Chapter 14
Wednesday morning was a battlefield. Maybe because it was my first social club attendance, Irina made a lot of fuss to make me look pretty.
No, thatll be useless because I might become covered with sweat later anyway
The meeting will be held at the Marquiss villa.
The villa surrounded by green forest made me feel like I was on vacation. I could see trees with red flowers and some white ornamental rocks here and there.
I showed the guard the invitation Adele gave me and went into the villa.
The cool breeze wafted through my hair. It was fun to see the men I met blushing, forgetting their appearance, spill their drinks, but I have other things to do right now, so I have to put my disappointment behind me.
I approached Ash, who was sitting in an arrogant position surrounded by young ladies.
Hello.
It seems that my sudden appearance shocked him. The surprise was evident on his face but the pretty boy with red hair skillfully shifted his expression.
Nice to see you again, Anastasia. Are you feeling all right?
How dare you act like were close! If I knew this would happen, I should have told him last name instead of my name. However, it was now impossible to bite lightly.
Thanks to your concern, Im fine,
He looked at the Young Ladies.
Im sorry, Id like to talk to Anastasia for a moment. Can you give us a minute?
Oh, you were like a playboy just now
When Ash asked for some time, the young ladies beside me glanced at me and moved to another table.
Then he got up and pulled a chair out. I accepted the favor and sat down.
Perhaps he was more concerned about me because Adele and I were close friends. He probably already guessed whose invitation I brought.
Ash, who sat face to face with me, continued his greetings.
You gave me a generous greeting. I heard that you were blooded at the festival that day.
I pretended to be surprised.
Oh my, you knew?
Well, its because I was also attending the festival. It was all in a mess.
I was very impressed by the way he looked worried and mischievous at the same time. Anyway, he was handsome. Plus, now Ash was being friendly to me with determination.
It was obvious that he was doing this because he was trying to keep Adele in check, thinking that I might have any information he could use against Adele.
I threw myself into temptation and thought of Duke Magnus, who was the opposite of Ash. The Duke was mature and sexy. Its making me look forward to Adele in the future.
Duke, I will only think of your face for a moment. You dont need a personality, so dont talk.
Taking the right timing, I focused again on my conversation with Ash.
I dont see Lady Floresense today.
Olga isnt very sociable. If she knew that Lord Magnus would come, she would come though.
The maids prepared tea. I spoke with innocence.
I guess she like Adele.
Why not? Everyone does.
What about you?
Ash burst into a grin.
What do I think of Lord Magnus? Well, I dont want to talk to you about him right now. I havent seen you for a long time, so lets talk about something different.
The maids walked away, and I got to the point.
Then how about talking about presents? I prepared a present for you.
Ashs eyes got bigger.
I admit it. I was a little surprised this time.
Of course, I should be surprised. I reached out a frame towards him.
Take it
Ash accepted the frame with an anticipated face.
A picture of Ashs face, which I drew, was embedded in a frame made of antique rosewood.
After a while, Ash looked at the painting and suddenly darkened.
He seemed confused and shocked, but he soon muttered in a harsh voice.
you want to fight me?
You bastard?
Ash looked at me with an apologetic face.
Did I just say that out loud?
Yes.
I answered coldly. Ash tried to explain.
I meant to say that youre was so crafty and humorous that I wanted to ask you for a duel. Its a fascinating painting that frustrates the viewer and makes them fall into pessimism. Did you draw it yourself? I dont want to admit it, but is this me?
Thats right.
Ash expressed his admiration.
Wowyoure really good. No tutor would dare to teach you this aesthetic sense. If someone brave volunteers, I will respect them with all my heart. When I wake up in the morning, Ill bow down for the sad teacher, give them applause at noon, and pray to God for them to end their nightmare before they go to bed.
Dont be so sarcastic, dude!
What do I get in return?
I asked pretending not to be hurt.
Yes?
How will you repay me?
Repay?
Ash looked at me with a look on his face as if I were talking nonsense. It meant that I should already be thankful that hes not tearing the painting into pieces and burning it right now.
I laughed and pointed out the customs of the aristocrat that he had completely forgotten.
I mean, isnt it normal for a lady to get something in return if she gave someone a present?
yes, anyway, since youre a noble, if I get something from the lady, then Ill have to give something in return. I was in such a fresh shock that my brain was slow. What can I give you? Do you want flowers?
Something.is kinda weird? Ash is crazy about beauty, but even after seeing my face for a while, his reaction was indifferent. I even flashed him my best smile.
Maybe Ashs optic nerve were damaged, so I quit trying to open a finger and show it in an anxious mind. Instead, I threw a word.
Then fight me in arm wrestling.
