Your engagement to Lady Maria will be officially announced shortly.
I've prepared a plan for going forward.
Is there a problem?
No.
You called, Brother?
Yes, Placido. Thank you for coming.
It's no problem at all.
You're far busier than I am.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans?
Yes.
Well, this week I'm attending an equestrian meet as an advisor,
and I have a student council meeting at the academy.
Also...
No, I mean when are you getting engaged to Lady Aida Ametis?
My name is Mimi. I'm currently studying abroad in the Kingdom of Rubini.
My dad told me to find myself a good husband.
NO WAY
Honestly, I didn't think it was possible,
but I ended up dating Crown Prince Renato,
and now I couldn't be happier!
You could say I'm having the greatest time of my life!
Mimi, watch your step.
Sorry.
That's right. I shouldn't be celebrating.
Aida hasn't been proposed to yet.
Episode 9
The One Who Got Away Plays Cupid
What do you intend to do?
Let's not talk about that.
How can you say that?
Placido, I know you're in love with Lady Aida.
What?
And Duke Ametis would be delighted if his daughter got engaged to the second prince.
But I...
But what?
Is there something you don't like about her?
Of course not.
Then why?
Lady Aida is gentle and bright.
What more could you ask for?
Yes, I know.
I know Prince Placido is a sincere and wonderful man.
Then why?
It's your turn. I want you to be happy.
Do you not like him anymore?
Of course not.
I love him very much.
That's why I mustn't get in his way.
What do you mean?
Because I'm a wanton woman trying to marry Prince Renato's brother
the moment he called off our engagement.
Wait. You didn't call off the engagement, he did.
I told her not to worry
and that I'd knock out anyone who says nasty things about her.
Placido is the same.
They say they want each other to be happy while pulling away.
It's so frustrating. I can't take it anymore.
I've thought about it, and I think I understand how they feel.
What? You're okay with them not being happy?
Lady Aida is right.
For better or for worse, people pay attention to the royals' behavior.
Neither can bear the other being bad-mouthed because of them.
In reality, Lady Aida became ill
when she was first considered for crown princess.
I remember that.
When I was 12, Dad told me a distant relative
would be coming from Rubini to recuperate with us.
That girl...
That must be Lady Aida.
Lady Aida, I am Maria, fifth daughter of Count Annovazzi.
My specialty is Number 38.
You're so pretty, Lady Aida.
You look just like the princess I saw in a picture book.
Mimi.
You're scaring Lady Aida.
She's here to rest her mind and body.
Don't intimidate her.
Are you ill? What's wrong with you?
Mimi!
I haven't been sleeping well.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
There isn't a girl who sleeps more soundly than me after practice.
A girl?
So Lady Aida thought you were a boy.
Exactly. Perhaps it's because I still wore my hair short back then.
Uh, yeah...
But we became friends right away.
I'm sure you did.
We went on long rides together, cooked together, studied together,
stayed up all night talking together, and got in trouble together.
I was so sad when Aida left.
To me, Aida is a precious friend who supported me while studying abroad.
She taught me how to act like a lady.
I really want her to be happy.
So do I, but what should we actually do about it?
I invited them to today's dinner party, but neither of them came.
I think they're avoiding each other.
Mimi, why are you in such a hurry?
I'm out of breath.
I forgot to do my homework. Could you help me?
I'll go get a pen and notebook.
Is someone there?
It's me, Placido.
What are you doing here?
Raimondo asked me to organize the library.
Where is Lord Raimondo?
He said something came up.
I can't hear anything.
I can't find volume four of this plant encyclopedia.
I think that was on the other shelf.
Thank you.
Why are they organizing books?
Mimi, you're there, aren't you?
Will you help us, too?
I didn't think they'd notice.
Well, that's unfortunate.
It sounds like Lady Aida had you beat.
I'm stumped. I guess we can't be indirect.
Indirect?
If setting up the perfect situation doesn't work,
we'll have to call in help.
Help? From who?
The queen, for example.
Even they'd obey an order from the queen.
Mimi, we can't do that.
Why not?
Because we'd be forcing them.
Listening to the words of a concerned mother is one thing,
but obeying the commands of a queen is no trivial matter.
They would probably obey her,
but would forcing them to face each other make them happy?
His Highness is right.
I was only thinking about getting them together.
Ultimately, I was ignoring their feelings.
I know you care deeply for them, but what's important is—
It's not a decision they can be told to make.
They have to decide for themselves.
BONK BONK BONK
Oh, I'm so stupid, stupid, stupid.
I wish I could knock myself out with Number 38.
Why not try talking to Lady Aida again?
If she's unsure, you can give her the push she needs,
and if her decision is firm, all you can do is watch over her.
That's what I'll do.
This is the chef's special cake.
Take it to Lady Aida.
Thank you, Lord Raimondo.
Not at all.
I hope it can be a conversation starter.
Always a Catch!
Aida, can I come in?
Mimi?
Were you studying?
Just a bit.
Hey, thanks for organizing the library.
You came here just to say that?
And to apologize.
That's not necessary.
I know you did that for me.
Lord Raimondo gave me something sweet.
It's a chestnut cake.
Chestnut?
Shall we have some, then?
It's good.
It really tastes like chestnuts.
