The Killer Queen (Noella Briony)

Malvina's eyes, wide and round, blinked in surprise. "For me?"

Today wasn't Valentine's Day or April Fool's, right?

Or had she suddenly become so breathtaking that someone could overlook her unwashed hair of three days and the bandages wrapping her arms?

Damn, her charm was always so enchanting.

Malvina’s confusion deepened when she received a second rose. "Is my face really that pretty they can ignore the burn scars on my legs?"

Noella, barely holding back a chuckle, said, "Who knows? Maybe?"

"But they wouldn't give them just to me and not you! You're way prettier than me!"

Malvina was puzzled, but the boy who gave her the flowers just walked away without a word.

This wasn't the usual flirting she was used to!

Malvina was ready to whip out her phone, but the guy just smiled and walked off!

Staring at the roses in her hand, Malvina couldn't figure out what was happening.

But as she walked on, she found herself holding more and more roses!

"What's going on here?" Malvina exclaimed in astonishment.

"Noella, darling, your college is one of the top institutions in Imperial City; there can't possibly be a scam going on, right?"

Noella couldn't help but laugh.

"Theoretically, a scam wouldn't involve such expensive roses. These seem like high-grade desert roses."

The roses, which grew solely in the desert, each bloomed amid thorns, exuding a vibrant and passionate essence, their lives soaring with vitality!

"Could this be some kind of charity then?"

"Who uses red roses for charity?"

With every few steps they walked, a student would hand Malvina a rose.

Noella's phone buzzed with a message from Ulrich.

[Noella, bring Malvina to the small woodland by the library entrance.]

The library's woodland at Imperial University was a sight to behold this season, a breathtaking scene at every turn as if wandering through an enchanted garden.

Noella understood then; these roses must all be from Ulrich, intended for Malvina.

Noella grabbed Malvina's wrist and headed towards the library.

"Eh? Weren't we heading home? You got more classes?"

"Just remembered I need to borrow a book. Come with me."

"Sure, got nothing else planned today."

Malvina had come to see Noella because of Ulrich's whims and

was shocked to find her darling Noella isolated in class!

Though Noella didn't care for such matters, Malvina couldn't stand by idly.

The nerve!

Picking on her only friend, Malvina was ready to fight back, sweep away the naysayers, and stand up for Noella!

Holding Noella's hand tightly, Malvina declared, "If anyone dares to mess with you, just let me know! I'm an expert at dealing with these mean girls!"

"No need, they can't really hurt me."

"That won't do. My darling Noella can't suffer even a bit!"

Noella was left a bit speechless.

Malvina was content as they walked closer together.

Protecting Noella made Malvina feel needed, a sensation she cherished over just being the one always shielded.

Being protected was nice, but friendship was about give and take, mutual support.

Feeling like she could also do something for Noella was truly wonderful.

Reaching the library, Malvina's arms were full of roses.

The bright red blooms made even the usually oblivious Malvina realize something special was happening.

She stopped short, spotting the man approaching her.

Ulrich stood amid a sea of roses, dressed in a crisp white suit that seemed oddly fitting against the floral backdrop. Tall and handsome, his suit tailored to perfection, he exuded an aura of effortless confidence and charm.

His gaze was tender as he looked over, the arrangement clearly his doing, and the area was surprisingly devoid of onlookers.

"Is Dr. Schnabel trying to become a florist?" Malvina joked.

Ulrich stepped forward, his eyes soft. "Noella, you can head home now. Elara is waiting for you at the gate."

"Alright, Ulrich. Good luck."

Ulrich evidently wanted privacy for his conversation with Malvina.

As Noella left, Malvina panicked slightly.

"Hey, Noella, darling, why are you leaving me..."

She was supposed to be here for Noella, and now she was alone with Ulrich!

"Do you like the flowers I sent?" This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Malvina blinked. "Can I use these roses for a foot bath?"

Ulrich's smile briefly faltered.

Malvina was always... practical.

Looking at the flowers and the dreamy setup behind Ulrich, she teased, "Dr. Schnabel, you're not trying to confess, are you? That's impossible!"

"Why is it impossible?"

Malvina calmly responded, "Ever seen a confession with just two people?"

Normally, confessions were grand affairs, craving audiences.

But Ulrich had arranged for no spectators and even sent Noella and Elara home!

Ulrich smiled gently.

"I wanted to give you the opportunity to reject me directly.

I've never arranged anything like this before; I had to ask Annie for help.

Your past has been hard enough; I wouldn't use morals or an audience to coerce you. What I have to say doesn't require witnesses, and if you choose to refuse, you don't have to worry about hurting my feelings."

Everyone from the Schnabel family believed that if you were going to do something, you had to do it well.

Though the preparation time was short, Ulrich wanted to make everything perfect.

Malvina blinked. "Then you could totally pick a different place, you know."

"It was you who said you wanted to experience a real college romance," he reminded her.

Given Malvina's academic record, a return to campus for further studies was out of the question.

Malvina was touched but still couldn't believe Ulrich was about to make a confession of love!

"Dr. Schnabel, are you serious? Are you really about to confess your love to me?"

Ulrich gently shook his head.

"When I asked you yesterday why you hadn't confessed your feelings to me, there was actually more I wanted to say, but you ran off before I could finish."

"What was it?"

"If you had confessed, I would have said 'yes' in a heartbeat!"

Malvina's eyes widened slightly as she saw Ulrich get down on one knee right in front of her, lifting his gaze to hers. His captivating eyes shimmered slightly, but they were filled entirely with her reflection.

Ulrich spoke earnestly.

"I'm not planning to just confess my love.

I want to ask you to… marry me!"