To hug the male lead's thighs.
It was the very last option if all else fails along with 'make him fall for me'. But the latter was already out of the question the moment I thought of it. Alaric hated Henrietta so much that even a bud of simple like wouldn't sprout.
I thought of running away, but that would be continuously avoiding a looming fate. I also thought of not doing anything and basically just be absent when an important event happens. But it's also impossible, doing nothing would be going with the novel's flow.
Becoming the Marchioness Lovell was the most feasible plan. If I became the new head of the Lovell House instead of Henrietta's brother, I would have the power to cut him off from the family. The whole Lovell family wouldn't be branded as traitors. Becoming the Marchioness Lovell would also mean more opportunities to get the noble faction to stop trying to eliminate the Lovell House. Being the Marchioness has a lot of benefits.
But, it would be hard to achieve in a world where men ruled. In a world were women are satisfied with their role in managing a household, taking care of their husbands, and... making babies.
But it doesn't mean it's impossible.
This is where hugging the male lead's thighs comes in. I just have to get on Alaric's good side. The rebellion will happen the moment Alaric sits on the throne. But before it happens, I have already pledged my loyalty to Alaric and becomes an indispensable weapon by his side.
I rarely praise myself but being a transmigrator from a world, where the possibility of it becoming a type 1 civilization is huge, an officer of a country's special force, and a person knowledgeable of the novel's plot, I must say I am the perfect person Alaric needs to claim the crown without any hassle.
I am basically presenting myself on a silver platter.
I waited for Alaric's reply. But he didn't utter a single word. He stood there for a moment before leaving without even giving me a single glance, disappearing into the entrance of the imperial garden.
I sighed. My heartbeat was already returning to its normal pace.
As expected, hugging the male lead's thighs is also not that easy. Alaric already built a wall between him and Henrietta. It was presumptuous of me to think that he would immediately accept my invitation.
But who says I'll give up?
I clenched my fists. To hug the male lead's thighs, I prepared many alternative plans. I even prepared a letter and I intended to give it to one of his guards instead of talking to him personally. But, he suddenly appeared so I took the chance to tell him what I intended to say in that letter.
I won't let all the alternative routes I prepared to get the first step of my plan to work go to waste.
I captured many notorious terrorist groups and criminals in my past life. I served the country until the day I died. One cold and uncaring prince can't stop me.
Just you wait, Alaric. I already made up my mind to start a new life in this world.
"Milady!" a male voice sounded from behind me. Then came hurried footsteps.
What's with people suddenly appearing? And each of them brought surprises. These surprises must have drained my energy because I suddenly felt a bout of dizziness.
I heaved a sigh before turning around to face the person who called me. I was relieved when I saw that it was one of the family knights who accompanied us tonight. It was one of the twin knights.
He was wearing the usual black uniform the Lovell knights wear. His wavy, brunette hair bounced as he jogged towards me. I noticed beads of sweat rolling down his forehead that seemed like they were glistening under the moonlight. /Seriously, why is everyone I met tonight so good-looking?/ It was obvious that he's been running around looking for me. He looked worn out.
He bowed the moment he stopped in front of me.
"Milady, the Lord noticed that you weren't in the ballroom. He was worried and ordered me to look for you," he said.
The Marquis must've been worried that his daughter might've caused trouble somewhere. I see, I haven't gained his trust yet.
"Milady, we should return to the—" he trailed off the moment he looked at me. Then his eyes widened.
"W-what happened? Why are you drenched? Did someone tried to harm you?" He immediately removed his cloak and draped it over my shoulders. He then proceeded to tapping his pockets before taking out a white handkerchief then handed it to me.
I was surprised with his action, with how his face and the tone of his voice was full of concern. I didn't find his action offensive. Every servant who served me so far were either distant or scared. So, having someone like him who is genuinely concerned with my well-being is refreshing.
I accepted the handkerchief.
"I just encountered some mishaps. Please don't make a big deal out of it, Sir...?" I trailed off. Oh, right. I still don't know if this is Sir Keith or Sir Arthur.
Despite being worried, he still managed to give me a smile. "Keith Garledge, milady."
A ball of sunshine, that's my first impression of him.
I nodded, "Forgive me if I didn't remember your name."
He shook his head, "Please do not worry about it, milady. Even though we were your personal guards, we rarely talk."
I saw a glint of sadness when he said the last sentence.
"I see. I shall remember your names then."
The smile on his face disappeared and was replaced with a surprised expression.
"Is there something wrong?"
