The Hero Proposed to Me
Chapter 25

May I ask why you came without prior notice?

Because I didnt think Id have a chance other than today.

Your Highness.

I havent forgotten Ciel for a moment, but you dont even remember me. This is too much.

His courteous and polite appearance must have been a mask. With a fishy smile[1], he drew closer and closer to me.

I learned self-defense just in case, and I can use magic, so Im not afraid. No, Im actually a little scared. But I didnt want to look intimidated, so I purposely bluffed.

Go back. If you have any business, please make a formal appointment and visit us again.

Theres no way your parents would allow it. Dont you think so?

PR/N: then go away. Shoooo bug!

QC/N: He sounds like a complete creep eww

Your Highness.

I know youre angry. I apologize for what my mother did. It was so mean of her to slap you on your pretty cheek.

Does he really think thats why Im wary of him? Last time, knowing that I didnt remember anything, it seemed like he was doing it on purpose.

I heard from Theo yesterday. What you did to me.

I was still young back then, Ciel, its because you were so pretty.

Stan laid a hand on my cheek without asking me for permission. Every gesture disguises an explicit intention.

No uncomfortable physical contact is allowed. I expressed my refusal with a blatant frown.

Please dont touch me recklessly. Its unpleasant.

Even if youre Valentines princess, arent you being too rude to me?

If I dont like it, then I will say it.

I shook off his hand as hard as I could. I dont have any information about this child because he was a character only mentioned in one line in the original novel.

Im not even sure when you die, if you die[2]. Stan fiddled with my hand while making an unpleasant expression in response to my strong push.

Why are you so cold to me while you write letters to Alex?

Why is Stan talking about Alex? All my letters were delivered through Claras hands. The reply also arrived in Claras name.

So, in fact, no one knew about me exchanging letters with Alex except Clara.

How do you

Do you really think its a coincidence that I was there that day?

Stan beckoned and his entourage approached from behind our housemaids. Merrill was still away with Mrs. Lisbon.

He approached me again and smiled coldly, isolating me so that no one could help me.

What the hell is the relationship between Ciel and Alex?

My spine was chilled by his obsessive eyes. What the hell is wrong with him? Alex and I have nothing to do with each other.

Alex is a friend of my sisters.

You werent a kid who lied like this before.

Drumming and juggling alone[3], what am I supposed to do if you conclude that? I cant take it anymore. Even if I get scolded later, I might get in trouble if I leave it as it is.

I have no choice but to stop him with magic.

I gathered mana at my fingertips. As soon as I tried to recite defensive magic, reminiscent of building a wall between my opponent and me, a tightly closed door slammed open behind me.

Stan, what kind of behavior is that?

A low-pitched voice rang in the room.

PR/N: fangirls screaming cuz we know whos coming

I quickly turned around and became speechless. He was away for only a year but before I knew it, he had the face of a perfect man.

Hes already 19. I hadnt seen him in a long time with his hair like the night sky and bright red eyes resembling those of a beast.

QC/N: ()

That man, wearing shiny silver armour, was obviously Alex.

Your Highness!

I dont know why hes here. But one things for sure, I have someone to fight for me.

Stan must have been pissed off when he found out I was close to Alex.

Im sorry, I dont even care about you.

This is an opportunity. You seem to have misunderstood something, but now that hes here, Ill set your heart on fire.

I let go and ran over to Alex, trying to provoke Stan even further.

Ciel.

I missed you!

Its the appearance of a wild card to help me. Alex appeared at the perfect time for the main character. I purposefully approached him and wrapped my arms around him

It was half for show. Stan said he liked me, so Im sure his stomach will twist with jealousy when he sees this.

You must have missed me a lot.

You know how much I like Your Highness, why are you saying it like that?

Facing my bright smile, Alex also welcomed me with sweet eyes. Thanks to the fact that we have gotten quite close, weve got good teamwork. Stans face contorted at the sight of Alex and me, acting so closely.

Bam! Bam![4] Youre going to get teased to death.

Stan must be acting that way because he likes me, but Im not kind enough to listen to what a bully has to say.

If you like someone, you should be nice to them. Why would you bother them? Even the little scoundrel in my family may curse with his mouth, but he doesnt scream and scare me like this.

What are you doing here, Crown Prince?

I just stopped by.

He gave a nonchalant reply. Beyond the open door, there were knights following Alex. Seeing that everyone had something in their hands, they seemed to have stopped by to bring a rare seedling for Clara.

If I did something to the Grand Duke myself, my parents position could be in trouble.

