Am I Really Wanted by Anyone? - Chapter 12

“Miss Ginette, is he your new fiancé?”

“Yes. He is the son of Count Leo Barbet.”

“I am Leo Barbet.”

“I heard the Barbet Count’s family only has one son, but if you’re engaged to Miss Ginette, does that mean the grandson will inherit the earldom?”

“No, I will inherit it. She has a younger brother.”

The one who spoke was Marquis Gargid, who had married his daughter off to the southern border territory.

Since he knew the role of the border territory well, he was surprised by Leo-sama’s words and momentarily lost for words.

“I’ve heard Miss Ginette will inherit the position.”

“Yes. For now, that is. Fortunately, she has a younger brother, so when he comes of age, he will inherit, and Miss Ginette will live in the royal capital. Miss Ginette will spend her days as a lady in the royal capital.”

“…… I see. Is that so. Miss Ginette, I pray that you and my daughter both survive as long as possible.”

At Leo-sama’s words, Marquis Gargid’s mouth twitched slightly, and he made an expression as if considering whether to engage further, but he withdrew.

“Marquis Gargid. Thank you.”

This won’t do.

In his current state, he’s likely to make enemies.

A bitter feeling spread within me.

He doesn’t understand the difficulty of surviving in the borderlands, and that statement was ill-considered no matter how you look at it.

Even if he were to inherit the earldom.

“Leo-sama, it seems the dancing has just begun. Shall we go for a dance?”

“Ah, so it has. Let’s go.”

“Father, I’ll go dance for a bit.”

“Ah. Enjoy yourselves.”

“Leo-sama, shall we?”

“Ah, let’s go.”

I thought I was being a bit forceful, but I succeeded in leading Leo-sama away from the situation.

Although there were several people around, judging by their gestures, some seemed to share Marquis Gargid’s way of thinking.

We entered quietly from the edge of the dance hall and began to dance.

“That’s right, Miss Ginette. There’s something I need to tell you.”

“? What is it?”

“From now on, I want you to live gracefully in the royal capital as the future Countess Barbet.”

“Gracefully, you say?”

“Ah. In the royal capital, young ladies like you who carry weapons and fight are considered barbaric and vulgar. Considering your future, you should leave the territory.”

“Is that so?”

I evaded with a smile, but Leo-sama seemed to think I understood, as a broad smile spread across his face.

“Miss Ginette, I’m happy to be dancing with you like this. I’m happy.”

“Fufu. Thank you. I’m also happy to be dancing with you like this, Leo-sama. How have you been spending your time since returning to the royal capital?”

Pretending not to know anything, I asked Leo-sama.

Then Leo-sama answered with a smile.

“Ah, I’ve been busy helping my father. Dealing with various documents, going to the palace—I haven’t had much time to relax.”

“Is that so?”

I smiled and couldn’t ask any further.

Because…

The momentary movement in his eyes clearly showed he was unsettled.

His words made me swallow my own.

Sadly, I notice even the smallest things.

If I were to speak of it now, the faint feelings that have begun to form would likely crumble like a sandcastle. Even so, even so…

There’s a pitiful part of me that wants to cling to this small happiness.

While I was thinking this, the first dance ended.

We stood waiting to dance the second song, but the music remained stopped.

“I wonder what’s going on?”

“Has something happened?”

As I grew slightly concerned, the people dancing in the hall, except for one couple, moved to the edges like a receding wave.

When we also moved to the edge, His Majesty the King walked to the center.

Instantly, the venue fell silent, and all the nobles bowed.

“At ease. Tonight at this ball, I wish to introduce a certain young lady to everyone. Mira, come here.”

“Yes.”

The woman who came to stand beside His Majesty, escorted by Crown Prince Rainier. Black hair and pale purple eyes. Could she be the young lady Lady Marise mentioned?

Our border count family participating in the ball after a long time was also a focus of attention, but she drew even more.

Perhaps she really is a princess.

“Her name is Mira. She is the keepsake of my younger brother Jole, who passed away recently. As you can see, her eyes bear the royal color. Henceforth, in place of Jole, I will be her supporter until she comes of age. I expect all of you to treat her accordingly.”

At His Majesty’s words, the venue buzzed with murmurs.

Duke Jole was originally the second prince and became a one-generation duke. He was never married.

The fact that Baron Clementine went so far as to make her his adopted daughter and bring the matter to the royal family suggests the baron must know something.

I’d like to say it was the baroness, but the baroness’s hair was light brown.

Miss Mira has black hair.

The royal family members are characterized by bright golden hair and pale purple eyes. Her mother must have black hair. Black hair is very rare in this country.

Perhaps she’s from a neighboring country.

Father probably has some information. I’ll check later.

After introducing Miss Mira, His Majesty returned to the viewing seats.

And in the dance hall, Crown Prince Rainier and Miss Mira, wearing a dress primarily white, probably made today her debutante day.

They exchanged nods and began to dance.

Perhaps she only recently started learning to dance; she moved awkwardly, gently led by the Crown Prince as they danced. Then they bowed and returned to the viewing seats.

“Leo-sama, that was surprising. To think she was Lord Jole’s keepsake. ……? Leo-sama?”

I thought I was speaking to Leo-sama beside me while looking at her, but there was no response at all.

When I glanced sideways, he was watching Miss Mira.