Upon The Scandal With My Rival

[A very big thank you to Arwendolyn for the Ko-fi♥]

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The carriage stopped in front of a famous dessert shop called “Sugar” in the downtown area. 

 

The store, built on the busiest part of the street, was overflowing with customers, and the area in front of the shop was always bustling with people passing by.

 

With so many onlookers, it was the worst place for a meeting. 

 

“That’s why I chose it, fufu.” 

 

I chuckled satisfactorily as I stepped down from the carriage. All eyes fell on me. 

 

Despite the low voices, there was a clear murmur in the air.

 

“Isn’t that Young Lady Shaterian Mellys?”

 

“Oh my, what is all that?”

 

‘I should have toned down the makeup a bit.’ The flamboyant makeup, like that of a peacock, was embarrassing. Trying to remain composed, I entered the shop.

 

Brooke caught my eye, seated by the window in elegant attire. Even from a distance, he was a noticeably handsome man. People inside couldn’t help but glance at him. If their eyes met, they seemed unsure of what to do.

 

‘Brooke is quite good-looking.’ If this were my past life, I would have admired him a hundred times more. But now, having to see Orgon or Ashed every day, there was not much to admire.

 

Without hesitation, I approached Brooke. He noticed me and stood up with a slight smile. 

 

“My Lady, you’re here.” 

 

‘Mmmh, perfect.’ A well-mannered man and a bratty young lady—perfect material for everyone’s tongues to wag up and down.

 

Ignoring his greeting outright, I sat down. Unfolding the fan I brought, I covered my mouth and cast my gaze downward, as if looking down on him. 

 

I perfectly embodied the image of “Shaterian” from back then.

 

“Is this our first meeting since graduating from the academy?”

 

“Yes. But I have occasionally seen you in the palace, milady.”

 

“Oh, really? I haven’t seen you before. You have a quite unnoticeable impression.”

 

I squinted my eyes and blatantly ignored Brooke.

 

“What? Oh… Haha… Yes, I suppose I am the type that goes unnoticed. Ah, my lady, what would you like to have? The fruit syrup tea and the strawberry cake with buttercream here are delicious.”

 

Awkwardly laughing, Brooke quickly changed the subject. Meanwhile, he deliberately listed dessert options with a lot of sugar.

 

Twisting my expression, I asked, 

 

“Are you doing this on purpose?”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“I asked if you were recommending these types of tea and desserts, knowing that I dislike sweet things.”

 

“No, I just recommended them because these desserts are famous in this shop. I had no idea that you dislike sweet things.”

 

“You didn’t know… Are you not supposed to investigate the preferences of the person you’re meeting? Knowing about the other person is basic etiquette. Is it negligence or just plain stupidity?”

 

“I, I apologize. I really thought my lady liked sweet desserts since you chose this place.”

 

Brooke lowered his head apologetically. To any outsider, it would be the performance of the year.

 

“You haven’t changed. Still the same.”

 

“…Yes?”

 

“Do I have to say it twice? You haven’t changed. You still seem dull. How is someone like you even affiliated with the royal family?”

 

“….”

 

“And on top of that, you’re even trying to be my husband. Seeing you show up in a place like this, it seems like you’ve secured a good position in the palace, huh?”

 

“No, it’s not like that!” Brooke exclaimed, startled.

 

I closed the fan decisively and spoke firmly. 

 

“When I return, I’ll have to report this to His Majesty. We should cut off treacherous subjects. Won’t it be fair to dispose of someone who made me waste my time?”

 

At my cutting words, Brooke’s face crumpled. Unable to hold back any longer, he spoke.

 

“Milady is still as rude as ever.”

 

“You dare to call me rude? Don’t you understand the situation?”

 

We didn’t avert our eyes from each other. I could hear murmurs from the surrounding area.

 

‘This should be enough.’

 

Seeing the disdainful looks directed at me, it seemed like it was enough. The rumors would likely inflate appropriately. I stood up as if signaling that I had no intention to continue the conversation.

 

But as I tried to leave the shop, Brooke blocked my way. This was an unexpected turn of events, and I felt uneasy since it wasn’t part of the original plan.

 

I looked at Brooke with wavering eyes.

 

“What… move.”

 

“My-my Lady.”

 

‘What? What is he trying to do?’ A sense of anxiety swept over me as I looked at his determined expression. 

 

Suddenly, and without warning, Brooke fell on his knees. There was no time to stop him.

 

Gasps! The onlookers gathered, their mouths agape in shock. 

 

Gasps! I felt the same way. A noble kneeling in public! 

 

‘What was this madness, Brooke! This is going too far! How much more do you want to degrade me?!’

 

“What is this nonsense? Get up.”

 

Forgetting even to act, I hastily tried to lift Brooke by gripping his arm. However, Brooke didn’t budge.

 

“My lady, I’ve done everything wrong. It’s my arrogance that caused this. I’ll accept any punishment. So please… Please don’t involve the County in this, at least.”

 

He pleaded so desperately. I understood his intentions. Kneeling this way, even if a Shaterian were to do something unwarranted to the County, the Emperor would intervene.

 

I started feeling pity for his knees. I understood what he was trying, but the future nagging I would receive was starting to blur my mind.

 

“Alright, I get it. Just get up.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Really! Both the County and you. I won’t do anything, so just get up.”

 

With a dismissive tone, I exerted force on his hand again. This time, he obediently stood up.

 

‘It looks like I’m trading the health of my eardrums for just one performance.’

 

I couldn’t fathom sacrificing so much for such meager achievements.

 

‘Whatever. It’s independence. Physical distance from Ashed!’

