Im still stunned by Charless sudden appearance. Michelie is the first to revert to normal.

Her gaze follows Charles as he enters, and she seems to be mumbling uncontrollably.

Why is Charles here?

Too bad you couldnt stop him.

Surfania retorts against Michelie.

Tch! Why

Why, you say? In case you havent noticed, I really hate your guts.

Michelie snaps her head up, and Surfania mocks her abusively.

Just about the time you parted ways with Prince Charles over such a ridiculous reason, Ive been working together with him. He told me just how much you hated his plans.

Tch.

Come to think of it, I saw Surfanias writing in Charless book when I took a glance at it.

Michelie becomes silent and approaches Catalina, dragging her into the corner of the room. I can hear them whispering something like The debt for sheltering you and No, Im certain I stopped him but I dont know what exactly theyre saying.

In fact, my brain is still frozen from Charles showing up. I was caught completely by surprise.

Surfania pushes my back.

Come on, hurry up.

I take a couple of steps forward while staggering.

Even though Im a genius, there are only three people I cant beat.

The first is the scary but absolutely trustworthy Mariwa.

The second is my beloved sister Michelie.

And the last is none other than Charles.

Its been a short while, Chris.

Oh, yeah.

Charles is smiling happily in front of me.

It hasnt even been a month since Charles declared the fact that his feelings havent changed. So it really hasnt been that long.

I didnt hear your speech, but I know roughly what it is youre trying to do. The first thing is overthrowing Duke Noir, right?

Y-yeah. Thats right.

Its imperative that we take Father down in order to avoid having Michelie sent to a convent.

But we dont have a good reason or cause to stand against Father. Its not limited to political strife. People wont rally without a just cause. Without that, it wouldnt matter despite all the charisma I possess.

I dont care what happens to Michelie, but Ill help you for your sake.

Hes brutally honest.

He hasnt changed in that aspect.

But hes really matured in many ways. Even though he just barged in halfway, he knows what I want and takes the initiative in saying it. And he probably intends to help me either way.

I have a solution for that.

Charles announces his plan with a smile.

Marry me, Chris.

For a moment, I couldnt understand what he was saying.

It seemed to have nothing to do with the problem, and I didnt understand what he meant.

But as I came to an understanding, my cheeks flushed red.

Scheming prince, Ill kill

M-Michelie, what are you doing?! And what did you just say?! Youre in the presence of royalty, you know?!

Let go of me, Freesia. I have to destroy this scheming prince right here and now! Its my duty as a younger sister, and Ill do it!

What are you saying?!

Freesia is restraining Michelie.

My sister is usually reasonable and wise, but now its taking Freesia, who has the least amount of common sense, to hold her back. The corner of the room is getting rowdy, but Charles completely ignores it and continues speaking.

The first thing thats obstructing your plan is its validity itself.

Y-yeah.

Hes absolutely right.

I just insulted Father horribly, but in reality, the general opinion of him within high society isnt that bad at all. Hes firmly established himself as the reliable master of the Noir house. It will be difficult to get through that and drag him down from his seat as master of the house.

Before that can happen, I have to obtain sufficient authority to tarnish his reputation. Charles is already providing that means through his plan.

If you marry me, you will earn the t.i.tle of d.u.c.h.ess. In the first place, our marriage was arranged so that I could inherit the t.i.tle of Duke Noir.

We dont need that! As long as I announce my own background

Huh? What are you saying? Are you an idiot? Oh, sorry. You already are one.

Charles insults Michelie with a broad smile.

Tell me how announcing your stupid background will help. I dont really get it, so would you mind explaining?

Of course itll help! My mother was a member of royalty!

Heh?! Is that true?!

Freesia seems surprised, but everyone else seems to know already.

Charles doesnt back off even after hearing Michelies explanation.

Hmm? So? Im a member of royalty too, you know? And Michelie, youre about to be sent to a convent, right? Also you would need my brother Endos help for your plan to work, right?

Even if the crown prince were to lend his a.s.sistance

Theres still going to be a lot of red tape.

Now that we mentioned him, he isnt here. Well, its better this way.

Isnt he being delayed thanks to a certain someone?

Oh, they went there alright. Yup. The only member of royalty whos on friendly terms with Lady Chris and knows her in the Academy would be Prince Endo.

Catalina mumbles in response to Charles.

It seems shes gotten something wrong. Im not on friendly terms with the prince. In fact, were hostile.

Leaving that aside, Im still taken aback by Charless sudden proposal. For some reason, I find myself trying to look for an excuse to reject his proposal.

B-but youre still busy with school, right Charles?

Thats right! You gotta wait until I graduate! Its not too late to marry then!

Michelie is agreeing with me while grumbling.

I wonder why she seems so desperate. Maybe its because she doesnt want her big sister to be taken away from her. I see. Youre so adorable, my sweet little sister. Ill pat your head later, so just be quiet for now.

In that case, Ill quit.

Charles maintains his smile even as he said it so casually.

His gentle and serious face is touching my heart.

After Chris graduates, Ill quit school. And then, Ill marry her. Thats easy as pie, as long as its for Chris.

Ill never allowch!

Shut up for a bit. You there, Chris Number Two, help me stop this evil witch.

U-understood! Michelie, you should calm down

Let go of me, Freesia. Catalina, help me! Now is the time to repay me for sheltering you!

Well, Lady Rona has captured me, so I cant.

Lady Michelie, it is true that we owe you a debt of grat.i.tude, but I cannot stand idly by while you stand in Lady Chriss way of happiness.

Tch! In that case, make a mess of this place, Freesia! Its okay, I know you can do it! You can ruin the mood just by saying something! Thats how much destructive power you have in you! I invited you here just in case something like this happened, you know?!

So you didnt invite me out of your good intentions! Thats what I hate about you, Michelie!

Im just a little curious about whats going on behind me.

But Im not so heartless to turn away from Charles right now.

Not when hes proposing to me.

Not when its his own free will. Hes proposing not as a fianc whose engagement was decided by our parents, but as a man who truly loves me.

I gave Michelie the role of returning you to normal. But I want the role of changing you for the better from this point on. I want to help you, Chris.

Hes letting me decide whether to accept or not. Hes giving me that chance.

Uh, um

Whether its based on my feelings or personal benefit, I have no reason to reject him.

On the contrary, I have many reasons to accept.

Realizing how red my face is, I reach out slowly.

I-Im not much good at anything, but please take care of me?

Ahaha, youre weird, Chris.

Charles smiles gently in response to my pathetic consent.

But youre adorable anyway.

His praise somehow eases my tension and embarra.s.sment.

Im fixated on his smile.

And my own face naturally breaks into a smile.

I really cant beat you.

Ive been really desperate, you know? Because I kept losing to a certain persistent nuisance.

Who are you calling a nuis- mmmgh?!

Sorry, Michelie. Ill help you really soon, so just wait for a while.

Charles takes my hand and gets on his knees.

Then, he gently kisses the back of my hand.

Im trying to endure the tickling sensation. He looks up at me, smiling mischievously.

Ive been in love with you since the very beginning.

I see. I really like you too.

We ended up laughing together.