The Story of a Modest Young Lady Who Formed a New Engagement the Day After Her Engagement Was Annulled - Chapter 9

Once the household approval and contract were completed, we became engaged in the blink of an eye.

Since my engagement with Lord Caius had been arranged in our childhood and left entirely to our parents, I had no idea how the paperwork was handled.

I remember our first meeting – though nervous, my childish innocence helped bridge the distance between us. What changed him dramatically was being drafted to the battlefield during the war. As Lord Caius distinguished himself in combat, his attitude toward me gradually shifted. He began drinking considerably more than before, and apparently started visiting brothels. I learned about his brothel visits from a gossipy friend.

Though she likely meant well, I would have preferred to remain unaware. Visiting such establishments was practically inevitable when stationed at the front, so I never intended to nag him about it. Yet once I knew, I couldn’t help but question him, which led to him getting angry with me in the past.

Shaking my head as I watched the scenery flow past the carriage window, I realized I was dwelling on unnecessary thoughts. What I should be considering now isn’t Lord Caius, but the Lotus March territory I’m about to visit.

As the name suggests, the March territory guards the border with the neighboring nation. It had been a battlefield throughout the Twenty-Year War. Now that the war has ended and the border has expanded into enemy territory, one can see the Marquis’s capabilities. Two months after the war’s conclusion, reconstruction has begun, and the Marquis’s son informed me that the reparations from the neighboring country would be used for the territory’s restoration and development.

We traveled along a well-maintained stone-paved road surrounded by peaceful wheat fields. The clip-clop of the carriage horses’ hooves was soothing. Just months ago, this same sound meant marching toward death on the battlefield. The stark contrast pained my heart deeply. I had witnessed so many who wished to live journey to the heavens. “Help me!” “It hurts…” they’d say while gradually losing their vitality… Stop. Don’t think about it.

I shouldn’t torment myself wondering why I survived – whether I killed enemies, abandoned comrades, or could only watch as colleagues departed for the heavens.

If my mother and younger brother knew I was suffering mentally after going to war in my father’s place, they would grieve. I went as part of my duty as a noble. It’s fine, my mind hasn’t broken yet. The military doctor taught me that pushing myself too hard would break both body and spirit. He repeatedly advised me to pray to God for my fallen comrades and to find joy in life.

“Sigh…”

I exhaled deeply in the carriage. My attendant maid looked at me with concern, so I shook my head to indicate it was nothing. A month has passed since Lord Caius annulled our engagement. Though life has been turbulent with one dramatic development after another, perhaps things will calm down somewhat after this inspection.

The Marquis’s son said marriage could happen anytime, but I asked him to wait a year so I could sort out my feelings. Thus, our marriage is scheduled for about a year from now. Until then, we remain engaged. A more impulsive young lady would have married immediately. My mother looked like she wanted us to marry right away but didn’t say anything, approving my proposal, and the Lotus March household agreed as well.

With a clatter, the carriage came to a stop. We seemed to have reached the March capital, and the gate guards were checking our travel documents. As I wondered if we’d have to wait awhile, I sensed someone’s presence outside the carriage door.

It wasn’t the guards. Wary of who it might be, I moved to protect my maid by shielding her with my back, but somehow, I was the one being protected instead. Though everything outside seemed quiet and I couldn’t hear the guards’ voices, one never knows what might happen. Better safe than sorry.

“…My apologies, I seem to have startled you.”

After knocking, the Marquis’s son opened the carriage door and momentarily widened his eyes upon seeing our defensive postures before quickly composing himself.

“I’m sorry for my rude behavior,” both my maid and I hurriedly bowed.

Seeing us like that, the Marquis’s son smiled gently and said, “No, being cautious is natural, and maintaining vigilance is good. Even in the capital, you never know what might happen.”

With guards accompanying us, there’s little danger unless something extraordinary occurs. Both the March and Count households have provided escorts, making our party quite substantial with low risk of bandit attacks.

“I originally intended to welcome you at the manor, but I was worried about your safe arrival. Perfect timing. I fortunately arrived just as you did.”

Without criticizing our behavior, he laughed and expressed sympathy for our long journey before saying he’d join the escort and closing the carriage door. After waiting briefly, the carriage began moving again.

The March capital visible through the window was slightly smaller than the royal capital but brimming with vitality. Riding a large bay horse right beside my carriage was the Marquis’s son. As we entered the commercial district, townspeople busily called out “Lord Fels!” “Welcome back safely!” “God of War!” and he responded while raising his hand.

“It’s so lively,” I remarked.

The Narcissus County capital is about half the size of the March capital. I’d heard reports that with the long war finally over, brightness was returning. Taxes had been heavy to fund war expenses, so this development brings relief and a brighter future.

If asked what things would be like in fifty years, it would be hard to answer, but peace should last for ten or twenty years. Soldiers sent to the battlefield fought to gain this fleeting peace – I truly hope the situation remains stable, but that’s something I can only pray to God for.

“Indeed, my lady,” my maid agreed.

As we looked out the window together, searching for things lacking in Narcissus County or ideas that might prove useful, we arrived at the manor. Descending from the carriage with the Marquis’s son’s escort, I was welcomed by the entire March household.

The Marquis, the Marchioness, and the Marquis’s son’s two younger brothers. Come to think of it, everyone here is a “Lord Lotus.” It’s confusing, but I can’t possibly request permission to use their given names.

“What’s wrong? You look troubled,” the Marquis’s son said, standing beside me with a curious expression as he peered at my face.

“Ah, nothing. I was just wondering how I should address everyone.”

I could manage calling the Marquis and Marchioness by their titles, but with his brothers, I’d need to use their names. Though it would be nice if this could be settled during introductions, it might be problematic for someone of my lower household status to make such a request.

“Now that you mention it, we never decided to use given names. My apologies, this is also my oversight. You may call me by my name. After all, you’re my fiancée! There’s no need for formality, and I’d like you to feel comfortable using my name.”

We had exchanged names previously, but since it happened in the presence of the Crown Prince and Princess, obtaining permission was difficult under those circumstances. Though time has passed since then, we missed our chance then too. He’s not the type to aggressively take a woman’s hand, nor am I the type of noblewoman from the capital who easily makes requests of men. We’ve been carefully feeling our way toward each other, so our progress has been quite slow.

“Thank you. Then, Lord Fels?”

“The honorific isn’t necessary either.”

The Marquis’s son, now Lord Fels, narrowed his eyes and pressed his lips into a straight line. When we first met at the Duke’s evening party, he rarely changed expressions, but now he shows me various expressions.

“Please forgive me if calling you directly by name seems abrupt. I’d be happy if you called me Eleanora.”

Feeling slightly pleased, I looked up at him with a small laugh, and he smiled gently back. A breeze swept through, rustling Lord Fels’s long silver-thread hair.

“Ah, understood. I’m happy to call you by your name… Eleanora.”

Lord Fels called my name with slight embarrassment. I was somewhat surprised that the man hailed as the God of War could change his entire demeanor over something as simple as a woman’s name.