Celebrity Lady - Chapter 28

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Celebrity Lady
Chapter 28
“That is……, what are you talking about?”
Lark, who had been pondering for a moment, laughed it off as if he had no idea.
“Earlier today, when you sent me a dinner invitation through Victor, I refused it, didn’t I?”
“Ah, you did?”
Lark was taken aback.
“So you refused. Ha ha……. I came thinking he hadn’t even brought it up, so I assumed that was the case.”
“Oh my, you didn’t hear. But please don’t take it badly. He probably felt sorry about relaying it as is.”
“Right, well. I understand.”
Lark smiled as if it were fine and tilted his head as he continued.
“However…….”
“…….”
“May I ask the reason? It’s true that I’m interested in you. Not a misunderstanding—I see you clearly.”
“I dislike beating around the bush, so I’m asking first in case what I’m about to say sounds rude to you. Does that suit you?”
Lark, who had been staring at me intently, let out a laugh and nodded.
“Right. I also hate indirectness, so speak freely. It’s fine.”
“Then…….”
I accepted the water bottle he was returning and continued speaking.
“What you’re interested in is likely not me as a person, but rather ‘the daughter of House Diolus,’ isn’t it? You’ve long passed the age of marriage, so you must be in urgent need of a spouse, and from what I can gather, you’re looking for a marriage partner rather than a lover…….”
Upon hearing my words, Lark’s expression shifted to one of surprise and discomfort.
“Hmm…….”
“…….”
“Did I perhaps make some mistake? Did I behave in a way that made my intentions apparent to you?”
“Not at all. It’s simply an easy question if you think about it for a moment. You proposed a meal to someone whose face you’d never seen in private, and you went out of your way to visit here despite your busy schedule?”
“So you don’t think that perhaps I’m genuinely interested in you on a personal level?”
“Come now, you said yourself that you dislike beating around the bush.”
“…….”
“I simply didn’t think there was any probability that someone of your standing would choose me as a lover based purely on personal preference. If I weren’t the only eligible daughter of House Diolus right now, I wouldn’t be sitting across from you having this conversation.”
The Lark I’d actually met didn’t seem like a bad person, but he was certainly thoroughly calculating.
His plan to make a daughter of House Diolus—one who would strengthen imperial authority—his empress was transparent.
Of course, our family has Lillia, who is more renowned than I am, but if I consider why he approaches me specifically, the answer becomes clear: he is an extremely meticulous man.
‘Lillia is the child of Molga, a concubine.’
Lark wants flawless bloodlines. My lineage alone would be coveted, setting aside appearance, reputation, and every other factor.
‘It’s rather like deciding to marry some bald, pot-bellied tycoon just because he has power and money.’
Sadly, it seems about the same.
“Ah……. I see.”
Lark, who had been resting his chin in both hands and thinking for a while, smiled and nodded.
“It seems there’s little point in pretending in front of you, so I’ll admit it. Everything you said is correct.”
“…….”
“I need to find a spouse urgently, and I’ve concluded that you would be the best choice for that. But that’s merely my wish—I have no intention of forcing it upon you. I never meant to demand marriage immediately. It’s simply…….”
Lark turned to look at me and smiled brightly before continuing.
“Since we don’t know each other well yet, if you’d give me the opportunity to come to know you, I’d be nothing but delighted.”
I listened to Lark’s flowing words with admiration.
‘A calculated approach, yet phrased with consideration for me! A conversational style that doesn’t make the listener feel ill will! And above all, a face and smile that inspire affection even when none existed before!’
From his appearance to his manner of speech, his voice, every nuance of his expression—he was a man who captivated hearts effortlessly. That was Lark.
‘It’s really a shame he’s the crown prince.’
I felt a pang of regret and smiled wistfully to myself.
“I’m truly sorry, but as I mentioned earlier, I have no desire to develop a romantic relationship with you.”
At my firm refusal, Lark pressed his lips together with a look of regret.
“Did it upset you very much that I made a deliberate effort to meet you?”
“Not at all. I understand, regardless of your intentions. It’s only natural for people to act in pursuit of their goals. You haven’t done anything particularly wrong.”
“Then? Perhaps I’m simply not your type?”
“That’s not it either. I can’t speak for all women, but honestly, you do meet the aesthetic standards that the vast majority of women would find appealing.”
At my words, Lark tilted his head. He looked puzzled about what the actual problem was.
“To me, you’re simply not the right choice as a romantic partner contingent on marriage. Since you’re not thinking of just dating me but intend to marry, wouldn’t meeting you be a waste of time if I don’t have marriage in mind?”
Lark was taken aback.
“You have no intention of marrying?”
“I likely will someday, but I don’t think that person will be you.”
I spoke firmly, then softened my voice a little out of remorse as I continued.
“A lifelong spouse is an incredibly important part of my life. I want not merely to love someone, but to share feelings on a deeper level and to have a life companion I can truly depend on. Naturally, I’d hope that for both of us, we’d be each other’s only.”
“I see. Is it perhaps……?”
