NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 170.2
Cedric’s body moved much closer.
Our lips were about to touch. Above our heads, daisies were blooming profusely. Cedric reached into the pile of flowers.
Huh?
As we moved, our chests and noses seemed about to touch.
“I can’t give my life right away, so for now, this.”
From the bush, Cedric pulled out a shining diamond necklace.
‘Wow, Cedric, you’re unbelievable.’
This man is beyond any drama I’ve seen in my past life.
Upon closer inspection, the large diamond necklace was intricately crafted in the shape of a daisy.
“I didn’t actually mean I wanted a gift…”
“I was happy thinking you were expecting it. Here.”
I held the necklace Cedric gave me in my hand. Under the strange moonlight, the large diamond sparkled brilliantly. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.
“It’s beautiful…”
“Do you like it?”
I nodded slightly.
“Have I said ‘I like you’ so many times that it’s become common?”
“Perhaps?”
“I still have to say it once more, that I really like you.”
I fiddled with the necklace.
“Why do you look so unhappy?”
“Cedric, thank you, but I… I can’t marry you.”
“…I haven’t proposed yet?”
Cedric tilted his head. I decided to speak honestly.
“I want to kiss Cedric.”
Cedric coughed as if he heard something unexpected.
“What?”
“I also want to hold hands, go on dates. A long time ago, I dreamt of dating. Not just anyone, but with Cedric.”
Actually, not a long time ago, but in my past life, when I was ill in the hospital.
“And?”
“I don’t just want to receive, I want to give too. Gifts, wine, a wonderful course. Next time, I just want you to come prepared.”
Cedric’s expression softened. He looked as if he had gone from hell to heaven.
“But I can’t marry you, Cedric. Even if I become a princess, becoming the wife of a strong contender for the throne means my life won’t be my own.”
“Aren’t you already getting enough attention just for being a ducal lady?”
“It’s different. A ducal lady is just that. Unless I inherit a duchy or a title, people are lenient with me. I’m just a figure who upholds boundaries.”
Cedric’s forehead furrowed. He whispered.
“If you say that, the Duke will be sad. He loves you more than anyone.”
I thought I’d be happy if Cedric said such things.
This is a defeat for me. But at this moment, the only man who’d think of my Dad first would be Cedric, even if I searched the whole capital.
“Moreover, people accept you because you uphold boundaries? So what?”
“…”
“You might have forgotten, but I’m one of the people who create those boundaries.”
Cedric whispered as he looked into my eyes and gently held my chin.
“So don’t look so scared, look at me properly.”
I slightly lowered my head. My hands trembled, and my lips quivered.
“Anyway, wanting to date without taking responsibility for Cedric is selfish. Cedric is royalty, right?”
If Cedric and I dated, it would become a topic of conversation.
This world is incredibly conservative toward royalty. A romantic history is seen as a flaw for both male and female royalty.
“And what if you learn everything about me, Cedric?”
“What more do I need to know?”
“Since when did you like me?”
The day I wore a green dress to the southern ball? The day an article called me a genius ducal lady came out? My coming-of-age ceremony?
“Well… probably, from the first day I saw you?”
“The Leticia before that day wouldn’t be the Leticia you imagined.”
“Because you’re not of noble birth?”
I nodded.
“Whether you met me under the camellia tree or in Madame Poline’s classroom, it’s a facade given by the Duke’s house. You wouldn’t be able to imagine my life before that.”
“I don’t need to.”
“What?”
“Would it be strange if I thought you were cute from that day? The day you stood barefoot in the Duke’s parlor.”
I froze.
“What… are you talking about?”
“Wasn’t that your first day at the Duke’s house? Holding a gold card in the Duke’s living room, you stood facing the Saintess, the young master, and the Duke.”