(Risking My Life) Proposing to Miss Hazel - Chapter 32

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 32

 

“Hazel, do you want to stay home today? It’ll just be tiring if you run into Axel anyway.”

 

I fell into thought as I ate white bread spread with butter and raspberry jam.

 

Today was tax day.

 

The day when Axel would extort money from us and pick fights too.

 

And the day I’d be anxious about Felix possibly snapping at Axel.

 

I took a big bite of bread and looked at my brother with suspicious eyes.

 

“Felix, can you stay calm in front of Axel?”

 

“I’m not someone who can’t tell right from wrong. As long as Axel doesn’t bother you, I can bow and scrape anytime.”

 

“Hmm…”

 

“I don’t even drink anymore. I won’t cause trouble, so don’t worry and just stay home, okay?”

 

Normally I wouldn’t even pretend to listen to Felix and would head out to work, but today I wanted to listen to him.

 

It was because of last night’s dream.

 

‘You know how much I love you.’

 

“Ugh!”

 

I shuddered and stood up as Axel’s voice suddenly came to mind. Felix jumped up in surprise too.

 

“A bug?”

 

“No, no.”

 

Something worse than that.

 

I sat back down, clutching my pounding heart. Even smelling the fragrant, sweet bread couldn’t calm my chest.

 

I’m acting strange today.

 

In this state, I had no confidence I could maintain my composure while meeting Axel and listening to his endless nonsense.

 

“Alright. I’ll stay home today. I set aside the tax money separately, so make sure to take it with you.”

 

Felix’s eyes widened at my obedient answer. He looked like he expected more back-and-forth.

 

“Really? You trust me?”

 

“Mm-hmm.”

 

More precisely, it wasn’t that I trusted Felix, but that I didn’t trust myself.

 

No, let’s think positively.

 

If Axel and I aren’t together, Felix’s trigger won’t be pressed.

 

If Felix stays calm, Axel won’t be able to do anything to him, and today will pass peacefully.

 

Meanwhile, I can enjoy playing hooky for the first time in ages.

 

Having steeled my resolve, I gave Felix some precautions (give in if he picks a fight, just don’t open your mouth at all) and prepared countermeasures in case Axel persistently looked for me.

 

“I have a fever today. I can’t eat anything and I’m lying down, hovering between life and death.”

 

“Hazel, you’re really smart.”

 

“I know I am.”

 

Felix looked at me with a dazed expression, then placed his thick, cold hand on my forehead.

 

His eyebrows tilted at an angle.

 

“Did my words become reality? You really seem to have a fever.”

 

“No.”

 

I’m just heated with anger.

 

***

 

As soon as Felix left, I sprinkled salt behind my back. It was a nightmare-banishing method Grandma Lisa taught me. I couldn’t guarantee its effectiveness though.

 

“Ugh, go away Axel.”

 

I called out Axel’s name like I was exorcising an evil spirit and shook the salt container once more.

 

Axel Cromwell.

 

A name that gave me chills just thinking about it.

 

My ill-fated relationship with Axel began 15 years ago at Cromwell Castle.

 

‘Hazel, you have to go to Cromwell Castle. Don’t look back and just run.’

 

Cromwell Castle, which I barely reached after being separated from Felix in the chaos of civil war.

 

The fairy-tale castle built in the mountains was peaceful and beautiful, unlike the chaotic area below.

 

But for me—

 

‘Ash-colored hair and devil-like yellow eyes. How ominous.’

 

‘Devil child, get lost!’

 

It was like hell.

 

All the residents of the castle not only looked at me with contempt like I was filth, but even threatened my life.

 

Still, I couldn’t leave Cromwell Castle.

 

Felix said he would come, so I had to wait for him somehow.

 

‘She looks like a young dark mage. Wouldn’t it be better to kill her quickly?’

 

‘If we mess with her carelessly, the dark magic might spread. If we leave her alone, she’ll starve to death on her own.’

 

Contrary to their wishes, I didn’t starve to death.

 

Half-burnt bread and rotten discarded apples could be found anywhere.

