The Archduke’s Gorgeous Wedding Was a Fraud

“You’re collecting towels and buying hair, Narnia. Do you think Lacius would be happy if he found out about it?”

“Uhm, I don’t know. But does it matter? It’s getting what he threw away anyway.”

“No, he despises it. He is disgusted and tired of it, as well as everyone who does it.”

I grabbed Narnia’s shoulder, who was leaning in closer to me, and made her stand straight.

I despise this situation because it appears that I’m lecturing an adult, but I can’t help myself.

It was rare to see so many young ladies holding their breath all at once. It would be preferable to use this opportunity to issue a firm warning once and for all.

“But I’m not hurting him. I’m just admiring him from the bottom of my heart!”

‘I was extremely selfish.’

I was perplexed as to why such words did not emerge instead.

“When did Lacius request that you admire him?”

“Well, that’s—”

“When did Lacius give you permission to buy and collect things like his hair?”

“No, he didn’t, but—”

“If you continue to do the same thing even though you are aware that your ostensibly pure love is causing him harm. Do you really believe that your so-called love is pure?”

I can’t help but become enraged as I speak.

I tried not to sound as aggressive as possible, but I couldn’t stop myself from being feisty.

“Lacius did not ask you all for anything. You are not only free to expect and imagine, but also free to express your heart. If that’s not violence then what is it?”

Narnia licked her lips in defiance. But I clasped the fan in my palm, declaring unequivocally that I would not listen to anything she’d say.

The other young ladies standing around hunched their shoulders instead of Narnia.

“I’m going to say it right here. In the future, if you recklessly send me an assassin or obsess over Lacius beyond the limit.”

Seuukk.

Cat, who had been hiding in the dark corner until now, prowled out as I raised my hand.

I told him to stay there so he wouldn’t scare the guests for no reason, but things have changed.

I can’t just use words to threaten them.

“I hope you get my point.”

I deliberately stroked Cat’s head slowly. The surrounding area became silent, as if a heavy snowfall had occurred. Cat growled lowly after reading my intentions.

Cat is still a black tiger the size of a carriage, no matter how much I call him a cat.

Some of the ladies who were feeling guilty had their faces turned white. I pretended not to notice it as I smiled around.

“Do it sparingly. Moderately. Can you still call yourself a human if you’re that tactless? You’re no better than a beast.”

Cat let out an angry scream in response to my words. Some people collapsed and trembled at the low but powerful growl.

It was a pitiful sight to behold, but I did not reach out to them.

If they make a mistake, people should know how to be afraid.

I turned my head to face Narnia after watching the ladies who had fallen on their buttocks struggle to get up with the help of their friends.

“All right, Lady Narnia. Make sure you get rid of everything, including your Lacius Collectio—”

“How do you speak so well…”

But before I could finish my sentence.

Narnia muttered as she tilted her head in delight. The tone of her voice in that whisper was so creepy that I couldn’t help but think, 

Uh, this isn’t looking good.

“I’ve never wanted to worship an unnie like this before…. “

Narnia let out a sigh.

It wouldn’t have been as frightening if it had been another lady, but Narnia is truly hair-raising.

“In that case, let’s have a glass of champagne together.”

The maid arrived just in time to bring us champagne. I quickly changed the subject by inwardly praising the quick-witted maid. I quickly grabbed two glasses of strawberry-colored champagne with bubbling bubbles and handed one to Narnia. Then Narnia clutched the glasses tightly in her hands and looked at me with a heavy gaze. And after I finish my champagne…

“That cup, Unnie. Can’t you give it to me?”

“Are you trying to collect the glasses I put my mouth on?”

“Oh my goodness, me?No way! I’m just trying to protect it. Safe and sound…”

Narnia’s dark eyes twinkled.

A person’s disposition cannot change abruptly, the object of admiration has just shifted from Lacius to me. Or she became a Couple fan.

In a nutshell, a starstruck accident*! 

*(덕통사고: entering a fandom unexpectedly as if it was an accident.)

‘Should I say it’s a good thing as long as she doesn’t bother Lacius? What should I do?’

I shook my head and simply placed my glass on top of the empty glasses.

‘Oh, my head hurts.’

My drinking capacity was weak in my previous life.

It appears that nothing has changed from here, and it is clear that the champagne was too much for me to sip.

I quickly searched for the back door while maintaining my posture until the end.

Aside from the front door through which customers enter, a store usually has another door through which employees enter and exit.

“Uhh…….”

The cool air hit me as I stepped out of the place filled with pleasant music and sweet scents.

There was a staircase with a low railing here, which served as an emergency exit.

Employees can eat snacks or relax at tables and chairs provided, and small flowerpots are hung from the railing.

I exhaled as I grabbed the railing.

“Ha… Ha….”

What’s the matter with me?

I was fine just now, so why am I dizzy now? My chest felt like it was being ripped apart, so I leaned against the railing and sat down with my knees bent but as soon as I did that.

“My Shay.”

A very sexy tanned skin and a fascinatingly low voice drew my attention first. The man’s hand with prominent bones was just my type. But I didn’t accept his help, instead I clutched the railing and gasped lightly.

It was someone I remembered from time to time but had almost forgotten about. I was expecting him to not show up again, but that seems far-fetched.

“Gei… sha.”

“It must be excruciating. Shay, you can’t drink any more champagne here.”

“What do you mean?”

“Because the champagne has been poisoned.”

“… poisoned?”

It’s poisoned, but how come he’s so calm?

No, more than that!

“You saw everything, but you didn’t do anything about it?”

“You won’t die.”

“Huh?”

“It’s most likely the type that stiffens the legs and paralyses the tongue. It is not an instant death; it is far worse. If you go out like this after drinking it… you might fall off because you won’t have control over your movements.”

“……!”

“Oh, you’ll soon be unable to move your tongue at all let alone scream.”

His gentle explanation gave me goosebumps.

No, I don’t want to leave this world just yet!

I felt compelled to hurry when I learned that my tongue would harden soon.

I pushed myself up and spat out the question as quickly as I could.

“How did you know…? Did you see who poisoned it?”

“That’s right.”

“Who is it?”

“Well. If I tell you that, you’ll escape from my arms again and go to that blonde bastard.”

Why does his final sentence sound depressing?

The current Geisha was a beast that was pretending to be weak. He jumped over the railing, leaned over, and hugged me before I knew it. I quietly consoled Geisha, who refused to let me go.

“It’s because I don’t know who you are right now. I have no recollection of anything. Also, you didn’t come to my aid when I was imprisoned in a chest, did you?”