In the living room, Avery talks about how excited she was to visit the palace. It's not that she hasn't been there before, as she often attends the parties held there, but at the parties she doesn't have the opportunity to explore the place. This time, however, she has been able to see a large part of the palace and, thanks to that, she has been able to speak in person with the second prince, Darrell. Avery recounts how kind he was to her and that he even promised to send her an invitation to have tea with the queen. This, of course, excited the young woman, who will eagerly await said invitation.
"I'm going to study a lot, to impress the queen. Maybe I'll get her to want me to marry the second prince," she chatters on.
"The second? If you were going to try to impress the queen, at least it should be to become the crown princess," Ciel replies with annoyance.
"I didn't know you were ambitious, Ciel, but no, I'm not looking for status. I like the second prince, he's so cute and kind," she sighs.
"The crown prince is much cuter," she stands up. "Smarter and stronger too."
"You're so annoying, Ciel," Avery complains.
Ciel says nothing more and leaves, no longer wanting to hear about how supposedly wonderful Darrell is.
For the rest of the day, Ciel went to the library. She needs to study and learn a bit more about that world, especially its norms among society.
Later, during dinner, Avery also tells her parents about her encounter with the second prince and that he promised to invite her to have tea with the queen. This excites her greatly, to the point of asking her parents that she wants to marry the second prince.
"Avery dear, that's not possible, that's precisely what we wanted to talk to you about," the countess interrupts.
Avery's smile immediately vanished upon hearing her mother's words.
"But, why not? His Highness is not engaged, and we are a family of good prestige," Avery looked worried.
"I have already promised that you would marry someone else," the count informs.
"What?! No, I don't want to, I don't accept...I don't want you to choose my husband," she complains.
"Avery, don't make your father angry, he has already made a decision," the countess scolds her.
"But Mother, I already have someone I want to marry," she points to Ciel. "Why don't you use Ciel for that engagement?"
"Avery! It's not up for discussion. You're twenty, you're getting past the age to marry. Your sister barely..."
"It's okay, I'll marry that person if Avery doesn't want to," Ciel replies.
The count and countess and Avery are silent at Ciel's response. If Avery wants so much to marry the second prince, then let her be free to do so. Then she will see for herself the cruel reality. After all, if she marries Aleksander instead of Avery, the second prince will have no chance against him, because unlike Avery, she will not fall for Darrell's deception.
"If they haven't specifically asked for Avery, then I can take her place," she speaks calmly.
"You see? Ciel is willing to marry," Avery interjects.
"Silence, Avery. Are you sure, Ciel? You just turned eighteen and I have received other proposals for you," the count comments.
"Your father is right," he looks at Avery. "Ciel is younger and understands the situation better, you should learn and mature a bit, Avery," he scolds her.
Avery clenches her hands on the skirt of her dress, holding back her anger at the scolding she was receiving.
"We'll talk about this later. As for Avery, if the second prince's invitation arrives, you will not go," he warns.
"What? Father, it's not fair. I would be losing a great opportunity to be close to him," she complains.
"I don't care, and if I find out that you have gone out without my permission, I will send you to a convent for a year," he slams the table with his fist.
At the noise, Avery startles and lowers her gaze, holding back the urge to cry from powerlessness. She didn't understand why her parents wouldn't allow her to be close to the second prince. Surely he is a better option than the man they want her to marry.
.
.
.
Ciel had gone up to her room after dinner. When she was alone, she couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh.
"But what did I do?" She shouldn't have said too much.
Would it be a good idea to take Avery's place and marry Aleksander? It is true that his nickname on the battlefield was the Beast, because of his ferocity against his enemies, but off the battlefield, he was like any other nobleman, courteous and agile in his business. That's why his territory had managed to prosper and he was one of the richest dukes in the kingdom, being a fundamental pillar for the kings. Ciel looks out the window, raising her eyes to the moon. She will accept the marriage, and if Aleksander Ronchembert does not turn out to be a good ally, then she will simply seek a divorce and leave, because she doubts that her parents will accept her if she divorces.
The next day in the family room, the count reveals who is the person who has asked for one of his daughters in marriage and that the king had already approved said petition.
"The Beast? Father wants me to marry that bloodthirsty monster..." Avery screams in fright. "No, I don't care about the punishment, it's a resounding no!"
"You're too exaggerated, Avery. The Beast is just a battle nickname, that doesn't mean he's really a cruel person," he looks at her with a smile. "You'd be surprised to know who the real beasts are."
Poor and naive Avery, who is swayed only by rumors, without knowing that the one she considers generous and attractive is actually that beast who is hungry for power and capable of using anyone to get what he wants.
"You see, Avery? Your younger sister is more sensible and wise than you," the countess reproaches her. "What did I do to make my eldest daughter so foolish?"
The countess lets out a heavy sigh while Ciel comforts her, holding her hands in hers. Avery just purses her lips in annoyance.
"I'm not foolish, Mother, I just want to make my own decisions regarding a marriage. I don't plan to marry whoever is imposed on me," she assures.
"Your thinking is fine, sister, but falling in love is a double-edged sword, which if you don't know how to use it, you can get hurt," Ciel replies.
The counts were surprised by Ciel's words. After recovering, the young woman has changed and her manner is now more mature.
"Say what you want, I'm definitely not going to marry the Beast. Since you are so wise and mature, then you marry him," Avery shouts.
The honey-eyed girl ran out of the room, leaving angry parents, while Ciel just remains silent.
°°°
***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***
Updated 55 Episodes
Download
Like this story? Download the app to keep your reading history.
Comments