The Story of a Modest Young Lady Who Formed a New Engagement the Day After Her Engagement Was Annulled - Chapter 29

Lord Fels sat beside me, while Lady Livia sat across from us on the three-person bench. Crown Prince Heinrich and his consort observed from near the wall. Had Lord Fels’s words of persuasion reached Lady Livia? She had her hands on her lap, clutching her dress tightly. As if enduring something, she raised her face that had been directed downward and began to speak.

“…But… but… how could I possibly give up! After hearing about Lord Fels’s heroic deeds on the battlefield, I thought even though I’m a woman, I might still be able to help my brother! So, I volunteered for the military, only for the war to end right after!”

I see. It seemed Lady Livia had also volunteered for the military to fulfill her duties as a noble for the country. In the twenty-year war, as male numbers dwindled and conscription ages lowered unsustainably, the kingdom began drafting women too. It must have been a painful decision for His Majesty the King, and the upper echelons who arranged it likely felt the same. But Lady Livia experienced the war’s end right after completing the harsh basic training, apparently discharging with tears.

—Hmm.

Though said to have been raised spoiled, Lady Livia graduated from the military’s basic training. Even women were given mercilessly rigorous physical training, and being showered with insults was normal. Commoners and nobles were treated equally, and it’s impressive she overcame it in the military’s unique environment. Both Lord Fels and I knew this information, having heard about Lady Livia from the Earl of Larkspur’s side.

Probably Earl Larkspur’s wish for Lady Livia to abandon her affection was influenced by her surpassing the military’s harsh training too. For nobles, if an engagement is made first, other families can’t say anything. Though it depends on power dynamics, few would oppose the House of Lotus Margrave, which offered the greatest achievements to the nation in the twenty-year war.

I don’t know if Lady Livia could use magic or had high physical abilities, but either way, she seemed set to stand on the battlefield as a soldier. But personally, I’m glad she didn’t. A moment’s carelessness could mean enemy soldiers taking the lives of those beside you, and there were times you had to ignore pleas for help from people crying to be saved.

Hearing Lord Fels’s stories makes my heart race with his truly cool exploits. But Lord Fels also knows the horrors of the battlefield.

He never speaks of it… but once, I encountered his attendant walking through Lotus Manor’s halls late at night. He was heading to Lord Fels’s room with alcohol. Lord Fels drinking late at night was rare, so I asked what was wrong. With a wry smile, he whispered to tell no one, saying Lord Fels stands by his room’s window under moonlight, offering toasts. I don’t know who he toasts. But surely, Lord Fels raises his glass to mourn those who fell on the battlefield.

“Everyone says they’re glad the war ended. but I wasn’t happy at all! Right when I could finally stand beside Lord Fels… this had to happen!”

Lady Livia cried without regard for others’ eyes. Noblewomen are taught not to show weakness and strive not to cry, but Lady Livia was so overcome that tears streamed from her eyes. Yet affirming Lady Livia’s feelings would be difficult for everyone in the room. No matter how much she cried, no one would accept it. As proof, Lord Fels made a rare stern expression and spoke.

“Lady Livia, that’s too far. It’s fine since only limited people are here, but never say you wish it hadn’t ended where everyone can hear!”

“Lord Fels…?”

Lady Livia stopped her flowing tears, surprised at Lord Fels raising his voice. When I gently placed my hand on Lord Fels’s arm, he looked startled, then let out a long sigh.

“Lady Livia, your not standing on the battlefield was fortunate. I hope no one ever has to stand in such a place again.”

I feel the same as Lord Fels. Crown Prince Heinrich and his consort listening by the wall, and surely His Majesty the King too, feel the same. Without the royal family’s decision, the twenty-year war might not have ended, possibly being called the thirty or forty-year war.

Surely reaching the war’s end safely was thanks to the royal family making proper judgments and informing the enemy nation it was time. When I glanced at Crown Prince Heinrich, he noticed and chuckled. As I was surprised he noticed, even the Crown Princess directed a teasing look. As expected, I’m no match for those bearing the next generation with strict royal education, I thought, returning my gaze to Lady Livia.

“But brother stood on the battlefield, achieved military feats, and is called the God of War in the kingdom! I might not match you, but I wanted to gain achievements and be of some use to brother!”

“I appreciate the sentiment, and it’s natural for anyone standing on the battlefield to want to achieve glory and contribute to the nation…”

Lord Fels furrowed his brow at Lady Livia’s voice. He must know not everyone on the battlefield wished for glory. But he seemed unable to dismiss Lady Livia’s determination to become a soldier and stand there.

“Then…!”

As if wanting to say “Why won’t you understand my feelings?”, Lady Livia pleaded with her eyes. If their discussion continued like this, it would likely reach a stalemate. Lord Fels didn’t want Lady Livia on the battlefield. But Lady Livia wanted to be there. Regardless of motive, it feels wrong to treat harshly someone who tried hard to serve the country.

“Um, I understand Lady Livia’s feelings, and I know what Lord Fels wishes too. But if this continues…”

“Don’t interrupt! Even though you snatched Lord Fels away from my side!”

