Chapter Three: Cinderella’s Sister Becomes Thee Princess Consort

The night of the wedding, or the ‘wedding night.’

Though he could have left me alone, Prince Francis came into the bedroom where I’d been hanging out. I guess I am supposed to be his fated maiden, so there will probably be rumors if he left me here alone.

I won’t lie, it’s awkward as hell…but I can’t just tell him to leave, so I’ll just make him a cup of tea.

“Here you are, Your Highness.”

“Ah, yeah…” He had been sitting on the extravagant sofa, his face gaunt. He’d married me in desperation after getting rejected by Ella, but it looks like he’s finally come back to his senses…and regretting it. I just wish he had come to his senses earlier. Seriously! I mean, look at what’s happened! We’re already officially married!

I mulled over what to do next as I looked over the exhausted prince. At any rate, we’ll need to properly make some decisions about our future plans, so I tentatively called out to him. “Excuse me, Your Highness. May I speak to you for a moment?”

“…I want to say this first. Even if we’re married, I have no intention of loving you.”

“Yes, I’m aware.” He looked bewildered when I said this. Look, man, I was basically dragged here as a substitute for Ella. If you really thought that I’d be like: ‘Ah, I’m so lucky to marry The Prince, even though I’m just the replacement~’ then you’re quite the narcissist, aren’t you? “Please rest assured, I will never seek your love.” I was serious. It’s not like I needed it. I had only participated in the ball to find a suitable partner.

Prince Francis muttered something as thoughhe were caught off guard by my readily accepting his words. I couldn’t hear him, but I’ll just say everything that I want to right now.

“Prince, this marriage was an accident…an accident.”

“…Yeah.”

“Which is why you should erase me from your mind. Feel free to take a lover or concubine and live as you wish.”

“…Hm?”

“In the meantime, could you provide me with food, clothes, and shelter? I promise to keep quiet and once everything settles down you can even divorce me. And…” I fell to my knees and prostrated myself in front of The Prince.

He looked incredibly confused.

“I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience…that my foolish sister has caused you.” Most of the problems had been caused by The Prince, who had rushed through everything to the point of no return, but it’s also true that Ella lacked decency when she ran away with that Magician. I did feel some responsibility as her older sister and I figured that it would benefit me (this part is crucial) if I apologized to The Prince.

I stayed in that position for a while, awaiting his response.

…Wasn’t this bad? He’s not saying anything again. Was he angry? Will my head be cut off?! I grew increasingly worried before a quiet voice spoke.

“Raise your head.”

I slowly raised my head and looked at The Prince…who seemed to be a bit uncomfortable. Thank goodness, it doesn’t look like I’ll be executed right at this moment.

“Why are you the one apologizing like that? It’s not like this is your fault.”

“This all happened because of Ella’s actions. I’m apologizing as her older sister.” But, for the record, I also want to apologize to build some goodwill here. If he ever wants to cut off my head in the future, I hope he’ll remember my apology today and spare me.

“…Enough. I’ll do as I want, so you do what you want too.” Then, he turned his back to me and laid down on the sofa.

I watched for a moment to see if he would do anything else, but it looked like he didn’t plan on moving. Does this mean…that he’ll be sleeping here tonight? I should probably say something along the lines of: ‘Prince, I’ll sleep on the sofa, so please sleep in the bed!’ But…I’m pretty exhausted too. If possible, I’d prefer sleeping on the soft and fluffy bed.

I’ll check his reaction after heading to the bed. Great, no changes. I’ll turn the lights off.

…Still the same. I guess there’s nothing else for tonight.

Honestly, I’m relieved. No matter their status or how handsome they are, I wouldn’t want to share a bed with a stranger. “…Goodnight.”

That habit of mine slipped out. I didn’t think he heard, but then through the darkness, a small voice responded: “Yeah.”

…I didn’t think he would reply.

Damnit. I’m completely drained, but it looks like I won’t be able to sleep tonight.

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