Chapter 28
Claire sat in the box seat closest to the stage.
It was a spot where she could enjoy the play without interruption and, if she was lucky, also be clearly visible to others.
Witnesses who saw her enter spread the word inside, creating a ripple of murmurs throughout the theater.
Unbothered, Claire kept her gaze fixed firmly on the stage.
Soon, the lights dimmed, and the curtain rose. The murmuring crowd quieted, their attention drawn to the unfolding performance.
The play told the story of a prince who, during a hunting trip, found himself in danger but was rescued by a young girl. The prince couldn’t forget her and searched far and wide until he finally met her again, disguising his identity to get closer to her.
However, the king and queen, intent on their son marrying his betrothed, forced the two apart.
Unable to forget the girl, the prince resolved to abandon everything and flee with her.
Reunited at last, the pair fled toward a neighboring country, but the royal family issued a warrant for their capture, leading to a tense chase.
In the end, the couple was caught at the border, the prince forced into a marriage with his betrothed, and the girl condemned as a wicked seductress. She was sentenced to death.
But just as she faced execution, it was revealed that the girl was the long-lost princess of the neighboring kingdom, overturning the situation.
“From the moment I met you, I knew you were my destiny. Nothing will ever come between us again.”
The two actors embraced and shared a passionate kiss. Moved, some members of the audience teared up.
“Let’s never part again.”
“Of course, never. We are a pair destined by the heavens.”
The prince actor suddenly turned to the audience, his expression earnest.
“And we’re not the only ones to find our destined partner. Even the most noble figure in this land has fallen in love, like fate.”
The theater erupted into commotion. The murmuring audience stilled when the prince actor raised his voice.
“That noble figure is here today to confess to their destined partner. Let us welcome them with applause!”
The curtain, once again drawn across the stage, slowly parted.
And there appeared—
“Th-The Crown Prince?!”
“It really is the Crown Prince!”
“Why is His Highness here?!”
Theodore Johannes Trisanne stood on the stage, dressed in a sharply tailored ceremonial uniform that highlighted his tall, athletic frame. In one hand, he held a bouquet of roses; the other rested casually in his pocket.
Unbothered by the chaos of the audience’s reactions, he strode forward with confidence, his face an icy mask of beauty that left some completely dazed.
Standing center stage, he turned slightly to the left.
“Several months ago, I secretly traveled to the western region after hearing reports of monster attacks causing difficulties there.”
His deep voice filled the theater, captivating the audience.
“During my journey, I found myself in a dire situation and nearly lost my life. But a young girl saved me, allowing me to return safely. Even after returning to the capital, her face lingered in my mind. I knew I had to see her again.”
The story mirrored the play’s opening. Theodore continued speaking with calm determination.
“Fortunately, I met her once more as the daughter of Franz Ravello.”
“Gasp!”
The shocking revelation drew gasps from the crowd, all eyes turning to a single figure.
Seated in the left box seat, Claire raised a hand to her lips, her expression one of genuine surprise as she looked down at Theodore.
“I offered to be Lady Ravello’s partner as repayment for her kindness. But that was when I realized my true feelings. I had fallen for her at first sight and could never forget her.”
The Crown Prince’s public confession left the audience in stunned silence.
Theodore lowered himself gracefully onto one knee.
“Claire Ravello, I wish to become your lover.”
He presented the bouquet with a flourish, his voice unwaveringly sincere.
“Will you grant me that honor?”
The scene was more romantic than the play itself. A prince kneeling with flowers on the stage, and the flustered young woman, hands to her reddened face in the audience.
The spectators were utterly absorbed by the unfolding drama. At this moment, the woman’s lineage mattered little.
Claire turned and suddenly dashed onto the stage, accepting the bouquet with a shy smile. A faint blush graced her cheeks, accentuating her beauty.
Despite her petite frame, Claire’s elegant demeanor contrasted strikingly with Theodore’s tall, sharp presence. Together, they looked like a perfect painting.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Her soft yet clear answer echoed throughout the theater.
Cheers erupted, filling the theater.
“Wow!”
“Amazing!”
