The Male Lead Is Obsessed With Proposing to Me - Chapter 50

44. 44. Predator’s instinct

Certainly, Cliff de Helios did not doubt that his brother was entirely powerless in this matter.

It had been rumored that if Benelucia were to draw near to Lucalina, he would undoubtedly exploit the emperor’s authority to manipulate Senelia’s destiny.

In light of this circumstance… Heh.

Regardless, if one were sure to endure unhappiness beside the emperor, wouldn’t it be better to rather possess at least the prospect of finding joy alongside someone who truly cherishes Senelia?

Benelucia harbored a particular hope and longing within himself.

“Brother, do you recall your pledge, the one where you vowed to fulfill any request of mine upon my victorious return from the war, barring my pursuit of the throne?”

Benelucia’s silvery eyes gleamed.

Ultimately, the order in which this play had transpired was precisely as Cliff  had intended. 

Strangely enough, one thing did trouble the emperor, Benelucia did not find this moment particularly disheartening.

“I have achieved a magnificent triumph and upheld my part of the commitment.”

“Yes, I promised to personally see to it that your wishes were granted, even if it entailed issuing an Imperial decree. So then, do you have a wish in need of granting, Grand Duke?”

When Cliff bid farewell to his brother, Benelucia, before the war, he had made a promise ensuring Benelucia’s safety upon his return. 

Since then, this promise had been a source of vexation for Cliff.

If Benelucia decided to invoke this agreement, Clifford would be powerless, unable to cause him harm, regardless of the circumstances. 

In essence, this promise served as Benelucia’s most formidable safeguard.

“I beseech you to fulfill that wish now, Your Majesty.”

However, the male lead was now prepared to relinquish this safeguard, all for Senelia Daphnen, one of the many women who substituted for his love all those years. 

In truth, he was even enthusiastic about it.

“Please, kindly issue an Imperial edict to welcome Senelia Daphnen as the Grand Duchess.”

For Senelia’s sake, Benelucia had no alternative. 

He had to get her to willingly stand at his side.

The realization that he might lose his most profound desire had just become a reality, and Benelucia couldn’t have been more resolute in his desires.

Yes, this moment verged on ecstasy for Benelucia.

He was willing to give his final trump card for this one most deepest desire. His Sally. 

“If that is my brother’s desire, then I shall grant it.”

Cliff de Helios smiled with heartfelt contentment.

Indeed, it is.

By taking this course of action, he effectively severed the connection between Lucalina and Benelucia while prompting Benelucia to lay down the protective shield he had held against him.

But Benelucia no longer concerned himself with such matters.

For, at long last, his proposal of matrimony would no longer meet with failure.

***

Apart from obtaining permission for marriage through a royal decree, Benelucia held a fervent desire to rekindle Senelia’s affection for him.

Wouldn’t it be more gratifying, if at all feasible, for her to enter a marriage with me of her own accord, rather than complying with the Emperor’s edict? I would love for her to desire me as her spouse.

And so, he gathered a wide assortment of Senelia’s dresses and accessories, all designs found from the day prior, which he had not managed to take her out properly. 

With these in tow, he ventured towards the Daphnen townhouse with a spring in his step.

Regarding her attire, sizing and style posed no challenge for Benelucia, he’d long since become accustomed to preferred styles and measurements.

Yet, his intended encounter with Senelia proved  disappointing.

“I regret to inform you, Your Highness, the lady expresses her reluctance to meet with you.”

That was a reception that Benelucia had never encountered in his lifetime at the Daphnen residence. 

A treatment so unyielding that it left him momentarily shattered.

Last night, she had calmly bid farewell to Benelucia.

However, never did he anticipate that, less than a day later, she would take such a resolute stance.

But that had no effect against the will of Benelucia Afron.

For, even if he veered off course momentarily, his willpower and determination ultimately propelled him toward his objectives.

Yes, Benelucia held an unwavering belief, albeit subconscious, that perseverance would, once again, sway Senelia’s heart.

He was a natural-born pursuer of his desires, one who invariably secured his aims.

“Then I shall await her arrival.” 

Without hesitation, he declared, his countenance unyielding as he refused to budge from his position.

Both the gatekeeper and the maid of the townhouse appeared visibly uncomfortable by his decision, and yet ,the man in question, appeared unaffected.

After all, to rebuff Benelucia, who had grown from a mere prince to the sole grand duke of the empire and second to the throne, from their doorstep… Well, such a move could lead to grave repercussions for commoners such as themselves.

At times like this, their last hopes hinged upon Senelia’s decision to step forth.

The head maid, having realized their last escape, bit her lip and made her decision.

“…Please grant us a moment, Your Highness. I shall relay your request once more.”

Finally, the head maid pivoted on her heel and reentered the townhouse.

Leaving Benelucia stranded at the threshold could bear grave consequences for Senelia’s reputation and even incur the wrath of their tyrannical Emperor. 

Such a fate, the head maid was resolute to prevent.

In the end, perhaps convinced by the head maid’s earnest begging, or recognizing the futility of challenging Benelucia’s determination, Senelia made her way out of the townhouse.

