I uncrossed my arms, trying to ignore the lingering soreness in my throat. 'Go ahead, old man. Hit me. Then I’ll bite you back and make sure your status is changed to the Imperial family—the one thing you hate most.'
I didn't think much of Loxdian, but I hated my grandfather even more for how he used people.
I slowly stood up, my movements sluggish and annoyed. Susan and Beth had quickly prepared a dress and a shawl for me, and I was heading for the door when it burst open.
A face I absolutely did not want to see was waiting on the other side.
"Oh, my dear granddaughter, Charlize! My heart! Did you really have to make this old man come all this way? What a naughty young lady you are!"
...What the hell is wrong with him?
"Yes?" I stopped in my tracks. Was the old man finally going senile? Or did he have a secret switch like Roxdian’s necklace that flipped his personality?
Instinctively, my hand went to the necklace around my own neck. No, there was no way he’d changed like Loxdian.
Duke Altsbeit stood there, wearing a smile so benevolent it looked painful. It didn't suit him at all. It was clear why he was here—yesterday’s performance had made waves, and he was here to either scold me or use me. But why the smiling face?
"...Grandfather, what are you doing? I’m the one who caused that scene yesterday," I said, testily.
"Oh, no. A noble family must look out for their friends," he said, waving a hand. "The misfortune of a close friend is a serious matter. I received a note of thanks from the Count Rotaria himself. You revealed the true face of that unpleasant bastard Geren Arus—the one who wasn't even fit to be called his daughter's fiancé! You were praised as a model of proper nobility. The Count was so grateful you saved his daughter’s honor."
I stared at him. Had Count Rotaria paid him off? Or was the Duke just that happy that I’d publicly humiliated a rival house’s choice? Either way, his pleasant expression was making my skin crawl. It made me want to cause an even bigger scene next time.
But then I realized he wasn't just happy about the money or the gossip.
"Oh, and let me introduce you, baby. Come forward."
The Duke gestured, and a large figure stepped into the room with an uncomfortable smile.
My eyes widened. Why was *he* here?
"This is the eldest son of the Child family, Sir Ian Niño. I heard you two have already met, so there’s no need for formal introductions, right?"
I wanted to burst into laughter. I didn't even try to hide my twisted expression. Of all the people to show up at my door first thing in the morning...
I gave Ian a fierce look.
"You're laughing. Are you embarrassed?" the Duke asked Ian. "Ian, didn't I tell you? My granddaughter heard you were here and didn't want to come out because she was so shy!"
...Shy? Since when is Charlize Altsbeit "shy"? And since when are they on such friendly terms?
It was official. This old man had seen my breakup with Askin and immediately brought in the next candidate. It gave me yet another reason to hate Ian Niño.
'What is this old man talking about? I’m finished with all of this,' I thought, standing there with a cocky, crooked posture.
But the Duke didn't care. In his experience, Charlize would eventually calm down if he threw enough money or attention her way.
"Now, now! I’ll let you young people have some time together. Heh, heh, heh!"
The Duke acted out a one-man show of excitement, practically pushing Ian further into the room. He gathered all my maids, ushered them out, and shut the door behind him.
"..."
Ian and I were left alone. Our eyes met in the heavy silence.
"...I didn't intend for it to happen like this," Ian said softly. "I'm very sorry, Princess."
"Go away."
"Princess, I—"
"I said go away. I’m not interested."
Ian looked perplexed. "I’d love to listen to whatever you have to say, but..." He put a finger to his lips and whispered. "I haven't heard the Duke’s footsteps move away from the door yet."
"..."
Son of a...
So the Duke was actually eavesdropping. I was furious, but even the effort of being angry felt like too much work. I turned away from Ian and slumped onto the sofa.
Ian followed me slowly and sat in the chair opposite mine.
"I didn't invite you to sit," I snapped.
"Well, the parlor is decorated so beautifully, it seemed a shame to stand," he replied with a smooth, kind smile. "Actually, this is the first time I’ve ever been in a woman’s room. And since it’s the room of Princess Altsbeit, it’s even more splendid than I imagined."
What a load of crap. He looked like the kind of playboy who had a hundred ex-girlfriends and another hundred waiting in line. I’ve always been wary of the "lady-killer" types. In my previous world, I’d learned that a face like that always meant trouble.
"Can't you hear me? I didn't ask you to sit. Go back to that seat and stand there until my grandfather leaves. Then you can leave too."
Ian just smiled more broadly. "The sun is so nice today. I think I’ll just sit here and enjoy the light in silence. Think of me as a plant—a sansevieria, perhaps?"
"I don't grow sansevierias that look like you."
"Ah... I’ll have to go back and complain to my father then. I’ll ask him why he didn't make me more plant-like."
"I’m not in the mood for jokes, Ian. This is your final warning. Get out."
"Do you really hate my presence that much?" he asked.
The question reminded me of something Askin had said. The memory made me even more irritable. But looking at Ian’s friendly, unshakeable smile, I realized he was one of those people who wouldn't leave no matter what I said. He reminded me of those persistent "Believe in Tao" scammers from the subway back home.
I let out a long sigh and gave up. I decided to ignore him.
I stared out the large window, refusing to look at him. He actually kept his word; he didn't speak a single word. He just sat there, as still as a plant, staring out the window.
It was almost funny. If I were the real Charlize, I’d probably have kept him as an ornamental piece in a human aquarium.
Finally, I saw Duke Altsbeit’s carriage pull away through the window. Ian rose silently from his seat.
He gave me a direct, perfectly polite bow.
"Although it wasn't my intention, it was an honor to meet you today, Princess."
"..."
"Next time, I’ll be sure to contact you in advance."
"Don't bother," I said, my voice sharp and sincere. I didn't even know if I’d be alive the next time he called.
"Very well. I’ll send you a letter every day until you give me permission."
He gave me one last textbook-perfect greeting and left the room as quietly as a shadow.
'A letter every day until I give permission...'
I frowned. He was making me feel uneasy.
'Who do you think you are? You're doing exactly what I did to Askin.'
The thought that Ian’s actions were a mirror of my own attempts to court Askin made me feel sick. He was serious, just like I had been. And that was the last thing I wanted to deal with right now.