“What happened to your hair?”

For a while, the second prince seemed to want to say something. Apparently, it was about my hair.

Certainly, women usually didn’t cut their hair short.

“I consider myself to be fortunate, for it feels quite refreshing. I have to thank His Highness Wagner.”

“You look wonderful.”

I thought he was going to apologize. Regardless, he seemed to be aware that an apology from a member of the royal family would only burden me. After all, I would have no choice but to accept it. I didn’t know what to say in response and could only mumble some words.

If the royal family were to apologize, aristocrats had no choice but to forgive them. I liked the fact that he was aware of it.

“It looks good on you.”

With that, His Highness Weiss touched my hair.

I was surprised. I didn’t know the reason was because of the suddenness, or because of how gentle his touch was.

“I should’ve brought Wagner here and forced him apologize to you, but I know that it’d only make you uncomfortable. Above all, I’d have to apologize for my selfishness. My selfish self can’t allow that waste to be reflected before your beautiful eyes.”

Unlike Wagner, His Highness Weiss seemed proficient at lip service. No one had ever told me that before.

For aristocratic men, lip service was akin to courtesy. Therefore, I wouldn’t just take his words for it. Still, it made me a little happy.

“May I refer to you as Sofia?”

“Please refer to me as you like.”

“Thank you. Then, you may refer to me as Weiss.”

There was no way I could do that.

I’d end up going to prison for blasphemy.

“Sofia, have you decided on your future spouse? Is there anyone on your mind?”

As a symbol of his apology, did he intend to support my next engagement?

“There’s no one. I don’t think I’ll be able to get engaged for a while.”

“I see.”

For some reason, Weiss looked truly happy. Perhaps, given that he had come to apologize for Wagner’s behavior that day, His Majesty had ordered him to find a suitor or support my next engagement.

Because I said that I wouldn’t be getting engaged any time soon, I had saved him from the trouble. No wonder he was happy. If it were urgent, he’d surely pressure me into it.

I felt grateful that none of that happened. I didn’t want to get married anymore. After all, my last marriage was a catastrophic mess.

“Sofia, I won’t pressure you for an answer. I’m willing to wait forever. I want you to marry me.”

“…”

What did he say?

“Since the day I first saw you in the royal castle, I’ve been attracted to you. I love you.”

“Thank you for the kind offer, but you don’t have to worry about me.”

“What do you mean?”

“My engagement has been annulled. I’m sure that going forward, I’ll be facing many problems, especially regarding my future engagement. As such, I don’t want to burden you with that trouble.”

As a prince, Weiss’ partner should’ve been decided, already. Above all, he mustn’t make a disgraceful woman such as me his princess.

“I don’t care about any of that. I truly love you. As I’m the second prince, there’d be no obligation for you to socialize or attend to any diplomatic matters once you marry me. I can support you with my income as a knight. You don’t have to worry about anything. I think it’s a pretty good offer.”

Well, that’s right, but…

“You should be aware of my position.”

While I may be the legacy of the duke’s family, I didn’t get along well with my father. There was also Aries, the problematic child. If I wasn’t careful, I’d fall into their trap and fail to succeed the duke’s family.

In fact, during my previous life, my house was snatched from me. Then, I met with a miserable end. No matter how much I changed my mindset and did my best, there was no saying the same thing wouldn’t happen.

What was worrisome was the current situation.

Last time, His Highness Weiss hadn’t confessed to me. He wasn’t even in the kingdom. Let’s say that in my previous life, he also harbored something for me. Mayhap, because I had advanced swiftly, my engagement was annulled earlier than it should have been. As a result, the news reached his ears.

Still, it was strange to think he had returned to the kingdom merely because he thought he had a chance. Obviously, his arrival was too fast. Return home after receiving such news should have taken a few days at the earliest.

Therefore, him visiting my house the day after the turmoil of that party should have been impossible.

I could take it as a sign that I had successfully altered the future. Still, I couldn’t be pleased with merely that. After all, I didn’t know if the uncertainties would benefit me.

“I will protect you. From everyone.”

I didn’t think he truly meant what he said.

“Take advantage of me. Take advantage of the title of the prince’s fiancée—the prince’s acquaintance. That alone is a cornerstone. Also, if you rely on me, I’d be happy to help you, even if it means committing a crime.”

…Why would he go that far?

“I will return for today. I’m sure you’re confused, especially considering what has taken place yesterday. You must be tired. Rest for now. Just remember, I’m always on your side. I think our alliance will be worth it.”

With that said, His Highness Weiss went home.

I almost fail to comprehend what had happened. However, having His Highness Weiss on my side was certainly encouraging. Should I make a connection with him as a friend, assuming that the marriage would be put on hold for the time being?

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***T/N: I’m glad the story didn’t immediately focus on the lovey dovey aspect but instead Sofia systematically getting revenge. There, Sofia, weaponize the yandere!

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