“Yes. From what I understand, to ascend the Imperial Throne, you are legally required to have five consorts…….”
Only then did Lark seem to understand, pressing his forehead as a small laugh escaped him.
“Right. So the issue isn’t with me as a person—it’s that I’m the crown prince and therefore unsuitable.”
“That’s essentially it.”
“I understand.”
“I’m sorry. You said you dislike indirectness, but I got carried away talking, worried I might offend you.”
“No, actually, because your voice is so lovely, I wish you’d go on talking even longer.”
Really, what kind of flirtation is this. Dangerously, with that face.
I felt embarrassed and averted my gaze, but I sensed Lark standing up. I looked up at him.
“That’s certainly not something I can do anything about. The Empire’s strict Marriage Law doesn’t allow exceptions even for me.”
Lark conceded cleanly.
“I’ve inadvertently taken your time and caused you trouble. I apologize.”
“It’s fine.”
“It’s late—would it be alright if I saw you home? Not with any other intention, but it wouldn’t be proper to send a lady off alone at this hour.”
“That’s fine too. I came by carriage. I have an escort and a driver waiting over there.”
At my steadfast refusal to the very end, Lark burst into a hearty laugh and nodded.
“Right then. I’m sorry it couldn’t be, but if the opportunity comes around again, let’s meet with a smile.”
How clean. I felt a moment of admiration for Lark as he turned to leave without hesitation.
Actually, he could have threatened or persuaded that naive young lady who was just spouting sentimental nonsense about love…….
How starkly different from the sordid men that came to mind.
He was acutely aware of his position as the future master of the Empire and had clearly set his priorities in order to achieve it.
We simply pursued different values, but he was certainly an impressive man.
A person with clear goals in life, unwavering in pursuing them. Yet with the clean sense to know when to concede and the compromise to maintain proper boundaries.
‘I can’t be the empress, but I do wish you’d be the emperor.’
I finally resolved the hesitation that had been plaguing me and stopped Lark.
“Your Highness, wait a moment.”
“Yes?”
I stopped him and pulled out a notebook and pen from the back pocket of my training clothes—something I always carried to sketch whenever clothing designs came to mind.
“Even if we’re not lovers, I’m confident that you and I can become a good relationship where we help each other.”
“Hmm?”
To a confused Lark, I quickly scribbled a few lines in the notebook, tore out the page, folded it twice, and handed it to him.
“Don’t look at it now. Check it after you return to the palace.”
“What is this?”
“You’ll understand when you read it. I have a feeling we’ll meet again soon.”
“…….”
Lark, who had been quietly examining the note in his hand, soon let out a small laugh.
“Right. Take care going in, Rubert.”
* * *
The crown prince Lark’s office.
Lark had been thinking of Rubert continuously.
“What you’re interested in is likely not me as a person, but rather ‘the daughter of House Diolus,’ isn’t it?”
“Wouldn’t meeting you be a waste of time if I don’t have marriage in mind?”
Though he hadn’t gained what he sought, Lark dismissed the meeting with Rubert as sufficiently satisfying.
He’d heard she was timid and spoke little, just a young girl…….
‘Rumors really can’t be trusted.’
This fifteen-year-old was quick-witted, capable, and above all…….
‘She’s so much like me.’
It was true.
Lark couldn’t have been more grateful that she’d drawn the line cleanly so as not to waste time unnecessarily.
Against the frustrating people scattered around him, the contrast was so stark that even though she was someone he should no longer harbor feelings for, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret.
Lark smiled wryly and muttered to himself.
“If you’re going to cut things off so sharply, at least don’t be greedy.”
“What? Who are you talking about?”
Just then, a familiar face entered Lark’s field of vision.
“Ah, Ren.”
“Where have you been that you’re so out of it, Your Highness?”
A fair-haired man with reddish eyes, laughing playfully as he squinted them.
His name was Ren.
Around eight years old, he had been rescued by Lark from a foreign slave trader and had been at his side ever since as both aide and bodyguard, and as his irreplaceable sole friend.
He had shown willingness to do anything for Lark’s sake until now.
But sadly…….
“Hey, Your Highness. What are you thinking about? Why so quiet?”
That was no longer the case.
“Nothing, really.”
Ren had become a spy for someone.
For an unidentifiable but certain enemy—Lark’s rival who had taken his hand.
And Lark already knew this fact.
“Come on, that’s no fun. Where did you go?”
“No need to know.”
To conceal the fact that he had already seen through Ren’s true nature, Lark laughed it off smoothly.
Then, suddenly, the note Rubert had given him at the end came to mind.
‘What could she have written.’
Assuming it was merely an apology for her refusal, Lark opened the note and read it.
“……!”
And then, he was shocked.
Upon reading the note, Lark’s eyes filled with unprecedented alarm.
[Do not suspect the blonde-haired aide closest to you. He is not a spy.]
His wavering gaze, which had nowhere to go, turned toward Ren seated before him.
[The moment you strike his neck, you cannot undo it. Please make the wise choice.]

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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