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“The engagement ring?!”

“Yeah.”

It was a ring that Albert Groble had made for me earlier. Fortunately, the ring, which was too small for me, fit perfectly on Bella’s finger.

“I want you to wear it when we go to the Seven Stars Union. Unless they’re fools, they’ll suspect our relationship. That’s exactly what you wanted, right?”

Officially, it’s known that we’ve called off our engagement. If Bella takes me to the Seven Stars Union, they’ll suspect our relationship. Especially if she’s wearing a ring that looks like an engagement ring, their suspicion will turn into certainty. This should reduce the number of men trying to propose to Bella.

“……”

But… everyone was too quiet. Bella, Blanshe, and even Helga were silent. Did I say something wrong? Hmm… Well, I decided to continue explaining anyway.

“If you’re going to act, it’s better to do it convincingly. Even though it’s a fake engagement ring, if you wear it, the effect will be certain.”

“Hmm… So it’s fake, huh?”

Bella looked at the ring with a subtle expression.

“…You know what? That proposal just now wasn’t romantic at all.”

“If you expected romance from me, you got the wrong guy.”

“Hmph… I figured. No woman would fall for a fake proposal like this, right?”

“It doesn’t matter. That ring is an item that can hold magic power. If, by any chance, a dangerous situation arises, it could be useful. Even though it’s a fake engagement ring, the magic power it holds is real.”

When Bella was kidnapped earlier, she was in big trouble because her magic was sealed. The ring can only hold a small amount of magic, but it should be enough for emergencies. Bella muttered in a small voice.

“…See? You keep giving me hope.”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing.”

Her tone was sharp, but she didn’t seem as upset as before. She stuck out her hand with a pout.

“You think I’d accept a proposal like this? Mr. Fake Fiancé.”

It was a sign of agreement. I took her hand.

“Thanks for that.”

“Ah… I’m such an unfortunate woman to have to play the role of your fiancée again.”

“You can back out now if you want.”

“Never mind. I was just saying. So, can I count on you to play the perfect fiancé today?”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Hehe…”

Bella took my hand and got into the carriage, saying,

“Alright. Then, just for tonight, I’ll be yours.”

*

“Ah! Welcome, Sir Patrick!”

“Long time no see, old man.”

At the traditional high-end restaurant, Eastern Pearl, located in the noble district of Ludlow, the owner, Zhang Qian, enthusiastically greeted Patrick and took his coat.

“To think Sir Patrick would represent the Wolfbert family at the Seven Stars Union… and at my restaurant!”

“Ah, old man, you’re exaggerating. I’m just a stand-in. My father is still in good health, so it’ll be a while before I become the real head of the family.”

Patrick laughed as he said this. Honestly, he was in a good mood. Representing the family at the gathering of the Seven Stars was a big deal. Even if he had persistently begged his father, Gale, to let him attend in his place.

“Ah… But it’s still an honor. The fact that our restaurant has been able to stay here all this time is all thanks to the Wolfbert family. Since you’ve trusted us so much, please look forward to tonight’s banquet dishes.”

“Thanks for saying that, old man.”

Patrick looked at the white-haired owner and asked,

“By the way, old man. How old are you this year?”

“I’m 98 this year. Hoho…”

“Not an old man, but a grandpa, huh?”

“Hahaha! Why are you like this? I’m still in good health. Should I call you ‘young master’ too?”

“Of course not.”

This restaurant had been Patrick’s regular spot since he was a child. Naturally, he had a long-standing relationship with the owner, Zhang Qian.

“By the way, where’s Brother Liang?”

“Liang? Today’s his day off, so he’s not here.”

“Too bad. I wanted to congratulate him.”

Patrick shrugged, pointing to the gift package his servant was carrying.

Eastern Pearl, a restaurant with over a century of history. The ownership had passed from the second generation, Zhang Qian, to the third generation, Zhang Liang.

“Tsk tsk… If only my back didn’t hurt so much, I’d still be in the kitchen at 100…”

“Brother Liang is trustworthy enough. Old man, you should really retire.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about! He’s still far from ready.”

After a brief chat, Zhang Qian spoke up.

“By the way, the gift you brought seems a bit too much for my son, doesn’t it?”

“Ah, yeah. Actually, there’s someone else I’m giving it to today.”

“Hoho… Who in the world would receive such a gift from Sir Patrick?”

“It’s a gift for Princess Bella Izakhel.”

“Oh…? The ‘Flower of the Cliff,’ you mean?”

Ah, yes, she was indeed the Flower of the Cliff.

Princess Bella Izakhel. The most beautiful woman in the country, with a charm like a flower blooming in aloofness. Was there any man in this country who hadn’t thought of making her his partner?

But Bella already had someone. If Bella was the most beautiful woman in the country, her fiancé was the most notorious man. None other than Count Tristan Ruelberta.

Tristan was a greedy man. Once he got his hands on something, he never let go. Moreover, the Ruelberta family was the most influential in the country. The moment someone touched his fiancée, they would make an enemy of the Ruelberta family. Thus, Bella had long been the Flower of the Cliff.

But that was now a thing of the past.

“Yeah. I plan to pluck the Flower of the Cliff.”

Patrick spoke with confidence. Not long ago, news spread through the social scene that Tristan and Bella had called off their engagement. The reason was unknown, but the breakup seemed real, as neither the Ruelberta nor the Izakhel families denied it. As soon as that happened, everyone who had been watching started proposing to Bella. And Patrick was one of them.

‘But none of them are my match.’

Patrick sneered. The Wolfbert family wasn’t in a higher position than other families. He had no intention of relying on the family’s power. He planned to pluck the Flower of the Cliff entirely on his own strength.

Patrick was well aware of his charm as a man. His tall stature, sculpted muscles, and wild face. In terms of pure physical ability and looks, he was second to none in the empire.

No woman had ever resisted him. Even those who initially rejected him eventually fell into his hands. And now, Patrick had his sights set on Bella.

He wanted to pluck the Flower of the Cliff with his own strength. He wanted to savor the thrill of conquering the most beautiful flower in the country. He would prove that he was a far superior male to that wretched Tristan.

Zhang Qian nodded in understanding.

“So that’s why you prepared so much. But is it okay to bring only one servant? It might be good to show off the power you hold.”

“I don’t keep bodyguards. I’m much stronger than any bodyguard.”

Patrick clenched his fist. It was no boast. His martial prowess had already been proven within the Imperial Army. He was determined to seize the Flower of the Cliff with his own hands.

Ding-dong.

The sound of the doorbell chiming interrupted them as Zhang Qian went to greet the new guests.

“Welcome! Welcome to Eastern Pearl…”

Zhang Qian’s words trailed off. Curious, Patrick turned around.

Four people had entered the restaurant. Among them, Patrick recognized one, and his face lit up.

She was a beauty who would draw attention wherever she went. Her simple white dress complemented her silver hair perfectly. Above all, the slender waistline visible through the dress looked quite alluring.

Patrick couldn’t help but lick his lips. Princess Bella Izakhel. She was the flower he intended to pluck today.

But that moment was brief. Like Zhang Qian, Patrick froze on the spot. Standing next to Bella was a man who had no business being here. Wearing a black coat, he was the man known as the genius of evil deeds. And at the same time, the young head of the notorious Ruelberta family.

“Excuse me.”

The moment Patrick saw Tristan’s cold, mocking eyes, he had to swallow his breath.

 

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