All I wanted was to find my missing mother.

But overnight, I went from being a burden to the Marquessate to the granddaughter of the Empire’s highest-ranking noble.

My plan was to keep a low profile until adulthood, and then leave.

“Our little one needs to eat well and sleep well!”

“Come, give me your hand.”

“You dare look down on a Duke’s daughter?!”

Why is everyone accepting me into the family so easily?

*

“I’m sorry I’m late.”

The Crown Prince returned after five years–

“I managed to craft a reason to stay by your side.”

–and is completely different.

I wanted to push him away, but couldn’t get myself to say anything.

Unable to avoid him any longer, I squeezed my eyes shut.

“So, don’t run away again.”

His voice began to stir up the part of me I was trying so hard to ignore.

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