I Just Wanted to Call Off the Arranged Marriage With the Princess—Someone I Could Never Possibly Be a Match For—But for Some Reason, She Took a Liking to Me and Is Now Closing in on Me
Lively voices of women drift up from beneath the brothel. Outside, it’s growing dim, and the veil of night has fallen.
It’s the hour when the night butterflies take flight.
But tonight, it seems they’re resting their wings.
“Lord Lucian, you’re welcome to join us, you know?”
Lilium suggests this as she pours me a cup of tea. I shrugged in response and took a sip of the tea she handed me. It was the perfect temperature to warm my tongue.
“There’s no point in me joining—I don’t know anything about it.”
“The girls would be happy to have you.”
“Please enjoy yourself.”
I wonder if the timing is good or bad.
Apparently, there’s a girl graduating from the brothel today. On days like this, they close the brothel, just like tonight, and hold a party for family and close friends. That probably explains why Elisa mentioned something about a celebration.
Graduating from the brothel, huh.
It’s supposed to be a new beginning, but maybe it’s just my twisted nature that makes me sense something sinister in it.
“It’s a redemption.”
“…………Um, I wasn’t planning on asking.”
What am I supposed to do when she smiles at me so gently? It just leaves me at a loss for words.
“You looked like you wanted to know.”
“I’m capable of showing enough consideration not to ask.”
“It’s nothing to hide.”
Lilium sits across from me.
The way she sips her tea is elegant, yet there’s a certain allure to it. Her lips glisten with moisture. Even though her dress isn’t revealing, I honestly wonder why she exudes such sensuality.
“She’s simply met a good man and is setting off on a journey.”
Since we’re celebrating, it must be a happy occasion.
“Though there are some who come back home, too.”
“…Are you teasing me?”
“Not at all.”
Lilium chuckled softly, her smile restrained.
As always, it was hard to read her true feelings.
“Actually, you’re welcome to go downstairs too, Lilium. I’ll be heading home soon anyway.”
“I’d like to entertain Lord Lucian myself, so I’ll stay up here.”
She brushed against my hand—subtly, yet boldly.
Just the tip of her finger.
Even though it was only that, it made me acutely aware of her. Her narrowed violet eyes shimmered mysteriously.
“If Lord Lucian doesn’t mind—”
Just as she leaned forward, a loud knock echoed through the room. Without waiting for permission, Elisa walked right in. She was carrying a tray laden with food.
“I’ve brought the party food.”
“Thank you, Elisa.”
Perhaps the food on the tray was heavy, because her steps were unsteady and made me anxious. She swayed from side to side, but still managed to make her way over here.
“It was delicious, so please eat some!”
“……Thanks.”
When I patted her on the head after she set the tray on the table, she narrowed her eyes happily.
Man, that was close.
I don’t even know what exactly was dangerous about it, but anyway, I’m glad it’s over. I wonder what would’ve happened if I’d just gone with the flow. Though I am curious about that, too. Lilium is beautiful, and I’m a guy.
I find myself thinking it might be nice to just let myself go, but when I imagine the consequences, it’s a little scary. The princess’s scornful face keeps flashing before my eyes.
“From now on, you’re not allowed to come in until I tell you it’s okay, okay?”
“Ah… yes, I’m sorry.”
She looks dejected after being scolded by Lilium.
She’s been getting scolded a lot today, Elisa. Lilium apologizes to me, saying, “I’m sorry,” but I wonder which of us she’s actually apologizing to. Herself, or Elisa?
Come to think of it, there’s probably nothing in it for her to invite someone like me. Even if it’s a thank-you, it feels a bit excessive—though maybe not if it’s a thank-you from the owner of a brothel.
“—Elisa, are you okay!?”
Just as I was lost in such deep thoughts, Iris burst in with such force she nearly kicked the door down—without even a knock, let alone waiting for a reply.
I did say I’d send a messenger to Iris, but I didn’t expect her to barge in like this.
She’s panting heavily, her bangs plastered to her forehead with sweat. She must have been in quite a hurry.
“Lady Iris.”
“You’re not hurt, are you? I heard you were in some danger, but you’re all right?”
“Yes, Lord Lucian saved me.”
“……Oh. Well, that’s good then.”
Only then did Iris turn her face toward me.
She widened her eyes as if to say, “You were here?” and then shifted her dark pupils to the corners of her eyes.
“Thanks.”
“Mm.”
I respond with a soft grunt.
I feel a bit embarrassed being thanked so much, but it’s nothing I’d refuse. I didn’t really do anything, though, did I? I just walked her home. I take a bite of the food Elisa brought. Mmm, delicious.
“Anyway, I’m glad you’re safe. Don’t make me worry so much.”
“I’m sorry, Iris-neesan.”
“As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters.”
Iris hugs Elisa tightly, as if cradling her head.
The scene is that of sisters.
Both in appearance and in their relationship.
It’s rare for Iris to be this considerate of someone. I suppose that just shows how much she cares about Elisa. But they aren’t actually related by blood, are they? How did these two even meet?
A princess and a brothel maid.
There’s no way they’d have anything in common. If this were a prince, it would make sense, but…
“Lord Lucian, I’m sorry for the trouble.”
“It’s no trouble at all.”
I gives Elisa’s head a light pat.
She giggles in response, and her cuteness is almost enough to melt my heart. I stroke her head gently… then feel an unusually cold stare and turn to look.
“What?”
“Just so you know, Elisa isn’t taking clients.”
“What do you think I am?”
“A pervert with a thing for younger girls.”
“Where did all that gratitude from a moment ago go?”
I’ve just been hit with the absolute worst insult.
I’m not saying there aren’t people with that kind of taste, but I’m not one of them. Besides, the age gap between Elisa and me isn’t as big as she makes it out to be. And as for her figure, she’s in a whole different league compared to Iris.
She’s pushing her maid outfit up from the inside as much as she possibly can.
“……Pervert.”
“I don’t have a fetish for being insulted.”
Iris is pouting, her lips pressed tightly together.
Why is she so grumpy? This girl.
◇ ◇ ◇
“…………”
Lucian is stroking Eliza’s head.
It doesn’t look like he has any ulterior motives. It feels like he’s doting on his little sister—it’s actually a heartwarming sight.
It’s fine that the two of them get along. It’s a happy thing.
If he’s going to keep living with me, she’ll be seeing Elisa often. So, it’s fine… I guess.
I twirl my bangs with my fingertips.
“Oh, are you jealous?”
“……It’s not that.”
Lilium laughs at my reply, finding it amusing.
I really hate that laugh—it feels like she’s seen right through me—so I snort softly. Honestly, it’s really not like that.