So, Is That a Problem?

By now, Hailey at least knew one thing for sure—this man genuinely believed what he was saying.

‘Not just the most handsome man in the Empire—he’s also the most shameless.’

And after openly declaring that he was the best man in the Empire, Kincaid suddenly rose from his seat and strode toward her.

“Oh? Are you going to sit here?”

Passing by the long dining table prepared for the Crown Prince and his fiancée, Kincaid stopped right next to Hailey and leaned casually against the chair beside her.

“This seating arrangement violates etiquette, you know?”

Even for an engaged couple, proper form at an official dinner dictated that they sit at a respectable distance. Hailey had only recently become a noble, but even she knew this basic rule of high society—there was no way Kincaid, the Crown Prince, didn’t. But in response to her remark, Kincaid only smirked.

“So, is that a problem?”

At her fiancé’s brazen retort, Hailey gave him a sweet little smile.

“maid Marilyn would throw an absolute fit if she saw you ignoring etiquette like this.”

“Let her. I don’t care.”

The Crown Prince, who had been cared for by that maid since infancy, made the remark with cool detachment before lowering his head toward Hailey. A lock of black hair, with a faint blue sheen, swayed before her eyes, and his marble-smooth face caught her gaze.

‘Ugh… every single time I see him…’

He really was impossibly handsome. With the refined features inherited from his mother, it was easy to accept his title as the most handsome man in the Empire. And Kincaid was the kind of man who fully understood that his looks could be used as a weapon—and wielded them willingly.

“……”

When Hailey, caught in the deep ruby glow of his eyes, failed to respond for a moment, Kincaid took the chance to lean closer. Just before lips filled with obvious desire could cover hers—

“Stop.”

Her fingers came up to press against his mouth.

“As someone destined for the throne, you should set an example for the public.”

Even though this was a private dinner, “private” did not mean they were alone. The attendants had withdrawn at Kincaid’s order, but they were still waiting in the adjacent preparation room—and of course, all eyes and ears were trained this way.

“I have no interest in setting any example.”

“Yes, yes, I figured as much. But at least until the wedding, I’d like to behave in a way that leaves the Crown Princess-to-be without a single blemish on her reputation.”

“Don’t you think it’s a little late for that?”

“Not at all.”

“Or… I could set a ‘different kind of example’ right now.”

Kincaid chuckled at her. Anticipating whatever absurd remark the Crown Prince might make next, Hailey quickly reached out and clamped her hand over his mouth.

“Why don’t we save such personal conversations for when we’re truly alone?”

“If you wish it, gladly.”

Still grinning, Kincaid suddenly took her hand and pressed a courtly kiss to it.

“Kyaa! His Highness the Crown Prince kissed her hand!”

“Oh my gosh! I saw it too!”

Even through the thin wall, the muffled squeals of the maids reached Hailey’s ears. If the strict maid of the Crown Prince’s Palace heard of this, she would certainly scowl in disapproval—and it would fall to Hailey to clean up the mess.

“Kincaid, the soup is getting cold. If you don’t even touch the dinner prepared with such care, won’t the chef be terribly disappointed?”

“You have a point.”

Hailey felt a rare moment of relief at having successfully persuaded him—but it didn’t last long…

Kincaid speared a piece of steak from the plate in front of Hailey with his fork and popped it into his mouth without hesitation. He clearly had no intention of returning to his own seat across the table. And while he was at it, he helped himself to the rest of her steak as well.

“The lowest kind of person is the one who steals someone else’s food, you know.”

Not to be outdone, Hailey quickly picked up her fork and brought a piece of steak to her own mouth.

Chew, chew, chew…

As expected, the dishes prepared by the Crown Prince’s palace chef were second to none. She savored the tender, juicy bite, and Kincaid stared openly at her as she chewed.

“Princess Catherine and Duchess Siela… not easy opponents.”

“That’s right. No one in their right mind at the Imperial Palace would dare to go against them.”

At Hailey’s sigh-laced reply, Kincaid shrugged.

“If you want, I’m willing to help.”

“I’m afraid I must decline.”

“?”

“Are you serious? You’re going to take on Princess Catherine alone?”

“If possible, I plan to deal with Duchess Siela and the rest of the concubines as well. Of course, that part will take a bit longer—it needs to be handled step by step.”

At her statement—which was almost a declaration—Kincaid was silent at first. Then, lifting his finely sculpted face, he stared at Hailey for a long moment before a crooked smirk tugged at his lips.

“Looks like a storm is going to be brewing in the palace for a while.”

“Don’t worry, I don’t intend to do anything scandalous. After all, I’m the model future Crown Princess, am I not?”

Her brazen tone made Kincaid chuckle quietly. It seemed his bold fiancée fully intended to turn the palace upside down.

“In that case, I’ll just sit back and wait for the victory report to arrive.”

“Before that, could I ask you for one favor?”

At the unexpected request, Kincaid set down his fork and looked directly at her.

“A favor, not help?”

“I’d like you to lend me some funds.”

“How much?”

“Around ten thousand gold should be enough. I’ll pay the same interest rate as the public banks. Of course, I’ll draft a loan agreement.”

As Hailey began laying out concrete details, Kincaid’s expression turned amused. She was boldly asking the heir to the Imperial throne—and her fiancé—for money.

“Ten thousand gold is enough for an average noble to live on for a year. What exactly do you plan to do with it?”

“I thought I’d make a small investment to improve the grim financial situation of the Vernette family.”

Her answer made Kincaid’s interest deepen.

“An investment… sounds entertaining.”

“I think so too. But as you know, every investment needs some initial capital—so I’d like your help.”

“Lending the money is no trouble, but I’ll set the interest rate.”

“You’re not seriously planning to act like some petty loan shark, are you?”

At her half-accusatory remark, Kincaid smirked and tapped his lips with his fingers.

“…You’re joking, right?”

“Wasn’t it you who said you needed the money?”

“You do realize you’re being incredibly stingy right now, don’t you?”

“You’re the one who asked for the money first.”

His retort hit home, and Hailey pouted in displeasure.

‘Well… a kiss for ten thousand gold isn’t a bad deal, is it?’

She still had some savings, but if her plan went well, earning back ten thousand gold would be quick work.

Oh well…

Muttering under her breath, she leaned forward and pressed her lips firmly against his.

Pfft.

It was only the briefest kiss, lips brushing lips, but it made Kincaid chuckle lightly. From beyond the wall came the muffled squeals of the maids, who were undoubtedly spying.

“I’ll tell Burnett to have ten thousand gold delivered to your quarters before the day’s over.”

“Much obliged.”

“And what exactly is this investment, anyway?”

“It’s a business secret, so I can’t tell you.”

Her firm refusal made Kincaid smirk.

“In any case, I wish you the best of luck.”

Kincaid did not oppose his future Crown Princess openly declaring her intent to embark on a worldly business venture. Even though he’d named a ridiculous condition, he had still readily agreed to lend her the funds. Considering that royals were usually the most concerned with appearances, his reaction was close to unheard-of.

‘Well, this is exactly the kind of man I chose, after all.’

As if sensing her inner satisfaction, Kincaid suddenly spoke up.

“Oh, right—there was a message from the main palace this afternoon.”

“From His Majesty the Emperor?”

Finally—was the wedding date going to be set?