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

Up until now, Rishe’s 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 someone’s future wife.

I was prepared for the scandal and punishment in the unlikely event of a problem, but I know that it wasn’t enough.

However, Arnold said, “It doesn’t matter.”

“!”

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

“When people in the castle see you, they won’t recognize you as the woman who will eventually become the Crown Princess. You’ve only been in front of the people once – over the carriage – and you’ve dyed your hair color conspicuously. Unless, you’ve actually been unfaithful, that is. I can surmise that you’ve been bargaining with the Aria Company.”

“Your Highness, that’s too generous of a word.”

“That’s not what I have a problem with.”

So there were other outrageous mistakes that Rishe hadn’t realized she’d 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, I’m 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.

“I’ll be accompanying you from now on, whenever you leave the castle. That’s fine.”

“What? Uhm, you’re coming with me?”

“I told you, once we’re married, you’re free to do what you wanted, and I’ll give you a helping hand.”

“Please don’t say that! I can’t let Your Highness go along with my selfish behavior. Uhm, no, I’ll be more careful in the future, but….

“I said you’re free to do what you wanted, but I didn’t say you’re allowed to do anything dangerous.”

Rishe was left agape.

“And don’t let anyone but me know what you’re up to. It’s hard to control others from gossiping.”

“Ah…”

“Ah?”

“You’re being too lenient with me.”

Whatever the case might be, I would add that.

I don’t understand why on earth I’d come to that conclusion.

Although I’ve been treated beyond expectation to begin with, what did it mean when I’m tolerated after such a blunder?”

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

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

“I’d 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?”

“Aren’t you? I think you’re 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 don’t 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 don’t 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.