Chapter 27
When Theodore was about twelve years old.
The boy, whose head barely reached Priscilla’s chest, shed tears of frustration.
Tears rolled down Theodore’s cheeks before he ran out. Priscilla stood there, flustered, watching his retreating figure.
It had been common knowledge, even back then, that Evelyn liked Theodore. She had followed him everywhere with heart-shaped eyes.
Priscilla had only wanted to bring the two together if they felt the same way.
However, after that incident, Theodore began treating Evelyn coldly, leaving no room for misunderstanding. It became clear that he truly didn’t like her.
‘In the end, he wasn’t interested in love, friendship, or anything else—just an adversary.’
After finishing her work in the greenhouse, Claire headed back into the main house, only to find Theodore arriving.
“It’s been a while, Lady Claire.”
Dressed as if he were headed to a ball, Theodore greeted her casually.
Noticing her relatively plain attire, Claire felt a little self-conscious and bowed her head.
“Your Highness.”
“There’s no need for such formalities between us. Have you made your decision?”
‘Between us? What kind of relationship is he implying…?’ Claire thought inwardly, but she nodded nonetheless.
“Shall we move to the parlor to discuss it?”
“No, I’d rather walk in the garden while we talk. Would that be possible?”
“Of course. This way, please.”
Claire readily guided him to the garden. Though modest, the mansion’s garden offered a pleasant view.
Thanks to her blessing, various flowers and plants had bloomed beautifully.
Walking side by side with a small gap between them, Theodore was the first to speak.
“Before I hear your answer, there’s something I want to say.”
“Go ahead, Your Highness.”
“If you agree to be my partner, I will provide you with a monthly allowance of 10 million gold to maintain appearances. I’ll also share some of my authority with you. If there’s anything else you want, just say the word.”
This was the result of Theodore racking his brain to ensure he wouldn’t be rejected.
Short of handing over his own investigation report, he had done all he could to appeal to her.
Claire stopped and looked up at Theodore. The spring sunlight fell on his hair, making it glow warmly.
Her clear green eyes gazed at him with intelligence and curiosity.
“What I want is simple, Your Highness.”
Her calm voice rang out, prompting Theodore to lean closer to listen.
“If we’re going to have a fake relationship, I want you to act as though you truly love me.”
“…Me? Love you?”
“Yes, I want to make a spectacle of our romance, loud enough for even a three-year-old to understand.”
What Claire sought was not money but influence. The title of the Crown Prince’s lover would grant her tremendous leverage in high society.
She intended to use that power to secure her place in the social circle and protect herself.
‘With strength in high society, Muton won’t dare touch me, and it’ll also help dismantle my father’s family.’
To ensure she wasn’t disregarded, she needed Theodore to convincingly play the role of her partner.
“Can you do that?”
“…”
Theodore’s sharp blue eyes gleamed as he stared at her, his lips curling into a smile.
“Didn’t I say I’d grant you anything you wished?”
“Is that a promise?”
“On my name.”
Hearing that, Claire’s lips also curled into a smile. Her eyes crinkled as she laughed softly.
“Then, appoint me, Your Highness. As your fake lover.”
“You might face some difficulties.”
“That’s fine. I’m sure Your Highness will face the same.”
The mere act of attending a party with her, an illegitimate child, had already caused quite a stir.
If news broke that she was not only an illegitimate child but also his lover, the capital would be thrown into chaos.
Theodore extended his hand, and Claire placed hers on it.
“Let’s see how well we can work as partners.”
He pressed a light kiss to the back of her hand before letting go. This time, Claire accepted it more naturally.
Though her hand still tingled slightly.
Suddenly, she remembered a time long ago when she had resolved to thank Theodore.
Back then, she never imagined she would have the chance to meet the Crown Prince.
‘It’s funny how fate intertwines like this.’
Albeit a bit late, Claire bowed her head, expressing gratitude for everything from her days as Priscilla to now.
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“For what?”
“For all the help you’ve given me.”
Theodore looked at her quietly before chuckling and shrugging.
“Think nothing of it. It’s already in the past. For now, let’s discuss the details of our arrangement inside.”
“Yes.”
As they left the garden together, Theodore casually asked,
“Do you like gardens, Lady Claire?”
“Hmm, yes. I do.”
Whenever things got tough or overwhelming at Muton Ducal Castle, she would stroll through the garden to clear her mind.
Thanks to her blessing, the Muton garden was breathtakingly beautiful, so much so that she risked running into Evelyn just to visit it.
“I see. I’ll make sure to remember that.”
“Remember what?”
“That if I want to find you, there’s a high chance you’ll be in the garden.”
Theodore grinned. Claire blinked at him before responding.
“That doesn’t mean I’m always in the garden, so don’t get the wrong idea.”
“I know.”
He replied nonchalantly.
“I know you well.”
The two slowly walked away from the garden.
Behind them, vibrant hyacinths swayed gently in the spring breeze.
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