She flinched slightly, but he didn’t catch it. The thought she had just a moment ago about how he wasn’t hideous had come to mind… and she was overcome with shame.
She must have gone crazy, thinking someone like him had decent looks. "Of all people, why should I listen to your nonsense?" she demanded, scowling.
Max stroked his chin calmly as he watched his stepsister grit her teeth in anger. "You hate me very much,” he mused. "If you say ‘yes’ to my question, I can be at ease knowing that most of my sins will be forgiven."
He wore a subtle smirk upon his face, and the sight of it had Beatrice striving to suppress her violent urges. Who the hell did he think he was? That crazy bastard!
Now, he was sauntering around her room. Her eyes widened when she realized what had ended up in his hand.
Th-That was—
The precious letter from Jubelian was now sitting between his calloused fingers.
"What do you think you're doing?” Beatrice shrieked. "Give it back!" She stomped toward him, but he was already reading the contents of the letter.
She paused, suddenly smug.
You're jealous, aren't you?”
She was expecting Max to be jealous, but his expression became rather strange instead. Wondering what was wrong, she called out to him. "Maxmillian."
His voice low, he asked, "Is this a reply to a letter you've sent to Jubelian?"
"Y-Yes."
Handing it over, he began to walk out.
"I'm leaving,” he announced.
After putting the helmet back on, he headed out of the room.
Narrowing her eyes, Beatrice watched as he left. Seriously, what had gotten into him?
Max furrowed his brow once he left the room. For the past three days, he hadn’t visited Jubelian in fear that he might have insulted her in some way. However, he was now heading to the mansion.
She never replied to my letters...! he seethed silently.
Jealousy had taken over, overshadowing his worries.
Uncomfortable with the person I was currently speaking to, I periodically checked the clock on the wall.
"Lady Jubelian."
Tensing up at the call, I answered quickly. "Yes, Madam Perez. I'm listening."
I was in the middle of discussing the plans behind my coming-of-age ceremony with Madam Perez, the head housekeeper for our family.
"Where are you planning to get your dresses made?" she asked.
Unlike the gentle and amiable butler Derrick, Madam Perez was a strict woman. Her austere nature suited her duties as a housekeeper, but it made it difficult for me to hold a conversation with her.
"Um… I'm thinking of getting them from Lily Muge," I supplied hesitantly.
She scribbled something on a piece of paper. "We’ll contact them in advance once you decide when to visit. There will be three dresses needed for the ball: one for the morning, another for the evening, and another for the ceremony itself. "
"I understand. About the theme…”
"Ah, yes. The theme..." Frowning suddenly, she rubbed her temples.
Normally, Madam Perez never displayed distraction. She was steadfast to the point that I sometimes wondered if she was even human.
Astonished by her unexpected behavior, I asked, "Is everything all right?"
She nodded slowly. "Yes. Sometimes I suffer from unexpected headaches. In any case, do you have anything in mind for the theme?"
"I would like to get some advice from my friends at the tea-tasting parties. Most of them have been to more parties than I have.”
"I see. Please let us know when you decide on one, then." She was speaking clearly, but her complexion was pale.
"We'll decide on everything else once the theme is decided. For now, please go and rest,” I insisted.
Madam Perez looked at me in surprise for a moment before taking a bow. "Thank you, Your Ladyship."
I watched as she left the room. Then, I frowned a little. Was that... what I thought it was?
Tap! Tap!
Startled by the sudden sound, I turned around to discover that Max was watching me from the balcony window. He probably decided that coming in through the front door wasn’t any good.
Letting him in, I greeted him. "Come in,” I said.
He stared at me for a moment before opening his mouth to speak. "If you want to send me a letter, you can address it to Count Herend instead of the palace."
Taken aback by his ridiculous greeting, I frowned. "If you want a letter back, you should write one to me first—"
I stopped myself from saying anything further when I realized that the letters he had sent me before were still in my drawer…
I won't kill you.
I won’t be visiting for a while. During my absence, I hope you realize my importance.
P.S. You will only be able to meet me after you learn of my value.
...If one could call such things letters.
"You're not asking me to reply to a letter that said you won't kill me, are you?" I asked.
Seemingly embarrassed, he turned away.
I took his hands and said, "If you want, I’ll write you a letter. It won't be a reply to anything. It’ll just be a love letter."
The corners of his lips rose. "Okay."
I watched his bright face for a moment, captivated by the charming expression he wore. I started gently pulling him by the hand. "Come here,” I began. "I have something to—"
Instead of following me, however, he lifted our joined hands and kissed the back of mine. I turned toward him and he flashed me an attractive smile. The ticklish sensation of the kiss along with his handsome appearance made my heart begin to pound. No matter how many times I saw him, I couldn’t get enough of him.
As I stared blankly at his face, he came closer to me. My heart began to race even faster. Was he trying to kiss me? My dad wasn't home. If he kissed me today, I would be able to accept it without hesitation.