I stood by the side of the main hall blankly. Just as I've entered my shift, Arthur announced his engagement with the only daughter of Bonnefort dukedom, Lady Michelle Bonnefort.
'Arthur and Michelle is a cannon event, no doubt!'
I still remember a comment left by a reader of 'Blade of the Unwanted' on the fan page. The encounters between Arthur and Michelle weren't little, and it always managed to leave an impact even on the readers. It's not a wonder if they had caught feelings for each other. It was foolish of me to hope for a chance with him even though I knew of the fact.
The one that Arthur likes is Michelle. The person he was so eager to see during our return was also her.
*What a fool I am.*
"Congratulations, Lord Arthur and Lady Michelle!" said a young lord as he raised a toast.
"You're a match made in heaven!" A middle-aged woman with a furry hand fan praised.
"I knew you two will end up together!" An old nobleman exclaimed as he rubbed his hand together.
The crowd praises endlessly, showering the new couple with flattering words. If Arthur marries Lady Michelle, he would inherit the dukedom since Lady Michelle is the only heiress of Bonnefort. That's why the people who shunned him before are sucking up to him. They must've regretted treating the previously abandoned, third son of the Everglen viscounty poorly.
Back then, he was even thrown into a monster's den by his own brother. That was when he met Lucius and served him until now. Maybe not anymore after this but he will definitely assist Lucius in times of need.
*Hypocrite bastards!* I tried to control my facial expression.
Anyway, this is a good ending for Arthur. I should be happy for him. Look at how joyous he is right now. That big smile on his face didn't wither even for a second! Maybe they promised to get engaged before the Scourge.
Standing by his side, hand in hand is a gorgeous lady around my age. Golden locks flowing down her shoulder, beautifully adorned with luxurious hair accessories, pearl white skin and beautiful electric blue eyes with a tint of green. A delicate body that managed to perfectly hold up a dignified and conservative demeanour.
*Forget about competing, if I'm a guy, I would've fell head over heels for her, too.* I stared at them with a feeling of longing.
Maybe this is the side story of the novel itself. A love story after all those fights and wars doesn't sound so bad. Even better is that I got to see it with my own eyes. It actually feels like some sort of premium subscription on the book. However, maybe it's too premium that I felt my heart ache because of it.
*Sad?* Entity asked.
*Kinda. Can't be helped,* I shrugged.
I couldn't really be moping around, right? Hence, I kept a straight face throughout my duty before I felt a tap on my shoulder.
"Want to change shift now?" Sir William popped out of nowhere with his usual soft smile.
"Woah, you came by yourself? You're so diligent, sir William!"
He looked at me with concern before saying, "…you don't look so well, dame."
"The night isn't getting younger, right?" I sighed. "I should really try not to show it on my face better, haha!" I moved from my position and gave him a salute. "I'll go get a break, then."
"Alright," he nodded.
I walked out of the merry ball, giving the celebration another glance. The dance just started, music swirled in the air while the gentlemen began to ask the ladies for a dance. The centre of it all is none other than the newly engaged couple.
I gazed at Arthur for the last time before completely leaving the hall. His eyes filled with love and adoration as he dances with Lady Michelle. His moves were as light as a feather, proving how delighted he was at the moment. Even if I am a stranger, I could tell from a glance that he is in love.
"Should I go back to the knight's feast and just stuff myself more?" I muttered to myself, finally taking my leave,
Shoulders slouched, head down, I walked aimlessly. The stars seem to shine very brightly here. There's not much light pollution, that might be the cause. I held my head up as I gazed on the beautifully crafted night sky. It looks so magical that I thought I might be able to catch a glimpse of a falling star somewhere in the vast sky. I also couldn't help but wonder if the constellations here were the same as the one in the other world.
"Oh, well, at least the view is great!" I stretched my arms up, breathing in the fresh air.
As I was enjoying my leisurely stroll, I spotted Lucius in the garden with a pink haired woman. I squinted my eyes to see properly, not wishing to come closer. Fluffy, long pastel-pink hair with icy blue eyes. A petite and adorable lady standing right in front of Lucius, close enough to give an embrace. She looks like a cotton candy, to be honest.
*Hm? Now that I think of it….isn't that the 7th imperial princess?"
'The princess is like a wolf in a sheep clothing. Despite her petite looking appearance, she is actually a psychotic lady who is capable of doing anything to get what she wants.'
Her past fiancés all had a regretfully accidental death. Hence, rumours like that spread around. Now, that very psychotic lady had her eyes on our MC. In the book, she followed him around whenever he is in sight. I'm not sure since when it started and why, it just turned out like that. I mean, the book is about action, not romance.
Worse is that we only have the POV of that oblivious MC. He didn't even care enough to notice her feelings nor why she likes him. However, with the princess around, no other ladies dared to approach him.
"Tch, tch, that hopeless bastard. When will he be able to get married at this rate?" I scoffed.
*Anyway, I wish him luck in handling the lady. Hope you'll live a long life. You're my money source, after all!* I continued to watch in amusement.
Suddenly, Lucius turned my way, ignoring whatever the princess was talking about.
*Ack, he saw me!* I flinched a bit.
He then strode in my direction, followed by that princess. My eyes darted uncomfortably at the two approaching figure, not knowing whether I should make a run of it or stood still. However, I had no choice but to pick the later.
*Aish, this bastard. Don't come here when you got that psycho lady in tow!* I was incredibly flustered, but tried to maintain an unbothered face.
Lucius stopped next to me and turned back to the princess. While I was still glued on my spot, I felt his arm wrapping around my shoulders.
"Princess, this knight is the one that I like," he said nonchalantly.
*What the actual f— ?!" My eyes widened at the sudden declaration. "Does he want me to get executed?!*