“You’ll probably need some time to think as well. Take a break.”

With those words, Hadel, instead of forcing an answer from me, stepped aside. Left alone in Hadel’s study by some strange twist of fate, I quickly rushed out of there.

“No, why am I alone in Hadel’s study?”

If it were the library, that would be another story. Hadel’s study is where his subordinates come and go, right? I’d be embarrassed if I ran into them.

Having learned from Hadel that even walking around with just a shirt on is risky, I tied a thin cloak of Hadel’s around my waist when I went out. I made it like a makeshift Keton that ancient people of all ages used to enjoy. It looked decent.

“Oh, this is why living as a cicada is a hundred times more comfortable.”

Why do I have to be so careful just to go outside?

“It’s all because of Hadel.”

Honestly, it wasn’t really Hadel’s fault, but I blamed him just for the sake of it. Today, even if a star fell from the sky, it would be Hadel’s fault.

It happened while I was walking down the corridor, making a thumping sound with my steps. The maids who were cleaning the corridor lifted their heads like meerkats, staring at me.

“Oh! What is this!”

They were the young maids who used to giggle and find me cute even before.

“The first meeting as a human, wearing a hastily made Keton and walking like a gorilla!”

I never intended to appear in a human form to them in the first place, but what a ridiculous sight this was!

As I was standing there, feeling annoyed, they cautiously called out to me first.

“Are you Lady Marian, by any chance?”

Would they believe me if I said no here?

After a brief moment of contemplation, they all bowed their heads towards me. It meant my answer wasn’t necessary.

“Hello!”

“N-nice to meet you for the first time!”

Receiving greetings, my appetite was ruined. I wondered how far the rumors about Marian with her pink hair had spread.

Anyway, there was no point in being reserved now, so I just boldly replied, holding onto my waist.

“…It’s not the first time. When I was a cicada, you gave me a lot of chocolate.”

“W-well, that’s true. But, really, you can change into a person!”

Although I heard it as a rumor, I never thought they would actually see the cursed target in person.

And just like Hadel’s subordinates, they showed a reaction that went off course.

“To change into a person through a kiss from the prince. It’s truly romantic.”

“……. ”

Everything seems romantic.

‘Romantic. Do they all think that way?’

Can they still say it’s romantic even if they hear the story of me almost biting into a live bug?

‘For me, every moment was a survival moment.’
Unable to eat bugs and unable to starve to death. It was the first meeting with Hadel when I saw bread to eat and ran towards it. Since then, Hadel promised to make a scarf and fed and raised me.

‘But at some point, I developed such affection…’

I had pledged to stay by Hadel’s side, knowing that he was a person with many wounds and loneliness despite his appearance. Hadel must have also considered me as family in that context.

“I like you, Marian. I don’t need any other women besides you.”

Beyond the gaze of just being family or a lovely pet, he even confessed that he likes me now.

‘… Hadel saying that was quite cool.’

Thinking about it, I don’t know how I didn’t realize Hadel until now. Everything about Hadel is charming. Broad shoulders, a solid body, and the loneliness of someone who doesn’t give company to anyone.

‘No, what am I thinking? Wake up.’

Unconsciously, I found myself thinking about Hadel and quickly shook my head. Isn’t it too obvious what the destination of these thoughts is?

‘I might conclude that it’s natural to love Hadel at this rate!’

However, it’s disgraceful to meticulously find faults in the other person just to avoid falling in love. So, I chose to stop thinking about Hadel’s confession. When I vigorously shook my head to make all the thoughts disappear, I found myself facing a group of maids staring at me with sparkling eyes.

Ugh, surrounded like this. I should have escaped to the library before getting surrounded.

The maids, while giggling, asked boldly.

“Is the curse completely lifted now?”

“No, I don’t know when I might turn back into a cicada.”

So, I don’t suit being a Grand Duchess. You all should go quickly and tell them that you don’t suit either.

With that intention in mind, I spoke, but the maid, with a pitiful expression, looked at me and said.

“Oh no. We should quickly go receive the prince’s kiss.”

“…Why is the conclusion like that?”

“If you don’t know when you might turn back into a cicada! You have to receive a kiss and completely transform into a human.”

“So… let’s just stop.”

Did any of you receive tutoring on how to deal with Hadel? I thought Hadel would speak for me.

‘I find it more comfortable being a cicada.’

I never knew I would become a human and casually converse with others like this. I scratched my cheek.

‘There are too many variables for it to evolve into a romantic relationship.’