I stared at him, waiting for an answer. It was not long before Ash tilted his head.
wait. The shock of seeing your painting has caused something to go beyond my eyesight and my hearing.
Youre such a good talker when you seduce Olga. Why are you so mean to me? Why is my beauty isnt working? That cant be true. Dont tell me my painting is that shocking? Really?
I remembered the first time I met Ash. He treated me in a very friendly manner at the time. It was different from now. This made my stomach feel worse.
You must have heard it right,
My temperature is getting higher at this point. Ash might have taken it as an insult, but I had spent 20 minutes painting it.
It meant that I showed him sincerity.
Ashs eyes changed as he responded I responded coldly. His greenish orbs caused ripples.
You really want to fight me?
Of course.
Why?
Because youre unlucky,
I said rudely, not feeling the need to be seen well by him. Ash smiled dumbly.
You have great guts.
Whats left of a person whos about to die, other than guts?
Hurt by Ashs sarcasm, I decided to just screw it.
Of course, Adele comfort me, he even said he would hang my paintings in his bedroom!
As the conversation grew longer, the Ladies started glancing at us and wondered what we were talking about.
Among them, there was a beauty with exceptionally prominent black hair. Contrary to the pure and cheerful Olga, she had a quaint, dreamy atmosphere.
I think shes probably one or two years older than me, and shes showing off her figure with a tight black dress.
She turned her head in surprise when our eyes met.
By the time I looked away for a while, Ash laughed and began to utter spiteful remarks in earnest.
I heard you often vomit blood. But dont you have to behave well if you want to get flowers instead of saliva when you enter the coffin?
Are you saying youre gonna spit in my coffin?! I was dumbfounded.
Who says Ill give you an invitation to my funeral?
Ashs face, which hates being ignored the most, has hardened. He flipped the picture frame over and put it down on the chair. He flipped it over!
You are fun. Okay. Lets try it.
Ash got up from his seat. I also up and looked around.
I spoke to the beautiful black-haired beauty who looked at me with a red face.
You there, a beautiful young woman with black hair? Were going to arm wrestle from now on. Can you watch and be the referee?
Then Beauty blinked her eyes.
M-me?
Im sorry. Its my first time attending a social gathering, so I dont know the Ladys name.
Then Beauty jumped up and shook like crazy.
I-Im sorry! Im really sorry I didnt introduce myself first! My name is Lynette. Please, just comfortably call me Lynette. Young Lady whos beautiful as an angel, please.
She was a beautiful sister who was surprisingly kind. However, I did not have time to feel strange, so I gently asked.
Then, Lynette, can you be the referee?
Lynette frowned.
Are you going to arm wrestle with Ash? But what if the Lady gets hurt? Your hand looks so delicate, thin, and soft that it seems that itll break even just by holding a drink!
The other Young Ladies, who were watching the enthusiastic Lynettes arguments, also showed sympathy.
Do I look that weak?
Lynette who has her lips painted fresh red suddenly murmured an accused with a cold face.
Did Ash bothered the Lady?
He didnt bother me. Hes just been hard on my friend.
Ash showed interest in what I said.
Hoooo.
Youre dying to know how I knew, arent you? As soon as you go back to the Marquis, youll be picking on your servants, but I wonder if you still have the energy to do once Im done with you. Once you hold my hand, you will be as weak as a fly.
I rolled up my sleeves.
Well, shall we get started?
Ah, Yes!
Lynette stood in front of us facing each other with the table between us. The smell of musk wafted from Lynette.
I grabbed Ashs hand, and the young ladies rushed in. The young men started watching from a distance a little further.
Ash glared at me with hostility. My blood was boiling that I sweated for a moment.
Only then did I get a little nervous. Of course, Ive never fought with a man. And Ash was not a normal man, but a villain in the novel.
In other words, he was never an easy opponent. I dont know today, but next time I wont be so sloppy.
R-ready! Fight!
Lynette stammered slightly as if shes biting her tongue. Ash and I gave strength at the same time.
And the game ended in no time, to the extent that it was ridiculous that I even got worried about it for a moment.
Ooh
Lynette opened her mouth.
T-the Young Ladywon?
It didnt take less than three seconds to put Ashs hands on the table. I quickly let go of his hand and straightened up.
Ash gritted his teeth.
You used a dirty trick.
I dont know what youre talking about.
I replied innocently and Ash responded sarcastically.
Did Lord Magnus cast a spell on you?
Do you think Lord Magnus would do that?
I asked in a most naive tone, and Lynette stepped in.
This chapter is so entertaining! I cant stop laughing while tl-ing this kejbfkjsfhl
I swear this novel is so unpredictable hahaha.
And whos Lynette tho? Will she be Adeles new rival? Lolololol. But I have this strange hunch that somethings up. hmmm
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