The Story of a Modest Young Lady Who Formed a New Engagement the Day After Her Engagement Was Annulled - Chapter 19

Some time had passed since I ordered dresses at the Viscount’s townhouse, and they were being delivered to me as gifts from him in the order they were completed.

Though grateful, everyone at the Narcissus Count’s household was troubled, wondering if it was too much. According to my mother and younger brother, the colors suited me, and he was clearly thinking of me when choosing them. I couldn’t quite tell myself, but having seen Viscount Fels and his wife pondering over them at the estate, I didn’t feel bad about receiving them. Still, the quantity was a bit excessive, and I wished he would learn to temper it a little.

The evening parties celebrating the end of the war, held by various households in the royal capital, had gradually decreased over time. With the upcoming social season, I planned to stay at the townhouse in the capital a while longer. Fels and I discussed increasing our attendance at these parties, within reasonable limits, to announce our engagement.

Today, dressed in a gown and accessories he had chosen for me, I accompanied Fels to the venue. Though we arrived together after alighting from the carriage, I hadn’t expected him to go out of his way to pick me up from the Count’s estate especially coming from the Viscount’s residence in the capital.

Meeting at the venue beforehand was the usual custom, and it was the standard practice for pre-marital relationships. My brother had grinned happily at me before we left, remarking, “He’s so diligent, isn’t he?” I wondered why.

My mother, for her part, had praised me, saying, “You’ve chosen a good one, haven’t you?” While I agreed that he was far too good for me, I couldn’t help suspecting there was some other emotion mixed in with my brother and mother’s feelings. Though in the end, I couldn’t pinpoint what it was.

Before entering the venue, we waited in the anteroom for our scheduled entrance.

“I really should have said this as soon as I saw you, but Eleanora, that dress suits you.”

Fels gave a wry smile, his cheeks slightly flushed, as he explained that he hadn’t been able to say what he wanted earlier because my mother and brother were there to see me off.

The dress I wore was of a subdued color, with bright accents scattered throughout. At my age, I ought to be more reserved, and part of me felt I was overreaching but maybe it did suit me after all…? Truly, the Viscountess’s taste was first-rate, and I felt grateful to Fels, who had listened earnestly to her advice while selecting and having the dress made.

When ordering my dress, he had also taken the opportunity to have a new outfit made for himself—a formal suit, now in a deep navy, nearly black, high-collared style. Ever since our engagement, I had been on the receiving end of his generosity. Though I couldn’t do much in return, I wanted to give him something—yet I knew nothing of his tastes or preferences. Ah, I realized belatedly, this is the sort of thing I must learn.

“Thank you. Your new attire suits you very well as well, Fels. Um…”

It wasn’t really proper for a woman to comment on a man’s clothing, but I resolved to ask anyway.

“What is it?”

Fels didn’t reject my words. In fact, he was considerate, as always, making it easier for me to speak up. Even when I hesitated over whether to say something, he never rushed me or told me not to speak, only smiling gently and waiting for me to continue.

“What are some things you like, Fels?”

“Things I like? Let’s see…”

His preferences surprised me. He said he loved the nature of his territory and enjoyed watching the lively people in the capital city of the borderlands. He found pleasure in fishing in the rivers that flowed through his lands and riding his beloved horse across the fields.

“Can you ride, Eleanora?”

“Yes, as a noble lady, I was taught. I also received training when I joined the military.”

Hearing this, his expression twisted slightly. Just as I was about to ask what was wrong, his face quickly returned to its usual gentle demeanor. He suggested that if we had time, we should go riding through his territory or even mine, if I preferred and smiled, saying it would surely be enjoyable. I nodded quietly.

The thought of riding across the fields in the mild season, spreading out a picnic lunch he’d prepared, sounded delightful. Even if the food turned out poorly though it would be rude to the chefs, and surely the staff wouldn’t serve anything like that being with him would surely turn it into a fond memory.

“Is there anything else? Favorite colors, foods…”

I had learned a bit about his hobbies and preferences, but with just this information, I still had no idea what to give him.

If the Narcissus family were known for breeding military or carriage horses, I could have gifted him a foal but unfortunately, we had no particularly notable specialties. The Narcissus family maintained their count status mainly because they produced many magic-wielders and their children tended to possess high magical reserves. It was likely the result of long-standing ties with various noble families over time. Once a magic-wielding child was born, one could say our duty was fulfilled.

“…I’m glad you want to know more about me, Eleanora, but this way, I don’t get to learn about you.”

Fels frowned, looking somewhat sulky. It struck me as oddly childish and endearing. A rather rude thought, I admit. It seemed I was about to be bombarded with questions myself, and just when I’d finally gotten a chance to learn about him, it was ending too soon. Thinking quickly, I made a suggestion.

“In that case, how about for every question I answer, you answer one as well? That way, it’s fair.”

“Hmm, ah. Yes, that sounds fair. I’d have no complaints then.”

For no particular reason, it struck us as funny, and we both laughed softly. In those peaceful moments before the evening party began, a gentle atmosphere settled between Fels and me.