Daddy, I Don’t Want to Marry!

At first glance, Jubelians gift looked suspicious to many onlookers.What is that?Everyone observed the flat, round object decorated with a rose. It looked like a small, aesthetically pleasing container used for storing miscellaneous accessories, but it was difficult to tell if that was actually the gifts purpose. It was only when Rose opened the case did people exclaim.

Puff? Is that a powder container?Everyone felt like they had been hit with a ton of bricks. When noblewomen went out, a maid would usually bring puff to correct their makeup throughout the day. But since this was impossible to do if they werent accompanied by a maid, a dull and greasy face was a discomfort many ladies had to endure alone. Jubelians gift easily solved this common problem.

Oh, a powder container small and thin enough to fit inside a purse!

Ive never seen anything like it before.

To think of such an object and request production of it incredible.

The object was both charming and practical, so it was no wonder many eyes possessed a covetous gleam.

If shes presenting something like that, wouldnt this years Star go to Lady Floyen?

The Star was a brooch awarded to the person who spearheaded the biggest trend in high society that year. This annual event was a great honor, as nobles tended to be sensitive about outward appearances.

I agree. Seeing as so many peoples eyes are already shining Isnt that a sign itll become a trend?

Of course, but I doubt Lady Floyen will disclose which workshop she ordered it from.

Although everyone was curious about this, it was a sensitive subject because nobles rarely disclosed such information. Moreover, it was difficult to approach the lady in question, who was notorious for her wickedness. As everyone cowered, someone struck a conversation with Lady Floyen and brought up what no one dared to ask. The girl was none other than Rose, the star of todays banquet.

If you dont mind, could you tell me the workshop you commissioned to make this powder container, Lady Floyen? I would like to order one for my mother as well.

Even those who had openly disapproved of Jubelian were nervous by this situation. If she was the Lady Floyen they thought they knew, she wouldnt stop at just causing trouble. Unexpectedly, a soft voice came from Jubelians red lips.

Ah, it was Fyodors workshop. The craftsman is young but skilled, so you can trust him.

Many people became amazed by her smooth response.

Thank you so much for giving me this valuable information, Rose gushed.

Jubelian waved her hand. Its nothing much. Im quite embarrassed by your extensive praise, so Im not sure how to react. I can only thank you for liking the gift I gave you.

She had not only answered, but also answered humbly. At this point, people were wondering if someone was impersonating the lady. While everyones minds were in disarray, it was Countess Arlo, Roses mother and the lady of the Arlo household, who set out to calm the chaotic atmosphere.

I am very pleased that you gave my daughter an unforgettable gift today.

In response to her gratitude, Jubelian gracefully lowered her head. And I am honored to have been invited to such a high-class banquet, Countess, she said.

The countess unconsciously marveled at her response.This lady is pretty good.Jubelian had not only praised the Arlo family and other guests but also herself to avoid seeming servile. She had truly mastered the aristocratic manner of only saying what was necessary. The countesss expression, which had been frozen like ice in the middle of winter, became warm like the spring breeze.

I hope you have a great time, Lady Floyen.

Thank you for your consideration.

When Jubelian expressed her gratitude, the countess and her husband bowed at Duke Floyen, who stood next to her. The duke likewise bowed in silence, then reached out to his daughter.

Lets go.

They walked toward the corner of the banquet hall. It was usually an inconspicuous spot, but everyones attention strayed there to observe the lady.

How can she be so different?

Shes really pretty when she smiles. Did you catch a glimpse of her face?

In response to the numerous praises from the surrounding noblewomen, who had been gossiping about Lady Floyen just yesterday, Countess Arlo spread her fan.

My daughter certainly has an eye for people. The lady I met today was befitting of Duke Floyens prestigious household.

People noticed her shift in attitude and nodded in agreement.

* * *

I sighed softly as the banquet hall became noisy, a bit taken aback by everyones unexpected attention.I thought it was a simple gift but I guess it wasnt.

This isnt what I wanted.I forced a smile, tired from all the unanticipated curiosity I drew from other people.I want to go home and rest.

At that moment, my father reached out to me. Lets go.