 

Chanting independence, I fought off the fleeting feeling of despair. 

 

After giving Brooke a sharp look, I abruptly turned and exited the shop. The people waiting in line in front of the store all wore faces as if they had seen a ghost.

 

Suppressing the irritation, I walked away from the shop.

 

“Lady, the carriage is over there.”

 

As I walked a bit, a duchy’s knight appeared. It seemed like he had secretly observed me under my sister’s orders. 

 

I shook my head in his direction as he attempted to guide me to the carriage.

 

“I won’t go to the residence.” If I went back now, there would undoubtedly be a barrage of scolding waiting for me.

 

“Then I’ll escort you to the palace.”

 

“I won’t go there either.”

 

It would be the same story there. The news of my entry to the palace would draw them like a magnet to seek me out.

 

Plus, there was the bonus of Orgon making fun of me.

 

“Return to the duke’s residence first, Sir.”

 

“I must accompany you, milady.”

 

“I said, go back.”

 

“I cannot.”

 

No matter how much I spoke, it seemed like it wouldn’t get through. Without the energy to argue, I waved my hand casually.

 

“Fine. Just follow along as if you’re not there.”

 

Following my command, he kept his distance.

 

I didn’t particularly have the desire to explore the city, but since I was already outside, I decided to take a walk. Aimlessly wandering, I ended up at the central square.

 

I plopped down on a bench in front of the grand fountain. At times like these, it would be nice to have a friend to go out with. It felt disappointing to realize I didn’t have any friends.

 

Although the square was crowded, it didn’t feel chaotic. People leisurely spent their time sitting by the long river, enjoying the serene atmosphere.

 

The white clouds in the blue sky drifted slowly, blending seamlessly with the sounds of conversations, laughter, and the chirping of birds.

 

“The weather is surprisingly nice.”

 

Closing my eyes and enjoying the gentle breeze, a sudden shadow fell across my face. 

 

When I opened my eyes, Ashed was standing in front of me. The sun cast a shadow on his face, but it didn’t hide his appearance. There was a peculiarly tense expression on his face as if something displeased him.

 

“Milady. What are you doing here?”

 

“What about you, Commander? What are you doing here?”

 

It was the middle of the city, and it was rare, if not unique, to encounter Ashed in such a crowded place. He hated crowded places.

 

“I had someone to meet. But I asked first.”

 

Meeting someone separately outside the palace was unusual for Ashed. 

 

‘Let’s not be curious.’

 

“I’m photosynthesizing.”

 

“Photosynthesizing? You can’t photosynthesize. You’re not a plant.”

 

My lips twitched at his serious response. 

 

‘Such a know-it-all.’

 

“I’m basking in the sun.”

 

‘So go away. Don’t disturb my peaceful weekend.’

 

“Because of the commotion?”

 

“Commotion?”

 

“I heard it on my way here. There was a commotion at Sugar.”

 

Even though he wasn’t particularly interested in people, he seemed to pick up rumors effortlessly. Perhaps it was due to his exceptional senses.

 

“Just a little happening.”

 

“The Count’s second son knelt and apologized. Is that a little happening?”

 

“He acted on his own accord, didn’t he?”

 

‘Isn’t it unfair for me too?’

 

“…Right. But being in a place like this with such extravagant attire is dangerous. So, let’s go back now.”

 

He scrutinized my overly luxurious outfit.

 

“It’s the perfect attire for getting kidnapped.”

 

His voice was confident. It was true that crimes aimed at money were the most common. Even with the Royal Knights involved in patrolling, as long as there were impoverished areas, such crimes wouldn’t disappear. 

 

‘But even so, what does that have to do with you?’

 

I looked at Ashed, who suddenly showed interest in me, with a bewildered expression.

 

“There are guards nearby, so I’ll be fine.”

 

“Still, let’s go. I’ll take you to the carriage.”

 

‘Why is he suddenly like this?’

 

“I have no intention of going back yet.”

 

“It becomes more dangerous after sunset. So, let’s go back now.”

 

“I plan to stay a bit longer.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Why not? I just don’t feel like going home yet.”

 

Right now, going back means facing a barrage of scolding. Why would I want to go voluntarily? If possible, I would stay until night.

 

“I see, Milady doesn’t want to go home today either.”

 

I squinted at Ashed. That reminded me of what he said before. He complained that I didn’t want to go home and didn’t want to sleep in the guest room either.

 

“Why don’t you want to go home? 

 

‘I don’t know about that day, but today, it’s simply to avoid scolding.’ I didn’t have the intention of telling him that, so I shook my head.

 

“I didn’t know the Commander had this much interest in me.”

 

“Me? No way. It’s just a simple curiosity.”

 

“Yeah, yeah. Since the Commander has no interest in me, I’ll stay here a bit longer.”

 

“That’s not allowed. Let’s go now.”

 

“No… haaa!”

 

The conversation wasn’t going anywhere. 

 

As I pondered how to get rid of him, suddenly a hand appeared in front of me. A large hand encased in thick brown gloves. Ashed always wore long clothes and gloves to avoid direct contact with people.

 

Following the hand upward, I met firm eyes. It seemed like he had no intention of giving up on sending me home.

 

“Haaa, let’s go. Just let’s go.”

 

In the end, I reluctantly stood up. I ignored the hand; I didn’t want to hold it, even if he was wearing gloves.

 

I gestured to the knight, who had been watching from a distance. He guided me to where the carriage was.

 

Ashed followed behind me. His gaze continued to follow me even until I boarded the carriage. 

 

It was as if he was making sure I was going home safely.

 

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