Chapter 21

“—Lady Daisy. There’s something I’d like to say to you.”

In the student council room, when Becky wasn’t present, Ryan spoke to me with a serious expression.

A month had passed since I had awoken and returned to the academy.

Apparently, even before that, Prince Freddie hadn’t been to school even once. As a result, the position of the student council president was transferred to Ryan.

…Perhaps, Prince Freddie couldn’t come because of what Prince Jake did for me, but as that was baseless, I kept it to myself.

“What is it…?”

“You see, His Highness Jake previously said that if Lady Daisy wishes it, he’ll arrange for a new engagement by royal decree so that neither Marquis Astor nor Prince Freddie can interfere.”

“…By royal decree?”

“In the first place, His Highness Freddie shouldn’t have the right to interfere.”

“Why would His Highness Jake go to such an extent…”

“He wishes for your happiness, Lady Daisy. After all, you’ve contributed immensely to this kingdom.”

“…His Highness Jake.”

“Hence, he said that unless it’s a person of your choice, he won’t issue a royal decree.”

“…Of my choice?”

“Therefore, Lady Daisy, I wish to be your partner.”

…Was it my imagination, or did Ryan’s cheeks turn a shade redder?

“Ever since you shared your likes with me, I became enamored with you.”

“W, what…?”

“Previously, didn’t you mention that you like freesias because of your mother? Or roasted chicken because of your father? From that moment on, I had the impression you value your family over yourself.”

“…I, no longer like roasted chicken.”

“Then, from now on, let’s discover a delicious food of your own taste together.”

…Together? To look for something that I might find delicious?

…At the unexpected proposal, I was thrilled.

“I also remember your fondness for cloudy skies, and what you said afterwards. ‘The blue sky only reminds me of sad memories, as for rainy skies, I feel bad for those who’re looking forward to garden parties and outings.’”

“…So, you remembered.”

“The blue sky reminds you of when Eliza collapsed from heat stroke at your engagement party, right?”

I was surprised—

—how did he know?

When I was 10-years-old, my engagement party with Prince Freddie was held in the garden of the royal palace.

The weather, which was supposed to be airy, became tremendously hot. As a result, the royal palace hastily increased the number of umbrellas along with cold tea and juice. However, they failed to notice how weary the children became.

Before long, Eliza collapsed and had to be brought to the palace’s doctor. Due to how exhausted she was, she was diagnosed with heatstroke.

“You said that, ‘Even though the party was dedicated for me—or more precisely, for Prince Freddie, I’m saddened by the fact that those who were supposed to celebrate with me collapsed.’”

Afterwards, I held an intense dislike towards the blue sky.

“…But that wasn’t the only reason. It’s because that no matter how clear the sky was, I still had to fulfill my obligations in both the royal palace and the mansion. No matter how clear the sky was, I couldn’t bask in the sunlight and could only stare at it from behind a window.”

“…Yet, you still wished it not to rain?”

“That’s right. After all, those who looking forward to an outing would have been sad… At the very least, they wouldn’t need to worry about the crops or water shortages.”

At my last words, Ryan chuckled and said earnestly.

“Upon hearing that, I thought that you respected and cared for others more than yourself. …A person who’s worthy of becoming queen and able to cherish each and every citizen.”

“I, I’m not…”

“I’ve always wanted to watch over Lady Daisy. But now, I want to walk with you towards the future. I want to repay you for everything you’ve done for the Duchy of Sommerset. I wish to be with you so that we may support each other.”

…Support each other?

I wouldn’t be devoting every ounce of my being?

“…You, still want me? This me? Who isn’t even loved by her own parent and has been discarded by the first prince?”

“If Lady Daisy wishes it, I want to be with you.”

“…I, myself, wish to be with Lord Ryan.”

At my words, Ryan’s face flushed. My cheeks also burned.

★☆★

A month later, Ryan and I were engaged by royal decree while my marriage was scheduled post-graduation.

Becky and the servants of Marquis Astor were delighted with my engagement. For my happiness to be a reason for everyone to celebrate—I couldn’t wish for anything more.

As I spent my days uneventfully, my graduation eventually approached.

After my classes, I headed for the student council room only to come across Prince Freddie in the courtyard.

In the courtyard bustling with people, the sight of the prince who finally came to the academy after a long while attracted a lot of attention. When he spoke to me, said attention naturally shifted to me.

“What a pity! Daisy, you only got engaged with Ryan because of the royal decree, right?! Be honest, you want to be with me!”

***T/N: *squee* Ryan even worded his proposal in a way that doesn’t make it sounds like he’s coercing her, “Not like you have a chance now as a divorcee, so be with me” but instead spoke in equal footing, “If you want me, we can get engaged.” BECAUSE HER FEELINGS MATTERED *SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE*

On another note, I wish to be as optimistic as our Freddie here…