The Hero Proposed to Me
Chapter 17.1

What my father said was meant to put pressure on her, but my sister, who didnt realize it was sarcastic, started working hard as my shield.

Our Ciel is a good girl. Ciel, hitting someone else, thats ridiculous!

No, its not. Im really good at fighting. I used to fight with Louis whenever my sister didnt see me but thanks to her, I became a fair lady who couldnt kill a bug.

Lady Clara is right. The mark on the ladys cheek, its because she tried to protect me. Im sorry, Duke Valentine.

When Clara set the atmosphere, Alex didnt miss this opportunity and told the truth.

My sisters point of view was rather helpful. Alex would have been in an unfavorable situation if he had blamed Princess Lotte from the beginning, but when Clara spoke first, he had a reason to open his mouth.

Did they say it was like catching a mouse while walking backward when they saw this[1]?

Anyways, nice shot. Its my turn to step up now that the two have laid the floor.

The Prince is not bad. He was trying to protect me.

Though I was confident without feeling intimidated, I wiped my tears with a sad face.

Even I, who always has been acting innocent and sunny, never imagined that there would come a day where I looked like this.

With such a pathetic appearance, the opinion of those who watched naturally turned against the woman. Clara hugged me in tears and silently looked towards the Empress.

After hearing the whole story, my dad knelt down to wipe away the tears in my eyes.

Ciel, you were scared, werent you?

I nodded. Having a dad is such a reassuring thing. As an orphan in my previous life, my fathers existence was amazing and trustworthy.

He soothed me, got up, and questioned the Princess.

Your Grace, Id like to ask you again. Whos responsible for this wound on my daughters cheek?

My dad, who used the word responsible, looked really pissed off.

In principle, a Duke is under the Emperor, but my father is the Lord and archmage of Valentine, one of the most powerful men in the Empire.

In other words, if my dad is determined and tries to overturn it, then not only the vassals under Valentines orders but also the wizard community, which my father was in, can turn their back against the Emperor.

If youre an adult and make a terrible mistake that leaves no room for any kind of defense, you should be aware of it. Im still a child and an innocent victim.

Furthermore, the Princess attempted to falsely blame the Prince. It is a difficult situation, indeed.

Is the Prince trying to put the lady, the Imperial Princess of the Empire, into trouble?

His Highness really put me in trouble.

The Princess tried to hold onto her story, but Dad didnt back down at all. The confrontation continued, with no concessions from both sides.

My father is both the Duke of Valentine and the Emperors friend. However, it wouldnt be easy to ignore Alex, who is being treated like that, as if it was someone elses problem from the point of view of someone with children.

Dad deliberately put his hand on Alexs shoulder and spoke for all to hear.

Valentines must pay off the debts they owe.

PR/N: A Lannister always pays their debts. lmao

It meant a lot of things. Because he described it as a debt, Alex became the benefactor of all Valentines.

My father, who was usually neutral, openly sided with the Prince. The Empress criticized him with a disapproving face.

Are you threatening me now?

I was speaking to His Highness the Prince.

Today, youll regret it.

Maybe it was because things got twisted, but she ran out of the music room, leaving only a cold warning.

***

We made our way to the pavilion in the Palace garden after leaving the music room. Dad held me so tightly that I couldnt walk a single step on my own feet until we arrived at the pavilion, and then he let me go.

Ciel, my princess. Let me see your face.

Daddy, it doesnt hurt anymore.

It doesnt hurt but its still this swollen. What can I do about this?

How hard did she hit me?

My father looked very angry; he carefully checked if there were any more injuries, including my face.

Meanwhile, Clara rushed around the garden, looking for any medicine she could replace.

Thats a relief. Theres Mita grass.

My sister picked up two wide Mita grasses, and placed one on both Alexs and my cheeks, claiming they were good for reducing swelling.

Unlike me, who obediently allowed her to treat me, Alex seemed upset by his out-of-shape appearance.

Your Highness, dont take it off.

I never tried to take it off.

Lie.

Ciel, what the hell happened here?

I was left speechless by Claras tactless question. Everyone knows except for her. Still, I couldnt bring myself to say anything. Dad clenched his teeth and stroked my sisters hair.

Your Highness, it didnt seem this was the first time.

Although you entrusted me with your daughter, it is unfortunate that such a situation has arisen.

Alex became the sinner for no reason. He wasnt the one to blame. I jumped out of my seat and blocked the way.

Its not his fault. Her Majesty suddenly came and kept hitting him. Like venting her anger.

By any chance, was it because of the documents of that day?

How does she know about the documents? It was supposed to be a secret, I guess Theo secretly told her, and thanks to him, I found the right answer.

Her main character buff seems to be in good shape. Thanks to her thoughtless comment, Father learned all the details of that incident.

Since it ended this way, we must establish ourselves firmly. While I was at it, I sobbed into my fathers sleeve.

Dad, help the Prince.

Ciel, I dont think this is our problem.

But!

I have something to tell you.

Alexs voice was serious enough to make you forget that he had not yet shed his boyish appearance. Yes, say it with your own mouth.

You want to be the Crown Prince, so you need the help of the Valentines family; one word can change everything.

Do you need my help?

Dad hit the point. But Alex shook his head and asked for something else.

I need the Lords permission. Not help, but permission.

Whats he trying to say at this important moment?

I want to marry the Lords daughter.

Oh, thats what you were talking about, what was I thinking?

Yeah, it could be. If he marries Valentines daughter, the two men will naturally build an alliance as father-in-law and son-in-law.

Otherwise, it might be misunderstood that my father is plotting to become Emperor himself.

To avoid public suspicion, the best option is marriage; good, good. I nodded my head.

Please marry me, Lady Ciel.

PR/N: OH NO YOU DIDNT. YOU UNROMANTIC PIECE OF-

TL/N: KIDS- well I wouldnt mind if she acceptedAS LONG AS HE PROPOSES AGAIN THAT IS

Alex strode and took my hand, not Claras.