Chapter 384 - Side Story (Satiana and Jack) (4) (unedited) (2/2)

”But the flowers are nothing compared to the ones you grow here in your green house.” Alfred said. ”This is the first time I have been here. I am sure you only invite precious people to come here. I am honored.” He extended his hand to escort Satiana.

”I am glad you like it.” Satiana took Alfred's hand, and she was escorted to her seat before Alfred took a seat as well. ”We are friends and I thought I would like you to see one of my hobbies since I was small. This green house is the most precious to me because father had built it for me.”

”I see.” Alfred smiled. ”I am happy that had the privilege to be invited here.”

I can see how Alfred was flirting with Satiana and it irritates me even more. My mood has been down since the time I heard he was here.

The maids arrive with refreshments and snacks. The two of them started to chat while drinking tea.

”Then what brings you here, Alfred.” Satiana asked at last.

”Well, it is rather personal, your grace.” Alfred them looked at me that made me raise an eyebrow. ”Can we talk privately?”

”Sir Jack is my personal knight as you know Alfred.” Satiana replied. ”He cannot just leave my side. I am sure that whatever you will say here will stay between us.” She assured.

'Heh, tough luck kicking me out.' I thought smirking internally.

”If that is what you wish, your grace.” Alfred then knelt in one knee in front of Satiana. In turn, she was surprised with the sudden action of Alfred. ”Your grace Grand Duchess Satiana, I have fell in love with you since the first time I saw you and I have shown you my heart since then. I have been very sincere with my affection and courtship for you. And before your birthday tomorrow, I want to ask your hand in marriage. Will you marry me, your grace?”

Satiana was in complete and utter shock with Alfred's confession. Yes, it is true that Alfred has been open with his affection for Satiana for a long time now. No one in the aristocratic world does not know of this. But Satiana had always shown disinterest with his courtship. I cannot believe how brave Alfred is to ask for marriage after all of Satiana's polite rejection of him.

”A-Alfred…” Satiana replied awkwardly. ”T-This is a bit… sudden.”

”It is not sudden because I know you have known my feelings for you since before.” Alfred replied.

”I know but… I mean… marriage is a bit… sudden.” Satiana's eyes was darting all over the place.

”I promise to you that I will be a good consort.” Alfred said in a solemn way. ”I will help you govern Jennovia. I will give you a proper heir because I am quite confident with our genes.”

'What the f*ck are you saying!' I screamed internally. I can see how fl.u.s.tered Satiana is right now.

”Young lord, I believe you are giving her grace a hard time.” I quickly interjected.

”Marquis, it is not nice for you to interject with other people's business.” Alfred stood up and confronted me. We are now standing face to face, staring with each other coldly.

”It is not just other people but her grace's business.” I replied back. ”I am her personal knight and I have a right to get in the way of her grace's business if I can see that she is being burdened.”

”Burdened? I think her grace just said that my asking her hand in marriage was sudden and not a burden.” Alfred replied back.

”If someone that you only think of as a 'friend' suddenly asks for your hand in marriage, then that will become a burden.” I threw back the words at him. Both of us were staring down at each other, not wanting to back down.

”N-Now, now you two.” Satiana was getting fl.u.s.tered with the standoff between Alfred and me. She does not know what to do.

”What is happening here?” I heard a familiar voice coming inside the green house.

Gladiolus was walking tall and looking at us with an intense gaze.

”B-Brother…” Satiana had a pleading face towards her brother.

”I think that my sister will need her rest for the big day tomorrow.” Gladiolus said when he arrived where we are. ”Sir Jack, why don't you escort my sister back to her room to rest.”

”Yes, your grace.” I bowed and extended my hand to Satiana and she took it without any questions.

”Umm, before I leave…” Satiana turned to Alfred. ”Let me think about your proposal first.” Alfred beamed a smile after hearing her words.

”Of course, your grace.” Alfred replied. ”There is no pressure.”

”You know that any suitors of my sister will have to go through me first.” Gladiolus looked at Alfred with chilling eyes.

”Pfft…” I cannot prevent a chuckle from coming out of my mouth when I saw how frozen Alfred was with Gladiolus' stare on him.

I quickly led Satiana out of the green house before her brother would lecture Alfred even more.