MLIIWTFL Chapter 208

208

Even so, that answer wasn’t enough to convince everyone. That was because it was already common knowledge that Matthias had no affection for Letticia, or the Count Sharon’s family either.

"It’s true His Highness is aware of our connection with Her Majesty the Empress, yet still chooses not to associate with our family. But it’s not like he ever openly expressed dislike toward us either. So why are you so convinced that the Crown Prince despises us, and that it will bring us harm?"

Following Patrick’s remark, Lenard and Kenneth added their thoughts.

"To be honest, just judging by the concert, His Highness the Crown Prince extended a friendly hand toward our family. In front of all the other nobles, he spoke to me at his side and even invited me to sit with him after the performance began."

"Did something happen when you contacted His Highness through the communicator? You’re reckless, sure, but not without a reason."

"…How bad is the relationship between the Crown Prince and Her Majesty the Empress?"

At Kenneth’s question, Letticia recalled their conversation and turned her focus to the Empress.

Fortunately, as soon as the Empress was mentioned, Camilla seemed to recall something and grabbed Patrick’s hand.

"Her Majesty said she had scolded His Highness about this matter. Could that have had some influence?"

"…It’s hard to be certain, but I don’t think it had no effect. His Highness and Her Majesty aren’t particularly close, after all."

It seemed Patrick and Camilla also knew that Matthias felt uncomfortable around Empress Liliana. Though the Empress appeared to be considerate of Matthias in her own way, it was hard to understand why things were so twisted between them.

"Considering what His Highness said about the late Empress, perhaps he only regards her as his true mother. Maybe that’s why he dislikes both his stepmother, the current Empress, and those close to her, like us."

"…Let’s at least keep that possibility in mind."

It could have sounded somewhat childish, yet Patrick didn’t outright reject Letticia’s reasoning. Still, he didn’t agree with it either.

"But if that’s true, then His Highness extended a friendly hand toward us despite his personal feelings, and you may have ruined that with your recent petition. Are you aware of that?"

"…I believe His Highness is the type of person who, when emotionally hurt, finds a justification to lash out and cause damage. I think he acts more based on feelings than on the nation’s benefit."

Letticia couldn’t judge Matthias’s character without taking his emotions into account. Unless he had been redeemed by Ariette, she didn’t believe the current Matthias could completely control his own emotions.

'If he were capable of that, he wouldn’t have spoken to me so rudely when we were at Minuet together.'

Matthias might appear cold-headed and professional on the surface. And sure, the fact that he proposed marriage to Letticia despite disliking her shows he can separate personal feelings to some extent.

But his principles and standards are extremely subjective and emotionally driven.

Even Alexander, who dislikes women in high society, still maintains a level of courtesy to avoid unnecessary conflict. But Matthias doesn’t even see the need for that, so he just lays all his feelings bare.

To Letticia, who was raised around people who truly understood the balance between public and private, Matthias’s behavior seemed like that of an amateur. No matter how capable he might be, such an attitude would inevitably lead to a critical mistake someday.

"So I don’t think His Highness extended a friendly hand to us out of goodwill. I believe it was a calculated move to use us. Like how he gave us that order recently, he’s trying to use our family’s abilities, not considering our position at all."

Since Letticia spoke more seriously than usual, her family listened seriously too. Lenard especially seemed lost in thought as he tapped his fingers on the table before finally speaking.

"Letty, do you think there’s no chance of our family getting along with His Highness?"

"Unless we become close to the person who’s going to be Crown Princess, I don’t see how. Honestly, His Highness is kind of narrow-minded. The things he expects from his fiancée are more suited to scholars or parliamentarians. And if he’s also the emotional type, how likely is it he’ll come to like someone he already dislikes?"

"That’s a tough one, for sure."

Kenneth sighed and rubbed his forehead. At last, it seemed the rest of the family began to understand Letticia’s anxiety about Matthias.

