Slipping out of the castle alone at night is a conduct unbecoming of His Highness fiance. If found out, it could damage your reputation as well.

Up until now, Rishes failures in life have been hers alone.

But for once, it was different. Even if she was as good as a hostage and even if it was just a formality, she lacked the awareness of being someones future wife.

I was prepared for the scandal and punishment in the unlikely event of a problem, but I know that it wasnt enough.

However, Arnold said, It doesnt matter.

!

That was so unexpected that Rishe, who had been looking down, looked up.

When people in the castle see you, they wont recognize you as the woman who will eventually become the Crown Princess. Youve only been in front of the people once over the carriage and youve dyed your hair color conspicuously. Unless, youve actually been unfaithful, that is. I can surmise that youve been bargaining with the Aria Company.

Your Highness, thats too generous of a word.

Thats not what I have a problem with.

So there were other outrageous mistakes that Rishe hadnt realized shed committed?

She looked nervously at Arnold with brows furrowed.

Your Highness?

Are you not hurt or anything?

Huh?

That was unexpected.

Why would he ask such a question? Rishe blinked repeatedly, and eventually nodded.

Yeah, Im not.

Have you been involved in some kind of crime?

Certainly not.

Arnold then exhaled, lowering and letting go of the hand that had trapped Rishe against the wall.

Ill be accompanying you from now on, whenever you leave the castle. Thats fine.

What? Uhm, youre coming with me?

I told you, once were married, youre free to do what you wanted, and Ill give you a helping hand.

Please dont say that! I cant let Your Highness go along with my selfish behavior. Uhm, no, Ill be more careful in the future, but.

I said youre free to do what you wanted, but I didnt say youre allowed to do anything dangerous.

Rishe was left agape.

And dont let anyone but me know what youre up to. Its hard to control others from gossiping.

Ah

Ah?

Youre being too lenient with me.

Whatever the case might be, I would add that.

I dont understand why on earth Id come to that conclusion.

Although Ive been treated beyond expectation to begin with, what did it mean when Im tolerated after such a blunder?

You mean if I restrict you to never leave the castle, youll continue to slip out quietly in the future, right?

Arnold, who was once again seated in his chair, chuckled in his usual fashion.

Id rather give you conditional permission than that, since you seem to have more restraints that way.

So

Rishe somehow lost strength and she sat down on the edge of the bed beside him.

Am I so difficult to understand?

Arent you? I think youre rather a confusing and unpredictable sort of person.

You must be having fun with that Chairman.

Recalling her exchange with Tully, Rishe hung her head.

It was quite disheartening to have two men read her thoughts and actions in quick succession.

I dont know why, but letting me off the hook to some extent must be of significance to Arnold Hein

I think I should take great advantage of it, but I feel guilty when I go this far. Even though I want to prevent war, I dont want to behave like a bad wife.

After mulling over it, I finally realized what Arnold meant when he said I have more restraints with his permission.

Speaking of the chairman, what the hell happened between you and the Aria Trading Company?

Feeling somewhat exhausted, Rishe looked up and said with a pout, Your Highness, if I may ask something?

What?

Are you hungry?

Arnold rolled his eyes at the question.