 

But unfortunately, even my days of surviving through petty theft didn’t last long.

 

The people of Cromwell Castle burned the places where I stayed and threw stones at me.

 

Thunk—a stone that hit my forehead fell to my feet. Warm blood mixed with tears and flowed down my cheeks.

 

At the center of it all was little Axel with reddish-brown hair.

 

I’ll never forget his sharp gaze as he glared at me like he wanted to kill me.

 

After settling in Ruden Village, I thought I’d never have to face Axel again…

 

‘Are you that devil’s child from back then?’

 

Five years ago, when Axel started coming to Ruden Village to collect taxes, our ill-fated relationship began again.

 

It would have been better if he despised and ignored me like in childhood, but his harassment was mixed with strange flirtation, making it even more troublesome.

 

‘Spouting nonsense about backing me up and telling me to move to Cromwell Castle.’

 

I brushed off thoughts of Axel along with the salt on my shoulders and flopped down on the bed.

 

Even though I wasn’t really sick, lying in bed until late morning felt strange.

 

The quiet air that flowed in with the warm sunlight was also awkward beyond words.

 

“Sometimes I need days like this too.”

 

I pulled the fluffy blanket that smelled like sunshine close and buried my face in it.

 

I knew Felix was probably paying taxes right about now, but I wasn’t too worried.

 

Not because I trusted Felix, but because I knew the villagers would stop him if something happened.

 

If he looked like he was about to do something stupid, Monica would probably smack him upside the head.

 

Drowsy sleepiness washed over me. I fell into a nap like being swept away by currents.

 

Fortunately, I didn’t have bad dreams.

 

If I have nightmares again next time, I’ll have to sprinkle an entire bag of salt.

 

Knock knock knock knock—

 

I opened my eyes to the sound of repeated knocking on the door.

 

I blinked my dazed eyes and finally sat up at the urgent voice calling my name.

 

“Hazel! Are you inside?”

 

It was the voice of Michael, the village’s only doctor.

 

‘What brings Michael here?’

 

I tilted my head in confusion and shuffled toward the door.

 

Creak—as I opened the door, sunken, hollow eyes came close. Crazed pupils rolled up and down.

 

I unconsciously gasped “Hic!” in surprise and stepped backward. Sorry, but no matter how many times I see that face, I can never get used to it.

 

Michael is called the ghost groom because of his gaunt body and gleaming eyes, but he’s truly dedicated to his patients.

 

He’s developed this appearance from sacrificing sleep and meal times to treat patients.

 

“Ah, what brings you here, sir?”

 

Michael’s face tilted to one side. He asked in a puzzled tone.

 

“I heard you’re sick.”

 

“Ah.”

 

I finally had a vague understanding of what was happening.

 

Someone who heard I was sick had sent Michael to our house.

 

But the problem was—

 

“I’m not sick though?”

 

My fake illness wouldn’t work on Michael.

 

I smiled awkwardly and hastily rattled off excuses.

 

“I, I slept it off and feel better now. Did someone send you here by any chance?”

 

Instead of answering my question, he kept looking behind him, then left as if fleeing.

 

“If, if you’re better, that’s good. I’ll be going now.”

 

“Yes, take care.”

 

I came outside to see Michael off—

 

A voice I shouldn’t be hearing came from the opposite direction where he had disappeared.

 

“Ahem, hmm. I’m glad to hear you’re feeling better, Miss Hazel.”

 

Goosebumps rose from head to toe.

 

Here I was, hiding in my house with a fake illness to avoid someone.

 

‘No way, it can’t be. Why would Axel come all the way here.’

 

Denying reality, I slowly turned my head with a creak.

 

But before my eyes waited a reality more terrible than any nightmare.

 

Reddish-brown hair swayed gently in the refreshing breeze.

 

Eyes that seemed to look down on me pierced straight through.

 

Axel Cromwell.

 

The Lord’s son, who should be busy collecting taxes right now, was standing in front of our house.

 

Holding a bouquet of roses as big as his torso.

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