"But still, Letty, the fact remains, you acted too hastily this time. If something like this happens again, promise me you’ll come home and discuss it with the family first before you say anything. Don’t ask to have it put in writing again and give them something to use against you."

"I understand, Father. I’m sorry."

Letticia apologized sincerely, acknowledging that her proposal had been a risky move. Of course, if she could go back in time, she’d still make the same choice.

***

But she doubted the excuse she’d given her family would work on Ezkhiel.

Her family knew a bit more about the personal affairs between the Empress and Crown Prince than the average noble, so they were somewhat understanding. But Ezkhiel seemed to see Matthias as an ideal boss, strict but fair.

So Letticia gave up on trying to persuade him and chose another approach.

"Ez, tell me honestly. His Highness the Crown Prince… he dislikes me, doesn’t he?"

Letticia asked in a deliberately anxious voice. Ezkhiel was startled and grabbed her shoulders.

"What are you talking about, Letty? Why would you even think that?"

"It’s obvious, isn’t it? You can feel it in the way he looks at me, the way he talks to me. It’s like he just doesn’t like me."

"…I don’t think it’s that he dislikes you. His Highness has always been a little uncomfortable around debutantes, so maybe that’s just showing in his attitude."

Ezkhiel forced a smile and tried to comfort Letticia.

"Why would His Highness dislike you? Where else could you find someone as beautiful, wise, and confident as you, Letty? How could anyone hate someone who shines so brightly?"

"You think I’m beautiful, wise, confident, and radiant?"

"…Please pretend you didn’t hear that last part…"

Ezkhiel covered his face with his hand, blushing all the way to his ears.

Letticia wanted to tease him more, but now wasn’t the time. She saved it for another day and brought the topic back to Matthias.

"You like me, Ez, but not everyone else does. His Highness might not like me either. I’m not hurt by it, though."

"I still hate the thought of you getting used to being disliked."

Ezkhiel hugged her tightly with a worried expression. Feeling comforted by his concern, Letticia leaned into his arms and continued.

"Well, I don’t like him either. But if someone else dislikes me, it’s whatever. If His Highness dislikes me, though, it doesn’t just stop at that. That alone could bring harm to me or my family."

"I don’t think His Highness is that kind of person. Sure, he doesn’t completely separate personal feelings, but he tries to stay fair whenever possible."

Ezkhiel answered reflexively, then glanced at Letticia and quietly added.

"Of course, he’s still human, so he might act on emotion at times. So I get why you’d be worried… it’s not entirely unreasonable…"

"I know it’s hard for you to understand, Ez. I guess I was just anxious and wanted some kind of guarantee. Looking back, I was pretty reckless. Father scolded me for acting too rashly."

Letticia smiled sheepishly, and Ezkhiel, slightly reassured, let out a small sigh of relief.

"Please don’t do something like that again. When you said that back then, my heart nearly stopped."

"I’m sorry. I’ll try not to make you worry like that again."

Letticia patted Ezkhiel’s back and asked.

"So… what did His Highness say afterward?"

"…He was pretty dumbfounded, but he still wrote and sent it."

Ezkhiel gently let her go, then called a servant to bring over a gold-embellished box. Inside was a document, also decorated with gold leaf, seemingly written by Matthias himself. It was a 'contract.'

"Wow, His Highness really is generous. He didn’t even set any limits."

"Still, you need to think about the consequences when making a request, Letty. I know you wouldn’t ask for anything excessive, but… I can’t help worrying."

It seemed that this whole incident had triggered Ezkhiel’s anxiety about Letticia.

Since it had been something she did for his sake, making him feel more worried would defeat the purpose. Letticia gave him a gentle nod to reassure him.

"By the way, Ez, we’re still having cookies together today like we talked about before, right? I brought some tea leaves."

"…Actually, Letty, there’s something I really wanted to try… but I haven’t had the chance yet."

Ezkhiel, unlike before, hesitantly opened up, like something that had been holding him back had finally lifted.

"I wanted to try making cookies myself… Will you do it with me?"