Chapter 4 4

"Oh my God!" exclaimed the maid in surprise upon seeing the two of them with the Archduke. She quickly closed the door. "I'll take care of this, your grace! Just continue what you're doing," she said from outside.

Her face turned even redder because of the maid. Who knows what she might be thinking?

"Are you gonna sleep on the floor?" the Archduke asked with annoyance, only now noticing that she was already standing and fixing the broken bed.

Due to embarrassment, she quickly stood up, wincing in pain as she realized her foot was injured. But given her current situation, she had more pressing concerns than her injury.

Her earlier bravado seemed to have disappeared. She quickly lowered her head to apologize. "I-I'm sorry, My Lord. That won't happen again," she said with sincerity, her eyes tightly shut, and her hands trembling.

She had shown courage earlier, but now she felt timid. She couldn't help but fear what awaited her at the hands of the Archduke.

She heard the Archduke sigh heavily, clearly irritated. "That should not happen again, Miss," he said irritably as he walked past her. "Finish your meal, then let the guard guide you to my office," he added, looking back at her.

"Ah, My Lord-" She was about to say something, but the door had already closed.

She bit her lip.

Was he angry with her? Would he scold her when she got to his office, as her father often did?

She wiped a tear that had fallen from her eyes.

She had shown courage earlier, so why was she crying now? Only the weak cry!

She took a deep breath and returned to the dining table, finishing her meal. The heaviness in her heart led her to eat a bit more. It helped alleviate some of her emotional burden.

A few minutes later, Querencia left the dining room, where a guard was waiting for her. He was handsome, but the Archduke was even more handsome. In terms of height, the Archduke had the upper hand; the guard only reached her ears, while the Archduke's shoulders were at eye level.

She was tall compared to other women, but in the context of the Archduchy's men, she felt small.

"I'll escort you to the Archduke's office, Miss," the guard said with a smile, which she returned with a sweet smile that could melt his heart.

The guard's ears turned red, and he quickly averted his gaze, clearing his throat. "L-let's go, Miss," he said, taking the lead.

She grinned. It seemed that her smile had an effect on people here. Could she use it to soften the Archduke's heart, even just a little?

Her smile vanished as she remembered that they were headed to the Archduke's office. What important matter could they be discussing? Was it related to what happened earlier?

She sighed. She needed to quell the anxiety she was feeling. She might faint when she faced the Archduke. But first, she had to compose herself, even though walking was painful. Luckily, the guard hadn't noticed her slight limp earlier.

"We're here, Miss. The Archduke prefers a quiet entrance, so you don't need to announce yourself. Just knock when you arrive. If he asks, you can answer," the guard instructed when they reached the office.

She swallowed hard. "Alright. Thank you again," she said with a small smile, while the guard remained respectful, bowing slightly.

She took a deep breath. She hoped the Archduke wouldn't be too intimidating in person.

Suddenly, the Archduke's gaze sharpened as he turned to her. "If that's your reason, why did you approach me?" he asked, his tongue briefly darting out.

Should she tell the truth?

"Uhmm... because..." What was her reason other than the fact that he was a powerful figure?

The Archduke sighed, and she found herself looking at him. "Miss Lynn. Did you know that if you want to annul your engagement to someone, you need an acceptable reason? For example: You have a lover that you're going to marry. It means, you need to marry me; a person who you just met for the first time and you didn't even love," he said seriously, leaving her stunned.

He was right. But she had thought about that! In the stories she had read, Castriel had done nothing wrong! That's why she had approached him in the first place! Besides his good looks and his cool personality, he didn't kill innocent people, and he wasn't a user!

She steeled herself and met his sharp gaze. She walked over to the side of the Archduke. "My Lord. With all the strength and bravery that left in me," she slid her hands into her pocket and grabbed the ring she had brought when they ran away. She knelt on one knee and showed the ring to the stunned Archduke. "Will you marry me?"

The Archduke's eyes widened as he stared at her, his lips parting. "What the heck, Miss Lynn?! Are you out of your mind?" he said in disbelief.

She bit her lip. "Please say 'yes,' My Lord!" she pleaded. She was determined!

