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Chapter 12
“Chase.”
“Your Highness?!”
The person Chase was addressing as “Your Highness” could only be Claude Begen Elihu, right? Wasn’t he the sub–male lead in this world?
Why is the sub–male lead showing up now, right after I rejected the main male lead?!
Eva, caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events, instinctively hid behind Chase.
But Chase, like a small puppy spotting its master, abandoned her without a second thought and trotted straight over to Claude.
That useless mutt. Left alone, Eva shot a sharp glare at the back of Chase’s head.
“I was just about to head to you, Your Highness. What brings you here?”
“Lai was so worried I might catch even the smallest illness that I decided to come out to give her some rest.”
Claude gave a light smile before shifting his gaze past Chase—straight toward Eva. Her obvious wariness drew his eyes like a magnet.
When their eyes met, Eva hurriedly bowed in greeting.
“Y–Your Highness Claude, it is an honor to meet you. I am Eva Blanche of House Blanche.”
Claude was the very man who had handed Eva two separate deaths in her previous life.
The memory of her beheading flashed vividly, and even a simple greeting became tense.
Claude stared intently at her lips as they moved, then slowly curved one corner of his mouth upward.
“Well now… I didn’t expect to meet the black cat again so soon.”
Murmuring softly to himself, he became certain.
In a gentle voice, he accepted Eva’s bow, though she still kept her head lowered.
“A pleasure to meet you, Lady Eva.”
“It is an honor to make your acquaintance.”
“That’s enough with the greeting—raise your head.”
Eva slowly lifted her face but kept her gaze fixed firmly on the floor to avoid his eyes.
“Tell me, my lady… do you keep a black cat as a pet?”
“…Pardon? Ah—no, I do not keep any pets.”
“Then perhaps you enjoy raspberries?”
“…Not particularly, no.”
“I’d imagine you’d like wine, though.”
…What on earth? First cats, then raspberries, now wine?
The string of bizarre questions only made Eva more suspicious of him.
“Chase, is this the lady you mentioned—the one you wanted to put in charge of the party?”
“Yes, Your Highness. That’s correct.”
“And have you accepted the role, my lady?”
“I told him I’d need more time to consider such a serious matter.”
Her answer was clearly less than enthusiastic.
Claude, however, only smiled and stepped closer.
“I don’t have much time. If you’re still hesitating, perhaps I should make my own request of you. I’d like to step inside the mansion.”
“…Pardon?”
“And have a cup of tea.”
Without waiting for a reply, Claude simply strode past her toward the entrance.
Eva and Chase exchanged blank looks before hurrying after him.
Why does everything keep spiraling out of control?!
* * *
“Your Highness, th–this is jasmine tea. If it doesn’t suit your taste, I can prepare something else.”
“This will do. And there’s no need to be so tense—treat me like a casual guest.”
“How could I possibly do that, Your Highness? It is an honor to welcome you here.”
The sudden visit from a royal prince had thrown House Blanche’s staff into a frenzy.
Even Eva’s parents—normally the masters of the house—had rarely tasted the high-grade tea leaves that were hurriedly steeped for him.
The finest desserts were brought out on trembling trays.
Eva herself sat upright, knees together, fists resting neatly atop them like a rookie employee bracing for an evaluation.
“My parents are traveling, so I am the one receiving Your Highness today. I beg your gracious understanding.”
“Think nothing of it. I fear I may be inconveniencing everyone by showing up unannounced.”
If you really think that, how about you leave that dessert right there and head back home? I haven’t even had a chance to try it yet.
“Haha, not at all, Your Highness. You are no inconvenience.”
Forcing a polite smile, Eva met his green eyes—only for him to hold her gaze firmly.
“As Chase may have told you, the party welcoming the Pene delegation requires special attention. It’s the first task His Majesty has personally entrusted to me.”
“Yes, your aide mentioned as much.”
“I want it done well. Which is why I want you to take charge of it.”
His tone was calm, but the underlying firmness was unmistakable.
Still, no matter how intimidating he was, Eva couldn’t accept so easily.
What if preparing that party ended up being the cause of her funeral?
Besides, she’d have to watch Julian and Lai meet and fall in love at first sight—right from the front row.
“Your Highness, I’ve only organized small gatherings for other young ladies. A professional would be far more suited for success.”
Her refusal was careful but clear. Claude’s smile only deepened.
That smile… was somehow more frightening.
“Chase has served as my aide for over two years without a single poor judgment.”
From behind, Chase’s eyes sparkled at the compliment.
“And he recommended you. I want you to work with me, but if you truly feel burdened, I won’t force you.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
“A pity, but so be it.”
