CHAPTER 27
Theodore was probably twelve years old at the time.
The boy, who barely reached Priscilla’s chest, looked on the verge of tears from the injustice he felt.
One teardrop rolled down Theodore’s cheek before he ran off. Priscilla looked after his retreating figure in confusion.
From that moment on, it was clear to everyone that Evelyn liked Theodore. She followed him around with heart-shaped eyes every day.
Priscilla simply wanted to bring the two together if they shared the same feelings.
But after that, Theodore began acting coldly toward Evelyn, not even giving her the slightest bit of hope, and it became obvious that he didn’t like her at all.
“In the end, he didn’t like her. They weren’t friends. Just enemies.”
After finishing her tasks and leaving the glass greenhouse to head into the main house, Claire found Theodore arriving just in time.
“It’s been a while, my lady.”
Dressed flashily, as if he were going to a party, Theodore greeted her lightly.
Feeling awkward about her relatively plain attire, Claire bowed her head shyly.
“I greet Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”
“No need for such formalities between us. So—have you made your decision?”
“Between us? What ‘between us’?” Claire thought to herself but nodded.
“Shall we speak in the drawing room?”
“No, I’d prefer to talk while walking in the garden. Would that be alright?”
“Of course. This way, please.”
Claire readily led him to the garden. Though modest, the garden had a pleasant view.
Thanks to her blessing powers, many flowers and plants had bloomed beautifully.
The two walked side by side, keeping a small distance between them. Theodore was the first to speak.
“Before I hear your answer, there’s something I’d like to say.”
“Please go ahead, Your Highness.”
“If you become my lover, I’ll provide you with a monthly allowance of 1,000 gold for your dignity. I’ll also share part of my authority with you. If there’s anything else you want, I’ll grant it.”
This was the result of him racking his brain to avoid getting rejected.
There wasn’t any better way to appeal to her. He had already practically handed over all his background information.
Claire stopped and looked up at him. The spring sunlight glinted warmly off his bright golden hair.
Her green eyes, clear and intelligent, looked straight at him.
“There’s only one thing I want, Your Highness.”
Her calm voice echoed clearly. Theodore leaned slightly closer to hear her.
“If we’re going to fake a relationship, then please act like you truly love me.”
“…Me? Love you?”
“Yes. I want to date you so passionately that even a three-year-old could tell we’re a couple.”
What Claire wanted was something more powerful than money: the full influence of being the Crown Prince’s lover.
She intended to use that to establish herself in high society instantly.
“If I gain power there, Mutant won’t be able to touch me easily. And it’ll help in bringing down my father’s family too.”
But to become someone that no one could look down on lightly—
Theodore would need to fully support her as her lover.
“Can you do that for me?”
“……”
His sharp blue eyes glimmered strangely as he gazed at her.
Then his lips curled into a smile.
“Didn’t I say I’d give you anything you want?”
“Do you promise?”
“On my name.”
At his words, a smile spread across Claire’s lips as well. Her eyes crinkled with amusement.
“Then please command me, Your Highness’s fake lover.”
“You may go through some hardship, my lady.”
“That’s fine. You’ll likely go through the same, Your Highness.”
Just attending a party with a bastard child as a partner had already caused a stir.
If that bastard became his lover… the capital would turn upside down.
Theodore reached out his hand. Claire placed hers on top.
“Let’s work in sync as partners.”
He gently pressed his lips to the back of her hand, then pulled away. Claire received it with unexpected ease this time.
Though her hand still tingled a little.
Suddenly, she remembered a vow she made long ago—to thank Theodore if she ever met him.
Back then, she thought she’d never get the chance to meet the Crown Prince, not as the Duke’s illegitimate daughter.
“Fate weaves people together in strange ways.”
A little late, but she bowed her head to express her gratitude for everything—from the incident with Priscilla to now.
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“For what?”
“For all the help you’ve given me.”
Theodore, who had been quietly watching her, gave a small laugh and shrugged.
“It’s fine. That’s already in the past. More importantly, I’d like to discuss things in detail moving forward. Shall we go inside now?”
“Yes.”
As they walked out of the garden side by side, Theodore asked casually,
“Do you like gardens, my lady?”
“Mm, yes. I do.”
Back at the Mutant Ducal estate, she used to take walks through the gardens to clear her head when things were rough.
The garden she nurtured with her blessing was so beautiful that she risked running into Evelyn just to visit it.
“I see. I’ll remember that for sure now.”
“Remember what?”
“That if I go to a garden, there’s a high chance I’ll find you there.”
Theodore grinned slyly. Claire blinked, then responded,
“That doesn’t mean I’m always in the garden, so don’t misunderstand.”
“I know.”
He replied offhandedly.
“I know it very well.”
The two slowly disappeared from the garden.
Behind them, the blooming hyacinths swayed gently in the spring breeze.
