The Story of a Modest Young Lady Who Formed a New Engagement the Day After Her Engagement Was Annulled - Chapter 8

Walking down the corridor leading out of the venue with the son of the Frontier Count. Unlike my younger brother’s light footsteps, his footsteps are heavy and steady. I marvel at how differences in physique and accumulated years create such distinctions, though it feels quite strange that my own heel clicks are echoing in the same space.

“You must have been startled by the suddenness. It was my mistake to summon you to the room where the Crown Prince and Princess Consort were. I failed to properly consider your position. My apologies.”

It seems the son of the Frontier Count had witnessed my exchange with Lord Caius yesterday, and he and his father had been discussing with the royal family about forming a connection with the Narcissus Count household.

With a wry smile, he admits that due to the long-lasting wars, he has spent more time on the battlefield than in social settings, leaving him unsure how to interact with noblewomen. I, too, only know the textbook ways of engaging with noblemen. Feeling a slight relief, I realize we are both inexperienced in that regard.

“I was indeed surprised but as a mere count’s daughter, I was granted an audience with His Highness the Crown Prince and Her Highness the Princess Consort.”

As a noble, it should be a cause for joy. Under normal circumstances, someone of my status would never have had the opportunity to present myself to Their Highnesses.

“I’m glad to hear you say that. You weren’t disillusioned by that frivolous guy, were you? Despite his demeanor, he’s a sharp man. He possesses the courage and wisdom to bear the weight of a nation.”

I wasn’t disillusioned with His Highness the Crown Prince. Though I have no way of knowing what royalty from other countries are like, the aura surrounding the Crown Prince and Princess Consort was distinctly different from any nobles I’ve known.

How should I describe it? The way they moved from their toes to their fingertips, their expressions, their manner of speaking—all were refined. Though they said it was an informal setting, their inherent dignity remained intact, making me feel like the odd one out.

“Disillusioned? Not at all. They were being considerate for my sake. If anything, I feel rather apologetic.”

For a moment, the son of the Frontier Count showed a surprised expression at my words, then his face softened. I don’t understand why he made that face, but since I have something to ask, I stop in a place where we won’t disturb others.

“May I ask one thing?”

“Of course.”

Meeting his gaze firmly, I spoke.

“Why did you wish to be engaged to me?”

Someone like him could even marry into royalty. Though royalty is often betrothed from childhood for political reasons, so perhaps that was a difficult prospect. Initially, I thought it was to fend off Lord Caius’s unreasonableness, but I never imagined he would bring it up again after moving locations.

“I never sought a fiancée because I never knew when I might die, but the war is over. However, most women close to my age are already engaged, married, or have children.”

Having learned of yesterday’s events, he consulted with the head of the Frontier Count household and the royal family before approaching me. Had it not been for tonight’s incident with Lord Caius and me, he would have simply exchanged greetings and made a formal inquiry from the Frontier Count household to the Narcissus Count household.

What remained unchanged was that I would have still had the audience with the Crown Prince and Princess Consort. He admitted he lacked confidence in properly conversing with me due to having few opportunities to speak with women. It’s hard to believe that he, praised as a war god and renowned for his valor, is unaccustomed to women. When his troops returned to the royal capital, he was surrounded by crowds and received the most enthusiastic cheers.

“And also… no, it’s nothing.”

He trailed off at the end, but I wonder what he meant to say. It was clearly something he couldn’t let me hear. Though it’s hard to call me damaged goods since the engagement was called off, I feel like leftover merchandise.

In that case, someone like Lady Annabella, who is from a marquis household, would seem more suitable, but since she is engaged to Lord Caius, that approach isn’t possible. You’d think there would be daughters of high-ranking nobles available, but perhaps he reached out due to our connection through the battlefield.

“I was evasive in the room where His Highness was, but neither I nor the Narcissus Count household see any reason to decline your proposal. I apologize for being hasty, but please take care of us.”

It’s true there’s no reason to refuse, and it’s a matter worth celebrating. Even if he had some ulterior motive and used me and the Narcissus Count household, there would be nothing to gain. When I bowed my head, he flustered and asked me to raise it. When I lifted my face and met his gaze, he averted his eyes for some reason. Though brief, the son of the Frontier Count isn’t the type to easily look away.

Tilting my head in confusion, he turned his back and said, “Let’s go,” leading us to the carriage stop. Among the numerous carriages, he spotted the Narcissus Count household’s carriage, and my younger brother emerged upon seeing me. It seemed I had kept him waiting quite a while, as his worried expression shifted to one of relief when he saw me.

“Sister, welcome back… — Ah, you are—”

My brother, who had been approaching upon recognizing me, looked surprised when he saw the son of the Frontier Count. He probably never dreamed I’d be walking with him.

“Pleased to meet you. I am Fels Lotus. I’ve heard that you, despite your youth, are serving as the head of the Narcissus Count household.”

The son of the Frontier Count, upon recognizing my brother, respectfully bowed. He seemed aware of the circumstances of the Narcissus Count household, where our father passed away early and my brother succeeded him. Exchanging greetings, the son of the Frontier Count and my brother closed the distance between them, perhaps due to the casualness between men. And just like that, in the blink of an eye, the engagement was settled, and a few days later, we both signed the documents.