He stepped back surprisingly easily. Huh. Guess he’s more reasonable than I thought.
Relieved, Eva silently prayed for the “uninvited guests” to take their leave soon.
“But we still have something else to discuss, don’t we?”
“…Pardon? What do you mean?”
“Last night. Don’t you remember?”
“Last night?”
“You proposed to me.”
“…What?!”
“WHAT?!”
Eva’s voice rose in shock—along with Chase’s.
“Wh–what are you talking about?!”
“Was the shameless woman who proposed to His Highness you, my lady?”
“Shameless?! Hey! Watch your mouth!”
“Haha, you two must be close. Calm down.”
At Claude’s mediation, they both hastily regained composure.
“Your Highness, I have never met you before today. This is my first time having the honor—how could I possibly have proposed to you?”
Eva had no intention of marrying anyone, let alone proposing to him. She was completely innocent.
“Oh, you did.”
“I most certainly did not.”
“Perhaps not directly, but I took it as such.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“You invited me to move to a farm with you.”
…Farm? Eva’s brain froze mid-denial.
“You said we’d search for a lost dog together.”
Her jaw dropped. Chase looked utterly appalled.
“And you told me I’d suit being the head of the local youth association.”
Suddenly, the image of a white tiger mask overlapped Claude’s face. Eva wanted to dissolve into dust on the spot.
“You offered room and board—saying I should come live with you. That was a proposal, was it not?”
“No! I specifically said I wouldn’t marry!”
Claude smiled in triumph at her panicked tone.
“So you do remember, Black Cat Masked Lady.”
“T–the man in the white tiger mask had long blond hair. Your Highness has silver hair.”
“Disguise is essential when traveling incognito.”
“Then… the man I slapped yesterday was—”
“It took some effort to bring down the swelling quickly, but it’s still a bit sore.”
Claude touched his cheek, feigning injury.
‘You’re exactly the kind of wholesome country youth who’d drop everything to help find a lost dog.’
‘I’ll give you cheap room and board—come live with me.’
Thud. Eva collapsed to her knees, forehead pressed to the floor.
“Y–Your Highness! My deepest apologies! I was drunk out of my mind at the time! I meant no disrespect!”
Claude had only meant to tease her a little—he hadn’t expected this big a reaction. He nearly laughed but quickly cleared his throat to hide it.
“I’m truly sorry. Please, show mercy just this once.”
Eva clung to the floor as if her life depended on it—because it might.
She could easily be charged with treason for insulting a royal, never mind poison.
So that’s why everyone at the masked ball had reacted like that when my mask fell off?!
“Chase, what’s the penalty for insulting a royal?” Claude asked with a subtle wink.
Catching on instantly, Chase lowered his voice to match the prince’s scheme.
“A minimum of twenty years… maximum…”
Eva swallowed hard.
“…Death.”
“Your Highness! Please, spare my life! I beg you!”
Pride meant nothing right now—she needed to survive.
“Eva Blanche.”
Claude’s voice dropped lower, sending a tremor through her body.
“Raise your head. Stand up.”
Afraid to test his patience, Eva obeyed instantly.
Claude’s smile vanished as their eyes met.
“The rule at such parties is to forget what happened that night, correct?”
“Y–yes, that’s correct.”
“But if I chose to make an issue of it, what do you think would happen?”
Who could have expected the third prince to be at a noble masquerade?
When she failed to answer, Claude’s smile returned—wider.
“You’d be spending tomorrow night in a cell beneath the palace, rather than in a comfortable bed.”
Forget wholesome country youth—this man could threaten with a smile like a professional.
“But since I don’t want to see you in a dungeon, I’ll give you two options. Out of the goodness of my heart.”
Yes, please. Just be merciful. I’ll never cross your path again.
Eva focused intently on her chance at survival.
“First, take charge of the royal palace party as Chase requested.”
Not mercy at all. Still, better than death.
“Second, marry me and live on a farm in the countryside.”
Worst. Option. Ever.
Between the lesser evil and the absolute worst, Eva felt her insides boil—but she forced a smile.
Better a bed than a prison floor.
“Choose one.”
“…Must I choose right now?”
“If I give you time, I suspect you’ll try to flee to the countryside on your own. So yes—answer now.”
Sharp as a whip. There went her fleeting thought of a midnight escape.
There was really only one answer. Survival came first.
“I… will choose the first option.”
Claude seemed pleased enough, though he had clearly hoped for the second. He rose from his seat and extended his hand.
“I would have preferred the second, but this will do. I look forward to working with you, Lady Eva.”
Eva shook his hand, though it felt like swallowing a bitter pill.
