Louvienne's eyes widened with shock and disbelief, causing her to freeze in place upon hearing my words. Was my tone not sincere enough? Is she interpreting this as a jest, or could it be due to our current location and timing being inappropriate?

Come to think of it, we’re in a room of unconscious people with no guarantees of waking up in the basement, sunlight never reaches this room and more importantly, it’s dim, making a gloomy atmosphere. I don’t know about women, but maybe they’re expecting something … elegant?

“How can you say that with that kind of face?!” Louvienne complained, and tears started to well up in her eyes. “You must be out of your mind.”

Out of my mind? I don’t get it. Were my words that bad that made her this emotional? I thought I was being straightforward.

“Sorry, should I take my words back? You look angry, and if that makes you uncomfortable then forget what I said. I didn’t think you’ll be upset about it.” I placed my hand on my face, hiding my embarrassment from the reckless words that came out of my mouth.

“No, you idiot! I’m too happy right now and I can't come up with the right response. Your words took me by surprise, catching me off guard. If you’re thinking that people only cry when they’re sad, then you’re wrong.”

“Is that an approval or a lecture of how people’s emotions work?”

She rolled her eyes and shook her head, and her response made me even more confused. Are women this complicated?

“Anyway, I’ll try to understand because you’re not used to these things. Of course, I'd say yes, I’ve been waiting for this for ages. Honestly, I already gave up the thought. So I didn’t know you’ll reconsider. You have to ask for my father’s approval though.”

“Then I’ll inform His Lordship about this. We’ll talk about it in two days. I’ll write a formal letter and since you’re going home, you can bring the letter with you.”

“What am I, a messenger? That would be tiring. I’ll just wait for him here.” She giggled, and though it’s something she’ll usually say, I can’t help but come up with ridiculous thoughts.

“Your home is literally just an hour away from here. It’s not a big deal. It’s not that I don’t want you to be here but won’t it seem like we’re crossing the line if you went here instead of your home? You’ll make your father worry.”

“This will be my home anyway. Would it be possible to reschedule it for tomorrow instead? I'll go home today and we will come here at noon.”

I wanted to ask questions about why she’s rushing everything, but I know it’s unnecessary to ask. As she said, she’s been waiting for those words to come out of my mouth for ages.

I can’t say I’m blaming her, but I didn’t expect that things would be too fast. I mean, I only gave it a thought today, and it’s not like me to come up with this kind of decision this quick.

“Fine. It’s not like I can say no. Let’s head back.”

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

Louvienne and her father, Count Raphael Halvekia, arrived at noon as she had mentioned. I asked the kitchen chef to prepare Louvienne's favorite dishes and desserts. While she has a strong fondness for these dishes, she managed to maintain her composure while eating. Her demeanor reflected that of a refined lady observing proper etiquette rather than that of a child eagerly indulging in her favorite foods.

"My daughter informed me of how you proposed, Your Grace. I must admit, everything came as a surprise. She mentioned that your discussions in the study about the tea party and the empress' intrigues took an unexpected turn. Upon escorting her to the dining room for luncheon, she was greeted with a charming display of flowers, her favorite cuisine, and music. It was then that you proposed marriage to her. She told me everything in detail," The Count flashed me a satisfied smile, indicating his approval and admiration for what he had heard.

What in the world is he talking about? Since when did an underground room with unconscious people a dining room with flowers? I cut off eye contact with the Count and my eyes landed on Louvienne. She smiled like an innocent puppy and gave me the ‘just play along’ look.

Ugh. I’ll get back to her about this.

“I wasn’t expecting that she mentioned it ‘in detail.’ It seems like she was excited about all these things,” I had no idea it would feel this wrong to lie. I’m not the kind of person who’ll lie about what I have in mind, but things will be complicated if I’ll say that Louvienne lied.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

My proposal was possibly the worst kind of proposal in history. It’s far from romantic, and I discussed it at the worst timing and venue. Maybe she said it that way to avoid the Count from thinking that my proposal was effortless?

I’ll take it that way.

The Count shifted his gaze to Louvienne. "My dear, once you're done with your meal, let me talk to His Grace alone, alright?”

Although questions were evident on her face, she nodded in comprehension after grasping her father's intent. It appeared to be a man-to-man conversation, and I saw this one coming.

──•~❉᯽❉~•──

“I can imagine how shocking it must have been to hear the news of my sudden proposal,” why does the word ‘proposal’ sound like a joke? It was only a random question for me but Louvienne embraced it. Although, that’s where it goes anyway.

