Grey's pov
"Never! I will never marry Carol, Mother. Grey expressed with conviction.
"While she possesses a strong and independent spirit, she has been known to engage in physical altercations with boys." He took a moment to collect himself, sitting on the ground and holding his head, tears streaming down his face.
When I was just 10 years old, my mother, who happened to be good friends with the esteemed Countess Beth, harbored a deep desire for a close bond between our families.
In pursuit of this heartfelt connection, she ingeniously orchestrated a plan for her daughter, Carol, and myself to embark on a joyous journey of matrimony.
She was two years my junior, and our paths crossed numerous times within the castle walls as she accompanied her father to work. Let me assure you, she is not someone to be trifled with. Not only is she the childhood companion of the forsaken prince Ragnarök, but she is also a fierce Barbarian maiden who communicates through the language of fists.
Although my father, a war hero and respected knight of the Rouse Kingdom, approves of the marriage, I cannot help but feel hesitant. Rumors have circulated that those who have asked for her hand in marriage have met a mysterious fate. As much as I respect her and her family, I cannot risk my own life for the sake of a marriage.
Grey's mind was a chaotic mess as the carriage came to a halt in front of the grandiose mansion belonging to the Count. His thoughts were racing in every direction, like a wild stallion that had broken free from its reins. He couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation as he stepped out of the carriage and onto the cobblestone path leading up to the entrance of the mansion.
A grand procession of maids and servants formed an endless line, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the esteemed Baron and Baroness, accompanied by their son, the charming Grey. As the doors swung open, a sight to behold greeted them - the Count, the Countess, and their daughter Carol, though the latter wore a slight pout upon her face.
As the Baroness entered the room, she was greeted with warm smiles and polite conversation. The conversation among the adults stood in stark contrast to the expressions on their child's faces. Carol's intense gaze locked onto Grey, causing him to tremble with fear.
They found themselves enveloped in the opulence of a lavishly adorned chamber, adorned with exquisite furnishings and adorned with delicate accents. Before them, a tantalizing array of decadent desserts awaited, each meticulously crafted to perfection.
The air was filled with the enchanting aroma of the finest teas, brewed from leaves plucked from the rarest corners of the world. As they indulged in these culinary delights, their laughter echoed through the room, harmonizing with the tinkling of crystal glasses and the gentle clinking of silverware.
Amidst their moments of enjoyment, Carol cast a disapproving gaze upon Grey, causing him to squirm uncomfortably with each piercing glare she directed his way.
"Carol, why don't you take Lord Grey on a tour of the mansion?" Countess Beth suggested, noticing their lack of interest.
"Alone? With her? You must hate me, mother!" I thought as I looked at my mother for help, which she ignored as she grinned at me.
I was utterly astounded by my mother's reaction, my jaw dropping as I found myself frozen in disbelief, perched on the edge of my seat.
"Come, Lord Grey... Allow me to give you a tour of my humble abode," Carol's face took on an enigmatic expression as she gently led me away from the embrace of my parents. With a heavy heart, I bid farewell to my beloved family. As a wave of emotions threatened to overwhelm me, Lord Grey fought back tears, determined to face the unknown with courage.
As Carol pulled me along, a chilling voice pierced through the air. I turned to see a young man standing before us, and my heart skipped a beat. "Is this the one? Your betrothed?" he asked, his tone icy and detached. I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease wash over me as I gazed into his piercing gaze.
I couldn't believe my eyes as I stood there, face to face with none other than Prince Ragnarök himself. It was an astonishing sight, considering his notorious reputation for avoiding the outside world and his disdain for social interactions. Yet, here he was, standing before me, defying all expectations. The rumors of their friendship had circulated, but I had dismissed them as mere gossip.
However, in that moment, it became undeniably clear that Lady Carol and Prince Ragnarök's connection was indeed real.
"Rubis, you're here!" Carol exclaimed with a smile, holding out her hand to welcome her friend. "And look, I brought him," she added, gesturing towards Grey, telling Ragnarök who sat on the window with a stoic expression.
Grey cowered in fear at the sight of him.
"Why have you brought me to this eerie and merciless prince?" I whispered anxiously, my heart pounding in my chest. His gaze pierced through me, filled with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.
Desperate for answers, I turned to Carol, silently pleading for an explanation.
"Why? Because I simply don't see myself marrying someone who lacks strength and courage, like you. Additionally, I have made a commitment to marry Rubis, which further solidifies my decision." Carol asserts confidently.
" Why did you bring me here, then?"
"Of course, to rid myself of you..." Ragnarok gracefully leapt through the open window, landing inside the room with a resounding thud. He positioned himself directly in front of Grey, forcing the trembling man to gaze up at him in sheer terror.
Overwhelmed by fear, Grey's body convulsed with shivers as he hastily fled from the room, desperate to escape Ragnarok's menacing presence.
As Grey made a swift exit, Carol forcefully struck Ragnarok's hands, expecting a reaction that never came.
"I only asked you to give him a little scare," she exclaimed, her voice filled with concern.
