The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 94

Schedule: Thurs and Sun

Chapter 94

“Thank you all for joining us today. His Imperial Majesty has graced us with his presence, making this occasion even more special.” The Emperor, seated in the place of honor on the platform, gave a small wave. Everyone bowed their heads in respect. After a few moments of greetings, the Duchess gestured towards the entrance.

“Now, let us welcome His Highness Crown Prince Maximilian, who will bestow the final flower.”

“His Highness Crown Prince Maximilian enters!” With the herald’s booming announcement, the doors swung open. Maximilian appeared, dressed in a red uniform adorned with elaborate embroidery. A white cloak, fastened with a gold cord on his left shoulder, billowed with each step. His silver hair was slicked back, revealing his handsome, if austere, features. Accepting the admiring gazes with practiced ease, Maximilian ascended the platform.

“His Grace Duke Noel Ratliffe and Master Raymond of the Magic Tower, who have greatly assisted with this competition, are also with us today.” The Duchess turned towards Noel and Raymond, who were standing just below the platform. As all eyes turned to them, Noel, dressed in a cream-colored uniform with a gold sash, smiled brightly. Beside him stood Raymond, impassive in his navy blue robe and mask.

“Now, it’s time to meet the candidates for this year’s Summer Fairy.” Finally, it was the candidates’ turn. The ten candidates entered one by one. The seven eliminated candidates went first, followed by the remaining three. After the eliminated candidates had taken their places, it was time for the final three. First to enter was Luna Meyer.

“Lady Luna Meyer, daughter of the Marquis Meyer, enters!” Luna wore a red mermaid dress with a plunging square neckline that seemed to reflect her fiery personality. Her stride across the carpet to the platform was confident and bold.

As she reached the platform, the next candidate entered.

“Lady Courtney Raven enters!” Courtney wore a beige ball gown with delicate frills. Unlike Luna, her high-necked halter neckline gave her a demure appearance.

And then it was time for the final candidate.

“Lady Selena Irving enters!” Selena’s off-the-shoulder dress featured intricate floral and branch embroidery on the bodice. The sleeves, made of semi-transparent chiffon, were double-layered and flared at the cuffs. Her brown hair, braided and tied with a ribbon, added to her elegant and refined appearance.

Once the three candidates were assembled below the platform, the Duchess stepped forward again.

“The lady who receives the final flower from His Highness the Crown Prince will be chosen as this year’s Summer Fairy.” Each of the three women held the two roses they had received earlier.

“Before the final selection, we invite each of the three candidates to speak, if they wish.” This was their chance to appeal to Maximilian for the final rose. As expected, Luna Meyer was the first to speak.

“If Your Highness seeks a Summer Fairy with high self-esteem and overflowing confidence, then I am the one. You won’t regret choosing me.”

Selena was about to speak next, but Courtney, nervous about being last, quickly spoke up.

“I… I participated in this competition with utmost sincerity. Of course, the other ladies also worked hard… but I can confidently say I was diligent. I humbly ask for your consideration…”

After Courtney’s hesitant speech, it was Selena’s turn. Calmly, she looked at Maximilian on the platform and slowly began to speak.

“I recommend Lady Courtney Raven for this year’s Summer Fairy.”

The unexpected recommendation caused a stir among the audience. Maximilian raised an eyebrow, his expression displeased.

“Why?”

“Having participated in the trials alongside Lady Raven, I believe she is the most suited to be the Summer Fairy.”

“Does that mean Lady Meyer is not suited to be the Summer Fairy?” He deliberately posed a difficult question. Selena managed a smile and shook her head.

“That’s not what I meant. Lady Meyer is also very well-suited to be the Summer Fairy.”

“And yourself?”

“I participated out of personal curiosity, but I don’t harbor any great ambition for the title.” Selena gave a suitably modest and neutral answer. However, her opponent was relentless.

“Are you saying you participated with a lack of commitment?”

“…I will amend my statement to say I participated with a mindset free from avarice.” Selena gritted her teeth. You jerk. Just because you’re handsome doesn’t mean you can be a pain. His constant nitpicking was getting on her nerves.

‘He’s definitely holding a grudge.’ She was convinced this was all because of the incident with Rio. What a petty, pretty-faced brat, she thought.

“Now, then, let us proceed with the final selection.” Sensing the tension, the Duchess intervened. “Your Highness, please present the flower to the lady of your choosing.”

“Hmm.” Maximilian’s haughty gaze swept over the candidates, finally settling on Selena. His unnervingly crimson eyes sent a shiver of foreboding down her spine. The Crown Prince always does the opposite of what I want, and I just said I didn’t care about being the Summer Fairy. Don’t tell me…

‘This is unsettling. Can’t he postpone his decision?’ She needed time to cool down before Maximilian ruined the competition out of spite.

“The one who will receive my flower—” He began to descend the platform, about to call out the chosen candidate’s name, when—

BANG!

“S-something terrible has happened! The wolves, the wolves have escaped!” A priest burst through the doors, shouting frantically. It was Jerome. The heavens had answered Selena’s wish. …Though, not quite like this.