The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 90
Chapter 90
Selena, who had been staring blankly into space with a serious expression, suddenly asked. Lucy paused from organizing documents and considered before answering. “I’d think they were ungrateful after I went out of my way to help them. I wouldn’t help them again.”
“…Is that all?”
“Well, if I were more malicious, I might try to make things difficult for them next time.”
This second answer seemed unwelcome, as Selena’s expression grew even more serious. “Hmm, that’s a bit dangerous.…”
“Unless they’re truly malicious, they probably wouldn’t do that.”
“But what if they turn out to be that malicious?”
“Who are you worried about? Is it Duke Ratliffe?”
Hitting the mark, Lucy’s words made Selena’s eyes widen. How did she know?
―Lucy, who had glanced at Selena’s worried face, smiled and said, “You’ve been subtly avoiding the Duke, especially after the kidnapping incident.”
“That’s true.…”
“Don’t worry too much. He doesn’t seem like a bad person to me.”
“But he could still take my life in a fit of rage.”
“Then he’d go from a war hero to a murderer. What could you have possibly done to warrant that?” Lucy shrugged. Logically, it was absurd. Selena would have agreed, if not for her past experiences.
“He seems to have some affection for you, despite being hurt. I don’t think he’ll harm you.” Lucy’s words were meant to soothe Selena’s still-worried face. But Lucy, affection is even more problematic. Selena slumped onto the sofa.
Used to such scenes, Lucy returned to her documents. Right, even nobles are human; they can slump on the sofa sometimes. It’s just a bit of a problem that our lady does it so often. While Lucy finished organizing, Selena stared at the ceiling, gathering her thoughts.
‘Well, he didn’t react angrily to what I said. And as long as I don’t marry him, I won’t die.’
Given time, Noel would forget her words, just as she had seemingly moved on from the trauma of the hunting competition and returned to her daily life. She decided to remain cautious but not overthink it. There were two more potential husband candidates to meet, and she needed to focus on them.
***
She decided to accompany Courtney Raven to meet Raymond, the Tower Master, for the second flower. Courtney had a pearly complexion, as if she’d been soaked in saltwater.
“Haah…”
“What’s wrong? You’ve been sighing constantly.”
Lemon, who had come to inform Courtney of her schedule, finally spoke up after hearing Selena sigh every three seconds. Leaning against the sofa armrest with her forehead in her hand, Selena replied, “The thought of meeting the Tower Master is suffocating me.”
“…Is there a reason?”
“At first, I thought he disliked me, but now I’m confused.”
When they’d accidentally bumped into each other at the ball, spilling his drink, Raymond had been cold. But his actions afterward were perplexing. He’d snatched her glass and replaced it with a champagne he deemed suitable, prevented her from bumping into a pillar, and even given her a strawberry candy.
“He either dislikes me or hates me, one of the two.”
While seemingly similar, there was a clear distinction. Dislike implied a lack of malice, while hate suggested its presence.
“I wish the Tower Master would be clearer with his attitude.”
If he hated her, she’d prefer he just ignore her. Even if he didn’t, she wished he’d treat her like a stranger. Either way, she wanted to avoid him as much as possible.
“A little more… clearly….”
Lemon echoed Selena’s words thoughtfully. His eyes hardened with resolve, but Selena, now focused on Courtney, didn’t notice.
“Lady Raven hasn’t received a flower from the Duke yet, right?”
“Ah, yes. She plans to visit the Duke after meeting with the Tower Master.”
“I see. She’s moving very inefficiently.”
News of Selena and Luna receiving two roses from Noel had spread. Since receiving a flower from Raymond was pointless without Noel’s rose, the other ladies were focusing on Noel first. But because of his promise to Selena, Noel wasn’t giving his flower to anyone.
In this situation, Courtney visiting Noel would drastically reduce the competition, yet she was inexplicably targeting Raymond first.
‘It can’t be helped. I’ll have to help her get a flower from the Tower Master so she can move on quickly.’
Having roughly formulated a plan, Selena clenched her fist.
***
Like her doll-like appearance, Courtney Raven was known for being quiet and demure. When Selena, pretending to run into her in front of the tower, initiated conversation, Courtney’s response was timid.
“It’s so nice to see you, Lady Raven. Shall we go see the Tower Master together?”
“Oh, yes…”
Unable to meet Selena’s gaze, Courtney’s eyes darted around as she hunched her shoulders. Her discomfort was palpable, but Selena deliberately ignored it, falling into step beside her.
“How did you end up participating in this Summer Fairy selection?”
“Oh… My family told me to participate……”
“Did they just tell you to try it out?”
“No, they said it would be easier to find a fiancé if I became the Summer Fairy.…”
The word “fiancé” made Selena’s eyes sparkle.
★ support nana on ko-fi!
≪ Discord ≫
≪ Novel Updates ≫
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
