I, Maria Annovazzi, also known as Mimi, was raised to be my family's heir
until my younger brother was born and I was freed from that responsibility.
However, despite reaching marriageable age, I still haven't found a partner,
so I reached out to my distant relatives in the Ametis family
to study abroad in the Kingdom of Rubini, but...
I, Renato di Rubini, first prince of the Kingdom of Rubini,
hereby call off our engagement.
The first thing you should do is...
buy some glasses!
Your Grace!
Father!
Are you all right?
Someone call a doctor!
Your Grace!
Always a Catch!
Episode 2
How I Caught the One That Got Away
That was some party.
I'm terribly sorry.
As Prince Renato's aide, I offer my deepest apologies.
Duke Ametis has been sent home with the royal physician.
I'm so sorry for hurting you both.
You don't have to apologize so much.
Your Highness!
Brother!
I-I am terribly sorry about what happened.
If you're sorry, then that's good enough for me.
No, please let us offer an official apology at a later date.
I have no idea what's going on anymore.
Don't say that. Prince Renato really is sorry for what he did.
Besides...
This incident could postpone him being made crown prince.
Are you okay, Aida?
Weren't you supposed to officially announce your engagement today?
Prince Renato never wanted to get engaged to me in the first place.
What?
To be honest, I was expecting him to call it off eventually.
So don't worry about it.
He didn't want to?
That's still not a reason to have that conversation at that party.
BONK BONK BONK
And you never bullied Eleonora or whatever her name is.
I know better than anyone that you'd never do that.
And who confuses another girl for his fiancée?
We hardly ever saw each other.
So he doesn't remember what you look like? Unbelievable.
But Mimi...
Don't blame Prince Renato too much.
He's a very intelligent and thoughtful person.
Intelligent? I won't if you don't want me to.
Thank you.
Anyway, I'm more worried about you.
Me?
You attracted a lot of odd attention.
I hope it won't interfere with finding a promising catch.
That's Right
That's right. I'm here to find a spouse because I got no attention back home.
Not only that, but I was dumped when I was never engaged to begin with.
What a disgrace.
I've become a terrible and honorless lady. The worst of the worst.
I don't think people would go that far.
Oh, no. I spoke my mind again.
I'm sure Prince Renato will correct the situation.
I plan to clear up any confusion as well.
Thank you.
Seriously, that stupid prince ruined everything.
All women look the same to me
All women look the same to me.
The next time I see him, I'm going to beat him up.
Sorry!
Don't do that.
But compared to Prince Renato, Prince Placido is a nice person.
He talked to me before when I was all by myself,
and he apologized profusely today even though he wasn't at fault.
You're right.
You and Prince Placido are close, right?
It's more that we're childhood friends who have known each other for a long time.
Really? I think you two would make a great couple.
Does Aida have feelings for Prince Placido?
Wait. That would mean the shit prince—
I mean, Prince Renato calling off their engagement is a good thing?
But won't that harm Aida's reputation?
But if they call off their engagement being called off, then...
Uh, she be engaged to Prince Renato, and...
Forget it. I'm going to sleep.
Good night.
My apologies.
Please wait here a while longer.
Prince Renato should arrive as soon as he's finished.
I can't believe he actually invited me here.
Anyway, this is definitely a castle drawing room.
It's as luxurious as a palace.
The fragrant butter...
The refined sweetness of the cream...
Their private pâtissier must be top notch, too.
Forgive me for keeping you waiting, Lady Annovazzi.
SMILE
Not at all.
He remembered my name properly.
Most people get it wrong.
Do you mind if I sit?
Go ahead.
Seriously? He's genuinely attempting to apologize.
I'm truly sorry for what I did.
Placido told me why you're studying abroad.
I sincerely regret tarnishing your honor and background.
If that's how you feel, introduce me to a promising catch.
A promising catch? I'll think about it.
I spoke my mind again.
Don't worry about it, Lady Annovazzi.
I-I'm sorry.
Annovazzi isn't easy to pronounce, is it?
You can call me Maria, or even Mimi if that would be easier.
Thank you, Lady Maria.
Lady Aida may have told you already, but I've been avoiding her.
Yes.
