The difference in scale between our countries was staggering.
But perhaps… that was precisely why this kingdom thrived.
They truly valued their people.
I sniffled softly.
Renato let out a gentle chuckle and, without hesitation, dabbed at my nose with an incredibly expensive-looking handkerchief.
The carriage rocked ever so slightly as we started moving again.
“Maria… May I call you Mimi?”
“Eh? Uh… sure.”
“Thank you, Mimi. You know… last night, when I thought about you before bed, I finally slept well.”
Renato had spent years struggling with insomnia—not only due to his duties as crown prince, but also from the emotional burden of Aida and Placido’s situation.
But when he remembered my ridiculous expressions, his mind cleared, and for the first time in years, he had peaceful sleep.
“I never expected that ‘counting song’ to actually be an advanced combat form.”
“Well, of course. Even I have never met another noble lady like myself.”
“That’s true.”
I tried to slide off his lap, but Renato held me firmly in place.
I flailed and wriggled, but he was surprisingly strong, completely unbudging.
“And just as you said—after getting proper sleep and eating my fill, I’ve become more optimistic. I’ve reached a wonderful conclusion.”
“…You sound like someone who just received divine enlightenment.”
“Perhaps I have. Mimi, I want you to marry me.”
“…Huh?”
The royal carriage was utterly silent.
The only sound was the distant rhythm of hooves against the road.
Renato beamed at me, clearly waiting for my response.
“…What on earth are you saying?”
“I promised I’d introduce you to a suitable match.”
“Your Highness, there is no better ‘match’ in this kingdom than yourself.”
“Wow! When did you get here?!”
I snapped my head toward the opposite seat, where Renato’s aide sat calmly in the corner.
I hadn’t noticed him at all.
“I’ve been here the entire time. Did you really think I’d leave the two of you alone?”
“I wasn’t asking for this level of a ‘suitable match’!”
“Didn’t you say yourself that His Highness is far more handsome than the princes of your own country?”
“You HEARD THAT TOO?!”
Either my inner thoughts were too loud, or Renato had insanely sharp hearing.
Then, as if casually dropping a bombshell, the aide glanced at his documents and said:
“Lady Maria, we have already sent an official engagement proposal to your family in Muro Kingdom.”
“The document is stamped with the royal seal.”
“That means it can’t be refused!”
“A crown princess who can defend herself? That’s more than we could have ever hoped for.”
“Mimi, I trust you’ll give me a good answer.”
Renato smiled warmly, and for a moment, I was completely captivated.
His smile was so breathtakingly beautiful that I forgot to argue.
Apparently taking my silence as agreement, Renato adjusted his hold on me once again.
“Wait! I’ve only ever studied to be an heir! As you can see, I have zero proper lady-like refinement.”
“Then learn from Aida, your future sister-in-law.”
“That could take years.”
“That’s fine. Take as long as you need.”
“Says the man who mistook me for Aida in the first place!”
“I thought to myself—if I’m going to have a fiancée, even temporarily, I’d rather grab onto the healthier-looking one.”
He had just indirectly admitted that he found me more attractive than Aida.
My face flamed red.
“So, you’ll marry me, then?”
“I NEVER SAID THAT!”
“I see. I feel so happy.”
“LISTEN TO ME!!”
Renato and I were completely talking past each other.
From the corner, his aide narrowed his eyes slightly, watching the exchange with quiet amusement.
Later…
A response arrived from my family in Muro Kingdom.
Included with the official acceptance of the engagement was a letter addressed to me.
It contained only one single sentence:
“I told you to find your own husband, but I didn’t expect you to catch that big of a fish.”
[The End]
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