Chapter 4

The distance between His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, and my step-sister was gradually closing, I believe.

At balls and such, the Prince would dance the first song with me, but for the second and third, he would dance with my step-sister, chatting and laughing happily. Even when other young ladies or I were involved, it would end up with him dancing with my step-sister. This was true even at the grand balls held in the royal castle. The Crown Prince did not seem to care much about how the other nobles perceived this.

"Viola seems to be bad at dancing in public. She apparently wants to dance as well as Nicolletta. The best way to improve quickly is to experience the real thing."

Indeed, that is true. There is nothing like the real thing to gain experience. Especially for someone who practices diligently. As for my step-sister, who hardly practices and indulges in luxury at home, I can't really say anything.

"Your Highness's kindness and consideration are deeply appreciated. Could I have one more dance with you?"

"Hehe, I can't refuse, can I?"

Viola took the Crown Prince's hand and held it tightly in front of her chest. The Prince smiled softly and, as usual, headed to the ballroom with Viola.

"..."

I suppressed the dark emotions swirling deep in my stomach, straightened my back, and looked forward.

"Since I'm a fiancée who has already made a commitment, it's inevitable that things turn out this way."

"Well, it's a contract between the two families. The King probably turns a blind eye to the poor Crown Prince, who has been forced into this, and allows him to keep a few women around."

No matter how many unpleasant words I hear in whispers, my heart does not break, nor will it break. The King is not the type to have such thoughts. He always checks to see if I am doing well. He has repeatedly told me that, given the Crown Prince's age, he is bound to rebel and that I should endure it.

After chatting with some acquaintances for a while, I felt the need for some fresh air and left the ballroom to go to the castle garden. The garden was lit with a faint light, serving as a place for lovers to rest and have private conversations.

"Wait, Viola—I didn't mean it that way—I'm sorry—"

I shouldn't listen.

The familiar voice and name faintly echoed from behind the bushes. If I hear this conversation to the end, all my pride and self-respect will turn to dust.

I ran blindly back into the castle, ending up in front of the King's office.

"..."

I shouldn't rely on him for this. I shouldn't cause him any trouble. Even if I come here, the King is still at the ball.

If I feel a tear about to fall, I just need to look up. I take deep, slow breaths and blink repeatedly.

"--- Nicolletta?"

A deep, soft adult voice, slightly similar to the Crown Prince's.

"Your Majesty..."

"I saw you run by—What's wrong? What happened?"

As soon as the King saw my face, he rushed over to me. I held back my right hand, which was about to cling to him, and smiled.

It can't be known. I don't want it to be known. I don't want to be seen as a pitiful girl. I am the daughter of a duke and the Crown Prince's fiancée. If this engagement breaks, it will affect many things.

"Nothing in particular, Your Majesty?"

"..."

The King frowned and sighed, turning his back to me.

"I've told you many times to talk to me... Nicolletta is too stubborn."

"..."

Even if you call me 'stubborn.'

I'm not being stubborn or refusing to change my mind. It's not something that can be fixed by my feelings alone...

All I could do was watch the King's back as he walked away, biting my lip. How wonderful it would be to cling to that broad back and ask for help. But if I do, the rumors will spread instantly. The royal castle is full of people in various places, and the King always has guards and maids with him.

Even now, the guards and maids who had been a little away from the King smoothly returned to his side and started walking with him. If I speak in a low voice, they won't hear, but they are still watching.

--- There's no way I can say it.