CHAPTER 28
Claire sat in the box seat closest to the stage.
It was a spot where she could comfortably enjoy the play without interruption, and—if things went well—everyone could clearly see her.
As people who had witnessed her entrance outside came in and spread the word, a buzz of whispers filled the theater.
But Claire paid no attention and simply stared silently at the stage.
Soon, the lights dimmed and the curtain rose. Even the murmuring audience members quieted and turned their attention forward.
The play was about a prince who, while out hunting, ends up in danger and is saved by a young girl. The two fall in love.
The prince, unable to forget the girl who helped him, searches for her and reunites with her while hiding his true identity.
However, under pressure from the king and queen—who want him to marry his betrothed, chosen by the royal family—the couple is forced to separate.
Unable to forget the girl, the prince chooses to give up everything and run away with her.
They flee to a neighboring country, but the royal family issues a manhunt to stop them, leading to a tense chase.
Eventually, they’re caught at the border, and the prince is forced to marry his fiancée.
The girl, branded as an evil witch who seduced the prince, is sentenced to death. Just as she faces her execution—
It’s revealed that she’s the long-lost princess of the neighboring kingdom, flipping the entire situation.
“From the moment we met, I knew you were my destiny. Nothing will ever come between us again.”
The two actors embraced and shared a passionate kiss. Some in the audience were moved to tears.
“Let’s never part again.”
“Of course not. That will never happen. We’re fated lovers chosen by the gods.”
The actor playing the prince, smiling gently, suddenly turned toward the audience and declared:
“And we are not the only ones who’ve found our destined match. Even the noblest person in this land has fallen in love as if by fate.”
Gasps and murmurs exploded in the theater. The actor raised his voice over the crowd.
“That very person is here tonight—to confess his love to his destined one. Please welcome him with applause!”
Whoosh. The curtains pulled back again.
And who appeared was—
“H-His Highness the Crown Prince?!”
“It really is the Crown Prince!”
“Why is he on stage…?”
Theodore stood tall in a perfectly tailored dress uniform that showed off his lean, muscular build. In one hand, he held a bouquet of roses; the other hand was casually tucked in his pocket.
Despite the chaos around him, he calmly walked to the front of the stage. Some people simply gawked, entranced by his chillingly beautiful face.
Standing center stage, he turned to his left.
“A few months ago, I secretly visited the western region after hearing it was suffering from monster attacks.”
His deep voice filled the theater. The audience held their breath.
“Things went badly, and I nearly lost my life. But a young girl saved me. Even after returning to the capital, I couldn’t get her face out of my mind. I found myself longing to see her again.”
It sounded vaguely similar to the start of the play. Theodore continued calmly:
“Fortunately, I did meet her again—as the daughter of Franz Ravello.”
“Gasp!”
The audience’s shocked gasps all turned toward a single point—
The left box seat, where Claire sat.
Claire looked just as stunned, covering her mouth as she looked down at Theodore.
“To repay her, I offered to be her partner. But then I realized the truth—I had fallen for her at first sight and could never forget her.”
As the Crown Prince made his public confession, everyone in the theater covered their mouths in astonishment.
Theodore slowly bent to one knee.
“Claire Ravello, I wish to be your lover.”
He held out the bouquet, directly toward Claire, and asked with utmost sincerity:
“Will you grant me this honor?”
It was more romantic than the play itself—The Crown Prince kneeling with flowers, and a woman in the audience covering her blushing face.
Everyone was fully captivated by the scene unfolding before them. Her background didn’t matter in that moment.
Claire suddenly turned and ran to the stage, shyly accepting the bouquet. A faint blush bloomed on her cheeks.
A delicate beauty of smaller stature paired with a tall, sharp-featured man—they looked perfect together, like a painting.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Her bashful yet clear voice rang through the entire theater.
So that no one could miss it.
“Woooooow!”
“How romantic!”
“Congratulations!”
Swept up in the mood, the audience broke into cheers and applause.
Seeing the sweet fantasy of a play come true before their eyes had everyone too excited for reason.
Watching the frenzied crowd, Claire felt secretly relieved.
“It worked.”
Of course, all of this had been a carefully planned scheme between Claire and Theodore.
If a bastard daughter and the Crown Prince suddenly announced they were dating with no connection at all, people would have been suspicious.
So they fabricated a believable backstory and capped it off with this dramatic theater confession.
“Though claiming I saved his life is probably overkill…”
Claire covered her mouth with the bouquet and leaned in to whisper to Theodore.
“Hug me now.”
They had agreed in advance to end the scene with an embrace.
Theodore gave a small nod, then closed the distance in one stride and wrapped his arms around her.
“Kyaa!”
“Oh my!”
The crowd became even more ecstatic. If they kissed, a few people might have fainted.
In his broad arms, Claire squirmed slightly and thought:
Unlike his confident movements, Theodore’s body felt stiff, as if he was nervous.
His hands hovered awkwardly, not touching her waist or shoulders.
Someone sharp-eyed might notice how fake the hug was.
And maybe even the fake relationship.
“Hold me tighter.”
“…I was about to.”
Thud. His large, warm hand landed on her back and waist.
Claire boldly pressed herself into his chest and wrapped her arms around his firm waist.
Their bodies now fully pressed together, Theodore flinched slightly and inhaled deeply.
Then, he hugged her firmly—so tightly she could feel his heartbeat pounding against her.
“His heart is… really racing.”
With his hand cradling the back of her head, her face naturally fell against his broad shoulder.
Claire thought, half amused:
“He’s young, but maybe he should watch his health.”
And so, with everyone’s cheers, the two began their very public and dramatic relationship.
The moment the audience left the theater, the gossip spread like wildfire. That very evening, the entire capital was abuzz with breaking news: “The Crown Prince’s Lover—Claire Ravello.”
Their scandal was enough to shake the Empire to its core.
The play, rumored to be based on their story, gained massive popularity. The Crown Prince’s love story became more famous by the day—
As if it were real.
* * *
Now that they had declared their relationship in public, it was time to make it official in high society.
Theodore chose the Marchioness Mitchell’s party for the occasion.
It was hosted by the family of his knight, Jake Mitchell—so it would be comfortable and cooperative.
On the day of the party, Claire summoned three maids to help her get ready.
“I’m sorry, my lady. I have other duties to attend to.”
“Me too. The head maid gave me a task. I’ll help once I’m done.”
Ivy and Mathilda made flimsy excuses and slipped away.
Expecting this, Claire had already called Mary over in advance. She glanced at Becca.
“Are you leaving too, Becca?”
“Uh, um…”
“You’d better stay. You don’t have the same protection those two do.”
Ivy was favored by the Marchioness, and Mathilda was related to the head maid—Claire couldn’t get rid of them easily. But Becca was different.
She’d been sent over with little thought by the Marchioness and didn’t have strong connections.
“I-I’ll help you dress, my lady.”
Already seasoned by working with Jane, Becca chose to obey the lady in front of her.
With only two maids helping, it took longer, but the result was worth it.
Claire wore a cream-colored off-shoulder dress inspired by a swan—elegant and graceful.
Her golden hair flowed in soft waves, and a jeweled pin with a white feather added a luxurious touch.
“Wow…”
“You look even more beautiful than I imagined!”
Becca gasped in awe, and Mary, the dressmaker, beamed proudly beside her.
Claire was satisfied, too—she wouldn’t be outshined next to the Crown Prince.
When she saw that it was almost time for Theodore to arrive, she headed downstairs.
Planning to wait for him at the entrance.
But then—
“Claire, where do you think you’re going?”
The sudden appearance of the Marchioness of Ravello stopped her in her tracks.
