“Who’s the lady from which family? Do I know her well?”

“I will tell you later.”
Once the king, who knew well that Cahillen never backtracked once he spoke, didn’t press further.

I avoided Floria’s piercing gaze, pretending not to notice, and turned my head. But no matter how much I thought about it, there was no one who fit the description. I’m with him in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening. If there is someone he truly likes, I wouldn’t be unaware…

‘… Surely, it can’t be me?’

Briefly entertaining an absurd thought, I chuckled to myself. There’s no way he’d pine for someone he likes as easily as breathing.

I recalled the gift Cahillen brought back a few days ago when he went on an inspection to Hambert Province. It was colorful candies, and without much thought, I put one in my mouth only to spit it out immediately. It was so spicy that my tongue stung. I didn’t expect much, but when I made a bewildered expression, Cahillen smiled and said, ‘Seems like you don’t like it.’

‘Really, if it were Cahillen, not Cahillen but a knife, I would have grabbed his collar. With his vulnerability exposed, I was internally grumbling, and Cahillen, holding a fist, looked down at me. His expression was somewhat displeased.

Anyway, looking back at Cahillen’s misdeeds so far, there was no one who could be a potential match. He knew very well why I entered the First Prince’s Palace, and it was strange that he was interested in someone else.

“It’s regrettable about Etra, but if it’s the person you’ve chosen, they must be from a proper family. When are you planning to hold the wedding?”

“I don’t know.”

“What irresponsible talk is that?”

“I haven’t heard an answer yet.”

Cahillen casually replied.

‘Wait, did he say he’s going to get married without the other party’s consent?’

I glanced at Cahillen in disbelief.

“Did you postpone your proposal as a prince?”

The king, who had no idea his son could be so different, looked shocked.

“Which noble family’s lady dared to…”

“The other party still doesn’t know my feelings. They’re quite oblivious.”

It meant that it wasn’t about accepting a proposal, and there was no romantic relationship. While saying this, Cahillen advanced ahead, looking quite awkward. If the other person found out about this, even if they didn’t accept his proposal, it would be quite surprising.

“Should someone who will become part of the royal family be so clueless?”

The king frowned disapprovingly, narrowing his eyes, and Cahillen turned his head. I quickly picked up the teapot and approached. I discovered that Cahillen’s cup was empty, and as I filled it, I spoke.

“In other matters, you are sharp, but it seems I don’t appear attractive as a woman.”

Feeling a suddenly palpable gaze, I turned my eyes and met Cahillen’s violet eyes. His straight gaze made me inexplicably tense, and when I tried to avoid it, Cahillen smiled lightly.

“There’s no man but you. It seems I don’t appear as a woman to you.”

When the king’s disapproving gaze was about to narrow, Cahillen averted his head. Holding a fully-filled cup, I quickly stepped back.
“I will get married. As soon as possible. I can’t wait any longer.”

Cahillen decisively declared, as if there was no possibility of marrying Princess Ijolla.

“Still, one more time…”

“Your Majesty, haven’t you seen the First Prince speak like that before? It seems like he sincerely harbors feelings for a woman, and if you keep mentioning Princess Ijolla, it will be uncomfortable for him.”

The queen, who did not wish for Cahillen to marry Princess Ijolla and wanted to prevent the prince’s power from growing stronger, opposed the king. She was trying to hide her joy, but the king, who had a lot to say, eventually withdrew.

“Then, hurry up. Keep in mind that my health is not as good as you think.”