Ch.294Chapter 294 – Huh, This Isn’t Right?

Could it be because of the series of unexpected events that unfolded in the banquet hall?

Only after spending more time on the balcony was I finally able to cool my head and return to the banquet hall.

‘I never imagined something like this would happen.’

From the moment I attended the banquet, I had fully anticipated people flocking to me.

Of course, anticipating something and actually handling it are two different matters, so let’s overlook my slightly inadequate response.

But while my head was still spinning after meeting the Crown Prince, I encountered Professor Emelda Carmen.

The professor expressed her gratitude to me, kissed me on the cheek, and quickly disappeared.

No matter how dense I might be when it comes to understanding women’s feelings, if someone expresses themselves that explicitly, I’d be a fool not to notice.

Now, let me organize my thoughts.

First, officially announced as my lovers are Lady Regina and Cheon Hyeryeong.

Next is Etherna, who isn’t as explicit but is actively trying to approach me.

Then there’s Professor Emelda Carmen, who just openly expressed her feelings.

Lastly, in a somewhat ambiguous position, is Princess Karen.

No one else has clearly revealed their feelings.

Mina? She’s just grateful for my help in returning to the academy.

Surely Mina doesn’t have romantic feelings for me? She’s just thankful for my help. Yes, that’s definitely it.

As for Elena, I’m not sure. We barely have any connection, but perhaps she’s also grateful that Mina can attend the academy thanks to me?

I feel like there was someone else, but I can’t quite remember.

‘Come to think of it, there are quite a few.’

Counting only the definite ones, there’s Lady Regina, Cheon Hyeryeong, Etherna, and Professor Carmen—four in total.

Princess Karen still needs to be observed. Her attitude should be considered merely driven by “curiosity.”

Think about it. Princess Karen approached me out of curiosity, but what if I misinterpret and make advances?

‘I’d be immediately rejected.’

The relationship between Princess Karen and me is simply that of an imperial princess and a young nobleman who has achieved some merit. That’s all.

Princess Karen and I haven’t built a relationship deep enough to develop into something serious.

So, if I were to approach her with social climbing intentions, I’d likely face humiliation.

‘Wait a minute.’

Hold on. If I endure a moment of embarrassment, could this be a way to avoid getting entangled with Princess Karen altogether?

‘Could this be a way to ensure I don’t end up with Princess Karen at all?’

While the Crown Prince seemed to want Princess Karen and me to meet seriously, my thoughts differ.

I wanted to avoid getting involved in political matters as much as possible.

But if I become family with a member of the imperial family, whether I want it or not, I’ll inevitably be dragged into politics.

And that’s the exact opposite of the leisurely life I desire.

‘With a moment of embarrassment, I can secure a carefree life!’

I never thought I’d attempt a confession attack in this world, something I never did in my previous life.

I calculated the timing for when a confession attack would be most effective.

First, there should be many people around. When faced with a confession attack in front of many people, not only would I feel embarrassed, but the other person would feel proportionally embarrassed as well.

Next, I need to prepare the cringiest lines possible.

For example, saying “Hey! I like you! Let’s date!” might get me arrested for insulting the imperial family.

What I want is to use a confession attack to prevent Princess Karen from developing romantic feelings for me.

So, wouldn’t it be best to make Princess Karen naturally recoil through respectful yet cringeworthy lines?

‘Your Highness, for a long time (insert various flowery, cringeworthy phrases here).’

‘How rude. I harbor no romantic feelings for you. Never speak such words in my presence again.’

‘Yes, Your Highness. I shall take my leave.’

Hehehe, even if I say so myself, it’s perfect!

If the confession attack works, the princess will never develop romantic feelings for me.

Seeing this, the Crown Prince will never bring up Princess Karen in front of me again.

What a satisfying outcome that would be!

I apologize to Princess Karen, but I absolutely do not want to get involved in central politics.

‘Alright. Now I need to either find the right angle for a confession attack or wait for the appropriate timing.’

The banquet was still ongoing, and Princess Karen was surrounded by many people.

‘There are many people, and she’s in a central location where many attendees can see at once.’

