About Your Pride and My Prejudice

Chapter 21: Declaration Ceremony

Chapter 21: Declaration Ceremony

Somehow I was even telling Toby about my novel.

Partly because hes a good listener and partly because I want to get closer to him, but anyway, its because of the news that Tobias gave me which made me write a novel in earnest.

Actually, my dream is to be a writer. Im embarrassed to say.

What do you mean embarrassed!

Toby refuted my words with his dark black eyes glowing passionately. Slightly shy, he added with a quite serious face.

Its so Its so great, Miss Melissa.

Thank you. Its a precious dream for me, so its the first time Im talking about this to someone other than my best friend.

Its. such an honour,

Toby replied with a shy, but happy face.

I explained how much his news of the Royal Academys writing contest inspired me. When I told him how it spurred me to start writing my novel, his eyes changed.

Then, can you tell me what novel youre writing about?

Whats it. about?

Yes. Im not a literature savvy person, but.

As I spoke as if hesitating, Toby added, turning the coffee cup around for no reason.

A person tends to bring materials from their daily life. Im just asking because I want to know more about Miss Melissa.

.

I have not yet told anyone in detail about the contents of this novel. Even Viola doesnt know the details.

Come to think of it, we rarely see each others faces for a while.

Anyway, writing a novel takes time, and if I continue to hang out with Toby, in the end, Ill be so engrossed in the novel that I wont be able to hide it from him.

And in fact, when I write, there are often moments when I want to talk about my novel endlessly. And it would be more comfortable to talk to a favourable person about my writings than a critic.

So Tobias was the perfect person indeed.

Its about a crush.

Crush

Toby looked at me with a slightly complicated expression and looked at me again. His eyes were trembling lightly.

Then the experience Miss Melissas real life.

..Yes, thats right. Its been quite a while.

Oh

Toby took a sip of coffee with a blank face. His reaction was natural.  Because my answer was so forward, honest and brazen even I couldnt believe what I had bravely said even after saying it.

But anyway, is this really something to say to Tobias Miller, who clearly has a crush on me? If I admit that this unrequited love story is my experience, then Toby will of course

Can I hear who that person is? If you dont mind.

Hes trying to know the other person.

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That person

I never knew that I, Melissa Collins, could be so bold.

Its Sir Alan Leopold.

Ah.

Tobias briefly murmured. It sounded like a sigh.

Suddenly, I wanted to ask myself. Did I want to see his reaction? Did I even want to see someone who likes me struggle because of me?

No matter how impulsive it was, isnt this too cheeky?

I should clarify. I rebuked myself and hurriedly tried to make up for what I said before.

I

I understand.

When I heard that, I raised my head. Tobias had a very serious face.

As I said, I also respect Sir Alan. I cant fathom how deep Melissas heart is, but.

.

I think my longing is similar to that.

Oh

Toby tried to solve the situation by weaving my crush into his longing. He went beyond appreciating and I felt sorry because of his graceful response to my rash remarks.

I, Im not serious. The other person is too out of reach for anything to transpire..

The word serious can be interpreted in many ways, even so, I clearly know that this clumsy feeling cannot be realized. So I never lied to you.

In fact, it wasnt as ideal as I thought it would be. Oh, of course his personality.

You mean his personality?

Yes. I was guessing he was a cold person.

I hesitated for a moment about how to best describe Alan Leopolds personality.  Because what Ive seen may only be part of it.  Of course, his personality will be different for his lover or family member.

But the feeling that I received from him consistently is definitely.

He had an air of.

Yes, it was this. The reason why his gaze made me feel strange and creepy.

He didnt feel the slightest bit of compassion or sympathy for those weaker than him.

Oh

Toby looked complicated. Does it feel like Im undermining the object that he respects?

Tobias calmly opened his mouth.

He began to stand out as Leopolds successor from a young age. Its remarkable to recall that he started so early.

.

At that young age, he contributed to royal public works projects and was even awarded with the title of knight by the royal family. But hes an adult now, so hes going to take charge of a new business from next year.

I asked Toby, who had an overwhelming voice as if he were saying something great, with an unfamiliar face.

Wont all Leopolds businesses end up in his hands anyway?

Leopolds next owner position will be succeeded by the most reliable aide. Theres no guarantee it will be by the son. In fact, Sir Alan has only served as an assistant to his father.

Oh, then next years business.

Yes, its kind of a declaration ceremony.

Tobias smiled a little.

