If You Wish to Have Me - Chapter 11-20

Chap 11

Unexpected Proposal

“……Seyard?”

Kisa, suddenly wide awake, blinked as she stared at him.

“Yes, it’s me.”

That pleasant voice from her memory. This wasn’t a dream. It really was Seyard.

“W-when did you-!”

Seeing Seyard put his index finger to his lips reminded her that this was a library where silence was required. Kisa hastily lowered her voice to ask.

“How long have you been here?”

Seyard answered casually.

“About ten minutes?”

Goodness. That long? Despite being drowsy, she hadn’t noticed him opening the door and entering at all. Moreover, she had shown such an embarrassing sight.

“…You could have said something when you came in.”

“Would that have been better? I apologize. You were sleeping so soundly, I didn’t want to disturb you.”

So in his eyes, she hadn’t just dozed off but had been fully asleep. Wanting to crawl into a hole from embarrassment, she covered her face with both hands.

“Please forget what you just saw.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s embarrassing.”

“Not at all. Drowsiness is a natural physiological phenomenon.”

Still, as a noblewoman, it wasn’t something that should be shown to others. Especially for Kisa, who had received conservative education from Count Vansfelt, she felt this even more strongly.

But somehow, when Seyard said it, it really didn’t seem as embarrassing as she thought. It was strange.

“I see you were reading the ‘Theory of Possession.'”

Seyard whispered, glancing at the book.

“Well… I can hardly say I read it, given how little I managed.”

From his perspective, she was someone who had received a book recommendation only to fall asleep after reading barely two pages. Still embarrassing.

However, Seyard spoke kindly as he watched Kisa’s reddening face.

“It’s alright. They say starting is half the battle. Taking the initiative to try something unfamiliar is already a big step forward.”

“…Thank you for saying that.”

He is a good person. Unlike when she received encouragement from the noble princess which only left her heart feeling cold, this warmed her heart.

“Did you come to read?”

Wanting to continue the conversation, Kisa asked him an obvious question. How foolish. What else would someone come to a library for, if not to read?

But Seyard’s answer was unexpected.

“No. My mind was troubled, so I was wandering around to sort out my thoughts when I found myself here.”

“I see.”

The momentary flash of weariness that appeared and disappeared on his face sparked a strange sense of kinship. Even Seyard, who seemed capable of solving any problem with his intelligence, had his own worries. Just like her.

“Ah, I also came in because I thought I might find you.”

“What?”

“When I saw the library, I just had a feeling you might be inside.”

“…Are you joking?”

“I’m being serious.”

Seyard’s smiling face confused Kisa. Is he flirting with me now? Though she posed the question to herself, no clear answer came to mind.

She was well accustomed to romantic advances from men. If it had been any other man, Kisa would have judged those words as mere sweet talk and kept her distance.

But unlike men who typically expressed interest through subtle glances, Seyard’s manner was utterly straightforward, making it difficult to judge.

After brief consideration, Kisa tentatively concluded that Seyard’s words and actions were simple kindness. It was also a conclusion heavily influenced by her personal hopes.

For some reason, she wanted to keep their relationship as a pure connection born from chance encounters.

“Would you like to get some fresh air? It might help clear away your drowsiness.”

And so she wanted to believe this proposal too came from goodwill. Kisa looked out the window where Seyard was pointing and replied, “Yes, I’d like that.”

The two went out to the back garden through the library’s rear door. In fact, Kisa was secretly relieved when Seyard first suggested using the back garden, as using the main entrance might have meant running into Marsha.

“Wow, there’s no one here besides us.”

“Well, compared to the one by the main entrance, this place is more formally arranged.”

As Seyard said, the back garden was small and the library building blocked much of the sunlight.

Moreover, being early afternoon on a weekday, the library’s main users – university students – would be in class, making the entire library quite empty.

“Do you visit the Royal Library often, Seyard?”

At this question, Seyard stroked his chin with an interesting expression.

“Not really. Actually, I haven’t been in the capital long. I first came here while touring the capital recently, and I’ve only visited a few more times because I quite liked it.”

“Oh, you’re not from the capital?”

“I was born and spent my early childhood here in the capital. But due to circumstances, I had to spend most of my teenage years in another region.”

“I see. I thought your capital accent was too perfect for someone from elsewhere.”

