Chapter 88

"Right now."

The King of Astrosa repeated the question with a look even more dazed than mine.

"Right now, did you say that woman is the Count's lover? Huh? Or are my ears playing tricks on me? Is that it?"

The short question I heard while crossing the castle echoed in my mind.

"Would it be more terrifying if she were my child, or if she were my lover?"

'Did this question have that meaning?'

No, regardless of the intention, I clearly said that being a child would be better.

Why did you lie and say she was a lover?

'Why, of course. You must be trying to toy with me.'

Grinding my teeth, I couldn't bring myself to object.

Because the Count of Serenity's lie was a well-intentioned one.

Moreover, if he were to reveal that he was a lover with someone like me, it would be the Count of Serenity, not me, who would suffer significant damage.

"The Count of Serenity, a noble of Calapha, playing love games with a commoner from the Empire."

It would be perfect fodder for gossip and ridicule.

Was that why? I wondered how the Count of Serenity intended to resolve this situation.

"It's a lie! The young man named Yeger, who was with the Count of Serenity, clearly said that woman was a maid...!"

The heated exclamation of the Marquis Medeis was abruptly cut off.

"Did I agree with that statement?"

The cold, golden gaze turned to the Count of Quan.

"Tell me, Count of Quan. Have I ever introduced Miss Daisy as a maid in front of the King? Please answer carefully before His Majesty."

The Count of Quan, breathing heavily with tension, glanced at the Marquis Medeis and answered with difficulty.

"No, I haven't."

He didn't have the nerve to lie in front of the King.

"Your Majesty. The Marquis Medeis whipped my lover in front of me under the guise of education. To me, that act felt like a threat to my life, and I merely took appropriate action to protect my fiancée. It could be called self-defense."

"Hmm."

"Therefore, I have never unjustly beaten anyone or abused my authority."

The King of Astrosa's eyes regained their composure. He knew the Count of Serenity's true identity.

'So he must know that I'm trying to smooth things over with a lie.'

But such a guess could be made by others as well.

"Your Majesty! I cannot believe the Count of Serenity's claim."

"Marquis Medeis."

"If that woman... if she were the Count of Serenity's lover! During the time I was insulting her, he should have intervened at least once. But he didn't, not even once! Therefore, the Count of Serenity's claim is undoubtedly a fabricated lie!"

The King of Astrosa, who had let out a short sigh, turned to the Count of Serenity.

His expression seemed to ask, "What will you do now?"

Despite the King's concern, the Count of Serenity maintained his calm demeanor.

He asked the Marquis Medeis.

"If you can provide valid evidence, will you admit your mistake?"

"Ha! If it's valid, what can't I do? But let me make it clear, I won't acknowledge a mere kiss. I want concrete, valid evidence."

The Count of Serenity, shrugging lightly, turned to me.

Our eyes met, and the golden gaze that had been bored suddenly became intense.

I felt uneasy.

As the well-polished leather shoes drew closer, cold sweat trickled down my back.

A gentle voice called out to me.

"Miss Daisy Pajer."

The distance quickly closed, and a warm hand slowly guided my back.

At some point, we were standing just a few inches apart.

Surely he won't come any closer.

"My precious lover. My noble love."

What if he does?

'Should I naturally endure it because he's my lover?'

But the other party was a lunatic among lunatics.

I don't know what he might do. If he tries to kiss me...

'Should I step back?'

But stepping back would make the Count of Serenity's lie meaningless.

Through the palm supporting my body, I could hear the Count of Serenity's heartbeat.

My back felt too hot. Was I on fire?

For a moment, I was caught in a mix of conflicting emotions.

After a while, the Count of Serenity, who had been watching me with a clear, amused gaze, finally spoke.

"Will you please marry me and spend the rest of your life with me?"

It was a rare, solemn proposal.

A proposal.

'A proposal?'

Did he just propose?

Ironically, the calm gaze of the Count of Serenity gave me a sudden, sharp realization.

'Ah, this is a lie too.'

Of course, it must be a lie!

Yet, I felt inexplicably annoyed.

I wanted to firmly reject it and kick his shin.

"Are you too nervous to answer? I understand. If you accept my proposal, just nod your head."

But this is his favor.

Who else but the Count of Serenity (Luka) would do this much for me?

Feeling a heavy heart, I nodded vigorously.

The Count of Serenity, with a small laugh, took my hand and looked at the King of Astrosa.

"I humbly request, Your Majesty, to be a witness to this marriage."

The King was already half in a daze.

"Your Majesty."

"..."

"I don't want to repeat myself."

"..., of course. I will."

"Thank you."

The next person to receive his gaze was the culprit, the Marquis Medeis.

"What do you think, Marquis? Isn't this enough proof?"

"Stop this ridiculous act, Count! The other party is a commoner! How can the leader of Serenity marry a mere commoner...!"

"Marquis Medeis."

A cold voice cut him off.

The King of Astrosa, with a suddenly cold gaze, rebuked the Marquis Medeis.

"You're dragging this out too long. There's nothing more to see. I, the King, have already said I will be a witness to this marriage. Or do you want to call me a liar as well?"

"No, no. I just..."

"The Count of Serenity's proof is sufficient. Your crime is more heinous. Not only did you intimidate a weak woman, but you almost drove away the only mistress of the Serenity family, who urgently needs an heir. Do you have anything else to say?"

The Marquis Medeis fell silent.

"Step back."

The Marquis Medeis, clenching his teeth, bowed his head.

Hmm, it seems to be smoothed over. Indeed, the taste of power wielded by my ally is sweet.

After the two losers were led away by the royal attendants, a long silence fell over the royal garden.

"Ahem."

A small cough was heard, and the King of Astrosa, taking a few steps forward, asked me.

"...So, who are you and where do you live?"

The Count of Serenity answered for me.

"She is my fiancée, living in my castle."

"I didn't ask you."

The King of Astrosa, quietly grumbling, looked at me with a curious eye.

"To be honest, I was quite surprised today. The Count of Serenity isn't the type to handle things this way. It was a matter he could have resolved alone, yet he chose to use me. It can't be that he wanted to see me..."

That's right. I thought Luka was being faithful to his role as the Count of Serenity.

I glanced at Dsherro.

Even in this chaotic situation, he looked very composed.

I understand his feelings. He has accepted the Count of Serenity as he is.

A radical lunatic, incomprehensible by the logic of a criminal.

At the same time, Dsherro must be suspicious of the Count of Serenity.

If he doesn't know Luka, the existence of the Count of Serenity must seem like a mirage.

'This might complicate things when we return to the country.'

Dsherro, this uncomfortable companion.

"Hmm. Miss Daisy, is there anything you need to say to me? Or any story I need to hear?"

Ah. A short question lit up my mind.

'Could it be that he's trying to bring me before the King?'

I looked at Luka. He seemed clueless.

Whether it was his intention or not, this was a unique opportunity for me.

I raised my hand to indicate my willingness to speak.

"Me."

"Go ahead, Miss Daisy."

"Your Majesty, I want to join Logue. Please allow me to take the entrance examination. I have a recommendation letter from Yete, so I believe I am qualified."

"...What?"

Facing the King, who had his mouth agape, I took out a piece of paper I had been carefully keeping.

A recommendation letter from Yete.

The King of Astrosa, approaching, took the recommendation letter from me.

A few days ago, Malicops secretly delivered a letter to me. The letter turned out to be the recommendation letter from Yete.

A short note was enclosed with the recommendation letter, containing brief advice.

Malicops' recommendation letter is my only card to enter Logue.

Initially, I followed the Count of Serenity to use his status to take the entrance examination.

Of course, his true identity was the Luka I was looking for.