# Chapter 33: 33
Then, Marquis Russell raised both hands.
—Okay, let's get to the point. Radis, come to Marquisate Russell.
After saying that, he seemed to wait for a reaction from her.
However, Radis' facial expression remained the same: blank.
—The Marquisate? Because?
—I've done some research on you. Most people don't even know you exist, much less that you're part of House Tilrod. And the few people who know you would say that they don't treat you properly. Some people even say that you don't appear to be the couple's biological daughter.
When he said that she didn't look like a biological daughter, Radis's gaze wavered a little.
But she still had an expressionless face.
-...and then?
—Aside from that, you recently resigned yourself to your situation and even took care of the eldest son's admission to the academy. This house is nothing but a bed of nails to you, so this should be an opportunity for you.
-Because?
—Don't you want to?
—Don't ask if I like it or not before telling me why you say that.
Radis relaxed his arms and rested his chin on one hand as he looked at Marquis Russell.
It was like he was talking about someone else.
—Seeing how restless my parents are, he must have probably talked to them about money, perhaps a considerable amount. But why are you trying to take me to your Marquisate, Marquis?
Yves Russell was shocked.
A lot.
Girls that age weren't supposed to be like that.
They didn't even leave their rooms without first dressing and grooming themselves. And even if they were in their own house, they would never try to walk in front of men.
And none of them would take a man to a backyard to talk.
But what surprised him most was Radis's attitude.
She was the daughter of a humble family that had no title, but she did not seem intimidated in front of a Marquis, a Marquis who owned more than half of the southern territory of the empire.
He realized that his expectations had deceived him.
Yves Russell thought it would be easy to get Radis.
According to his investigation, she was a girl who was not treated properly in her own home, so what he expected was that she would burst into tears the moment an opportunity like that fell into her lap, then nod sheepishly as she looked at him. Either that, or I would continue to tremble with fear.
But at that moment, Radis was extremely cold.
“So, to reiterate, you are giving me a chance, Marquis Russell, and I should look forward to it?”
But Yves Russell simply hummed and looked at her, staring into her face.
—The more I look at you, the more I don't understand.
Her voice was low and soft, and when Radis heard it closely, his ears rang.
Somehow suppressing the urge to shrug, Radis asked.
—So, what happens to me and my family?
—Let me add one more thing: the Third Prince has taken a liking to you.
—…?
—Do you remember him? Olivier Arpend.
—Olivier…
Radis's eyes widened a little more.
He remembered the initials engraved on the handkerchief.
O.A.
Seeing her reaction, Marquis Russell nodded and continued speaking.
—Yes, he is the one who helped you when you tripped. Of course, it is what is expected of a gentleman, but this case is different.
Yves Russell's lips twitched slightly as he smiled.
“Do you think there have only been one or two young women who have tripped in front of the Third Prince so far?” I've seen dozens of them do it on purpose. Of course, the Third Prince treated them well like the gentleman he is, but with you it was a little different. How to say it? It seems that he has taken a liking to her.
Hearing his words, Radis had to force himself to control his reaction.
—OA... That was Olivier Arpend.
Oliver.
It was a name that really suited him.
With silver hair and amethyst eyes shining under the moonlight…
When he saw Radis's cheeks blush slightly, Yves Russell's smile twisted even more.
—Don't you want to meet the Third Prince again?
Radis noticed the insidious smile on Yves Russell's lips.
Indeed, there was a huge difference between her smile and Olivier's.
And that difference was enough for Radis to return to normal.
—Are you going to let me find him again? Maybe… Is that your goal?
-That's how it is.
"Are you telling me to believe all that?" Are you going to spend a huge amount of money and take me to your Marquisate just to do that?
—It's not… just that!
Suddenly, Yves Russell's voice rose a pitch higher.
—Do you know what kind of person the Third Prince is? There are rumors that it's just a porcelain doll that moves or a piece of marble that breathes, maybe even a glass doll that needs to be wound up with a key on its back. No, no, wait, why are you nodding? It's not because of his appearance, it's because he doesn't feel any emotions at all. And most importantly, he is not interested in women! Even after his coming of age celebration!
Radis's mouth opened slightly.
It wasn't because she was surprised by the rumors surrounding Olivier, but because she was surprised by how passionate the Marquis seemed to be when it came to that issue.
Unlike the cold first impression anyone might have of him, Marquis Russell seemed to be the kind of person who would go into hysteria.
With one hand cupping his mouth, Yves Russell whispered very quietly.
—There are even rumors that she likes men.
With his mouth still open, Radis covered both ears with his hands.
"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that."
—Do what you want, of course. But until now I thought it was like that too, and I even started to think twice before unbuttoning my shirt in front of him. But then I saw that scene with you. I have been by the Third Prince's side for a while, but I have never seen him smile. And it was a truly dazzling smile.
Radis stared at Marquis Russell.
—By any chance… do you like men?
—It's the first time we've seen each other today, but can I hit you?
Valiz