Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Pampering Him Never Ends Well

This place, the Kingdom of Jose, is a historic small country that still retains royal authority.

In recent years, noble titles below that of count have been abolished, and the government is run by three powers: the officials, the three marquis households, and the king.

Janold Jose, the crown prince and third in line to the throne, uses his physique as a member of the national army, wielding his strength.

Although Anise is of a different status, having been raised with Janold in the same nursery room due to his father’s position as Prime Minister and his mother’s early passing, he and Janold grew up like siblings.

Although the kingdom is currently peaceful, a mere decade ago, poisoning the young Prime Minister was a routine affair. In those days, the palace nursery was the safest place.

From a young age, Anise, who was quick-witted, often found himself mediating and resolving the troubles that the impulsive and compassionate Janold stirred up—sneaking out of the castle to get into fights, fighting with the crown prince of neighboring countries, and consulting Anise with questions like, “How should I deal with that dishonest merchant?”

Before long, Janold, who was supposed to be 2 years older, would constantly run to Anise for help every time he got into trouble.

“How am I supposed to get along with my fiancée, Aniiiise!”

“I don’t know… I don’t even have a fiancée.”

“Argh! It’s absurd that someone who dislikes women is the one getting all the attention!”

After repeating similar exchanges a few times, Janold would start scratching his head, covering his face, and muttering in defeat, “I’m hopeless.”

“Does this mean I can’t go back to the palace? That I have to live in the barracks? No way, that sweaty, smelly place… and the food is just powdered mush mixed with water. If I try training on that, I’ll collapse within 3 days. And I’ve got an expedition to the border next year, grumble, grumble, grumble…”

Anise took a sip of his tea and watched his childhood friend’s face as it turned pale, then flushed red, mulling over the situation.

(Mending things with his fiancée, and with a marquis’ daughter, no less. If both the Laberie family and the king are involved, it’s going to be troublesome if I act openly. Honestly, it’s unsettling that a 27-years-old man is sobbing over his female issues to a friend. …Perhaps it’s best he handles this on his own.)

Anise made up his mind and nodded once, his amber eyes cool and determined.

“If His Majesty is angry, then it must be a serious matter. This isn’t some childish, informal engagement—you should work this out on your own.”

“I know. It’s not like I want to talk to you about this… but…”

Janold glanced up fearfully, trying to gauge Anise’s reaction, but Anise only narrowed his eyes, waiting for him to continue.

“Actually, right now, we’re not even exchanging letters. Even when I send one, I don’t get any reply… don’t give me that look! I did try to keep her in good spirits! But the replies were so cold that…”

“You’re not even exchanging letters? Since when?”

“About half a year… The last time we saw each other was 2 years ago.”

(That’s on you!)

Anise felt dizzy from Janold’s careless attitude. Having such a lack of contact with one’s fiancée was certainly abnormal.

(For a woman, being ignored is the worst. No wonder the king is furious.)

In the Kingdom of Jose, where only three marquis families remain among the nobility, there has been a strong recent trend for engaged adults—even in arranged marriages—to actively stay in touch with each other in preparation for marriage. It’s even acceptable to have premarital relations with a confirmed partner.

Considering that Janold is the crown prince and his fiancée is a marquis’ daughter, this match is one of national significance. No one would object if he went ahead and set a date for the wedding. They could become closer after marriage.

When Anise broached the idea, Janold’s face scrunched up like a child’s.

“I can’t force someone who doesn’t like me to marry! Premarital relations are out of the question! Even if it’s an arranged marriage, she’s still a person with her own heart.”

Anise nodded calmly at Janold’s indignation. That was Janold’s admirable humanity as the third prince and one of the reasons why people joked he wouldn’t be ready to rule for 30 more years.

Pouting, Janold’s navy-blue eyes darkened as he muttered, “Ugh. I don’t recall doing anything to make her dislike me… at first, we exchanged letters frequently enough.”

(He’s genuinely troubled, it seems.)

The sun was setting, casting a gradient of crimson and deep blue through the delicate white lace curtains. Janolc’s golden hair, usually radiant in the sunlight, had dulled to an ochre hue.