The Archduke rubbed his forehead. "Stop fooling around, Miss Lynn. I'll send a letter to your father that you're here. You'll go home tomorrow," he said, making her sit on the floor.

"M-my lord..." she begged, looking at him, tears welling up.

He raised his hand and rubbed his temple, then his hand moved toward her, so she quickly stood up and pulled out the brooch pin on his chest. As she disappeared, so did the brooch.

-

"Miss!" Marina exclaimed in surprise as she fell onto the bed.

She looked at her hand, and there was the brooch. It wasn't damaged. It meant that whatever she touched, she could take with her.

She clenched her fist. That arrogant Castriel! He even used teleportation magic to get rid of her! Argh!!!

"Miss, are you okay?" Marina asked with concern as she approached.

She looked at Marina with a frown. "The Archduke didn't accept, Marina. He's so mean!" She sounded like a child throwing a tantrum. She had planned so much, and this was the result! Her life was at stake here!

Marina hugged her. "There's still hope, Miss. You can do it." She tried to comfort her, but it didn't seem to have any effect.

She shook her head. "There's no hope because we're going back to hell, Marina." She cried in frustration.

Marina, not knowing what else to do, simply hugged her and let her cry on her shoulder.

She felt sorry for her. Even though Marina didn't know, she could sense how heavy the burden she was carrying was.

"I hope everything will be fine," Marina whispered into the air.

Castriel sighed when the woman disappeared.

"What happened to her?" he asked Lauren, whom he had tasked with keeping an eye on the lady.

She appeared by his side, bowing slightly. "She collapsed on the bed and suddenly started crying when the maid approached her," she reported.

He sighed again. "Alright, you can go now," he said, and she promptly disappeared.

He rested his hand on his forehead and looked at his chest where the brooch had been earlier, the one the lady had taken. It was clear that she was determined to break the engagement. But the big question was: why did she choose him?

Was it because he was the only one available without a spouse and held a high position? But everyone knew he wasn't interested in matters related to marriage. And the lady... he admired her courage. Some women were afraid to approach him, while others had malicious intentions. But this lady... he couldn't read what was in her mind.

He looked down and saw a ring. He picked it up and examined it.

This was the ring the lady had held earlier. It looked inexpensive but had a beautiful design. It seemed like she had put a lot of effort into choosing it. If anyone else saw it, they would surely think highly of it.

He sat back in his chair and leaned against the backrest.

Even if he wanted to, he couldn't marry her. They were not compatible. He was a monster, while she was... a fairy who didn't belong with someone like him.

He closed his eyes.

She had cried because of him... so he hoped that was enough for her to leave him alone.

The Baron quickly walked towards the garden where he was going to meet the Crown Prince.

He didn't know why, but he was both excited and nervous about the sudden summons.

Upon his arrival, he was announced by the guards, and he was allowed into the greenhouse.

Inside, he immediately spotted the Crown Prince, seated and sipping tea.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince. I'm glad you called me," he said, bowing respectfully.

The Crown Prince turned to him and smiled. "Please, Baron, have a seat." He gestured to a nearby chair.

The Baron sat down, and a servant approached to pour tea for him.

He looked at the Prince, who seemed to be waiting for him to break the silence, so he spoke up. "May I inquire as to why you summoned me, Your Highness?"

The Prince smiled again, and it sent shivers down the Baron's spine. "I simply wanted to inquire about your daughter, Baron," he said in a tone that hinted at danger. "It seems she has run away. I was hoping to see her."

The Baron's tongue faltered, but he forced himself to speak. "U-uhm... My daughter is... somewhat rebellious at the moment. B-but do not worry, Your Highness. I will find her-" His words were cut off when the Prince interrupted.

"No need to trouble yourself, Baron. Let your daughter be for now. I have something I wish to witness," the Prince said, grinning in a way that sent chills down the Baron's spine. "She is currently attached to my beloved cousin, so let her pursue her desires for the time being. Do not act according to your own wishes, Baron. Allow me to control everything."

The Baron's hands trembled as he nodded repeatedly. "Yes, yes, Your Highness. I will do everything as you wish."

"For the betterment of our families, Querencia," the Baron thought to himself.