Chapter 17 - Will You Accept My Proposal?

Chapter 17 – Will You Accept My Proposal?

And this time, Goyo could sense a scent that she couldn’t perceive while dancing with him before. It came from him. Although she didn’t know whether it was cologne or the marquis’ natural scent, she couldn’t believe that she didn’t perceive it in the ballroom before.

After all, though the scent itself was not a strong one, it was thick enough up close. And she had been very close to him while they were dancing. Then again, perhaps the scent itself was buried under all other fragrances floating inside the ballroom. Still, that didn’t prevent her from being irritated, whether it was at her inattention or from the scent itself. Thus, she bit her lips in frustration.

Then, not satisfied with only that, the marquis leaned towards her and tilted his head a little. Because of that action, for a moment, she thought he was going to kiss her. However, instead of doing that, the marquis only smiled at her while looking down.

“Will you accept my proposal?”

The brown eyelashes trembled imperceptibly at that question.

Goyo hated the thick scent surrounding her since it only made her nauseous. It only exacerbated her lingering headache from before. Combined with the cold air out here, Goyo felt a chill invading her body.

Not only that, Goyo also sensed that the marquis’ tone was that of a mockery rather than a serious one when he spoke.

Putting all of that together, she inwardly seethed. She hated the situation she was put in right now.

Regardless of the despair she felt for life and marriage, she still felt annoyed at this situation where he made it seem like she truly wishes to marry the marquis.

Unable to withstand the stress, Goyo Rubiet held her face in front of him. And then, when Marquis Bethelgius’ face came close to her…

Annecy Bethelgius was taken aback, surprised that a lady would do such a thing. But it had already happened, and there was no turning back. Thus, for the first time today, the marquis covered his mouth with a befuddled expression. And he was so surprised that his fingertips even trembled a little.

“The marquis’ proposal… I’ll accept it.”

“What…?”

“I hope you don’t send the proposal too late.”

She felt better now that she had broken the delicate situation surrounding them. Moreover, the marquis’ state also left her inordinately pleased. So, Goyo Rubiet walked past the marquis with a satisfied expression and left the terrace. Her business with him was over.

Then, she left all her family members along with Terio back at the ballroom, choosing to return to the duke’s residence and lay down on the bed.

She originally thought that it was only a simple headache because of the cold she got when she returned to the past. However, when she touched her forehead, the skins felt hot to touch. She realized that she was having a fever. Her mind then flashed back to what the marquis said after touching her forehead, and she finally understood why he did that.

****

“I love you Terio.”

One year later, she returned Terio’s confession to her. However, Terio Alte’s expression didn’t change in the slightest when he heard that.

Seeing this, anxiety began to spread all over Goyo’s heart, which was already feeling tense from her confession. And for a moment, she thought that Terio’s mind had already changed during the course of one year.

However, much to her shame, the brief anxiety she felt turned out to be superfluous after seeing tears falling from his expressionless face.

“Terio…?”

“Thank you Goyo. I’ll treat you right. I’ll really… really treat you right.”

“No, I’ll also treat you right. It’s all right, don’t cry.”

“I’m not crying! Who’s crying?!”

But with the way his face was covered with tears, he was not convincing at all. Goyo had taken out her handkerchief and was trying to wipe away his tears. She reached out towards him, yet, her lover was turning his head away and hid his face, unwilling to show her his teary face.

So, although Goyo’s hand was eager to touch his face, she couldn’t do it at all.

Thus, due to his obstinacy, Goyo Rubiet eventually gave up on her effort to wipe away his tears. And she burst into laughter, feeling that the situation was too funny. It was a big hearty laugh, something no noble girls would reveal easily.

That unfamiliar sound attracted Terio’s eyes, who were initially busy avoiding her. And he was transfixed with the carefree smile on Goyo’s face.

Unable to help himself, Terio suddenly brought Goyo into his arms, hugging her tightly.

“Ah! What are you doing suddenly?!”

“I love you. It’s real. I’ll love you forever, and this fact will never change. Goyo, I love you. I love you.”

Listening to his fervent confession, Goyo’s face turned red.

How could he repeatedly say such embarrassing things such as this without looking fazed? I have only said it once, and my heart is already beating so fast! Goyo thought, feeling her heart was going to explode even though she had only said it once!

However, sweet words continued to pour out of Terio’s mouth without ceasing, continuously shaking Goyo’s heart and mind. Unable to endure her overly full heart any longer, Goyo reached out her hand and returned Terio’s hug.