The Story of a Modest Young Lady Who Formed a New Engagement the Day After Her Engagement Was Annulled - Chapter 36

—Morning. On the desk in my room lay a simple paper bag containing a certain item.

I had missed my chance to give it to him. The other day, while briefly separated from Lord Fels at the jewelry store we visited, I had purchased a lapel pin. It had caught my eye, and I intuitively felt it would suit Lord Fels, so I asked the shopkeeper to prepare it right away and place it in a paper bag.

I had intended to give it to him on that small hill outside the royal capital’s outer wall, but I let the opportunity slip. Getting caught up in the excitement of exchanging rings was probably the reason for my failure. As I brooded, my maid Ria giggled softly beside me. Having heard the story from me, she knew all about what had happened the other day.

“It’s very like you, my lady, or rather well. You’ll see Lord Lotus again, so there’s no need to be so down.”

“I know, but the best time to give it was the other day, wasn’t it?”

“But you missed it. I hope you can give it to him soon.”

Ria’s gaze shifted from the paper bag on the desk to me. She must have found my indecisiveness amusing. We’ve known each other for a long time, so I don’t get angry with her; in fact, I think of her as a friend. If anything, having someone to confide in about my failure to give the gift to Lord Fels had lifted my spirits a little. Resigned to being seen as amusing, I averted my eyes from the desk and let out a deep sigh.

“Maybe on the way to tonight’s soirée or on the way back would be a good chance to give it to Lord Fels.”

Would I be able to give it to him properly? It had been an impulse buy, and I’d already missed the perfect moment to present it. I worried he might find it strange, but I couldn’t just leave it sitting in my room forever. Rather than dwelling on it, I tried to shift my focus to thinking of a reason to give it to him. As I frowned in serious contemplation, Ria gave me a wry smile and prepared some tea. And so, time passed until just before sunset.

“My lady, it’s time to start preparing.”

“Yes. Please.”

Called by Ria, I began getting ready for the soirée. Other maids from the Narcissus family also gathered to assist. I went to the dressing room and, together with Ria, pondered which dress to wear tonight before picking one out. A dress Lord Fels had chosen and given to me. As I wrapped myself in the deep blue gown, I began to worry whether I was worthy of standing beside Lord Fels, but I shook my head slightly, telling myself not to think that way.

I recalled the words my mother and mother-in-law had taught me: “If you look weak at a soirée, you’ll become an easy target for strong-willed young ladies.” I stopped overthinking. It wasn’t about whether I suited him or not; as Lord Fels’s fiancée, I had to carry myself with confidence.

“My lady, have the stares at the soirées become more bearable?”

As Ria and the other maids helped me dress, one of them suddenly asked. Ria seemed concerned about the kind of attention I received at these events. Half a year had passed since our engagement, and the fact that Lord Fels and I were engaged had sunk in among the kingdom’s nobility. While many men offered congratulations, women often gave congratulatory words alongside sharp, scrutinizing looks.

Lord Fels bore the epithet “God of War” and was the most famous figure in the kingdom’s social circles. He had even been introduced to the Crown Prince and Princess and was on friendly terms with them. This was likely the reason I received so many harsh stares from women.

“I’m still being watched, but the appraising looks have decreased.”

The evaluative stares had truly lessened. If people knew I had stood on the battlefield, I might be better remembered by the military but among the nobility, many seemed to want to say, “The God of War has a plain fiancée.”

If the Narcissus family name had been more prominent, perhaps the nobles would have been more accepting, but it seemed many thought, “Wouldn’t my daughter have been better?” or “Wouldn’t I have been more suited to the God of War?”

Certainly, being connected to the Lotus Margrave family would elevate a house’s standing in society. The Narcissus family had also benefited. My brother told me that whenever he attended soirées or tea parties, my engagement became a hot topic. Even when he firmly stated he couldn’t discuss private matters, many still tried to pry.

When I apologized for causing him trouble, he laughed and said, “What are you talking about? Having an elder sister engaged to Lord Fels is my pride.”

My mother, though shocked that I had been chosen by such an extraordinary fiancé, said that Lord Fels and the Lotus family were good people. Though progress was slow, our families were interacting, and my brother occasionally sparred with Lord Fels. I had been allowed to watch their matches, and I wondered when the day would come that my brother could score a point against him.

“Since the God of War never had a partner before, it’s only natural you’d attract attention. But it seems like only a matter of time, and you’re the only one by Lord Lotus’s side, so hold your head high!”

Then Ria teased me, adding, “And I hope you can give him the gift!” The other maids joined in, brainstorming various timing ideas. Truly, everyone serving the Narcissus family was so kind. With their support, I prayed that I could properly give the paper bag on my desk to Lord Fels and waited for him to come for me.