It would be nice to go home at this point, but we simply moved to a set of chairs by the window and sat down.Its a bit awkward to sit with my father like this.I looked at him with this thought, but he was staring at a distant place with a cold expression.

It seems like being here has put him in a bad mood.Although I didnt force him to come with me, I felt somewhat uncomfortable.No, I shouldnt pay so much attention to him.

I turned away from my father and looked at the center of the banquet hall, where men and women were dancing in pairs.What a pretty sight.I was quite entertained by the beautifully dressed couples moving expertly, so much so that I felt like I was watching a splendid performance of professional dancers.As I thought, its more fun to watch other people dance than to dance myself.

I was still sitting next to my father when I saw the backside of a familiar figure, who was surrounded by many women.Huh? He looks a bit like Mikhail. Is that him?

Even if it were really him, I remembered the warning I had given to him in the past.Fine, Ill trust you. Just dont appear in front of me ever again,I had said.

Its a small world, but he couldnt have possibly come to this banquet, right?I knew that Mikhail didnt enjoy banquets, so it was unlikely it was actually him. The last thing I wanted to do was get involved with him since many people perceived him as a pitiful, handsome man who had been harassed by me, a villainess, for two years.

Ill go to the terrace and stay there for a while, Father.

He sighed in response and said, Okay.

I had been worried that he would order me to fulfill my responsibility as his partner, so I was relieved that he granted me permission. I rose from my seat in a good mood when he spoke again.

Dont forget that Im here.

When he said those words, a burdensome feeling weighed on me.I cant even rest in peace.The thought of staying in the banquet hall any longer made me exhausted, so I trudged towards the terrace.

* * *

Many people watched Lady Floyen enter the terrace with regretful gazes.Ah, its a pity I couldnt ask her to be my partner.The dukes hostile glare prevented people from approaching her, much less asking her to be their partner.

Mikhail frowned. As one of these people, he had been conscious about Jubelians presence since she entered the banquet hall.She went to the terrace. Is she signaling for me?He was about to follow Jubelian when Duke Floyen, who had been sitting, stood up and leaned against the wall near the entrance to the terrace.

Darn it!Mikhail couldnt even move one step forward because the man who had once shown him favor was now exuding candid hostility. Although this uncomfortable encounter left Mikhail feeling uneasy, Regis lifted a corner of his lips.

This is ridiculous. I cant believe he was such an unpleasant person.

In the past, Regis approved of Mikhail simply because Jubelian liked him. But now that they had parted ways, Regis couldnt bother with someone who was nothing more than a nuisance. When he turned around, the duke relaxed his fierce gaze.I cant ruin the banquet my daughter is enjoying just to deal with a bug like him.

* * *

When I left the stuffy banquet hall and entered the terrace, I felt like it was easier to breathe. Because I was on the first floor, the Arlo familys garden sprawled out in front of me.

Its nice that its quiet.I stared blankly at the garden and took a deep breath. The wind carried a fresh and fragrant scent towards me. Although the colorful flowers were trimmed by human hands, they were still beautiful products of nature. I began to feel at ease as I watched the roses sway in the wind.I should move to the countryside when I become independent. Itll be a good idea to plant some flowers and start a farm as well.

As I was making a plan for my future, my eyelids slowly lowered.Im sleepy.I felt them getting heavier. I was about to rub my eyes unconsciously when I stopped.I almost forgot I had makeup on. I couldve messed it up if I touched my face.

At that moment, I felt the sudden urge to yawn, so I covered my mouth and exhaled with a lowered head.Ah, the tears are coming out again. The makeup shouldnt be erased because of a few tears, right?They always came out when I yawned, but I couldnt help this physiological phenomenon.

I left my powder compact at homeI nonetheless wiped my tears, hoping there wouldnt be an unfortunate event where I had to correct my makeup.

What are you doing?

I turned towards the direction of the familiar voice and saw a very attractive face come into view. He was the last person I had expected to see.What is my fathers disciple doing here?

Hey, how did you? I tried asking him for an explanation but stopped short when his long, masculine fingers gently wiped the area around my eyes.

Did someone harass you by any chance? he asked with a harsh voice, akin to a beasts growl. Unlike his tender touch, which had wiped away my tears, my fathers disciple stared at me with fierce red eyes.

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