Epilogue ~ The Prelude To Drowning In False Love ~

“So, here’s the deal. You and I will get engaged.”

Barely a greeting, the duke declared this upon returning from the castle, striding into my room at the annex.

“W-wait, that wasn’t a joke?”

His abrupt proposal slipped my unguarded voice.

“No, today drove it home. Considering Amelia, I was wrong to push women on His Highness. I also regret mistreating you. An engagement with me should deter him from pursuing you.”

Loosening his tie with a weary sigh, he continued.

“Wait, if you do that—”

“I might get scolded later, but don’t worry. It’s amends for scaring you and my recent rudeness.”

“Amends… no, wait—this is fake, right? Not an official engagement, right?”

“Spreading rumors might work, but if the prince persists despite that, can you refuse? Formally engaging seems safer.”

“Uh…” I faltered. Pressured by rank, a baron’s daughter couldn’t defy a prince—true, but unsatisfying.

“That may be, but wait. I’m grateful for your help today, but I just said I don’t want marriage—I want independence. I’m not interested in marriage or you—”

“Separate matters. I’m intrigued by you—your thoughts, your dreams. Even why you wear plain glasses.”

He leaned close. My new frames, taken by the prince, left his dark eyes piercing mine. “Ernesta”—his voice from earlier echoed, my heart skipping.

Unaware of my fluster, he leaned back, crossing his arms.

“Besides, I’m under pressure too. Past twenty, unengaged, a bachelor duke—unwanted suitors swarm. Even the king urges me to settle.”

“…That makes sense.”

High-born, wealthy, handsome, promising, and single—he’d attract many. Those garden ladies might’ve sought him, not just the prince’s word.

Even beautiful suitors could repel if forced. Not all were gold-diggers, but constant proposals would tire anyone.

But still—different issues.

“I don’t want gold-diggers or political chains. Dancing with unknown nobles’ daughters at balls is a hassle. An engagement dodges that. You’d avoid unwanted advances from the prince or others. See? Mutual benefit.”

“Uh… y-yeah, maybe…?”

Grinning mischievously, he showed a playful side beneath his maturity.

Benefit… possibly. A shield against the prince could work. Maybe ease my family’s “marry” pressure—though they’d likely doubt it.

But—but—

What of my wish for independence?

I mean, it’s “pretending to be engaged,” right? It’s not like we’re really going to do it, is it? I looked up at the Duke with timid timidly, and his eyes met as he looked at me with a funny look on his face and laughing.

“Consider it a convenience for us both. Rumors will deter. Dissolve it later—or marry for real if you like.”

“I’ll pass on that!”

The room’s candlelight flickered in the sunset glow.

Fake engagement—illegal? Exposed, my family would be devastated.

──Tomorrow, I absolutely must borrow every single law-related book from the library. I shot a sidelong glance at the smirking Duke, and gently massaged my own temple with my fingers.