The Noble Lady Without Magic Aims to Become an Adventurer! - Chapter 59

“Mother, where are we going next?”

“We’re heading to a jewelry store nearby. Buying a dress without a necklace would be embarrassing, wouldn’t it?”

“…I suppose so.”

Agreeing with my mother, I followed her into the jewelry store.
“Welcome! What kind of accessories are you looking for?”
The male clerk greeted us politely.

“I’m looking for a set of a necklace and earrings. Do you have anything nice?”

When my mother said this, the clerk, rubbing his hands together, brought out several jewelry sets. A quick glance revealed their outrageous prices.

There’s no way I could afford anything like this in my entire life. My mother, on the other hand, held the necklaces against my skin to see which one suited me.

“I’ll take this one. Please charge it to the Marquis of Efseé.”
“Understood.”

After that, my mother also bought a ring and necklace for her daily use. I couldn’t help but wonder if our family was heading toward bankruptcy. She didn’t seem to care about the prices at all, which worried me.

“Now, Marloa, let’s go and try that famous cake from the capital!”

Wearing the ring she just bought, my mother walked leisurely to the popular shop.

Father said she had been bedridden for a while, but was that really true?

The shop was bustling with noble ladies and daughters—it was clear from their appearance. Since my mother had made a reservation in advance, we were shown to a private room by the staff and took our seats.
Fars, our guard, stood silently behind my mother.
Usually, he’d sit and have cake with us, but my mother would never allow that. Anna probably wanted to try some, too, so I decided to ask Fars later to buy some as a souvenir.

I chose the shop’s signature chiffon cake, while my mother went for the trendy cheesecake. The chiffon cake was fluffier than anything I’d ever tasted, yet as it melted in my mouth, it was moist, with a faint aroma of tea. It was absolutely delicious.

“By the way, Marloa, about your fiancé. There’s someone good I’d like you to meet. I’ve already called him here, so he’ll arrive soon.”

So that’s why she invited me out today.

She must have avoided discussing this at home over tea, knowing Father would hear about it. But Fars, who’s waiting in the back, would surely report this later.

“Mother, are you still at it? Please stop doing things without consulting me. Didn’t Father already tell you this?”

“It’s a good opportunity for our family. Even if I inform Gairon afterward, he won’t oppose it.”

I was too stunned to speak. She really is Sara’s mother, through and through. I am her daughter too, but still…

“So, you’re saying I should be the sacrifice for our family’s benefit?”

I couldn’t help but furrow my brow and mutter under my breath.

“It’s not a bad deal. The man I want to introduce is over sixty, a bit older, but he’s incredibly wealthy. He’s also very eager to meet you.”

From my mother’s words, it seemed the arrangement had progressed significantly. When I glanced at Fars, he also frowned slightly.
“Mother, what you’re doing is no different from what Sara does. Can’t you see that?”

My mother smiled brightly, ignoring my words.

“It’s a good match, isn’t it? As a noble, it’s only natural to marry for the family’s benefit. Shouldn’t you help the Marquis of Efseé grow stronger?”

“This isn’t something to discuss here. Let’s return home and talk with Father. That would be better, Mother.”

“No. Gairon will definitely get angry. If you don’t agree here, I won’t budge.”

…

When Fars met my gaze, he nodded subtly and quietly left the room.

“In that case, Sara should be the one to go.”

I suggested Sara, my younger sister, as the suitable candidate to avoid drawing my mother’s attention to Fars. But my mother neither noticed Fars’ absence nor took my suggestion seriously.
“Sara has magic power. She deserves a better match. He should be here soon.”

…

Talking to my mother was like speaking to someone from another world. It was baffling how differently she treated Sara and me, despite both of us being her daughters.

To my mother, I was nothing more than a tool connected to her by blood—a means to an end.

Even though I knew this, the realization still stung.

“Your reserved guest has arrived. Shall I show him in?”

“Yes, I’ve been waiting. Please, let him in.”

“Understood.”

Who could it possibly be?

I waited cautiously as the door opened, and an older man, likely in his late fifties or early sixties, entered the private room. He was rather plump, wearing numerous rings adorned with large gemstones, and gave off an air of excessive wealth rather than sophistication.

“Marquis Efseé’s wife, thank you for waiting. You grow more beautiful every time I see you.”

“Fufu, even if it’s a joke, it’s flattering.”

My mother looked delighted at the compliment.

“And this young lady here must be the daughter you mentioned?”
The older man ogled me as if assessing a product, which made me deeply uncomfortable.

“She’s quite the beauty. Yes, she’ll do nicely.”

“What is this about, Mother? I’m returning home. Please consider Sara instead.”

I’d had enough of the man’s leering and stood up, unable to contain my frustration any longer.

“Wait. You’re meant to go with him. Isn’t it wonderful? You’ll have unlimited dresses, delicious food, and no need to attend school. It’s a fantastic opportunity. I’ll even send the dress and jewelry we bought earlier to you. Rest assured.”

“…This has nothing to do with me, nor do I want it. Excuse me.”
“My, my, such a spirited girl. But I already have your mother’s approval. Come now, won’t you join me?”

The man blocked the entrance, standing firmly in the way.
Even I could tell that following this man would certainly lead to something bad.

How should I escape this crisis?

I’d rather not use magic. Right now, I only have a dagger with me, but if it comes to the worst, I’ll have to use it.
My mother simply looked troubled by my actions, making no move to intervene.

“This way! Hurry!”

“Tch. It seems there’s been an interruption. Madam, we’ll talk again another day.”

The door opened, and Fars’ loud voice echoed into the room. Someone else seemed to be behind him.

At Fars’ voice, the man scowled deeply, shoved Fars aside with all his strength, and left the room.

…Fars returned.

It seemed the danger had passed, and I let out a sigh of relief.
“Fars! Thank you. You saved me.”

“It’s nothing. Just doing my duty. Now, let’s return home.”
“Did they capture that man?”

“I’ll follow up with the knight’s order later.”

“Well then, Mother, shall we head home too?”

Fars firmly escorted my mother, ensuring she couldn’t escape, and led her out of the shop. Needless to say, my mother kicked up quite a fuss, shouting all the way.

Outside the shop, the family carriage was waiting. Together with Fars, I managed to usher my mother into the carriage, and we returned to the estate.

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