The Story of a Modest Young Lady Who Formed a New Engagement the Day After Her Engagement Was Annulled - Chapter 34

—Will Eleanora enjoy today?

A little while ago, I managed to secure a promise from Eleanora to go out with me for a stroll around the royal capital. She smiled quietly and granted my wish, but I wonder what she truly thinks about today.

Though she said she was looking forward to it, I’m honestly uneasy about whether she’s genuinely pleased. Even if I wanted to consult someone, they’d only find amusement in my struggles with women. That’s why, this time, I decided on the destination myself without telling anyone.

Carrying a bit of anxiety, I headed toward the Narcissus Count family’s townhouse in the royal capital, where Eleanora greeted me with a happy expression. Relieved that things were going well, I asked the coachman to take us to the commercial district, and the two of us boarded the carriage.

Though I’ve grown quite accustomed to holding her slender hand, I still worry that it might break if I put too much strength into it.

I’ve had several opportunities to hold the hands of women I’ve asked to dance at evening parties, but I don’t clearly remember the size of any woman’s hand other than Eleanora’s. Still, my mind understands that the hand she places on my arm is incredibly delicate.

I considered talking to Heinrich about it, but I knew he’d just grin and find it amusing, so I stopped myself. This time, the destination wasn’t based on anyone else’s opinion. I wanted to think of it myself and have Eleanora enjoy it. Because I agonized over it so seriously, I’m anxious about whether she’ll actually have fun, but her profile, as she gazes happily at the cityscape from the carriage window, is dazzling.

It’s hard to believe that not long ago, we stood together on the same battlefield. She must have seen things on the battlefield that she shouldn’t have. I hope the incident with the Hydrangia Marquis’s son and her time on the battlefield haven’t left scars on her heart. As I thought this and watched her sitting across from me, our eyes suddenly met.

“Lord Fels?”

“…Hm?”

My response to her question was a little delayed. And Eleanora, perhaps noticing my hesitation, narrowed her eyes slightly.

“Are you thinking about something?”

She’s looking at me with concern, but something feels different. When I ask myself what it is, I realize her outfit is a brighter color than what she usually wears or so it seems. My mind tries to dismiss it as my imagination, but my heart insists it’s different. It would be embarrassing to tell her I was worried about whether she’d enjoy herself, so I decide to voice what’s on my mind, thinking it might be a good opportunity.

“No, it’s just your aura feels different today, Eleanora.”

“Ah! It might be because I chose a brighter outfit today. There aren’t many colors that suit my hair, but I found one that works.”

Eleanora explains with a wry smile, and I understand. The colors she usually wears are subdued, but today, she’s wearing a bright orange dress.

Of course, it’s a simple daytime outfit, not for evening parties, but it’s truly rare to see her in such a bright color. If I’d noticed her change sooner, I could have told her it suited her when she greeted me. This is probably why Heinrich teases me for being dense. Still, I managed to notice eventually. Maybe now is a good time to share my honest feelings with Eleanora.

“It suits you. It goes well with your hair, and since it’s so sunny today, it complements the blue sky.”

I imagined her standing under the clear sky. Not on a battlefield, but on a peaceful hill, holding a parasol and smiling—Eleanora looks adorable. Though she suited her military uniform, seeing her smile gently in a peaceful place feels like happiness to me. I’m not sure if I conveyed my feelings well to Eleanora, but it was my true sentiment.

“I’ve never had anyone outside my family compliment my outfit before, so I’m a bit embarrassed.”

True to her words, Eleanora’s cheeks flushed, and she looked away slightly, appearing troubled. Her words make me wonder: Did her former fiancé never praise her attire?

Both my father and Heinrich have stressed that I mustn’t forget to offer compliments or remember anniversaries with the woman I love. I vividly remember from my childhood how upset my mother was when my father forgot one of their anniversaries. It’s hard to say “even a lie would do,” but it seems her former fiancé never properly conveyed his words or feelings. Well, maybe it couldn’t be helped, since he seemed to resent her.

I want to share many words with Eleanora, who seems so bashful.

Though others don’t see her black hair and black eyes as desirable, to me, they’re beautiful. Her humility might make it hard to navigate noble society, but I’ll protect her. I’ve fallen for her calm demeanor, her gentle smile, and the simple words she shares with me.

If it’s Eleanora, she’ll manage the Lotus Margrave household flawlessly as its lady. I, too, must discipline myself as the next head of the Lotus Margrave family, so as not to fall short of her. I can’t let her see my inadequacies. Just as I steel myself, it seems we’ve arrived at the commercial district. The coachman announces our arrival and asks if there’s anywhere we’d like to go.

“First, to the jewelry store.”

Hearing my words, Eleanora looks surprised, as if she wants to ask why there. It’s a standard destination for noble couples going out together, so why is she so taken aback?

Not to boast, but I earned considerable merit in the recent war, so my personal finances are more than sufficient. In fact, I’ve saved too much, and my parents and younger brothers have told me to spend it on post-war reconstruction. There’s no need to worry about my funds, but does Eleanora see me as an incapable man? If so, I should choose a fine piece to reassure her.

However, if I pick something too expensive, her reserved nature might make her withdraw. As I ponder this dilemma, she also wears a strange expression, seemingly lost in thought.

“It’s a shop my parents frequent, so there’s no need to feel pressured. Let’s just go in casually.”