But should I make a confession attack to Princess Karen among so many people?

‘That might be difficult.’

A confession attack is most effective in a situation that isn’t already noisy, but the banquet hall seemed too loud with people’s voices and music to attract attention.

‘Change of plan. I’ll have to call Princess Karen aside.’

I decided to change my plan and continued observing the banquet.

“Princess Karen! I have been admiring you for a long time!”

Just then, a young nobleman approached Karen, knelt on one knee, and delivered a typical confession line.

The noble ladies around were gasping in surprise, but…?

‘Wait, the princess’s face has turned serious.’

“Are you trying to mock me? What is your intention in approaching me in front of so many people?”

“P-Princess?”

“Do I appear so easy to you? How amusing. Young lord of the Akshret family. If you don’t wish to be dragged away for insulting the imperial family, withdraw immediately.”

“…I apologize for my rudeness.”

As Princess Karen’s face hardened and she spoke in a cold, rigid tone, the young nobleman bowed his head and left the banquet hall.

“Tsk. What an impolite young man, Princess.”

“To confess to a member of the imperial family in a public place. He should consider himself fortunate not to be charged with attempted assassination.”

Attempted assassination? Is confessing in a public place considered an assassination attempt?

But thinking about it, I can see why.

Using a confession to stall for time at a designated location for assassination, while someone else carries out the assassination from afar.

Hmm, when I think about it that way, that young nobleman was indeed very lucky.

I’m grateful to the nobleman who, by acting in my stead, confirmed that I made the right decision to modify my plan.

‘So, do I need to arrange a separate time to meet the princess?’

Sigh, but how do I convey my message to the princess through all these people?

As I was lost in thought, a woman wearing a dress embroidered with the imperial emblem approached me.

I wasn’t surprised because I had been informed that those wearing clothes with the imperial emblem at the banquet were servants assigned to assist.

“Are you Marquis Pathos Severio?”

“Yes, I am.”

“I am a lady-in-waiting serving Princess Karen. The princess wishes to convey that she would like to meet you this evening in the greenhouse behind the garden in the imperial palace.”

“I understand. Please tell her I will wait for her there.”

The lady-in-waiting nodded and returned to Princess Karen.

I looked elsewhere for a moment, then glanced back at Princess Karen, and our eyes met.

—Nod.

Seeing Princess Karen nod, it seems she genuinely sent the lady-in-waiting to convey the message to meet.

Well, fortunately, I no longer need to seek out Princess Karen.

◈◇◈◇◈◇◈◇◈◇◈

After the banquet ended, I headed to the location where the princess wanted to meet.

As everyone was leaving satisfied, there was no one in the garden.

Or perhaps the princess had ordered that no one be allowed in the garden for our meeting?

As I ventured deeper into the garden, I could see a glass greenhouse in the distance.

In this world, glass items were close to luxury goods, so a greenhouse made of glass panels would be an extremely expensive building.

So no one would dare approach it carelessly.

‘Warning: This glass greenhouse is imperial property. Breaking the glass will result in execution according to national law.’

See? The fact that breaking the glass of the greenhouse results in execution according to national law proves how precious it is.

‘I keep getting distracted.’

Perhaps because of the thought of meeting the princess and launching a confession attack, I keep thinking about other things.

Anyway, entering the greenhouse, I saw Princess Karen waiting for me, dressed in a relatively simple dress.

“Your Highness, I have something to confess.”

“Oh? What might that be?”

“Your Highness, the truth is, since the last banquet, I haven’t been able to forget you for a single moment! Would you please allow me the honor of becoming closer to you?”

I did it, I really did it! Instead of the lines I had planned, I just blurted out a confession attack!

“I-Is that true?”

Lifting my head slightly, I saw Princess Karen’s face had turned red.

My confession attack must have worked! She must be red-faced from embarrassment and shame!

Now, all that remains is… a clear rejection!

“You… you… you harbor such feelings for me? I’m taken aback.”

Yes, Princess! That’s it!

Now, please reject me clearly!

“I had no idea you thought of me that way. However, it’s too sudden. Would it be alright if we take time to get to know each other slowly?”

“What?”

This isn’t right!