After I, a Penniless Noble, Entered a Fake Engagement with the Most Elegant Duke’s Daughter at the Academy, For Some Reason She Started Showering Me with Love - Chapter 03.2: The Suitor She Couldn't Refuse

Chapter 03.2: The Suitor She Couldn’t Refuse

The moment we stepped into the grand ballroom where the social gathering was being held, I felt every pair of eyes turn our way.

Ugh.

The mix of jealousy and curiosity in those stares was already draining my energy.

I wanted to put some distance between us so I wouldn’t stand out as much, but Yuri had a firm grip on my arm—there was no escape.

To others, we probably looked like a close, happy couple.

But in reality, the strength of her hold felt more like being captured than cuddled.

“Nervous? Don’t worry, I’m right here with you.”

She smiled sweetly.

But judging by the way her arm clung to mine, it was clear she wasn’t planning to let go anytime soon.

And let’s be honest—she was the main reason I was nervous in the first place.

“If you’d just let go of my arm, I’d feel a lot more relaxed.”

“Fufu, how cute. My dear husband is shy. You should enjoy this little perk instead.”

With that, she pulled even closer.

“…This really feels more like being a trapped animal.”

“Hmm. That might not be too far off.”

“Hey.”

“Just kidding.”

Was she, though?

Sometimes I really wondered if this duke’s daughter saw me as a fiancé or a pet.

With how often she teased me, it felt more like she just enjoyed watching me squirm.

“Anyway, we’re blocking the entrance. Let’s head further in.”

“Fine, fine. I’m not trying to run. Just… can you not cling so close?”

“No can do. This is all part of the performance, remember?”

Even through her dress, the soft, warm sensation of her chest pressed lightly against my arm.

The fabric was thin, which only made me more painfully aware of it.

“You’re from a ducal house. Can you show a bit more restraint?”

“Even a noble lady becomes bold in front of the one she loves.”

“…You’re totally enjoying being called out for faking this, aren’t you?”

“Of course not.”

Yuri leaned in slightly, her deep blue eyes sparkling as she looked up at me.

“I was just curious when someone would finally say it.”

“You are enjoying it!”

Was I just a toy to her or what?

Yuri chuckled softly, clearly entertained.

She’d been like this all the time lately—and as I started reflecting on how I was being treated—

“—You seem to be having quite a good time.”

A stern voice cut through, making my spine go rigid.

I turned toward the source—

And the moment I saw who it was, my body froze completely.

I knew who this person was.

But more than that, it was the shock of him speaking that stunned me.

Even if this was an academy-hosted event, it was essentially a matchmaking party.

I never imagined he would show up here, of all places.

Why is he here…?

I forgot how to breathe, my mouth hanging open like a fool.

Yuri, on the other hand, stepped forward boldly, tugging my arm with her.

Please don’t do this.

My silent plea never reached her.

With a dazzling smile I’d never seen from her before, Yuri faced the one who had spoken.

She was ready to meet him head-on.

“Good day, Prince Lionel. That composed expression of yours is still as charming as ever, isn’t it?”

“It’s been a while. And it seems you haven’t changed either—still so skilled at stabbing people with that sweet smile of yours, Lady Yuliana.”

A smile and a blank stare.

Opposite expressions, yet both carried the same overwhelming pressure.

It felt like sparks were flying from the clash in the air between them.

And now that Yuri had spoken his name, there was no mistaking who this person was.

A wave of dizziness hit me.

Honestly, I deserved praise just for staying on my feet.

If Yuri was the only duke’s daughter in the academy,

Then this man—

He was the one and only royal present.

Prince Lionel Amvelite, second prince of the kingdom.

Second in line to the throne, and the one most often rumored to be the next king.

It wasn’t strange that he and Yuri knew each other, considering her status.

But why in the world was someone like him here?

Could it be… he’s struggling to find a marriage partner?

Yeah, right. That’s absurd.

If anything, he probably had too many to choose from.

My blood felt like it drained from my body as my head spun.

While I was still trying to process reality, Prince Lionel turned his sharp eyes from Yuri… and fixed them on me.

A royal gaze. A literal royal gaze.

My heart nearly stopped on the spot.

“So this is what you wanted to show me after calling me out here?”

“Hmm? Oh, you mean show off…”

What… what did she just say?

Wait—did he just say she invited him here?

I couldn’t even think straight anymore.

Just as my brain short-circuited from all the confusion, Yuri smiled confidently and made a bold declaration:

“Yes, this is the man I love—my fiancé, my dearest husband. Even if Prince Lionel wants to propose to me, he’s powerless before true love! A true gentleman would back down before he gets kicked by a horse, don’t you think?”

…Huh?

What?

I thought I heard Prince Lionel sigh in disbelief, but I wasn’t in any state to focus on him.

A proposal…?

Prince Lionel… proposed to Yuri!?

“W-Wait… don’t tell me… the ‘proposal you couldn’t refuse’…”

No way.

Please, no way.

I turned to Yuri, clinging to the last desperate hope of my life.

It’s someone else, right?

There’s no way it’s him, right?

But that tiny wish—my one-and-only plea to the universe—was completely shattered by the girl standing in front of me.

“…Of course I love you, my dear husband.”

That teasing smile made my head spin.

I didn’t hear about this at alllllll!!