•?••? ? ?••?•

“We briefly crossed paths at the debutante ball, and that was the end of it.”

Iva’s tone made it clear that she had no recollection of what happened on the balcony.

Ray’s gaze dropped even further at her words.

“It seems you two aren’t that close, then.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“But you seem to be quite conscious of Ray behind me.”

“Pardon?”

“It looks like you’re purposely trying not to turn your gaze toward him.”

Claude didn’t even properly look at Iva, still, he seemed to read her expressions directly.

“Well, I thought it would be nice to have a meal together. I noticed him standing alone, but since His Highness didn’t say anything, I tried to act nonchalant about it. It seems I was exposed.”

“Ray has already eaten. He has training in the afternoon and wanted to greet the lady beforehand, so I called him early. I didn’t know it would bother you so much. Ray, sit next to me.”

“No, my duty is to protect His Highness right now. If it makes you uncomfortable, I will go a little further away.”

Ray politely refused Claude’s suggestion.

Ray took a few steps back, but his discomfort didn’t dissipate.

“How is the preparation progressing? The reports I’ve received so far are quite satisfactory.”

“Yes, we plan to host the party mainly in the garden. We want to create a sense of summer.”

“Good idea.”

“I’m thinking of setting up an artificial fountain in the center and changing the wallpaper inside the hall.”

“I’ll provide as much financial support as needed, so feel free to spare no expense.”

“Thank you. Also, on that day, I hope Your Highness will consider wearing slightly darker attire.”

“Why?”

“The envoys will come thinking they are His Majesty’s representatives, and they will want to be the center of attention that day.”

Iva carefully suggested the ideas she had discussed with Fel.

“Also, they are not familiar with our nobility, so it’s better to wear necklaces or brooches indicating our ranks.”

“To prevent any misunderstandings.”

“Yes, as no one would like to offend others due to lack of knowledge about other person’s rank.”

Claude nodded approvingly, showing that he quite liked her suggestions.

“Chase was right. Lady Iva is indeed suitable for organizing the party.”

Iva slightly lowered her head as a gesture of gratitude.

“If you executed my first proposal so well, I hope you’ll accept the second one as well.”

“Huh?”

Confused, she replied absentmindedly.

“I mean to marry me.”

Thud.

Both Claude and Iva turned their heads to the side at the loud noise of the sword slipping from Ray’s grip and falling to the ground.

“I apologize.”

As their gazes shifted to Ray, he apologized in a low voice.

“Your Highness, as I mentioned when you came to my mansion, I have no intention of getting married.”

“This time, it’s a proposal from my side.”

“Yes?”

Iva was taken aback by Claude’s unexpected proposal.

This guy is completely playing with me, isn’t he?

The party is still a week away. I can’t keep letting him control me when I don’t know how many more times I’ll run into him.

I need to show him that I’m not afraid of him, so we can cut ties as soon as the party is over.

Looking directly into Claude’s eyes, Iva said, “Then let’s do it right now.”

“Huh?”

“I’d like us to go to the countryside tonight and find a house for two. I’ll hand over the party preparations to someone else. Besides, since we’re going to the countryside, it doesn’t matter if the envoy members come or not.”

Claude’s eyes narrowed slightly at Iva’s more confident request.

“It must have been burdensome for Your Highness as well. I’m glad to relieve some of that burden.”

“…Are you serious?”

“I’d prefer to have a quiet time, just the two of us, in the countryside. I can’t stand noisy places.”

She said without avoiding Claude’s intimidating blue eyes.

Then, after a brief pause, Claude burst into laughter.

“Hahaha!”

Despite the hearty laughter, the atmosphere around them remained chilly.

Especially with Ray standing there silently, the air felt so cold that it could freeze.

“A lady like you is truly a first for me.”

“Is that so?”

“You know very well I wouldn’t make that choice.”

Naturally.

Of the three princes, Claude was the most ambitious one. 

Iva knew this better than anyone else in this world. The fact that Claude couldn’t give up his status as a prince was crystal clear to her.

“Your Highness, to be honest, I didn’t want to take charge of this party.”

“Now you’re speaking from the heart.”

He looked at her with an expectant gaze, waiting for her next words.

“But now that I have become responsible for it, I won’t shy away, and I will do my best. So, there’s no need to test me any further. Until the party is successfully concluded, I won’t indulge in nighttime drinking or get married.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, so please trust me. Your Highness.”

To show her sincerity, Iva rose from her seat and approached Claude. Then, she bent her waist and extended her hand for a handshake.

Claude, who had been quietly observing, also stood up and took her hand.

The meaning behind this handshake was different from the one they had exchanged at the Blanche Mansion under threat. Now, Claude genuinely trusted Iva.

“I genuinely entrust this task to you, Young Lady Iva.”

“If it’s not too much trouble, may I take my leave first? There are many meetings to attend for the party preparations.”

She no longer wanted to be in the same space with these two.

“I’ll escort you.”

“No, Your Highness. That’s not necessary. I’ll be fine… Ah!”

As soon as Claude released her hand, Iva took a few steps back but ended up tripping over something.

Her body quickly leaned backward, and in anticipation of falling, she tightly closed her eyes.

“Uh?”

However, she didn’t feel the sensation of hitting the ground. Instead, she felt warm hands gently holding her, so she cautiously opened her eyes.

“Are you okay?”

“Young Lady, be careful.”

Standing behind her Ray had wrapped his arms around her shoulders, while Claude had embraced her waist from the front, supporting Iva.

•?••? ? ?••?•