Always a Catch! (逃がした魚は大きかったが釣りあげた魚が大きすぎた件)

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.

SQUEEZE!!

Yes! I knew you'd help me, Lady Rosalia!

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!

SIGH

SIGH

You were so cool.

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.

Go ahead, Aida. Take a card.

The queen is unflappable. She's completely unbothered.

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.