Am I Really Wanted by Anyone? - Chapter 1

“Mademoiselle Ginette Bergier! The moment I saw you, my body trembled as if struck by lightning, and all time stood still. I swear I will absolutely make you, who shines so brightly, happy. Please allow me, Leo Barbet, to become your lifelong partner.”

Suddenly, he took my hand and knelt as he declared this.

“…Huh?”

The venue fell silent at his words in an instant, and all eyes gathered on me.

Under the weight of this atmosphere, my heart began pounding rapidly, and I found myself unable to move.

The man who introduced himself as Leo Barbet had a slender build, sparkling golden hair, and determined almond-shaped eyes that gave him a princely appearance – exactly the kind of looks that noble young ladies would favor.

What!? I never imagined I’d receive a confession in a place like this. Everyone is looking at me.

“Um…”

I began turning over in my mind how I should respond without giving an answer.

The noble young ladies around us were excited, watching with keen interest while whispering among themselves. Then Mademoiselle Marise Mule, the Duchess’s daughter, answered on my behalf.

“Lord Leo, a proposal in this setting is simply unthinkable. What do you think this place is?”

Lady Marise, who had organized today’s tea party, crossed her arms and made a slightly angry gesture. Then he stood up and bowed respectfully to Lady Marise.

“Mademoiselle Marise, I deeply apologize. However, it was here that I found her. I cannot thank you enough. Later, I will visit your home with both apologies and gratitude.”

The surrounding noble young ladies seemed to be getting flustered by his gestures.

“Th-that’s right! What will you do, Lady Ginette?”

I had no desire to upset her either, and had no choice but to apologize to Lady Marise.

“Lady Marise, I’m sorry for causing a disturbance. I never imagined I’d receive a proposal from someone I just met.”

When I said this, Lady Marise, unlike before, chuckled softly.

“Hehe, indeed. Since Lady Ginette usually doesn’t leave her territory, it can’t be helped that you haven’t met him before. Lord Léo, if you wish to speak with Lady Ginette, we’ll arrange a proper time later. For now, please return to your seat.”

“Lady Marise, thank you.”

And so, the son of Count Barbet returned to his seat, and the tea party proceeded with a gentle atmosphere as if peace had been restored.

The reason I left my territory today to attend the tea party hosted by Mademoiselle Marise Mule, the Duchess’s daughter, was specifically to meet Lady Marise.

We had been close since our school days, both anxious about not having decided on fiancés. But after graduation, as we both became busy helping with our respective territories, both Lady Marise and I had lost interest in marriage.

Recently, Lady Marise had written to me that a potential fiancé had emerged, and she wanted me to assess him.

I had only attended the tea party today to hear her report.

How did things end up like this?