[GL 06] – The Arranged Marriage (Anastasia’s POV) II

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This man surely deserves to be happy.

Even if it’s just the two of us, Genorius remains to be courteous and kind. He lead the conversations to various topics as he showed me around their garden full of flowers blossoming and kept me entertained the whole time.

Who would have thought that a marriage interview could be as pleasant and enjoyable as this? It’s actually the first time I felt so happy and comfortable accompanying someone.

As I thought, this man deserves a better life than rot with someone like me.

[There’s something I want to tell you, Genorius-sama.]

Our conversation started to slow down and I took the chance to straighten this matter at hand.

[I see. Then why don’t we have a cup of tea and talk about it in that gazebo?]

He escorted me as we walked towards the gazebo and had the tea prepared for me.

[I’m so sorry for letting you go through this arranged marriage with me. This all happened because of my father’s whims and manipulation. If you’d just give me enough time then I shall be able to do something about it.]

I stood in attention and made a heartfelt apology.

[Is it safe to say that you would like to get this engagement annulled?]

…Hm..? This is the part where he should’ve felt relieved but I wonder why is he making that kind of face? He looks kind of confused?

[Yes.]

[Very well. I shall pray and send my best wishes to you and the one who you like.]

Huh..? What is he saying all of a sudden?

Does he really think that a woman with such a hateful appearance like me would actually get involved in some kind of romance?

I don’t mean to brag but even standing in the same space as me makes a man feel displeased, you know?

It’s really difficult to fall in love with someone when they can’t see me as any different than a monster. Is it really that hard to understand?

[Goodness, no. I don’t have such a person.]

I hope this clarifies any misunderstanding in his mind.

[I must have done something that must have disappointed you, then? I’m so sorry. Please forgive me as I am not really used to women around myself.]

Just where did that thought actually come from?

Generius, you’re actually the most outstanding man I’ve ever had a marriage interview with. 

I don’t understand how you can think of such a thing.

[How could that be? Of course not.]

[You don’t have to be so considerate. I am quite self aware that I’m not the one most lady’s want to be around. But for future reference, can you tell me what I need to work with in the future so I won’t disappoint someone else again? I just want to become better next time.]

[From what I’ve seen, you are a fine young man and an exemplary gentleman. Why would you say something like that?]

I’m seriously at a loss right now.

Oh right, I was told that Generius has been pretty occupied running his trading company and that he has never actually been into a relationship with anyone.

I thought those were just rumors to keep his dignity intact but it’s actually surprising that such a fine man had never been into any relationship with someone.

Considering how he is not that confident of himself, perhaps the rumors are actually right…

[While it is embarrassing for myself to say this, my parents do love and dote on me too much. If we end up married together and find yourself a mistress thereafter, my parents will definitely use all their powers to bring you and your whole family down. That’s very likely, especially my mother’s the younger sister of his majesty the king. And she’s not just a normal sibling, the king practically transforms when it comes to my mother. My mother cried once and you won’t be able to imagine how furious the king was and what he did for her! So, Genorious-sama, if you wish to engage in another relationship without fearing the destruction of you and your family, then you’d have to wait until the power balance between our families turn upside down. Which is, realistically speaking, would require for the king to abdicate his throne in around twenty or so years.]

While I am not actually fond of talking about the authority my family holds, I have no choice but to be honest about this matter.

I need to let him know how bleak his future will be if this marriage goes through.

[Can I ask where all this conversation is coming from? I don’t think I’ve said anything nor do I have any intentions to cheat on you though, Anastacia.]

Truly.

How pure and innocent of a man he is. 

While we haven’t been on the same page all this while, I can’t help but feel attracted to this man…

[Then that’s the reason we shouldn’t get married. I have heard from my Father that you are an intelligent person. And after meeting you today, I’ve also learned that you have excellent appearance, personality and social skills. You are quite considerate and good at taking care of others too. If I had to put your loyalty on top of all of that then it’ll be no exaggeration for this wedding to be the tragedy of the century if you ended up with a wife just like me.]

[…This might sound too personal when we just met for the first time, but if you’d let me know the darkness that’s giving you this much fear, then, Anastasia, please let me hear them out. I’ll face them together with you and will offer as much help as you want.]

…Huh..?

Uh… Huh…?

Genorius… Are you actually blind..?

Can’t you see my face? 

Why would you even say such things in the first place…?

Haha…

Hahahahaha….

Goodness. This misunderstanding is so outrageous I can’t help but just laugh!

But still, considering we just met today, I appreciate how he offered his hand and assistance.

