Daddy, I Don’t Want to Marry!

That was when Merilyn called, Lady Floyen, there is another guest to see you. Confused by her announcement, I got up from my chair with a frown. How could someone who had just left come back so fast? It almost seemed as if he was using me for his amusement. Gritting my teeth, I shoved the door open then flinched.

Jubelian?

Before me was not Lord Elios, but Max, who was wearing a puzzled expression. Oh, hello, Max. Please, come in. I quickly put on a smile as I welcomed him. In any case, he had realized something was wrong.

You seemed somewhat angry just now Did something happen?

Oh, no. Nothing happened, I gave a white lie.

Come on, what happened? Tell me whats wrong, Jubelian. He was a persistent one. For a moment, I thought of telling him the truth. Then I remembered what Lord Elios had said.

Jubelian, I believe that I would be an excellent candidate as your marriage partner.

If I told him this, Max would be extremely displeased. I didnt want to hurt his feelings after not seeing him for a long time. Thus, I said, Well Its because I havent seen you for so long.

He hugged me tightly in response. I missed you, too. I snuggled into his embrace, burying my head into his chest. As if I was being protected by him, his muscular arms and broad shoulders made me feel at ease. It had only been a week, yet I had missed this feeling dearly. Brushing my hair with his fingers, he noted with a soft voice, It seems that someone was just here.

Uh-oh! I had been too occupied with my thoughts to clean up the tea set. I quickly came up with an excuse to avoid mentioning Lord Elios. Ah, I was talking to the seamstress about the dress

He looked at me with narrowed eyes then lifted me into his arms. Lets go to your room. Well talk there. Embarrassed that I was being held bridal style, I thought about asking him to drop me. Nonetheless, the bigger problem was him inquiring about the visitor, so I meekly stayed put as he carried me upstairs.

* * *

Max had swung his sword without stopping. His master, however, swiftly avoided the attacks and even made counterattacks. He did not show any signs of exhaustion.

Will I become like him once I am a transcendent being?Max wondered as he struggled to make out his masters movements. Rushing toward him, the sharp blade suddenly stopped once it reached the crown princes neck.

Thats all for today. Lowering his sword, the duke continued, Go see Jubelian.

Max was surprised by the permission only for a moment, for he figured it might be a trap. What makes you so generous today? he demanded.

Wrinkling his brow, his master answered, Dont jump to any conclusions. It is not because I think you deserve anything but because Jubelian wants to see you.

Max felt his heart flutter.She misses me so muchto the point Master is giving me permission to go see her?The corners of his lips rose.

Wham!

At the sudden impact on the back of his head, Max turned to his master with a crumpled face. Ow! What was that about?

Smirking, his master spat out softly, Get stronger if you want to know.

Hes playing cheap and dirty,Max insulted inwardly as he decided he must grow stronger than his master.

I wont let you live if you do anything to my daughter today, Regis warned before disappearing into thin air.

Does that mean he wont be at the mansion?Max had just felt insulted, but he was now strangely excited.

* * *

After changing into clean clothes, Max headed to the Floyen mansion. He realized something as he grew close to the estate and frowned.A carriage?Max felt his mood grow foul the moment he saw the Elios households seal. It was a rose surrounded by thorns. Reminded of the hypocritic duchy who claimed to be righteous, Max cursed,That damn fox, what does he want from Jubelian this time?Murderous thoughts slowly engulfed him, but he managed to regain his sanity.They must be in the drawing room.