Fortunately, the Crown Prince is a royal as well, and hes the best guardian of all. He also came at the best timing, in the most urgent moment. I was so thankful today that I really wanted to kiss him.

QC/N: Come on, dont be shy, do it!

You two, are you going to keep doing that?

Stans sarcasm startled us. It was a little awkward because it was our first time meeting in a year.

Are you all right?

I nodded. Alexs big hand gently patted my hair. Now that were quite close, this is fine.

Besides, I honestly feel good. How can he have such broad shoulders? Do all the swordsmen grow up this fast?

It seemed comparable to Isaac, who is considered one of the best knights in the Empire. His height, too, and the muscles in his arms were as hard as Isaacs.

How much he had suffered on the battlefield was reflected in how his beautiful hands became rough.

Ive been good. What about you?

I received your letter.

The bluntness remained. Still, as I watched Alex stand in front of me as if he had become my guardian, I felt that it was worth sending a letter of consolation.

I heard you visited without booking an appointment beforehand.

Stan replied insignificantly at Alexs cold words.

Its the same for you, Your Highness.

You dont even compare! I frowned and snapped coldly.

No, Alex is my special guest.

Because we became friends. Since Valentine and the Crown Prince are on the same boat, Alex has become a welcome guest.

And one more thing, Im feeling some kind of guilt towards Alex.

Clara, who was the heroine, was so happy, but when things turned out like this, Alex suddenly became lonely.

Thats why I have to be nicer. To save face in front of Stan, I intentionally wrapped my arms around Alexs arm.

Stan is blatantly displeased by the appearance of the two of us looking extremely close.

Im upset[5], thats why it seems like Ive become an intruder.

Its not the same, its harassment.

Regardless, even Prince Stan of Winterbaum does not dare to speak up in front of the Crown Prince, despite his previous rudeness. As if it wasnt unnoticed, when Alex beckoned, the escorts around him stepped aside.

Does His Majesty know that you came here today?

How cheap.

Citing the Emperors name, Stan seemed to agree and stepped down. I thought hed go now, but this guy never went easily.

Well see each other again soon, my lovely Ciel.

With another uncomfortable comment, Stan pretended to be cool and left.

Youre a nasty bastard till the end.

Lady!

Only after things were sorted out did Merrill show up with a bang.

Merrill, get the salt from the kitchen right now and sprinkle it at the entrance of the mansion[6].

Yes!

Dont come again. Mrs. Lisbon, who had taken medicine and was now stable, returned to the drawing-room while Merrill went to sprinkle salt.

Im so sorry to have worried you, Miss.

Its fine, the situation has worked out., Id like to treat the Crown Prince to a cake.

When the head maid heard the mention of the Crown Prince, she was surprised for a moment but immediately regained her smile and began to give instructions.

Even if Stan made a mess like this, the Crown Prince himself came and kicked him out. In other words, he is a most welcome guest for the head maid.

While Mrs. Lisbon was preparing the cake, I guided him as the temporary hostess of the mansion.

Whats with that seedling?

Its a gift for Lady Clara. I hope she likes it.

Of course. Shell be very happy!

Its meaningful that you brought it all the way here. Since my older sister wasnt here right now, I held his hand and thanked him instead.

I found out after getting close, but Alex was very considerate of his people. The nicer he was, the more guilt I felt inside me.

I blew your love flag, why are you so nice to me?

This is all the result of someone like me who has a conscience thats probably smaller than the size of a fingernail.

Anyway, the villain stepped down and peace came to Valentines mansion. Mrs. Lisbon generously offered food to the Crown Princes entourage.

I didnt want to worry my parents, so I decided to talk to her about this and cover it up quietly.

Ill tell Theo and Clara in advance. There will be no harm to you.

I have nothing to say.

If this really comes to the surface, Louis, who went out without saying a word, along with Mrs. Lisbon cannot escape responsibility.

Thats how I paid off my debt. After taking the medicine my sister made, Mrs. Lisbon seemed to be very moved when she heard that even this matter, which her life depends on, would be handled by Claras knowledge.

Finally, I saw signs that my long-standing concerns would be resolved. Obviously, after her official debut, even old employees couldnt treat Clara recklessly.

Even Mrs. Lisbon, who had been mysteriously dubious until the end, would no longer bother Clara.

So after beckoning the maid to leave, I spoke to Alex to catch up.

Notes

[1] An untrustworthy or dishonest smile

[2] Sorry we werent completely sure about this _

[3] Having to do everything by yourself

[4] actually means something like bleeeh like when kids fight with other kids

[5] is used when youre upset because you dont get something that you expect from others

[6] It is an old superstition to throw salt to drive away bad energies :keke: