The Story of a Modest Young Lady Who Formed a New Engagement the Day After Her Engagement Was Annulled - Chapter 17

His long silver hair, illuminated by the sunlight, is beautiful. I found myself thinking such an utterly ordinary thought. If I were a young lady with a richer vocabulary, how would I describe him now that I’ve seen him?

Since I had spotted him, I waited until Lord Fels came over, but he noticed me too and began striding toward me with large steps. His legs seemed quite long, and each step covered an impressive distance. Admiring how manly he seemed, I watched as Lord Fels stopped before me and offered a gentle smile.

“Eleanora, I would be delighted if you liked my family’s garden. What do you think?”

Lord Fels carried a different air about him than when I had met Lord Caius or the Crown Prince. It wasn’t the wild intensity he had when passing me on the battlefield, but a calm, quiet atmosphere. At the evening party, he had a dignified, brilliant presence, but perhaps this gentle expression is his true self.

“I’m not very knowledgeable, so I can’t say anything precise, but it’s a lovely garden. It’s well-maintained, and above all, this garden feels strong. Oh, no, that’s… I mean, it’s beautiful.”

How embarrassing. I truly wish I had a better vocabulary. At the very least, I should have said it’s brimming with vitality, but the word that came to mind was “strong,” and it slipped right out of my mouth. He widened his eyes at my words, then after a moment, chuckled softly, his laughter rumbling in his throat. I apologized in my heart for my lack of expressiveness, and he stopped laughing, narrowing his eyes.

“Mother puts a lot of effort into the garden. My father and I aren’t allowed to interfere. But I’ve always felt the same way looking at this garden. The way the leaves flourish and the flowers bloom so vibrantly. They are strong. Hearing your words gives me confidence.”

It seems the garden of the Margrave’s estate, meticulously cared for in every corner, is under the lady’s direction. The arrangement of the trees and flowers is so wonderful. I wonder if the lady would teach me about the garden if I asked.

“I’d like to offer to show you around the garden, but I’m not very knowledgeable about plants, and I’d feel bad not being able to explain. Also, some areas have poor footing.”

Saying this, he extended a hand toward me. It seemed he intended to escort me. When I placed my hand in his outstretched palm, he looked slightly embarrassed.

“I’m not very knowledgeable either. Um, this might be a bold request, but how about we bring a guidebook next time and study the plants together? I’m sure it would be fun.”

I’m not used to being escorted by anyone other than my father and brother, so I feel a bit shy. With Lord Caius, I only took his arm when necessary, like at evening parties.

His palm was rough and manly, with calluses and a very hard texture.  It was clear he had trained from a young age. I don’t know what kind of efforts he, praised as the God of War, had made, but I pray that long, peaceful times continue so he won’t have to go to war again.

“I see, that’s true. —Eleanora, the ring you’re wearing is a magical tool, isn’t it?”

Taking my right hand, he erased his smile and leaned in slightly, staring intently at my hand. My fingers aren’t particularly slender or long; it’s just an ordinary hand, not worth staring at.

“Yes. It’s a bit awkward, but it’s necessary.”

During the war, to prevent the enemy from gauging our strength and measuring our magical power, mages used magical tools to control and prevent their magic from leaking out. In peacetime, they are sometimes provided by the state to ensure mages don’t use attack magic freely in the city.

I use one made by the Count’s household, and it’s somewhat awkward for a noble lady to wear. Still, if I didn’t wear it, I could be judged as having intent for indiscriminate attack and arrested without complaint, so it’s essential for a mage.

As he said, I wear a magic-concealing tool on my finger, and he, being able to use magic, naturally wears one too. However, it’s not specified that the tool must be a ring; some wear earrings, bracelets, or necklaces. As long as it’s visible, you won’t be charged.

“There’s no helping this. I asked a pointless question. —Well then, let’s go. I may not be knowledgeable, but I’m familiar with this garden. I can at least walk with you.”

Still holding my hand, he began to walk. After a few steps, he adjusted to my pace. I looked up to thank him and saw him blushing slightly, averting his gaze.

I wondered if he was feeling embarrassed, or why he would be shy around someone like me. Lord Fels is such a handsome man. Am I really a match for him? I nearly forgot we were supposed to be admiring the garden flowers. Chiding myself for thinking unnecessary thoughts, I pushed aside the swirling anxieties in my mind and turned my gaze to the garden.

“This flower…”

After walking through the garden for a while, we stopped at a certain spot. It seemed like something rare, not often seen. In a hollowed-out stone filled with water at a corner of the garden, grass grew and small flowers bloomed. Rather than saying they were beautifully blooming, it would be more appropriate to describe them as cute. However, you’d think they’d avoid having standing water to prevent insects from breeding.

“Ah, you noticed. This is my mother’s influence, but I hear they’re lotus flowers. A long time ago, the founder of the Lotus family brought them from an eastern country, I’m told. They’ve been passed down through generations and still bloom to this day.”

So, they’re rare flowers in this kingdom.

“They must be very important to the Lotus family.”

“I wonder… They are certainly important, but compared to the lives of the people living in this territory, or your life and your family’s… I’m not expressing it well. The flowers are important, but there are things that should take priority.”

I understand his feelings. The flowers are important, but as a noble, the country to which you swear loyalty is important, and as a lord, you must consider the people of your land. He must mean that there are things you have to prioritize or discard depending on the situation.

“The sun will set soon. Let’s return to the mansion.”

“Yes. Thank you for guiding me.”

Nodding at his words, we returned to the estate.