Chapter 89
Normally when you bet something on a match, it should be something that both people are competing for. Something both people want a lot, right?
I have never gambled before nor have I ever bet something on a showdown before. Mariabell used her political power to get her hands on anything and everything she wanted and failed in the end. Maybe I just dont understand gambling, though I do understand the feeling of wanting to compete for a free giveaway.
In any case, if the winner sees no value in the prize, then the match is over automatically, right?
Personally, I dont want the match to happen, so Ill try to decline.
Um I think theres a misunderstanding? I was listed as a candidate before, but it should already be cancelled.
At least, Runa himself had said that it probably would be someone else. I dont know how much influence a prince has on choosing his fiance, but I had been denying rumors because I trusted him Although it seems my denials havent spread much. Give me a break!
Cancelled What happened for the favored candidate to have such a misunderstanding
Thats my line, what kind of misunderstanding do you have.
Favored candidate? Those are words foreign to me.
If Im not mistaken, there are plenty of fiance candidates for Runa-sama and there are names that have stood out. But no one is on the same level as you.
That doesnt matter to me at all. I certainly am of the highest level in terms of lineage, but I dont have any talents that could be of use to the country. If I were good at something, I would first use them to do something about my destruction flags. Furthermore, Runa is a minefield of destruction flags.
What kind of person would charge into a bomb?
Right now, there are two likely candidates to become Runa-samas fiance. One is you and the other is me.
My shoulders suddenly felt heavy from the gravity of her words.
I should have broken the flag long ago The flag I had put my all into breaking was still alive. Furthermore, I wasnt just a candidate but the favored one. Is this hell!?
And, Christine-sama was causing mayhem with this truth right in front of me.
There wasnt. supposed to be this kind of development in the game. Could it be, Mariabell forced the other candidates to yield to become Runas official fiance? Its possible. She did have the political power and the personality for it.
Otherwise, if the heroine chose a target besides Runa then the fiance wouldnt be Mariabell, but someone else. In the end, the prince had to marry someone out of duty if he didnt end up with the heroine. Part of his job is to make blood ties.
I only know that in the future of the hero and heroine, Mariabell will be showered with misfortune. I dont know anything else besides that.
And, while the heroine is not here, the game wont begin so I cannot do anything. Villainesses sure are unreasonable. Be gentle with me, I did enough work for five people.
Im surprised. There have been candidates who have stood out until now, but none of them were a match for me.
Christine-sama became Runas fiance candidate before I was even proposed as one. Before she was old enough to understand what was happening, she was already being raised to become Runas fiance. Although she was still only a candidate, her surroundings thought it was already 90% decided and that her status was just a formality. It looks like she thought so too.
The reason why Runa had rejected me must have been because of Christine-samas existence.
As I thought, Mariabell had definitely used under-handed methods to get the candidacy. How could she do things like that If Christine-sama becomes the fiance then I can be done with being a villainess. Its one thing to hear about being exiled to a foreign country but it actually happening can cost you your life, okay!
Thats why this time also, your presence didnt bother me. I had confidence that no matter who my opponent was, Id be chosen in the end. There wasnt anyone more suitable for Runa-sama than me At least thats what I thought.
For Runas sake, so that she would look his equal, she had put in every possible amount of work. She has the etiquette to stand next to the prince, the future king, as a princess as well. The time shes spent and her feelings, she had confidence that she would lose to no one. Thats confidence for you.
The moment she has been pouring everything into for had almost come and she didnt think it was just a dream.
Like a comet, another favorite appeared. The rumors followed her around, Tempest familys gorgeous daughter.
Mariabell Tempest Me.
Hearing about you, I investigated you immediately. Lineage, appearance, ability I researched it all. I understood why you were the strongest candidate. You certainly are an existence suitable to stand next to Runa-sama.
Im being praised, right? Christine-sama surely thinks there is no higher form of praise than what she is saying.
But Im not even 1 micron happy. Every word and phrase coming out of her mouth has been a brutal blow, so Im on the verge of dying.
Thats why I want to have a match. Fair and square, for the right to be by Runa-samas side.
Her train of thought was impossible for me to understand.
