The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 91

Schedule: Thurs and Sun

Chapter 91

“If you’re engaged, do you perhaps have a man in mind?”

“Um…”

Courtney’s eyes darted around. She seemed flustered by the sudden question. Selena quickly raised both hands. “Oh, I’m sorry. It’s an occupational hazard. I can’t help but try to counsel people when these topics come up.”

“Ah… Come to think of it, Lady Irving is a relationship counselor.”

“That’s right. I run a couples matching agency called Serenade! If you have any love-related concerns, feel free to visit anytime. I’ll especially take good care of Lady Raven.”

Selena deliberately showed her goodwill. Her bright, gentle smile made Courtney’s expression soften considerably. “Well then, I do have one question…”

“Yes, ask away!”

As the fish took the bait, Selena vigorously pulled on the fishing rod. What is it, what are you curious about! “…Can someone be happy living their whole life with a person chosen by their family?”

“What?”

Selena’s eyes widened at the unexpected question. Courtney, her head slightly bowed, spoke in a small voice.

“Since I was young, it was decided that I would marry someone chosen by my parents. So I was wondering…if I can be happy even if it’s not a marriage of my choosing…” Courtney’s trailing voice, lacking confidence, made her seem incredibly vulnerable. Even in this era of free love, nobles often had arranged marriages like Courtney.

After all, nobles had much to protect, much they wanted to protect, and much they were responsible for.

“You can be happy.”

“Really…?”

“Of course. My parents also had an arranged marriage, but they’re living happily after having us sisters.”

Selena smiled gently. Not all nobles were unhappy because they had arranged marriages. Of course, she couldn’t deny that there were many cases where marriages fell apart. Still, it was easier to live life focusing on the positive rather than the negative.

“But remember, no matter the situation, only you can protect yourself.”

Selena advised in a serious voice. No one could be happy if they couldn’t protect themselves. Courtney looked up at Selena. Seeing her strong and confident face, so unlike her own, she felt a sense of relief.

“Thank you, Lady Irving. You’re a truly wonderful counselor, just as I’d heard.”

“Don’t mention it.”

They continued chatting, and before they knew it, they arrived in front of the Tower Lord’s room.

“The Tower Lord is inside. Please enter.”

The junior mage, who had guided them, knocked three times, opened the door, and stepped aside. Selena cautiously entered first. Despite it being midsummer, the room, with its thick curtains drawn, was dark and had a somewhat gloomy atmosphere. Bookshelves lining three walls were crammed with books written in various languages.

Raymond, wearing a silver iron mask, sat motionless on a jet-black velvet sofa, like a statue. He looks like a villain or a demon king like that. It was unlikely, but she could almost believe he was secretly practicing dark magic. Selena, on behalf of the somewhat intimidated Courtney, stepped forward and greeted him.

“Hello, Tower Lord. I’m Selena Irving. Lady Courtney Raven and I are here regarding the Summer Fairy Selection Competition.”

“.…”

“How can we receive the flowers?”

At her gently posed question, Raymond seemed strangely fidgety. What’s wrong with him? Just as the two women sensed something odd, he suddenly jumped up from his seat. Then, holding a rose with a yellow ribbon, he approached Selena and dropped to one knee… Why, why is he kneeling?!

Selena was bewildered, watching Raymond abruptly kneel as if proposing, without a word. Courtney, too, widened her eyes, perplexed by the situation. “Oh, no, Tower Lord! Why are you doing this? Please get up…!”

“.…”

But Raymond remained motionless, offering the rose. What is he doing? Is he crazy?! Selena wanted to grab his collar and pull him up, but given who he was, she restrained herself. She glanced down at the rose Raymond was persistently holding out.

…Is he waiting for me to take it before he gets up? Why was he acting as if he were the one in a vulnerable position when it was clearly her? Hesitantly, Selena took the rose. As soon as she did, Raymond stood up. Looking up at his towering figure, Selena was dumbfounded. Did he give it to the other participants like this?

If he had, there would have been rumors, but she hadn’t heard anything of the sort. Furthermore, Raymond immediately proved Selena’s assumption wrong. He gave the flower to Courtney while standing perfectly normally on two feet.

Why did he only kneel for me? Selena was confused. It seemed too elaborate to be a prank. Should she interpret it as a sign of affection? But even if it were, she felt nothing but unease. She had no desire whatsoever to get close to him, especially since the Tower Lord was a potential husband candidate. …It’s even worse if it’s affection. As Selena’s expression darkened, the golden eyes behind the mask wavered.