I've been having Placido escort her while I've hardly seen her.
So I didn't even know what Lady Aida currently looks like.
But why do you need to avoid her so much?
I heard you were childhood friends.
Yes, so I knew her hair color.
That's why I was certain you were her.
Few people have such beautiful golden hair.
Th-Thank you.
But why did you do that in the first place?
That was a public setting and your graduation party. A celebration.
If you're so intelligent, you must've known what would happen.
You may not become crown prince anymore.
Did you not consider that?
I thought everything would go well if I didn't become crown prince.
What?
Now that you've said that, tell me the details.
I won't tell anyone.
Well, depending on what you say, of course.
Oh, sheesh.
Come on. Whisper it to me.
I'm not from this kingdom, and I'll be gone eventually.
Feel like telling me now?
The truth is...
Placido is in love with Lady Aida.
What?
Wait, does that mean Aida and Prince Placido love each other?
Should I tell Prince Renato?
No, it's Aida's secret.
Oh, but...
Don't tell anyone, please.
He's easy to read. He's loved her since we were children.
But Lady Aida's father is set on having his daughter marry the crown prince.
Oh...
So if I don't become crown prince, it will be Placido, the second son.
Then everything will work out nicely, or so I thought.
What? This guy's actually really nice.
But I made a critical error.
I even dragged someone into this mess who had nothing to do with it.
Your Highness, you want to make it up to me, right?
Yes, of course.
Then don't worry about the promising catch.
Treat me to a delicious meal instead.
What? A delicious meal?
DUMBFOUNDED...
What did you just think of?
Steaks at Malvar's.
GLOW
Steak! That sounds wonderful!
Let's go eat our fill!
And fix your lack of sleep by the time we get steaks.
You have bags under your eyes.
You're right. I'm busy, but I often have trouble sleeping as well.
I can fall asleep in three seconds.
I'm jealous.
Then as a treat...
I'll teach you the Annovazzi family counting song.
One!
Two! Three! Four!
Five! Six! Seven!
Eight! Nine!
Ten!
DUMBFOUNDED...
Remember what I just did before you go to sleep.
What?
Whenever I do it for my baby brother,
he laughs and sleeps soundly.
I'm sure it'll help you sleep, too.
Your baby brother?
Yes. He turns four this year.
His name is Teodorico.
Y-You're treating me like your baby brother?
Teo likes this, too.
SWIPE
And this.
SWIPE
How about this?
Please, no more.
I-I surrender. I'm exhausted from laughing so much.
I'm glad to hear that.
Hunger and lack of sleep are enemies of humankind.
Rest well, Your Highness.
I'll try.
I'll think of your face before I go to sleep tonight.
Aida was right. He's smart.
He watches Prince Placido closely, too.
That little thief.
Always a Catch!
This looks good.
No wonder you recommended this place.
Go ahead and eat your fill.
All right. Thanks for the meal.
So good!
I'm glad you like it.
I don't know what I would've done if you didn't.
Of course I like it.
Are you sure you're okay with paying for this?
I don't mind splitting the bill.
Let me treat you today. I'd like to thank you for the other day.
Thank me?
Every time I recall your counting song, it warms my heart.
I haven't slept that soundly in a while.
What?
GULP...
That was delicious.
And I haven't had a meal this enjoyable in ages.
The investiture ceremony has been rescheduled, hasn't it?
Apparently, though I wouldn't have minded being disinherited.
What?
Your Highness.
Lady Maria, forgive me, but something's come up.
I can't escort you home, but I've arranged for a carriage.
That's more than enough. Worst case, I could run home.
Oh, this isn't the carriage we arrived in.
Should I tell Aida how Prince Placido feels?
I feel bad about being the only one treated to lunch.
But he did tell me to keep it secret.
Why is everything so difficult when other people are involved?
Huh?
Where am I?
Get out.
You don't have to order me around.
You didn't even realize you'd been kidnapped?
You're quite the dummy, Maria Annobaddie.
It's Annovazzi. Prince Renato got it right.
You're so infuriating. Inconsiderate and awful.
My sisters do often tell me to be more ladylike.
So, do you have business with me, Lady Eleonora Casciari?
