Chapter -107-
A proposal. Well, that’s something I could definitely help with.
But to think that Rayel would actually ask for my opinion on a proposal…
“I thought he would have done it already. Looks like he hasn’t decided for sure yet.”
With Rayel’s personality, he probably has some plan in mind. Come to think of it, in the original story, there was a scene where he proposed to Angelica, wasn’t there? I think it happened after the two of them had confirmed their feelings for each other.
The proposal scene had been very well-received. Even I remembered it as a special, romantic moment that stayed with me for a long time.
It was a method that only Rayel could pull off—or rather, it worked precisely because the other person was Angelica.
“Should I casually probe him? I’m curious to see how he’ll respond to my opinion. If he really has gone through regression…”
He might react differently. After all, it’s something he thought about himself in the original story.
I set down the teacup I had been holding and asked him as I looked at the waiting Rayel.
“Do you have something in mind already?”
“To some extent, yes.”
“In that case, my opinion might not even be necessary. If it’s your idea, Angelica will surely be happy and touched.”
“Perhaps. Still, I want to make it an even more special memory for her. I’ve heard women have a certain dream about proposals.”
“Of course. It only happens once in a lifetime.”
“Exactly. That’s why I want to take your opinion into account. Apart from my family and me, you’re the closest to her.”
“Me?”
It’s true I had already developed a friendship with Angelica from the start, but the closest apart from the family and Rayel? Does he really see it that way?
“It’s not surprising. You were the one who stepped up to help her before I did.”
“Well… that’s because I liked her.”
“At first sight, right?”
The look in his eyes wasn’t ordinary. It felt like he was carefully observing my reactions, scrutinizing every corner of my face. Feeling somewhat observed, I squinted my eyes and smiled slightly.
“Of course. Women have their preferences, too. Angelica is my type. Beautiful, with fine blonde hair and eyes like a clear sky. It’s strange that she didn’t stand out before.”
Honestly, someone with Angelica’s appearance would naturally draw attention, even without dressing up. She had that kind of presence that attracted people’s eyes effortlessly, and her aura was unusual as well.
Perhaps her lack of attention at first was purely due to the original story’s setup and constraints. After all, she was framed as the heroine.
“Once Angelica changed, people began to notice her.”
The growing affection toward her spread quickly, and almost instantly, everyone’s attitude shifted, as if the time had come. That’s the power of the original heroine.
“You have good taste,” Rayel said with a slight smile, tilting his head. He reached out slowly and stroked Rose’s back before speaking.
“So, you helped her purely because she was your type?”
“At first, yes. But soon I realized what Angelica’s true charm was.”
“What charm?”
“You probably know better than I do, Your Majesty.”
Why ask me? I’m not the one she’s chosen. Surely you know her better than I do. It seemed like he was trying to gauge my reaction, so I deflected and quietly watched him. He lifted the corner of his mouth slightly and said:
“Of course, I know, but I’m curious. She talks about you often, and I want to know what someone whom my future wife respects so much thinks.”
“Respects…?”
“Yes. She respects you. She says you’re thoughtful, kind, and broad-minded—a person to truly look up to.”
“…I think that’s the opposite,” I replied.
Angelica said that? I was very pleased, but also a little bewildered. I just make choices without regrets and act according to my feelings. The thoughtful, kind, and broad-minded person is actually Angelica, isn’t she? Even Rayel accepted her.
“The opposite?”
“I just do what I want, but Angelica is really kind, thoughtful, and beautiful at heart. Few people are as patient and responsible as she is.”
“You know her well. Similar to me, I see.”
“Ah…”
Seeing him smile so openly, I realized I’d just been subtly interrogated. Wow, this guy… cunningly drawing out my answer. No wonder he’s the male lead.
I shot him a playful glance, and he met my eyes with a smile.
“Then shall I hear your well-tasted opinion? I’m curious to know what you would suggest.”
“…Don’t expect too much,” I said.
It’s a lot of pressure, male lead. You’ve probably already thought everything through, so why bother asking me? Still, this time it’s my turn. Time to subtly interrogate him back.
“What direction are you thinking of taking, Your Majesty?”
“Well… something not clichéd, something a bit special. Hmm… how did Lucius do it?”
“Excuse me?”
“Ah?”
The sudden question startled both me and Lucius. Lucius’ proposal? Of course, it was phenomenal. I could talk endlessly about how amazing it was.
“Ah, um…”
While Lucius looked flustered, I spoke:
“Of course it was special. I doubt I’d ever receive such a proposal from anyone other than Lucius.”
