Chapter 7

It had been three months since the last evening gathering.

Although it hadn't been that long, it felt like it had been a very long time. Strangely, I only remembered the unpleasant things, yet I didn't feel particularly distressed.

As I stepped out of the carriage and gazed at the castle absentmindedly, Lord Liam took my hand.

"Are you feeling unwell?"

"I'm fine. It just feels a bit strange."

"That's good. You must be feeling better. You must have gotten some rest."

When he mentioned my fatigue, I smiled bitterly.

"Now I can see how abnormal that life was."

"Hehe. That's good. Come, let's go."

Escorted by Lord Liam, I entered the venue. The moment we entered, the noise in the hall abruptly stopped. The gossipy nobles stared at us with their mouths agape, then began whispering to each other again.

"Is something wrong?"

"It's not that. They're just surprised by how beautiful Claudia has become."

"Ugh! Don't tease me even now."

I protested in a small voice, and Lord Liam laughed.

"But it's true."

"I don't need that kind of flattery."

As we exchanged words just like we used to when I lived in Lord Liam's mansion, a shadow blocked our path. I stopped in my tracks, and there was the prince with Amalie.

I instinctively looked down, but my arm was gripped tightly.

"Look up. It's fine, don't worry."

Lord Liam's words, devoid of warmth, made me feel a sudden sense of tension. Yes, Lord Liam was like this when he was working. This was a job. I took a deep breath and changed my mindset.

"It's been a while."

As Lord Liam greeted, I bowed. The prince glanced at me a few times but didn't say anything, so I pretended not to notice. I pasted a pleasant smile and observed Amalie.

She looked less vibrant than when we were at the place where our engagement was broken. She seemed exhausted, her skin lacked luster, and her eyes were vacant. Her makeup couldn't hide the faint dark circles under her eyes.

She must be struggling with the unfamiliar work. Thinking about the tasks I had to do as an engaged person, I couldn't help but feel sympathy.

"Amalie, you look tired. Don't overwork yourself."

"Step-sister!"

Amalie glared at me. I didn't understand why she was looking at me like that and widened my eyes.

"Oh, right. You don't want sympathy from someone who's been called incompetent. I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking."

I apologized sincerely, knowing that such things could be held against me later. It's best to be honest when apologizing.

"Step-sister, you—"

As Amalie's voice wavered, I tilted my head. Then, she shouted.

"You must think I'm less capable than you! Step-sister, you always look down on me!"

"Huh?"

Taken aback by her sudden outburst, I leaned back. I looked to Lord Liam for help, but he had an amused expression. I realized he was no help, but it was too late.

"It seems you've understood how wonderful Claudia is. Comparing yourself to her is presumptuous."

"Lord Liam!"

I hurriedly tried to stop Lord Liam, who was smiling and spitting venom. Amalie, egged on by Lord Liam, raised her voice even more.

"Why does everything go to you, step-sister? It's not just about ability. Even after being abandoned by the prince, why are you being escorted by Lord Liam? That's so unfair!"

"Amalie, calm down. What are you talking about?"

"I'm not good at anything, not studies or magic. I hate effort."

What was she revealing before the evening gathering even started?

If I said anything, she might get even more agitated. It wouldn't be good for her to reveal more. Reluctantly, I kept quiet.

Confused and at the center of the conversation, I was at a loss when the prince suddenly approached. I instinctively hid behind Lord Liam, as I had never been this close to him when we were engaged. Ignoring me, the prince started speaking with an excited look.

"Claudia, I've come to understand your greatness over these three months. Will you return as my fiancée?"

"Prince?!"

Amalie let out a scream. The prince sniffed disdainfully at her.

"What can I do? You were only recognized as my fiancée because you had more magic than Claudia. But you're even less capable than an ordinary noble lady."

Well, that's to be expected.

I wasn't surprised, knowing the results from when we were young, but I couldn't understand why he wanted to get back together.

Amalie was one thing, but the prince was another. They were making a scene without caring about their surroundings. The content of their conversation was embarrassing.

Feeling uncomfortable, I was pulled closer by Lord Liam.

"Prince, I apologize, but she is now my fiancée."

"Huh?"

"She was broken up with, which is a wound too deep for any woman to bear. The king was concerned and arranged for her to be engaged to me."

Lord Liam smiled, but it was a cold, business-like smile, not the sweet one I was used to. It felt like being in a deep freeze.

"The king... but Claudia was quickly given another fiancé—"

He was trying to create an atmosphere of rescuing someone from a bad situation. I needed to deflect this properly.

Imitating Lord Liam, I put on a pretentious smile.

"I've been working with Lord Liam since our engagement. He's someone I trust deeply, and he proposed to me. After being branded as incompetent in front of everyone, I was hesitant to accept the marriage, but—"

I looked meaningfully at Lord Liam, who returned a sweet, melting gaze.

Feeling my face heat up from his flirtatious look, I realized I wasn't used to it at all, despite thinking I was.

