Daddy, I Don’t Want to Marry!

Giving him a nod, I got on the carriage. Well go now. Merilyn, get on. However, Merilyn stared at me for a moment then hurried to the seat next to the coachman.

Ill sit here for the ride, milady!

I didnt understand why she was doing such a thing. It was bound to be uncomfortable. I was looking at her in confusion when Max called.

Here, he said. I turned to see that he was holding out his hand toward me. I grabbed his outstretched hand and, with his help, boarded the transport. Max sat across from me and gazed out the window. Looking at him, a warm feeling spread from my heart. It was thanks to him that I was returning safely. When Mikhail was chasing me, I didnt even think that anyone would help me.

Since I was aware of my past and the alternate ending it had brought, I naturally thought I would be alone in this revised version of my life as well. That was why I didnt dare to think anyone would be looking out for me. Nevertheless, Max had saved medespite the fact he could have been put in a perilous position if something were to go wrong.

Feeling grateful but somewhat awkward at the same time, I looked down at the back of my hands placed on my lap. That was when Max asked, How is your ankle?

Oh, its fine, I answered, then I looked up to notice that he was facing me. Seeing that I had his attention, I decided to ask about the very thing that had been bothering me. Max, I called.

What is it?

Thank you for today. You saved me from a dangerous situation. He proceeded to look out the window instead of reacting. I watched him for a moment before saying, There is something I have been meaning to tell you.

Turning his head slowly to meet my eyes, he urged, Go ahead. I could tell he was looking forward to what I was going to say. I hesitated for a moment but decided to blurt it out. After all, this wasnt something I could let go of just because he had saved me.

Looking into his eyes, I demanded, The handwriting on the letter you sent me looks exactly the same as the one in the note from the crown prince. I would like to know what happened.

***

Max couldnt help but anticipate the ladys words when she noted she had something to say. Her eyes looking into his were different than usual. He wondered if she was planning to confess, but the words that had come out of her mouth fell short of expectations. She was asking about the handwriting between his and that in the crown princes note! He sat frozen for a moment as he didnt think he would be caught this way. Moreover, the lady was giving him a cold stare, making him feel like he had done something terribly wrong.

Jubelian, I Max began his excuse but had no idea what to say. He gritted his teeth, bracing himself for what was to come.

Then I guess youarethe sender of both the letter and the note, she confirmed. Max clenched his fists. Jubelian was not usually this quick-witted, so why was she being so sharp today? How could you do such a thing to me? she continued then.

Max flinched at her berating words. I didnt intend to. He had never been nervous of speaking in front of anyonenot even the kingbut now, he couldnt even face the lady. Her expressionless face was making it difficult for him to forge an excuse. I just wanted to help set you at ease Max barely managed to verbalize the reason for his crime, but the lady asked back without hesitation.

What do you mean by that? She was like an angel bringing judgment onto him.

Youre terrified of the crown prince, so I wanted to approach with a friendly gesture, Max added quietly.

Sighing, the lady reproached, A friendly gesture? Do you know how I felt when I realized the similarity between the two letters? I was scared out of my mindso frightened that I had goosebumps throughout my body.