. She realized she might need to reassess her view of the Crown Prince.

Despite having brought back the best possible results from unfavorable peace talks with Jenaire, he didn’t waste a single word.

Edgar gently stopped Kyra’s argument and set down his teacup, smiling warmly at her.

“Well then, may I ask what advice you wished from me? Since it’s almost noon, we should wrap up soon. It would be nice to have lunch with you and the Grand Duchess.”

In the end, Kyra had no choice but to nod.

Ines sat in front of the table, feeling a little awkward.

She had wondered why Aunt Kyra had suddenly invited her to lunch—apparently, there was a guest at the estate.

Berry had quietly told her who it was: none other than the Crown Prince of Lezan.

He was a handsome young man with bright blond hair and deep chocolate-colored eyes.

As soon as Ines entered the dining room, he stood up with a pleased look.

“I’m Edgar Ruseliger.”

He suddenly introduced himself and kissed the back of her hand, which made Ines blurt out her own name in surprise.

“I’m Ines… Ah, I greet Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”

Flustered, she bowed a beat too late. She braced for Aunt Kyra’s scolding, but surprisingly, her aunt simply kept a gentle smile.

The Crown Prince also waved his hand cheerfully.

“No need to be so formal. A slight nod is enough.”

“Ah, but how could I… in front of Your Highness…”

“You’re the lady of Eleanor. My brother’s one and only wife. That makes you practically family to me.”

Ines already knew from her lessons in Jenaire that the Grand Duke and Crown Prince were close.

Still, she never imagined he would be so casual, calling her by name and treating her so warmly.

After a brief conversation, lunch was served.

Ines was on edge the whole time. She couldn’t even look toward the Crown Prince, focusing only on her veal steak.

‘…This is so awkward.’

If things had gone as planned, her husband right now would not be Rayan but the Crown Prince.

That man sitting there—he was originally the one she was meant to seduce.

The Crown Prince had the same dazzling charm and elegance as Rayan. But his presence felt completely different.

“You’ve been in Eleanor for over a year now. The duchy has many famous scenic spots. Have you visited any?”

“Ah, no. I haven’t been outside the estate yet…”

“Oh? Is there a reason?”

“My health isn’t very good… The Duke hasn’t allowed me.”

Rayan was a man of few words. The Crown Prince, on the other hand, seemed to naturally lead conversations without pause.

“It seems my brother is a bit overprotective. If you don’t mind me asking, how is your health?”

The way the conversation flowed so naturally was fascinating.

“It’s not a serious illness… I just have a weak constitution. I shouldn’t stay outside for long… Ah.”

Caught up in answering him, her knife slipped in her hand. The blade missed the meat and made a harsh noise against the plate.

A moment of silence hung over the table.

“Ah… I-I’m sorry…”

Though she was the one who made the mistake, she was also the most startled. Her ears turned red.

Both the Crown Prince and Kyra’s eyes seemed to pin her in place. Recently, it had become hard for Ines to bear all the critical gazes directed at her.

“I’m sorry… I’m not used to this yet…”

Her trembling hand picked up the knife again.

Watching her carefully, the Crown Prince suddenly reached across the table. Ines, who had kept her eyes on the plate, looked up in surprise when his hand approached.

He didn’t look annoyed or uncomfortable. Instead, he smiled lightly.

“If you hold the knife like that, your hand will tense up and hurt.”

He naturally placed his hand on hers and gently adjusted her grip.

“Also, when you press down too hard, the tip hits the plate and makes noise.”

“Ah… okay…”

“But honestly, holding it that way is more comfortable. When no one’s watching, I also cut my food however I want.”

He gave her a playful smile and pulled his hand back. Ines blinked a few times, then carefully cut the steak the way he had shown her. The knife moved smoothly through the meat.

“…Thank you.”

At her quiet words, the Crown Prince tilted his head slightly, as if it was nothing. As though her mistake hadn’t even happened.

The conversation resumed naturally.

“Still, a short walk would probably be good for your health. It’s important to get some fresh air now and then.”

“…Thank you for your concern.”

“Oh, no. I haven’t done anything.”

From that moment, Kyra stayed silent throughout the meal, while Edgar and Ines continued to talk—softly, but without interruption.

After the meal, when the sweet desserts were served, Edgar made her an offer.

“Would you care to take a walk with me after lunch?”

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