As usual, Lord Fels arrived at the Narcissus townhouse and greeted me warmly.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

Though I had grown quite accustomed to being escorted, I sometimes became acutely aware of the difference between men and women. Lord Fels’s hands were large, and I couldn’t help but be reminded that he was a man. He looked at me curiously, tilting his head.

“Eleanora, are you feeling unwell? If you are, there’s no need to force yourself to attend the soirée. We can go back so you can rest.”

“Ah, no! I’m fine, really. It’s just that… um…”

Worried that he might think I was acting strangely, and realizing it would be a problem if his misunderstanding continued, I presented the paper bag I had brought into the carriage.

“Lord Fels, would you please accept this?”

“This is…?”

Sitting across from me, Lord Fels looked curiously at the paper bag I held but accepted it as I asked. Relieved that he hadn’t refused outright, I let out a sigh of relief and met his gaze.

“It’s something I saw at the jewelry store the other day when we went out together. I felt it would suit you, so I asked the shopkeeper if I could purchase it.”

“When did you…?”

Lord Fels’s expression shifted from surprise to gentleness. Though I felt a bit embarrassed and my delivery was clumsy, I was happy if it pleased him.

“It was while you were having the ring wrapped.”

“I see. Thank you, Eleanora. I’m happy. May I open it?”

“Please. I’m not sure if you’ll like it.”

This wasn’t bought with funds from the Narcissus family but with reward money I received from the kingdom for my military achievements. The only money I could freely use, which was why I wanted to give it to him. He carefully opened the paper bag and took out a long, slender box. I hadn’t had time to have it wrapped, so it looked a bit plain, but I had already explained that I’d been in a hurry.

Lord Fels opened the lid of the slender box and slowly took out the lapel pin. The gemstone adorning it was small, but the piece was finely crafted. It was something he could wear regularly, and I hoped he would like it. Having chosen it on intuition without knowing his preferences, I feared it might not be to his taste.

“Thank you. I’ll treasure it. The only shame is that I can’t wear it right now.”

Lord Fels smiled, holding the lapel pin up to his chest. He was in his usual military uniform, so he couldn’t wear it now. But with his everyday attire, he could likely use it with many outfits.

I hoped that someday I would see him wearing it as we arrived at the soirée venue. Alighting from the carriage with Lord Fels, we made our way inside.

Tonight’s soirée wasn’t large but rather intimate, with a calm atmosphere. First, we went to greet the host, a certain count, and I expressed my gratitude for inviting us together. Next, we had to make the rounds, so we entered the main hall, found familiar faces, and spent time chatting about recent events and territorial matters.

“Ah!”

“Huh?”

“Hm?”

A familiar voice sounded near Lord Fels and me, making us both exclaim briefly. The owner of the “Ah!” was Lady Livia of the Larkspur family. Beside her was the man with the eyepatch from before. The moment the eyepatch-wearing man saw Lord Fels, his face lit up with joy, and he and Lady Livia approached us. Grinning broadly, the eyepatch-wearing man addressed Lord Fels.

“Well, if it isn’t Lord Lotus!”

The cheerful, eyepatch-wearing man spoke to Lord Fels, but he seemed even more muscular than when we last met. Lady Livia stood beside him, wearing a very pleased expression but remaining silent, seemingly content to listen to their conversation.

“Long time no see. And the lady beside you?”

Lord Fels seemed puzzled by Lady Livia’s presence next to the eyepatch-wearing man. He looked as if he wanted to ask why and directed the question to the man. But before the man could answer, Lady Livia stepped forward with a bright smile.

“Brother Fels, there’s no need for such formal words. I’ve become engaged to him!”

“That’s quite sudden. Congratulations.”

Though surprised by Lady Livia’s announcement, it seemed she stood beside the eyepatch-wearing man as his fiancée. Whether she had moved on from her feelings for Lord Fels, she appeared genuinely happy about her engagement.

“Well, I never thought I’d end up marrying a noble lady.”

The eyepatch-wearing man scratched the back of his head with his free hand. He looked embarrassed but not displeased. Still, I was taken aback by how sudden it was, but the man explained the circumstances.

Apparently, after that soirée, Lady Livia had caught up with him, and they had bonded over talking about muscles. Even when he passionately discussed his training regimen, Lady Livia didn’t shy away; instead, she advised him on how to build more muscle.

Their conversations deepened, and eventually, he confessed, suggesting they should be together if neither had someone else. The Larkspur Count had hesitated about the engagement with a commoner like him, but Lady Livia had pushed it through. I felt a bit concerned, but since it was officially decided, it wasn’t my place to comment. Lord Fels seemed to understand that the eyepatch-wearing man wouldn’t make Lady Livia unhappy.

“Congratulations. I wish you happiness, Lady Livia.”

“Well, fine. I’ll accept your congratulations!”

When I offered my well-wishes, Lady Livia opened her fan to hide her mouth. Lord Fels leaned close to my ear and whispered, “Lady Livia might be embarrassed,” laughing softly. We enjoyed their company for a little while longer.