He averted his gaze, "N-nothing, milady."
I didn't pry into it anymore because the dizziness I felt a moment ago came back and now it felt like my vision was spinning.
"T-then, we should head back..."
I didn't get to finish what I wanted to say. My legs grew weak and then, darkness enveloped me.
-
I fainted that night while talking to Sir Keith and only woke up the next day. I didn't remember anything that happened after I fainted but Giselle answered all my questions. Sir Keith carried me to the carriage and immediately took me home after informing the Marquis. After hearing what happened, father excused himself and left the ball.
Everyone in the mansion panicked when Sir Keith entered the house carrying the unconscious me in his arms. They only calmed down when the physician told them that there was nothing to worry about.
Giselle also told me that father stayed awake all night waiting for me to wake up. He only slept at dawn after the head butler convinced him to take a rest.
"Milady, I do not detect any physical abnormalities. However, your core has been unstable. The flow of mana inside your body is erratic that even an ordinary physician like me was able to detect it. I suggest you visit the temple once you get better." The physician said while checking my pulse.
"I plan on going today," I said without looking at her.
The physician removed her hand from my wrist. "You shouldn't force your body, milady. Please rest for a whole day."
I sighed, "I already made an appointment with the temple. You know how hard it is to make an appointment with them even for a high-ranking noble like me. I simply cannot cancel it."
The temple and the tower cut themselves off from the world. Both of them doesn't dare to take part in politics. But while the mages in the tower still lend a helping hand to the empire, every priest and priestess in the temple focused solely on cultivating their cores. They focused on worshipping Helios and healing rather than interacting with normal people. Thus, making an appointment with them is difficult even for nobles. Only the royal family who were blessed by the Sun God are able to freely visit. I was only able to set an appointment because the resident physician of the Lovell Estate in Hutchrene was once a disciple of the temple.
"But milady, the Marquis would not approve of this."
I paid her no heed and called for Giselle. "Tell Sir Keith to prepare the carriage and after that, help me get dressed."
Annie hesistated for a moment but still followed my command.
"Milady, the Marquis—" The physician still tried to argue with me but I cut her off.
"Father is taking a rest. Do not wake him," I said in a cold and commanding voice. Seriously, everyone in this mansion maybe scared of Henrietta but they still see her as their reckless young lady. I need absolute command over these people if I want to do anything without anyone blocking my every move.
"I will be back before sunset."
It was exactly noon when I finished preparing. Father was still asleep and no one dared wake him per my orders. I only brought two people with me to the temple, Giselle and Sir Keith.
This time, I didn't allow Sir Keith to bring his horse and let him ride with us in the carriage. He was hesistant at first but who would dare disobey their mistress?
Inside the carriage, Sir Keith asked me about my condition and I answered briefly giving the worrywart knight reassurance. Sir Keith's actions towards Henrietta makes me think that they were close in past. He wasn't hesistant to lend me his cloak and his handkerchief. And it seems like he's used to openly showing his concern towards Henrietta.
After the brief conversation, the whole carriage ride was quite. I decided to put those thoughts at the back of my mind and focused on what I intended to do today.
It took us two hours to get to the temple. It wasn't a smooth ride because to get to the temple one must ride through a mountain pass.
The moment we arrived at the temple, a disciple took us to a red cedar gazebo. The gazebo was situated at a huge garden behind the second building. There are three main buildings inside the temple of Helios. The front building is the place where lower disciples who were yet to become priests and priestesses conduct their classes. It's also where the temple receives worshippers.
The second building is where priests and priestesses cultivate their cores. This is also where they receive guests who had appointments regarding healing and medication or appointments with the Head Priest. It's smaller than the front building but it has a huge garden with a few gazebos where guests can have tea while waiting.
The gazebo I'm in right now was situated in the middle of a small man-made lake. A wooden bridge made of red cedar connected it to the main land. The water in the lake was clear and clean. It reflected the blue sky and the lush greenery surrounding it making it look like a body of emerald jade waters. The gazebo stood on the shallow part of the lake and it was surrounded by lotus plants. Its wide leaves hid the beautiful lake water giving its pink flowers a time to shine.
The scenery was peaceful and calm. One could hear the sound of the breeze making contact with the stagnant waters and the buzzing of dragonflies as they happily danced around the lush lotus plants.
From here, one could see the summit where the third building of the temple is located. It is where the Head Priest of the temple resides. Unlike the other two main buildings, the third building was like a piece of white crystal placed on the summit. It shone the moment sun rays hit its walls.
