I Don't Want Your Majesty

VII

The two of them once again decided to arrange their meeting when Asil's fever subsided.

Livia ate her food quietly, and it made the couple worry, Livia was usually cheerful when eating breakfast with the Laurent couple, but because of the argument they had, Livia can't help it but be cold towards them.

She can't accept the fact that her parents were controlling her life. She knew that they may have been worried for her. But to the extent of deciding her spouse? That was too extreme.

Since she was a child, she was often told by her mother to marry a man to her liking, her father even agreed. But now where did that go?

"L-Livi, are you mad at us?" It was the Duchess who spoke.

Livia stopped her movements and briefly glanced at her mother before looking away.

"Yes." She bluntly said.

Livia can't believe that they broke their promise to never force her about marrying someone they chose.

But Livia was unaware that her parents have decided to play matchmaker for her.

They wanted Livia to marry a perfect man. No one can deny that Livia is such a rare beauty. Noblemen who were given her portrait did not hesitate to send a marriage proposal to Laurent duchy. Of course, most of them were turned down by the Duke.

Until the last 2 years, Hariette had sent a marriage proposal addressed to Livia.

That was the time when the current Emperor of Hariette was still the Crown Prince, but due to the sudden death of the Emperor a year ago, the Crown prince rose to the vacant position.

Hariette was famous for their appearance, unlike them who have fair skin and soft appearance. Hariette has tan-colored skin that glows gold when sunlight shines upon them. In terms of physique, it is undoubtedly that Hariette wins that.

Yes, that is what the Duke wants for his daughter. He wants the best thing for her and not a cursed prince.

Just thinking about Asil made him furious and confused as to why his daughter hates him for wishing her all the best things she could have if she just refuse that prince.

The Duke glanced at his daughter, however, Livia who was oblivious of her father's stern gaze continued eating her meal.

"I'm done."

Livia quickly ran out of the dining room and left the couple with wide mouth open.

"She forgot to give our after-meal kisses..." Both of them muttered.

.·*·.

"My lady, what troubles you so?"

Ajisai, a maid who's in charge of cleaning Livia's closet asked when she noticed her mistress's troubled expression. (A/N: This is just an excuse, I can't remember if I set a personal maid for Livia...)

"N-Nothing..."

Livia, who was startled by the maid denied it as she try to fix herself and sip her herbal tea.

However, the maid was worried and determined to know her troubles.

"If My lady is uncomfortable, you can think of me as a wall."

With a wide eye and confused face, Livia stared at the amusing maid before her.

A wall... She must be thinking that I don't want to tell her because she's a maid. So by thinking of her as a wall, It might lessen my discomfort.

"W-Well... Today is the day that I must go to the Crown Prince's palace to discuss something important. However, the last encounter was a little bit embarrassing, I think I can't face His Highness whenever it crosses my mind."