Last Chance [Extra #2]

Part 22

Cassian watched as Ellie's expression changed from surprise, to bewilderment and then to a cold smile. He was curious about her thought process after hearing his proposal, and would very much like to hear her answer to it as well. However, he didn't feel like he should rush her, knowing that they had only just met for the first time and had yet to establish even the most basic form of relationship.

Celosia, as surprised as she was with the sudden proposal, was more interested in learning about the Cardinal's plan. He wanted to kill her? That was a given, considering what she'd seen. The Temple was adamant about keeping their secret hidden and they would do whatever it took to silence those who saw the truth about them.

Although, it was stupid of the Cardinal to put out a kill order so soon. The case of Elena Heroux, the young noble lady who stayed in coma for ten months, was extremely famous in high society, according to some of Celosia's sources. People were interested in seeing the noble family's downfall due to their bedridden daughter, and kept close watch on everything that happened to the family.

It was certain that the public knew about the priests visiting the family to heal the young lady. And yet, the Cardinal issued a kill order for the same lady the Temple was desperately trying to save? It was so ridiculous Celosia couldn't even laugh. Either the Cardinal was that impatient to get rid of the thorn in his side, or he was simply stupid.

Actually, it could be both.

However, thinking about it would have to wait until Celosia was alone, as there was a more pressing matter to consider.

Marriage.

It was an abstract concept for someone like Celosia, who was neither religious nor romantic, but it was something horrendously important for Cassian. It was his chance to secure his future.

And he was asking her to help him do that.

"Forgive my impudence, but... are you really asking me to marry you?"

Cassian could only sigh quietly at the calmness in Ellie's voice. So she wasn't startled, that was a good sign.

"Um, I am. I will not rush you to make a decision right away, however. I know it's not something you can decide on a whim. Although, I would be tremendously grateful if you gave me an answer within a week. As you know, I do not have much time."

Celosia stared at Cassian in silence for a while, then casually blurted out, "Why me?"

The young Duke couldn't help but chuckle amusedly at that. However, curious about Ellie's perspective on the matter, he decided to not tell her straight away and told her instead, "Why don't you try to guess?"

'He wants to test me again?' Celosia thought then pondered over the situation she was in.

"Considering your position, there should be more than enough young ladies willing to marry you..."

"Au contraire. All of my proposals were harshly rejected. I think it's because of my reputation."

"True, it's... questionable to say the least," Celosia chuckled forcibly. "And there's also the question of whether the lady that agrees to it is not working with the Crown Prince."

"Precisely. As I do not partake in social gatherings, I have no way of knowing who belongs to the Crown Prince's faction. And investigating all noble families would not only be time-consuming, but also difficult."

"Understandable. Then, may I speculate again?"

"You're more than welcome to."

"You need a bride whose family has little influence in high society, so that they won't go against you as the Grand Duke or pose a threat to you. Someone who won't be swayed by the Crown Prince and possibly take his side. At the same time, she shouldn't be too well-known in high society to make the story behind your marriage possible."