Am I Really Wanted by Anyone? - Chapter 16

“Good morning, Lady Ginette.”

“…I’m still sleepy, Katie. Don’t you think I could still be sleeping today?”

“My lady, your mother is calling for you.”

“Understood.”

Suppressing a yawn, I changed clothes and headed straight to the salon.

“Good morning, Mother.”

“Good morning, Ginette. Sorry to wake you. There was something I wanted to ask you.”

I had the butler bring tea and light refreshments and began eating lightly.

“Something you wanted to ask? What is it?”

“About Count Leo Barbet’s son. What do you think of him?”

Not how I feel about him, but what I think of him.

“From my perspective, Lord Leo’s territory management is average. He has the amiability to build connections, and I believe he’ll be slightly above average as a future lord. However, in combat, he’s not good at devising strategies, and his actual fighting ability is below average. While he’s suitable to inherit the Barbet earldom, I consider him unfit to be the husband of the Bergier family.”

After hearing my words, Mother smiled and took a sip of tea.

“That’s good. I was worried you might be blinded by romantic feelings.”

“Mother, that’s a separate matter. I admit Lord Leo is handsome, and I was happy he liked me. I won’t deny that, but there are too many elements about him that make me uneasy. In the end, I suppose my rationality is stronger than my emotions.”

“Hehe, I wonder who you take after.”

“Mother, was this why you called me?”

“I just wanted to check if you still had feelings for Leo, but it seems you’re fine.”

“?”

Looking amused with a full smile, Mother gave instructions to the butler, who brought over several papers and handed them to me.

Written on the papers was an investigation into a new potential fiancé.

“Olga Saraphis, the duke’s son?”

“Oh, you know of him?”

“He’s famous for being Princess Celestina’s favorite, right? I know that much.”

“Hehe, then this will be quick. He’s your next fiancé.”

Seeing Mother’s smile made me feel heavy. All I could foresee was troublesome matters heading my way.

“Mother, you’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Yes, I am! Isn’t it interesting? Two women fighting over one man.”

“I don’t find it interesting at all… But fine, I understand.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

“Sometimes you look like an ogre to me.”

“Oh my! That makes me happy! I could exterminate the magical beasts swarming the territory.”

“…”

Sometimes Mother’s thoughts jump to strange places, but there’s no helping it. I read through the investigation papers on Olga Saraphis, the duke’s son, once more.

He’s currently twenty-three years old, serving as vice-captain of the Magical Beast Knights, and by Princess Celestina’s wishes, he’s in charge of her guard.

It doesn’t differ much from what I’ve heard, but it details his family’s internal affairs and his relationship with Princess Celestina. From what I see in these documents, he seems like a very good match.

I let out a wry smile, realizing I’m switching my feelings faster than I thought.

Lord Olga is a capable man who rose to vice-captain of the Magical Beast Knights at a young age, and being the cute princess’s favorite, he probably faces a lot of jealousy from colleagues and others. His surroundings must be full of enemies.

“Did Father say anything?”

“Joseph? He was angry, saying they were deliberately pushing trash onto our daughter, but he’s positive about welcoming Olga as a son-in-law.”

“Pushing… So, it was His Majesty who instigated this?”

“That’s right. He must have thought that with his fickle nature, he’s not suited to be Miss Sara’s husband.”

But I’m fine with it…?

Somehow, I feel vaguely unsettled, but since Father got angry for me, I have no choice but to forgive it. Besides, the engagement is going to be canceled anyway.

I wonder what Lord Olga is like?

I hope he’s just as he’s described here.

“Ginette, stop drifting off to flower fields in the middle of a conversation. Fly to the royal capital next week.”

“Understood.”

Unlike before, Mother said this with a serious face.

“I’ve already sent word ahead. Go and assess Lord Olga.”

“Yes.”

So, this was the reason I was summoned. The very next day after yesterday. She moves fast as always.

I returned to my room for a moment, changed clothes, and then went to Marilyn.

“Marilyn, would you like to go to the lake with me?”