CH 132

Chapter 132: Tug of War

A few days later, I was processing the invitations addressed to me as usual. 

“Oh, this drink is delicious.”

I took a sip of the drink Livya gave me.

Livya smiled contentedly seeing my reaction.

“Still, the alcohol is suprisingly strong, so drink it slowly.”

I glanced at Livya. She was pretty today as well, and she gave off the scent of a luxurious perfume that was in fashion these days. 

I sighed silently. It was truly a great pity to her enemy if she was in the princess side.

“What can I do for you?”

Livya’s voice turned sharp as there was someone approaching us.

I also turned my head. 

“…”

It was a guy who I’d never seen before. He was a man with a slender build in a black suit. His fox smile gave off people the feeling of ‘intimacy’.

I didn’t know this guy, but Livya seemed familiar with that face. The hostility that appeared on her face was rather sharp. 

“Oh my, I apologize to disturb you, ladies.”

“Apologize accepted, then you could leave, Count Bill Curtis.”

Bill Curtis? I frowned. It was familiar name. It was the sender of the strange love letter.

Despite Livya’s cold reaction, the man still has a smile on his face.

“I’m sorry, but I have a matter to discuss with you companion, Lady Priscilla.”

“What is it?”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Fiona Heilon. Please call me by my name.”

I blew my nose at that cheap trick.

“I don’t think that’s going to happen. As far as I remember, this is the first time I’ve met you. Right, what is it?”

“Have you received my letter sometimes ago?”

“Yes I got it. But I think my respond has been clear enough.”

By not replying at all.

“Could you spare me a moment of your precious time?”

Why was this guy suddenly interested in seeing me? This was annoying. I think I could understand why Livya didn’t like this guy very much, because now I found him very unpleasant.

I wanted to know what matter this guy had, but I felt sorry for Livya as it would a bother for her. 

“Okay, but only for a moment.”

It was not a good thing for a noble lady to be alone with a man she didn’t know well and who had a crush on her. However, because it was me who was the noble lady, I could make an exception since I had the power to suppress the bad things that could possibly happen. If he was going to do something sinister, I could just grill him a whole… 

Wait, wasn’t that too much? Gosh, I felt like my mind was getting a little radical as the days went by.

Bill Curtis and I arrived at the terrace.

“It seemed like you don’t understand. So, I’d tell you in advance, Count Curtis. Not replying itself was a refusal.”

“I know.”

You knew that yet why did you call me, you bastard?

“But I still want to have just one intimate talk.”

I crossed my arms. Hopefully, that intimate matter won’t test my patience.

“Sure, what is it?”

Bill Curtis grinned.

“I know Lady Fiona very well.”

“…”

I almost flinched as if something was poking me. But I answered sarcastically with my calm face.

“What? The fact that I am an illegitimate child? Oh lord, there are many people who talk about that as my weakness.”

He paid no attention to my hard attitude.

“No, not that kind.”

Anyway, I can’t be bothered by these words. 

I asked irritably. “Then what do you know?”

Bill Curtis smiled and held out his hand.

“If you come with me, I will let you know.”

What the fuck. 

“My lady, I’ve already written it in the letter. If we are together, we could do everything in this world. Please, make a wise choice.”

This guy was the type of a person who could not be swept away just once move.

I could see why Livya was so hostile.

“I don’t need it, and I don’t care. I’m going, Count.”

Bill Curtis let out an exaggerated sigh.

“It’s a pity. Then please accept this.”

He pulled out a black envelope from his chest.

“If it’s a letter, I don’t need it—”

I wanted to return to the hall quickly, so I took the invitation letter and turned around.

Then I heard Bill’s voice behind my back.

“My lady, please think about it. At least, I’ll be worth a lot more than His Highness if I’m the one who is on your side.”

“…”

So now, he dared to talk about the value of Sigren?

I turned around. “Hearing what you’ve said changed my mind.”

Bill’s face lit up. “Did you decide to go with me?”

“No.” 

I smiled.

shriek—

I tore the invitation I was holding in half.

For the first time, a look of bewilderment appeared on Bill’s relaxed expression. I guessed he didn’t expect I would react like this.

I dropped the torn invitation to the floor and smashed it with my heel. Then I smiled a rather arrogant smile that Abel often did.

“This is my answer.”

I gave a cold warning. “If you ever again try talking about the value of the prince one more time, I won’t let it go.”

“…”

I turned around without looking back. 

Tak— Tak—

The sound of my high heels as I stepped forward in anger resonated clearly in the hallway.