I’m Really Not Trying to Be Chased by the Heroine as the Villainous Playboy! – Chapter 547

Chapter 94: The Proposal

The young boy also turned his gaze over, leisurely raising his wine cup to him. Winter raised his cup in response, offering a gentle smile, though inside he snorted coldly.

Poor little clown, enjoy your laughter while you can, because soon you’ll realize that your feelings for Xue Nuo are utterly meaningless in the face of true power!

The banquet was also graced by some unexpected faces.

A grand festival inevitably invited certain dignitaries from other countries.

Of course, unless the holiday was particularly significant, the various factions typically sent only minor representatives to show face.

However, this time, the participants sent by the Lionheart Kingdom, the Verdant Council, and even the Mage Association were far more esteemed than Winter had anticipated.

In the past, sending a baron would suffice, but this time at the very least, they sent counts, necessitating an impromptu additional table for these dignitaries to show respect.

But, that was fine.

After all, a grand show was about to unfold, one that would conquer the Silver Wolf.

An exciting performance indeed needs an audience’s applause.

Stealing glances at the Silver-Haired Girl’s chilly silhouette, Winter curled his lips, imagining that this rose would soon belong to him, making the wine in his cup taste even sweeter.

After a few rounds of drinks, Winter lightly tapped the table, officially starting the script he had prepared.

“Miss Xue Nuo, your prestige at Snow Wind Fortress is quite extraordinary, reminiscent of the late Duke Andewis himself. I dare to propose a toast to you.” A lean, smiling brown-haired count suddenly stood up, lifting his cup towards Xue Nuo.

“Count Raka, you flatter me. I’m just doing what I ought to do.” Xue Nuo replied softly, taking a sip of tea.

Not drinking alcohol on important occasions was a habit passed down from her father.

“That being said, Miss Xue Nuo, what you’ve done seems to go beyond your original duties,” Count Raka squinted his eyes with malicious intent, “The burden of Snow Wind Fortress must be rather hard for you, right?”

The noisy banquet fell silent.

In the next moment, Brittany was the first to slap the table, coldly shouting, “Raka, what the hell do you mean?”

“Oh dear, Lady Kuma, please do calm down, I’m just showing my concern for Miss Xue Nuo.”

Count Raka analyzed with a slick demeanor, “With the Andewis family reduced to her alone, and Miss Xue Nuo being quite young and unmarried, it’s indeed burdensome for her to handle the rule of the territory. Wouldn’t it be better to free her from such a tough role? It’s a wonderful thing for her.”

Brittany’s expression instantly soured.

Not only Brittany, but the faces of the border nobles also turned ugly.

Sounding nice, yet hinting that Xue Nuo wasn’t suited for the lordship, advising her to take a step back and hand over the Andewis family’s legacy.

Especially recalling that it was the royal family’s poor support that led to the downfall of the Andewis family, the anger ignited within the border nobles.

That battle not only dealt a heavy blow to the Andewis family, but every border noble also paid a price, to some extent.

In contrast, the nobles from the empire’s interior wore sneers and looked down on them like a pack of arrogant, greedy wolves.

To them, the border nobles were just a bunch of peasants united under Xue Nuo, occupying vast territories that should rightfully belong to them.

But just then, Winter put down his wine cup and said coldly, “Raka, that’s enough.”

“I understand your concerns; my cousin is indeed inexperienced, and the Andewis family is certainly not what it once was. I too can’t bear to see her bear the weight of the border.” The imperial prince wore a face of sorrow, seeming quite conflicted.

But he quickly shifted his tone, declaring with righteous conviction, “But Snow Wind Fortress and the military authority of the border have always belonged to the Andewis family! Generations of border dukes bled for it, and even the Empress shouldn’t take away their homes and rights!”

“So, I have a proposal.”

Winter turned to the Silver-Haired Girl beside him, smiling gently.

“How about we immediately fulfill the engagement established between our mothers and the current duke, helping each other out? From now on, let the royal family be your backing!”

At this declaration, uproar erupted in the hall.

Border nobles and imperial nobles alike were taken aback by such an ambiguous proposition, yet couldn’t help but feel it was a wonderful arrangement.

Rather than a massive political struggle, isn’t a marriage of talented individuals far more delightful?

However, the core nobles from both sides on stage saw through the true intent, their expressions shifting.

Brittany and her peers turned as pale as water, while Raka and others secretly snickered.

Everything was playing out according to the prince’s script.

The marriage seemed to be a step back for both parties, a mutual helping hand.

Yet as long as the royal power could intervene in the border, it would only be a matter of time before they devoured the entire border territory. And once married, they could keep Xue Nuo from moving, splitting the future duke’s power in two.

Xue Nuo understood this as well, but her expression remained unchanged.

“Your Highness worries too much.”

The Silver-Haired Girl turned back to the prince beside her, indifferent to his intentions, “As for titles and engagements, it’s still too early to discuss these matters. Besides, my father has passed, and the engagement is merely a thing of the past. Rather than me, Your Highness should seek true love.”

Nearby, the old count, Barry, immediately stood up to support her, showcasing the unique fake smile of nobility: “Exactly so.”

“Miss Xue Nuo currently has no intention of inheriting the title, so there’s no need to rush. As for the engagement, ha, that’s merely a momentary agreement between the late duke and the Empress. Your Highness indeed need not take it too seriously and delay your happiness.”

“Those from the interior also need not worry. The border operates as usual, and you all just need to manage your own affairs.” Barry glanced toward Raka and the others, his tone turning stern.

“Tsk…” Raka twitched his face, displeased.

“The position of duke cannot be left vacant for a day; it’s inappropriate without a lord overseeing the castle! Or do some people desire to expedite death in the family?!”

“But the fact is, Snow Wind Fortress is still operating normally. I respect the name of the late duke and will do my utmost to assist the duke’s heir. Do you think there’s any issue?”

The interior nobles began to voice their support, only to be pacified by the old count. The scene froze like this.

Xue Nuo couldn’t help but feel frustrated, yet she secretly sighed in relief.

After all, the prince had no legitimate reason to meddle in border affairs. As for the engagement, while reneging would be difficult, postponing it wasn’t an issue.

However, Winter only smirked, cold light flashing in his eyes.

Xue Nuo’s rejection, the old count’s rebuttal, every past pressure had ended like this.

But today, he was set to take a decisive step.

Suddenly, the prince stood up, capturing everyone’s attention.

“Everyone makes valid points.”

“Indeed, with Count Kuma backing her, I believe my cousin can protect the border’s sanctity. But the duke’s position has been vacant for too long, it pains me to see her not receive what she deserves.”

“As for the engagement, that’s ultimately a commitment of the past, not easy to quantify, and it’s hard to express my sincerity.”

“I should change my wording.”

Under the astonished gazes of everyone, the imperial prince knelt before the Silver-Haired Girl like a gentleman, expressing with deep affection: “What I’ve cared for has never been the engagement, but you, my cousin.”

“I cannot bear to see you suffer. I want to assist you. I cannot bear to see you lonely; I want to be by your side.”

“Will you marry me? Xue Nuo Andewis.”