Engagements and deceit - Chapter 0
“Aaah…….!”
Footsteps were replaced by a rhythmic clicking sound. A hasty sound accompanied by a click that’s not usually welcomed in a social setting like this. As social climbers and gossipmongers, they all looked at the source of the noise.
Then they regretted it.
Aah, I shouldn’t have looked.
The source of the commotion was a girl with pink hair and pink eyes. She looked like a wisp from a dream, a being that is too fantastical to exist in this world- Baroness Shumia Bergner.
I too was a bit curious, and even gasped a little seeing that it wasn’t just a joke.
And like everyone else, I too regretted it. Geez, I shouldn’t have looked.
“….”
Baroness Shumia’s face was pale, seeing her pink dress soaked with champagne that likely spilled just now. Though her face was small and her eyes lively…… her circular eyes framed by long eyelashes were pretty like a doll’s. Her facial features were of a beauty fit to be called a fairy princess or a flower spirit.
A few men stepped forward to help with her champagne-soaked dress. My fiancé who was standing next to me looked in that direction and was about to head over.
Baroness Shumia… she is pretty. Indeed she is pretty, but her personality is detested by most women. Even now, that appeal, no, I’m sure it’s not intentional. That face which makes you want to shield her from harm and that almost-crying expression is most probably her true nature. But for that very reason, she draws the enmity of her own gender.
“……….Your Highness, why don’t you help her?”
Shocked at the situation, my voice escaped unconsciously. Her eyes stared at me, as if awakened by my voice with confusion and hesitation. Her emerald-green eyes wavered as if she was thinking about how she can’t go near another woman in front of her fiancé.
Aah, how annoying.
Thinking such things about a royal is a sign of disrespect but I can’t help but think about it. That’s how much this situation disgusts me. I feel like I need some antacids.
“Baroness Shumia is like a little sister to Your Highness, isn’t she? Why don’t you go to her?”
Maybe my words were a little too sarcastic.
By the way, ‘like a little sister’ was something Baroness Shumia said to me directly.
‘Since I’m like a little sister to Your Highness, I thought I might be suited to talk about your fiancé’
She said that with a coquettish smile.
Apparently, this is her usual line and there seems to be many other ‘brother-like figures’ in high society apart from His Highness. I envy her having so many siblings.
After listening to my words, His Highness frowned a little and said,
“………No, that’s fine. Kevin has gone.”
He answered shortly.
Kevin is one of His Highness’s aides and is also one of Baroness Shumia’s ‘brother-like figures’.
I see, since it’s a family matter, it’s none of my business? You’ll comfort her later?
Aah yes, what a wonderful sibling bond. You must love your dear sister figure a lot more than your fiancé.
My grumbling unintentionally escaped my mouth, but it’s all right because I didn’t show it on my face.
His Highness is the crown prince of this nation, the Haouhlfa Empire.
In other words, the First Prince. The Haouhlfa Empire has a long history, a vast territory, and a mighty military. It’s a rich country with a highly fertile land. The crown prince of this vast nation is both handsome and valiant. He is the epitome of the prince charming in a romance novel.
His hair, which can’t be called blonde because of how pale it is, looks silver in a certain light. He has emerald-green eyes. He fits the definition of a pretty boy but his true personality is hard to decipher. In a good way, he has a broad mind and is tolerant. In a bad way, it’s like he has no thoughts at all. It’s been ten years since we got engaged but even I, who have known him for so long, can’t understand what he is thinking.
It’s only natural His Highness, who has been by my side for a long ten years, to be swept away by a newly-emerged baroness. Or at least, I don’t think it’s funny even if he does not have any romantic feelings for her.
If not, then what was my ten years with him?
When I glanced at His Highness, he was still looking at Baroness Shumia with the same inscrutable eyes. In another part of the room, Kevin was escorting her cheerfully and they were leaving the venue.
Aah, aah………
This is just ridiculous…….