When I tried to join the conversation to say we’d just reach a stalemate, Lady Livia narrowed her eyes sharply and strengthened her tone. From her perspective, I’m apparently the person who suddenly stole Lord Fels away.

How can I make her hear my words? The Crown Prince and his consort watching by the wall wore wry smiles at my failure, while Lord Fels looked at me worriedly.

If I back down here, I can’t persuade her, so I wordlessly asked Lord Fels to let me continue. But even if I exhaust my words, I feel they won’t reach Lady Livia. Finally, Lady Livia stood from her chair and began directing words at me.

“You suddenly took what I’ve always, always wanted! I told father I wanted to stand beside Lord Fels someday! He always listens to my requests, so he’s been negotiating with the Lotus House!”

“Yes.”

Finally, tears fell from Lady Livia’s eyes. Though unbecoming of a noblewoman, it might be necessary.

“That’s why I volunteered for the military and endured and overcame the harsh training! Even if I died, if Lord Fels knew, he’d be sad and never marry anyone, remaining my admired Lord Fels as he is!”

“Yes.”

Though truly selfish feelings, for Lady Livia, they must have been important. Since childhood, she admired Lord Fels and always dreamed of standing beside him. Whether as his fiancée or wife, or as a comrade—perhaps even in her heart now, she doesn’t know anymore.

“And yet… and yet… why did it have to end… WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!”

Finally, beyond just crying, Lady Livia began wailing loudly. She sank back into her chair from where she’d stood and covered her face with both hands. Lord Fels beside me looked like he wanted to hold his head, wondering what to do. The Crown Prince and his consort shrugged as if saying “Oh dear.”

“Yes, indeed. Why did it have to end?”

Though I rejoiced from the bottom of my heart that the twenty-year war ended, I also know there are people like her before me who wished it had continued.

Those struggling to eat were glad to volunteer for three meals. Some, drunk, spoke of being unable to stop killing. Some anxious about not yet achieving feats, others lamenting being unable to send money home.

There were all kinds of people, but for me, I’m happy the war ended so we can return to our families and live peaceful daily lives. And I’ve learned having someone you love beside you is joyful. But probably, explaining my feelings to Lady Livia would be useless. Perhaps because we love the same person.

After Lady Livia finished crying and screaming, she removed her hands from her face and glared at me. Her makeup was ruined with tears and snot. Unable to bear it, I took out a handkerchief, which she snatched and used to wipe her tears and blow her nose.

“………………What, you… acting all composed even though you stole Lord Fels from me… I hate you!”

Lady Livia snorted and turned her face away. Beyond her was the Crown Prince, and catching him in her sight, Lady Livia made an awkward expression, her gaze wandering. His Highness didn’t seem to mind, smiling, while Her Highness watched amusedly, smiling “Oh my, well now.”

“Perhaps that’s how I appear from Lady Livia’s perspective.”

“Why don’t you get angry even when I say mean things? Other women would have slapped me by now!”

When I gave a wry smile, Lady Livia surely glared. Certainly, no one would complain if I criticized Lady Livia’s attitude. But in this situation…

“Getting angry wouldn’t mean anything, and if I’m to accept Lady Livia’s feelings, I thought listening would be better. For Lady Livia, the best method would be for me to hand over the position of Lord Fels’s fiancée…”

“!?”

At my words, Lord Fels widened his eyes in surprise. I continued speaking to Lady Livia, wanting her to hear me out.

“…But I can’t do that.”

Yes. I had to clearly convey that this is the one thing I can’t yield to anyone. Though it’s a contract between houses, Lord Fels is a kind and wonderful person. Though I still need time to deeply understand him, the feeling of wanting to stay by his side forever has sprouted in my heart.

Though things ended regrettably with Lord Caius, Lord Fels extending his hand saved both the Narcissus Earldom and me. When I looked at Lord Fels, he first looked surprised, then narrowed his eyes. Watching us, Lady Livia let out a deep, deep sigh and readjusted the fan she’d placed on her lap.

“You really are an annoying person!”

Though Lady Livia opened her fan, hid her mouth, and directed a sharp gaze at me, it seemed slightly softer… I think.

“Lady Livia is a straightforward person, isn’t she?”

Seeing her like that, I offered my honest opinion. Lady Livia might have been raised spoiled, but her core is probably solid. And she’s true to herself. Though questionable as a noblewoman, I probably don’t dislike people like her. When I chuckled, Lady Livia widened her eyes.

“Hah!?”

At Lady Livia’s short exclamation from her gut, the Crown Prince couldn’t help laughing aloud, while the Crown Princess chided that laughing was rude. Seeing their affectionate appearance, Lady Livia narrowed her eyes and spoke.

“Well, fine then………… Lord Fels’s――……”

“Yes?”

What Lady Livia just muttered was something unimaginable from a noble lady. Lord Fels gave her a slightly exasperated look. The Crown Prince and his consort were too far to hear Lady Livia’s muttering. Um… I think she said something like “I won’t get to see Lord Fels’s wonderful muscles anymore,” but I might have misheard.

I wondered whether to include “serves you right” or not, but maybe just Caius-kun is enough. (wry smile)