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Chapter 4
She Went Mad Like That (4)
“What—”
“I wish to marry Your Highness.”
The blue eyes that darted between the hand she had extended and her face widened in shock. But he was hardly the only one stunned.
From behind them, Harry shouted, “Veronica!” and everyone witnessing the scene sucked in sharp breaths. Even Asar, who had come to propose to her, could not hide his astonishment.
Only Veronica remained calm.
“I have come to admire you, Prince Cassian Theron Diasta.”
For a confession of love, her voice was far too dry. There was no boldness, no bashfulness—none of the emotions such words usually carried. Her expression was stiff, almost mechanical, as though she were merely reciting lines handed to her. No affection for the man before her could be felt from her face at all.
And yet Veronica continued.
“I would like Prince Cassian to propose to me.”
“….”
“I wish to share my future with you.”
Cassian frowned deeply. His face practically screamed What kind of nonsense is this?
Which was understandable, because it was nonsense.
Veronica smiled faintly.
Cassian parted his lips as if to speak, then closed them again. His eyes swept quickly across the drawing room before returning to her.
“…Let us speak privately.”
* * *
Cassian Theron Diasta
The fifth prince of the Diasta Empire.
And Asar’s half-brother.
In every lifetime, Veronica had never shared much of a connection with him. Even the brushing of their sleeves had been insignificant; they had little interest in one another and had exchanged only a handful of conversations.
And yet, she knew him well.
She had seen his face countless times. Their gazes had occasionally crossed.
Because Asar cherished him dearly.
Cassian had always stood between Veronica and Asar. Not because she wanted him there. Perhaps it was more accurate to say she had intruded between the brothers instead.
Regardless, the two of them had been forced to see each other over and over again, to know one another whether they wished to or not.
And they disliked each other.
Veronica had envied how much Asar treasured Cassian.
And Cassian…
“A woman like you does not suit Asar.”
He had never approved of her.
He rarely showed it openly, but she could tell. His eyes always held exhaustion when he looked at her, and his expression constantly carried disapproval.
Just like now.
Veronica quietly observed the man sitting before her, rigid with caution. Even when their eyes met, his hardened expression did not soften.
At his suggestion, they had moved to another drawing room alone.
“Lady Veronica Hardiness.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Now that we are alone, let us speak honestly.”
“Yes. I love you enough to wish to share my future with you.”
“…That is not what I meant.”
Startled, Cassian hurriedly cut her off.
“You do know Asar came here to propose to you, correct?”
“Yes, I know. He informed me moments ago. Which is why I politely rejected Prince Roel before confessing my feelings to Your Highness.”
“What absurd nonsense—”
Cassian nearly shouted before clamping his mouth shut. It was obvious he was forcing himself to remain patient. Pressing fingers against his brow, he let out a long sigh.
“What exactly is your intention here?”
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Lady Hardiness. Until recently—no, until literally yesterday—you were desperately insisting you wanted to marry Asar. Rumors spread throughout the capital that the daughter of House Hardiness became gravely ill from lovesickness. So if someone like that suddenly claims to love me, who could possibly believe it?”
“Why is it so unbelievable? People’s hearts can change whenever they wish. It’s not as though I committed some terrible sin. Prince Roel never once answered my feelings, after all. Is it truly strange to abandon an unrequited love and seek a new one?”
“….”
“Though surely you would understand that better than anyone.”
How could you not?
You were the closest witness to our relationship. You saw me become obsessed with Asar, watched me be used, and ultimately discarded by him.
Perhaps you had even known from the beginning that Asar was deceiving me.
Veronica stared at the silent man indifferently.
This was the first time she had ever examined his face from so close. He looked slightly younger than in her memories, yet strangely familiar all the same. It almost felt as though she had once looked at him like this before.
Soon, Cassian lifted his head. Veronica already knew what he was about to say.
“Then I suppose I should give you my answer. I appreciate your feelings, Lady Hardiness. However, I must refuse.”
“Isn’t that rejection a little too quick? You didn’t even hesitate.”
“There is no reason to hesitate.”
“And you do not care whether I am hurt?”
