The engagements of Maria Annovazzi to Renato di Rubini
and Aida Ametis to Placido di Rubini are hereby officially recognized.
Please accept this letter from His Majesty The King.
Th-Thank you.
And so, Aida and Prince Placido and Prince Renato and I
formally received the blessings of the king and queen.
Good news!
Both princes are engaged!
I know Lady Aida.
Her carriage frequently passes by my shop.
What's Prince Renato's fiancée like?
You know the Kingdom of Muro? She's the daughter of a duke from there.
He didn't have to look so far for a bride.
There are plenty of lovely ladies in Rubini.
His Majesty will hold a ball to celebrate the engagements at a future date.
We're aware.
Details will be forthcoming,
but you'll be notified in advance, as I'm sure you have much to prepare.
But this ball turned out to be far more taxing than learning martial arts moves.
I never dreamed that would be the case.
Always a Catch!
Knight Captain
Episode 10
The One Who Got Away Prepares For a Ball
After everything that happened, I can finally relax.
If life were a fairy tale, this would be "happily ever after."
I'm grateful to you, Mimi.
I don't know how I'll ever repay you.
What? Don't worry about it.
At the very least, I can provide you with special training.
Special training?
Remember the ball Lord Raimondo mentioned?
Prince Renato will escort you, and Prince Placido will escort me.
We'll enter the great hall at the royal castle and perform the first dance.
The first dance? In front of everyone?
That's right.
What? I don't know about that.
I've never really danced before.
I danced with Prince Placido once before.
With His Highness?
Yeah, when I first arrived.
It was at the garden party you missed because you were ill.
I think people were more shocked than impressed,
but I could probably handle that.
Mimi, I'm sure your dancing was very interesting,
but you have to dance normally at the ball.
Aw, what?
But I can't dance as gracefully as you.
What if I step on His Highness's feet?
We'll be wearing high heels on a slippery floor, right?
AAAH
I just know they'll turn into weapons.
I'm not sure that's what you need to worry about, but don't worry.
You're athletic. You'll learn quickly.
We'll practice thoroughly.
Aida.
Thank you.
I'll do my best for your sake, too!
This is impossible! I can't do it!
Don't give up! You can do it, Mimi!
I can't zoom around for an hour in these shoes with a smile on my face!
I thought you'd pick this up faster.
Martial arts and dancing are nothing alike!
Okay.
This is a classic training method.
We'll spend the day with books on our heads.
This should help us master the posture.
I had no idea you were so tough, Aida.
I'd forgotten something else important.
There's more?
You need to choose the accessories and perfume you'll wear to the ball.
I have to choose?
I can't do that. I've never worn perfume in my...
We can think about it later. For now—
Aida, I'll go choose a perfume.
What? Right now?
Yes. They say there's no time like the present.
I'll practice dancing later.
Zoom!
Oh, Mimi.
So you used perfume as an excuse to flee training and came to see me?
That sounds like the sort of trickery you'd use.
You got me.
Have some of these cakes.
What?
Though I doubt your conscience will allow you to eat much.
I'll contact Lady Aida.
Have some of these cannolis, too.
My family's cannolis are exquisite.
Lady Rosalia is being so generous with me!
This is normal!
Oh, I spoke out loud again.
Excuse me.
Would it be all right if I said hello?
Daddy?
I told you not to bother us.
Daddy? Does that make you Count Pinotti?
I actually wanted to thank you for what you did.
At Navarro Village?
Yes, precisely.
It's from Lady Maria?
What could it be?
The moment I smelled that plant you sent Rosalia,
I knew I could use it.
I took a carriage to Navarro Village right away.
Both Mr. Hugo and Ms. Veronica are ambitious and know much about plants.
They're a promising couple.
I'm excited for their future.
I've already made a deal with them for their crops.
This is the first of my prototypes.
I came up with the recipe.
I'd love to get your thoughts on it.
But I've never worn perfume before.
I don't know what's good or bad.
I'm sure a country bumpkin like you wouldn't,
much less be capable of selecting a perfume
for an event as formal as a ball.
But we can't have you spreading an odious stench throughout the place.
So I'd be willing to choose something for you.
Yes! I knew you'd help me, Lady Rosalia!
SQUEEZE!!
