🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter : 21
“Yes. Even when Astella was stubborn and crossed the line, I was fine with it. Because if I endured it, a proper reward would be waiting for me.”
If everything had gone according to plan, I would soon have been living a peaceful, free single life. It had already gone awry, but I still couldn’t help feeling regret.
“Actually, that’s why I tried to bring you and Astella together, Your Grace. Since Astella wanted to marry you, I thought that if I resolved that, it would be a definite achievement.”
“Then… don’t tell me all those times I ‘coincidentally’ ran into the Duke of Binoc’s daughter were—”
“Yes, that was me. I deliberately created situations for the two of you to meet. In the end, it failed, though.”
“I see. I wondered why such chance encounters kept happening. Now it makes sense.”
Raiden nodded with a look of realization. He had thought it was too much to be mere coincidence, but never imagined the mystery would be solved like this.
He was a little surprised that Freya had been involved in that matter.
“But you didn’t consider Raiden’s feelings.”
At that moment, Savanna’s sharp voice struck Freya’s ears. Faced with her probing gaze, Freya averted her eyes.
“That’s…”
Because Raiden and Astella were originally destined to be together.
The two deeply loved each other. Freya had never expected the original story to go so off course.
“I’m sorry about that. But I thought you would like Astella, Your Grace.”
“Me? Why would you think that?”
“Because there’s no way you wouldn’t like such a bright and lovely girl.”
She was the heroine of this world and the male lead’s destiny. Unless one intended to change the original story, even another transmigrator besides Freya would never have doubted that the two would end up together.
In a way, the original story, conveyed exactly as the author wrote it, might not be very practical as information.
It only let you know the surface. It wasn’t suited for living in a world that constantly changed and moved in real time.
“No, Freya. I will never harbor feelings for the Duke of Binoc’s daughter.”
Wasn’t this unexpected development itself proof?
Looking at Raiden as he refuted her in a firm voice, Freya asked with a strange expression,
“…Why?”
“Because before I ever met her, my heart already belonged to you. The one I’ve been watching all this time isn’t the Duke of Binoc’s daughter, but you, Freya.”
As he looked her in the eyes and spoke each word, his feelings slowly reached her heart.
Freya was flustered. The words delivered through those clear, unwavering golden eyes felt utterly sincere. How could she possibly turn away from that gaze?
“Ah, please don’t misunderstand. Even if I had met the Duke of Binoc’s daughter first, my heart would still have gone to you.”
“…Yes, I understand.”
Faced with Raiden’s transparent feelings, she nodded.
She couldn’t fully understand it, but she had to acknowledge what needed acknowledging. She couldn’t stay standing in the same place forever. From now on, she would have to think hard about what to do next.
“By the way, it seems the Marchioness of Balche will also be attending the Marchioness of Delice’s party tomorrow.”
Savanna, who had been watching their conversation, suddenly spoke up. Freya frowned and asked,
“…The Marchioness of Delice’s party?”
“Yes. Didn’t you know?”
“No, I heard from Mother that she would be attending a party. But… I didn’t know it was the Marchioness of Delice’s party.”
The parties hosted by the lady of the House of Delice were popular among noblewomen. They had one theme: ‘forming good connections.’
At first glance, it sounded like a gathering to make acquaintances, but in truth it was different.
The Marchioness of Delice’s party was known as a kind of “marriage brokerage.” It was famous for finding and introducing marriage or remarriage partners for sons and daughters of noble families.
‘If Mother is attending that party…’
It could only be to find a marriage partner for herself.
“It seems, Freya, that she’s preparing your marriage.”
“……”
At Savanna’s words confirming her suspicion, Freya bit her lip. So that “good opportunity” she mentioned last night was this.
She had a bad feeling, and as expected, something was being plotted.
“Mother, is that true?”
“Yes. Lately, the Marchioness of Balche has often been consulting noblewomen about marriage matters. I’ve seen her approach ladies from families whose eldest sons are still unmarried more than once.”
“…I see.”
An unmarried eldest son. It was obvious what the Marchioness of Balche was thinking.
She must have thought younger sons wouldn’t be a good match. Above all, if it was the eldest son, there was a high chance he would inherit the family, and becoming the lady of such a house would bring considerable support from the bride’s family.
‘Of course, the dowry would be large, but not beyond what the House of Balche could handle.’
To meet the Marquis of Balche’s standards, which valued status above all else, only quite distinguished families would suffice.
Seeing her mother so determined to seek out a marriage partner for her, Freya let out a sigh.
“Hoo…”
“Absolutely not, Freya. I cannot allow this marriage.”
At that moment, Raiden sprang to his feet, his face twisted. Startled by his sudden action, Freya blinked a few times and said,
“I don’t want it either. I’m planning to go today and try to persuade Mother. But since I was dismissed from Astella’s attendant position, Father will surely be furious… He might force me into marriage according to Mother’s wishes.”
“That’s ridiculous. Forcing you into marriage over something like that?”
“My father is more than capable of doing so. You know his temperament well too, Your Grace.”
“Well, that’s true, but…”
Raiden trailed off. Having clashed with him many times in state council meetings, he knew all too well what kind of man the Marquis of Balche was.
A man who nitpicked every proposed policy, and who would stubbornly dig in his heels if even a small detail didn’t go his way.
‘I never thought he was a kind father, but…’
So he really was just as he seemed. In the end, a man who saw his daughter as nothing more than a political tool.
Raiden’s hardened expression didn’t ease. Pressing his lips together, his eyes sank coldly.
“……”
“……”
A brief silence fell between them. While Savanna quietly watched, Raiden opened his mouth with a resolute face.
“Freya. There’s only one way for you to escape this situation.”
“…What?”
“Accept my mother’s and my proposal. If you become my fiancée or marry me, neither the Marquis nor Marchioness of Balche will be able to do anything.”
“…Your Grace.”
“For now, just think about the present, Freya. If you accept, I’ll remove every obstacle standing in your way.”
He knelt in front of Freya and took her right hand. The way he gently clasped it with both hands was firmer than ever.
“You don’t need to worry about gossip because of the Duke of Binoc’s daughter. I and my family will make sure not a single blemish touches you.”
The golden eyes looking up at her flickered with heat. Raiden’s voice, filled with unwavering resolve, rang in her ears.
“So please, choose me.”
“……”
It was his third proposal. Faced with such fervent and deep feelings, Freya’s mind grew complicated.
As Raiden said, the situation was completely blocked with no good options. If things continued like this, she might really be forced into a political marriage with someone she had never even met.
If that was the case, then rather…
Lifting her head to meet Raiden’s eyes, Freya steeled her resolve and said,
“Duke Bethelheim.”
“Yes, Freya.”
“I’ll accept your proposal.”
Since her single life was about to be taken away anyway, she absolutely didn’t want to marry a blind date her mother arranged. If so, she would rather choose Raiden.
‘No matter who it is, no one could be more proven than Raiden.’
Wasn’t he the male lead of this world? Personally endorsed by the heroine herself—of course she would trust someone like that.
And she found herself curious about him, who had made the proposal again and again without giving up.
