Chapter 3: The Both Sides

No matter what, I am absolutely not going to break off this engagement with the chick beside me.

"This place is particularly beautiful even within the royal palace, with various flowers blooming all year round."

My words and action were in vain, but more than that I was happy and a little nervous. No, my crush is holding hands with me? I'm definitely nervous.

'Sweaty palms are a serious issue. What if she finds it disgusting? What should I do?'

"..."

Is being with me boring, or is Serena just a silent type?

It would be great if I could say something interesting, but alas, being socially awkward, it's impossible for me.

"Since we're here, let's have tea on the terrace."

A slight nod is all I got.

Feeling uneasy, I make such a suggestion in an attempt to break the situation, but she follows silently without a word.

Even when we sit down, with royal tea and the finest sweets prepared, she doesn't touch anything.

'Sigh... It seems like I might not be able to change the fate of Elysion no matter how hard I try.'

In addition to the worst outcome of death on my bag, this situation where not even my ultimate crush, whom I'm supposed to be engaged to, not pay any attention, I feel disheartened and lower my gaze...

'Wait, no! What's the use of giving up so easily!'

The chilly wind blew towards me as I stared at the girl whom I longed for, a beautiful statue sipping on the tea resembling more attractive than any woman I had seen in my life no, in this world.

'If I continue like this, it's not just my bad end but also Serena will be executed! I can't let that happen!'

"A-Serena!"

"Huh!?"

I raised my face vigorously and then called her name loudly, in response she opened her eyes wide, surprised.

"S-so, um!... You may already know, but I haven't been a very good prince so far. Causing trouble for others, selfish, and spoiled... So, I understand that you don't think highly of me."

"...."

The initial momentum was dwindling, and towards the end, my voice gradually was turning inaudible. However, Serena was just listening to my words in silence, on focus.

"On the other hand, this engagement was proposed by the royal family, and I understand that you can't refuse it, being the Duke's daughter..."

"What are you trying to say, Prince Elysion?"

Her voice...

Finally opening her mouth, Serena looks at me with eyes filled with icy coldness, and asks in a low voice.

Moreover, she slightly furrows her brows, showing signs of anger.

"Three years... Three years, please give me time! During that time, I will become a man worthy of you!"

"If, after three years, you find me inadequate, then at that time, I will request His Majesty to dissolve the engagement!"

"Wha...what?"

"You can trust me."

I might have shown a pathetic side, but the possibility of being connected with her made me truly happy.

"Then..." She started, but. . .

"Um, Your Highness, my lady, it's time."

"Cough... Well, thank you."

"Huh!? N-no..."

Coughing as if to deceive, I express gratitude to the servant who informed me and she quickly retreats.

Probably because I, who usually acts arrogantly, showed a pitiful side to my fiancée, she's likely sneering at me in her mind.

I'm also clueless about how to interact with servants from now on.

That trouble aside, my mind was going wild with what she wanted to express.

"A-Serena, your hand..."

"Yes..."

Regaining composure, I kneel before her, offering my right hand, and she immediately places her hand on mine. Thus, we return to the reception room where King Eibar and Duke await.

"Elysion, have you deepened your relationship with Miss Serena?"

"Huh!? W-well, um..."

Uncertain about how to answer, I give a vague response. 'Did our relationship deepen with that exchange?'

Maybe by a millimetre...

"Your Majesty, we will take our leave."

"Take care."

"Yes. Miss Serena, feel free to inquire about Elysion at any time."

Duke Ravenhurst and Serena bow politely, then leave the reception room. I remain in the reception room, still gazing at the closed door, where Serena's fragrance lingers.

******

"Serena. If you find meeting Elysion unpleasant, don't hesitate to say so. Despite the King's involvement, this engagement can be dissolved at any time."

After the meeting with Prince Elysion, while returning to the mansion in the carriage, my father repeated the same words several times.

I was well aware that my father was not enthusiastic about the engagement with Prince Elysion from the beginning.

And for good reason.

In the Silvercrest Kingdom, everyone, especially the nobility, knew about Prince Elysion, who was mockingly called the "incompetent mischievous prince."

My father, being protective of me, could not accept someone with such a reputation as my fiancé. It didn't take me much thought to understand that.

However.

"Father, have you forgotten? The engagement with Prince Elysion is something I... truly wanted. I wish to proceed with it."

"I see... If you say so, alright..."

In response to my answer, my father seemed to want to say something. He leaned forward, then sat back, desperately trying to compose himself.

It was unusual for my father, who rarely showed any emotion, to reveal his feelings so openly.

But now, finally, my cherished wish would come true.

To be able to be with Prince Elysion, whom I had been thinking about since that day.

"However, Prince Elysion must change his behaviour. I will make sure to emphasize this to the King as well."

"Yes."

In other words, if Prince Elysion continues his current behaviour, my father intends to secure a promise from the King to annul the engagement.

But I don't think that wish will come true.

Because... that person promised.

[Three years... Give me three years! In that time, I will become a man worthy of you!]

In the palace courtyard, Prince Elysion showed me a side of himself that didn't seem like a prince of this kingdom. He humbly and earnestly requested someone beneath him, showing no attitude.

He truly is the kind of person who doesn't put on airs.

That's why I didn't understand.

'Why Prince Elysion had behaved so recklessly until now?'

Even with the information network of the Duke of Ravenhurst, I couldn't find the reason.

All I knew was that three years ago, on a certain day, he suddenly became the person we hear about in rumours. But I desperately want to know the reason behind it.

Because I know that the real Prince Elysion is kinder and works harder than anyone, making him the most wonderful person in the world~~