HPDBC Chapter 37 The Great Escape from an Accidental Engagement
Chapter 37 The Great Escape from an Accidental Engagement
Liria sighed, half-amused, half-trapped. Of all the problems a transmigrated heroine could face, how did mine turn into being engaged to a demon noble after a cheek kiss? She could feel Milara's gaze on her, glittering with admiration, and the increasingly insistent presence of Milara's parents, who were practically vibrating with excitement over this "blessed union."
Before she could think of another polite way to decline, Enara's mothers swept in, their imposing figures and dark auras commanding the room instantly. Queen Verida's piercing gaze fell on Milara's parents, and the soft smile she wore was filled with barely veiled menace.
"A marriage proposal for our dear Liria?" Verida asked, her tone like velvet wrapped around a blade.
"Yes, yes!" Milara's father nodded eagerly. "Your Majesties, we'd be honored to have Liria join our family. As you can see, Milara is quite smitten, and we can sense Liria feels the same!"
Liria's eyes widened, and she quickly looked away, horrified at the idea of feeling the same.
Queen Verida raised an eyebrow, clearly amused but entirely uninterested in allowing this charade to continue. "While it's heartening to see such dedication, Liria has a great many duties here. She's Enara's bodyguard, after all, and a critical part of this palace's security. Marriage would be...ill-advised at this stage."
Milara's father's face fell, disappointment clear in his eyes, but he managed to offer a polite nod. "Of course, Your Majesty. We understand."
Milara's mother gave Liria one last lingering look. "But should you ever change your mind, Liria, we'd welcome you with open arms. Truly, a perfect addition to the family."
As if, Liria thought, inwardly cringing. I'm not about to tie myself to an eight-year-old.
[Well, you did get her hopes up with that cheek kiss,] the System teased, its voice practically buzzing with amusement. [Just a reminder: cultural sensitivity may help avoid such incidents in the future.]
Noted, Liria replied with a mental eye-roll.
As the nobles and their overly affectionate daughter finally departed, Liria felt her shoulders relax. But Milara, already halfway down the hall, turned back and blew Liria a dramatic kiss, her parents casting indulgent smiles back at her.
Once they'd disappeared around the corner, Liria exhaled a sigh of relief. Thank the stars for Verida.
But her relief was short-lived.
Enara leaned in, voice dripping with mockery. "So, the human protector has become a demon's fairytale love. How quaint. I almost pity you, Liria."
She stowed the letter in her pocket, figuring she'd figure out how to gently decline the invitation later. For now, she'd enjoy the few hours of relative peace until the next hurdle found her. She stepped into her room and let herself sink into a chair, finally relaxing as she let her head fall back, eyes closing.
Of course, that peace didn't last long.
A knock sounded at her door, and without waiting for an answer, Daena strode in, arms crossed and a slightly amused smile tugging at her lips.
"I hear you've managed to attract the attention of yet another noble," Daena said, her voice laced with dry humor.
"Please don't remind me," Liria groaned, pressing a hand to her forehead. "It's a child, Daena. Eight years old. I'm practically getting marriage proposals from a kid."
Daena chuckled, leaning against the wall. "She's infatuated, and you're new. Give her time, and maybe she'll move on to someone else who catches her fancy. Or perhaps you could make yourself a little less... enchanting?"
"Oh, trust me, I'm doing my best." Liria gave her a pleading look. "Please, tell me there's something you can do to help here. Maybe talk to her parents? Get them to understand that I'm not well, I'm not interested."
"Oh, I have, don't worry." Daena's smile broadened. "But nobles are persistent. It might take a bit more time for them to accept that you're... unavailable."
[Maybe if you scowl more,] the System suggested. [Or pretend to be awful at gardening. That tends to work on small children.]
You're not helping, Liria thought back, rolling her eyes internally.
Daena's gaze softened slightly as she continued, "In the meantime, your training continues tomorrow, bright and early. If Milara sends another letter, I'll try to... intercept it before it becomes another ordeal."
Liria felt a small wave of relief. "Thank you. That might actually save me."
Daena nodded, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "You'll get used to this palace's quirks. Until then, keep your focus. Every day here is a new test, and you've done well to stay steady in all of it."
"Steady might be an overstatement," Liria muttered, feeling the day's exhaustion settle over her. She stood and offered a grateful nod to Daena. "But I'll keep going. And thank you for the advice seriously. I think I needed it."
Just as Daena left, Liria's eyes fell on her training gear, laid out on the side table for tomorrow's pre-dawn session. She sighed, steeling herself for another day in this chaotic world.
But before she could even think about lying down, she heard footsteps outside her door heavy and purposeful. It swung open, revealing Enara standing there with a mischievous smirk on her face, eyes narrowed with the promise of mischief.