Daddy, I Don’t Want to Marry!

I couldnt stop smiling once I returned to my room. I was proud of myself for asking my fatherI never knew I would acquire so much valuable information! As I expected, seeing how much he had told me, it seemed that Father was still lingering on his plan to marry me off to the prince.

Obviously, my intentions were completely different from those of my father. With all I had learned in the past hour, I was almost invincible against the madman. Organizing my thoughts, I began to plan how I would act when faced with the prince.

If I do that I think it might work.I was in the midst of sketching out my plan when Merilyn knocked on my door.

Its Merilyn, my lady.

Come in.

Walking into the room with a silver plate, she announced, These are the letters that have arrived for you.

Without much thought, I turned to the clock; it was still before lunch. I had already engaged in chats with my acquaintances during the banquet, so I couldnt figure out why some had already written and sent formal letters like this. Bea came to my mind for a moment, but I scratched the idea after remembering her family situation. Besides, she had promised to see me in two weeks. She also had allowed me to visit her house at any time, but the expression she had shown when I turned down her offer was quite unusual. My original intuition was probably rightshe would not be able to send a letter due to circumstances she couldnt speak of, and such was why she had set our next meeting to two weeks later.

I grabbed the envelopes from the silver plate with a sigh, then I ended up bursting into laughter. There were two lettersone was from Max, and one was from a lady with whom I was only slightly acquainted. Since I felt terrible about what had happened last night when I kicked him out of my room, I decided to check Maxs letter first. I was also eager to read what he had written.

I wont be visiting for a while. During my absence, I hope you realize my importance.

P.S. You will only be able to meet me after you learn of my value.

Scowling, I stared at the illegible handwriting scribbled on the unfolded paper. With the apologetic feelings long gone, I couldnt help but feel frustrated. What was he even talking about? While it was audacious of me to usher him out of my room after spending only a few moments with him, I had been extremely fatigued after being stuck in a social situation all daya royal banquet at that! In addition, I had received a threat letter from the crown prince and had to deal with the illogical jokes from Max. It was no wonder I was thoroughly exhausted by the time I was in bed.

This letter proved that Max was indeed an inconsiderate person. If I could, I wanted to call him to my room to give him a scolding. But such a thought was long goneI didnt want to waste energy on a trivial matter like this. The thing to do now was to eat some sweets to feel better.

I opened a drawer underneath my desk to store Maxs letter and flinched. Inside was the crown princes note from last night. I was contemplating whether I should discard the unlucky object when I realized something. Squinting my eyes, I carefully observed the princes letter.

That was when Merilyn called, My lady, lunch is ready.

I immediately put down Maxs letter and headed out the door.

***

Was it delivered?

The Hessen familys errand boy nodded, Yes, my lord.

Well done. You may leave.

The messenger bowed before stepping out of the room. A girl soon entered. Her white-blonde hair was tied into pigtails, and she was wearing a dress as if she had returned from an excursion. I have relayed the message to Christine, Mother. She accepted my request without hesitationwhat a lovely friend she is.

Despite her daughters charming voice, the marchioness remained indifferent as she replied, I am only allowing such an interaction since it would be difficult for a viscounts family to become acquainted with the Floyens. Given so, it would be much better for them to maintain good relations with us.

But Mother the girl started, a little taken aback by her mothers harsh remarks.

Giselle, you must become more conscious of the society we live in, the coldhearted lady muttered. How many times must I remind you that a true friend does not exist amongst nobility?

The girl pouted. The two ladies remained in silence for a moment before Giselle asked again, her expression vacant this time. Mother, what was the reason behind sending a letter to the Floyens using Christines name?

The marchioness smirked. Given that the dukes household is intolerant of disgrace, they must be burning all the letters sent from our estate. This was why we borrowed the Mershas name.

As expected from the best! the girl exclaimed. What did the letter say?

You will know soon, my dear, the mother answered, her smile growing more prominent.