Hey, get off of me.
Well, actually...
I've already come up with a perfume that would suit you.
Would you like to try it?
Just one drop on a fan.
That's plenty to enjoy a fragrance.
The top note is a refreshing citrus smell,
and the lily of the valley musk brings a touch of femininity.
You won't find a fragrance that suits you better.
It smells nice.
It reminds me of the pleasant breezes of Navarro Village.
I'm glad you like it.
Isn't it relaxing to smell scents you like?
If you're nervous, you should use perfume.
There you go again.
I, Rosalia Pinotti, selected this perfume for Lady Aida.
If she doesn't like it, then I accept that challenge.
I'll adjust the recipe as much as necessary.
I'm sure she'll like it.
I hope she does.
Perhaps I needn't say this, but be very careful at the ball.
Huh?
Many guests from this kingdom and its neighbors will be in attendance.
Every move you and Lady Aida make will be the subject of interest.
Don't forget that any mistake you make could be maliciously exposed.
Maliciously?
Lady Aida is right.
For better or for worse, people pay attention to the royals' behavior.
I assume you'd knock out anyone who tried to do that, though.
I'll protect Aida.
No, I won't let anyone hurt Prince Placido or Prince Renato either.
Always a Catch!
There's no need to be so formal about the ball.
Just dance like you're showing off your love for each other.
I see...
Now, which one should I choose?
Yes, that one!
Yes!
Huh? What?
Mimi, I love how frank you are.
I love how you're energetic, cheerful, and make everyone around you smile.
So please don't worry about nonsense or let it make you sad.
Yes, ma'am.
It's your turn, Mimi.
Okay.
By the way, when I came here for tea before...
Your Majesty, watch out!
You were so cool.
SIGH
I'm not talking about that! Did they ever catch the culprit?
I'm not sure.
What about the investigation?
Who knows? I'm sure they'd report any developments.
The queen is unflappable. She's completely unbothered.
Go ahead, Aida. Take a card.
In fact, she's too unbothered.
Is it safe for us to meet in the open like this?
It's fine. Renato secretly assigned guards to us.
Guards?
They're all skilled veterans.
Can you tell? Renato worries too much.
Of course, he's probably more worried about you than me.
I wouldn't say that.
So no suspicious persons will be able to come anywhere near us.
Don't worry.
Yes, ma'am.
Why, if it isn't Mimi.
I see the lovely Aida and Her Majesty as well.
Are you girls having a get-together?
Ugh, it's the most suspicious man in the capital.
Are you talking about me?
Please, you're mistaken.
Nobody is easier to understand than me.
I'm just a gorgeous single noble in pursuit of love.
I love when ladies get together.
In that case, have a seat, Ireneo.
Your Majesty, your brow is creased. Smile.
Speaking of creases, you're giving Raimondo wrinkles.
Raimondo? Oh, Renato's aide?
Why would I give him wrinkles?
Because you blow off dates and don't respond to letters.
The shock left several ladies unable to get out of bed.
I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!
He had to apologize to them.
No way. I'd never stand up a date.
Though I might've forgotten about some.
I-It's not like the crown prince's aide needs to apologize for me.
Wh-Why don't we talk about something more fun?
Oh, I know.
Dear Aida, congratulations on your engagement.
Thank you.
I'm glad. Placido has only ever had eyes for you.
He must be overjoyed.
Lord Ireneo knew about them and supported their relationship, too.
I guess he's not actually a bad guy.
What is it, Mimi?
Does it make you jealous when I talk to other girls?
Huh? What?
No, not at all!
Nope, I can't trust him.
Now, now.
Come! Let's practice dancing together!
No, thank you!
What about you, Aida?
I would never dance with you under any circumstances.
You're no fun.
Yes, yes. I understand. This is a girls' get-together, after all.
This boy shall take his leave.
What an unbelievable boy.
He suddenly appears out of nowhere like a rootless wanderer.
What are we to do with him?
He wasn't always like that.
No way.
He's naturally charming.
Everyone adored him, and his grades weren't bad.
Some ministers even called him a prodigy.
I can't imagine that based on how foolish he is now.
Mimi.
He was a candidate for crown prince,
but that possibility was suddenly taken from him.
We've overlooked his behavior because we knew he'd be hurt,
but perhaps that wasn't for the best.