Feeling embarrassed, I was called by someone else.

"Claudia! I'm so glad to see you!"

The queen, who usually had a composed demeanor, rushed over in a flustered manner. Her sudden appearance before the evening gathering had even started caused a stir among the onlookers.

"Your Majesty."

I called out, but I was speechless at her drastic change. The queen, who had once exuded youthful beauty, now had dull skin, deep wrinkles around her eyes and mouth, and heavy makeup. She looked at least ten years older, if not more. What had happened in these three months?

"I'm so sorry, so sorry. I've realized how hard you've been working. I want you to come back immediately. I can't do the work without you anymore."

She started crying, which startled me. Glancing at Lord Liam, I saw him smirking slightly. It seemed he knew about the queen's state. However, I had no intention of returning to that life.

"Thank you for recognizing my abilities."

"Then you'll come back?!"

"I'm sorry, but I'm engaged to Lord Liam and have been called to the duke's estate to study as a duchess. I won't be able to assist everyone."

The queen let out a pained cry, her eyes pleading, but I couldn't do the impossible.

"What's all this commotion? It's embarrassing."

The king, having heard the commotion, arrived. Lord Liam and I bowed deeply.

"Ah, you can relax. What's all this fuss before the evening gathering? You should all go back."

He looked at the three of us with a disapproving expression and gave instructions to the guards. The prince rushed to the king.

"Father, wait! At least let Claudia be my fiancée again!"

"Hey, you're going to abandon me! After mocking me so much!"

"Be quiet!"

Amalie joined in, and the commotion started again. The king sighed tiredly and the guards moved in. The two were restrained and led out of the hall.

"Your Majesty, please. At least let Claudia help with the work."

"Queen, that's not possible. It's your job."

The queen, like the others, was desperate. She was escorted out by the guards.

The music started as the king signaled, and the evening gathering began. The tense atmosphere quickly dissipated, and the hall returned to its usual elegance.

When Lord Liam announced our engagement, the king smiled warmly.

"Congratulations. Liam will surely make you happy."

"Thank you."

I felt a surge of joy at his heartfelt blessing.

"I didn't realize the queen and the prince were putting such a heavy workload on Claudia. I'm sorry for the unnecessary trouble I caused."

"Your Majesty."

"Liam's mother is my sister. If anything happens, you can tell her. She'll likely take care of most things."

Mentioning the duchess, whom I had only communicated with through letters, left me at a loss. Lord Liam, however, answered smoothly.

"Don't worry, I'll protect her."

"Good. I wish you both happiness."

With that, the matter of retracting the incompetence and announcing the engagement was settled. We left the king's presence, and I felt a sudden relief. Lord Liam supported me as I nearly collapsed.

"Thank you."

"Since we're here, shall we dance?"

"My legs might not move."

"Just lean on me."

I let him lead as we danced.

"Why didn't the king stop them? He knew it would cause a scandal."

"To restore your honor."

"…Did you threaten them?"

He smiled, and I didn't press further.

◆

Not long after my marriage to Lord Liam, the prince was announced as the crown prince. He was the first prince by birth, but the first prince was to be sent to a remote area for rest due to overwork, along with his wife, Amalie. The queen, also suffering from overwork, was to leave the capital for rest.

Incidentally, my family, the earl's house, had a change in leadership among distant relatives. My father and stepmother were held accountable for misrepresenting Amalie's abilities. They could have been stripped of their title, but it seemed they were spared due to my connection. I didn't mind if they had been stripped.

And here I was, in the castle's office as the crown princess.

"Why is Lord Liam the crown prince…?"

"Because the other princes haven't come of age and they all refused the position."

"…"

If the reality of the job was explained to the young princes, they would all run away. Showing them the mountain of paperwork, the magic tools, and the amount of magic required would be enough. The three who were overworked were already in recovery.

"You have advisors, secretaries, and civil servants. Use them effectively. No one expects you to do everything alone. If you lack magic, improve the conditions and hire more people."

Lord Liam's cheerful tone suggested he had definitely threatened them. The young princes, who were fond of Lord Liam, would likely help him when they grew up.

"Claudia, let's take a break."

"Sure, but let's finish this part first."

"Remember, you're not just one person. Take care of yourself."

I gave him a skeptical look, and he smiled brightly.

"I feel like I've been tricked."

"Really?"

"But I'm happy."

The skills I had acquired through my efforts were useful. The workload was manageable, and most importantly, I was always with Lord Liam. I often felt protected.

Lord Liam stood up and took my hand.

"I'm not just protecting you. I'm also supported by you."

"Is that so? I'm far more comfortable than I imagined as a crown princess."

I wasn't sure, but if he said so, it must be true.

"Let's go."

He helped me stand, and I smiled at his smile.

Fin.

Thank you for reading to the end!

I appreciate the feedback on typos and errors. Thank you so much (人´∀｀)