I had made my debut into high society at the age of fifteen. Now, three years later, it was finally my turn to receive a marriage proposal.
At least, that’s how things appeared to be playing out.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Marielle. My name is Simeon Flaubert.”
This gentleman had come to visit my family so we could introduce ourselves to one another. He greeted me with a smile so beautiful and elegant it almost took me aback. He presented a small bouquet of flowers as a gift, and in my moment of surprise, he took my hand and kissed it. I could do no more than gaze upon his flowing movements in a dazed state.
“I am honored to make your acquaintance,” he continued.
“The honor is entirely mine,” I said, with some hesitation in my voice. “I’m Marielle Clarac. Thank you for coming. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I returned his introduction and gave the customary curtsy in an entirely suitable manner, if I do say so myself. I believe I just barely managed to preserve the degree of social grace expected of a nobleman’s daughter.
But in my mind, a storm was raging.
This situation is just...insane! It’s Lord Simeon, of all people! The most vicious intellect of the Royal Order of Knights... the Smiling Sword... the Poisoned Petal! THAT Lord Simeon!
Although, when I mentioned these names in my father’s presence, he responded with, “No, I’ve never heard him called anything like that.”
Yes, all right, they’re just my own names for him that I made up. Naturally, I’d never use them outside of my family. Even I can distinguish between things you can and can’t say in polite company.
Anyway, back to Lord Simeon.
Lord Simeon was many things. He was the eldest son and heir of House Flaubert, an earldom with a history that stretched back to the founding of the kingdom. He was the Vice Captain of the Royal Order of Knights, foot guards to the royal family. Indeed, from a very young age he had been the close companion of His Highness the Crown Prince. He was, in fact, the premier rising star amongst the young nobility, with a career trajectory that many said assured him an important ministerial role in the future.
Those aspects alone would have been more than enough to attract the fevered attention of every young lady of marriageable age, but what truly made him seem like Prince Charming out of a storybook was his exceptionally beautiful outward appearance.
His physique was tall, slender, and perfectly proportioned. When a calm smile showed upon the pale face that bordered on the palest of blond hair, he exuded knowledge and noble character. His light blue eyes shone from behind his glasses with kindness, yes, but also a dignified strength and sharpness of wit.
At twenty-seven years of age, he possessed a calm and composed nature that was nothing like the boys of my own age group. He truly came across as an adult, and it was quite wonderful.
And people like that really exist? These pinnacles of perfection don’t just exist in books, but in real life, too!?
And...one of them is going to marry me!?
I apologized to my father internally. Until that moment, I had honestly assumed he was joking about all this! I couldn’t conceive of it being true! Sorry for doubting you, Father!
The truth, you see, is that this essentially was impossible. My father is a mere viscount, and our house has no particular history, status or fortune. Compared to House Flaubert, we existed in a different sphere altogether.
Admittedly, my father and brother had climbed to a certain level of success, both serving in the palace as government officials. However, they had not the faintest hope of becoming ministers. Our family simply did not have the pedigree that would be needed to go that far. The gap between us and House Flaubert, which had produced generation after generation of ministers, even prime ministers, was akin to heaven and earth.
If this were indeed a story, there might have been some sort of secret fated reason for his proposal—for example, he might have seen me somewhere and fallen in love at first sight. However, I was absolutely, positively certain that this was not the case.
Why? Because my looks were so unremarkable that no one would ever give me a second glance.
What kind of trickery did Father use to reel in a catch like this? It must be the biggest coup of his entire career!
“I imagine you’ve heard from your father already, but I’ve presented myself as a candidate for your hand in marriage. Would you do me the honor of accepting my proposal?”
His voice was soft. Comfortable. I’d seen him from afar at countless balls and garden parties, but I’d never heard his voice before. A beautiful voice, befitting a beautiful face.
It was just slightly high-pitched, with a sweet tone when he spoke kindly, though I was certain that if he took on a colder tone it would make quite an impact as well. Soft and flowing, yet merciless when interrogating someone... Just imagining it made me start to breathe heavily.
Ah, to be interrogated by him, just once!
“Marielle!” whispered my father from behind, poking me in the back.
Oops, this won’t do at all! Now’s not the time to be daydreaming. I hurriedly pulled myself together and gave Lord Simeon an answer. “This honor is far more than I deserve. However, I must ask you, Lord Simeon, is this truly what you want? As you can see, I’m neither a stunning beauty nor a brilliant mind. In fact, I’m a woman with no distinguishing characteristics whatsoever. The plainest, plainest, plainest of the plain.”