Resetting Lady

“Today’s dishes are quite good.”

The crown prince’s remark didn’t ease the atmosphere at all, but Carynne could at least cut the steak into small pieces, bring them into her mouth and enjoy the flavor. Crown Prince Gueuze’s gaze was burdensome, but what could be done about that?

Carynne concentrated fully on the food in front of her. She focused on what she could do—and all she could do here was eat the food that was set before her, regardless of whether she’d be able to taste anything or not.

“Is it to your liking, Miss Carynne Evans?”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

Carynne replied with a smile. And this smile seemed to please Crown Prince Gueuze.

“You really do look a lot like Catherine.”

His smooth voice, though laced with laughter, brought chills down her spine.

“Really, you take after her a lot… You’re her daughter, yes, but should it be this easy for someone to resemble another person?”

Are you telling me to eat or not?

While she looked down at the fork, which already had a piece of sliced meat attached to it, Carynne was faced with a dilemma. However when her hand stopped, Crown Prince Gueuze tapped the table with one index finger. He didn’t seem to be pleased by this.

“Keep eating.”

“…Yes, sire.”

“You don’t have to answer. Just put it in your mouth… And chew.”

Carynne did as she was told. But she couldn’t taste what’s in her mouth anymore. Eating was the bare minimum of human necessity, and yet here it was, being controlled. It’s not an enjoyable feeling.

Without letting her feelings show however, Carynne did her best to chew and swallow the food. Prince Gueuze’s gaze was fixed on Carynne’s cheeks and her lips.

“I’m so moved.”

“……”

“It feels like Catherine is alive.”

And I feel like I’m about to die.

Carynne found it strange that the food she was eating now, which must have been cooked to perfection by the royal family’s chefs, tasted like nothing. She thought she’d get used to it, she thought that she’d get used to those lascivious eyes, but no. She still lacked that kind of skill.

Screech.

Crown Prince Gueuze rose from his seat.

Was it over? Oh, no. Crown Prince Gueuze waved a hand towards those who tried to hurriedly stand up and bow to him.

“Everyone, you may continue eating.”

He just wanted to stand up. Of course, he did not have to be restrained by etiquette or formalities. He was a man who had that kind of position.

Step, step, step.

Crown Prince Gueuze sauntered slowly around the table. At first, he walked behind his son and looked down at the top of the boy’s head. His gaze was entirely different from that of the other nobles as they looked at their own children.

But it lasted only a moment. He soon went down the line and looked down at the heads of the nobles one by one.

Everyone would surely be complaining about indigestion later, as soon as the meal was over. Carynne, however, was determined to digest the meal as best as she could. It was a childish determination to win in a situation like this.

However, this determination faltered gradually. Crown Prince Gueuze stopped walking. He was standing right behind her.

“You, too, of course. Keep eating.”

“……”

It sounded like a request, but at the end of the day, it was an order.

After all that, walking around the table was just something he did so that he could look at Carynne from all angles. Slowly, carefully. There was nothing left in Carynne’s mouth anymore, so she had to slice another piece and slip it into her lips.

Focus on the food. What are the ingredients? Just think about that. It tastes good.

“The way your head moves is cute. No, you don’t have to answer.”

Crown Prince Gueuze was still standing behind Carynne. The back of her head stung. She chewed diligently, keeping her expression straight. She was at least relieved that she was wearing a modest dress today—but her neck wasn’t entirely covered.

She felt the hairs rising at the back of her neck, which was exposed. But she hoped that goosebumps hadn’t formed there. She felt a fingertip pointed at her nape now. Just focus on the food. The man’s index finger pressed down on her neck, just at the base of her head.

“Your throat looks quite empty.”

The finger went lower. A small, weak groan burst through her lips. He pressed down at the end of the wounds Verdic had inflicted upon her.

The weak groan was too muted for anyone else to hear, but Crown Prince Gueuze heard it because he was right behind her. It hurts. It was a groan of pain—but he seemed to have interpreted it differently.

A satisfied chuckle could be heard from behind. He continued speaking in a delighted tone.

“There was a present that I wanted to give to Catherine. I think it’ll suit you. I’d be happy if you’ll receive it.”

“I am… deeply thankful, Your Highness.”

Carynne was subservient towards Crown Prince Gueuze in this dining table, and so she naturally schooled her features. She hoped that he wouldn’t forget about the numerous nobles present here, and even his own son, Prince Lewis.

“Yes, I surely hope that you do.”

But for the man, the other people’s presence here seemed to be nothing but a trifle. Each word he spoke and each gesture he made contained underlying meanings. It might not be easy for him to act like this without saying more explicit words.

Don’t tell me you’re going to pull up my skirt while I’m eating. I know you’ve been playing around all this time, but I never thought you’d stoop so low. Sure, you can take off my clothes in a place where only obscene people are present, but it’s a different story in front of these parents and children, who are probably well-adjusted individuals who go to church every week to worship and confess.

“Father.”

“……”

“Do you know Lady Carynne’s mother well? You look very cheerful.”

The heavy and suffocating atmosphere, which made it seem like they were trapped inside the confines of glass, dissipated when the boy’s voice rang out. Prince Lewis courageously spoke to his father.

‘Good grief.’

Carynne noticed that Prince Lewis had mistaken carnal desire with gentle sweetness. Unlike how he spoke to Prince Lewis, the Crown Prince Gueuze’s tone while speaking to Carynne was exceptionally soft—but that tone was far from pure. The young prince was still not aware of that difference. No matter how mature he acted, he was still too young to notice anything sexual.

Still, it was Lewis who was clueless here, not Gueuze. And it seemed like Crown Prince Gueuze could read his son’s thoughts. He laughed.

“…Yes. I know her well.”

However, his voice grew deeper.

“But it seems like you asked that while already knowing the answer.”

“No, Father. I’m only curious.”

Carynne shut her eyes. He couldn’t figure it out. Stop, just stay still. You’re just adding to my indigestion. The boy’s bravery made his father smile, but he was nonetheless displeased.

How dare you, towards me. You’re talking too much. Stop being so impertinent.

“Is that so.”

His voice was soft.

“You want to know more, I see.”

Carynne felt a hand on her shoulder. It was heavy. She couldn’t see the face of the man behind her, but she could easily imagine what he looked like right now. He had brown eyes like his son, but they were exceptionally light, so the shade of his irises was closer to gold than brown. Then, there was his wrinkled face, which further highlighted the cruelty of his demeanor.

At times, he didn’t look human. The color of his eyes and the wrinkles of his face sometimes gave off a combination that made him look like a beast wearing the mask of a human. That was possibly the expression he was making towards his son right now. Prince Lewis’ face became ashen.

“I apologize immensely, Father. I spoke out of turn.”

“I’m afraid it’s not yet time for you to listen to that story.”

His laughter was right next to Carynne’s ear. Prince Lewis bit his lower lip slightly, then he also began to focus on only the food.

In the end, all that anyone could do here was concentrate on the meal set before them.

Carynne held her breath and picked up her knife.

The children’s gathering ended with the awkwardness and pretense brought upon by the adults.