“What—”

“I want to marry Your Highness.”

The blue eyes that had been alternating between the outstretched hand and her face dilated.

It was shock. Of course, he wasn’t the only one shocked.

Behind them, Harry called out loudly, “Veronica!” and everyone watching the situation gasped in surprise.

Even Asher, who had come to propose to her, couldn’t hide his astonishment.

Only Veronica remained calm.

“I’ve come to admire you, Prince Cassian Theron.”

Her voice was too composed for a love confession. There was no boldness, nor any common sign of shyness.

Her rigid face, devoid of even a hint of a smile, showed no affection towards the other party, as if reciting a given line.

Nevertheless, Veronica stood firm.

“I wish Your Highness Cassian would propose to me.”

“…”

“I want to share my future with Your Highness.”

Cassian frowned at Veronica’s words. His face said, ‘What nonsense is this?’ It was understandable. It was indeed nonsense.

Veronica smiled faintly. Cassian opened his mouth to speak, then quickly closed it.

His eyes quickly scanned the reception room before returning to her.

“Let’s… talk separately.”

Cassian Theron Diastara.

The fifth prince of the Diastara Empire and Asher’s half-brother.

She had never had much connection with him in any world.

They had been so uninterested in each other that even the slightest brush of their clothes was rare, and the times they had conversed could be counted on one hand. Yet, Veronica knew him well.

She had seen his face to the point of nausea, and occasionally their gazes would meet. It was because Asher adored that man terribly.

He was always between Veronica and Asher. Even when she didn’t want it.

Perhaps it was Veronica who had come between Asher and Cassian.

Either way, they had to see each other’s faces and know about each other whether they wanted to or not.

As a result, the two rather disliked each other.

She was jealous of him, whom Asher specially cared for and cherished. And Cassian…

‘A woman like you doesn’t suit Asher.’

He didn’t acknowledge her, did he?

Although he tried not to show it much, it was impossible not to notice.

The look in his eyes when he looked at her was full of weariness, and his face always wore a displeased expression towards her.

Just like now.

Veronica gazed blankly at the man sitting with a guarded expression. Even when their eyes met, Cassian didn’t soften his expression.

At his suggestion, the two had moved to another reception room.

“Miss Veronica Hardness.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Now that we’re alone, let’s talk honestly.”

“Yes, I love Your Highness enough to want to share my future with you.”

“…That’s not what I meant.”

Cassian hurriedly cut off her words, flustered.

“Do you know that Asher came to propose to you?”

“Yes, I know. He just told me earlier. That’s why I politely declined Prince Roel and confessed my feelings to you, Prince Cassian.”

“What nonsense—”

Cassian was about to burst out but closed his mouth tightly. It was clear he was trying to control his temper. He pressed his brow and let out a deep sigh.

“What’s your intention in suddenly acting like this?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“Miss Hardness. You were someone who said you wanted to marry Asher until just recently, no, until yesterday. Rumors are circulating like famous gossip that the young lady of the Hardness family is delirious with lovesickness. Who could believe it if such a person suddenly says she likes me?”

“Why can’t you believe it? People’s hearts can change anytime. Besides, it’s not like I’m harboring improper feelings. Prince Roel has never once responded to my feelings. It’s not strange to give up on unrequited love and find a new love, is it?”

“…”

“Of course, you would know best, Your Highness.”

You must know. As the person who watched our relationship most closely.

You must have seen all the moments when I was bewitched by Asher, used, and finally abandoned. Perhaps you even knew that Asher was deceiving me.

I don’t blame you. It’s my fault for being fooled.

Veronica indifferently watched the man who was momentarily lost in thought. It was the first time she was facing him up close, a face she had always observed from a proper distance.

His face was a bit younger than she remembered, but it didn’t feel as unfamiliar as she expected. It felt like she had seen him like this somewhere before.

Soon, Cassian raised his head. Veronica knew what he was going to say.

“Then I’ll give you my answer. I’m grateful for your feelings, Miss Hardness. However, I decline.”

“Isn’t that rejection too quick? Without any consideration?”

“There’s no reason to consider it.”

“Aren’t you thinking about how I might be hurt?”

His face stiffened, as if he hadn’t thought of that.