They walked side by side through the small back garden, which had few plant varieties. The fresh breeze improved her mood considerably from just hours ago when she had felt like wallowing in misery.

“Did you return to the capital to attend university?”

“Unfortunately, I’ve never attended university.”

“What?”

Kisa only then realized she had been assuming he was a university student.

“I’m sorry. I made an assumption.”

“It’s fine. There’s nothing to apologize for. Shall we sit here for a moment?”

He led Kisa to what appeared to be a bench placed in one corner of the garden.

If he’s not attending university, then he’s not a student? Then what brought him back to the capital? Various questions about the man sitting beside her swirled in Kisa’s mind.

But since they weren’t close enough to ask about personal matters, she was holding back when Seyard took the initiative.

“Do you have something you’d like to ask me?”

Their eyes met.

“Why don’t we do this? We can each ask one question fairly.”

“One question each?”

“Yes, or more if you’d like.”

“Earlier you mentioned having a worry. May I ask what it is?”

Seyard’s eyes widened at the unexpectedly direct question. In truth, Kisa herself was more surprised. Was this what they meant by one’s mouth moving faster than their mind?

“Ah, no, what I just said-“

She was about to tell him to ignore it, but Seyard spoke.

“It’s about marriage.”

Since it was the same issue she was struggling with, Kisa found herself unconsciously listening intently. Seyard spoke with a bitter smile.

“Due to family circumstances, I need to marry a certain woman, but I really don’t want to. I’ve been looking for any way to avoid it, but it’s not as easy as I’d hoped.”

Amazing. Who would have thought he was struggling with exactly the same problem as Kisa? Encouraged by this miraculous coincidence, she carefully spoke up.

“I’m in a similar situation. I’m in a position where I have to go through with an unwanted marriage.”

Seyard also seemed quite surprised.

“You too?”

“Yes, there’s an engagement my father arranged, but I can’t see any way to avoid it.”

“…Then was that the reason you were crying when we first met?”

The man looked at Kisa with serious eyes.

“At that time, you said you were crying because you couldn’t understand Barth’s Doctrine, but honestly, I didn’t think that was the whole story.”

Kisa just fidgeted with her lips, unable to answer easily.

“This is my one question.”

Whether it was her imagination or not, the reddish-brown eyes she faced held the characteristic pressure of someone who had lived their entire life giving orders to others.

“Kisa, would you answer me?”

It was the most polite way of pressing for an answer she had ever heard. Partly of her own will and partly due to gentle coercion, Kisa moved her lips.

“Yes, that’s right. I received harsh words from my fiancé that day. I also found out that he had a more intimate relationship with another woman than with me.”

It was hard to understand. The shame she never wanted to reveal in front of the princess and the ladies flowed easily from her mouth. As if she had desperately wanted someone to ask.

“My fiancé said that-that I was stupid for not even knowing what Barth’s Doctrine was. Because of that, I became determined… I came to the library thinking I would check it out myself…”

As she spoke, her emotions welled up. Though she paused occasionally to catch her breath, she continued speaking.

“I don’t know what to do. The people who were precious to me suddenly became distant, but thinking about it now, they were probably always like that, and I was just deluding myself.”

Finally, tears welled up in her eyes. Tears she hadn’t shed in front of Daniel or Melissa were now shown twice to a man she had met only recently.

No, perhaps it was possible precisely because of that. To Seyard, she was just Kisa, not Kisa Vansfelt. Just a woman he happened to meet at the library.

He silently held out a handkerchief to Kisa.

“It’s alright.”

Not wanting to soil his, she tried to take out her own, but Seyard pressed his handkerchief into her hand.

Surprisingly, his hand, which she touched for the first time, had calluses. She had vaguely assumed his hands only turned pages of books.

Finally feeling too awkward to refuse, she wiped her tears with his handkerchief. The cool scent of bergamot tickled her nose.

A moment later, only the sound of Kisa sniffling could be heard in the back garden. Apart from feeling relieved, embarrassment suddenly rushed over her.

“Kisa, in that case.”

Seyard suddenly spoke, meeting her eyes.

“Would you marry me instead?”

 

Chap 12

At the Opera House

Kisa momentarily doubted her own ears. She wondered if she had misheard the incredible statement that had just come out of Seyard’s mouth.

“I… I’m sorry, what did you say?”

However, Seyard repeated the same words without changing his expression.