What are the thoughts of him falling for my charms? None. Haha.

He must be really thoughtful and kind person.

[I appreciate your thoughts but there’s nothing I can do about this, ain’t it? *giggles* Just take a look at me, Generious. I look hideous. Would you really want to be married to someone with this appearance? I have a powerful family behind me too. If you’ll be adopted in the duke’s family as a son in law, it’ll be practically impossible for you to meet and comfort yourself with another woman. I am quite aware that it’ll be nothing but a death sentence for any man to end up as my husband.]

[If I may ask, don’t you believe in romance, Lady Anastasia?]

…At this point, I can’t count just how many surprising questions Generius actually threw at me already.

My whole existence is enough for a man to hate living.

Isn’t that the whole reason why everyone’s having trouble arranging marriage for me?

How could I even think of being happy when not being hated is actually the most I could perceive from anyone that met me?

[Romance, is it… I actually haven’t thought of that. A romantic love story is something I’ve already gave up and accepted considering my appearance.]

…Why is he the one who’s actually more surprised this time?

I don’t think I’ve said anything strange though.

[…Please don’t give up on yourself…]

[…sorry…?]

[Please, don’t give up on yourself! What’s wrong if you look different than the rest!? Just because you don’t look the same as everyone else doesn’t mean that you’re any less of a human than them! Why— just how could you give up on everything else when you are more than just a face! Please, don’t give up on yourself. Don’t give up your happiness! Don’t you think you also deserve to be happy!? Just like me, the others, and everyone else, you deserve to obtain happiness! Please, stop smiling like everything’s already over… Your life is just getting started!]

Tears continue to fall as Generius grabs me by the shoulder and cries.

…What is this…

His words… felt like they came somewhere deeper.

Deeper than his heart…

Like it is his soul that actually cries…

Just… where is this pain coming from..? Why does it sound like he has endured such hardships and lamentations all alone…?

Just how long is someone tormented for them to sound this painful…?

Days, years, decades…?

But Genorious should have only been 16. 

There’s no way he could be mistreated that much on top of being a son of a noble.

Tell me… How could you sound so pained like you’ve been hurt all your life…?

Why does it feel like you’ve been carrying such a heavy and painful burden that your soul could only cry…?

I’ve already given up.

I can’t say he’s wrong.

I’ve already thrown the idea of me being able to meet a man, get married, and achieve a lifetime of happiness long ago.

[Anastasia… Could you allow me to be in your life and help you be happy?]

Genorius then kneels down, takes my hand, then puts his lips on top…

Ah… ahhhh!! AAAHHHH!!!!!!

B-b-b-by etiquette, isn’t this basically a p-p-p-proposal!? 

I-i-is a man actually proposing to me… TO MEEE??!! 

N-n-no, that can’t be.

I might just have been hallucinating. 

A M-A-N, would actually PROPOSE to me?!

I need to get a grip of reality!

[I swear that I will help you life a life full of happiness. So please don’t give up on yourself. Anastasia… Please marry me.]

H-h-huh…?

I wasn’t just hallucinating…?

Why is it getting hot in here…? Genorius face remains calm as he stares at me with such an overly warm gaze…

Why does his violet eyes feel like they’re about to burn me…? I could feel my temperature rising but I couldn’t get my eyes off of him…

[..A-alright…]

How am I supposed to say anything else when I’m being bathed under such an intense gaze of those amethyst pupils… 

I ended up getting swept away…

[Thank you.] *Smiles*

*BOOOOOGGSSSHH*

W-woah…

This is the first time I actually see him smile…

Why is it so brilliant… so dazzling..? I could feel my heart melting…

*Hugs*

H-huh..? HHHUUUUUUH!!!??!?!?!??!

H-h-he stands up… then just suddenly wrapped me in his arms!??!?!

T-this is my first time being hugged by a maaaan!!

W-w-w-w–what do I do…?!

I-it feels so warm… I… I —

[*Cough cough* E-ehem…]

…I turn towards where the coughing sound is from and lo and behold…

It isn’t just my parents, but the viscounts, as well as the guards and servants are all here standing in witness with what’s happening!

UUuuuwwww…..

I – I could feel my cheeks burning!!!

When did they arrive…?

From the proposal…?

From the hug…?

[Well, well. What’s the harm? Look how passionate of a man our son in law is. Can’t you see how happy Anastasia actually is?]

Aahhh…

AAAHHH!!!

Mother, mom, please, stopppp!

Otherwise I’d feel so embarrassed I could just die right here right nowww!!

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