“I’m not sure about that. When you summoned my daughter, I noticed she’s been talking about you a lot like there’s no tomorrow, I saw it as a possibility. I hope she didn’t cause trouble. She mentioned that she’s overstaying because she insisted, not because you told her so.”

He’s right about that. I asked her to stay for three days last time, but she stayed for two weeks. Even my servants would get the ‘wrong idea’ which apparently became right.

“Though I’m glad that you proposed to my daughter, I hope you’re not doing this because she tried too hard to get your attention. It’s too natural for her to do that, as she feels safe with you. It’s not hard to tell by just looking. She didn’t seduce you, didn’t she?”

“No, she didn’t. During those days when she was here, she showed me how much she wanted to help and support me with my endeavors. I admit – I didn’t ask for her hand because I have feelings for her, but because I have to protect her. You may not have known about this, milord. But I’m stuck in a situation that can lead to imperial conflict. The crown prince is missing, isn’t he? To tell you the truth, he’s here in my castle, in the most isolated room. He’s unconscious and I don’t know if he’ll ever wake up."

I explained briefly the prince's situation, though I'm sure that Louvienne already told him everything at this point.

“Also, Luvi mentioned the tea party. The current empress found out that among those ladies, Luvi is the one I’m personally acquainted with. She said that the empress tried to manipulate her, but for some reason, her powers didn't work on her. It only means that the empress has her eyes on Luvi, which means trouble,” I let out a short sigh as I continued.

“I want to be sure that she’ll be safe under my wing, as she’s someone I can’t afford to lose. She’s the only one I have left, as everyone abandoned me.”

Describing Louvienne as the sole individual remaining in my life is not an overstatement. However, the guilt stemming from my decision to marry her weighs heavily on me.

I am uncertain about the concept of love. What if I am unable to bring her happiness? What if I fall short of becoming the man she envisions me to be?

I am hopeful that I can fulfill the role of a supportive husband for her. Securing the Count's approval shouldn't be too challenging given our established relationship. Additionally, considering Louvienne's spoiled nature, it is unlikely that he would object, especially knowing that she has waited for this moment for years.

“I’m aware how scarred your past was, so it’s not surprising to me that you hardly have a concept of love, as you had a rough childhood,” he commented, and he closed his eyes for a couple of seconds as if trying to recall something.

It’s interesting to see that he sees through me. It was perceptive of him. “Do you have any idea why I adopted you and Louvienne, of all the children in the orphanage?”

His words sparked curiosity in my mind. I never wondered about it, but now I do. During those days, I wanted to find people who are willing to embrace me.

But at the same time, I didn’t want to because I had the feeling that they’ll be no different from the family I was once in.

“You were eight, and Louvienne was four. I wanted to adopt a daughter. The late king told me to adopt someone worthy enough to be his heir, for the queen was barren. He wasn’t willing to find another woman. When I first saw the two of you, you were both talking in a different language. I learned that you’re the one who taught her how to talk, and even at that age you knew etiquette including a bit of politics,” he looked at me intently, as if trying to see the child I once was from my eyes. His gaze made me uncomfortable, yet his words were intriguing.

“You were too mature and smart for your age, yet you were also a child who wanted to play. I figured that you were a noble since you were taught about those things which made things easier. The king and queen cherished you because you easily acknowledged them as your new parents,” he paused and took the cup of tea and drank the last of it. He continued after placing the cup on the saucer.

“Louvienne, on the other hand, has golden hair and silver eyes. Nobody from the orphanage knew where she came from, but I’m sure that her features resemble a red diamond Izavene turned into a human. She was perhaps disposed of by the family she was from, leaving the poor child knowing nothing about herself. Those were my reasons. Knowing that you get along well, I thought it would be better not to separate both of you.” The Count smiled as he reminisces the memories – things that I wasn’t expecting to hear all at once.

I had always been aware of the strong friendship between the Count and my adoptive father, the late King of Eskal. However, I had never delved into the reasons behind their bond.

Nevertheless, I remained grateful because Louvienne, who had been my childhood playmate, was not separated from me by the adoption.

It is still difficult to fathom that the once quiet child whom I helped learn how to speak and write is the same individual I am destined to marry.

Perhaps … this is for the best.

“I’m sure one day, you’ll understand what love is once you get married. From now on you can call me ‘father.’ Because we’re family now.”

It has been nearly a decade since I last uttered that word.

It brings a sense of contentment that, for the third time, I can address someone in such a manner.

Someone who knows about my past and has embraced me for who I am.

“If it pleases you, father. Then so be it.”