When I meet Eleanora’s gaze, she replies with a “Yes.” It’s definitely the jewelry store my parents often use, and since the owner knows me, he shouldn’t complain even if we’re just browsing.

Stepping out of the carriage, I take Eleanora’s hand to escort her, and she politely thanks me. I realize again how much I adore her habit of always expressing gratitude, and we enter the store. Inside, the decor is splendid, with a red carpet covering the floor. A small chandelier hangs from the ceiling, giving off an air of high-class elegance.

“Welcome! It’s an honor to have you here!”

The jewelry store owner’s eyes widen as he sees us. He looks at me and Eleanora and seems to understand. Apparently, the news that I, the “God of War,” am engaged has reached those working in the royal capital’s upscale shops. They must be quick to pick up on noble gossip. I suppress a wry smile and brace myself.

Since we’ve come out together, I don’t want Eleanora to see my awkward side. There don’t seem to be any other customers, so we should be able to browse at our leisure.

“Excuse me, may we look around your store?”

“Of course! Please take your time.”

The owner smiles at my request, rubbing his hands together as he gives his permission. Eleanora seems a bit tense, perhaps overwhelmed by the store’s luxurious interior. I ask if she’s okay, but she only gives a brief “Yes.”

By the time Eleanora was old enough to understand things, the kingdom was already at war with a neighboring country. I’ve heard the former head of the Narcissus Count family was a serious person. Her mother and younger brother were also earnest, so she probably never frequented places like this. Now that the war is over and peace has returned, I want her to get used to such places from now on. I place a hand on her back.

“Eleanora, is there anything that catches your eye?”

“Catches my eye…?”

At my question, Eleanora briefly averts her gaze, but her eyes soon pierce through me. I’m curious if something’s wrong, but she probably won’t say anything. Though I want to press her, I restrain the urge to pull her close and hold her tight. As I draw her nearer, the owner narrows his eyes and murmurs, “Oh?” He must realize now that she’s special to me.

“Owner, where are the items popular among noblewomen?”

Since I’m not well-versed in such matters, it’s faster to ask an expert. But when it comes to choosing something that suits Eleanora, I want it to be either her or me.

“Right over here. Some noble ladies seek even finer pieces, but…”

The owner leads us to the shelves displaying rings and necklaces, seemingly swallowing the rest of his words.

“Thank you. We’d like to look around by ourselves for a bit.”

At my words, the owner replies, “Understood,” and takes two or three steps back. Eleanora and I browse the items that look promising, but they all strike me as too flashy.

They’d be excessive with the dress she’s wearing now, and finding something that matches the dress she’ll wear to evening parties is difficult for an amateur like me. I wanted to act cool and choose something myself, but the sheer number of items is making me dizzy. I’m impressed that my parents never get overwhelmed by so many accessories.

“Eleanora, since we’ve come all this way, I’d like to give you a memento. But my eye for these things isn’t great, and I’m not sure which is best. Is there anything you like?”

“Thank you. Your feelings alone are more than enough.”

Eleanora seems hesitant about accepting a gift from me. It’s common for noblemen to give such gifts to their fiancées, so there’s no need to hold back. It’s typical of her to say that, but I wish she’d choose something without reservation, at least on occasions like this. Still, considering her personality, it must be hard for her to pick. Though the prices aren’t displayed, the quality of the display cases gives a hint about the items’ value.

I glance around the store from where we’re standing and suggest we move toward the items displayed near the entrance. Eleanora lets out a small sigh, as if she’d been worried about the prices. Now looking a bit relieved, she peers into the display cases with interest. It’s better for her to choose something she genuinely wants rather than me forcing it on her.

I’ll save the items from the previous section to choose and give her for her birthday. Though it might be tough for me to pick something that suits Eleanora, perhaps I can enjoy the process of deliberating.

“Ah…”

“What is it?”

Eleanora lets out a short sound. Her gaze is fixed on matching engagement rings, the kind merchant couples wear.

“No, it’s nothing.”

She shakes her head at me, but it’s clear she’s interested. I’m surprised she knows about merchant customs. Since it’s come up, I might as well expand on the topic.

“Ah, yes. I’ve heard that merchant couples have a custom of wearing matching rings.”

Noble couples don’t wear matching rings. For us, the signed contract between the two families holds more value than any ring.

“Lord Fels, you knew about it?”

“I learned about it during casual chats with the soldiers.”

Though standing on the battlefield meant facing death, when we returned to camp and shared meals, we talked about all sorts of things as comrades. She must have done the same, crossing social barriers to converse with the women in her unit.

“A mere piece of paper feels lonely. Maybe it’s not so bad to have something visible like this.”

When I speak up, Eleanora looks surprised. I ask her which one she likes.

“Eh, um… Is it really alright?”

“If we’re doing this, I’d like to wear something you’ve chosen.”

It’s not overly expensive, nor does it showcase intricate craftsmanship, but knowing I can wear something matching with Eleanora makes my heart race. She seems happy too, and after a moment’s hesitation, she points to a very simple ring and says, “This one is good.” The owner looks a bit disappointed but quickly quiets down. We purchase the rings and have them wrapped. While that’s being done, I ask the owner about popular items, and Eleanora sits on a chair to wait.

“I’ve heard that merchant couples usually exchange rings in a church chapel…”

“That would cause a stir. You’re quite famous in the royal capital, Lord Fels.”

As Eleanora shrugs her shoulders slightly, I tell her I have a good idea. I help her into the carriage and instruct the coachman to head to our next destination.