The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 55

Schedule: Thurs and Sun

Chapter 55

“Wow, really? I thought you’d say no!” Intrigued by the unexpected answer, Selena scooted closer. Lemon felt the warmth in his ears spread slowly down his neck and across his cheeks. “So, what’s your ideal type?”

“Well, I…”

“Yes?”

“I like someone kind, gentle, considerate, intelligent, wise, strong, resilient, and brave.”
Selena, who had been nodding along attentively, widened her eyes. “Does someone like that even exist?”

“Yes, they do. I’ve met them, and I like them.”

“Oh, was your first love like that?” At the question, Lemon’s face flushed crimson.

He shyly nodded. “Yes, they were like that.”

“Wow, Lemon’s first love. I’d love to meet them sometime.”

‘Someone Lemon, so pure and honest, liked must be a wonderful woman.’

Selena’s green eyes sparkled with curiosity. Lemon slowly rubbed the back of his neck, averting his gaze and coughing.

“So, you don’t care about appearances?”

“No, I think as long as they’re beautiful in my eyes.”

“Hmm, beautiful in Lemon’s eyes.” Selena narrowed her eyes, studying Lemon’s face. Flawless, fair skin, long lashes, large eyes, a straight nose—overall, remarkably handsome features.

‘I wonder if someone with a face like this can even find anyone else beautiful. He’ll be spending his whole life looking at his own reflection in the mirror. If I were him, I don’t think I’d find anyone else beautiful.’

“I’m curious about what kind of person you find beautiful. Has anyone caught your eye recently?”

Selena leaned back against the bench and tilted her head. Lemon stared at her for a moment, then nodded. “Really? Who?”

“Lady Selena.”

“Me?” Selena blinked, considering his words for a moment before bursting into laughter. “Oh, flattery will get you everywhere.”

“It’s not flattery. I’m being sincere.”

“Sure, sure. Thanks, Lemon. I’m pretty confident in my looks, too.” Chuckling softly, Selena playfully pinched Lemon’s cheek.

Lemon’s lips parted as if to speak, then he said, “The weather is lovely today.” He simply left it at that, silently watching Selena as she closed her eyes and enjoyed the breeze, once again tucking away the words he couldn’t bring himself to say.

The day after Lemon’s visit, another guest arrived at the Irving estate. Startled by the name of the unannounced visitor, the marquis and his family hurried outside to a surprising sight. Dead animals were piled high in the courtyard. The marquis, his wife, and Selena gaped at the steadily growing mound.

“W-what is all this…?”

“Heard you were ill. You look better than I expected.” They turned towards the voice and saw Maximilian standing there, arms crossed, an arrogant look on his face. The unexpected visitor, here under the guise of checking on Selena, was none other than the Crown Prince himself. The Irving family hastily bowed.

“Your Imperial Highness.”

Selena pointed at the animals. “Your Highness, what are all these animals?”

“My spoils from the hunt.”

“But why are they here…?”
“Gabriella asked me to give them to you.” Selena turned back to the mountain of carcasses, ranging from small rabbits to a large bear. Every imaginable kind of game was there. She even spotted the golden stag head meant as an offering to the Goddess of the Hunt, her eyes widening.

“But why is the stag head here…?”

“If not for the kidnapping, you would have been the Goddess of the Hunt.”

“Me?” Selena pointed at herself in disbelief, and Maximilian nodded.

“I told you, Gabriella asked me to give them to you.”

“Does that mean… she wanted you to offer these at the hunt?”

“Yes.”

Selena’s lips trembled. She remembered Gabriella confidently promising to make her the Goddess of the Hunt. ‘So, her plan was to ask the Crown Prince to give me all his game.’ Selena suddenly felt relieved that the hunt had ended so abruptly. If she had received all these spoils from the Crown Prince in front of everyone and become the Goddess… ‘I might have had to flee the country.’

She couldn’t imagine the sheer volume of false rumors that would have followed. ‘I’m so glad it didn’t happen…’ The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and she clutched her chest.

“So, how long are you going to keep your guest standing outside?”

“Oh, I apologize. Please, come inside, Your Highness.” Startled by the Crown Prince’s curt tone, Marquis Irving bowed his head. Before he could finish speaking, Maximilian strode into the mansion. “I’ve seen enough of the marquis and marchioness. Lady Irving, follow me.”
“Your Highness? What do you…?” Selena tried to protest the forced audience, but Maximilian didn’t even look back.

“You must attend to His Highness in our stead, Selena.” The marquis patted her right shoulder. “Don’t cause any trouble. Watch your words, be careful what you say. Behave yourself, dear.” The marchioness patted her left shoulder. Resigned, Selena trailed after Maximilian.

“Are you coming or not?”

“Yes, yes! I’m coming…!”