The debutante ball went off without a hitch.
Patricia also performed a dance with Alex, managing to portray a harmonious closeness between them.
‘…A performance, huh.’
She found herself thinking that way, realizing that the deterioration of their relationship had probably reached a point that couldn’t be ignored anymore.
Even though she understood this, a part of her didn’t want to accept it, preferring instead to turn a blind eye.
But that was impossible.
Even if she did nothing about Mia, she had to have a proper conversation with Alex about their future.
That was also an instruction from her father, the Duke of Frentia, who had been watching the two of them since the debutante ball.
“This can’t be hidden forever. Nor can you keep pretending not to see it. Talk to His Highness the Crown Prince about what he wants to do.”
It seemed Alex couldn’t refuse his father’s invitation, as he came all the way to the Duke of Frentia’s Residence.
They ate together as a family and made casual conversation.
The sight of her father and Alex smiling as they exchanged trivial small talk was probably a heartwarming one, the kind you’d expect from future in-laws.
However, there was undoubtedly something each of them was hiding deep inside.
But the fact they never showed it was impressive enough to make Patricia involuntarily admire them.
After the meal ended, they took a walk in the garden.
Under the star-studded night sky, the atmosphere was very pleasant.
“Thank you very much for coming today. My mother and younger siblings were especially delighted, as they rarely have the chance to meet Alex-sama.”
“I see. It’s been a while since I’ve come here myself, so I’m glad to have been invited.”
“Please come again anytime.”
The air between them was calm, and for the first time in a while, the mood was quite good.
Though she wanted it to stay this way, Patricia knew she couldn’t miss the opportunity her father had given her.
She took a deep breath to steady her nerves and slowly turned around.
“—Alex-sama, what do you want to do going forward?”
“…What do you mean, exactly?”
“Do you intend to take that woman as a concubine?”
Or did he wish her to become Crown Princess?
She wanted to ask that but stopped herself.
If he clearly said yes, she wouldn’t know how to react.
Feeling her own weakness, she somehow managed to voice the question, and though he looked displeased, he answered, “Mia? That’s impossible.”
“…Impossible?”
“She won’t become a concubine. I have no intention of taking a concubine in the first place.”
“Then…”
“Nothing. She probably doesn’t want that either.”
Patricia couldn’t understand what he was saying at all.
He had no intention of making her a concubine?
Then did that mean he intended her to be Crown Princess after all?
But judging by how he spoke, that didn’t seem to be the case.
Still, was that really acceptable?
When Mia had approached her, Patricia had definitely sensed something.
A strong desire hidden within her.
“…I did talk to her about this.”
“That wasn’t necessary. It’s obvious, isn’t it?”
Indeed, when they met alone in the garden, Mia had looked down on Patricia.
Knowing the rules of the Royal Palace but still reaching out to Patricia—it was just an excuse to appear kind.
In truth, Mia saw her as a woman unloved by Alex.
Her actions could even be taken as a warning, so it was impossible that she had no desires at all.
“I don’t take concubines. From the start, I decided that my wife would be only you. …If you were worried about that, then I apologize.”
“…”
No, that wasn’t it.
It was so far off the mark that Patricia was left speechless.
Yes, she was worried about that, but it was a fundamental issue.
Patricia felt threatened by Mia’s very existence, yet Alex seemed oblivious to that.
If he had no intention of giving her anything, he shouldn’t have raised false hopes in the first place.
“…Are you sure she doesn’t think that way?”
“Mia is a thoughtful woman without greed. The things she desires are only bread and fruit—she even refuses to accept jewels.”
That made sense.
Given her position, holding such things would make her vulnerable to theft or worse.
So she probably thought it better to have something that would nourish her own body.
And that was something she could easily get by becoming Crown Princess.
Just because she doesn’t ask for more doesn’t mean she’s truly without desire.
“So rest assured. There is no such relationship between us.”
What kind of relationship was he talking about?
Hadn’t he invited her to his room?
If, hypothetically, there was no such relationship, then all the more reason not to act so irresponsibly.
“Could you please not have that talk with her…?”
“…Why? Are you afraid I’m a threat to your position? Even though I’ve said all this?”
“It’s not that. I just think it’s better if she doesn’t develop false hopes.”
“You worry unnecessarily. She knows her place.”
‘If she really did, she wouldn’t be involved in rumors like this with the Crown Prince, who already had a fiancée’, Patricia thought but didn’t say aloud.
Instead, she clenched her fists tightly.
Words just didn’t seem to get through.
Seeing Patricia fall silent, Alex apparently thought the conversation was over and headed deeper into the garden.
“…”
This wouldn’t do.
But she was at a loss for words.
Lately, it had been like this all the time—her mind refusing to work properly, as if trying to stop thinking altogether.
Even though she felt things were headed in a bad direction.
“I have to do something.”
‘If Alex was no good, there was only one other way.’ Patricia looked up at the starry sky and let out a deep sigh.