FMLDM 04

Chapter 04

 The Proposal Letter Sent by the Monster Prince

“To Mrs. Calypse Patouan.

Date: July 11

Time: 2 PM

The contract signing will be held face-to-face at the large mansion of Creed Manor No. 23.”

The straightforward letter only said exactly what needed to be said.

No matter how much it was a contract marriage, it was still a marriage, yet they called it a ‘contract.’

It was a bit businesslike, but rather a relief.

“For one year, my plan is to avoid contact with Macaron as much as possible.”

As I settled my affairs and prepared my assets, the appointed day gradually drew closer.

With it, my curiosity about Macaron only grew stronger.

On the day I was headed to meet the prince,

The Romante Empire lived up to its name with romantic weather.

After closing the windows, I immediately began getting ready.

To become a proper lady of the Creed household, I had to manage the servants well.

For that, it seemed best to give an impression of trustworthiness from the start.

Not too strong, but with sharp, career-woman style eyeliner.

A defined nose bridge highlighted and shadowed to look dignified.

Straight eyebrows for a gentle impression.

Finally, tying my hair neatly finished my lady-like makeup.

The reflection in the mirror was like the older sister I wanted to take with me for a refund.

On second thought, I worried I looked too sharp and that Macaron might be surprised, so I let my hair down again.

Just loosening my hair a bit made me look somewhat innocent.

Wearing the coral ribbon dress I bought recently, I felt satisfied—as if I were a cute daughter and a reliable older sister.

When I braided my hair into twin tails as Coral wanted, a bright smile spread across her face.

“Don’t smile like that, daughter. You might break the house.”

Maybe because it had been a while since we went out, Coral was so excited she was stomping her feet until we got into the carriage.

When I told her we were going on a date, Coral couldn’t even sleep properly, like an elementary schooler going on their first field trip.

“She likes this much… I should have taken her out more often.”

Recently, with so much to settle and prepare, I hadn’t been able to pay attention, which made my heart ache anew.

The coachman joked, saying we must be going somewhere nice, then we set off.

Usually, we mostly walked, so Coral’s curious, rabbit-like eyes were full of wonder.

“Mom, are we going somewhere far?”

I should have told her earlier…

The reason I hadn’t told her before was that I worried how to say it.

“I can’t say I’m going to remarry…”

For Coral, the concept of remarriage might be hard to accept.

“She’s only just now opened her heart… What if she can’t accept remarriage?”

Bringing up remarriage before knowing how things would turn out was reckless.

“We’re going to town to eat some delicious desserts. But first, we’ll stop by somewhere…”

After a pause, Coral’s eyes curved into crescent moons, and she tightly held my hand.

“It’s okay. As long as you’re with me, Mom.”

Holding my heart, I gently brushed Coral’s silver hair.

Barely holding back tears, I managed a gentle smile.

“We’re going to the biggest mansion on Creed Manor.”

“Who lives there?”

Our Coral’s future husband.

“Mom will make sure our Coral’s future husband is properly educated.”

A husband should be capable, young and handsome, tall and rich…

Loyal and pure, with a soul clear to the bone.

Coral, perhaps because she hadn’t slept well the night before, began nodding off before I could even answer her.

It was a splendid, sunny day perfect for remarriage.

The reflection in the carriage window showed a quite beautiful me.

But in my heart, emptiness and fear coexisted.

“Is it because it’s so soon after the divorce, remarriage feels strange?”

Or was it the nervousness of actually meeting Macaron?

When we arrived at No. 23, a sprawling mansion stood proudly.

This peaceful estate, a bit outside the capital, was awarded to Macaron for his merit in the Stace War.

Though somewhat unusual, Macaron preferred to be called ‘Lord’ and ‘Duke’ here rather than ‘Prince,’ and his subordinates strictly followed his wishes.

Of course, this was his ‘declaration’ of staying out of the imperial court’s political strife.

The estate, called ‘Macaron Manor,’ had long since lost its former desolation and buzzed with lively activity.

It was clearly prosperous, using systematic farming methods, with people busy dividing labor efficiently.

Low-level magicians busily installed strict quarantine and defensive spells.

Though busy, no one seemed unhappy.

As we entered the garden in front of the mansion, the loud sounds of training knights echoed.

It was a strange sight to see the servants moving so autonomously.

After a while, a young-looking butler greeted me.

With autumn-leaf brown hair, thick double eyelids, and a slim build.