"He's actually the son of my mother's dear friend. If she were to find out about this, I'd never hear the end of it."
"Then should I allow him to marry you? I am already 11 years old, which is old enough to understand the concept of marriage. Count, Should consider granting me permission to marry you," he said with a frustrated expression, his fist clenched tightly.
As Ragnarok sat there, his frustration evident in his furrowed brow and clenched fists, Carol noticed his distress. With a tender and understanding expression, she moved closer to him, her hand reaching out to gently rub his head.
Her touch was soft and soothing, like a gentle breeze on a warm summer's day. As her fingers caressed his scalp, a wave of tranquility washed over Ragnarok. It was as if all the darkened feelings that had consumed him were being lifted away, replaced by a sense of calm and peace.
In that moment, Ragnarok's hardened features softened, and a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. The weight of his frustrations seemed to melt away, replaced by a newfound serenity that radiated from.
"I told you not to frown; you will age prematurely. It's fine, I won't marry someone else." Her words assured Ragnarok enough to let go of all the hatred.
On the opposite end, Grey sprinted with every ounce of strength he possessed, desperate to distance himself from the horrifying figure that pursued him relentlessly. The echoing sound of approaching footsteps only intensified his fear, convincing him that Ragnarök himself was hot on his heels. In a desperate bid to find sanctuary, Grey hastily sought refuge within the confines of a nearby room.
"Damn, he's still on my tail? He must be hell-bent on ending me. I've heard rumors about his ruthlessness and lack of mercy. If he catches sight of me, it's game over..." Grey cautiously peered outside, scanning for any signs of danger.
"Who are you?"
As he gazed out the door lost in thought, a gentle and angelic voice caught him off guard from behind. As he turned to face the source of the sound, his eyes widened in astonishment, completely taken aback by what he saw.
In a moment that felt as if the heavens themselves had conspired, I found myself awestruck, as if a bolt of lightning had electrified my very being. It was as if the clouds had burst open, showering me with an ethereal cascade of water, and in that mesmerizing instant, I beheld her presence.
She was an angelic vision, her hair flowing like the finest silk, her eyes a profound shade of ocean blue that seemed to hold the secrets of the depths, and her skin as pure and delicate as freshly fallen snow. And there she stood, before me, a celestial embodiment of beauty and grace.
"I implored, tell me who you are." She said.
But as she struggled to speak, coughing uncontrollably, my heart ached with concern for the frail little girl before me.
I immediately stood up to assist her, but she bravely held out a pen in front of my face, signaling for me to stay back. Despite my initial surprise, I couldn't help but feel moved by the sight of this small but fearless girl standing up for herself.
"I humbly apologize for my oversight in neglecting to introduce myself. Allow me to rectify this error. I am Grey Hemsworth, the esteemed son of Baron Hemsworth." As a gentle breeze wafts through the open window, his fiery red hair dances in its currents, while he gracefully places his hand upon his chest and offers a slight bow.
"Hemsworth? Oh, you must be my sister's fiancé. Please accept my sincere apologies for my previous behavior. I am Chloe Idris Beth, the daughter of a count." Chloe, elegantly dressed in her nightgown, gracefully curtsied before him, delicately lifting a corner of her night dress.
"Count's daughter? Then why didn't you join us?"
"I have been advised by my physician to stay here in my room due to my weak body. Unfortunately, I am unable to spend extended periods of time outside." As she spoke these words, a wave of sadness washed over her, revealing her deep longing to be free from the confines of her room.
"Then allow me to escort you outside!" I exclaimed, my voice brimming with enthusiasm.
"In my family, we are descendants of noble knights, and I too possess great strength. Let me carry you, so you need not exert yourself and your body shall remain unburdened." A glimmer of excitement danced in my eyes as I drew nearer to Chloe.
She appeared startled by my sudden approach, her gaze filled with confusion and perhaps a hint of amusement. "But what about my sister? She's the one you're engaged to, not me! Are you trying to come between us...?" she questioned, her eyes
brimming with a mix of frustration and anger.
As their conversation flowed, a sudden knock on the door jolted Grey, causing him to spring up from their seat and instinctively seek refuge behind Chloe.
"Lady Chloe, it is time for your
medicine!" a maid entered the room, holding a tray with the prescribed medication.
Grey emerged from behind Chloe, his face flushed with embarrassment, unable to meet her gaze. He looked down, feeling a mix of shame and nervousness. Chloe's eyes bore into him, a piercing glare that seemed to demand an explanation.
"You are strong? knight? carry me? I am even having doubts if I should let my sister marry you!" The words stabbed Grey like a knife.
After that, I dedicated myself to intense training, tirelessly pushing myself day and night. It didn't matter what time it was; I trained with the determination of a wild beast, all in the hopes of becoming deserving of your love.
I pleaded with my parents, desperately asking them to allow me to marry you instead of Lady Carol. However, when the time came for me to protect you, I found myself under the feet of a man I had been scared of in the past.
No, don't cry! Don't beg for me in front of him! Those ocean eyes weren't for tears but to look at me with kindness.
I am sorry I couldn't save you.
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