The Leopold family is now recruiting young people to join Sir Alans first business. Hes going to do a great job, and its going to be a daunting task to help him get started.

So to sum up, Leopolds scholarship students seemed to be helping Alan with his first business. He said he respects Alan and Tobias wants to share his beginning.

As an observer of the kingdoms top business family, he must have lived a life without respite. Wouldnt his environment and the pressure he lives under not foster emotions such as consideration and sympathy?

What do you mean

Listening to Toby, I clearly realized that I had only loved one aspect of Alan.

I may not deny it, but I have no intention of denying it. I dont have time to worry about other peoples circumstances or conditions. Moreover, in the case of Alan Leopold, who is close to perfection.

Unlike me, I just fell irresistibly in love with the beautiful man without flaws. What I loved was his brilliance that I would never have in my life, not being pitiful about him.

That doesnt mean its bad. It just meant the advertisement was tempting, beautiful and dazzling.

Then Toby continued to talk.

Those feelings are not essential to businessmen, so I cant say theyre Sir Alans flaws.

.

But as a lover, I guess.

As if embarrassed, he smiled as he smoothed his thick back hair.

Im the son of an ordinary pastor, and Im a country boy who just came to the capital. But I would cherish and protect you,

His voice, which started shyly, grew more and more confident.  His black eyes contained only my face.

Im better than Sir Allan, Miss Melissa.

* * *

On the way back, he accompanied me and we walked hand in hand.

It was not specifically intended. Also it wasnt because the weather was cold.

It was just that I stumbled a bit, taking care not to get muddy on my new dress as I passed the shallow puddle, and Tobias reflexively grabbed me. Can I say that I somehow missed the timing to retrieve my hand?

If, Toby. Really, just in case.

Yes, Miss Melissa.

If my novel is selected I will end up studying abroad.

It was somehow embarrassing for it to come out of my mouth. There was no choice but to say it and climb into a hole.

He remained silent, but not as cold as Alans. Rather, it was like an unspoken encouragement, as if listening to and telling me to continue.

No matter how many years I have to be abroad, you.

The words Will you be okay? didnt come out so I kept my lips shut.  If I ask like that, we..look like lovers.

We are not lovers, nor have we promised to get married.  Hes twenty-six, so it wont be easy to just wait for me.

My being indecisive was probably a tortuous hope. Even after knowing that I still couldnt bring myself to accept him. Because, no matter how caring Tobias is, one day he will see me for who I am.

So, once he knows what kind of person I am, he will eventually

At that moment, I felt strength entering in his gloved hands.

Its okay, Miss Melissa.

Its okay?

Yes. If you are elected, you will go to the Lunoa Principality. Im going to sincerely cheer for you.

He gave me an additional explanation as I looked up with surprised eyes.

Lunoa is where Sir Alan starts his new business next year.

Oh, then..!

Ill do my best, too. So that I will be selected as Leopolds scholarship student and be by your side in the Lunoa Principality.

.

Melissa. He is the one.

I think this person will be willing to embrace me even though he knows my long-standing inferiority complex and the emptiness deep in my heart.

Love is not always instantaneously hot, burning your insides. The warmth of a small candle is enough to melt your frozen hands.

Looking at him with such a thought, his face had a gentle smile. Even though it was still December, it was a smile that felt like spring was not far away.

It was that time.

Lady.

!

Suddenly, a strange man approached me from the roadside. Surprised, I hurriedly took a couple of steps back, covering my mouth. It was natural to release Tobys hand.

My master told me to deliver this to you.

He suddenly held out a letter. When I trembled, Tobias blocked me and asked:

Whos the owner of that letter?

is the person named Malcolm Longerhan?

When I added, the man frowned silently. It didnt seem to be the answer. Seriously, the people of the Longhorns didnt have this rough impression nor this shabby outfit.

As soon as I accepted the letter with a shivering face, the man quickly left.

Who could it be?

Well

I answered blankly and flipped the envelope with a strange face.

Melissa Collins 

Gasp!

Miss Melissa, whats wrong?

This strange handwriting is definitely that man.

It belonged to the stalker.

***

Comments from Korean readers:

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stalker? Did you fall in love with the letter? But I got goosebumps because he looks like a real stalker. I like Toby the best so far.

Whats with male Leads personality?

I cant understand his psychology.

Ah Toby I really like it after watching this episode. I feel like Im going to fall in love..

Hey Alan Whats wrong with you