Chapter 275 - A Love Triangle

I was hoping he was joking. However, Lord Elios slowly nodded.

Saying that he was going to give the winning prize of the hunting competition meant that he would make a public confession to me in front of all the nobles. A conversation like this would usually be exchanged between lovers who would soon get married. I couldn’t believe that this man, who I had only known for a few days, was saying something like this.

“Lord Elios, we have only met a few times. How could you suddenly say something committed lovers might say to each other? Frankly, I find this absurd.”

Once I pointed out the ludicrous situation, a giggle escaped his lips. Gracefully placing his teacup down, he began, “Unbeknownst to you, I’ve been watching you all along, Lady Floyen.”

“I’m sorry?”
“Would you believe me if I told you I nourish an unrequited love for you?”

His shocking words prompted me to recall the first time I had met him. “It’s amazing, isn’t it? I never imagined that an opportunity like this would come to me,” he had said. At the time, I simply thought he was interested in playing cards with me, but maybe I was wrong. Was he saying that he had been interested in me even before then?

Lord Elios was an attractive gentleman. I couldn’t believe someone like him was attracted to me. My eyes were trembling, but I focused my gaze on him. Lifting his teacup, he took a small sip. Once he met my eyes, he smiled brightly. “If you could, please refrain from looking at me like that. My heart might jump out of my chest at any second.” Regardless, I continued to study his expression. His eyes were relaxed, and his smile was sly. His claim about his unrequited love was not convincing at all.

“You must be joking with me,” I spoke sternly. Radiance soon faded from his fine features. His turquoise eyes, which I always thought carried a warm light, grew dark.

“I am serious.” His tone had completely changed, and without realizing it, I flinched slightly. Unstirred by my reaction, Lord Elios grinned as he put down his teacup. “Not too long ago, I had looked down on your disrespectful conduct. After all, I am a son of a duke, just as you are a daughter of one.”

Furrowing my brow, I attempted a counterattack. “In the end, this is your true intent—”

However, he cut me off. “Nonetheless, you kept changing for the better, and I couldn’t help but notice it. And at some point, I realized that I was smiling every time I saw or thought of you.” Not knowing how to react to his strange confession, I lowered my eyes. “Jubelian,” he continued regardless, “I believe that I would be an excellent candidate as your marriage partner.” He was one of the most beloved men in high society, not to mention the prime minister’s successor. It was an undeniable fact that he would be the best man to be married to in this empire, but I still had Max.

“I’m sorry, Lord Elios. Unfortunately, I am not interested in you.” I refused resolutely. Even so, he spoke confidently without any sign of disappointment.

“I understand. This is why I want to take the time to show you my strengths.”

“There is no need,” I declined once again.

However, he put on a charming smile and said, “There is no use in doing that. I have already made up my mind.” Speechless, I bit my lips. Having finished his tea, the gentleman rose from his chair. “I will see you at the hunting competition then, my love.”

I stared blankly into space for a moment after he left. Then recollecting what had just happened, I sighed. Why was he so bent on winning my heart? I had absolutely no intention of accepting his confession. However, there was a chance he would make a public one. Just the thought of saying no while receiving the attention from all the nobles throughout the empire terrified me. Not only would I become the topic of gossip for those in high society, but I was also worried about how Max would react. In any case, I was determined to stop Lord Elios from winning the competition. With this pledge, I decided to go back to my room.