Chapter 2.2

But even with all that frustration bubbling up, I had nothing to say in my defense.

I bit my lip and muttered quietly.

“…But aren’t you also a high-ranking noble, Your Highness?”

“That’s right, but I don’t go around throwing love confessions like some people. Unlike you, Lady, there’s no question about where I stand.”

“….”

“So whatever scheme you’re plotting, I suggest you stop here, my lady. I won’t be so forgiving next time.”

Then, I’ll take my leave first.

With that, he turned his back and walked away from the terrace.

Even after Axel had left, I stood frozen for a long time, staring blankly at the spot where he had been. It wasn’t until much later that I snapped back to reality, clapping both hands over my mouth.

My face was burning, as if I had been standing under the midsummer sun. In a breathless whisper, I muttered,

“What was that… How can someone like him even exist?”

Not just his appearance, but everything about him perfectly matched my taste. At first, he might seem cold, but his voice was calm and gentle, and he paid attention to even the smallest details. Especially that faint smile I caught at the corner of his lips just before he turned away. It was still stuck in my mind.

The whole scene replayed in my head like a broken record. If that had been a short video, I was sure I’d still be watching it on repeat.

‘I might’ve spent my entire life glued to a tiny screen…’

It wasn’t anything like the usual ‘fangirl crush’ I’d had before. This was on an entirely different level, an indescribable feeling that pierced my heart like an arrow. My heart was racing, like I had just sprinted up a steep hill without stopping. I stood there for a while, my face burning red, my hands still covering my cheeks.

And in that moment, I made up my mind.

‘No matter what it takes, I’m going to make him mine.’

౨ৎ

It was a calm, peaceful afternoon tea.

And then, out of nowhere, I dropped a bombshell.

“I’ve decided to get married, Father.”

“Pfft—!”

The Duke spat out his tea, quickly wiping his mouth with a napkin as he hastily asked. You could hear the panic all over his voice.

“M-Married? To… to who? Don’t tell me… His Highness the Crown Prince?”

“Nope. To His Highness the Grand Duke!”

The Duke’s frown deepened, his expression turning even more serious.

“Just to be clear before you get the wrong idea, I’ve already moved on from the Crown Prince, Father. I like His Highness the Grand Duke now.”

“B-But Judith, sweetheart… didn’t you say you disliked the Grand Duke?”

“…I did?”

I blinked, confused, staring at the Duke with a dazed expression. He nodded cautiously and continued.

“Yeah, didn’t you say just a few days ago that you didn’t like guys like the Grand Duke—no, I mean, those cold and curt types?”

It seemed like the original Judith and I had completely opposite tastes. How could anyone say they disliked a man that handsome?

But that didn’t matter now.

‘Now that I’m in this body, I will marry him no matter what!’

Clenching my fist, I declared with determination.

“People’s preferences change, you know! Anyway, Father, I’m going to marry the Grand Duke!”

The Duke met my fiery gaze, then slowly averted his eyes with a worried sigh. His voice, tinged with disbelief, asked, “S-so… I assume the Grand Duke has agreed to this… right? Judith? Sweetheart?”

When I didn’t respond, he desperately pressed me for an answer. I simply curled my lips into a slow, smug grin and stared at him.

“Nope! I’m going to start persuading him, of course!”

“Aaagh…”

The Duke let out a pained groan, grabbed the back of his neck, and collapsed right there. The butler and maid dashed over in a panic.

“Kyaaah! D-Duke!”

“The Duke has fainted! Someone, fetch the physician! Hurry!”

In the end, I struck a deal with him: If I couldn’t persuade the Grand Duke within three months, I would meet one of the candidates he picked. And while we were talking, the Duke made it clear that he couldn’t bear to see me causing a scene in the social circle anymore.

But I was confident I’d win this deal.

Because this was destiny!