"...Miss Berkeley would agree, wouldn't you?"

Perhaps because she had been thinking about such things in a daze, Mariabelle had failed to hear what Edward had to say.

She was suddenly asked to speak, but since she hadn't listened carefully before the conversation, she didn't understand the content.

"Ah... I beg your pardon, Your Highness. What were you saying?"

"I said, you are my dear childhood friend and I want you to be absolutely happy."

"...I see. Thank you."

What is happiness? Mariabelle thought.

She used to think that happiness was standing next to Edward, the future king, helping him and loving him.

Or rather, as the crown prince's fiancée, there was no other path for Mariabelle.

But now that path had been cut off by Edward himself, who was standing right in front of her.

Therefore, Mariabelle cannot imagine a future where she can be happy.

For a daughter from an aristocratic family, a political marriage is a matter of course.

However, those legitimate sons---of similar age and with a status equal to or higher than her---already have a fiancée.

The plague that broke out about ten years ago had considerably reduced the number of royalty as well as aristocrats.

Eventually, her father, the Marquis of Berkeley, will bring a marriage proposal to Mariabelle, but if he starts looking now, will he be able to find her a good partner?

"I hope you find someone to love you as well."

Edward looked lovingly at Annette, who was sitting next to him.

Annette's face was also glowing with the joy of being loved.

"That's right." Mariabelle was unable to answer more than that, wondering when this unbearable tea party was going to end.

"Well, what do you think? I'd like to introduce you to my close friend, Simon. He's an exceptional man and I trust him a lot."

As his fiancée, Mariabelle had been with Edward for a long time, so naturally, she knew his entourage.

They are all the eldest sons of high-ranking aristocrats; a group of attractive young men.

However, all of them already have a partner with whom they were engaged when they were young.

Only one of them didn't have a fiancée.

Simon was Edward's foster brother and an earl's third son.

Although he has no title to inherit, he will be in a good position as a close associate of Edward when he succeeds to the throne.

The reason Simon has no fiancée yet was not only because he is the third son of an earl, but also because of his physical appearance.

The aftereffects of an epidemic he contracted ten years ago have left him with a terrible pockmark on his face.

He was always looked down on because of this, and women avoided him because of his gloomy impression.

"I think Miss Berkeley would see the humanity in him."

She didn't recall talking to him directly, but of course, Mariabelle knew Simon well.

Although he doesn't assert himself much and gives the impression that he's quietly serving by his side, Edward is certainly someone worthy of his trust.

But even if he is such a wonderful person, why would he recommend Simon in the same breath that he wants us to find someone to love?

Just as Edward had found Annette, Mariabelle should choose the man she loves herself.

"Is that a royal order?"

Mariabelle's smile disappeared, and she listened to the sound of a piece of memory cracking deep in her chest.

It was her first encounter with Edward.

The engagement was decided, and they both held hands while feeling a little embarrassed.

They even talked passionately about the future of the country that the two of them will eventually rule.

I had been by his side as his fiancée for a long time. It wasn't a passionate love, but I thought of him as an important partner.

However, the love that Mariabelle had been slowly nurturing deep in her heart for Edward, who was selfish to no end, crumbled one by one...

And then, every single one shattered and vanished.

Surprised by the sudden change in Mariabelle's atmosphere, Edward took a deep breath and quickly denies it.

"I didn't mean it that way. I just want you to be happy---"

"If that is the case, I will find the one I love on my own. I don't need His Highness to find someone for me," Mariabelle said before leaving her seat, saying she wasn't feeling well and would excuse herself.

"Mariabelle!"

She didn't turn around at Edward's voice, calling out to her.