“I… apologize for that.”

“Ahaha.”

“…Why are you laughing?”

“Because it’s funny.”

Veronica laughed quite merrily. Cassian’s face immediately crumpled.

“Prince Cassian. I don’t know how you’ll take this, but honestly, your feelings aren’t that important.”

“What do you mean?”

“You will end up marrying me.”

Cassian’s expression soured even more.

“How can you assert that?”

At this, Veronica’s smile deepened. It was a face that hadn’t lost its composure even after being rejected.

The pretty smile on it looked elegantly refined, unlike her usual self.

Veronica spoke, placing one hand on her chest.

“Because that’s what I desire.”

Veronica was confident. She was overflowing with confidence that she could make Cassian propose to her in the future.

After all, for her, there was nothing ‘impossible’ except for the predetermined tragedy. If need be, she could go back to the past as many times as necessary.

“We will definitely get married. Without fail.”

“Ha.”

Cassian was dumbfounded by her attitude. His short, mocking laugh quickly disappeared, and he turned his head away as if he no longer wanted to continue the conversation.

“My answer will never change.”

“Don’t be so sure. The future is unpredictable, you know.”

“…I’ve given you my answer, so I’ll be leaving now.”

“Are you leaving already? Why don’t you take a tour of the mansion? You’ll end up living here someday, so wouldn’t it be good to see it in advance?”

“Who says I’m going to live here?”

Cassian burst out. Veronica lightly ignored his irritation.

“There’s also the option of me going to the imperial palace, but I am the only daughter of the Hardness family after all. My father only has me, so he won’t easily allow it.”

“That’s not what I meant. …Forget it. Let’s stop talking.”

Fearing she might add more unnecessary words, Cassian immediately stood up.

Seeing him heading towards the door, Veronica also rose from her seat.

Cassian, who was opening the door to leave, stopped in his tracks. Veronica spotted a familiar figure visible over his shoulder.

A man with platinum blonde hair and blue eyes like Cassian’s – it was Asher.

“Why are you waiting? I told you to go ahead.”

“But we should go together.”

Cassian quickly approached and pulled his shoulder.

“Let’s go.”

“Alright. Then, Miss Hardness.”

Asher’s gaze fell on Veronica, who was standing behind Cassian.

Veronica was standing still, staring at the two of them. As their eyes met, he smiled kindly.

He had come to propose but was not only rejected but also had his younger brother confessed to.

It must have been a very awkward and unpleasant situation for him, but his gentle and somewhat naive face showed no trace of such feelings.

His clear face sparkled under the sunlight.

“I’ll see you again.”

“…”

She didn’t respond. A hint of embarrassment seeped into Asher’s face.

Cassian, who had been watching the situation from the side, got irritated instead and pushed Asher’s back.

As Asher reluctantly turned his body, Veronica’s voice flowed in.

“See you again, Prince Cassian.”

Cassian’s steps faltered for a moment. He glanced back.

“That won’t happen.”

After firmly declaring this, he also turned around.

Asher walked away, limping on his left leg. Cassian also took slow steps to match his pace.

It seemed natural for them to match each other’s steps.

Cassian wanted to rush out of this place immediately, but he restrained his impulse out of consideration for Asher.

Then Cassian glanced back again.

Perhaps conscious of the persistent gaze following him. His face suddenly hardened as he looked back.

It was because Veronica was smiling at him.

Veronica, who had been watching the carriage disappear through the window, drew the curtains.

Her heavy face quietly looked down at the carpet intricately embroidered with flower stems.

It was a face whose thoughts were unreadable. The maid watching her cautiously approached and asked.

“Young miss. If you’re tired, why don’t you lie down on the bed?”

“…”

There was no response. The maid wondered whether she should leave or not.

Then suddenly, she grabbed the curtains and burst into laughter.

The brief sound that erupted grew as if it couldn’t be contained. The maid’s eyes widened.

“Young miss?”

“Ahaha. No. I’m happy. I’m in an exceptionally good mood today.”

What could she be so happy about? I heard the prince she had been in love with visited earlier, could there be good news?

Veronica was smiling as brightly as the daytime sun, but the maid who saw this somehow felt a chill down her spine.