CHAPTER 187: Who Said I Don't Like You?
Archie sighed after watching them leave, he was in a training when he heard that the prince who asked for Carmilla's hand had come after receiving the rejection letter.
And before he could even realize what he was doing, he was already right in front of the hall.
He listened from the outside and knew about the misunderstanding that had occurred.
He remembered the smile that she had given him back then.
He could only look away as he felt his heart move because of that particular smile.
It was no wonder that the prince would misunderstand if he stood in between them.
When he stepped in, he has the desire to actually hit this person hard for acting as if Carmilla was truly interested in him.
He instantly understood the meaning behind this feeling.
He wouldn't be a human if he were not moved by the way Carmilla had been trying to get his attention.
She was one of the most beautiful ladies out there and among all those who were trying to court her, he who wasn't even doing anything was the one she chose.
She was even the one trying to court him.
When he snapped out of his thoughts, he realized that Carmilla was standing right in front of him with a pout and puffed cheeks.
Before he could even say a word, he was pulled away by Carmilla after she bowed to the people around them.
Reginald laughed watching his good friend being pulled like a good boy by a lady more than a foot smaller than him.
"The greatest play boy of the empire was reduced to nothing by one of the most beautiful flower of the empire," he commented.
Archie heard it and glared at him before he and Carmilla left the hall.
"I... guess the matter is over now?" Carmilla's father spoke.
The emperor massaged his temple, it was as if a storm came and left just like that.
There was no casualty and nothing was destroyed, it just... passed by.
With that, the matter that seemed to be so big was reduced to nothing.
"I must say, your son managed it pretty well," he said to Asherton.
Asherton simply laughed.
He was the one who tasked someone to inform Archie.
He knew of course, that his son's heart had been moved by the lady long ago.
If not, he would not stop having ladies by his side just so the lady wouldn't get jealous.
At the same time, since when did his son send a letter to others?
Archie's actions was quite obvious.
And the reason he didn't even give the prince a chance to retaliate during the battle was because he was not giving him any chance to have any hope at having a chance towards Carmilla at all.
Carmilla stopped at the garden outside the main palace.
"Why make such a bet?" she asked grumpily.
Archie sighed, "We have to ensure that there wouldn't be any national problem in dealing with this."
Carmilla's frown grew deeper.
"You do understand, he is still the crown prince of another empire. If we are just to push him aside, it could bring more problems. No matter what we need to take things into consideration."
"But you made a bet without consulting me. I know you don't like me but why would you do that," she asked feeling wronged.
"Who said I don't like you?" he replied without missinga single bit.
Carmilla stared blankly at him.
He raised an eyebrow at her, "If I didn't like you, do you think I would have appeared there?"
Thinking back, Carmilla felt that he was indeed right.
Why would he suddenly be there a while ago?
The emperor and the rest could have done something about it.
She felt so wwronged that she didn't even think about it.
"At the same time, did you listen properly to the vow we made?"
She tilted her head to the side.
"The bet was either for him to scram or for you to give him a chance. There was no such thing as for him to be with you the instant he wins."
"Oh."
She was still too shock by his sudden confession that her reactions were still weak.
"And do you think I would have lost against such a person?"
Everything came clear to her.
Archie was known for being one of the best.
The vow he made was something that still contains her decision.
And he created a vow that was never a part of the empire's rule.
Since when did marrying someone from the empire by those who are from the outside, be decided in such a way?
"I made a vow I know I will win. At the same time, I ensured that he will never try and cause you trouble."
"Then... Then you like me? You have fallen for me?" she asked still not believing it.
Archie flicked a finger on her forehead, "I have already said it haven't I? I wouldn't be there if I have no feelings for you. I wouldn't take this matter with my own hands."
"Since when?" she asked.
"Who knows, I just know that at this moment, I am already in love with you and I will not let anyone else take you away. No matter who."
Carmilla blinked before a wide smile appeared on her lips.
She had a blush on making her look even more endearing.
Archie smiled before pulling her into a tight hug.
"I will meet your parents later today in order to finalize our engagement."
Carmilla agreed readily.
But because of what Archie had done on this day, their engagement wasn't as smooth as they thought.
Knights who liked Carmilla challenged him one after another.
He won left and right gaining him the reputation of the undefeated knight.
He was undefeated because Reginald didn't join the fun but he did made fun of Archie's difficulties just to get married.
Nevertheless, the two were able to get married with the approval of the whole Empire.
(End Of Flashback)