Chapter 92
But this time was different.
Marie glanced once at Russell, who stood firmly beside her, supporting her without wavering, before taking a step forward with him toward the center of everyone’s attention.
* * *
It seemed his warning had been highly effective.
No one even dared to attempt to mock Marie.
Their attitude clearly showed that they fully understood she was no longer the Crown Prince’s courtesan or mistress, but a woman who would one day become one of the kingdom’s rulers.
Though there was one Alpha reckless enough to approach her.
Ryan von Alice.
The irritating third son of House Alice.
“Wow, you’re dazzlingly beautiful today! I think I might go blind. What should I do?”
Although Russell’s mood had soured at the sight of that fool spouting such pointless nonsense, making him want to throw the man out on the spot. But what could he do when Marie was smiling like that?
“You’re as cheerful as ever, Ryan. Thank you for the compliment. You look very handsome as well. I’m sure all the young ladies will be heartbroken.”
“Ahaha! Really? To be honest, I’d be happy if I only looked attractive in Marie’s eyes.”
“Oh my, there you go again, saying things you don’t really mean.”
This was truly a test of patience.
He even caught sight of Duke von Alice clutching the back of his neck as he watched Russell’s expression grow colder by the second. Yet that ill-mannered Alpha had the audacity to shoot him a mocking smile, as though deliberately provoking him.
‘He’s completely lost all sense of fear.’
Russell ground his teeth, but he could not allow Marie to see such a hostile side of him.
In any case, thanks to the young Alpha’s carefree chatter, the previously stiff atmosphere in the banquet hall gradually softened.
The noblewomen, who had been carefully watching Russell’s reactions, began cautiously approaching Marie and speaking to her kindly.
Yes, that’s right. The moment his tacit approval was given, the nobles eagerly began speaking, competing with one another to win Marie’s favor.
Without being excessive, without making her feel overly burdened.
He could see Marie’s face gradually flushing red.
She seemed flustered by the attention directed at her, much like she had been whenever people had looked at her back at the academy.
But this time would be different.
He would make it different.
‘Smile, Marie.’
No one would dare humiliate her ever again.
But Marie was a lovable person.
Even without his efforts.
And, as expected, it soon happened.
As they conversed with Marie, those who had initially been cautiously watching him began to show her genuine goodwill.
Russell quietly observed both Marie and the people around her.
She was smiling. Smiling happily, as though this place that was once a nightmare no longer frightened her.
The pleasant rhythm of Marie’s heartbeat seemed to brush against his fingertips.
It was right then.
Someone approached without the slightest fear and whispered,
“If only Your Highness had been honest sooner, it would have been easier and better for everyone.”
Naturally, the only person bold enough to speak so impertinently to him was the reckless youth who clearly had no appreciation for the fact that his head remained attached to his shoulders. Ryan von Alice.
A trace of irritation crossed Russell’s otherwise impassive face.
“You truly are fearless.”
“I’ve always been that way.”
“Did you think I would look favorably upon you?”
“Ahaha! But you can’t kill me, can you? I know you wouldn’t harm me, either.”
“You certainly do talk too much.”
Seemingly unafraid, the young Alpha’s eyes curved into crescents.
“You don’t want Marie to dislike you, do you? You’ve been working hard to make up for the things you did wrong. Watching Your Highness has taught me that people really should treat others well while they still have them.”
“…”
Russell’s expression immediately darkened.
“Wah, that’s scary! But I’m not wrong, am I?”
His impression that the man smiled like a fox had not been mistaken.
The sly curve of his eyes seemed to mock him, yet at the same time cut straight to the heart.
That Alpha knew far too much about everything that had happened. His perceptiveness was irritating.
He knew.
He knew that Russell was jealous of the fact that Marie had relied on him and entrusted herself to him while they had been on the run.
He knew that even now, unable to rid himself of his lingering insecurities, Russell was desperately trying to win Marie’s favor.
And the fact that he could not even grow angry at those words left a bitter taste in his mouth. Because Ryan was not wrong.
You should have treated her well while she was still by your side.
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