Am I Really Wanted by Anyone? - Chapter 14

After dancing with Miss Mira, he danced cheerfully with the young ladies. Watching him, I let out a heavy sigh and returned to my father.

“Ginette, are you finished dancing already?”

In between the constant stream of greetings from nobles, my father spoke to me.

“Yes, it’s fine. Miss Mira was such a lovely young lady.”

“Ah, yes, she was.”

Both my father and mother probably already understood. They didn’t ask or inquire further.

Some of the nobles must have noticed too.

Everyone must be thinking, “Ah, another failure.” No one tried to bring up the subject of my engagement. That only hurt me more.

My eyes met with Lord Leo’s as he was happily chatting with the dressed-up young ladies.

He smiled, gave a small wave, and began walking toward me. Seeing him like that made my heart feel heavy and pained again.

“Miss Ginette, I’m sorry. I made you wait. They just wouldn’t let me go.”

I returned his smile as he came back with a cheerful expression.

“Are you finished now?”

“Yes, it’s fine.”

“We’ve finished our greetings too, so shall we head back soon?”

“Are you sure? I haven’t greeted everyone yet.”

“Yes, it’s no problem. Father and the others are handling the greetings.”

“We still have some work left, so Ginette, you two should go on ahead,” my mother said, unusually smiling as she urged us to leave.

…If you looked at the eyes behind her smile, you’d understand she wasn’t really smiling. Everyone except him would see it.

“Understood. Then I’ll see you home.”

“Thank you.”

“……”

“……”

How sad.

I think our silences must be completely different. Because his eyes no longer reflect me.

I got into the carriage under his escort.

Inside the quiet carriage, only the clatter-clatter of the wheels echoed along with the vibrations.

The moonlight illuminated his wistful expression.

No good. I need to properly move on.

The carriage soon arrived at the Bergier residence.

“Lord Leo, I enjoyed today’s ball. Thank you very much.”

“Ah, me too. I was happy to dance with the beautiful Miss Ginette. Will you be returning to the territory tomorrow?”

“Yes, that’s the plan with Father and the others. Lord Leo, when will you be able to visit the territory next?”

“Hmm… My knight duties are quite busy, so it might be impossible for a while.”

“…I understand. I’ll look forward to when we meet again.”

“Ah, me too.”

And so Lord Leo transferred to his family’s carriage and returned to the Barbet residence.

“Welcome back, my lady.”

“Katie. I’m exhausted.”

I entered my room with Katie, threw off my dress, and collapsed heavily onto the bed.

“My lady, that’s poor manners. At least remove your makeup first.”

Katie sighed as she brought a damp cotton pad and carefully wiped my face.

“Sigh, the worst. Today was truly the worst.”

“I’ve heard about the engagement matter.”

“As expected of Katie. You have fast ears. From that waiter?”

“Yes. I’m glad I wasn’t there.”

“Definitely!”

I chuckled softly, calming my feelings a little.

I wonder what Father and the others are talking about now.

I’ll have to ask later. I need to think about my future with Lord Leo, and if that’s the case, I’ll have to find a new fiancé too.

There’s still the territory to manage, and I have to take care of Marilyn.

Thinking about everything is becoming bothersome.

Everything is bothersome.

I want to throw it all away.

I want to sleep slowly without thinking about anything or being disturbed, then do whatever I want and play.

Thinking this, I rolled around on the bed and fell asleep before waiting for Father and the others to return.