Always a Catch! Episode 2: How I Caught the One That Got Away

The episode opens with a sharp reminder of Maria Annobazzi's unusual past, a martial arts heir forced into the marriage market. We see the humiliating spectacle again, Prince Renard publicly breaking their engagement. Her furious retort, 'The first thing you should do is go buy some glasses!', perfectly encapsulates her blunt nature. It sets a tone of defiance from a woman who refuses to be a meek victim.

In the party's wake, Daimon and Placido, Renard's attendants, offer polite apologies. Maria receives them with a calm that hides a brewing storm, one that erupts in the carriage. She fumes over Renard's tactless behavior, calling him 'the worst' and questioning his judgment of her appearance. Aída attempts to soften Maria's anger, hinting at the prince's deeper, hidden reasons, but Maria is too caught up in her own predicament. Her internal panic about being a 'leftover' seeking a husband is a raw, honest moment of vulnerability.

As they settle into their residence, Maria notes Aída's peculiar blush at the mention of Prince Placido's name. A quick observation, yet it plants a seed. Later, alone in her bath, Maria pieces it together, wondering if Renard's public rejection was a deliberate, selfless act for Placido and Aída. She swiftly dismisses the thought, a characteristic move to avoid emotional entanglement.

The next day, Maria is ushered into a lavish room for Renard's formal apology. She, ever practical, helps herself to cake, momentarily forgetting her anger for a good treat. Renard finally appears, looking utterly exhausted. He pronounces her full name correctly, a small detail Maria notices, and offers a humble, genuine apology, admitting his immaturity and ignorance of her appearance. He owns his mistakes, making it clear his previous behavior was born of avoidance, not malice.

Maria, ever blunt, directly questions Renard's reckless public display. She points out the severe political consequences of his actions, even the potential loss of his succession rights. He cannot fully justify it, but then, he reveals his true motivation: Placido's and Aída's love. He broke the engagement, potentially sacrificing his future, to ensure their happiness. This selfless act fundamentally changes Maria's perception of him, making him, in her eyes, a 'prime' person indeed.

Noticing Renard's chronic insomnia, Maria's maternal instincts surface. She offers her family's unique 'Counting Song' remedy, which turns out to be a vigorous martial arts routine. Her sudden, powerful demonstration leaves the prince and his maids bewildered, then leads to Renard's first genuine, hearty laughter. Maria offers him blunt advice on self-care, cementing her unique place in his world. His blushing, intimate comment, 'Tonight, before I sleep, I'll think of your face,' leaves Maria flustered and signals a deeper shift in their dynamic.

As Maria leaves, she senses trouble in the prince's 'carriage.' She remains alert as she is taken to a dilapidated shack, calmly assessing the situation. Her kidnapper is revealed to be Eleonora Kaskari, the jilted noblewoman from the party. Eleonora gloats, calling Maria names, but Maria's calm demeanor and correction of her name only fuel Eleonora's fury. The true motive emerges: Eleonora needs a hostage to force Renard to free her arrested father.

Back at the palace, the alarm is raised. Renard, filled with guilt, abandons his exhaustion for a 'cold, sharp focus' and immediately orders a rescue. Meanwhile, Maria, left alone, easily breaks free from her bindings with a casual complaint about the ropes. She prepares to take on any guards, her true martial artist self re-emerging with quiet confidence. Renard, too impatient to wait, gallops off alone into the forest, driven by a desperate mix of duty and growing affection.

Maria attempts to sneak out but is cornered by Eleonora and her thugs. Undaunted, she unleashes her family's martial arts, systematically taking down the armed men with powerful strikes and kicks. Eleonora watches in horrified disbelief as the 'helpless' noblewoman single-handedly destroys her hired muscle. Renard arrives just as Maria delivers her final blow, stunned by the sight of her standing triumphant among the unconscious men.

Spotting Renard, Maria quickly drops her facade, instantly transforming into a 'terrified, fragile maiden,' clinging to him and pretending the thugs simply 'fell down.' Renard, completely fooled, holds her close, promising safety. Daimon and the guards arrive, arresting Eleonora, while Maria secretly smiles, maintaining her act even as she sits on Renard's lap in the carriage. He confesses that she has changed his perspective, bringing him peace. Then, in a stunning turn, Renard proposes marriage, leaving Maria utterly speechless.

The episode closes with a whimsical 'Nige-Tsuri Theater' segment, replaying the proposal with chibi sea creatures, a charming, lighthearted parody. The final scene shows Maria still reeling from the proposal, her wide-eyed shock a perfect cliffhanger. The quick teaser promises 'Lady Training' for the next episode, hinting at the delightful chaos to come as Maria navigates her new royal role.