Chapter 159: Date with Celine~1!
[Next Morning]
As Seth expected Anabelle also stayed in the mansion for the night under the excuse of being suspicious of a vicious animal named Maydeath who could attack Seth at any chance the beast found it appropriate.
Seth could only shake his head in amusement at how childish she could be at times before he asked Lara to prepare a separate room for the ladies since leaving them in a single room would have been disastrous.
Anabelle is like an open book who couldn't hide what she desires or what she abhors. Whereas Maydeath seemed like a silent killer type who could hide her emotions behind a dangerous smile and manipulate things to happen in her own way.
It has been mere weeks since Maydeath and Seth met yet she has bound him by a contract that would allow their regular meeting and a one-night stand as well. In all honesty, Seth had ways of dodging her but why should he?
She's powerful, beautiful, and most importantly extremely obsessive with him. Obsession means loyalty. That girl could bind herself in a lifetime devotion contract if Seth allows her to remain by his side. Considering Maydeath's 'skills' which have diverged from the canon Seth knew she would be useful to him in the near future that was why he wasn't going out of his way to reject her presence in his life.
The same goes for Anabelle. A master class healer and barrier expert, who was on the threshold of tier 1. She was supposed to reach there, but only after a considerable amount of plot. Other than Arata only Anabelle held the capability to become an EX-rank. And considering that she was supposed to be the main wife of the Protagonist, it was to be well expected.
Seth didn't have his reach toward that rank. He could only remain on the second tier and rely on artifacts and potions. His physicality just wouldn't allow him to transcend his shackles and Seth has already accepted the fact.
Arata was out of his reach to manipulate since that guy has become a hermit and unstable in his head after losing to Maydeath and possibly his only chance to impress her. Seth's best aces remained in his mother, Maydeath and Anabelle.
"Welcome, Young Master Seth. I hope you had a great and safe journey. "
The maid of the royal palace, dressed in a classic gothic maid uniform greeted Seth with a slight bow. She looked quite young to be serving here but none of it mattered to Seth as he replied in his usual tone.
"It was." Although he had to finish his work and report to the administration about his absence before he rushed to the teleportation center, Seth didn't include the hassle in his answer. f𝗿𝐞ewebno𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝐨m
Seth strongly believed that despite being a higher nobility and having all the authority to ask it from him, still, it was too absurd to make an appointment just the next day after replying to his letter.
Regardless, he didn't show his inner annoyance and followed the raven-haired maid from the second entrance of the palace. Since the main entrance was majorly used for the Emperor's court, Seth was invited here to save him from unnecessary formal security proceedings.
At least Celine showed a bit of her consideration here. Seth sighed.
After walking through the passageway which had long walls protruding on either side and guards hidden inside those walls and lined up on top of the fort, Seth entered a beautiful garden with rows of flower beds and numerous small decorative trees around.
The atmosphere was perfect to have a relaxing tea in the evening while bathing in the bliss of nature. Seth could only sigh at the thought of how peaceful it would seem during the night under the moonlight.
"Quite fascinated you seem, Master Seth."
The familiar blond young girl appeared in front of him before Seth stepped forward and took her hand before brushing his lips over her knuckles, "It's great to see Your Highness in great health."
He never was good at formalities in his last life but circumstances in this world and also the leftover soul of the previous owner taught Seth a decent level of etiquette.
"You look fine as well....a little sleep deprived though. As your future wife, should I be worrying about your health? "
As blunt as ever huh...Seth couldn't help but mutter inwardly with a dry chuckle daring to spill.
Considering her character, Seth would have been shocked to see Celine blushing or stammering while mouthing those words she just said now. Unlike Serena who was a blushing mess when Seth showed a little intimacy, Celine was much like an emotionless doll who always hides her inner feelings in front of anyone.
To grab her real side Seth needs to work on their bond. Well, at least she has a good impression of him or she wouldn't have sent the marriage proposal in the first place.
"I would be honored to receive Your Highness' concern but there's no need. Just some schoolwork. Once I delegate my work to my successor, I would get much more time for myself and of course for my wives. "
Seth was not going to back down by respecting the difference in their social standings. If she could be blunt about the marriage then why should he be passive about it?
For some reason, Seth felt she was smirking at him but when he focused his gaze on her, there was no change in her stoic front.
Soon both of them joined the table for tea and some snacks over the 'discussion'. Although they were now betrothed and there should've been some romantic vibes around the two youngsters, the atmosphere remained subtly gloomy—much to the maid's disappointment who was standing nearby.
"I heard about that competition you won. Congratulations. Well, it didn't surprise me much since someone who could handle himself against highly skilled assailants, school competition must be child's play. "
Indicating the incident which Seth used in his favor to create a good impression on Celine, she spoke with unhidden amusement.
'Well, ask those students who lost their will to continue their studies because of the competition...' Seth held himself from saying that and just smiled at whatever assumption she has made.
"So...have you already taken ownership of Magfield mines?"
Seth remained still for a moment and with a pretense of surprise he asked back, "You knew about the Dowry I have asked in marriage? "
Of course, she would be aware. Those eyes weren't just there for decoration. But Seth would try to keep things under cover by showing how shocked he was for now. He planned on pretending that his greed for those mines was only limited to monetary gains. However, he forgot that he couldn't hide anything from those eyes, "The unnatural wavelength of energy and the luminous stones residing deep inside the mines which have yet to be discovered...your true goal resides in those ores right? Not to talk about that you would gain authority over a large number of highly trained personnel from the Capital as well. And also, your status would allow you to build foreign relations as well. Quite a good catch if I may speak from a general perspective. "
Not even for a moment Celine assumed herself being accepted as Seth's partner out of any feelings from his side. He just wanted the things she would bring along. How did she feel about the realization, was a concerning topic which the princess has left for future contemplation.
Seth remained silent for a moment. He expected the outcome of this meeting but still being pointed out made him feel a little bitter. He haven't pried in her mind but Seth could clearly see the disappointment in her tone and sadness in those peculiar eyes.
So it was the same for her as well, huh...
Taking her hand in his, Seth suddenly spoke up, "Let's go on a date. "
This time Celine reacted since this was the first time someone other than her family has not requested something from her rather she was getting pulled up and dragged away.
Who knew this day would be so...life-changing for her...
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A/N: - Drop a comment if you liked the chapter.