The good thing about transmigrating into a fantasy novel are the sceneries that you'll never get to see in real life.
A small smile appeared on my face but I immediately hid it by sipping a cup of tea. It felt like a vacation. Come to think of it, I never went on a vacation in past life. So this is a completely foreign feeling.
The temple offers tea that only they can produce to their important guests. A disciple brought a tray of biscuits along with a tea set. Of course the temple disciples aren't obliged to serve the guests and stay by their side as they wait, so Giselle took the initiative to serve me instead.
After preparing the table, Giselle stood beside Sir Keith who was standing a few meters behind me. They were both surprised when I asked them to sit with me but then refused for reasons that they can't sit on the same table with the master they're serving.
I didn't have the energy to argue with them so I let them be. They also seemed resolute with their principle.
I purposely went to the temple hours prior the appointment to wait for Alaric. But it seems like it'll be spent waiting for someone who wouldn't arrive.
His response last night... no, I didn't even get a reply from him. Silence doesn't always mean yes. His action obviously meant he's not interested. Anyone would interpret it that way.
I placed the teacup on the saucer.
I can't help it if he doesn't arrive today. I just have to bombard him with letters of invitation until he concedes. Henrietta's spoiled attitude is surprisingly handy when it comes to matters like this. I just have to take advantage of it.
I averted my gaze towards the crystal building in the summit of the temple. Then my thoughts wandered elsewhere.
This whole thing that happened to me still feels strange. Come to think of it, it's still unbelievable. But I didn't have time to think about it. I immediately proceeded with thinking of ways to prevent a looming fate from happening. I burried myself with books and spent thepast days studying this world. Jotting down everything I remembered from reading the novel and connecting everything with the information I gathered after I arrived in this world.
It felt like... I'm doing what I used to do in my past life. I realized that even after dying... I didn't rest. And now, my current body felt weak. Maybe it's because of what happened last night or Henrietta is just physically weak or maybe it's just my mind sending signals that I needed to rest.
I didn't know how much time has passed. By the time I was pulled back from my thoughts, the sun was already starting to hide in the surrounding mountains.
I sighed and felt a slight ache in my temple.
"He really didn't arrive," I whispered. It's almost time for my consultation. I should head there now.
I took my bonnet hat from the table and was about to stand up when suddenly...
"Long live, Your highness! May Helios bless the empire's son!" Keith and Giselle said in unison.
With wide eyes, I slowly raised my head. My gaze landed on the handsome man who was standing on the entrance of the gazebo. Behind him were two knights wearing black uniforms. They carried swords at the side of their hips making them even more intimidating.
But what's more intimidating was the dignified and the dangerous aura the man with golden eyes exudes.
I was rooted to the ground, dumbfounded. I couldn't hide the surprised look on my face.
W-what is he doing here? I thought he wouldn't... I was certain he would ditch this meeting. Last night, he obviously... He was not interested in what I was saying. He didn't even spare me a glance or give a small nod as a response. Why is he?
I couldn't find a chance to feel happy. I was still confused. I really thought it would take me months just to get him to talk to me. I mean, after what the original soul did to the girl he likes, I was certain he'd give me a hard time. But...
He gave me a small glance before walking towards the chair on the opposite side of the table. My eyes followed him.
I noticed he looked different from last night.
He still had his black disheveled hair that looked like he just raked his hand through it. He was wearing a black coat and a black vest underneath paired with a black trouser. A simple white cravat was wrapped around his collars and golden brooch with a white jewel in the middle was pinned to secure the folds. He removed the sword on his waist and placed it on the table. /He's clearly showing his dislike by disregarding manners./ He used his black gloved hand to move the chair before sitting on it.
How do I say it? Today he looks more... casual.
It was still bright and the sun was still up in the sky, but was slowly sinking into the massive expanse of mountains in the horizon. I got a much clearer view of Alaric's features compared to yesterday when the night was desperately trying to hide his beauty.
The cinnabar-colored mole that rested under the corner of his right eye was even more evident. His thin lips looked surprisingly smooth and rosy, as if he didn't spend his teenage years in a battlefield. Yet his broad shoulders and well-built yet not bulky stature is an indicator that he had lived an arduous life as a warrior and has taken countless live with his hands. His thick brows and his sharp eyes made him even look alluring yet unapproachable. Paired with his reputation, he was both admired and feared.
