CH 9

(W-What’s this?)

SKELE-KING - Diablo 3 Playthrough #2

Caught off guard, Margaery blinked.

She thought he was looking at her with disgust and displeasure, but King Julius was just staring at her intently.

Finally, feeling uncomfortable, he suddenly chuckled.

‘What is it?’ She felt like she had made a mistake somewhere.

Ignoring Margaery’s trembling, the king leaned back in his chair.

“Hmm? You’re in love with my younger brother? So, spending time with Flora Hermeia was actually painful for you… That’s quite different from what I heard, isn’t it?”

“What do you know?”

Her throat was dry. Margaery managed to suppress it and asked fearfully. The king answered with a clear sense of amusement.

“The night you graduated from the academy. I stayed at the academy until that late hour, talking with the headmaster, instead of attending the party. Do you know why?”

“N-No…”

“It’s about Flora Hermeia. I asked the headmaster for more information about her.”

(This is the first time I’ve heard of this?!)

Ignoring Margaery’s surprise, the king continued smoothly.

At the party, Serge announced Flora Hermeia as his fiancée. Margaery’s father, who was the Prime Minister, had informed him beforehand.

As a member of the royal family, it was necessary to understand the person who would become their partner. That’s why he had asked the headmaster for information about Flora.

“I heard an interesting story there. Flora Hermeia, who was initially ostracized due to her birth, found her best friend. That friend is you, the Noel family’s daughter, Margaery.”

“I-I see.”

“Due to her birth, Miss Flora often received harassment. However, it mostly stopped around the end of the first year. The reason seems to be you. You apparently took care of those who were bothering Flora, and kicked them out so they couldn’t harass her again.”

“W-Well, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Moreover, you actively played matchmaker for Flora and my younger brother. From setting up dates to choosing gifts, and even timing the confession. You took care of everything. The headmaster was impressed and said you were the Cupid of love for your brothers.”

“…”

Margaery turned her face away, sweating profusely.

‘What should I do?’ Everything she did to prevent the destruction flag in the academy arc was backfiring on her.

Julius probably didn’t know anything about their time at the academy. That was her excuse, but it was a complete mistake. This was what happened when a strategist got too caught up in their own schemes.

As if cornering her, the king leaned forward.

“You said it was painful to see my younger brother and Miss Flora together, but you were quite devoted. To be able to do so much for someone, even while your heart was breaking.”

“Uh, um, well, that’s…”

“Well, even if you’re really suffering from heartbreak, you don’t have to worry. I’m ready to embrace you, including all your pain.”

(Isn’t that already a proposal?!)

With a strangely manly line and a sparkling hand extended by the king, Margaery held her head in her hands.

However, it was not the time to despair. Despite her headache, Margaery desperately tried to come up with a way to get out of this situation. She needed to find a way out of this predicament as soon as possible.

‘Any reason will do. I must stay in the castle, no matter what!’

“…Is there no way you could accept the proposal?”

“Huh?”

The sudden meek voice surprised Margaery, who was about to counterattack with a heavy breath. She saw Julius, who had been like a hunter with his ears perked up like a fierce wolf, now looking down with a dejected expression.

‘What’s wrong? Why is he suddenly like that?’ Julius continued to speak, looking even lonelier despite Margaery’s widened eyes.

“My younger brother, who is still related by blood, has chosen a lifelong partner. As an older brother, I thought there might be something I could do for him. But maybe I went too far without considering your feelings…”

“Eh? Me? Uh, what?”

“I thought you could help me. But I didn’t think about your feelings and went too far…I’m sorry. Please forget what we talked about today.”

For some reason, her chest felt painful.

For some reason, her heart was throbbing. Even his pointed ears that stood out from his black hair were drooping, and his tail that hung down through his pants seemed somehow lifeless. Margaery groaned at the melancholy sight.

(What? Is it my fault? What’s with this atmosphere?)

In front of her was a beautiful king, looking down with a dejected expression like a discarded puppy. The air was uncomfortable and unpleasant.

A subtle silence hung in the air.

(Ugh…)

This was a trap. A clever trap set by the wolf to keep Margaery by his side. She knew that, but her conscience wouldn’t let her stand up and leave, making her feel guilty.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, Margaery shouted.

“Y-Yes, I understand! I’ll accept it, I’ll accept it, okay!”

“Is that so?”

Suddenly, Julius’ face lit up brilliantly. Even with his expressionless but beautiful face, his sparkling smile was exceptional.

Margaery’s face twitched, but Julius grabbed her hand.

“It’s a definite decision. I won’t let you back out now.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“I told you before, you’ll be living in Loire Castle. Even if the Prime Minister objects, I won’t back down.”

“I said I’d accept it!”

She answered in a panic. Julius’ smile grew even wider. If this were a shoujo manga, he would have had flowers blooming behind him.

Despite his smile fading slightly, he tilted his head slightly, looking a little embarrassed.

“I’m happy. From now on, you’ll be right by my side.”

“…”

‘Well, yeah. That’s how it’s going to be. It’s not like I accepted the proposal for that reason.’

She wanted to argue back, but the happy smile tinged with shyness, the perky pointed ears, and the fluffy tail wagging in the corner of her vision stopped Margaery from making any rude comments.

In the end, she fell silent and looked up at the sky. And then, she screamed in her heart.

(Damn it all!!)