Beneath the Study's Quiet Lamps
Soon, the two of them walked into a study.
The moment the door closed behind them, the lively noise of the banquet faded into a distant murmur. The study was warm and solemn, lit by soft yellow lamps that cast long shadows across mahogany shelves lined with old books and antique ornaments. The faint scent of ink and aged paper lingered in the air, carrying the weight of years, authority, and decisions that shaped families.
At this moment, the elders of the D'Aurelius Family and the Aurevale Family were seated together, already deep in discussion about the marriage alliance.
Julian D'Aurelius and Selene Aurevale stepped forward and greeted the elders one by one. Their movements were polite, measured—yet beneath that courtesy, tension quietly gathered.
"Julian, you're just in time," a middle-aged man said, his voice steady and commanding. He had a square face, sharp features, and eyes that carried both discipline and expectation. This was Gary D'Aurelius, Julian's father. "There's something we need to discuss with you. Just now, your Uncle Shan and I talked things over. We think you and Selene are a good match. We plan to finalize your marriage. What do you think?"
The room fell silent.
Julian didn't hesitate.
"I don't think it's appropriate."
The words landed cleanly—and heavily.
Every elder present froze.
Not appropriate?
In all of Valemont, who didn't know that this young man had chased Selene Aurevale for three whole years? He had lowered his pride, spent resources, and endured cold indifference without complaint.
Julian cleared his throat softly, the sound echoing faintly in the quiet room. His golden eyes remained calm, but his fingers curled slightly at his side.
"Dear elders," he said evenly, "there's a saying—a forced melon is not sweet. I've reflected on this for some time and realized that Selene and I aren't truly compatible. Marriage is a lifelong matter. It's better if we decide these things for ourselves. Thank you for your concern."
As he finished speaking, Julian felt a knot loosen inside his chest.
[Hehe. Now I won't get beaten to death.]
The elders of both families stared at him, stunned.
They exchanged glances—confusion, surprise, and suspicion passing silently between them.
Then Shan Aurevale, Selene's father, suddenly spoke. He had black hair touched faintly with gray, sharp blue eyes, and a voice that carried authority born of years in power.
"Julian," he said slowly, "Uncle understands what you're thinking. Did Selene force you to say this?"
He leaned forward slightly, expression firm. "Don't worry. Uncle will handle this today."
"???"
Julian nearly choked.
Uncle, are you trying to get me killed?
"It's not like that, Uncle Shan, I really—" Julian began, his voice tightening.
But Shan Aurevale waved his hand decisively, cutting him off.
"No need to say more. Uncle understands you."
He turned sharply toward his daughter, anger flashing across his eyes.
"Selene, tell me—how has Julian treated you these past few years? He's been deeply devoted, caring for you in every possible way. When you were sick and hospitalized, he stayed by your side the entire time. In terms of family background, ability, and appearance, where does Julian fall short compared to you?"
His voice rose, frustration spilling over.
"And yet you forced him to say such things? Are you trying to drive me mad?"
Selene stood there, stunned.
What do you mean I forced him?
She glanced at Julian—his face calm, polite, respectful—but she could feel it. Beneath that composure, he was practically laughing his head off.
[Come on, argue back! What are you standing there for? Let's ruin this marriage together so we can go our own ways. I can go find ten or eight girls and enjoy life. If you don't argue back, I'm really going to be in big trouble. Don't you still want to elope with your Obsidian King Evan?]
The complaints poured into her ears.
Selene's eyes darkened.
Bastard.
One moment it's "your Evan," the next it's ten or eight girls—what does he take me for?
Why would she ever elope with a bodyguard? What did Evan even count as?
And the thought that Julian—who had chased her for three years—could so casually talk about other women made something flare inside her chest.
Anger. Pride. Stubbornness.
Before she could stop herself, she spoke.
"Dad," Selene said suddenly, her voice clear, "I didn't make him say that. I support the marriage."
The room went silent again.
Shan Aurevale froze, disbelief flashing across his face as he turned toward her.
"You're not lying to me?"
"No." Selene shook her head gently.
Her face flushed faintly, and she bit her lower lip, eyes lowering just a little.
"He's been very good to me. I was… moved by his sincerity." She paused, then added softly, "But I want to start with dating first. Is that okay?"
Shan Aurevale stared at her for a long moment—then his expression softened, relief spreading across his features.
"Of course, that's fine. Take it slow. One step at a time."
So it wasn't that his daughter rejected the marriage—she was simply shy. And Julian, worried about wronging her, had tried to give up the marriage himself.
What a considerate son-in-law.
The elders around them smiled, clearly sharing the same thought.
Julian, who had been smiling just moments earlier, now felt like he had swallowed something rotten.
He stepped closer to Selene, forcing a smile that looked more painful than polite.
"Selene," he said gently, "you don't have to force yourself. I understand your thoughts."
She bit her lip again and whispered, "But my thought is to start with dating first."
"Julian," Shan Aurevale said warmly, patting him on the shoulder, "Selene is just a bit cold and not good at expressing herself. Don't misunderstand her. Girls are thin-skinned."
Julian's face twitched.
At the same time, Selene's ears filled with a stream of furious inner shouting.
[You've lost your mind!!! We agreed to break the engagement!!! Who wants to date you?! Follow the feel-good novel plot! Becoming the Obsidian King's harem member is your destiny! Wake up and stop acting crazy!]
Selene's lips curved slightly.
A faint amusement flickered in her blue eyes.
Seeing him this frustrated… was strangely entertaining.
He was far more interesting now than when he had been a simple, obedient pursuer.
"Alright," the D'Aurelius patriarch finally said, his aged yet steady voice carrying authority. "Since they like each other, there's nothing more for us to worry about. Let's go out and announce it."
With that, everyone rose, smiles on their faces, and left the study together.
Julian and Selene walked at the back.
Catching the faint smile on her lips, Julian felt the urge to punch something.
"Didn't we agree not to get married?" he whispered through clenched teeth.
"But I was moved by your sincerity," Selene replied, her smile widening.
It was the first time Julian had ever seen her smile at him like that.
He froze—momentarily dazed.
Then he reached out and pressed his hand against her forehead, frowning slightly.
"If you're not feeling well, we should go to the hospital. Marriage isn't a joke. Think it through."
His tone was earnest—almost pleading.
[Sis, if you're sick, get treated. If you don't see a doctor, I'll be seeing a coroner soon.]
"I'm fine," Selene said calmly. "I've thought it through. Besides, we're not married yet."
"But I don't want to. A forced melon isn't sweet."
"That's fine," she replied lightly. "As long as it quenches thirst."
Her smile grew brighter, almost mischievous.
She looked at him seriously. "You've changed so suddenly. Could it be that you have a terminal illness and you're afraid of dragging me down?"
Julian stared at her, utterly speechless.
Why isn't she following the plot?
[She must have water in her brain. Now I'm really doomed because of her. Evan will definitely show up and cause trouble later. I finally became a rich, handsome villain—am I about to lose it all? Damn feel-good novel plot.]
As Julian's complaints echoed again in her ears, Selene's curiosity deepened.
Will things really go as this guy's inner voice says later?