From his appearance, I immediately sensed he was Momont.

Dressed neatly in a suit, he had worked long under Macaron.

Though outwardly just a butler, he was a sharp mind destined to be a great strategist.

“If it were just a maid’s task, he wouldn’t have stepped forward himself. Probably watching me.”

A glance that tried not to look revealed a cautious air.

He probably already knew everything about me, so he didn’t have a very good impression.

Still, as a competent butler, he silently and gently led Coral and me onward.

“Please follow me.”

We hadn’t gone far when a burly man appeared, commanding attention.

‘Lord Aint…!’

He was a key figure of the Creed family who would later achieve great honor in war.

He gave a light knight’s salute, then moved aside with a serious expression.

People would later say Macaron was lucky to have such talented people, but it was more than luck.

Macaron recognized Aint’s extraordinary talent despite his illegitimate birth and rejection by others.

His keen eye had consistently prepared for the future.

When we reached Macaron’s study, the two men said to wait a moment and made arrangements.

“His Highness is inspecting the estate and should arrive soon.”

A carriage arrived, and an awkward atmosphere filled the quiet room.

Coral looked uneasy, fidgeting with her fingers while glancing around.

She clung tightly to me while walking down the hall, clearly nervous in the unfamiliar place.

Though I tried to smile to reassure her, I worried a lot.

I brought Coral along because I couldn’t leave her alone…

“Macaron should meet me alone… but what about Coral?”

Leaving her alone didn’t feel right.

“Could you watch Coral while I speak with His Highness?”

Momont and Aint both turned their gaze toward me.

When our eyes met, they then looked toward Coral.

But Coral hid behind my back, only rolling her eyes.

Seeing that, I didn’t feel good about separating them.

“Coral, would you stay with the uncle for a bit? Mommy will be back soon.”

I smiled as if it was nothing, and Coral nodded reluctantly.

“Promise?”

When I extended my pinky, Coral finally relaxed and hooked hers with mine.

Then Momont spoke to Coral.

“Want to eat something delicious with Oppa (older brother)?”

“-Pfft!”

I almost burst out laughing at Momont’s use of ‘Oppa’ for Coral, and our eyes met with Aint’s.

He also looked like he wanted to laugh, but quickly averted his eyes.

Catching my gaze again, Coral looked at me.

I nodded, and Coral took Momont’s hand.

Coral glanced back several times as we walked down the hall.

Only after mouthing ‘I’ll be right back’ did Coral disappear around the corner.

Left alone with Lord Aint,

He seemed awkward and paced by the opposite window instead of sitting.

The awkward silence sank into the room like it was a physical weight.

I realized how precious Momont’s presence was.

Thankfully, hoofbeats sounded loudly outside.

“He’s coming.”

Startled, I stood quickly as the door opened.

“His Highness Macaron.”

A large shadow approached and tilted toward me.

Perfectly composed, he came with his elegant stride and sat.

His tall stature and dazzlingly proportioned face formed a golden ratio.

His muscular body looked like it was carved from stone.

Swallowing my saliva, I admired him, only to realize his gaze was fixed on me.

His red eyes were so intense, as if seeing through me.

Though it felt like an examining gaze, it wasn’t uncomfortable.

He observed me as I observed him.

My professional instincts immediately outlined every detail.

“How decadent would his eyes look with gray shadow?”

His jet-black hair fluttered in the breeze by the window, and his ruby-like red eyes stared straight at me.

Only then did I come back to myself.

His face had made me lose track of time for a moment.

“Hello, I am Calypse Patouan.”

I extended my hand, and silently, his lips curled slightly.

I had no idea why but thought I’d made a mistake.

He looked at my hand and said briefly:

“You know who I am, don’t you?”

What? Is he someone who’s forgotten manners?

“Does he think everyone knows who he is?”

I was slightly taken aback. There was no setting of Macaron being narcissistic in La Vie en Rose.

If God gave him godly looks but took away humility, then I could understand.

Hiding my baffled feelings, I slowly dropped my hand hanging in the air.

Even then, he just stared silently.

“As you know, I am cursed. Contact with me might not be good for you.”

“……”

“If I was rude, I apologize.”

His usually calm expression suddenly looked pitiful.

Anyone seeing him for the first time would have to believe this.

But I was only bewildered.

Pretending to be a monster when he wasn’t one.

“Why does he even bother acting like that?”

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