“I want to get married quickly.”

Alfred was breathing heavily into my stomach. I felt a shiver rippling in the pit of my stomach.

“My father refuses to abdicate because I’m still single and inexperienced. That’s why I want to get married quickly. I want to, but unfortunately, I don’t have enough money yet.”

I couldn’t understand what he was saying.

I also didn’t try to find out what he really meant. I just kept moving my hands.

“Money…”

I bet he didn’t want to marry me. So, I wanted to ask, “with whom?” However, being the arrogant Juliane, I didn’t know how to ask.

Asking directly was just impossible, so after some hesitation, I decided against it.

“You at least must have enough money to hold a normal wedding ceremony, right?”

“Of course.”

With his face buried in my stomach, Alfred answered calmly.

“What I don’t have is money to give back to the Gessel family. I know pride is a hassle, but I absolutely need that money to save face.”

I felt my lips twist. An inaudible voice escaped—it was as if everything in my heart had flown away.

It’s finally here! A total denial to my reason for existence!!

I should’ve been prepared for it, but the word “shock” still pierced my heart. It felt like my heart was going to burst. The pain was like waves that came and went.

“I’ll repay you for all the money you’ve given me, and then propose. That’s what I’ve decided.”

When Alfred looked up from my stomach, his eyes were shiny and moist from the fever, and yet they were more beautiful than the stars. But that light could no longer reach me.

I see… So there’s already someone he wants to propose after breaking up with me…

I felt like I was floating alone in the pitch-black darkness, and that air was slowly escaping from my body.

I had wondered if Alfred was still undecided, but it seemed that he had already made up his mind.

Earlier, didn’t I see Amalia in the hallway? It was as if something had pricked my nose. If there was girl whom Alfred respected, who also couldn’t stand the fact that he was being supported by the Gessel family, then it would be Amalia.

Looking at it like this, I thought it was good that Sasha and the head chef had fallen in love. It was an unusual and unconventional romance for a noble lady. Nevertheless, they chose and loved each other, so it couldn’t be better.

Yes, this isn’t the time to be pessimistic. I need to focus on how to keep my parents alive. There has to be a way… Or so I’d like to think.

I caressed Alfred’s head, which was steaming, tidying the bangs that were again stuck to his forehead due to his sweat.

The shock was too great, and I didn’t want to hear anything lovey-dovey from Alfred right now. He should just go to sleep. On the contrary, Alfred seemed to have gotten excited. Even with his high fever, a bashful smile appeared across his face.

“We’ll have a lavish wedding, on top of the most expensive ceremony in the kingdom. The best of the best. Those recent trends, ‘gondolas’ and ‘balloons,’ we’re going to use them all! We’ll send colorful petals, ribbons, and bubbles into the sky. And then, we’ll both stab into a ‘wedding cake’ so massive, you have to look up at it…”

“No, if you stab a sword into a cake, it’ll fall over. Just cut it nicely and slowly.”

“Then, we’ll have a reception and distribute things to all the citizens.”

“No, no, calm down. You need to stay calm.”

Could it be that there are reincarnators among our country’s bridal industry?

I couldn’t help but laugh. As I laughed, I could feel something dropping in my stomach. I felt a pang of sadness, but suddenly, it occurred to me.

Ah, I see.

I had come here today to free Alfred from his curse. That was for sure.

“I think you should do what you want, to your heart’s content, just as you wish. Still, I don’t think you need to spend so much money to prepare for the big day. There’s nothing greater than being able to marry the person you love, after all.”

I nodded sincerely. Loneliness and regret flowed through my heart like tears. I encouraged myself to do my best.

“I think you should only show your sincerity to the person you love. There’s no need to waste money. You won’t be disliked just because the wedding is simple.”

Alfred’s eyes widened in genuine shock.

“Really?” he asked, grabbing my shoulders tightly.

It can’t be helped, I thought, laughing inside. My eyes narrowed in amazement.

“You don’t have to worry about me, Your Highness Alfred. You can do as you like. You don’t have to be tied down.”

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t envious or jealous. After all, we were engaged for ten years.

This was the result of my deviousness, thick skin, and spite. I got what I deserved. I really did think so.

I’ll ask him to give me back a little bit of the money. After all, the money the Gessel family gave him was just a donation. If he really wants to return it so we can break off the engagement quickly, I’ll tell him that only a little would suffice.

“But maybe you’re fed up with me already.”

Alfred lowered his voice a little.

He was usually so confident, but his awkward expression made him look as pathetic as a stray dog, so I couldn’t help but laugh softly.

“That’s not true. You’re busy even without that, and there were probably days when you had to be left alone because of circumstances. But there’s no way I’ll be fed up with you over something like that.”

With a wry smile, I encouraged Alfred.

If anything, it would be better for them to be cautious. After all, despite having met the girl of his dreams, the fact remained that he was still engaged. Even if they were away from the royal castle, due to Alfred’s position, the servants’ eyes were everywhere. As such, they couldn’t enjoy themselves openly.

The two must’ve been nurturing their love in secret. I felt like I’d been tricked.

When a girl harbors a secret feeling for you, it’s kind of endearing, isn’t it? I’m sure that for a man, it’s irresistible.

I was sorry that I made him feel uncomfortable and prevented him from openly enjoying his relationship.

As I was thinking about this, Alfred shook his head slightly.

“Well, it’s true that I was busy. But I often left you alone because I was stubborn and selfish… But, I see. You forgive me? I see now…”

Alfred cleared his throat several times, covering his mouth with his fist. His expression looked genuinely relieved.

In attempt to show that I had forgave him, I caressed his head several times, combing his sticky silver hair. Alfred buried his cheek into my shoulder and let out a sigh of relief.

Soon, light breathing could be heard from Alfred’s half-open lips. His upper body became weak and heavy as he began to slide downward, nearly falling off the chair. At last, the servants started to move.

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***T/N: Alfred the misunderstanding is deepening Alfred

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