The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 9

Schedule: Thurs and Sun

Chapter 9

If someone asks why she was taken and threatened by the crown prince…

Up until the moment she shook Gabriella’s hand and left the palace, the atmosphere had been pleasant. The experience had been far from what she had anticipated, and even Randy and Lucy, initially swayed by the rumors they heard, found themselves pleasantly surprised by the stark contrast between rumors and reality.

“They call her the Ice Princess. I guess rumors can’t be trusted after all.”

“That’s why people can only know the truth when they experience it themselves.”

The notion of a cold princess swiftly dissipated as Gabriella, thought not to be one who’d smile readily, graciously bestowed a radiant smile upon them—bright akin to a thousand suns.

Selena found the princess’ voice to be not only warm but also soft, akin to the texture of a fluffy cake. Gabriella shattered the preconceived notions Selena held about her, proving herself to be kinder and gentler than any noble lady she had encountered thus far.

“Well, lady, according to the rumors, you’re also quite the flirt, meeting a new suitor every week.”

“Who on earth spreads such baseless rumors?” Selena retorted, narrowing her eyes as they walked down the pure white marble corridor of the princess’ palace. It was one of the vicious rumors that had followed her since ‘Serenade’ became famous.

Other than that, there was also a rumor that she was single because she had strange and perverted tastes. Needless to say, neither of those rumors were pleasant.

“Randy, spread a rumor outside. Tell them that Lady Serena Irving is not only beautiful on the outside but also has a beautiful heart, and that she is a normal, healthy person,” Selena instructed.

“M-Me?” Randy stammered, taken aback by the mention of him.

He hesitated for a moment before nodding resolutely.

“I will do my best for you…!”

“Boss, don’t harass your naive and foolish assistant.”

“When did I ever do that, Lucy? And do you really need to put effort into spreading the truth?”

Approaching the awaiting carriage and whispering amongst themselves, they found their path obstructed by a group of knights. Sensing trouble, Lucy instinctively positioned herself protectively in front of Selena.

“Lady, I have a bad feeling about this.”

“I feel the same, Lucy. Should we run back to the palace?”

“Should I go and call someone…?”

As the trio remained cautious, keeping their distance, a rugged-looking man stepped forward.

“Are you Lady Selena Irving?”

“…And if I am?”

“You must come with us for a moment.” Selena couldn’t immediately discern whether the man was a knight or a detective.

What kind of knight behaves like a detective escorting a criminal?

Lucy, standing tall before Selena, responded with a stern expression.

“Who are you to block our way and insist that my lady follows you?”

“Do you see this emblem? We are members of the Royal Knights.”

The man tapped the silver embroidered wolf emblem on his chest. It indeed matched the symbol representing the Royal Knights.

“By the way, if you don’t come willingly, we’ll have to take you by force.”

“….”

“We don’t want to be disrespectful to the lady, so please come with us.”

Hearing the threatening words, Selena had a gut feeling; the person who ordered the Royal Knights to bring them must be a prominent figure in the royal family. However, the princess, who had bid them farewell moments ago, couldn’t possibly be involved in this.

That means the candidates were the emperor, the crown prince, and the other princes.

‘Please, let it not be the crown prince….’

Closing in on them without warning, the knights encircled the trio. Realizing there was no escape, Selena made the difficult decision to comply with the knights. They guided her to a glass greenhouse located within the gardens of the royal palace.

“From here on, only the lady can enter.”

“What? That can’t happen!”

When the man separated Selena from the other two at the entrance, Lucy immediately objected.

“We can’t send our delicate and fragile lady alone!”

“Lucy…” Selena’s face showed a newfound sense of admiration at the maid’s words, who had always raised her to be strong.

‘Lucy, you’ve always thought of me that way, haven’t you?’

“It’s a basic principle for a maid to never leave the side of the lady she serves. Even if you’re a member of the Royal Knights, you can’t break that principle.”

“I’m not the one breaking that principle. It’s the person inside.”

The resolute man turned to look at Selena.

“Lady Irving, if you truly care about the maid, it would be best if you do as instructed,” he said, his tone laced with a hint of threat once again.

However, Selena’s primary concern lay with the person he had mentioned being inside. She glanced at Lucy and nodded.

“Lady…!”

“I’ll go alone and come back, so wait here with Randy. Don’t worry too much,” Selena reassured her with a smile. Together with the man, she stepped into the greenhouse. Lucy watched anxiously as the door closed, leaving her outside.

* * *

“From here on, proceed alone. Just continue straight ahead,” the knight abruptly halted halfway into the greenhouse, bowing his head as he spoke. Before Selena could respond, he swiftly turned around and departed. She walked alone in the direction indicated by the knight after his departure, having resigned herself to the singular instruction at hand.

Passing by rare plants imported from distant lands, she ventured deeper until she arrived at a spot where sunlight streamed in through a transparent glass ceiling. Illuminated by radiant lights, there was a round tea table amidst the trees and flowers. Seated there alone, basking in the sunlight, was a man. His hair glistened as it caught the light, reminiscent of midday’s shimmer and midnight’s moonlight. His chiseled profile exuded an air of sharp elegance.

Selena stared blankly at the man, his side profile clearly visible. Anyone would know that he’s…

“If you’ve come, then sit down. How long are you going to stand there foolishly?” The man, arms folded and legs arrogantly crossed, suddenly spoke. He tilted his head slightly toward Selena, gesturing for her to take a seat across from him. Understanding his unspoken invitation, Selena reluctantly moved her weary legs and approached him.

“…Selena Irving, I greet His Highness, the Crown Prince.”

“It took you so long to greet me; it’s quite bothersome.” Maximilian raised his thick eyebrows. It was the first time Selena had seen the Crown Prince’s face up close like this. She had only glimpsed him from a distance during royal dances. Maximilian’s appearance, as if crafted from ice, was undeniably handsome, yet it emanated a chilling and aloof aura that made her heart constrict.

“I apologize, Your Highness.”

“It’s good that you know.”

“….”

“Your name is Selena Irving, correct?” The Crown Prince confirmed the name Selena had mentioned a mere five seconds ago, and she nodded. In her heart, she wished she could pretend to bear a different name. Read ahead here.