The Story of a Modest Young Lady Who Formed a New Engagement the Day After Her Engagement Was Annulled - Chapter 3

――The day after my engagement was annulled.

Victory celebrations were being hosted every night by various noble houses, regardless of scale, with many aristocrats gathering at each. Tonight’s host was the ducal family commanding the national army.

As one who had contributed to the war effort, I’d been granted the privilege of attending, albeit in a humble capacity. Having just arrived at the venue with my younger brother, wearing a newly-tailored dress in the latest fashion, I descended from the carriage escorted by my formally-attired brother and walked along the marble corridor leading to the venue. My brother’s soles tapped briskly against the marble, while the heels I wore echoed through the high-ceilinged hallway.

“Incredible, Sister,” my brother murmured, looking up at the chandeliers high above with a tense expression, perhaps unaccustomed to evening parties. Seeing him like that, a smile escaped me, and I thanked God that the conflict had ended before he had to set foot on the battlefield.

Even if circumstances had demanded it, who would willingly stand in a place where lives hung in the balance? Of course, as nobles, there were unavoidable aspects. When the king commanded, we had to lead troops to the front lines. Some might call me naive, but family is precious, and if unnecessary, I wished they wouldn’t have to set foot on a battlefield.

“Yes, truly. —Did you properly inform your fiancée about tonight?”

I met my brother’s gaze. Before I knew it, he’d caught up to my height, and our eye levels weren’t so different anymore.

Marveling at how quickly boys grow, I confirmed whether he’d properly told his fiancée that he’d be accompanying me tonight. A small misunderstanding could lead to a situation like what happened between Lord Caius and me. I barely suppressed a sigh at the thought of how things had ended up this way.

“Of course. She said she’d gladly send me off, since it’s a request from my sister who distinguished herself in the war.”

Seeing my brother’s gentle smile, a smile escaped me too. His fiancée is a young lady from a viscount family, quite good-natured. Well-educated, she maintains a good relationship with my brother while properly understanding their positions.

“I see. I should write her a thank-you letter tomorrow, then.”

I, with my black hair and black eyes strongly inheriting our father’s traits, and my brother, with his blond hair and blue eyes. The common appearance in our kingdom, strongly inheriting our mother’s, both possess the Narcissus family’s characteristic abundant magical power and were thoroughly educated in magic. Though people often say we don’t look like siblings, we get along wonderfully. If only things with Lord Caius had gone as smoothly. Where did things go wrong? …But it’s too late for regrets now. The engagement has already been annulled.

“Thank you, Sister. She’ll be delighted if you do.”

Urging my embarrassed brother forward, we headed to the venue. The higher-ranking nobles didn’t seem to have arrived yet, and the luxurious hall wasn’t as boisterous as usual. Assuming that would change soon, I passed the time with my brother. Whenever I spotted an acquaintance, I busily made the rounds to express gratitude for the recent war and introduce my brother.

It would’ve been fine to do so after the party started, but if I didn’t handle it when possible, I’d miss chances to expand my brother’s connections. My own network is limited and mostly military-related, so it might not mean much, but in the unpredictable world of nobility, broader connections are always better.

Those with quick ears already knew about Lord Caius and me annulling our engagement, leading to various reactions: genuine concern, subtle probing for information as nobles do, or suggestions for potential marriage partners. I deftly dodged their words or corrected any inaccuracies. Being a noble is truly demanding, but considering my brother’s burdens, I have no time to complain.

“Incredible, Sister. I’d probably shrink back if it were me.”

“Don’t worry. These things become easier with experience.”

After finishing the rounds, I responded with a wry smile to my slightly weary brother. Until coming of age at eighteen, it’s a noble’s apprenticeship period.

As his sister, I feel wretched for imposing on him having to assume the role of head of the Narcissus family after our father’s death but looking ahead to the day he becomes a fine head like our father, he’s taken the position without complaint or grumbling. Some criticize our mother acting as proxy head, but since it’s the reality, I can only laugh it off.

Suddenly, live music from an orchestra began flowing through the hall. Unnoticed, the evening party had commenced. After greeting the host, His Grace the Duke, and receiving words of appreciation for my wartime contributions, I returned to the venue.

I told my brother it’d be better to search for a fiancé alone and decided to part ways—just then, Lord Caius in military dress uniform and Lady Annabella Raphrencia stood before me.

“Eleanora, you’re here too…”

Lord Caius looked down at me with a stern gaze, one eyebrow raised. Lady Annabella, escorted by him, closed the distance between them as if to flaunt it and spoke.

“Eleanora, dear. Do you think a plain girl like you can find a good man other than Lord Caius? I am engaged to Lord Caius. With both families’ approval, we’ll marry in six months.”

Chuckling, Lady Annabella continued, asking if any man would be interested in a plain, unnoticeable girl like me. As she said, among our peers, most noble sons besides Lord Caius were either engaged or already married. Due to the unstable situation from the war, some families rushed marriages.

I didn’t know why Lady Annabella hadn’t been engaged until now, but if she too had broken off or annulled an engagement, this could be an awkward situation. They’re scions of the important marquess family. Unlike the relatively obscure Narcissus family, their house is renowned in social circles.

“Congratulations.”

I could only bow my head like this. Is this wretched? Having an engagement of over ten years annulled for no particular reason, and Lord Caius already finding another woman.

“Hah, you dare say something so insincere so brazenly. Annulling our engagement was indeed the right decision. I detest boring women to the core.”

Lord Caius’s voice growled low, his brows furrowed. Why was I being scorned like this when the annulment was one-sided? Suppressing the urge to scream, I raised my head to see Lord Caius and Lady Annabella wearing satisfied smiles. —Then, I heard the crisp sound of someone’s footsteps on the floor.

“I take it you’re Caius Hydrangia, but is accosting a lady really appropriate?”

A tall man standing slightly apart beside me addressed Lord Caius and Lady Annabella in a pleasant tone.

Finally, the hero has arrived.