Lets say, for the sake of argument, I was a suitable fiance for Runa. I really dont acknowledge that at all, but I have to to move this conversation along. I dont actually think I am at all.
Even if it were true, whats the point of having a match? If I have to marry Runa, Ill surely die. The only thing waiting for me if I become his fiance is death itself. Isnt that the complete opposite of happiness?
Its extremely unfortunate that I am somehow the favored candidate but, I will do whatever it takes to wipe that notion away. My life is literally at stake, after all.
Honestly, for me, Christine-samas existence is my salvation. Shes like a goddess descending from the heavens.
If she continues at this rate and becomes Runas fiance, then Ill have one less destruction path to worry about. With just a small step, I can go from diving headfirst towards the heroine to being completely safe.AndRuna can have a happy future. Talk about two birds with one stone. Although 90% of that is at my convenience.
The prize for winning Ozcon isnt much, so having the fiance candidacy on the line should be in your favor. Its the best stage for our battle.
Certainly in terms of appearances, its hard to say who is superior between the two of us. If someone finds someone beautiful then there is surely someone who thinks the opposite. Supposing the majority decided the outcome, a contest that can give concrete placements could influence a fiance selection.
A royaltys fiance should have a good face but her social status and ability, no matter how trivial the difference, can become an important factor. Although I really dont care, I want nothing to do with this.
If its you, youll easily pass the preliminary judging.
No, Um I dont want to have a match
If I am still a candidate, I cant clearly reject being his fiance. My words could be misconstrued to be disparagement or disrespect to the prince People who arent in danger of being served a full course of destruction can throw someone else under the bus easily with little evidence. For some reason, distorted facts spread further and faster than true ones and people tend to believe the information they hear first.
Thats why I have to be indirect, but if I dont clearly decline, then misunderstandings will scatter. The best option is to avoid mentioning Runa, fiance candidacy, and other delicate matters and just straight up avoid the match. A pointless fight would be born otherwise. I guess someone like me who was just a sacrifice for the heroines happiness has no persuasive power.
Are you scared?
Eh?
That youll lose and Runa-sama will be taken from you.
Actually its the opposite you know, kidnap him right now and I wouldnt care. Wait, hes not even mine, I dont need him.
N-no, thats not it I didnt know I was still a candidate. And something like marriage I cant even imagine that right now.
If I could, I would declare that Im cancelling my candidacy. Ill even sign a pledge. I want to tell the world that I wont marry Runa.
If I did that, my candidacy would be erased for sure but, at the same time my existence would be erased. Just like Mariabell.
I laughed to show her I wasnt trying to trick her and I tried to let out a bitter smile. I wanted her to think it wasnt about Runa, but that I as an individual had never imagined being his fiance. Honestly, I really cant imagine something like marriage.
Everyone always says that in the beginning.
She said in a low voice. I could hear traces of sadness and anger in her tone. Disappointment She wasnt saying that to me or anyone at all but to herself.
A wrinkle formed on her smooth brow. Her confident atmosphere had fallen. It looks like my statement made her think of something.
In the beginning everyone acts humble. Because theyll be seen as pure hearted that way. Theyll act humble and modest, putting up a pure act They only keep up that appearance in the beginning though.
A princes fiance. What I saw in Christine-sama, who was the closest person to that glorious position, was what I detested most.
Before, Mariabell had caused trouble for her surroundings with her lies, selfishness, and malice. Its not rare in the social world but just because something is common doesnt mean it should be tolerated.
I can understand why Christine-sama doubts me so much. It would be dangerous to accept my words without any questions. I also thought so.
Im not mad or sad that she doubts me.
It is extremely bothersome for me. Because, my words really are my true feelings No, I did sugar-coat my true feelings instead of directly declining. I want to show my true feelingsdouble meanings are bad. Realistically, itll be bad for me later.
But, that doesnt concern me. Your words are lies and you want to increase your standing as a fiance candidate. Its a fact that you have that sort of disposition.
Please stop, if you dont understand me then the conversation cant move forward!
I cant believe it. My intentions werent conveyed to her at all. Christine-sama steeled herself and then thrust a ticket straight to hell at me.
You or anyone else, I will definitely win Ill win fairly and Ill be the one standing next to Runa-sama.