He leaned casually on the chair before landing his gaze upon me. The rays from the slowly sinking sun hit his golden eyes making it seem like it was glowing underneath the curtains of his long eyelashes.
I hitched my breath and felt my heart thumping faster.
Somehow... Watching him under the bright sky, made him ten times more captivating than usual.
This.. this is the male lead. He was worthy of his own standing. I expected nothing less from a character praised by the author in every nook and cranny of the novel.
My heart... No, this was Henrietta's heart. I am amazed by his looks and how he was exactly as he was portrayed when I was reading the novel, but it's not up to the point where my heart would beat like crazy.
He cleared his throat and I was pulled away from a state of trance. I immediately stood up.
"G-greetings, Your highness, son of the Empire. May you have Helios' blessing," I greeted while pinching my hands, trying my best to stay calm.
He removed his gaze from me, "You were never a fan of formalities. Why do it?"
Even his voice was captivating like his appearance.
"I decided to turn to a new leaf, Your highness." I answered while forcing a smile.
"Sit," he said in a cold and uncaring tone.
I did what he said. I breathed in to calm my nerves, making sure it appears unnoticeable.
"How is your day, your highness?" I asked.
And of course, he answered with a question, completely ignoring mine. "May I ask Lady Lovell what is purpose of this meeting?"
I took the teapot and poured it into a cup. The strong scent of the tea permeated my nose. "The temple prepared some tea. I heard you can only drink their famous tea when you visit. I must say, they are indeed right when they decided to hide these tea leaves from the rest. It's taste is quite unique—"
I fliched when he glared at me. "Lady Lovell, my time here in the capital is limited. Please get to the point."
I gently put the teapot on the table. This prince doesn't even try to hide his impatience. If he was so intent to shove me away, why did he come? Somehow, the nervousness I felt a moment ago was completely washed away by a sudden bout of irritation.
I straightened my back.
"Giselle, Sir Keith," I called. "Would you please leave us alone for a moment?"
"Milady, but the Lord's order are to stay by your side as your personal guard," Sir Keith refuted.
I gave him a smile as a reassurance and I noticed how the dignified expression he had on his face as a Lovell knight was replaced by a dumbfounded one. Even Giselle who was standing beside him had the same expression.
I guess Henrietta doesn't smile at them?
"Please, do not worry. I just want to have a private talk with my future husband. Surely, you would give a couple their privacy, right?" I said. I turned towards Alaric who was still stone faced. "Your highness, would you also please ask your guards to leave?"
The two knights behind him stood still, unmoved, as if they won't heed other people's orders and would only listen to their master.
The impatient Alaric waved his hand. "Leave us alone."
The two guards, just like Giselle and Keith, were hesitant to leave their master at first but then soon, the four of them left the gazebo to a spot where they couldn't see us and we couldn't see them.
"First of all, I apologize for suddenly setting this meeting," I said.
"Proceed." He was not looking at me and was focused on gently running his fingers on the sword's scabbard.
My face twitched. /How princely. Sarcasm.
"At your banquet, our official engagement will be announced," I declared and that caught him off guard. His fingers stiffened and he slowly averted his gaze towards me. His face was dark and his golden eyes failed to hide a surging unpleasant emotion.
"What?"
For some reason, the irritation I was feeling grew because of his reaction. He really doesn't care what Henrietta might feel. Henrietta was a scum but what he was doing is what an asshole would do. Despite being a shitty character, Henrietta was still a girl. In this world, men valued chivalry yet this man seems to forget about it when he's faced with the girl he dislikes. He obviously knew that the original soul liked him so much she'd fight a bull for him. Yet, here he is, evidently expressing how much he disliked her and how he was disgusted by her actions.
Come on, at least try to hide it.
"Oh, so father did not inform you?" I pretended to be surprised.
He balled his fist and his expression grew darker. His expression is satisfying. In the novel, Alaric is unaware of this matter. To officially announce an engagement would mean the couple would marry before the year ends. By this time, Alaric has already confirmed his feelings for Adelia. He was also at the peak of gaining merits and was already favored by the emperor. He was about to become the crowned prince. Yet, this announcement happened at his birthday and Adelia was present.
I bet his reaction would be more dangerous if he knew about this at the day of his birthday banquet.
As much as I wanted to get back at him for being a jerk, my goal was to hug his thighs and get on his good side.
"Please do not worry, your highness. I came to offer you something that will be to your advantage." I said, my eyes brimming with confidence.
"What is it?"
I smiled, "I will tell my father and the emperor that I would like to break off our engagement. But on one condition."
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