The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 96

Schedule: Thurs and Sun

Chapter 96

Were the four inside all of them? If not… Selena’s premonitions were rarely wrong. This time was no exception.

“Grrrr.” A low growl sounded from behind. Selena froze. Fighting the urge to run blindly forward, she slowly turned. She vaguely recalled hearing that showing your back to a predator was dangerous.

…Though, I think I’d rather not see it. The wolf stood before her, saliva dripping from its sharp fangs, its gaze fixed on her. Every muscle in her body locked. Without warning, the wolf lunged. Frozen in terror, Selena couldn’t even blink. And then—

“Close your eyes, Lady Irving.”

A familiar, gentle voice whispered in her ear. Strong arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her back. She was spun around, her face pressed against a broad shoulder. A gentle hand cupped the back of her head.

“Yelp!” The wolf cried out, struck by a sharp blade, and retreated.

“…Your Grace.” Selena’s voice trembled as she looked up at Noel. He immediately raised a hand to cover her eyes.

“Just a moment. I’m covered in wolf blood.”

“….”

“I need to deal with this before I can get my handkerchief. Can you keep your eyes closed a little longer?”

Selena nodded slightly. Noel, his large hand covering her small face, adjusted his grip on his sword. The bloodied wolf, enraged, prepared to attack again. Noel glanced at Selena, tense and silent, then lunged forward. Ducking under the wolf’s sharp claws, he swung his sword in a wide arc.

“Grrrrrr!” The wolf shrieked, its chest torn open, and collapsed. Noel raised his sword and swiftly ended its life.

Clink. He sheathed his sword and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket, wiping away the blood. He’d chosen to wear a light-colored uniform today, making the stains stubbornly visible. He stopped in front of Selena, having cleaned himself as best he could, and approached. Selena stood with her eyes tightly shut, trembling.

“You can open your eyes now.”

“…Ha.” Selena exhaled shakily and opened her eyes. Noel’s face was close, his neatly combed hair now disheveled, falling onto his forehead.

“A-Are you alright?”

“Of course. Are you alright, Lady Irving?”

“Yes, thanks to you…” Selena’s gaze fell on the bloodstained handkerchief in Noel’s hand. He quickly hid it behind his back.

“I heard from the priest that six wolves had escaped, so I rushed out. I’m glad I wasn’t too late, Lady Irving.”

“….”

Noel smiled. The midday sun glinted off his golden hair, blue eyes, and handsome features. Looking at his blood-splattered clothes, Selena felt a surge of emotion she couldn’t quite name. At the hunting competition, and now again, Noel had come to her rescue. The difference was, this time, he’d shielded her eyes.

Because of what I said about the flowers… The thought of his consideration made her feel even stranger. She had considered Noel the most likely candidate for her husband. He presented the perfect image, yet moments like these, so contradictory, confused her.

“You’re not hurt, are you?”

“No, just… I’m so grateful to you, Your Grace.”

“Haha, there’s no need for that. Let’s head back, Lady Irving.” Noel kept his hand behind his back, extending his arm. Glancing at his blood-soaked glove, Selena silently placed her hand on his arm.

By the time they returned, the temple had been somewhat restored to order. Maximilian had dealt with the remaining wolf inside, while Raymond had taken care of the other outside. The knights were quickly removing the wolf carcasses, and the Summer Fairy selection resumed. Since Maximilian only needed to present the flower, it was decided to finish the ceremony rather than postpone it. He picked up a slightly trampled rose from the floor. The three candidates gathered again below the platform, and Maximilian strode forward, extending the flower. The red rose pointed towards—

…Me? Maximilian had offered the rose directly to Selena. Her premonition, despite the delay, had proven correct.

“Well? Aren’t you going to take it?”

“Actually… I think it would suit Lady Meyer better.” Desperate to succeed in her mission, Selena forced a smile and gestured towards Luna Meyer. But—

“No. I concede defeat, Lady Irving.” Selena’s last-ditch effort was thwarted by Luna herself. Selena stared at her in bewilderment. After all that confidence about becoming the Summer Fairy, why the sudden surrender?

Why? Why are you doing this, Lady Meyer…? You said you needed to be the Summer Fairy because of your fiancé.

“I saw it. When everyone else was fleeing, you risked your own safety to help Lady Raven.” Luna’s expression was filled with admiration.

“Shamefully, I was too busy running away. I’m completely defeated, Lady Irving. You are far more deserving of the title of Summer Fairy.”

“But, Lady Meyer…”

Are you crazy? Aren’t you going to marry him? You’re supposed to throw a fit about giving up the fairy title!