I'm Not Sorry But The Prince Will Marry Me Anyway

Chapter 20

Should I politely say, "Oh, thank you so much! I really needed this!" or should I be the socially oblivious person who rates the gift in front of him like a product review?

Logically, the first option would be better, but...

"You can be honest. I just confessed something I haven’t told anyone else."

Faced with Arthur’s earnest gaze, my inner critic started typing a brutally honest review.

★★☆☆☆

The bandages are of good quality, and delivery was fast. However, gifting bandages without knowing the recipient’s recovery progress or specific needs was a bit bewildering. While there’s no issue with the product itself, I can only give it two stars.

...Now, how do I put that diplomatically?

"If it were me, I’d have gone with flowers or food. Flowers to brighten the mood of a patient who can’t walk far, and food to support the family taking care of them."

"Ah."

Arthur nodded like a diligent student.

"I see. So the bandages were overly focused on ‘sprains’ as a theme."

"You’re quick to understand."

"Got it. Next time, food or flowers..."

"However, this is just the general approach. There’s an exception when it comes to you and Maria."

"An exception?"

"You saw earlier, didn’t you? Maria touched the bandages, wondering if they were from Frost Hill, with a look of nostalgia."

"...Yes, I did."

"When there’s a shared history between two people, even something as insignificant as a fallen leaf can become a cherished key to precious memories."

Arthur and Maria’s connection in the original story—stemming from shared childhood memories and the bittersweet regret of a love that couldn’t blossom—was the foundation of their bond.

I met Arthur’s gaze and nodded firmly, emphasizing my point.

"In public, follow the behavior of popular gentlemen. My dashing fiancé should serve as a wonderful role model."

"...Ah, yes."

"But when you’re alone with Maria, use your shared memories as a starting point. In that regard, you possess something far more valuable than any jewel."

"Understood. In public, I’ll emulate a role model, but when the opportunity arises, I’ll lean on our memories..."

Arthur repeated my advice several times, his expression serious.

What started as an awkward situation turned into a surprisingly productive moment. If any issues arise in their relationship, I’ll be right here to offer advice.

Arthur bowed deeply.

"I came here to atone, but I end up indebted instead. If there’s anything I can do to repay you, just say the word."

"Hehe, I’ll never forget you said that."@@@@

Just then, someone opened the front door. Without bothering to knock, the Countess entered the house.

As soon as she saw Arthur, her face lit up.

"Oh my, Young Lord! You’re here early. Have you eaten? I wonder if our Dori was attentive enough to properly host you."

"I was treated exceptionally well, so please don’t worry."

"You flatter us. Wait a moment; let me fetch you some fine whiskey."

As Arthur tried to decline, Mother leaned toward me and whispered.

"Where’s Natalie? Don’t tell me she’s still asleep?"

"She’s out in the garden with the other guests. Didn’t you see her on your way in?"

"No, I didn’t. What’s this about a garden stroll? And who are the other guests?"

"Miss Maria Meyer and her escort. They should be back soon..."

Hearing Maria’s name, Mother’s expression briefly stiffened. As expected of a seasoned noblewoman, she quickly smoothed her face.

"I see. Young Lord, what will you do? Shall we prepare something to drink?"

Financiers!

Golden, sweet treats lined up like little gold bars, some decorated with figs, walnuts, or flecks of sea salt, tantalizing my taste buds.

"Wow! Sis, what is this?"

"Apparently, a famous dessert shop opened nearby. Eat a few before Mother catches you."

But before picking one up, I asked something more important.

"Who’s the gift from?"

"Your fiancé."

I nearly dropped the box.

"His Highness Tristan? Oh, did he send it by mail?"

"No, he came in person."

The sudden switch to formal speech barely concealed her negative tone. Surely not...?

"Did you stop him from coming in?"

"Yes. I told him you were tired from hosting so many guests and suggested he visit another day. He left after that."

"Why did you lie? He’s my fiancé!"

This was no laughing matter anymore. My voice rose in frustration.

"I’m not interested in any man but my fiancé. I didn’t appreciate you trying to give me alone time with the young lord, either!"

"Oh, I see. So you like His Highness Tristan?"

The question came so casually, like someone asking if I liked apples, that I couldn’t react. My instinct to say, "Of course not!" almost escaped my lips before I clamped my mouth shut.

I don’t like him. I just think he’s a good choice for my life.

Natalie spoke coldly.

"Your silence says it all."

"..."

"I know you see His Highness as a suitable partner. I’ll respect your desire to marry him."

"Then why did you interfere?"

"If, as you claim, your marriage goes smoothly, you’ll see his face endlessly anyway. Why should you have to deal with someone you don’t even like prematurely? And if you end up falling for him, the same logic applies."

"..."

"Live your life with some fun. You have more safety nets and possibilities than you realize."

Natalie picked up a financier and stood.

I was too overwhelmed to say anything as she left the room, but she paused at the door to add one last thing.

"Oh, I mentioned Maria’s kindness earlier, didn’t I? But be careful of Rick Ray."

"What? Did he do something to you?"

"Just a hunch. That guy feels... off."

"...Okay."

As always, Natalie dumped her opinions and left without waiting for my reaction.

There was no logic to her judgment, but...

"Natalie does have a good eye."

In romantic fantasy stories, supporting male characters often fall into two categories. One is the reserved, silver-haired knight who sacrifices himself protecting the heroine, leaving readers swooning. Thankfully, this story didn’t have one of those.

The other is the cheerful, blonde or brown-haired friend type. They’re either genuinely good-hearted or hiding a dark secret.

Rick belonged to the latter group.

"Not a villain, but..."

He could still be bad news for me.

After all, at seventeen, he lost his future with the royal family and the Redfield house.