Chapter 3

Louie has been taken away by Lianne's fiancè when they met. Though instead of being relieved of escaping from the ladies, he was even more intense with the Prince iby his side.

'How does Lianne interact with this person? Are they even close? What should I do?!' There was a lot in his mind until the Prince spoke to him. "I sincerely apologize for dragging you away like that, Lady Lianne. I grew worried when I saw you having a hard time dealing with the other noble ladies."

"I-It's certainly fine, your highness. I'm very greatful for what you have done."

"Lady Lianne…" the Prince suddenly looked taken aback.

Louie became nervous with that reaction, did he said something offensive to the Prince? His skin turned paler than it already was. "…usually, you don't talk whenever I speak to you. I guess we're making progress with our relationship." He gave him a little smile.

'Such a kind gentleman!' Louie thought, and after learning how his sister treats this great person, he felt ashamed of his sister's behavior toward this Prince.

"I was worried thinking that you hate me or something, but I can see the reason why you don't talk to me is that because your voice is quite deep. There's nothing to be embarass about that, Lady Lianne." The Prince added and laughed heartily.

That statement from the Prince caused Louie to panick at the back of his mind. Even though he was already pitching up the tone of his voice, the Prince can tell that his voice is actually deep. He should be more careful with the way he talk, or that he just don't talk to the Prince at all!

"E-Err, yes… I'm very sorry for how I acted before you all this long."

"I don't mind. Ladies do tend to be shy about their flaws, but I must say, even with a deep voice, Lady Lianne looks very flawless and stunning tonight." The Prince grabbed his hand and kissed the back of it.

Louie fought the urge to push this man away, he is the Prince after all. One wrong move that can upset the royal family can cost his life. Though he never thought of having the back of his hand kissed by another man. For a man like him, it was very… disturbing.

"Ah yes, we must go back right away Lady Lianne. We still have to make the engagement official infront of all these people." Then the two goes back to the hall to find some servants to look for them. "Your highness, Lady Lianne…" the servant bowed. "…it is time for the engagement."

This engagement is overwhelming Louie too much, however, he doesn't have much of a choice but to play along so this can get over with. He just feel that he's in a very desperate situation where he puts all his hope and faith in the knights searching for his twin sister.

As they reached an aisle, he felt like he's going to get married when this is only an event for everyone to witness the official engagement between the third Prince and his sister Lianne Ronnenberg.

They smiled at each other as the Prince first puts the ring on Louie's hand, and next it was his turn. The simple moment ended very quickly with people applauding them.

"…now the fun begins." Louie heard the Prince mutter. He was unsure of what he heard and just shrugged it off.

After that, everyone continued with other things within the event. This is not a simple engagement ceremony, but a political one. People from different factions started to discuss their connection and businesses as part of those supporting the Ronnenberg family and the third Prince.

When it was about time for everyone to leave, the Prince was the very last one to go. He was accompanied by the present members of the Ronnenberg family to see him off. "It was truly a great night, Duke Leandro." Said the Prince.

"Yes, it was a wonderful sight to see my daughter get engaged to his highness. I can say that she's in good hands, thank you your highness for choosing my dear daughter as your bride."

"Of course! Lady Lianne have captured my heart, so I'm very determined to make her mine. I also look forward to the support of the Ronnenberg family." Louie got goosebumps as the Prince looked at him with great interest. The Duke and Leandro has also felt disturbed by the Prince's expression, but he continued to be professional.

"Y-Yes! The Ronnenberg family shall give full support to the third Prince."

"Well then, I shall see you all soon to discuss the date of the marriage." As their conversation ended, the Prince have left. Louie finally got to relax himself. "Gee, this day is exhausting… being a woman is exhausting!" He complained.

"Father, I still have no reports on Lianne's whereabouts." Leandro immediately told the Duke.

They were all disappointed by the news. "That foolish daughter!… what has gotten in her mind to run away like this?!"

Louie felt upset knowing the truth behind the action of his sister, at the very beginning, Lianne have already made clear that she does not want any marriage between her and the third Prince to take place. She also already has someone in her heart and has ran away with her lover. But Louie can't bring himself to tell his father.

"Tsk! Leadro, make sure that those incompetent knights to find Lianne right away! If they still haven't found her by tomorrow morning, I'll deduct their pay by a quarter—no, make it half! I'll cut it half!" Then the Duke turned to Louie, "As for you, you shall stay in the appearance of Lianne while she's gone! We can't have this engagement with the third Prince be ruined!"

"Understood, Father!" The two brothers replied stiffly, then the Duke got back inside the mansion first with a very foul mood.

Leandro sighed as he talked to his brother. "What a big pain Lianne has brought upon us."

"Err, yeah…"

"Tell me, Louie. Do you know the reason?"

"T-The reason?"

"Yes, the reason why your twin sister ran away. She's the closest to you, so you should be the one who knows best why she disappeared." Even though Leandro is a very intimidating person, he was still the reliable big brother Louie ever had. But he can't just tell them about Lianne's secret.

"…I'm sorry, brother. I have no clue at all."

Leandro had slightly tilted his head, a sign that he's unconvinced by Louie's lie. "I see." Though he does not intend to pry further, "If that's how it is, I'll just have to ask Lianne once she is found. You can go rest in your chambers now."

Before Louie agree to the thought of resting, he still had something to ask. "Right, what if Lianne is still not found on the day of the marriage? What will happen?"

Leandro froze as Louie asked. "Let's not jinx the situation. We will find Lianne before the marriage can happen, so don't worry about it and go back now."

"Alright then." Louie wasn't reassured by that, but he does hope that everything will turn out fine soon.