Seeing his friend’s pathetic expression, Anise gave a resigned smile.

“Fine, I’ll give you some tips on how to escort her.”

“Aniiiise! I knew I could count on youuu!”

If Janold constantly brought trouble, then it was only natural that Anise would always help.

Neither had ever refused the other’s requests.

◇ ◇ ◇

The next morning.

As usual, Anise found himself entangled in Janold’s troubles. He was poring over an investigative report that had arrived just the day before.

“The Marquess Laberie’s daughter, Lady Monica… Still, even seeing her portrait doesn’t ring any bells.”

According to the attendance lists for the past 3 years’ evening parties and balls, she has rarely appeared in public.

Even when she did attend, it was only “once or twice, and briefly at that.”

Likewise, there were no clear sightings of her since that party 2 years ago where she last met Janold, nor did she seem to have close friends.

(Is she that shy, or does she have some reason to avoid public appearances? Until I know more, it’ll be hard to foster any relationship with Janold. But her discretion is impressive—I almost envy it.)

Anise looked out the window with a wry smile.

He was famed for his beauty, admired by young women across the kingdom, yet he never flaunted it and did his best to avoid evening parties altogether.

Among society, it was a given that “he only smiles around the Marquis Helengel family or Janold”, which only fueled the admiration of women who were drawn to his aloof, tsundere charm.

With his silky, silver hair, amber eyes, and his refined courtesy, Anise was a captivating figure—enough that every ball he attended sparked rumors of “the cool amber eyes that never soften” or “the last of the noble gentlemen, an endangered species”, earning him the adoration of young ladies from neighboring countries and female officials alike.

Yet behind his impassive expression, his true thoughts were as follows:

“I have no interest in women. Besides, who knows what they’re really thinking.”

This attitude was undoubtedly influenced by his two older sisters, and it also kept romance at bay.

—Unable to find a way to foster a connection, Anise threw down the stack of papers.

Rubbing his temples, he murmured, “What a hassle.”

In the first place, dealing with women was nothing but trouble for him. He wouldn’t be involved in this matter if it weren’t for Janold.

(What to do…)

At that moment, a knock sounded, and a steward entered to announce, “Lady Lotiana has arrived.”

Anise rose abruptly.

“That’s it—my older sister!”

“Oh my, what mischief are you up to this time?”

The door opened, and in stepped a woman in an elegant navy dress. With eyes like his own in a warm honey color and chestnut hair tied loosely to signify her marriage, Lady Lotiana’s serene and slightly seductive smile was directed at Anise.

“Lotiana! You’re a lifesaver!”

(When it comes to women, ask a woman.)

“What an enthusiastic welcome from my dear little Anise,” she murmured, lovingly moving to hug him.

Once the tea was prepared and they were alone, Anise broached the subject.

“Sister, I wanted to know more about Lady Monica, the fiancée of Crown Prince Janold.”

“I was hoping for a more amusing topic… Don’t tell me you’re interested in her?”

At her doubtful glance, Anise glared. Lotiana lowered her eyes with a chuckle, “I’m only joking.”

“Lady Monica Laberie, yes. I’ve met her a few times. What about her?”

“This is a private matter, so please keep it confidential. Apparently, she’s stopped replying to Janold’s letters. If you know anything helpful, could you share it?”

Lotiana made a small sound of displeasure as she picked up her cup.

“I was hoping for something more entertaining,” she muttered as she drank.

“You know, spoiling the prince is one thing, but if you overdo it, you’ll ruin yourself.”

“Yes, yes. I know that.”

Ignoring his response, Lotiana lowered her gaze thoughtfully.

Anise shrugged, quietly waiting for her answer, he knew better than to interrupt her when she was lost in thought.

After a lengthy pause, she set her cup down with a dazzling smile.

(This can’t be good.)

Her smile made him tense up, a chill running down his spine.

“Regarding Lady Monica… Yes, things might be a bit…complicated. Leave this to me. I’ll consult with our eldest sister, Annette, so stay out of it for now.”

Anise blinked at Lotiana’s suspiciously sunny smile.