This Time, My Brother-in-Law Proposed - Chapter 1.5

“I’m preparing hard for the proposal, so look forward to it! But we’ll have to plan the wedding together. Now, about the seating arrangement for the people we need to invite that day…….”

“Ernst.”

“Yeah. Go ahead, I’m listening. I’ve organized the list of people to invite from the Marquis’s family on this chart, so on the empty chart next to it…….”

“I have no intention of marrying you.”

“The list of people to invite from the Count’s family……. Huh?”

Ernst lifted his head.

“Irene. What did you just say?”

“I will not marry you.”

“Wh-what are you suddenly saying? This is already decided!”

He stood up abruptly from his seat.

As the other customers in the restaurant looked over in surprise, he quickly forced a smile and sat back down. But his voice trembled.

“Irene. Did you perhaps get scared of becoming a member of the Marquis’s family? I told you, you really don’t have to do anything. Just smile brightly with that pretty face of yours!”

“My mind is made up. Ernst, you’re smart and handsome, so you can find someone better. Someone not stupid like me.”

“Don’t talk like that! What I need is you, no one else. I can’t find a woman like you anywhere!”

I suppose not.

How easy is it to find a woman who’s of noble birth yet as timid as me and obediently listens to others?

Ernst, flustered, grabbed my hand tightly and said.

“We were fine until last week. Why are you suddenly acting like this!”

If you want a reason, I’ll have to say something that will make you lose all interest.

It was obvious what kind of story would be hated by Ernst, who prides himself on being rational.

I smiled brightly and declared.

“I want to marry someone I truly love.”

Something impossible for Ernst.

His mouth fell open.

“L-l-lo-lo, love?”

“Yes, love!”

I spread both arms wide.

“Love is really wonderful, isn’t it!”

As expected, Ernst was horrified.

“I thought you weren’t interested in that kind of thing! We agreed that marriage is reality!”

“We did. But a romance novel I read recently changed my mind. The scene where the male protagonist proposes to the protagonist in front of everyone was so cool! The scene where he says the story will end with love was truly enchanting!”

It’s true that I read a book, but the ‘enchanting’ part is a lie.

What good is being loved anyway?

Especially, if I received a public confession in front of people, I’d immediately beat the male protagonist with whatever I could grab and then jump to my death. What embarrassing thing to do in front of others.

Of course, the current Ernst would think the same way.

Although it’s unpleasant, our thoughts on ‘love’ and ‘marriage’ are similar.

Sure enough, Ernst’s face contorted.

“Irene. Are you saying you want to receive that kind of proposal?”

“Yes. But I don’t want to receive any kind of proposal from you.”

“Why!”

“Because you don’t love me. It’s simple, isn’t it?”

“…….”

Ernst’s eyes wavered.

But he would never be able to say, “Irene, I love you.”

Reason one. Because he doesn’t love me.

Reason two. Even if it meant keeping me from leaving,

His pride wouldn’t allow him to tell a lie like that…….

“Since when did you start believing in stupid things like love?”

Because he was an idiot who says things like that.

With nothing but unnecessarily strong pride.

I smiled softly.

“Just a few days ago. Well, so let’s pretend this marriage never happened. I sincerely hope you find the wise woman you desire.”

“Don’t talk nonsense!”

“Kyaak!”

As Ernst raised his voice, I deliberately flinched dramatically. I could feel the eyes from surrounding tables shifting to us. Ernst flinched too, but it’s too late, you bastard.

I stood up from my seat altogether, covered my mouth, and said.

“Ernst……. I can’t endure your scary and cold side anymore. You can find someone better. Thank you for everything.”

“Irene!”

I hurried out of the restaurant. Of course, Ernst didn’t chase after me. There’s no way a person who hates being the center of attention and has strong pride would cling to a woman in front of others.

Finally outside the restaurant, I stretched my arms out on the street.

Good.

I’ve now escaped from the future of being hanged!

Ah, truly a day that made me want to sing.