“It must have been that remarkable, then?”
“Yes. At the time, I was full of anxiety, but he offered his hand, saying we should forget the past and start anew together.”
“I see… indeed, it was special.”
Watching Rayel nod, I thought inwardly that he probably wanted to say, “As expected of my brother.” Though he didn’t show it overtly, the slight easing of his furrowed brows suggested he was quietly pleased.
“You, too, can make a splendid proposal.”
“Yes. I hope it’s as special as what your husband did—something that will be a wonderful gift for her.”
“A gift… then how about this idea?”
The proposal Rayel had given Angelica in the original story created an unforgettable memory for her.
“Angelica likes cats, right? How about giving her a new kitten?”
“A cat?”
“I heard she had one before and was very attached. She must feel a little lonely. If she raises a new one, it would be good for her.”
“Wouldn’t she be sad, remembering her previous pet?”
“She would remember, but she seemed to have moved on well. You can see it in how she treats Rose. She can give her affection to a new kitten.”
Even in the original story, Angelica held the kitten Rayel had given her, smiling brightly. She raised it lovingly afterward, treasuring it dearly.
I remembered what Angelica said when she first held the kitten:
“Its black fur and pretty eyes resemble Your Majesty.”
The kitten’s silky black fur and deep red eyes resembled Rayel, which may have made Angelica grow more attached. She even mentioned it looked like her previous pet.
A heroine raising a cat resembling the male lead—classic original author detail. The proposal method, too, reflected the author’s love for intricate setups.
Rayel chuckled softly, recalling the past.
“She couldn’t bear to part with Rose whenever we met. It was always a little sad when we tried to take her back.”
“She must really like Rose. Since she’ll be moving into the palace after the wedding, having a new pet would keep her company. A male kitten would also be good—Rose would have a companion.”
“That wouldn’t be bad. It would be nice for him to have family too. He seems lonely sometimes.”
“Oh, that’s a great opportunity.”
Outside the time spent with Rayel, she’d mostly be alone. He spends most of his day working, so there wouldn’t be much time to play with Rose.
“Meow!”
Rose, who had been licking his knee, stood up and meowed loudly, tapping his chest with her paw as if displeased.
“She must have heard us talking about her,” I said.
“Meow!”
“Don’t take it as a complaint. Good girl.”
“Meow!”
“Such a brat,” Rayel said, trying to pet her. Rose suddenly leapt off his lap and, without looking back, pondered briefly between Lucius and me, then jumped onto Lucius’ lap.
“Uh… there…”
Unlike Lucius, who was flustered and awkward, Rose settled comfortably, but still sulked, refusing to look at Rayel. Watching her, I laughed. Rayel, who had been gazing warmly at Lucius and Rose, spoke:
“Quite a moody cat. Almost like a human.”
“She’s clever. Understands well.”
“When she’s happy, she behaves properly.”
“And when she’s not?”
“You just saw. A very mischievous little fox.”
“Haha…”
They actually seem to get along well. His description proves he knows her habits perfectly. Even with her grumbling, there’s affection in his voice and eyes.
As he couldn’t express his true feelings outright, he still had that classic Rayel charm. Seems he hasn’t changed completely from the original story.
Noticing my gaze, he tilted his head and rested his chin on his hand.
“Well, is that all for your opinion?”
“No. There’s something very important left.”
“Important?”
“Very important. Your Majesty, have you prepared the ring?”
“Of course, the wedding ring.”
“I knew you would. That’s essential, too.”
The proposal’s pinnacle—the indispensable element.
“Wrap it and leave it where Angelica will meet. The kitten you bring can deliver it to her.”
Rayel’s original method. They arranged to meet in the secret garden. Angelica visited as usual. A black cat appeared with a small gift box in its mouth. As the kitten approached her, Rayel appeared from behind.
“The gift reached the right hands.”
Angelica laughed and held the box with the ring inside, along with the kitten.
It was a unique proposal, unlike anything seen before, earning praise from readers. They thought he would just toss it, but it was such a clever and charming approach.
“Wouldn’t the box be too heavy for the cat?”
“Your Majesty could use magic; it shouldn’t be difficult.”
“True. A simple spell to lighten the weight will do. Hmm…”
That level of magic would be easy for him. Even in the original, he did it so the cat could carry the box. There—just as in your story.
“Not bad. Actually, it’s quite good,” Rayel said.
“Then that’s a relief…”
“But it still feels a bit lacking,” he added.
Excuse me, male lead?
