Chapter 08
Is fainting after crying a hobby in your family?
It was one thing that I somehow managed to lay Solard down after he suddenly fainted.
The problem was that right after that, the door burst open, a sword was pointed at me, some strange old man demanded to know what I had said—
and then he fainted too.
Describe Minselly’s feelings at this moment. (4 points)
The man beside him caught the fallen old man with amazing reflexes. If this were a comic, there would definitely be sweat drops drawn all over his embarrassed face.
“Is he… breathing?”
“…?”
“His Grace suddenly stopped breathing for a moment after hearing what I said.”
At my words, the man checked the old man’s breathing with a dark expression. He nodded.
So this one wasn’t having breathing trouble. Just a simple faint.
He carefully laid the old man—who looked like he was about to peacefully pass on—on the seat across from me. Then he took out a pen and notebook, hesitating.
He looked like he didn’t know how to start. Hey, you too?
“Um…”
When I spoke first, he looked up.
“You must have it hard.”
Was it normal to feel sympathy for someone who had just appeared with a sword and threatened me?
But seeing him nod stiffly, I suddenly felt sorry for him.
I looked back and forth between Solard and the old man lying across from him.
With his eyes closed, the old man looked gentle and dignified.
At first, I thought he would shout something like, “How dare a commoner!”
If that happened, I was planning to grab some money and run.
But crying and fainting over a proposal?
I understand the Grand Duke, but why you too, sir…?
I must have stepped into something dangerous. The rude Northern Grand Duke I expected turned out to be a baby kitten. And he fainted.
Isn’t this false advertising? The character setting has completely collapsed. Marriage? Forget it. I’ll just live peacefully with Daisy.
While my mind was blank, the notebook suddenly came close to my face.
—If it is not rude, may I ask your name?
Wow. I finally feel like I’m talking to a normal person.
“My name is Selus.”
—My name is Gillein. I am currently serving as a servant. Please treat me comfortably.
The conversation was slow since we were writing, but it was the most comfortable moment of my day.
—I sincerely apologize for today.
“No, no. I was the rude one. I was too…”
Too reckless? Too sudden?
No matter what I added, it would sound strange. After all, two people were fainted in front of us.
After a short pause, he carefully asked again.
—About the proposal you mentioned…
“Yes. That kind of proposal. The ‘asking for marriage’ kind. My… the curse doesn’t work on me.”
Gillein looked completely shocked. His neat face didn’t match that surprised expression.
I nodded calmly, even though I kept laughing awkwardly.
I don’t know anymore. I just want to go home.
“So I thought I’d marry His Grace and sit on a pile of money at least once… but I guess it was a useless idea.”
Haha. What was I thinking?
Gillein’s face turned pale, but I just smiled and adjusted my skirt.
“Well then, I’ll be going now.”
Once I gave up, I strangely felt relieved.
I carefully placed the Grand Duke’s head back on the seat and stood up. Gillein looked restless, as if he had something to say.
After hurriedly scribbling, he showed me the notebook.
—We were truly rude today. Shall we escort you home?
“It’s fine.”
Good luck.
I bowed lightly and walked back toward the mansion.
I may have ruined everything, but I’ve dated before. I know marriage isn’t supposed to start like this.
Anyone could see this was a complete failure. Giving up feels much better.
Today’s lesson:
If you’re not the heroine, live your life carefully and with a plan.
The next day, the mansion was noisy because Lennox came to make a public proposal.
Watching the scene, yesterday’s memory crossed my mind.
Right. That’s how a proposal should look. Not like me, blurting it out without thinking.
I sighed and started seriously thinking about how I should live my life from now on.
A few more days passed.
“Selus, the Count is looking for you. Please come to the drawing room.”
“Huh? The Count?”
Usually it was Madam or Daisy who called me. The Count rarely did.
When I entered—
“Selly, you’re here.”
As the Count welcomed me, the people sitting across from him turned their heads.
It was them. The Grand Duke’s people.
“Oh? You’re the ones from that time—”
As if my voice was a button, the old man jumped up like a spring toy and rushed toward me, grabbing my hands tightly.
“Miss, we were terribly rude last time!”
“Ah, yes…”
I glanced at the Count behind him.
‘What is this?’
‘I don’t know either…’
Silent conversation through eye contact.
Gillein stepped forward and handed me his notebook.
—We apologize for visiting so suddenly…
Is he in charge of apologizing?
“Wait, how did you know I was here?”
Gillein hesitated and avoided eye contact. The old man answered instead.
“We came to give you an answer to the proposal.”
“Excuse me?”
That’s not what I asked.
“Proposal?”
The Count looked at me in shock.
Before I could respond, the door suddenly burst open.
“Selly, you’re getting married?!”
It was Daisy.
“Daisy, why are you here?”
“How can you get married without telling me?!”
Breathe first!
“No! I’m not!”
I pulled my hand away from the old man.
“You’re not?!” he cried.
Why is everyone like this?
The Count tried to calm things down, but the old man interrupted.
“You cannot refuse! You are the only hope of Artensia!”
“I said I’m not doing it!”
“Lady Winthilia, please allow me to speak with her!”
“Selly is going to live with me forever!”
My ears are going to bleed.
I quietly moved next to the Count.
“I’m sorry…”
“You have nothing to apologize for,” he said gently.
Then he asked calmly,
“Did you really agree to marry?”
“It’s not decided.”
“So it wasn’t completely nothing.”
He tapped the table loudly. Finally, everyone fell silent.
Daisy reluctantly sat down.
After tea was prepared, the old man stood up.
“I will introduce myself. I am Eloi Cezar of House Cezar, who has served the Artensia family for generations. I currently serve as the butler of His Grace.”
He bowed deeply.
Daisy sat with her arms crossed, looking displeased.
Why are you so obsessed with me? Please don’t become a possessive villain.
I held Daisy’s hand.
“Daisy, I’ll explain later. Can you go back to your room for now?”
“Is it something I shouldn’t hear?”
“It’s not that…”
After hesitating, she stood up.
“…Fine.”
Before leaving, she glared at them.
Once she was gone, I let out a deep sigh.
I only wanted to live comfortably.
So why does everything keep getting more complicated?
