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WCTPWMMA – Chapter 22

WCTPWMMA - Chapter 22

The Hunting Competition is hands down one of the most obnoxious events in high society.

Or to be more accurate, it’s a stage for everyone to flex as hard as they can.

The rich brag about their perfectly trained horses, hounds, and hunting gear. The muscle heads strip off their shirts just to haul around deer carcasses. And the more popular someone is with the opposite sex, the higher their damn nose gets—does that even need explaining?

Still, it’s definitely a big deal.

Even the guys who were fuming about the May Ball earlier had moved on to gossiping about the upcoming Hunting Competition.

“When do you think the betting will start for the competition?”

“Last year it started mid-June, right? Probably around then again.”

“My family has to prep for it too. I’m already tired just thinking about it.”

“Do you have your hunting dogs ready? For rabbit hunting, the best breed is…”

Yeah, they’re not anywhere near ready to start betting yet.

Since I’m obviously going to win this next round too, maybe I should focus more on how I’m going to kill time during the event.

Tristan’s going to be running around like a madman trying to bag the best prey for Maria, so that’s one less thing to worry about.

I just hope my parents don’t start harassing me again to reel in the Young Duke.

While sipping my second juice and weighing my options—

“Excuse me. We met last week, didn’t we? Mind if I sit here?”

That familiar silhouette loomed in front of me.

The man believed to be Rick Ray—Skull Mask.

Honestly, I wanted to say no— But he did help me out last time, after all.

I couldn’t bring myself to turn down the guy who’d done me a favor, so I gave a stiff nod. He set down his cocktail and took the seat across from me.

He spoke first.

“If I’m not mistaken, last week was your first visit, right? You’ve adapted to the salon impressively fast. Even won a wager.”

If I were my usual self, I’d have said: ‘It was just good luck. I was able to adjust quickly thanks to your help. Really, thank you.’

…but let’s stay sharp. I can’t let him find out. Must stay in-character at Sacred Salon!

“I’d heard so many glamorous rumors, I showed up on edge. But after seeing it firsthand, the depth of the wagers isn’t that impressive. The only thing I’m really enjoying is the drinks.”

“Confident, I see. That performance earlier with those noblemen was something else too.”

“I simply offered a chance at self-reflection to people who fuel their self-worth by judging others. I wanted to return the favor by evaluating them in turn, but I was afraid their fragile egos might end up dissolving into tears.”

“Haha! So you could have made him cry.”

“Oh dear, now I just sound like a villain. Let’s switch gears. Tell me about you now.”

I sipped from my drink and asked,

“You called them ‘those nobles’ earlier. So… are you not one?”

“Ah… No, that was a slip. But you do know this isn’t a nobles-only salon, right?”

Most Sacred Salon guests are nobles, but that’s only because they screen guests based on status, wealth, and social influence. It’s not like commoners are outright banned.

“I know. I just found it curious—your tone really sounded like someone who dislikes nobles.”

“Well, that’s… I guess I’ve built up some baggage, working around them for so long…”

“I get it.”

I winked at him.

“I don’t like nobles either.”

“Pardon?”

“They strut around just because they own land, but barely any of them actually manage their territories. They just leech off the hard work of their laborers.”

“……”

“Some of them run businesses now instead of managing fiefs, but even then, they usually got all their seed capital as handouts from their parents. I mean, it’s not their fault they were born with silver spoons, but! The way they look down on commoners just rubs me the wrong way.”

“…Wow.”

Skull Mask let out a half-laugh, half-sigh.

“I’ve never met anyone who talks this sharply. You’re definitely not a noble.”

“That’s a secret. Don’t get your hopes up.”

Even if the soul of a 21st-century gal is raging inside me, I am technically a noble now.

But his eyes were clearly warming up to me. He even relaxed into a more comfortable posture.

“My lady. You bet on ‘Maria and Tristan’ at the May royal ball and won, didn’t you? Could I ask what insight led to that?”

“Wow, not even pretending anymore, huh? You’re just here to dig for info.”

“This is my best attempt at sugar-coating the question, I assure you. I could be more blunt.”

“Let me guess. ‘I saved you from those scoundrels last time, so pay up’?”

“…I wasn’t going to go that blunt.”

His face under that mask was probably beet red. I giggled and replied,

“It’s fine! You really helped me out. I owe you at least one free lecture. Pick your topic—Nobles’ attitudes toward marriage? Ballroom etiquette and vibes?”

I flipped through the mental index of all the etiquette manuals I’d read at House Redfield.

But for some reason, his response was kind of lukewarm.

“It’s not really that I want to understand nobles better… Actually, if I could just ask one honest question—how did you know who Lady Maria was going to dance with?”

“……”

Yep. You’re definitely Rick Ray.

In the original story, Rick doesn’t confess to Maria.

Instead, he spends all his time going after any guys who look at her funny.

Tristan, the third prince, my very own fiancé… And basically, any guy who ogled Maria’s face like a creep ended up ‘taken care of.’

I always wondered how he managed to show up at such perfect moments—turns out he was gathering intel here at Sacred Salon.

And this time, he’d landed the ideal person to ask.

I decided to feign innocence.

“Sir, are you sure you’re not asking for romance advice instead of betting advice?”

Ahem! No, absolutely not. I just want to understand the mindset of one of the biggest players, second only to the Young Duke.”

“Sure, sure. I believe you. Totally not suspicious.”

Your love life’s doomed, my guy. Good luck.

“So, what did you think would happen at the May ball? Who did you think Lady Maria would dance with?”

“I bet that she wouldn’t dance with anyone.”

“Oh? Going for a high-risk strategy?”

