NOVEL NEXT Chapter 6 - Fake Marriage Proposal
This is the office of the Marquis Frozvitnir family, a simple and sterile room.
Brigid’s arms were firmly held by two burly knights, making her stand compliantly. The butler behind Diarmid also appeared to be a former military man, exuding a sense of ruggedness.
“Your Excellency, what exactly is the meaning of this?”
Brigid gazed at Diarmid, attempting to maintain her composure, though inwardly, her heart raced. She was entirely uncertain of the situation and felt a sense of panic.
Diarmid regarded Brigid with cold, impassive eyes. Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t connect this man to the person who had just proposed to her.
“What are you talking about?”
“I didn’t anticipate you would bring me to this place after you interrupted me from being beaten earlier.”
“Did you wish to be harmed?”
Diarmid asked with an incredulous expression, as if Brigid’s statement was preposterous.
“Are you some sort of pervert?” Diarmid questioned Brigid, seemingly repulsed.
“If I were harmed, I could demand compensation.”
“He’s as miserly as they say.”
“…I’m honored to receive such a compliment.”
Brigid smiled, putting on a facade of bravado.
“I did some research on you.”
When Diarmid made this statement, the butler standing nearby produced a document and began to read its contents aloud.
“Daughter of Viscount Brigid Grimbursty. Twenty-three years old. Nine years ago, her father, the Viscount, disappeared, and she now lives with her ailing mother and twelve-year-old younger brother. She lacks any estate and is not employed at the royal palace. Her younger brother is enrolled in the King’s Military School, and she works as a governess. Due to financial constraints, she has never had the opportunity to debut or be part of high society. She’s never been in a romantic relationship. Height: 153 cm, weight: 45 kg. Three measurements…”
“Wait! What are you doing conducting unauthorized background checks?”
Brigid interrupted the butler, her voice firm.
“Conducting background checks on potential marriage partners is a rather basic procedure,” Diarmid responded sharply.
“But here’s what I didn’t understand. Why does Nisha call you ‘Mom’? You’re renowned for your aversion to men and have never had a romantic relationship. Even given your illegitimate birth, it’s unusual for your age. So, what is it between you and Nisha?”
“I’m a fan!”
Brigid replied cheerfully, her mood improving when discussing her interests.
Diarmid regarded Brigid suspiciously.
“When I first saw Nisha-kun, I felt like it was fate. I just want to make him happy… that’s all.”
Diarmid observed Brigid with an expression of mild disgust, as if she were a distasteful spectacle.
“I don’t entirely comprehend, but you’re not my mother, correct? So, marry me.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’re marrying me.”
“Haha! Are you genuinely attempting to compensate me for the damages from yesterday? Just because my family is penniless, you think you can use my body…”
Brigid stared at Diarmid, her expression insinuating that he was a pervert.
“Cease this at once! You’re scaring me with your bizarre propositions! It’s like something out of an erotic novel!”
One of the guards holding Brigid’s arm exclaimed, his patience wearing thin.
“Don’t be ridiculous! I’ve heard that you’re a skilled governess, but is etiquette beyond your expertise?”
“A man who kidnaps a young girl and forces her into marriage needn’t lecture on etiquette! You even laid hands on Nisha-kun, you shameless man!”
“What I’m proposing is a fake marriage. I don’t desire a husband-wife relationship! Isn’t that ideal for someone like you who despises men?”
“You think I would accept something like that? The church explicitly forbids fake marriages.”
Brigid snorted.
(If I were to have a fake marriage with His Excellency, my dream of becoming Nisha’s stepmother would never come to fruition.)
It was unreasonable for her to desire to adopt an orphan within the confines of a fake marriage.
“Brigid Grimbursty,” Diarmid called out her name in a deep voice and gazed directly at her.
“Huh? No matter what you say, I will not yield to your excellency!”
Brigid glared defiantly at Diarmid. She had listened to countless accusations and demands up to this point, accepting them all. She was unafraid of threats now.
Diarmid found himself strangely captivated by Brigid’s spirited resistance, and for the first time in a while, his heart swelled with excitement.
“I see… It’s regrettable. If you marry me, I’ll pay you ten times your current monthly salary as a fake wife.”
“Oh!! That’s…”
Brigid hesitated at the proposition. Even if she continued working as a governess, she would never earn such a salary.
However, Brigid shook her head. “Do you think I can be bought with money? I still have my pride as a viscount’s daughter!”
Deep down, Brigid craved money. She believed that money was more crucial than pride, which couldn’t be earned. However, she couldn’t abandon her dream of adopting Nisha.
“Is that so? Additionally, all of the Viscount family’s debts will be assumed by the Marquis family.”
“…Kuu! Th-that’s cunning!”
Brigid blushed and looked away, on the brink of capitulation. One of the knights holding her arms mumbled, “What are you showing her?”
“Isn’t this enough for you? You’re quite the greedy woman… If that’s the case, I have no choice but to offer you this as well.”
“…No, stop! No more…”
“It’s futile. You’ve angered me.”
“Ugh, I… still… I won’t give in…”
Brigid bit her lip and continued to glare at Diarmid.
For some reason, Diarmid’s heart raced.
(I wonder what this is… I want to make this woman cry…)
Diarmid was taken aback by this emotion, one he had never experienced before.
(This wasn’t part of the plan… but there’s no turning back now. I don’t mind if it’s just to make this woman cry.)
Diarmid presented more conditions than Brigid had expected.