You're right.
Do you not like it?
No, I love it.
I was just reminded of the past.
The past?
Would you like to hear it?
I'll only tell you this story once.
Of course.
I was six years old when I met Prince Placido.
Hey, you.
What are you doing?
Those chestnuts don't belong to you.
Who are you? What makes you say that?
Because I'm related to the owners of the tree.
Who are you?
Well, I'm related to the people who pay for this tree.
And you want them all to yourself?
You're greedy.
They're not just for me.
And you're bossy.
I'm not bossy.
If I'm bossy, then you're greedy and short-tempered.
I don't like you. Go away, bossy.
Ow!
Here, bossy! You want chestnuts, right?
Now go away!
Stop that! Ow!
Stop!
I got angry because I felt like he suddenly accused me
of stealing the chestnuts.
BONK
That's a bit different from the story I heard before.
I guess you used to be a tomboy, too.
I was. I only seem ladylike now because I studied so hard.
I'm impressed.
So, what did Prince Placido say when you next met
and he learned you're the duke's daughter?
He was surprised.
That was probably the first time anyone had told him to go away.
Apparently. He told me about it after we became friends.
Duke Ametis told me you'll probably be chosen to be my brother's fiancée.
That's...
Congratulations, future queen.
Thank you, Your Highness.
I'm sorry I'm the one escorting you.
My brother's been so busy recently.
I hope I'm not inconveniencing you.
Not at all.
We've been friends since the chestnut incident, right?
The chestnut incident? You don't have to call it that.
But ever since then, I knew we'd be friends for a long time.
My hunch was right.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Aida, I believe I know better than anyone how kind you are.
You always put others first.
But couldn't you put yourself first for once?
Myself?
Don't think about rumors, your family's expectations,
or Prince Placido's feelings.
Think only about what you want to do.
What I want to do?
Yes. What do you want to do?
What do I want to do?
Maybe I shouldn't have said those things to Aida yesterday.
Mimi.
Was I speaking out loud again?
Yes, clearly.
Aida, good news.
Some sons of noblemen want to marry you.
Father...
Their families are decent enough,
and they don't mind that your engagement to Prince Renato was called off.
Um, Duke Ametis...
Mimi.
Father, I appreciate you looking out for me.
May I think on it?
Yes, of course. Choose your husband carefully.
Did you hear?
Is it true?
It can't be, right?
Duke Ametis is sure to throw in a dowry as well.
This is a great idea.
Lady Aida comes with a stain on her, but she's still a promising prospect.
And she'll feel indebted to anyone who's willing to marry her.
What a deal, right?
How do you do?
It's raining.
Is it true?
Yes, there's a duel. Everyone's talking about it.
Terrible news, Lady Aida.
What?
I, Placido du Rubini, challenge you to a duel for my honor and life.
Prince Placido challenged someone to a duel for insulting you.
He mustn't.
Anyway, Duke Ametis found new fiancés for her this morning.
Terrible news, Prince Renato.
What is it, Lord Raimondo?
Wait, Your Highness. You must be joking.
It's not as though I spoke poorly of you.
A gentleman does not insult ladies.
I've never seen Prince Placido so angry before.
Me neither.
Please stop!
Aida?
I heard what happened, but my dignity is my own.
I don't need you to defend it.
Regrettably, I intended to decline your offer.
But if you don't get married, won't it tarnish your family's reputation?
This isn't enough to shake the Ametis family.
Don't worry about us.
B-But...
Give it up. Don't say anything else.
I appreciate your offer, but please forgive me for declining.
The rest of you, please return to your classrooms.
Your Highness, please sheath your sword.
I'm pathetic.
I thought I was defending you, too.
I'm never strong enough.
Your kindness has always encouraged me.
Has it?
In that case,
I will defend you.
You'll defend me?
Yes. I've realized that what I want to do is support and defend you.
You mean...
Yes. Please make me your wife.
Oh, um...
If you're all right with that, that is.
Of course I am.
Lady Aida Ametis,
I swear to love you until the end of my days.
Please be my wife.
I gladly accept.
I can't believe Aida said she wanted to defend him.
Really?
You're not?
You said you and Lady Aida are friends.
You must have something in common.
I can finally report the news to Father and Mother.
What?
They've been waiting for this, too.
Your engagement has our approval.
Congratulations.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I was getting impatient, Placido.
What?
I was considering ordering you to get married.
Honey!
Sorry.
They remind me of when we were young.
Oh, please.
Mimi is always teaching me the importance of courage.
Aida.
How do you feel?
Better than yesterday.
I bet. Your color has returned, too.
Shall we go?
What? But I can't.
It's fine. Didn't you say you wanted to try it?
But...
I promise it'll be fun. Be brave.
Try it. I'll be with you.
Thank you, Mimi.
Translation: Sho Stifler Timing: Mariana Martinez
Editing: Alicia Ashby Quality Control: Ashley Barboza
Final Quality Control: Michelle Tymon
Aida taught me about the language of flowers.
In the language of people, Aida would mean lovely.
SQUEEZE!!
Prince Placido would be pure.
Prince Renato would be... handsome?
Oh, no. I spoke my mind again.
Next Time
The One Who Got Away Prepares For a Ball