Daddy, I Don’t Want to Marry!

I had no idea why I did such a thing, and to a man who tried to torture me in the original novel no less. Strangely enough, stopping him was the first thing that came to my mind when I looked at him.

My friend and I got lost and ended up coming all the way here. Is this a restricted area by any chance? I asked. It is said that humans adapt in dangerous situations and it seemed that saying was true. My brain began to do wonders once I threw myself into the situation. The crown prince had tortured me in the original novel because I was considered a criminal, but it was true that he couldnt do anything to me at this point. Now that I felt confident, I looked straight into his eyes and apologized, Please be generous with your forgiveness as we ended up here without knowing so, since there were no guards out front.

I was actually mustering up the remaining courage I had as I was creeped out. The crown prince was wearing an eerie mask, which made it hard to tell how he felt about my words. I was waiting for his response with this thought, when he started reaching out his hand towards me. I became taken aback and frightened at the same time, but hid my emotions and continued watching to see what he would do. His hand, which alarmed me at first, was stretched out in front of me, leaving some distance between us.

Lets get out of here first, he said.

I hesitated at his unexpected offer to escort us , then realized it was impossible to refuse the crown princes escort in a situation like this. I grabbed ahold of his hand. His hand, which was covered with a glove, was quite big and held my hand back softly. I was beginning to think Ive felt a familiar sensation previously, when I suddenly remembered that I had forgotten about someoneBea! When I turned around, I saw that she was staring at us with an astonished expression.

I wondered why she was standing frozen in place, then realized that she was giving me a sullen look. It seemed that she was surprised to find out that I was the daughter of a duke. It was true that I had a high social status, but I didnt want to intimidate a person I had a nice conversation with just a moment ago. Assuming that she was a lonely child who didnt have anyone to open up to, I decided to remain friendly to her. I held out my left hand to her and said, Lets go, Bea.

She looked surprised for a moment, but quickly came to my side and held my hand. Perhaps it was because she was afraid shed be left alone in this dark place, but her grip on my hand was so strong that it was painful. It hurts, I said. Although I was talking to Bea, the crown prince flinched and loosened his already weak grip on my hand.

Did it hurt? he asked.

I shook my head at his unexpected question. Oh, no, Your Highness. I was just saying that because my friend was holding my hand tightly. I spoke in a roundabout way and glanced towards Bea. She realized what I was talking about and relaxed her grip. However, the way she was locking her fingers with mine was unusual. Having lost the ability to control both of my hands, I sighed.

The three of us continued walking in the strange formation for a while. It was then when I realized the nervousness I had had eased up a little. I had ended up running into the crown prince after all, but nothing major had occurred. I was glad.

* * *

Whats gotten into that things head?Beatrice wondered as she glared at her stepbrother. It was weird, no matter how much she thought about it. He hadnt threatened her, and was now pretending to be innocent and escorting Jubelian.Is he just being cautious because hes afraid more rumors will circulate?

At that moment, Jubelian turned towards Beatrice and gave a refreshing smile. For some reason, when she thought about how she called her a friend earlier, Beatrice became moved.Is she really that good-for-nothing lady as the rumors say? Shes so nice.Beatrice was doubting the word on the street, when Jubelian parted her red lips.

Bea, youll accompany me back to the banquet hall, right?

Beatrice came to herself at the mention of the banquet. Ah, no. My family is waiting in a lounge, so I think I should head back in later. She glared at her brother as she lied, afraid that he would meddle.What is he staring so hard at? Oh.Beatrices expression distorted when she realized where her brothers gaze was directed. A man who had never shown interest in the women the empress sent for assassinations or to gather intel was staring at Jubelian.

How dare he make eyes at her? He should know his place.Jubelian was the first person to listen to her worries and show her warmth. To realize that her devilish stepbrother had such an impious heart towards the angelic Jubelian made Beatrice feel sick. She was gritting her teeth in anger, when she heard a gentle voice.

You can come over whenever you want to have tea and chat.

Listening to Jubelians indescribably sweet voice, Beatrice felt tears welling up in her eyes again. Despite being unaware of her identity, Jubelian had reached out to her.Alright. I cant just sit by and watch that madman approach my friend.After making up her mind, Beatrice opened her mouth. There will be another banquet in two weeks anyway. We can see each other then. She could feel her stepbrother glaring at her with a fierce gaze the moment she said those words. However, Beatrice looked straight into his eyes instead of cowering in fear and added, Ill invite you for some tea after that.

Okay, Jubelian responded with a nod.

Beatrice was worried about what she was going to do if she was rejected, but felt her mood improve when her proposal was accepted so willingly.Okay, Ill tell her who I am at the coming-of-age ceremony, then Ill warn her about that demon.Beatrices eyes shined with determination.

Max, who was watching his stepsisters expression, crumpled his face.Seeing that shes trying to meet Jubelian so often shes probably planning to blatantly take advantage of her. But I wont even give her the chance.

A spark flashed violently between the siblings eyes when they connected. Jubelian, who was not aware of the psychological warfare between them, peacefully held back her yawn.

Im tired. I cant wait to go home and sleep.