Yes, obviously. I wouldn't approach you if I didn't.
I was about to seduce Prince Renato, too.
But all he cares about is my father, like who he met and where he went.
Oh, my.
As a result, his bribery were exposed and he was arrested.
Bribery?
That's none of your business.
I see.
Prince Renato allowed you to follow him around because he knew that.
Who's following him around?
He ignored Aida partially for Prince Placido
and partially to glean information from the baron's daughter.
He did it for his kingdom.
Now you listen to me.
No, you listen to me.
Stop scheming and live a decent life.
Are you stupid?
You're going to write a letter to His Highness.
What?
If you refuse...
Wait, what am I supposed to write?
Should I thank him for the steak?
Isn't it obvious?
Ask him to help Baron Casciari and his daughter in exchange for your life.
What?
We're taking you hostage and fleeing across the border.
I can't do that.
Then I'll send him one of your fingers.
That's brutal.
What? Lady Maria hasn't returned yet?
No. I thought you might know where she went.
After having lunch with her, I...
You rushed back because Baron Casciari had begun testifying.
I shouldn't have sent her home alone.
Please don't blame yourself, Your Highness.
Finding Lady Maria is our top priority.
Yes, you're both right.
Raimondo, prepare a horse. I'm going back to Malvar's.
Perhaps someone in the area saw or heard something.
Placido.
Yes, Brother.
Look after Lady Aida.
Understood.
My fingers are safe, but what should I do now?
I guess I'll have to escape.
SNEAK
What happened? Tell me.
I was suddenly struck on the head.
Do you remember anything else? Anything at all?
I heard the sound of a large carriage.
They said they were heading north.
North?
There's only one road loading north.
If we hurry, we could catch up to them. Yah!
Your Highness!
Drive the carriage! We're going after him!
Don't think you can escape.
Huh?
She's over there!
What are you doing? After her!
Stop!
She's so fast for a lady!
Have you given up?
You'd better do as we say.
No hard feelings, milady!
One!
Two!
Three! Four!
Five! Six!
Get her already!
The Annovazzi family is a renowned family of martial artists.
Seven!
Eight!
Nine!
I was raised to be the Annovazzi family heir despite being the youngest
because I was the strongest of all my sisters.
Ten!
Oh, no. I'm so scared.
I'm glad you're safe.
These men suddenly attacked me and then fell down for some reason.
You handled yourself quite impressively.
Since when were you watching?
Since you brushed off Eleonora's attempt to stop you and fled.
You saw everything! It's over!
My life as a noblewoman is over!
Take them away.
Come on, stand up.
Are you hurt?
No.
Any pain?
No, no pain.
That's good.
Um, why am I sitting in your lap?
Eleonora will be investigated by the authorities.
She was paying bribes as well.
You're ignoring me?
That must've been quite the fright. You poor thing.
No one's ever said that to me before.
Thank you for coming to my rescue.
I did what anyone would've done.
I see.
So, um... could you let me down now?
No.
STRUGGLE
But...
STRUGGLE
What? Why can't I push you away?
STRUGGLE
May I call you Mimi as well?
What? Yes, of course, but...
Do you recall how I told you thinking of your face helped me sleep?
It's true.
It's been so long since I've been able to forget the responsibilities
of the crown prince, government, and economy to feel so calm.
I feel like the fog before my eyes has been lifted.
You sound like you've received a divine revelation.
Indeed, perhaps I have.
Mimi.
Marry me.
What?
Translation: Timing:
Sho Stifler Mariana Martinez
Editing: Quality Control:
Alicia Ashby Ashley Barboza
Final Quality Control: Michelle Tymon
Wh-What are you saying?
I said I'd find you a promising catch.
There is no catch more promising than Prince Renato.
H-How long have you been there?
From the start.
No, you weren't! You totally weren't!
I was.
No, you weren't!
I was.
I didn't see you!
I was here.
But I didn't see you!
My family emphasized a clean plate as much as martial arts,
so everyone always says, "Wow, when did you finish your food? It's already gone!"
Do I really eat that fast? Just the other day, Aida said...
Next Time
How I Trained to Become a Lady
Oh, I said that out loud again.