“No, it’s just… She’s the kind of woman who looks like she belongs picking wildflowers in the countryside. I couldn’t picture her dancing with city folk…”

“……”

Oh my god. He’s a complete goner.

“Lady Maria’s danced at every single ball she’s attended.”

“I figured… I mean, logically, I know that…”

“Do you? Or do you just leave your common sense at home? You know, we have this amazing brain carrying device called a skull.”

“You’re brutal.”

“You’re the one living in brutal delusion.”

What the hell do I even do with this guy?

Picking wildflowers in the countryside,’ seriously?

‘He’s got Maria locked into some weird romanticized fantasy.’

Especially this ‘ideal hometown girl next door’ image.

…Well, I guess I get it. Rick never really had a hometown.

After getting kicked out of Blue Atrium with his mom, he was dragged all over the place.

He only found stability around age eighteen when he randomly landed a job in Baron Meyer’s territory—and that’s when he met Maria.

To Rick Ray, who’d spent his whole life unable to trust anyone, Maria probably was light, and home, and everything safe.

‘Honestly, even that feels second male lead coded.’

I said, a little bitterly,

“Whatever your actual relationship with Maria is outside this salon, don’t shove her into some idealized mold. You can’t fall in love—or even form a friendship—with a painting in a frame.”

“That’s very wise. But all I want—”

“Is intel on who’s trying to get close to Lady Maria next, right?”

“Yes.”

“You’re kind of twisted, aren’t you?”

“A seed that takes root on a cliff has to grow crooked or die.”

A self-deprecating voice.

Then, he added a beat later,

“Maybe I’ve had too much to drink. Sorry—I’m rambling.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll forget it all.”

I clinked my glass lightly against his. My own small form of encouragement.

“But I don’t have any new info for you right now. After that big May event, things have been quiet. I think everyone’s keeping to small-scale social calls for a while.”

“What about the June Hunting Competition?”

“The participant list hasn’t even been released yet. I’m not a prophet. I’ll give you tips on that when the time comes.”

There was one minor character in the Hunting Competition who hit on Maria. I’ll look him up once the list’s out.

‘Not that it matters—Rick dragged that guy out by the collar in the novel anyway.’

“Thanks. I’ll look forward to it.”

“Sure. See you next time.”

That’s enough human interaction for one day. Time to wrap up.

But Rick returned after a short while to place a glass of lemon water in front of me. Good call.

“Thanks.”

Of course, nothing comes free.

“You said earlier you can’t connect with a perfect painting in a frame. So… what do you think someone should do?”

“Hmm… Show each other your weaknesses.”

“Pardon? I don’t follow.”

How do I explain this…?

I tried recalling all the clever things I’d read in psych books—but then gave up.

I’m out of consideration for today!

“Familiarity breeds contempt.”

Pffft!

“I don’t mean pick fights on purpose, but you know how it is. When two people bicker and then one shows a little kindness, it hits harder.”

“Hmmm.”

“Here, I’ll give you some examples. You find out the arrogant guy you can’t stand has secretly been protecting your family. Or that the annoying jerk who drives you nuts somehow always notices when you’re hungry and keeps sneaking you your favorite snacks…”

…Huh?

That first one was from the classic romance bible, ‘Pride and Prejudice,’ but the second one just slipped out…

Ack, no! Forget that second one! That’s not right! That’s too childish!”

“No, it’s fine. I get what you mean.”

Behind the skull mask, his green eyes creased into a smile.

“So for example, going forward, I might feel more drawn to the person who called out my empty skull than to some ‘ideal lady’ I dreamed up?”

“……”

Ha. What a ridiculous joke.”

 

 

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Who Cares, The Prince Will Marry Me Anyways

Who Cares, The Prince Will Marry Me Anyways

안 미안한데 어차피 왕자님은 저와 결혼합니다
Score 10
Status: Ongoing Type: Author: Artist: Released: 2025 Native Language: Korean
I’ve possessed a side character who marries a prince. And I’m not happy about it. This prince is a sub-villain who ditches his fiancée for the female lead, only to lose out to the male lead. In the end all there is, is a single measly line in the epilogue stating he apologized to his fiancée and married her. Well, his personality is hot trash, but at least he’s good looking. He’s a third prince, so he doesn’t even need to stress about ruling the country. That makes him a decent enough husband, I suppose. Go be wild and free to your heart's content. You’re marrying me anyways. I’ll just kick back and watch you dig your own grave! “Dori Redfield. Don’t expect me to ask you to dance at this ball. Probably not even at the next ball, or the one after that.” “Alright, that's fine.” “We may be fiancés but……huh?” “Our engagement is just a joke our parents once decided on. No need to worry, Your Highness. I’m perfectly fine.” “Is that… is that right? You're, uh, perfectly fine?” Why are you all confused, you princely bastard? You’re the one who started going off. Are you completely shameless? But then this jerk asks something really shameless. “...You aren't seeing another man, are you?” What is this bastard trying to say, when he was the one going after the female lead! Deep breaths. This idiot will be one regretful bastard later. Until then, I just need to remain the ever-faithful fiancée! "What are you talking about? I’m not pretty, and I have a dour personality. What kind of man would—" "What? Who dared to say that?" ...You, in the OG Novel. This jerk is acting weird. But he’s not the only one. "My dear little sister Dori, the dress you’re wearing today is absolutely dreadful. No wonder there are rumors that His Highness rejected you." "It can’t be helped. His Highness is too good for me." "...Wait. What are you saying? Who said that? Did he seriously reject you?" Out of nowhere, Natalie, the novel’s villainess and this body’s older sister, is taking an interest in my love life. Why are all the trashy characters from the novel growling over me!

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