Chapter 33
33
My aunt and uncle looked dumbfounded, but I was just as bewildered.
A night visitor had come and died, but not eight of them? I almost fell for Elluaerd's sophisticated lie, mixing truth and fiction, even as the owner of the house.
Elluaerd, with his intelligent and trustworthy appearance, wore a serious expression that would make anyone believe it was a true story.
And that story was the insane conclusion that I was a "fatally charming human who had seduced four decent noblemen, imprisoned them in my mansion, and used them as doormats, after already eliminating eight others through death."
I had become a fatally toxic human being.
Killian, already aware of the situation, seemed to think he should play along, nodding and stepping forward.
"The Master and I have been through life and death together, sharing hardships. I can confidently say we have a close relationship."
We did just survive a near-fatal fall, but that's how it comes across?
My aunt pressed her temples as if suffering from a headache.
"Mia, you're living with four men in one house? Such scandalous private life will cause bad rumors in the capital."
Actually, it's five, including Mathias.
But with the rumor already circulating that I was a "murderous weapon who could crush an arm with a finger," that much shouldn't matter.
At first, I was so conscious of the rumors that I wore a hood when I went out, but now I didn't care.
Maybe the problem was my own reaction to the rumors.
Whether it was the effect of rigorous physical training and mental education, or because I had crossed the threshold of death, I was still in a state of enlightenment.
I looked at my aunt, whose complexion had noticeably worsened, with an indifferent face.
"Auntie, all problems are within the mind. If living with men in one house feels scandalous, isn't that due to your own narrow-minded and tainted heart...? Perhaps you should reflect on your own heart, which has been consumed by demons. Let's go, my candidates."
Knowing very well that ignoring them was the answer, I led the men who had unwittingly become my doormats out of the room.
"Mia! Listen to your aunt!"
I heard my uncle's pitiful cry from behind, but I lightly ignored it.
As we entered the grand ballroom, Dante, who had been silently observing the situation, suddenly stopped and looked down at me.
"Why."
It was a sudden question. I looked at his cool blue eyes with a puzzled expression.
"Why what?"
"I was the one who proposed the engagement. Why are you acknowledging them as fiancés as well? Am I not enough?"
In his cold gaze, I could see the resentment of a new employee whose achievements had been stolen by his boss. There was also some unfairness mixed in.
I waved my hand and explained, "I didn't do that. Mr. Elluaerd did it on his own."
"To give a nickname to someone who can't even do housework is too much."
Ugh, look at him sulking. But what is he jealous of? Having multiple fiancés? Or personally shortening the name of Elluaerd, who can't even do housework?
"More importantly, why am I a preliminary candidate? I never thought there would be a blemish of being second place in my life, which has only known first place. But the results can always be reversed."
I could see Ezekiel's fist clenched as he said that.
"Dike Brigadier General. Although I have been defeated by you now, I will one day regain the position of leading candidate and seize the victory of being elected. I can concede the marriage, but I cannot concede that position."
Killian's silver eyes in his helmet were also burning with competitiveness.
I don't know what they want.
Faced with countless provocations aimed at becoming the leading candidate, Dante arrogantly raised his nose and looked down at them.
"Isn't it always the case that you lose to me? What's new?"
At that, Killian crossed his arms and snorted.
"Is that so? I vividly remember you losing a bet to me on the evening of July 14th, two years ago, at 8 PM."
"I don't remember."
"Dike Brigadier General. You only remember the times you win and forget the times you lose, so that's how it is."
Why are you guys fighting all of a sudden?
Do these people not have a concept of engagement? I hope they don't feel competitive in strange places.
Meanwhile, Elluaerd, who had caused chaos and even internal division, didn't seem to have any intention of calming the situation.
"Well, grown men fighting like children. They're soldiers, so their pride is no joke. Isn't that right, Master?"
He even had the audacity to start a fire and watch from a distance.
It was then.
"Oh my, look over there. The Commander, the Brigadier General, the Marquess, and the Magic Tower Lord are all gathered in one place. What a rare sight. What's it like to live with such graceful looks and excellent abilities?"
