The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 43

Schedule: Tuesday and Friday

Chapter 43

“Yes? Oh, yes.” A bewildered Selena followed Gabriella back into the tent and sat on the sofa. “What is it, Your Highness?”

“I, um… I have a date with Sir Dixon tomorrow.”

“You—?!” Selena, completely taken aback by the unexpected announcement, forgot to modulate her voice and exclaimed in shock.

‘When did they even arrange a date?! I haven’t even had a chance to tell Her Highness that Sir Dixon is off-limits…’

The feeling of defeat before even starting left her momentarily dazed. “A… a date, all of a sudden…?”

“Are you very surprised, Lady Selena? Actually, it’s not such a grand occasion to be called a date.” Gabriella offered a shy smile, seemingly interpreting Selena’s strong reaction positively.

‘That’s not it, Your Highness…’

Selena squeezed her eyes shut, then opened them, forcing composure. “What exactly… what sort of arrangement did you make with Sir Dixon?”

“We’re going hunting together tomorrow. I’m not very good at hunting, but he said he’d teach me.”

“Did you suggest it, Your Highness?”

“No, Sir Dixon cautiously asked me on our way back. He asked if I’d like to go hunting with him tomorrow.” Gabriella’s voice was airy, as if she were walking on clouds. It was understandable, considering her crush had just asked her out. Normally, Selena would have been thrilled for her, urging her to go, but not this time. She felt like clinging to Gabriella’s skirts and begging her not to go.

“I’m so nervous, Lady Selena. What should I do tomorrow?” Gabriella clasped Selena’s hands, her innocent eyes wide. Despite her cool, elegant exterior, her inner self was kind and pure. Gazing at her, Selena made up her mind.

“Your Highness, I’d like to go with you tomorrow.”

‘I’ll follow that date to the very end and sabotage it.’

“What…? You too…?” Gabriella was taken aback by the unexpected request. Of course, she loved spending time with Selena, but tomorrow was a date. Taking Selena along didn’t seem quite right. However, before the soft-hearted Gabriella could refuse, Selena began her persuasive campaign.

“I think it’s too soon for you to be alone with Sir Dixon, Your Highness.”

“W-why…?”

“Are you really confident being alone with him? Are you sure you won’t make any mistakes?” Selena’s slightly insistent tone made Gabriella’s eyes waver.

“…No, actually, I’m not confident, and I wanted your advice.” Her usually pert eyes drooped. Selena seized the opportunity.

“I thought so. When you’re not confident, it’s easy to make mistakes. It means you’re not ready yet. So, let’s all three of us go hunting tomorrow.”

“…But your hand is injured…” Gabriella’s gaze fell upon Selena’s still-bandaged hand.

‘Oh, right. I’m injured.’
Belatedly remembering her injury, Selena quickly hid her hand behind her back and smiled brightly. “It’s fine. My purpose is to help you, Your Highness. I can just follow along.”

“But still…”

“I promise I won’t be a bother. Having someone there as a buffer would be better than being alone with him and making a mistake, wouldn’t it?”

“Hmm, is that so…?” Gabriella’s resolve began to crumble under Selena’s persistent appeals. Sensing this, Selena pressed her advantage.

“You know I’m on your side, right? Having someone like me with you will give you peace of mind.”

“That’s true.”

“Besides, I’m really interested in hunting. You won’t regret taking me along.”

“Well, that’s good.” As Gabriella continued to respond positively, Selena decided to drive in the final wedge.

“So… does that mean I can come with you tomorrow?”

“Alright, let’s go together.” Completely persuaded, Gabriella readily agreed. “We’re meeting Sir Dixon at the south entrance of the forest at 10 a.m. tomorrow. You can come there too.”

“Yes, Your Highness. See you tomorrow.” Selena beamed, and Gabriella, who walked her to the tent entrance, waved goodbye. As Selena turned to leave with Lucy, her smile faltered.

‘But actually, I’ve never hunted before…’

She had pretended to be interested to persuade Gabriella, but it was all a lie. She had neither the experience nor the interest.

‘What’s the fun in hunting animals?’

But what could possibly go wrong? The important thing wasn’t her hunting skills. It was stopping anything from developing between Dominic and Gabriella.

***

The unplanned hunting trip presented Selena with a predicament: she hadn’t packed any hunting attire.

“I chose the most comfortable dress you have, but… are you sure about this, my lady?” Lucy, having rummaged through the luggage and retrieved a plain navy dress, looked worried. Selena moved around in the dress, testing its range of motion. Her arms moved freely, and the hem wasn’t too long. It was more comfortable than she’d expected.

“Hmm, this is fine. I’m going with Her Highness, so we won’t be going anywhere dangerous.”

“I suppose so. You’ll just stay around the edge of the forest, right?”

“Of course. None of us are going for the actual hunting, anyway.” Selena shrugged. It was a gathering of three people with ulterior motives, using hunting as a pretext. She doubted any real hunting would take place. They’d probably just go through the motions.