“Congratulations!”
Swept up by the atmosphere, the crowd cheered and applauded enthusiastically.
Seeing the sweet storyline of a play unfold in real life thrilled and excited them, momentarily suppressing any logical thoughts.
Claire watched the audience’s spirited reactions, subtly relieved.
‘It worked perfectly.’
Of course, all of this had been carefully orchestrated by Claire and Theodore.
The sudden announcement of a romantic relationship between the Crown Prince and a supposed illegitimate daughter would undoubtedly raise suspicion.
Thus, they created a plausible backstory, adding credibility to their connection, and capped it off with this theatrical confession to cement the narrative.
‘Though claiming me as his lifesaver might be a bit much…’
Hiding her smirk with the bouquet, Claire sidled closer to Theodore and whispered.
“Now hold me.”
They had already agreed to end the spectacle with an embrace.
Theodore gave a slight nod, then closed the distance between them with a single stride and wrapped his arms around her.
“Kyaa!”
“Oh my!”
The audience grew even more frenzied. Claire thought some might have fainted if the scene had included a kiss.
Nestled in Theodore’s arms, Claire squirmed slightly, her thoughts wandering.
Though he had pulled her into an embrace without hesitation, his body felt tense, as if he were nervous.
His hands hovered awkwardly, touching neither her shoulders nor waist.
Anyone observant enough might notice the staged nature of their hug—or, worse, their fake relationship.
“Hug me tighter.”
“…I was about to.”
With that, Theodore’s large, warm hands rested on her back and waist.
Claire leaned further into his chest, boldly wrapping her arms around his firm torso.
Their bodies pressed closely together. Theodore stiffened momentarily, inhaling softly before tightening his hold. She could feel his heart pounding—loud and fast.
‘His heartbeat… it’s racing.’
With his hand gently cradling the back of her head, Claire found herself resting her face against his broad shoulder.
For someone so young, he might want to take care of his health, she mused.
And so, amidst the audience’s uproarious cheers and congratulations, their dramatic relationship began.
By the time the audience left the theater, they wasted no time spreading the news far and wide. That very evening, reports of “Crown Prince’s Lover, Claire” spread like wildfire throughout the capital.
Their “scandal” was enough to shake the empire to its core.
The play, now rumored to be inspired by their romance, became a massive hit, and the Crown Prince’s love story gained increasing fame.
As if it were real.
***
With their relationship declared publicly, the next step was to announce it to high society.
Theodore chose the Marquis Mitchell’s party as the venue.
The host, belonging to the family of his knight, Jake Mitchell, was cooperative and reliable, making it a convenient choice.
On the day of the party, Claire summoned her three maids to prepare her attire.
“Sorry, my lady. I’ve been assigned to another task, so I must leave.”
“Me too. The head maid gave me errands to run, but I’ll come back to assist after finishing them.”
Ivy and Matilda quickly offered flimsy excuses, slipping away.
Anticipating this, Claire had already called upon Marie. Turning her gaze to Becca, Claire asked.
“Are you leaving too, Becca?”
“N-No? I’ll… I’ll stay and help.”
“Good choice. Unlike them, you’re not exactly in a position to leave, are you?”
Unlike Ivy, favored by the Marchioness, or Matilda, protected by her familial ties to the head maid, Becca lacked such connections.
Reluctantly, Becca decided to cooperate, having already witnessed Jane’s fate.
With only two people assisting, preparation took longer than expected, but the results were worth it.
Claire emerged in a cream-colored décolleté gown inspired by swans, exuding a refined yet elegant aura.
Her golden hair cascaded in soft waves, adorned with a white feathered jewel pin that added a touch of sophistication.
“Wow…”
“You look even more stunning than I imagined!”
Becca couldn’t help but gape in awe, while Marie, who had crafted the dress, beamed with pride.
Satisfied that she wouldn’t pale in comparison to the Crown Prince, Claire checked the time.
Confirming that Theodore would arrive soon, she descended to wait for him at the entrance.
However—
“Claire, where are you going?”
She was stopped in her tracks by the sudden appearance of the Marchioness Ravello.
—
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