TCBUP 38

Chapter 38

 Even a Consort Would Be Fine.

“No, it’s just that…”

“Your blood pressure seems high. If you keep getting worked up, something serious might actually happen.”

Though honestly, that “something serious” probably wouldn’t be due to his blood pressure alone.

The Count, already cowed by Leon’s presence, could only gulp down dryly in silence.

As Leon took a single step forward, the Count and his wife, who was supporting him, instinctively retreated a step.
Because the house was small, they were quickly pushed back all the way to the entrance.

“Then I’ll pay my respects more properly next time. Please take care on your way back, Father. Mother.”

With a courteous smile, Leon shut the door on them without mercy.

The Count shouted something from outside, but Leon simply drew the curtain over the window by the entrance, blocking it all out.

Then he turned to me and stared straight into my eyes.

That look clearly said: “Explain. Properly. I want to understand everything.”

“My parents keep pressuring me to get married, so I had no choice,” I said, grinning sheepishly, trying to play it off.

But my explanation must not have been convincing, because Leon folded his arms and leaned against the wall, tilting his head skeptically.

“You just happened to walk in at the perfect moment. So I… kind of blurted it out.”

“…”

“I mean, come on. They kicked me out and never even called, and now they suddenly show up demanding I get married? Wouldn’t you be upset?”

I tried to cover the situation with a joking tone, but Leon’s expression twisted into a crooked smile—clearly not amused.

“Oh, I see. So you just went ahead and made me your freeloading, jobless, useless boyfriend?”

“Useless? That’s a bit much. It was… mutually agreed upon.”

“I don’t remember agreeing to that.”

“But you played along. That’s like… an unspoken agreement?”

I grinned awkwardly, but Leon only let out a deep, exasperated sigh.

“Hah… My fault for being too quick on the uptake.”

“Want some juice?”

“…Your attempt at changing the subject is painfully obvious.”

“Well, after playing the fake boyfriend and taking all that flak, your throat must be parched.”

I quickly poured him a cold glass of juice and placed it in front of him.

Still displeased, he shot me a sideways glance before gulping down the entire glass and setting it down with a thud.

“We’re friends, aren’t we? Can’t you do at least that much?”

“Friends? Us?”

“Then what are we?”

Even though I thought we’d grown closer, he remained as tightly locked as ever, giving no hint of change.

He saved me when I was in trouble, showed up during my lonely, idle hours, chatted away about nonsense to fill the silence, cooked incredible meals, and even acted as my bodyguard.

And yet, none of that seemed to affect our relationship level.

Honestly, I was curious. How did he define what we were?

He seemed to fall deep in thought, as if he’d never actually considered the question himself.

But no answer came, and eventually, I just smiled faintly.

“Tell me later. I’ll treat you the same regardless.”

“…Sure. So who’s the candidate?”

“Prince Aiden.”

“…Hah?”

“Shocking, right? Imagine how I felt.”

I shrugged and let out a short, cynical laugh.

A royal prince. Sure, he might be powerless now, but to suddenly be told I might become his princess consort? How absurd.

“You don’t think you suit being a princess?”

“Come on. I’m nothing special.”

“I don’t know… Prince Aiden doesn’t exactly have anything going for him either.”

“But he’s still a prince.”

“And so what? He’s completely isolated. Even if he’s royalty, the prince’s consort isn’t likely to get any proper treatment.”

“There’s that… and wouldn’t it be better for him to marry someone more… capable than me? Someone who could help him politically. Or…”

I hesitated. “Someone strong. Since he’s not well, maybe he needs someone who can protect him.”

But Leon didn’t seem convinced. His eyes narrowed slightly, scrutinizing me.

Then, after a long pause, he asked quietly, “That’s the only reason?”

“What do you mean?”

“Is that really all that’s keeping you from accepting the proposal?”

“I don’t know what kind of person he is. I can’t just say I hate him outright.”

“Then why not meet him once?”

His suggestion caught me off guard.

Even if his affection level was low, he was still the male lead. Was he seriously telling me to meet another man?

“…Are you serious?”

“The imperial family ordered it, didn’t they? You can’t refuse outright. Even if the Hargreaves family doesn’t care what happens to them, you could still be affected.”

“Hmm…”

“Meeting him might not be a bad idea. Find out what kind of guy he is. He’s still a prince. No power, sure, but probably plenty of wealth. And you do like money.”

“That makes me sound like a total gold digger.”

I grumbled on purpose, but Leon only chuckled in that low, amused way of his.

But unlike his laughter, my mind was buzzing with noise.

No matter how many conversations we had, no matter how much time we spent together, Leon’s affection never seemed to budge.

Was the difficulty level for this man set to impossible?

It felt like a sign from the heavens that I should give up and pursue another male lead instead.

…Not that I believe in signs. Or gods.

“Well, since you say so, maybe I’ll consider it.”

I tested the waters with my response.

But all he did was smile like he was praising a child. His reaction remained indifferent.

“Good. That’s a wise choice.”

“But it’s not because he’s a prince. Or because he’s rich.”

“Then?”

“I just don’t want to judge someone I’ve never met.”

Leon held my gaze for a moment before letting out a soft chuckle.

A different smile from his usual one—gentler, almost thoughtful. But it only lasted a moment before he returned to his usual teasing grin.

“I’ve known you long enough to say you’re not completely a gold digger.”

“…Huh?”

“Just… not a major one.”

“That’s not exactly a compliment!”

I puffed my cheeks in protest, and this time, he burst into full laughter.

I glared at him for a second, but curiosity crept back in.

“What if the prince turns out to be a good man? What if I say I’ll marry him?”

“Well… if that’s what makes you happy, then isn’t that a good thing?”

His expression remained calm. His voice casual, his blue eyes utterly still.

Was this man truly okay with me marrying someone else?

“Do you really think that? Honestly?”

“Siena. What matters is your happiness. We’ve spent a lot of time together. Hoping you’ll be happy isn’t too much, is it?”

“…I guess not.”

“So I’ll settle for being your consort.”

My mouth dropped open.

A consort? Did Leon just offer to become… my consort?

What did that even mean?

“If you’re hungry, you should eat. It’s way past dinner.”

If he hadn’t spoken again, I might have drowned in the confusion swirling through my mind.

I’d even forgotten how hungry I was.

I shook my head to dispel the thoughts and smiled like nothing was wrong.

There was no point agonizing over Leon. I already knew—he wasn’t going to give me a single hint about what he was really feeling.

“What are you going to cook today?”

“Since I danced to your tune all evening, shouldn’t you be the one cooking for me?”

“You said my food’s terrible. That my knife skills are scary.”

Whenever I tried to cook for him, Leon always had a complaint.

If I chopped carrots, he’d complain I’d slice my fingers. If I tried to add salt, he’d say it was bad for my health.

In the end, I always just sat quietly while he did everything.

“My inability to cook… is your fault, Leon.”

“Fine. Then sit back and let me cook again. Don’t get your hands dirty—His Highness wouldn’t like that.”

“I said I haven’t decided yet.”

“Right, right. It’s still pending. Sit down.”

He answered with a teasing smile and opened the pantry next to the kitchen.

The tall man disappeared from view, and the sound of rustling came from within.

At this point, it wasn’t even strange how naturally he acted like this was his home.

But if we weren’t just friends… then why was he so kind to me?

Even while casually pushing me toward another man.

[PROFILE]
Name: Leon / ??
Age: ??
Occupation: ??
One-liner: ??
Affection Level: 10%
Your First Impression of Him: A crazy woman.
Current Status: ??

Even now, his status window was still full of question marks.

And I still had no idea why he was being so nice to me.