Episode 31. D-day 89(3)
Living through perplexing moments is something that can happen anytime, but at least for this moment, I could confidently say it ranks in the top three of my life.
‘A sudden proposal?’
In such a crowded place?
Without flowers or a ring?
Moreover, when I’m wearing a dress given by another man?
‘More importantly, it’s Daniel Bohan who proposed to me! He looks at me like I’m less than a bug.’
Why did Daniel Bohan propose to me? Even if I rolled backward or forward, I couldn’t guess the reason.
Above all, weren’t you currently involved in a relationship with Beth? It was a brief moment, but numerous questions flashed through my mind. I pressed my fingertips against my temples and took a shallow breath.
‘It’s not normal, so it’s only natural that I, who is normal, can’t understand it.’
That’s right. I first settled my emotions. Then, I looked again at Daniel, who was extending his hand toward me.
‘Hey, what’s going on with your feelings?’
I wanted to ask this, but naturally, such words didn’t come to mind in the available choices.
▶ Gladly!
▶ Shall we get married right now?
‘Is this crazy?’
No, I’ve been saying only bad things, so why suddenly this favor?
‘Could this be the original’s compelling force?’
Does it have to connect Daniel and me so that I won’t do bad things to Beth?
‘No way. I will never choose it. Never.’
What’s marriage? Even if Daniel likes me, I would just be a discarded card.
The choices sparkled as if urging me to make a quick decision. I turned my head and pretended not to see.
‘I will never choose it. Give me a new option.’
I’d rather take off the shoes I was wearing and hit Daniel’s cheek if he suggested that. I was in the midst of firmly resisting the system.
It was when Percy, who had been watching me sit on one stool and grappling with my thoughts, approached with slow but heavy steps.
“What’s going on, Daniel?”
“Commander.”
Daniel lowered his head. Percy casually stood in front of me, blocking the way, and smiled leisurely.
“I apologize for being serious, but I’m monopolizing the time with the princess right now. Step back.”
“I can’t do that.”
Facing Percy, Daniel, who used to be submissive, raised his head today and met his gaze.
“I now understand. Continuing like this will only accumulate misunderstandings between us.”
“Misunderstandings?”
Percy’s neatly arched eyebrows rose significantly at Daniel’s words.
“I really don’t know what the misunderstanding is about.” He spoke in a teasing tone, not bothering to hold back.
“During this time, haven’t you been ignoring the princess because she didn’t suit your taste, even neglecting her at public events?”
“That, well…”
At the piercing words, Daniel visibly flinched. After hesitating for a moment, he awkwardly responded.
“There was a misunderstanding.”
“I see. Another misunderstanding.”
I felt sorry for Daniel, but this time, I sided with Percy. Given the considerable time that Daniel and Princess Siena spent in an engagement, Daniel had ample time to learn about Siena’s character.
“But why now? It feels strange to react belatedly only after the mention of a breakup.”
My somewhat indifferent attitude may stem from the fact that I don’t have much interest in Daniel.
I observed Daniel quietly.
“Thus, you should step back. There’s no need for the commander to interfere in our affairs.”
Just then, Percy, who had been listening silently, abruptly cut Daniel off with a firm tone.
“It’s the affair of the three of us. I’m also engaged to Princess Sienna.”
Daniel’s expression stiffened at Percy’s words. Percy decided there was no need for further conversation and cut Daniel off.
“Count Bohan and His Majesty have discussed the marriage. Don’t linger around; go back.”
After some hesitation, Daniel lowered his head and stepped back. His gaze lingered on me briefly, as if waiting for me to stop him, but eventually, he moved away. I felt uneasy watching his departing gaze.
‘Wow, he’s really no match.’
I inwardly admired. If Daniel were a hunting dog, Percy seemed like a wild wolf. Their composure and momentum when confronting each other were completely different.