Crown prince?
I had trouble conceiving an heir, so Ireneo was suggested as a candidate.
So it was a family problem? One that involved your retainers?
Even my father got dragged into it. It caused him great concern.
But he wasn't officially made crown prince, right?
How did they get so ahead of themselves?
Because some nobles forget their duty and think only of themselves.
I see. That must've been hard for Lord Ireneo.
That wasn't a suitable topic for a fun girls' get-together.
Let's think about something else. Would you like some tea?
Yes, please.
Now this is a feast for the eyes.
Of course you'd be totally in sync, Aida and Prince Placido.
Thank you, Mimi.
I didn't spend years escorting Aida for nothing. Just kidding.
You were perfect.
It's a bit embarrassing to have you watch.
I want to see you dance more
What are you talking about? This is for the ball.
You're the one who said we'd do special training.
I know, but...
You're a wonderful dancer, Aida.
I enjoyed dancing with you.
Oh, please.
I'm so glad they're getting married.
After all, the air between them seems so gentle and joyful.
Lady Maria, Prince Renato is running late due to official duties.
Please practice your steps until he arrives.
Yes, Instructor Raimondo.
Why must I also be a dance instructor...
Lady Maria, since we have the opportunity,
may I dance with you until my brother arrives?
What? Are you sure?
Of course. I'm always happy to help.
In that case, thank you.
This reminds me of the garden party.
You remember that?
How could I forget?
Your steps were so amus—so creative.
Really? Aida said something similar.
But thanks to Aida's strict training,
I think I'm learning to dance in the Rubini style.
You most certainly haven't.
You still have a lot to learn, Mimi.
What?
The other ladies could never copy your steps.
I'm sorry. My body starts moving on its own when I'm having fun.
Please try to be more ladylike for your first dance.
Prince Renato.
Sorry I'm late.
How's the lesson coming along?
We've still a long way to go.
That bad?
Then we can't waste a single moment.
Would you allow me to practice leading you?
Yes.
I was worried after seeing her dance with Prince Placido,
but she's oddly competent when dancing with Prince Renato.
He must know how to handle her.
They both look great.
They should be able to manage the first dance.
I'm exhausted.
I acquired new knowledge today.
What knowledge?
I thought all ladies were weak, but they train hard to appear elegant.
Aida was fine after dancing for hours.
I need to get stronger.
Perhaps the muscles used in martial arts and dancing are different.
They are.
I've learned a few things since meeting you, too.
You mean Number 38?
Your version of it was spectacular.
Th-Thanks.
Your Highness, I'd like to ask you about something.
It's about Lord Ireneo.
Is it true that he was once considered for crown prince?
It's true, though it wasn't official.
But it's true that some adults tried to use the young Ireneo to their advantage.
Once Placido and I were born, the adults who once flocked to him abandoned him.
We were lucky our parents protected us, but...
I wonder if his personality is a response to that.
Even if it is, it's in the past.
Anyone with royal blood must serve as an example for the people.
Raimondo and I can't keep cleaning up his messes forever.
Mimi, are you worried about Ireneo?
What? Yes, I suppose.
Well, don't.
What?
Stay away from Ireneo.
I'm sorry. I misspoke.
What I meant was...
"When you worry about Ireneo, it makes me jealous."
Ireneo wouldn't leave you alone for a minute,
and he's accustomed to entertaining women.
He can do everything I can't.
When I think about that...
Prince Renato.
What are you talking about?
You're the only one who can dance well with me.
I promise our first dance will be better than anything anyone's ever seen.
Very well. I'll do my best.
How frustrating.
If only things had gone well. Everything was perfect.
You'll pay. Oh, you'll pay for this.
I'll make you regret this.
You'll see.
To Be Continued
Translation: Sho Stifler Timing: Mariana Martinez
Editing: Alicia Ashby Quality Control: Ashley Barboza
Final Quality Control: Michelle Tymon
I'll teach you my recommended training program.
First, do 100 squats with a student on your back.
SQUEEZE
What? You don't have a student to carry?
In that case, ask a friend.
Next Time
The One That Got Away Gets Dragged Into Romantic Trouble
The other day, I asked Lord Raimondo to...
Oh, I spoke my mind again.