“Will you marry me?”

Dear God. What is this man saying?

Seemingly thinking his explanation was insufficient, he elaborated on his intention more clearly than before.

“I don’t mean a conventional marriage.”

“Then what?”

“Kisa wants to avoid her impending marriage, and so do I.”

“That’s right.”

“There’s a traditional method that people in our situation have used since ancient times.”

“Surely not…”

“It’s getting married to someone else first. Ah, are you thinking this? That you don’t see how rushing into another marriage would be any different from an unwanted one.”

She hadn’t exactly thought that. Marriage to another person was also an argument Kisa had brought up to persuade the Count. The problem was that there was no suitable match with better conditions than Daniel.

“However, if we establish a contract before the marriage, we can resolve such drawbacks.”

“A contract?”

“Setting a time limit for the marriage. After that period, both parties become free.”

“…You mean divorce?”

Divorce. That’s an even more fatal path than breaking off an engagement. While there were some who took the risk to divorce, everyone knows what kind of looks they receive from society.

“You could say that. Well, if divorce proves practically difficult due to social circumstances, we could consider other options like separation.”

Watching Seyard tilt his head and contemplate seriously, Kisa belatedly realized her mistake. His suggestion was so radical that she had unconsciously started asking questions, but it was impossible from the start.

“Seyard, I think I understand what you mean.”

“Really?”

“Yes, you mean a kind of contract marriage, right? I know about it since it appears sometimes in romance novels. But it’s impossible.”

“Why?”

“…My father would never allow it.”

Most backgrounds wouldn’t be enough to satisfy Count Vansfelt’s standards. Though Seyard’s attire and manner of speaking clearly indicated he was from the upper class.

Still, that alone wasn’t enough. He would try to sell his beautifully groomed daughter at the highest price possible.

Though she didn’t explain the detailed reasons, Seyard seemed to understand her meaning from just those words. After a moment of silence, he expressed his apologies.

“I’m sorry. I think I was too pushy with my own agenda.”

“Not at all! It was a suggestion made with me in mind.”

“Even so, I seem to have startled you too much.”

“I was a bit surprised. I never imagined Seyard would have thought that far.”

Seyard sheepishly brushed his bangs, appearing embarrassed.

“Actually, I’m looking for another marriage prospect, but it’s proving quite difficult to find one. I’ve been thinking about various options since any potential partner would need to see benefits in marrying me.”

For a moment, it was surprising that someone as attractive as him would struggle with marriage, but thinking about it, his situation was similar to Kisa’s.

In other words, he too had to choose a marriage partner while considering their background. It would be difficult to find a suitable unmarried partner at this point.

Kisa gazed at the man sitting beside her. Learning about his similarly human concerns made him feel more approachable, which was an inevitable result.

“Hey, Seyard.”

“Yes, Kisa.”

Though objectively nothing had improved about their situation, she felt more at ease. Kisa smiled sincerely for the first time today.

“Let’s both do our best. If we keep looking hard, don’t you think we’ll find good partners?”

It was a statement without any basis. Just as she worried it might sound irresponsible, his response came.

“You’re right. We will definitely marry ideal partners.”

Seyard smiled and added somewhat belatedly:

“Both me and you.”

****

Whether it was fortunate or not – though he must have received a report from Marsha later – Count Vansfelt didn’t say anything about Kisa’s visit to the Royal Library. Perhaps it was because she returned home early, unlike last time.

No, maybe the Count’s attention was focused elsewhere. The new Duke of Hillan who inherited the family in place of his deceased brother.

It was a matter of great interest that he hadn’t shown himself in social circles at all, despite nearly a month passing since inheriting the title.

‘Duke of Hillan.’

Someone of such importance was likely being closely watched by the Count, who was sensitive to political trends. But it didn’t matter to Kisa either way.

To her, the Duke of Hillan was a stranger whose younger brother she had never even seen, and she had no particular connection with the elder brother either. She heard they were twins, and like the previous Duke of Hillan, he rarely appeared in social circles.

Of course, she had exchanged greetings with him when introduced by the Princess while moving through social circles, and they had passed by each other a few times.

However, each time, Kisa intentionally avoided the deceased Duke of Hillan. Not only did he have the red hair that made her uncomfortable, but her first impression of him wasn’t particularly good either.

Perhaps that’s why she couldn’t remember his face well.