It was then, as I was gazing admiringly at Percy’s beautifully firm side profile, that he slowly turned his gaze towards me. His once rigid and cold face softened as his slender eyes curved gently, instantly changing the atmosphere.
“Is it enough to drive him away like this, beautiful princess?”
His playful tone created a peculiar contrast with the chilly and elusive atmosphere, making him even more charming.
Anyway, given the confusion caused by Daniel’s sudden proposal, I wanted to express my gratitude. However, when it came to available choices, only two options came to mind.
▶ Why are you asking me that?
▶ I really don’t like it.
‘And it’s back again, this system.’
It was warm and proactive a moment ago, so why is it so cold when it comes to Percy?
At this point, the system’s intention felt clear and palpable.
‘Is the system trying to get me closer to Daniel? If so, why?’
Whether it’s to turn me into a villain, confront Beth, or condemn Daniel, what’s the purpose?
‘Ugh, I won’t fall for it. I’ll avoid the dead ending for sure.’
With clear intentions, my anger intensified. Given the current situation, I had to choose the next best option, so I responded with an uneasy expression.
“I really don’t like it.”
Ugh, resisting someone who helped me felt like a stab to my conscience.
‘All because of this frustrating system! Will that person even acknowledge it’s because of the system?’
As I sighed internally, Percy took a step closer and firmly held my hand. Despite the gloves, his hand felt remarkably warm, as if holding bare skin. With a smooth, gentle smile, he said, “Saying that won’t change anything. Everything shows on your face.”
His straightforward words made me involuntarily shudder. Slowly pressing his lips to the back of my hand, he added, “So just be honest. Say thank you.”
Some people might not want to be honest because they feel it.
‘Without even looking, it’s clear. The system will respond like this, right?’
I retorted with pursed lips.
“I was honest, you know? Shouldn’t you be grateful that you can step forward for my sake?”
I was surprised by my words.
‘Oh! This time, words flowed out as I wanted!’
This system is like a meddlesome matchmaker! Why does it change its mind so easily? This is why I end up making mistakes unintentionally.
Percy, noticing my confusion, held my startled arms, slipped his arm around mine, and walked me toward the sofa.
“Do you know that cheeky expression of yours is charming?”
It wasn’t a broad smile, but calling my face cheeky…
That person has consistently strange tastes from the first meeting.
Percy slowly kneeled in front of me. Before I knew it, his large hand touched my foot despite the presence of the glove.
Even with the slipper on, his hand felt warm, as if he were holding my bare foot. He murmured as he removed the uncomfortable shoe.
“If you receive gifts like shoes, women tend to run away.”
It was a clear mockery of Daniel. Flabbergasted, I furrowed one brow and questioned, “What makes you any different?”
“While you’re entangled in my gifts like a spider’s web, you ask a cheeky question.”
His vivid red eyes, as if he knew exactly what I was thinking, stared at me. “I don’t retreat so easily, Sienna.”
Despite sounding sweet, something about it sent a chill down my spine.
* * *
After meeting Percy, both my body and mind were exhausted. I just wanted to go into my room and lie down. However, I couldn’t lie down. There was another guest.
“How on earth did you manage to scheme, Duke Stewart? Tell me the secret.”
A disreputable man, swinging a teacup handle between his index fingers, one leg propped up on a chair, was none other than Prince Julius.
Already exhausted, and faced with his displeasing face, I unintentionally let out a harsh remark, “Could you please leave, sir?”
“You have a pretty face, but your mouth is poisonous.”
Whether he said something or not, I propped my chin and pursed my lips. Julius was among the most autonomous people I faced in this game.
‘Why don’t I get options for Julius? Is he considered insignificant?’
I glanced briefly at Julius. Ordinary brown hair and brown eyes. His face was just average.
‘In a romance game, an average appearance usually means the character is a neglected side character.’
I sighed through my nose. At that moment, Julius narrowed his eyes.
“Why do you keep looking at me like I’m some useless person?”
You’re unnecessarily quick-witted.
