Chapter 5

I was taken back.

Moreover, I was taken back to the castle after being told that the preparations were almost complete.

Lord Clark, who sat next to me, stroked my knee as I sobbed in despair. Hey, don't take advantage of the chaos to grope me!

"Leti, if you cry like that, your cute face will be ruined."

It's your actions that are making me cry!

"I want to go home..."

"That's not possible."

He strokes my head and says, "I'm sorry." It's not just "I'm sorry." Let me go.

Lord Clark pulls my hand and walks, still sobbing. Where are we going? Not the wedding ceremony right after being brought here, right?

Even though I resist, I am easily dragged along.

"Leti, look up."

Reluctantly, I lift my head.

"Th... "

"Yep."

"There's a river..."

A small river flows through the castle's courtyard. I can see fish swimming in it.

"I made it."

He used his money to get it done...!

I think, "As expected of the royal family!" but I don't really mind.

"You like rivers, right? You can even go fishing here."

Indeed, I do like rivers. I like fishing. I love it.

"Hey, from now on, you can do whatever you like whenever you want. You might have to handle some diplomacy, but it won't be that often. And there's no more princess education."

He's made a lot of compromises. But is it acceptable for a queen to live like this?

"Don't worry, I won't let anyone complain. I've already gotten the necessary permission."

"From who?"

"His Majesty the King."

"Ah!"

I couldn't help but let out a surprised, hollow voice.

"I told everyone that I won't marry anyone else and that if Leti runs away, I might not be able to have children, and they readily agreed."

That's called blackmail.

"So let's get married. It's not a bad deal. You'll have a more relaxed and comfortable life than if you were to marry a noble. Since you'll eventually be forced to marry someone, why not marry this prime property?"

He's still holding a grudge over the bad debt comment.

I look at the man's face as he leans closer. His clear, beautiful eyes. His hair gently swaying in the wind. I can't help but think, "Indeed, he is a prince," and I somehow accept it.

"But I won't be bound by this!"

I barely manage to stop his approaching lips. He gives me a resentful look, but I have no reason to be looked at like that. If anything, I want to make that face.

"... What's your complaint?"

Lord Clark removes the hand that was covering his mouth.

"Being married to the royal family is my complaint."

"That's something you'll just have to endure."

"No."

Lord Clark sighs at my refusal to give up.

"Letitia, that's a shame."

With that, he picks me up and carries me back to the castle.

I have a bad feeling about this.

"Put me down!"

I struggle as much as I can in his arms, but it's no use. I'm so frustrated!

I am taken to a secluded room deep in the castle.

"Leti, stay here until the preparations for the ceremony are complete."

Lord Clark smiles beautifully and then cruelly closes the door.

I immediately try to open the door.

"Oh, it won't open...!"

Duchess's daughter Letitia, seventeen years old. I have been imprisoned for the first time in my life.