Baby Prisoner of the Winter Castle Chapter 112

“You want me and Mr. Belleville to pretend we’re lovers? Why?” 

 

Abington massaged his hands and furrowed his brow. It looks like it hurts a little. 

 

“Didn’t we talk about it a little while ago? A wedding is an important event.”

 

“That’s right. I nodded because that was exactly the point.” 

 

“If you agree with that fact, don’t you think you should attend with me?”

 

How does it lead to that?

 

Clarisse decided to put aside the great jumping power of his thinking. 

 

“…Why me? Mr. Belleville hates me.” 

 

He clicked his tongue and tilted his head slightly, seeming to find Clarisse somewhat pathetic. 

 

“I don’t like it, but it’s because you’re the best fit.” 

 

“As Mr. Belleville’s girlfriend?”

 

“Are you insane? I have my own preferences, and violent women like you don’t fit into that category. I’m a pacifist.” 

 

The guy who was trying to falsely expel Eugene until recently is now talking about peace. 

 

Clarisse wanted to hit him in the arm, but she didn’t because she was afraid of being blamed for violence again.

 

“Then what am I suitable for?” 

 

“It means you’re the least likely to lose by wasting time on trivial matters. After all, you’re not trying to get a job with this test, are you?”

 

Clarisse was a little upset, but it was actually painful.

 

Even if she was sincere about this test, it would end up as a result that couldn’t last into the distant future.

 

However, other test takers had different circumstances. They were running now, looking ahead ten or twenty years into the future.

 

So, if someone has to spend time on something unrelated to studying, it seems that Clarisse is the most suitable. 

 

“For now… I understand that. But why does Mr. Belleville want to do this?” 

 

“Isn’t that natural?”

 

He adjusted his glasses and gave a slightly proud look.

 

“I am the representative of the test takers. Sacrifice is the virtue of a leader. I plan to write about today’s sacrifice in my self-introduction later. Surely, wherever I go, they won’t pretend not to recognize a talent like me with such excellent character.”

 

He clearly seemed to be planning to write a self-introduction that picked out only the good points, such as ‘I sacrificed myself for everyone’s study time.’

 

The truth that ‘we pretended to be a fake couple’ was kept hidden.

 

“…Will such a self-introduction really be helpful in getting a job?” 

 

“You don’t know anything. Written in your self-introduction letter highlighting the good aspects of any experience is advice given by someone who is said to be the best talent since the monastery was founded.”

 

“The best talent?”

 

“Yes, as for that great man, he scored a perfect score on the civil service exam at the young age of 16 and became a featured story in all kinds of newspapers. He’s currently serving as an aide to Duke Sheridan.” 

 

Surprisingly, that seems to have been Quentin’s story.

 

“He achieved extraordinary success by crossing the third wall in one go as a commoner, and he was expected to become a capable administrator in the future.”

 

“Was it to that extent?” 

 

“Yes, but his true greatness shines through in what comes after.” 

 

Clarisse nodded with an excited look on her face.

 

“He receives news that the Duke has become the lord of his beloved hometown of Sheridan. Along with the fact that the Duke is working hard to improve the barren Sheridan.” 

 

“Yes, the Duke worked really hard to make Sheriden a better place to live.”

 

“So, he broke away from the stable path of success in the royal capital and went to Sheridan to ask for employment. Ha, his initiative…!”

 

Belleville clenched his fists and was lost in the overwhelming emotion for a moment.

 

“Living in his beloved hometown under the leadership of an admired superior, undoubtedly his job satisfaction must be high.”

 

“Hmm.” 

 

Clarisse remembered Quentin’s wish for lunchtime to come quickly so he could take it easy. 

 

Well, anyway, it seemed like he enjoyed working in that position, so Clarisse couldn’t really say that Abington was wrong. 

 

“There is a legend that all the girls in the capital adored him. Huh, it’s only natural that such an intelligent person would look cool.”

 

It somehow seemed like a legend created by Quentin.

 

If it were Sheridan, no one would have believed that.

 

Anyway, it was true that he was cool, so Clarisse just nodded her head.

 

“Uncle Quentin is a good man. He’s always kind to me too.”

 

“Uncle? You call that person Uncle?” 

 

“Ah… yes.”

 

Clarisse answered cautiously. 

 

She worried that he might feel uncomfortable with being casually referred to, given his level of respect.

 

“Ha, he truly has a broad mind. Treating even someone like me with such generosity. You’re truly the epitome of intellect among intellectuals.”

 

“That’s true,” Clarisse nodded again.

 

“Anyway, I’m glad you understand. Knowing that, you can come to the chapel with me as my girlfriend on weekends.” 

 

“Yes?” 

 

“Please come dressed neatly in your uniform. I trust you won’t embarrass yourself by getting ink or food stains on it.”

 

“Ah yes. I understand that.” 

 

Clarisse really wanted to ask again if she absolutely had to do this with him. 

 

She even wanted to ask if he had bothered to inquire if other students were willing to participate in such an event… 

 

“Let’s say we’ve been dating for about two months.”

 

“Then, as soon as I come in, I start dating Mr. Belleville!”

 

“Yes, you confessed your love to me at first sight. It’s a setting that anyone would nod along to.”

 

Who would even nod along to such an improbable story!

 

Their love affair was progressing faithfully without Clarisse having time to refute it.

 

“We are still just holding hands. Do you understand? You have to be in a relationship for at least a year before you can kiss each other. I have no intention of rushing.” 

 

That’s right, love shouldn’t be rushed.

 

Clarisse thoughtlessly nodded her head, remembering the romance novel she read a while ago.

 

“I think the title ‘honey’ would be acceptable.”

 

“What did you say?!” 

