Episode 19

Prince Fernando.

Today is the day I'm to meet my future betrothed. I've inquired about her, yet no one can provide a reference; apparently, no one knows her. It's most likely she's an unsightly woman, to the extent of hiding away at home.

I can only hope it won't be too arduous to woo her. Once married, I'll establish my harem and fill it with as many beautiful women as possible.

These days, my father didn't cease to remind me of what I must do to such an extent that I began to avoid him, wearied by the incessant topic.

I know what's best for me. I'm certain this marriage will secure my position as the crown prince while also bolstering our military might.

[Lost in his thoughts and offering greetings to the occasional duke, as well as discreetly flirting with a lady here and there who hinted at an interest, Fernando's flirtations were subtle. He didn't wish for his future bride to notice.]

Suddenly, the herald began speaking, and I stopped listening.

The lady accompanying the duke is the most stunning woman I've ever beheld, her dress accentuating her form, her long legs, and her breasts—perfect in size, just the way I like them.

Beside me stood a woman babbling endlessly, demanding something I ignored; my focus was solely on that one individual. I could only hope she was the duke's daughter and not his stepdaughter.

My legs moved on their own until I found myself at the foot of the staircase, eager to offer my hand to this maiden and secure the first dance.

I do hope the duke allows it.

Duke Sebastian

Blast it, I'd altogether forgotten about this blasted betrothal amid the troubles those two women have caused me.

There's the wretch, standing like a mannequin at the bottom of the stairs. He shouldn't assume I'll hand over my daughter so easily.

Sebastian: Sol, dear, stay away from the prince. I forgot to mention something but now's not the time or place—just trust me, will you? _ I said so only she would hear.

Sol: Don't worry, Father; I have no intention of getting engaged. I believe I deserve better. Let me enjoy myself and back me up if I get into any trouble. _ She replied with a smile.

Sebastian: I shall, my girl, have no doubt—I trust you.

Reaching the last step, that damned prince extended his hand; Sol couldn't reject him, not in front of everybody.

I caught my daughter's gaze, searching for her consent or refusal; her mischievous grin reassured me, and I quite liked that.

Sol took his hand and they went off to dance, but soon I was pulled onto the dance floor myself.

What the devil— _ I muttered, annoyed.

It was Sandra, also her first dance and without a partner. Well, might as well keep close and prevent that reprobate from overstepping with my girl.

Sol

I'd pondered doing many things today, but now, I needed to rid myself entirely of this foolish prince. What better way than to let the novel's plot unfold? I long to be free for my albino's arrival.

Moreover, I want the witches to make their move; I can't allow them to remain idle, as that would prevent me from advancing my own pieces without drawing obvious attention.

Fernando: You look beautiful, Miss...

Sol: (Does he not know who I am, or is he feigning ignorance?)

Sol D'angelo, and you—I know you are the crown prince by your crown, but I don't know your name.

Fernando: (Everyone knows who I am; it's hard to believe this girl doesn't know my name.)

Fernando Ruiz, the first prince.

Sol: Pleased to meet you, Prince.

Fernando: Of course, madam, the pleasure is all mine.

(After that, I didn't know what else to say, yet I couldn't help but gaze at those slender, delicate lips and that neckline which revealed quite nicely the size of her breasts.

Sol: My face is up here giggle (This man's a lecher; it won't be hard to ensnare him.)

Fernando: My apologies, I just couldn't help it; you look so beautiful, and your lips...

Sebastian: clears his throat Prince, may I have this dance with my daughter?

Fernando: (The cursed duke interrupted my dance and conversation. Worse, he handed me over to his other daughter. She too is pretty, but Sol is beyond comparison, and that dress she's wearing—divine.)

The dance ended, and with it, the duke took Sol away, leaving the prince with the stepdaughter.

Fernando: Damn Excuse me, Miss, my father requests my presence.

Fernando attempted to extricate himself from Sandra, but he couldn't be impolite since the Duke backed even her.

Instead of releasing him, Sandra clung tighter, to the prince's irritation—he didn't want his fiancee to misconstrue the situation.

Sandra: May I accompany you? My parents left me on my own batting eyelashes

Fernando: (My father will aid in ridding me of her; it wouldn't suit him to have this woman cling to me like a burr.) Very well, Miss.

They walked toward where the king was; many speculating that perhaps the prince truly fancied Miss Sandra, since he escorted her to his father's side.

Sebastian: Sol, I told you to keep distance from the prince, not to flirt with him.

Sol: deep breath Calm down, Father. I don't want a commitment with him, but if I distance myself, he will persist, and shaking him off will be tougher.

Sebastian: It will not be difficult; I simply have to eliminate him.

Sol: smiles No, Father. He's a prince, and that would cause us issues with the Emperor; they'd consider it treason.

Sebastian: Perhaps I ought to usurp the empire, what do you think?

Sol: Haha, Father, no. I know what I will do. I noticed the witches desire him; if they see that I have him, they'll want to snatch him away, so...

Sebastian: Haha, I see, my girl. Killing three birds with one stone?

Sol: Precisely... Wait, how do you know that saying?

Sebastian: ??? I don't know; it just popped into my mind.

Sol: Alright, Father, but promise that if more strange things arise in your mind, you'll let me know; I'm experiencing the same thing.

[Sol suspected something; she wished her father to confide in her. She only hoped her suspicions were accurate; if so, his behavior wouldn't surprise her and, without a doubt, she would be overjoyed by the truth, though she didn't want to get her hopes up prematurely.]

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