That question clearly caught him off guard, because his expression stiffened.
“That… I apologize for.”
“Ahaha.”
“…Why are you laughing?”
“Because it’s amusing.”
Veronica smiled brightly, thoroughly entertained. Cassian’s face twisted immediately.
“Prince Cassian. I’m not sure how you will take this, but in truth… your feelings do not matter very much.”
“What do you mean?”
“You will marry me.”
Cassian’s frown deepened.
“And what makes you so certain of that?”
“Because it is what I desire.”
Veronica was confident.
She was certain she could create a future where Cassian proposed to her. After all, there was nothing in this world she couldn’t accomplish—except escaping the tragedies already destined to occur.
If necessary, she could simply turn back time again and again.
“We will marry. Without fail.”
“Hah.”
Even after rejecting her confession, she remained completely unaffected. Cassian let out a short laugh of disbelief before turning his head away, clearly done with the conversation.
“My answer will never change.”
“Do not speak so absolutely. One never knows what the future may bring.”
“…I have given you my answer, so I shall take my leave now.”
“You’re leaving already? You should tour the estate before you go. Since you’ll eventually live here, wouldn’t it be best to familiarize yourself with it beforehand?”
“Who exactly said I would be living here?”
Cassian snapped.
Veronica ignored his irritation effortlessly.
“Well, there is the option of me moving into the imperial palace. But I am the only daughter of House Hardiness. My father has only me, so I doubt he would agree so easily.”
“That is not remotely what I— …Forget it. Talking further is pointless.”
Fearing she would continue saying absurd things, Cassian quickly rose to his feet.
As he headed for the door, Veronica stood as well.
Cassian opened the door—then abruptly stopped walking.
Over his shoulder, Veronica spotted a familiar figure.
Platinum hair. Blue eyes identical to Cassian’s.
Asar.
“Why are you still waiting here? I told you to leave first.”
“We should leave together.”
Cassian immediately strode over and pulled Asar along by the shoulder.
“Let’s go.”
“Mm. Then, Lady Hardiness.”
Asar’s gaze landed on Veronica, who stood behind Cassian.
She merely watched the two brothers silently.
Their eyes met, and he smiled gently.
He had come here intending to propose, only to be rejected and then watch his younger brother receive the confession instead. It should have been humiliating and unpleasant.
Yet no trace of such emotions showed on his warm, youthful face. Beneath the sunlight, his clear features practically glowed.
“I hope we meet again.”
“….”
Veronica did not answer.
An awkward look crossed Asar’s face. Beside him, Cassian—who had been observing the situation—grew irritated instead and shoved lightly at Asar’s back. As Asar reluctantly turned away, Veronica’s voice drifted after them.
“Until next time, Prince Cassian.”
Cassian’s steps faltered briefly.
He glanced back over his shoulder.
“That will never happen.”
His voice was firm and decisive as he turned away once more.
Asar limped slightly on his left leg while walking. Matching his pace, Cassian slowed his own steps naturally. It was obvious they were accustomed to walking together like that.
Cassian clearly wanted to escape this place immediately, yet he restrained himself out of consideration for Asar.
Then he glanced back once more.
Perhaps he had sensed the persistent stare following him.
The moment he turned, his expression froze.
Because Veronica was smiling at him.
Watching the carriage disappear beyond the window, Veronica slowly drew the curtains shut.
Her heavy gaze lowered to the carpet embroidered with dense floral patterns. Her expression was unreadable.
The maid observing her stepped forward cautiously.
“My lady. If you are tired, perhaps you should lie down.”
“….”
No answer came.
Veronica’s face remained stiff and distant. Worried she might be unwell, the maid considered calling someone.
Then suddenly Veronica clutched the curtain and burst into laughter.
A short sound escaped at first, only to grow louder and louder, as though she could no longer suppress it.
The maid’s eyes widened.
“My lady?”
“Ahaha… No, it’s just… I’m happy. Today, of all days, I feel wonderfully happy.”
What exactly could she possibly be so happy about?
The prince she had adored had just visited her—perhaps something good had happened?
Veronica’s smile shone as brightly as the afternoon sunlight.
