Always a Catch! Episode 4: How the One That Got Away Was Troubled

The lingering tension of an assassination attempt hangs heavy, but for Mimi, it translates into unexpected royal favor. She stands amidst the remnants of a ruined tea party, a silent testament to her quick actions. The Queen, in a vivid flashback, is not merely grateful but exuberantly impressed by Mimi's bravery, clinging to her with a wide, almost childish, smile. This chaotic scene, however, sees Mimi mourn the destruction of pastries, a curious and revealing detail in the face of such danger.

Lost in the palace gardens, Mimi unwittingly attracts the attention of Ireneo, Prince Rennart's cousin, who observes her with a sly, knowing smile from the shadows. He emerges with dramatic flourish, immediately launching into overly familiar compliments that put Mimi on edge. Her martial arts training comes to the fore as she swiftly pins his arm, a firm warning against his persistent flirtation, though Ireneo seems more amused than deterred by her display of strength.

Mimi recounts the assassination attempt to Prince Rennart and his knights with precise detail, her lightning reflexes and use of a table as a shield earning their profound respect. The knights, overwhelmed by her talent, spontaneously beg her to join their order, creating a moment of awkward humor as Mimi blushes under their boisterous praise. Rennart, however, steps in with quiet authority to dismiss them, then offers Mimi a more personal, intimate gesture of gratitude and a proposal of permanent residence within the palace.

As Mimi prepares to return home, Rennart confesses his anxieties to Raymond, questioning if his pursuit of her was selfish given the dangers now facing her journey through bandit-ridden mountain passes. The Queen and Ireneo observe from afar, with Ireneo noting Mimi's interesting nature, suggesting he sees more than just her martial prowess. Mimi, overhearing their concerns, enters with a determined air, asserting her capability to handle any threat, which adds a layer of courageous resolve to her departure.

Back home, Mimi's relentless training pushes her to exhaustion, culminating in a comical face-plant during a lecture, much to the amusement of her classmates. Her restlessness continues in the school gardens, where her attempts at sketching are interrupted by an unsettling feeling of being watched. This unease is quickly followed by the peculiar presence of Rosalia and her friends, who mock Mimi's sketching, only for Rosalia to unveil her own darkly abstract, frankly unsettling, drawing.

The mysterious watcher is revealed to be Ireneo, who emerges from the bushes in a casual school outfit, surprising Mimi yet again. His demeanor is surprisingly lighthearted, and he offers genuine, intellectual praise for her aggressive and unusual artwork, comparing it to avant-garde art. Mimi, unused to such nuanced criticism, struggles to understand, but notes his enthusiastic way of speaking reminds her of her younger brother, Theo, momentarily deflating his romantic overtures. Later, Raymond sternly confronts a sleep-deprived Mimi about her over-training, proving his point with a massive yawn and ordering her to bed, underscoring the toll of her dedication.

At dawn, Mimi performs powerful high-kicks, her movements refined, drawing admiration from Rennart, who notes her rapid improvement. They share a quiet moment discussing her training, where Mimi reveals her drive to become a guardian worthy of protecting him. She delves into her family's long legacy as royal guardians, recounting a flashback where her massive father teaches her that their strength is solely for protection. A more somber memory follows, detailing her father's increased distance and formality after her brother Theo's birth, a complicated emotional truth Rennart supports with a gentle, silent hand-hold.

As Mimi's departure time arrives, Rennart unexpectedly pulls her into a tight, emotional embrace, whispering how much he will miss her. Initially stunned, Mimi returns his hug with equal warmth, their silent understanding speaking volumes about their deepening affection. She departs in her carriage, waving goodbye to Rennart until he is out of sight, her heart filled with both wistfulness and a renewed sense of purpose, determined to return safely.