"Huh?" "What?"


    In the main hall, both Rafael and Carissa were taken aback by the words of Trevor''s wife, Mildred. They exchanged nces that spoke volumes of their confusion. Neither of them knew how to respond.


    "This matter really has to be entrusted to you, Prince Rafael, Lady Carissa," Mildred sighed, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes crinkling.


    Carissa said with a troubled look, "But shouldn''t matchmaking be handled by a professional matchmaker? Or at least a government-appointed matchmaker, or someone of high moral standing? I''m still quite young. I really can''t bear this heavy responsibility." Mildred sighed deeply again. "You mayugh at us for saying this, but my granddaughter has always been well-behaved and sensible, except when ites to her marriage. I''ve secretly scouted several suitable matches for her in the past, but she hasn''t liked any of them. She insists on marrying only that man. We''ve tried to persuade her repeatedly, but she refuses to listen. She''s adamant about marrying him, and is even sulking with us over it. She won''t hear a word from her mother.


    "Seeing her so stubborn, we figured he''s a decent man, so why not let her marry him? As long as she''s happy, that''s what matters. But when we sent a matchmaker to propose, he declined, iming he didn''t want to hold up our granddaughter. Reluctantly, we''vee to seek your help. After all, you returned from the Southern Frontier together, and he respects you. I thought you would stand a chance if you tried to persuade him."


    Trevor chimed in, "Honestly, whether this marriage can be arranged or not isn''t the main concern. I just want to understand why he doesn''t want our granddaughter. He says he''s afraid of hindering her future, but I believe that''s just an excuse. If it''s about that, then wouldn''t marrying anyone else be a dy as well? Don''t you agree, Your Highness, Your Grace?"


    Carissa parted her lips slightly, unsure of how to respond.


    She knew the reason all too well. Thomas wasn''t genuinely interested in marriage. He was merely spreading rumors so that Vi would move on.


    However, she couldn''t just say that to Trevor.


    Carissa had a vivid memory of Rosalind from Eleanor''s birthday banquet, where she had gifted the grand princess an orchid painting by Kyle. It was Rosalind who had confirmed its authenticity when others had imed it was a fake.


    Besides, Rosalind was known as the


    most talented young woman in the capital, her reputation echoing throughout the city and even intoCcontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    half of the kingdom. With such et


    Who


    prominent family background, wouldn''t know her? If she decided to marry, every representative from the noble families would likely scramble topete for her.


    Yet, among all the refined young men and even the royal rtives, Rosalind only had eyes for Thomas, a man who had once been married If Rosalind married him, she would essentially be a second wife. If her feelings weren''t well-thought-out and were instead impulsive, it would be disastrous for both Thomas and herself.


    Leona had once dered her desire to marry Samuel at first sight, only to regret it soon after. Now, they had be nothing more than a resentful couple. Of course, Samuel couldn''t bepared to Thomas-they were worlds apart.


    Thomas was a hero now, but once married life began, that heroism would fade into the reality of everyday life. There was a risk that Rosalind might be idealizing Thomas and thought of him as perfect because of that. If she discovered his ws after marriage and found him unsatisfactory, it could lead to trouble.


    "Honestly, we just need an answer to help that foolish girl move on," Mildred pleaded with Carissa with hopeful eyes.


    Rafael then asked, "Mr. Young, what do you think of this match? If Thomas agrees, will you truly consent to it?"


    Trevor shrugged. "What good would


    it do to disagree? Rosalind may seem gentle, but she''s as stubborn as a hot iron rod-hard and scorching. She won''t listen to


    anyone. She''s a sheltered youngdy. What does she know about the world? Her knowledge is all obtained


    through only books. Fortunately, Thomas is a good man, far better than many young nobles. If it can be arranged, we wouldn''t oppose it."


    "But this isn''t his first marriage," Rafael insisted.


    Trevor looked at him in surprise. "With all due respect, Your Highness, you''re not Lady Carissa''s first husband either. As a young man, you shouldn''t be so rigid in your thinking."


    Rafael felt momentarily stifled by the remark, but he was unable to argue against it.