“The people of the capital, even the palace, do not understand her worth. The crown prince still hasn’t proposed, has he?”

“The crown prince has already turned twenty.”

“So, he’s still young.”

Hyde, who was twenty-eight this year and four years older than Serena, was naturally surrounded by people worried about the absence of a great duchess. But from the moment he met Serena, Hyde’s mind was set.

“He’s still a kid.”

From Hyde’s perspective, the crown prince was merely a youth eight years his junior.

And since the portrait depicting their problematic engagement had been published in newspapers distributed throughout all domains, the impression remained that he was smaller than his fiancée.

“Here, look…”

Hyde confidently pulled out a six-year-old newspaper from a drawer and slapped it on the desk.

Even though the paper had faded, the image of the much smaller crown prince standing next to Serena in her white dress was still striking.

“See, isn’t it ridiculous? This is why Serena came to Astel. An engagement to someone younger and smaller than herself; it’s understandable.”

“As your majesty has already heard, the crown prince has become very robust now.”

Chad was definitely loyal. Even in front of Hyde, who was burning with red eyes filled with affection for Serena, he did not hesitate to give advice.

“Rumors tend to be exaggerated.”

“The crown prince has already amassed martial skills in many battlefields and roamed the entire continent to become a sturdy man.”

“That’s laughable. I’ve been sturdy since I was ten. I’ve never lost to someone my age or even older.”

What was truly laughable was this noble grand duke belittling his rival out of jealousy. However, since Hyde’s expression and gaze were extremely serious, Chad could say nothing.

“If she were the young duke I know, she would have decisively rejected the marriage proposal by now.”

Actually, Hyde’s guess was somewhat accurate. Having observed Serena’s temperament in all sorts of situations, Hyde knew it could happen.

“A woman like her cannot live in a suffocating place like the royal palace.”

Hyde declared emphatically.

“So now is the perfect opportunity.”

Chad, who had been nodding along, suddenly narrowed his eyes at his liege.

“…Pardon? What opportunity are you speaking of?”

“The perfect opportunity.”

For a moment, Chad was confused. How could the sudden appearance of the crown prince, insisting on his engagement, be a perfect opportunity?

“Your Highness, this doesn’t seem like an opportunity.”

“Correct.”

Hyde arrogantly lifted his chin. His features, though somewhat sharp, exuded the unique dignity of the Parel Ducal House.

“The capital, especially the royal palace, is essentially the most restraining birdcage for a woman.”

It was not a wrong statement. Even the wives of nobles in the capital lived like birds in a cage called social circles. For the crown princess, it would not be any less confining.

“I will save her.”

Looking at Hyde’s expression, he was indeed serious.
I need Serena. No other noblewoman could be as strong and resilient as she is. Moreover, I can guarantee her a life where she can shine.

The Duchy of Pharel and the Astel Territory were adjacent lands, and if he were to marry Serena, the plan was to let her continue ruling Astel as she had been doing.

No, if she wanted, Serena could even rule the Duchy of Pharel.

“Forgive me, but I have a question.”

“What is it?”

“Why haven’t you discussed this with her?”

For a moment, the two men locked eyes and blinked in confusion.

“Your Grace acknowledges the special abilities of the noblewoman and even plans to co-rule not just Astel but also the Duchy of Pharel after marriage, and to give her freedom as well…”

There were no better terms for a woman like Serena.

“Why haven’t you told her yourself?”

“What…?”

Hyde slapped his knee, his mouth hanging open amidst his defeated expression.

“Do I really need to say it? Strong individuals understand each other.”

“…Your Grace, it’s a proposal. How many times do I have to tell you? A proposal is not about acquiring a comrade.”

Hm, Hyde let out an awkward sigh.

“Still, it’s clear that Serena thinks of me. The last time we met, she served cold tea. Could she be worried I might get hurt?”

That last encounter had been in midsummer, with the heat in full swing. Serena had simply been drinking cold tea.

“I must rescue her.”

Though Hyde was an excellent Duke, he knew nothing of a woman’s heart.

“I’m going to Astel right away.”

Chad knew well he couldn’t stop his passionate Lord. Moreover, it was difficult to disregard the hope of inviting Serena, whose engagement was nearly void, to be the Duchess.

“I will follow Your Grace’s command.”

And so, an unprecedented event occurred in Astel. It was something that would be sung by bards for many long years to come.