“His Highness holds him in high regard, and I’ve met him a few times; he’s quite a decent man, and he’s a viscount.”

“…I appreciate your words, but I’m just a maid. How could I possibly marry a viscount?”

“What do you mean? As I’ve said several times before, before being a maid, you’re my sister and a lady of the Violet Count’s family. So there’s no reason to feel inferior to a viscount.”

I wish she’d just say I’m significantly behind instead!

As I blinked in confusion, Floria eagerly continued.

“He’s sincere and kind. I’m sure he’ll be just to your liking.”

I was flustered, knowing the man she described as sincere and kind was actually Gebis Pallon, notorious for his conduct with women.

I hadn’t anticipated that she would bring up my marriage before even her own wedding.

“Why would I suggest him to you without reason? I really think you’ll be a great match. His name is Gebis Pallon, the secretary of Prince Eric.”

This is terrible. Is she really trying to pair me up with that madman?

Gebis Pallon, Prince Eric’s secretary, had a notorious reputation among women, not just for womanizing but also for his abusive behavior. He even faced trial in the middle of the original story but escaped due to Prince Eric’s influence.

“She wants to marry me off to that man?”

“I hope you and he get along well. Then you can always stay close to me.”

Her smiling face, as she contemplated throwing me into such a pit, was chilling.

“Would you like me to arrange a meeting?”

“…Thank you, but it’s too sudden.”

“I’ve already hinted to the viscount, and he seems interested in meeting you!”

Ah, so that’s why he was pleased to see me at the victory banquet. That creep must have been intrigued by me, the most hated person in the kingdom.

“The wedding of Your Highness should be the priority. I want to focus solely on helping you right now.”

“Why not just meet him once? If you like him, you can start dating.”

The nobles of Hillick Kingdom were quite liberal regarding romantic relationships. However, being formally introduced to someone usually meant marriage was imminent.

Caught off guard, I wondered how to escape this situation. There’s no way I could get involved with that scoundrel, Gebis Pallon.

“Actually, I have someone in mind!”

Oh, my quick thinking.

“I wish I could slap myself for coming up with such an excuse.”

“Really? Who is he?”

As soon as I arrived in the capital and started working as a maid in the palace, when would I have had the chance to meet someone? Floria, sensing my lie, gave me a cold, amused look.

“Are you making up stories because you’re not interested in Viscount Pallon?”

“No, of course not. If His Highness arranges it, he must be a good person. It’s just that it wouldn’t be polite to attend such a meeting while thinking of someone else.”

“If that’s truly the case, I won’t insist. So, who is this person you have in mind?”

“…You wouldn’t know him, Your Highness.”

“Please, tell me. I’m curious about who has captured my sister’s heart.”

Floria’s insistence showed no sign of relenting.
I diligently flipped through the mental address book in my head. However, the men I had met since coming to the capital could be counted on one hand. 1. Karl Dumann. 2. The red-haired Machi something. 3. Matthias Linton.

Who should I choose among these three? The first is Floria’s follower, the second is a follower of Floria’s follower. That left only the third option.

But I hesitated to speak his name, fearing that Floria might harm him in some way.

“If you are hesitant because I suggested someone…”

“Librarian Matthias Linton!”

I’m sorry, Matthias. I had no choice. I have to save myself first.

I internally apologized to Matthias as I continued.

“I’ve only met him a few times, but he seemed pure and kind, and I was instantly smitten. But this is just a one-sided feeling on my part. Matthias has absolutely no interest in me.”

“Matthias Linton, you say…”

Floria seemed to mull over my words carelessly.

“The family of the Grand Scholar.”

“Pardon?”

“Lord Linton, the former Count, was a prestigious Grand Scholar. The current titleholder declined major official positions and willingly became a librarian. I heard he’s a very capable person.”

I hadn’t realized Matthias’s family was so esteemed.

I only knew he was from a count’s family, but judging by Floria’s annoyed expression, his family was likely aligned with Prince Eric’s supporters. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so visibly irked.

“If you like him, he must be a good man.”

Floria took my hand, continuing.

“But Gebis Pallon, the viscount, is also a fine man. Don’t feel pressured, and consider meeting him.”

It seemed Floria was determined to pair me with Gebis. Resisting further would only irk her, so I reluctantly agreed.

“If Your Highness insists, I’ll meet him.”

“That’s wise, sister. You’ll surely change your mind once you meet. He’s a remarkable man.”

I internally sighed, wishing she would date him herself if he’s so great.

“Do you have any concerns?”

Exiting Floria’s room, I headed straight for the library.

Having mentioned Matthias to Floria, I felt I should inform him too. But how should I explain?

“Matthias, if anything unusual happens to you, please let me know right away.”

“What do you mean by that…?”

“I can’t explain in detail, but if anything out of the ordinary happens…”

Though confused, Matthias readily nodded in agreement.

In hindsight, I should have said I liked Karl. Whether believed or not, Karl seemed less likely to simply take it lying down, unlike Matthias.

Looking at Matthias, I couldn’t bear to meet his gaze, feeling pangs of conscience.

“By the way, you asked about undoing a fairy’s magic on a person.”

“Yes! Did you find something?”

His apologetic look as I eagerly pressed on made me realize anew what a good person he was. I was……

I placed my hand over my conscience, pricked with guilt.

Floria, despite her impending royal wedding, seemed to have ample time to arrange a blind date for me. Perhaps she wanted to act swiftly before I could form a deeper relationship with Matthias.

With mixed feelings, I prepared for my arranged meeting with Gebis Pallon, quicker than I had anticipated.

Having no intention to impress, I casually picked out any outfit and tied my hair back simply. Ginger, observing me, chuckled.

“Her Highness, the princess, is really thoughtful. Introducing someone like you to such a prestigious match. Make sure you don’t embarrass Her Highness and do your best.”

She knows what kind of person Gebis Pallon is.

I internally sighed.

“You should spend your time checking your assigned area instead of worrying about me. I saw earlier that your cleaning was a mess.”

Lately, complaints about Ginger from other maids had been frequent.

She wasn’t much of a worker even on normal days, but her laziness had escalated recently, probably feeling secure with Floria’s backing. Naturally, the maids who had to pick up her slack were unhappy.

“Whatever.”

Ginger snorted dismissively. Just then, there was a knock, and Sylvia peeked in. Her worried expression probably stemmed from hearing about my meeting with Gebis Pallon.

“Reneola, that dress seems too pretty for you. How about this one instead?”

“Sylvia, that’s a nightgown…”

And one that was worn out enough to be discarded. It seemed Sylvia really hoped my meeting with Gebis would go awry.

“But it still looks overly nice on you, doesn’t it?”

Sharing her sentiments, I began rummaging through the wardrobe with Sylvia, searching for the most worn and unremarkable dress.

Today, I had to ensure that my meeting with Gebis Pallon wouldn’t lead to anything more.