 

“I’ll call you ‘honey.’ Please feel free to address me casually as well.” 

 

“H, how can you do something like that…!” 

 

Clarisse turned pale and made a little noise. 

 

While some level of discussion and conversation might be tolerated in the study hall, shouting like this is not appropriate, so Clarisse quickly bit her lip to silence herself. 

 

“I can never say that.”

 

Abington took out his notebook as if there was nothing to worry about as he spoke quietly.

 

It was a notebook filled with his study schedule for the week. 

 

“It seemed like you might say that, so I set aside some time for practice. Humans can overcome anything with training… Whoo.” 

 

As he solemnly continued his words, he folded his notebook and shook his head for a moment. 

 

“I…I can’t believe I should hold hands with a woman like you.”

 

He forced down a great sense of humiliation—a look of defeat on his face that he hadn’t worn in a long time.

 

“It’s terrible, but there’s nothing we can do. On the day itself, we’ll have to hold hands and follow the bride and groom. With practice, I’ll get used to hiding my discomfort.” 

 

He casually took Clarisse’s schedule notebook and scribbled over one of her study sessions, writing “Practice, honey” beside it.

 

“Do you understand? So make sure you’re not late for practice.”

 

As soon as he finished his business, he got up and swiftly made his way back to his study spot. 

 

‘No, why do you decide things like this without any discussion?’

 

Clarisse leaned against her desk, feeling a warmth spreading across her forehead. 

 

She couldn’t bear the thought of practicing with Abington Belleville, of all people, as if they were lovers. 

 

‘…I really, really hate it.’

 

It was also true that Clarisse was able to spend her time more leisurely than other test takers. 

 

‘It’s a bit strange that someone who will die at 18 actually has time to spare.’

 

And above all.

 

Clarisse had never seen a wedding in person.

 

She also felt a curiosity to witness firsthand the meaningful events that she had only encountered in novels.

 

Wouldn’t it be a truly wonderful experience to be able to secretly watch that special time from the closest place as a witness?

 

At a wedding that lasts about an hour, walking with Abington holding her hand would only take about a minute, so it wouldn’t be too burdensome.

 

‘Maybe it’s not that bad.’

 

Just as she had finally come to a conclusion and gathered her thoughts, Abington, whom she thought had returned to his seat, was once again standing in front of her. 

 

He had a very serious expression, as if he had forgotten something important to say. 

 

“Please wash your hands thoroughly on practice days, Miss Grezekaia.” 

 

He even went as far as to mimic vigorously washing his hands, as if to demonstrate how diligently she should do it.

 

And the round back of Abington’s head…

 

Clarisse wished to give him a nice slap, even just once. 

 

* * * 

 

Clarisse didn’t tell anyone that she had agreed to take on this strange mission with Abington. 

 

Because she was so embarrassed by the fact that she was pretending to be a lover with someone. 

 

Fortunately, Abington seems to have felt the same way about that.

 

He never boasted about having taken on such a task with Clarisse.

 

Clarisse felt very fortunate that Noah had gone to the wizard’s castle.

 

While others might not have noticed, Noah would have known that Clarisse was a little different that day, and then he would have caught wind of all this bizarre and absurd business. 

 

And there was a time when she was worried that Valentine might find out. 

 

Fortunately, he wasn’t the type to pay much attention to every little thing happening to Clarisse, so it seemed like it would pass without much trouble.

 

Anyway, a few days passed, and the day came when Clarisse was scheduled to practice with Abington. 

 

They decided to meet at a chapel, where a few test takers came. 

 

They met in an empty chapel and first checked their watches. 

 

Since neither of them wanted to practice for something they didn’t care about, they decided to complete all the necessary tasks within five minutes.

 

Despite wearing expressions resembling someone grabbing a slightly damp cloth, they managed to hold each other’s hands in an instant.

 

Was the lukewarm touch of another person this unpleasant?

 

Clarisse realized for the first time in her life that holding hands with someone could feel quite uncomfortable. 

 

After that, they walked side by side across the chapel and moved forward.

 

Now, there was only one barrier left.

 

That was trying out the titles they would use to address each other.

 

Knowing that they might have to engage in conversation as bride and groom on the day itself, they couldn’t avoid practicing such titles. 

 

They faced each other. The corners of his lips simultaneously trembled in discomfort. 

 

“Honey?”

 

Abington Belleville spat out the title he had promised.

 

At first glance, it seemed like it sounded friendly.

 

Clarisse found it somewhat admirable that he was willing to go to such lengths for his self-introduction.

 

“D, darling.” 

 

Clarisse, on the other hand, stuttered a little. 

 

Although his tone was sadly awkward compared to Abington’s, he didn’t necessarily blame Clarisse for her shortcomings. 

 

He seemed to fear that by pointing out something unnecessary, he might hear that dreadful “darling” title again.

 

Anyway, the practice ended safely.

 

“Thank goodness. With this level of preparation, we should be able to manage somehow.”

 

Abington let go of Clarisse’s hand and quickly wiped his palm with his handkerchief. 

 

“Please wash your hands thoroughly that day as well.”

 

“And Mr. Belleville too.”

 

“I’m always clean. Unlike you, who always seems to be picking up dirty pebbles around the monastery.” 

 

“The pebbles are clean!”

 

“Please don’t be funny. At least my ‘honey’ doesn’t do that!”

 

“If you were my ‘darling’, you wouldn’t call the pebbles dirty!”

 

It was time for them to exchange sharp words, one by one.

 

Tuk.

 

At the entrance of the chapel, the sound of someone dropping a book echoed. Though there was no one around and the ceiling was high, the sound seemed louder. Both Clarisse and Abington instinctively turned to look.  

 

Valentine was standing there with his eyes wide open.