CH 5

Did Edward regret breaking off his engagement with Mariabelle?

After all, he told her before that she was the only one who could become the crown princess…

However, these fleeting hopes were shattered in the reception room, where Mariabelle hurriedly headed.

“You want me to be… her tutor?”

“Yes, exactly. Annette is having problems adjusting to the tutors in the castle. I thought that Mariabelle, being closer in age, would be able to teach her more gently. Besides, you are the most perfect lady of all.”

Edward smiled as he said this, without feeling bad about it. He seemed to not doubt that Mariabelle would be willing to teach her.

Mariabelle clutched the folds of her dress tightly.

Edward said that Mariabelle was the most perfect lady of all, but he had actually chosen a commoner’s daughter. And this was the first time learning that her name was Annette.

If she had lived as a mere commoner until now, she would not even know the etiquette of a noblewoman, let alone a crown princess.

Didn’t both of them break off the engagement, aware of such things?

Then, she remembered the tutor who taught her strictly.

Even Mariabelle, who was taught manners as the Marquis’s daughter, had difficulties with her new lessons. So, if she made a bloody effort, will Annette, who had lived as a commoner until now, be able to master it in a short period?

Since the crown prince cannot remain unmarried forever, Annette will have about two years to finish her education.

If Mariabelle agrees to his proposal, that time would also be spent on Edward as well.

I don’t even need to think about it.

She wondered how far he would go to be satisfied while crushing her family’s pride; any remaining feelings she had for Edward disappeared with the pain of being trampled on so thoroughly.

At that moment, Mariabelle felt like crying out due to the frustration she felt at having to keep smiling after enduring the crown princess’s education for so many years.

However, the only thing left for Mariabelle is her pride in being the daughter of a marquis.

That is the one thing she doesn’t want to lose to anyone else.

For that reason, she hid all her emotions behind her smile.

“I haven’t heard anything from my… father.”

“I haven’t told him yet. I thought I would first ask for your consent.”

Perhaps he knew that if he asked Marquis Berkeley, he would be rejected.

No, perhaps he had already been rejected.

However, he may have believed that if he could get Mariabelle to accept his proposal by asking her directly, he could do whatever he wanted after that.

The reason Edward had such confidence in her was that Mariabelle had never disagreed with anything Edward had said.

But that was when she was Edward’s fiancée.

Now, they were just strangers with no relation to each other.

“I am sorry, but I must decline.”

Edward’s eyes widened in surprise when she firmly refused, but Mariabelle thought it was strange that he was surprised by her refusal.

I thought he was a serious and gentle person… An honest man who never doubted people too much, but…

People are not made of good intentions alone.

If he could swallow that malice, he would become a great king.

When she looked at Edward again—their hearts separated by the distance between them—she couldn’t help but think that he was too naive to be a king.

Until now, it was good because there were only good people around, but real villains frequently wear the skin of good people.

I wonder if Edward would be able to tell the difference…

However, Mariabelle felt that there was nothing she could do; she was no longer Edward’s fiancée.

He will be supported by Annette, the royal family, and the surrounding subjects.

“Of course, it will only be for a little while, until Annette gets used to the royal palace—”

“I’m not feeling well, so I will be returning to my estate. I’m sorry, but I can’t help you.”

She didn’t give Edward a chance to speak, and merely bowed her head in an apologetic gesture.

Eventually, she heard a heavy sigh above her head

“I wanted to introduce her to you…”

Mariabelle remained silent and didn’t look up.

“I understand. I will go home for now, but if you change your mind—”

“Your Highness, I’m no longer your fiancée. Therefore, please, don’t call me by my name,” she said while looking down. Edward took a step back, as if he was being pushed.

“Oh, yes. I understand. Then, Lady Berkeley, if you change your mind, please contact me at any time.”

Mariabelle didn't raise her head until Edward walked out and there was no sign of him.