The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 38

Schedule: Tuesday and Friday

Chapter 38

Noel, appearing in the banquet hall after passing through the rose arch, remained composed despite being the center of attention. He strode towards the head table, his long legs taking confident steps. Having neatly swept his blond hair back, his white, smooth forehead was fully exposed, making his perfect features even more prominent.

‘If people went to heaven after death, would God look like this?’

If there were a God who looked like Noel, people would be clamoring to die. At least, Selena wouldn’t mind dying if she met a god like him. Where else could she find a face like that? His thick eyebrows, delicate eyes, straight nose, slightly flushed pale lips, and sharp jawline—everything was so perfect it was almost moving.

“I apologize for being late, Your Majesty.” Noel bowed his head towards the Emperor as he stopped in front of the dais. Even his apologetic voice was soft and sweet.

Joseph, after wiping his mouth with a handkerchief, shook his head. “It’s alright. I know the Duke helped the Imperial Knights inspect the security.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. The security has been thoroughly reinforced, so please enjoy the hunting festival without worry.” Noel placed his hand on his left chest and bowed deeply.

Joseph nodded with a satisfied expression. Noel, who had easily been forgiven for his tardiness, turned to find his seat. His place, as the Duke of Ratliffe and war hero, was at the table closest to the dais. It was even a solitary table.

‘The Duke is truly exceptional, even among the three ducal families.’

Selena, who had been staring intently at his handsome back for a moment, soon returned her attention to her meal. She had already exchanged glances with Raymond and Maximilian, so she wanted to avoid Noel. Please, just the Duke.

‘I absolutely won’t acknowledge him.’

* * *

After the appetizers and main course, it was time for dessert. Unlike the previous two courses, where maids and servants brought the food to their tables, dessert was served in a self-service format at a designated dessert table.

Selena, who always enjoyed a post-meal treat, naturally made her way to the dessert table after finishing her meal. Perhaps because the Emperor had left early, the atmosphere in the banquet hall was more relaxed than before. It no longer felt like a banquet, but more like a party.

‘Let’s see, what cake should I try first?’

Selena hummed a tune as she approached the table where the cakes were displayed. As she pondered her choice, she noticed a commotion in front of her.

“You must have suffered greatly on the battlefield for so long, Duke.”

“Are you finding any inconveniences in your life in the capital? If you have any questions, please feel free to ask me.”

“I have always diligently followed the news of your exploits, Duke. I even collected articles about them.”

Young ladies with apple-red cheeks surrounded Noel, chattering away.

‘He’s very popular, isn’t he?’

It wasn’t surprising. With a face like that, a war hero, and a duke, too. Even Selena would have been drawn to him if he wasn’t a potential husband. But he’s a potential husband, isn’t he?

She had no intention of giving him even a sliver of her attention. He’s so popular anyway, he wouldn’t need her interest.

‘He seems a bit flustered, but it’s none of my business.’

Selena, who had looked away from Noel, who was trying to smile with his lips but not his eyes, picked up a plate of chocolate cake.

‘I need a drink too.’

She brought the cake to her seat, using her one good hand, and went back for a drink. Next to the dessert table was another table laden with wine, champagne, and all sorts of other drinks. Selena picked up a glass of champagne and took a sip.

‘Ugh, this is awful.’

It wasn’t the sweet champagne she preferred, and it was much too bitter.

‘Ah… I’ll have to put this down and get another one.’
She couldn’t put the already-tasted drink back on the table, so she was willing to endure the extra trip back.

“…!”

Suddenly, a large hand reached out from behind her, snatching the champagne glass away.

“What….”

Selena turned around to see who the hand belonged to, and froze.

“….”

The owner of the unwelcome hand was none other than Raymond. He silently stared down at Selena for a moment before handing her the glass back.

“…?”

What in the world was he doing? Confused by his sudden act of taking and returning her glass, Selena looked down at the glass in her hand. Huh? Looking closer, she noticed something.

‘This isn’t my glass.’

Her original glass had contained yellow champagne, but the one in her hand now held a red-hued drink. Selena blinked, realizing that Raymond had her glass. No…

“Why did you switch the glasses?”

“….”

“I think the glass you’re holding is mine, Tower Lord. You must have given me the wrong one.”

Selena reached out to retrieve her glass, but Raymond suddenly pulled his arm back.

Whizz, whizz, whizz.

The Tower Lord, trying to avoid having his glass taken, raised his hand above Selena’s reach. Selena looked up at Raymond with a bewildered expression.

“Tower Lord, what are you doing? If you want my drink, there’s plenty over there. Go have some.”

“….”

Selena pointed to the table where she had gotten the glass. Raymond, who had inadvertently become the man who coveted another’s drink and snatched a young lady’s glass, looked at the glass in his hand with a slight flicker in his eyes. He suddenly poured the drink onto the floor.

“…?!”

Selena’s jaw dropped in astonishment at his sudden and absurd action.