“Senelia Daphnen welcomes your presence, His Highness the Grand Duke.”

“…Sally.”

Benelucia’s gaze immediately locked onto Senelia, he yearned to close the distance between them.

However, his countenance remained unyielding.

“Your Highness, I appreciate your praise but… I cannot go against noble protocol to address you so familiarly. I ask you to please refrain from dropping formalities.”

Senelia’s harsh dismissal extended even to stripping him of his nickname for, as if to further distance herself from Benelucia.

Her deep bow, lower than her usual demeanor, mirrored the greeting of a subordinate noble meeting royalty, further affirming her intentions.

“…Sally, I spoke thoughtlessly last night.”

Benelucia made another attempt to placate Senelia calmly.

Upon reflection, Senelia might have interpreted his earlier words as jest, given his declaration the prior night to release her followed by a change in demeanor the following noon.

Hence, Benelucia guessed that this could be the source of her offense and her current harsh treatment. 

It was, afterall, a lot to take in. Their meeting with Lucalina, Lucalina’s declaration of love, being summoned by the Emperor as a candidate for Empress, and his will to give up his last card for her hand in marriage. 

“Whatever actions His Highness the Grand Duke made, they bear no connection to my feelings.” 

Senelia declared resolutely.

Yet, Senelia’s stance offered no room for even the slightest conciliation between the two; she treated Benelucia as a total stranger.

Anxiety steadily gripped his heart, he was losing her.

“I love you, Sally.” 

Benelucia confessed with a hint of urgency.

Before he arrived, he anticipated that Senelia would, at the very least, maintain her characteristics.

Quiet and submissive. 

But with an underlining of steel. 

She would pretend to give in to his desires, but at her core, her will would never change.

Yet, his expectations were met with a stark contrast.

“I harbor no affection for His Highness the Grand Duke.” 

Senelia declared, emotionlessly dispelling any illusions.

A heavy weight settled within him.

“Please, Your Highness, cease this nonsense and return.” 

Senelia urged, utterly indifferent to Benelucia’s presence.

[T/L: This formal tone is killing me ToT…But her being formal shows she’s loosening the line to reel in the fish.]

Before Benelucia could retort, Senelia turned away and vanished into the townhouse.

Not a trace of doubt or hesitation was visible in her retreat.

Senelia had definitively slipped from his grasp.

The Grand Duke confronted a truth more distressing than any he had faced before.

***

“…Young Lady, are you sure it’s alright?” 

Nervously, the head maid cautiously questioned Senelia.

Even after Senelia had stepped into the townhouse, Benelucia lingered at the front door for a while. 

As expected, she didn’t cast a single glance his way.

The townhouse staff, tasked with the responsibility of attending to Benelucia’s presence, couldn’t help but feel uneasy and restless.

“Head maid, please do not worry; you may continue with your duties as usual.” 

Senelia responded calmly, her gaze fixed on a book.

Benelucia’s visit signified the success of the plan devised with Cliff’s assistance. 

Senelia had no cause for concern now. 

The male lead was already aware that Senelia could be stolen away if he was careless. 

And with that, it was he who now harbored constant anxiety, not Senelia.

Senelia needed to become a masterful predator in order for her anxiety to magnify her allure even further.

 Only then could she kindle greater desperation in Benelucia, who had lived his life as a predator.

Of course, those words of discontentment and formality were also part of Senelia’s scheme. 

If she portrayed Benelucia’s headstrong pursuit as excessive and as a beginning to a loveless marriage, then Benelucia would be unable to seek solace in Lucalina, regardless of the all powerful pull of destiny between them. 

It had to unfold in this precise manner in order for the plan to work. 

It was the only way to ensure that Benelucia refrained from informing Senelia of his desire to let her go, as he had done the previous day.

“…If you ever change your mind, please do not hesitate to inform me, Young Lady. I will immediately send out a request for His Highness the Grand Duke.” 

The head maid expressed once more, her concern evident.

Yet, Senelia remained resolute. 

“That scenario shall never come to pass; simply tend to your duties.”

“…Very well, milady.”

In the end, the head maid had little choice but to give in to her Young Lady, leaving Senelia’s chamber.

On that day, Benelucia retreated to the Grand Duke Afron’s abode without encountering Senelia once more.

***

After the failure of the previous day, Benelucia persisted in visiting Senelia daily.

However, she steadfastly refused to meet with him.

“…Do you truly not love me, Sally?”

Benelucia, returning after yet another futile attempt, found himself in a state of utter disarray within his office.

On the last day that Senelia had stayed at the Grand Duke’s residence, she had tended to Benelucia with unwavering care, preparing the coffee he favored and meticulously selecting tea leaves.

So tell me how, Sally. How could one not harbor affection when every detail was etched in their memory?

Benelucia adamantly rejected this notion time and again, until he finally muttered through clenched teeth.

“This is a promise, Sally. I will once again earn your love.”

Benelucia’s eyes gleamed akin to those of a relentless wild beast, persistently pursuing its prey.