The sound of his polished shoes echoed as he stepped forward.
“As long as Fineria looks at me with a face that says she’s hopelessly in love, that’s all I need.”
His Highness blinked, then laughed softly, clearly amused.
“You’re just like me, aren’t you, Fineria?”
“~~~~!!!”
Yes, yes, that’s right! Absolutely right!
No matter what anyone thinks of me, no matter what they say, even if this all ends with our engagement being annulled and you marrying the heroine standing before me—that’s none of my concern. I’ll simply do my duty as the fiancée of the next king, dedicating everything to bring prosperity to this country and its people.
But even so, what haunts me is that gaze of yours.
Just the thought that your eyes—yours alone—might someday look at me with disgust is absolutely terrifying.
Ah, I’m sure my face must be an awful shade of red right now.
The embarrassment and frustration are enough to make me feel faint.
His Highness let out a cheerful laugh, loud and hearty, before stepping forward.
The sound of his polished shoes echoed across the floor as he moved between Lady Eliza and me.
“Eh…” Lady Eliza let out a small sound of surprise, and then—
His Highness pulled me into his arms.
All I could see was his clothing.
The decorative buttons pressed against me, and the blue rose tucked into his chest pocket made me want to cry.
“Don’t show that adorable face of yours to anyone but me,” he said, still laughing.
I couldn’t see his face, but I could feel the teasing chuckle reverberating near my ear. The soft swish of his hair brushing my neck sent shivers down my spine.
“Then, Your Highness,” I muttered in a tiny voice, “don’t show your smile to anyone but me.”
His Highness rarely smiles, and even his sly grins are rare treasures. It’s unfair that I can’t see it now, yet someone else is witnessing it!
In response to my quiet grumble, his voice turned impossibly sweet as he whispered, “Don’t worry—no one else can see me while I’m holding you.”
Oh no, I’m about to die. I’m seriously going to stop breathing.
“A-um!”
Just as I prepared myself for my impending demise, an innocent, flower-like voice broke through the tension.
I wriggled slightly, trying to turn toward the source of the voice.
“Mm?!”
But his hold tightened, pressing me back into his jacket.
“What is it?” His Highness responded calmly, his large hand still resting on my head. Please, for the love of all things holy, stop touching my neck—it’s making me dizzy!
“U-um, Yuri, you seem to get along very well with Lady Fineria…”
“More importantly,” His Highness interrupted, his tone light and amused, “stop casually calling me by my name.”
Just moments ago, he dismissed such concerns as trivial, yet now he said this with a playful tone.
“There are my people, my friends, and the one who shares my solitude—my dearest companion. I am undoubtedly happy. Listen well: I only nodded while you prattled on, but I never once agreed. Don’t speak of ‘me’ in front of Fineria. I don’t care what anyone else thinks of me, but losing Fineria’s favor would be intolerable.”
Gritting my teeth, I bit back a groan.
He must know exactly how humiliated I feel. His Highness continued laughing softly, clearly entertained.
That laugh brought back memories.
It all started seven years ago—that day, this “mischief” began.
That day.
When his emerald-green eyes met mine after so long, and his beautiful voice called my name.
That day, when I had given up on everything—His Highness laughed.
It was a smile I’d never seen before, a meltingly sweet expression. His voice, honeyed and gentle, caressed me like a soft breeze.
“Fineria, where have you been hiding such an adorable face?”
“W-what?!”
To hear such words directed at me—for the first time in my life, no less—and from His Highness of all people!
I couldn’t even react with embarrassment. I thought I must have misheard him, but His Highness leaned closer, leaving me no chance to escape.
“Fineria, could it be that you don’t love the title of ‘the prince’s fiancée,’ but… me?”
My body flushed with heat.
I was certain my face was as red as a rose.
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