"I heard they're all taking a break right now. My goodness, they've become even more handsome! But who is that unheard-of woman among those wonderful men? I don't think I've seen her before."
I heard the lines of two young gentlemen from the surroundings.
It felt like they were treating me like an impurity. I turned to Elluaerd and asked,
"You're the Marquess?"
"Yes."
"When did you get the title?"
"A long time ago, at the Macaro Casino."
Elluaerd answered, lifting his monocle with his finger.
No matter how I thought about it, this man was far from common sense.
Then, suddenly, I felt someone staring at me.
"A gaze?"
I looked around and realized that most of the people in this place were looking this way.
It's natural to feel people's gazes when you're with beautiful people. These men are just that eye-catching.
It was when I entered the middle hall of the grand ballroom, receiving such hot gazes.
"Dike Brigadier General! It's been a while!"
"Oh my, isn't that Commander Oh."
"Oh, great Magic Tower Lord. Have you been well?"
"Aren't you the Marquess, a genius in investment? The information I got last time was very helpful."
My candidates were very popular. Especially with middle-aged people.
Politicians, heads of conglomerates, presidents of banks, high-ranking officials, and other prominent figures began to approach, requesting countless handshakes.
Killian is called Commander Oh. I wonder which Oh clan he's from.
"Stop with those titles. It's been a while since I quit."
Ezekiel speaks informally to everyone, regardless of who they are. If he had been born in a country that valued etiquette and knew about respecting elders, he wouldn't be like this.
High-ranking officials and tycoons also asked to shake my hand.
"Lady, it's a pleasure to meet you."
They're greeting me without even knowing who I am, so they're definitely masters of social life. That's how they succeed.
The candidates were also very popular with young ladies, and for some reason, they gave me overwhelming attention as well.
"Lady, I don't think I've seen you before."
A beautiful woman with fine blonde hair and a softly flowing silk dress approached and smiled kindly at me.
"Usually, people wear party dresses to balls, but I thought it was refreshing to see you in a suit. It suits you very well. You must be very interested in fashion. And riding a dragon instead of a carriage. You're a very cheerful and eye-catching person from the start."
She's tall and has distinct features, like a doll. I couldn't help but smile at the attention I was receiving from a beautiful woman.
"Thank you for the compliment, Lady."
- Don't be happy, it's not a compliment. It means you're refreshingly crazy, and it's pointing out that your dress code is inappropriate for the occasion. It's also a warning not to act conspicuously.
I was startled by Elluaerd's voice in my head and looked around.
I could see Dante, Ezekiel, and Killian dealing with a group of people in suits in the distance.
Elluaerd, who was standing with them, glanced at me and tapped his earlobe as if giving a signal.
I fiddled with my earring. Ah, he sent a telepathic message.
But those pretty words all boil down to meaning 'don't mess around'?
Surely, that's not the intention. There's no way such a kind, friendly, and affable woman would say that to me.
It must be the devil's whisper trying to keep me from making friends.
I want to make friends, go shopping together, go to cafes, and take modern-day friendship photos.
Determined, I smiled brightly at the woman.
"Your dress is beautiful too, Lady. It's hard to pull off yellow, but you wear it so well. You look like a goddess wrapped in layers of yellow rose petals. Seeing such an excellent design, inspired by a famous painting and reinterpreting the concept of creation and imitation, I can't help but acknowledge your high taste."
But at my simple compliment, the blonde lady's lips parted in shock, and her white face began to turn red.
"I don't know which family you're from, but you're quite something. You win."
"Pardon? Are you talking about a compliment battle? It's true that I've rarely lost in compliments. I have a habit of returning compliments twice as much."
I don't know why she looks like she's feeling a wall from me.
"I like your spirit. I look forward to your social activities. Surely, if you're talented enough to beat me, you'll rise to the top in a short amount of time."
I don't know what I won or lost without doing anything, but she coolly acknowledged her defeat, folded the fan in her hand, and left.
Having won a mysterious victory, I awkwardly rubbed the back of my neck.
"Why did you talk to me first and then not be my friend...?"
I Hired the Mastermind as a Housekeeper