“Why? What reason?”

At Rosemary’s indignant exclamation, Luna asked in surprise, trying to understand what could have possibly happened regarding the Crown Prince.

“That is…!”

Because the Crown Prince was interested in Luna and she didn’t want him to fall for her, Rosemary tried to attract his attention instead.

But she abruptly stopped talking. It felt as though she had interfered in the relationship between Luna and the Crown Prince.

Even if Luna wasn’t interested in the Crown Prince, Rosemary couldn’t explain her actions, especially when she denied Luna even a chance to meet him.

“So…!”

Rosemary hesitated, but Callion, who had been observing quietly, stepped forward and explained on her behalf.

“It’s nothing big. It’s just my one-sided interest.”

“No, wait!”

How can he say that? It’ll cause more misunderstandings!

Rosemary was taken aback by Callion’s implication that he had feelings for her.

“Why?”

“Too much is omitted, like subjects and objects!”

While Rosemary argued that everyone would misunderstand, Callion remained calm and nonchalant.

“Then, what exactly?”

“Actually, the one he’s interested in isn’t me but…!”

Rosemary, about to mention Luna, quickly covered her mouth.

‘No, no! I’ve tried so hard to keep Luna from approaching him!’

She had kept the Crown Prince busy to prevent him from getting close to Luna.

After so much effort(?), Luna and Antes finally got together. She couldn’t now admit, ‘I manipulated the situation.’

Rosemary tried to correct her statement, but Callion, grinning, spoke first.

“No, the one I’m interested in is Lady Vincent. Otherwise, why would I find time in my busy schedule to spend with her? I’ve even had to reduce my sleep.”

“Oh my.”

“My goodness.”

What kind of story was that? The ladies who were watching the situation stood here with their eyes shining. It was fun enough, but it surely will get more fun in the future.

Luna also joined the group. She still didn’t know what was the matter, but it was very exciting.

As if repaying everyone’s expectations, Rosemary, who was speechless in shock, eventually asked Callion.

“W-what do you mean?!”

“What do I mean? I’m literally saying that I am interested in the lady. Not another young lady.”

Callion’s gaze immediately pointed to Luna. Due to the sudden focus, Luna widened her eyes, and Antes frowned.

It seemed like things would get to the point where the whole truth would be revealed in front of Luna and Antes, so Rosemary hurriedly grabbed Callion’s arm.

“Stop! Let’s go outside and talk!”

She was attempting to drag him out, but given that her only form of exercise was occasional garden walks, it wasn’t really effective.

Still, Callion willingly followed her out to the terrace, leaving a bewildered Luna who protested:

“I didn’t do anything! I don’t know anything!”

* * *

“What are you saying in front of people who just got engaged!”

Upon reaching the terrace, Rosemary immediately exploded at Callion.

She couldn’t believe he’d made such a statement in front of Lady Luna.

She was so shocked that she almost got caught, that she didn’t even think about what Callion had said.

Callion asked Rosemary, as if he couldn’t understand”

“What did I say?”

“You said you’re not interested in Lady Luna but in me…”

It’s… huh? Rosemary, who had said that far, momentarily closed her mouth.

‘What did you say just now? The Crown Prince is interested in me, not Lady Luna…?’

“Wait, wait a second!”

Rosemary, suddenly confused by the absurd conclusion, touched her forehead and asked for time to sort things out.

Callion just shrugged. In fact, there was nothing to organize.

After all, he didn’t think he said anything confusing.

“You… you’re… you’re interested in me?”

“How many times do I have to say it for you to believe me?”

Callion sighed, seemingly betrayed.

But Rosemary still wasn’t convinced. She was sure he was interested in Luna, and that’s why she had worked so hard to prevent their relationship.

But why are you suddenly saying you’re interested in me? Ah! Don’t tell me!

“Are you making fun of me? Trying to see a fun reaction?”

“If that were the case, I would have said I was interested in the Lady Luna Peils, not you. There would’ve been more than one person who showed an interesting reaction.”

That was a valid point. And even after that, Callion was still a distinctive character. Although their time together was short, Rosemary was convinced almost immediately.

So why did he leave a more entertaining answer behind and said something else?

“Why? Why?!”

“How many times do I have to say that I’m really interested in you?”

Callion was good at reading others, but he had no trick to handle the frustration caused by Rosemary, who consistently evaded drawing any clear conclusions.

Seeing Callion sigh and raise a white flag, telling her to do as she pleased, Rosemary hesitated for a moment and then cautiously asked.

“I don’t mean to be rude, but… are you perhaps… a bit easygoing?”

“What?”

How audacious! Rosemary quickly explained herself amid Callion’s disbelief.

“I mean, one moment you say you’re interested in Luna, and now you’re interested in me? Changing opinions like flipping a palm in such a short time? Isn’t that a bit complicated?”

Rosemary, already having trust issues, slightly despised him. She didn’t like such fickle men.

“Nonsense. When did I ever say I had such feelings for Luna? I’m not into stealing someone’s lover.”

Seeing the misunderstanding deepening in a negative direction, Callion clarified. In truth, he never once said he liked Luna in a romantic way.

As far as he was concerned, Luna never made an effort to meet Callion either. During that period, she seemed closer to Antes.

So what was all this? If that was the case, why didn’t Callion speak up?

“Why didn’t you say that from the start?!”

Realizing all her actions might’ve been in vain, Rosemary cried out in frustration. Callion, unflustered, replied.

“It looked fun.”

“You call that an explanation now…!”

“The people around me are boring. Amidst that, your reactions were surprisingly intense. I was fortunate that you even approached me.”

He laughed, saying it was hilarious how she misunderstood and made him seem like a villain trying to steal someone’s girlfriend.

In hindsight, Rosemary was the rude one. She misunderstood and labeled an innocent man as malicious.

“I’m truly sorry… Whenever it’s about Lady Luna, I think I lose my mind…”

Although Callion was to blame for not explaining, Rosemary sincerely apologized, realizing she was the main culprit for the misunderstanding.

With an amused expression, Callion continued:

“That’s what I like about you, Rosemary. The fact that you express your feelings honestly.”

It was almost a confession. Rosemary was aware of this and was momentarily stunned.

Considering him only as Antes’s rival and someone trying to take Luna away made his confession extremely unexpected. She had no fond memories of him since she was always wary of keeping him away from Luna.

“I don’t like you.”

In such circumstances, there was no way she’d respond positively. Rosemary disliked Callion.

“What? Why?”

Rosemary found him even more unlikable with such an arrogant response.

“You’re the Crown Prince and you’re saying you like me and I should like you?” 

With Luna engaged to Antes and neither of them interested in each other, she could now speak her mind.

Pointing to the jewels on Callion’s neck, hand, and chest, Rosemary responded:

“Recently it has improved a bit, but I don’t like those gaudy jewels or your arrogant attitude. And I’m a successor who needs to continue the lineage. How can I be with you?”

Although the chances were almost nil, being with Callion might jeopardize her position as the successor.

Of course, those were all assumptions and excuses at the same time. If someone she really likes appears, no matter what adversity there is, she will find a way to get out of it.

Yet, the real reason was simpler.

“Lastly, Your Highness, you’re not my type. Now that the misunderstanding is cleared, I’ll be on my way. I hope you have a pleasant engagement ceremony.”

With a light step and a sense of relief, Rosemary exited the terrace.