Chapter 239: You’re Not Good Enough
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 239: You’re Not Good Enough
“Just ‘not that much of a nuisance’?”
Muen turned his head toward Celicia, looking somewhat surprised. “I thought I’d earned a slightly better review than that.”
“That rating is high enough as it is,” Celicia said, pausing for a beat. “Compared to how you used to be, at least.”
“Is that so? Well, I feel like it’s still not quite enough. Having to marry me just because you ‘don’t hate’ me... no matter how you look at it, that’s a bit too pitiful.”
Muen suddenly leaned his head closer and blinked.
“Hmm?” Celicia arched an eyebrow, appearing puzzled. “And so?”
“And so... maybe I should try a little harder?” Muen rubbed his hands together nervously. “To make you actually, truly fall for me... though that seems a bit impossible.”
After all, this was the aloof ice queen, Celicia. Although Muen knew from the original novel that she had a "cold exterior, warm interior" personality, that outer layer of permafrost wasn't so easily melted. Even the original protagonist, Ariel, had spent nearly half the book trying to win her over. She was arguably the hardest character to "clear" in the entire plot.
Muen knew he didn't have the Protagonist Aura to back him up, nor did he possess any extraordinary charm. Naturally, he lacked that kind of confidence.
“But...” Muen grinned. “I think if I put in a bit more effort, I can at least manage to make you like me a little. After all, I think there’s a huge difference between the feeling of marrying someone you don’t hate and marrying someone you actually have feelings for. I’d still prefer it if you were a bit happier.”
“A little fond of you...”
Celicia seemingly hadn't expected Muen to say something like that. Her elegant brows twitched slightly.
The youth before her had a somewhat cynical expression, yet his eyes at this moment were incredibly sincere. And those words... no matter how one heard them, they sounded like a roundabout confession.
His second confession.
Unlike the obnoxious scene of the first time, right now, a gentle breeze blew, a thin mist drifted, and the youth smiled. His blonde hair was dazzling, possessing a handsomeness and charm that even she had to admit.
Somewhere in the night, someone was softly humming a long, lingering tune—it sounded like a tender love song.
Still, trying to "win her over" just to make her happy... it felt a bit strange.
Celicia’s cold eyes gazed at Muen for a moment before she suddenly spoke: “Is this how you coax those two girls as well?”
“Pfft...”
Muen nearly coughed up a mouthful of blood.
Is now really the time for that? Do you not understand the atmosphere at all, Princess?
“Wh-what do you mean coax...” Muen said, thickening his skin. “These are my sincere feelings! Truer than pearls!”
“Is that so?” Celicia’s voice became airy.
In the next instant, the fallen leaves by the roadside were suddenly disturbed.
Muen’s heart tightened. Alarm bells rang in his head.
But before he could even react, a flash of cold, white light streaked before his eyes.
Muen’s body froze.
Feeling the sudden, biting chill against his neck, he tilted his head back slightly. Cold sweat was already dripping from his forehead.
So fast...
Muen shifted his gaze downward toward the Ice Crystal Sword held against his throat, unable to hide his shock. He hadn't even seen when Celicia had made her move.
Compared to a few months ago, she seemed more than just a little bit stronger.
No, wait—during that special situation a few months ago, her strength had been severely restricted. This, right now, was the true edge displayed by the Empire’s most renowned genius.
“That’s it?” Celicia narrowed her eyes, a rare, faint trace of a smile appearing. “Muen Campbell, your ‘sincerity’ is quite weak.”
“This... this is a terrain issue! How about we find another place to fight?” Muen stiffened his neck, forcing himself to act unbothered.
“You are no match for me anywhere.”
Seemingly ignoring Muen’s glibness, Celicia casually dissipated the Ice Crystal Sword.
Then, while Muen watched with a dazed expression, she reached out a slender, fair finger and lightly hooked his chin—much like a domineering mogul teasing a weak, soft, and cute subordinate. A mysterious curve played on her lips as she spoke:
“Then keep working hard, my dear fiancé. As you are now, you’re still far from good enough. I won’t fall for a man who is weaker than me.”
“Wh-what do you mean not good enough!”
Having been hit full-force by Celicia’s bossy aura, Muen froze for a second before snapping back in exasperation. “Let’s find another place and try! I’ll show you exactly how ‘good’ I can be!”
“Heh.”
Celicia remained noncommittal, turning to continue walking. Her swaying skirt and hair were just like the ice crystals that hadn't yet fully vanished from the air.
She was breathtakingly beautiful.
*
“So, Celicia, where exactly are we going?”
Muen, having been thoroughly crushed by Celicia once again, stared with dead-fish eyes as he finally remembered the main topic of the day.
Thinking carefully, Celicia wouldn't have gotten involved in the previous mess just for a so-called "warning." A warning could be given at any time; there was no need to go out of her way to send him a message... or rather, to go out of her way to cause him trouble.
Celicia wasn't that bored of a person. There had to be official business.
“My father has summoned you,” Celicia said casually, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
“Oh, so it’s my father-in-law... Wait, what did you say?” Muen’s eyes suddenly widened as he looked at Celicia in shock. “You said His Majesty has summoned me?”
“Correct.”
“Something this important, and you didn't say so earlier?”
For the third time tonight, Muen nearly spat blood. He immediately began pacing around like an ant on a hot griddle.
The Emperor suddenly wanted to see him.
What should he do? He wasn't prepared at all.
Was there anything he needed to watch out for? Would it be polite to start the meeting by telling him his daughter is great?
“What are you panicking for?” Celicia glanced at Muen. “Do you really think my father would specifically meet you this late at night?”
“Uh... true.” Muen calmed down. In the dead of night like this, it didn't seem like a time for an official audience. Then why...
“The formal summons should be delivered tomorrow. Before that...”
“Before that?”
Celicia’s gaze suddenly turned cold. “You’re going to wash that scent of other women off yourself first.”
“...”
*
Celicia led Muen to a residence that looked extremely low-profile.
“This place is...”
“My temporary residence.”
“It’s this modest?” Muen was stunned.
Although one could faintly see the clever and exquisite craftsmanship of the building, it didn't look like a place a princess should be staying in.
“It’s only a temporary stay, why make it conspicuous?” Celicia didn't care in the slightest, stepping forward to pull out a key and unlock the door herself.
“There aren't even any guards?”
“Do I look like I need protection?”
“Fair point... what about your personal maids?”
“I have my own hands and feet. Why would I need a maid?”
“I’d expect nothing less from you...” Muen sighed in admiration. But then, his eyes lit up.
No guards.
No maids.
Which meant...
The dead of night.
A man and a woman, alone together.
Sharing the same roof?