Suddenly, she recalled meeting him for the first time at Princess Arta’s birthday party when she was younger. Vischer Hillan was, as people said, a most aristocratic man. Cold and without warmth.

His atmosphere was so similar to her father, Count Vansfelt, that Kisa exchanged only brief greetings before quickly leaving.

There was no need to have two people who made her feel guilty just by their presence.

Life is truly ironic. His brother, who had been practically an outsider with everything anyone could want as the Princess’s fiancé and master of the Hillan duchy, inherited all the family’s power and wealth.

Who could have predicted this until just two months ago when the former Duke of Hillan breathed his last?

Many people wondered what kind of person the new Duke, who had reportedly spent half his life in a monastery, would be like. Except for Kisa. She had enough headaches with her own affairs.

“Miss, are you throwing these away?”

“Yes.”

Kisa nodded at Marsha’s question, looking at the letter envelopes in the trash bin. The letters, prettily decorated with ribbons and pressed flowers, disappeared from view along with other garbage.

It was an unusually cold decision for someone who always kept letters exchanged with acquaintances in her letter box.

“Those were from Lady Melissa, weren’t they?”

The nanny, who was adjusting Kisa’s attire, asked with a worried expression.

“Why so sudden? Did you really have a fight with Lady Melissa?”

“Something like that.”

“I don’t know what happened, but throwing away letters that your friend wrote with sincerity isn’t like you, Miss.”

If sending multiple letters full of excuses and self-justification after committing wrongdoing could be called sincerity, then the nanny wasn’t wrong.

But every time Melissa’s letters arrived, Kisa would briefly scan them and throw them in the trash.

“Miss, why are you acting like this lately? Could it be a late rebellion?”

Leaving her nanny sighing deeply enough to sink the ground, Kisa examined herself in the mirror. The silk fabric was a subtle pink, with darker colored flowers delicately embroidered on top.

Kisa twirled around in one of her favorite dresses. Even to her own eyes, she looked perfect.

“As expected of our Miss! You’re so beautiful!”

Even the nanny who had been lamenting clapped her hands in delight.

“That’s right. Take this chance to enjoy the opera and refresh yourself, then make up with Lady Melissa.”

Unfortunately, the last part was impossible, but she planned to just enjoy the opera.

[Please come if you can.]

On their second meeting, just before parting, Seyard had gifted Kisa opera tickets. He said he happened to have two extra tickets.

[Come, you say. Will Seyard be watching the same opera?]

[Yes, we might meet there by chance. Ah, don’t worry about misunderstandings – we won’t be sitting next to each other.]

[No, I’m not worried about that.]

[That’s good. Anyway, I hear it’s been getting good reviews lately. You’ll like it.]

‘The Lord’s Castle’. She remembered hearing the young ladies praising how enjoyable it was at the Princess’s tea party.

Strictly speaking, Kisa might not be in a situation to leisurely attend performances right now.

However, since it was a gift from Seyard, she wanted to accept it if possible, and she also felt rebellious. Daniel was doing whatever he wanted even in this situation, so why couldn’t Kisa?

Moreover, as expected, rumors about Kisa and Daniel were spreading after the tea party. Though no one had directly mentioned it yet, people were quietly trying to probe Kisa’s thoughts through letters.

While it was burdensome to appear in front of many people in this situation, she absolutely hated the idea of being locked up at home and having people misunderstand that she was upset because of Daniel. She would act as if nothing was wrong. She could enjoy the opera as much as she wanted.

Having firmly decided, Kisa left the mansion with her nanny’s send-off. The opera house was indeed overflowing with spectators, proving it was a popular performance.

Though Seyard had given her two tickets, Kisa had no one particular to come with, so she came alone and was about to enter the hall directly.

“Oh, isn’t this the daughter of Count Vansfelt?”

Unfortunately, she ran into a young nobleman from a certain family whom she knew. He was the type who would openly flirt even with Kisa, who had a fiancé.

“Hello.”

“Did you also come to see ‘The Lord’s Castle’?”

“Yes, now if you’ll excuse me-“

“Wait a moment! Where is your seat? The seat next to mine is empty, if you don’t mind watching together?”

He’s being particularly persistent today. Could it be that he heard rumors about Kisa and Daniel’s relationship going sour and was trying to take advantage of the situation?

“No, thank you.”

“Come on, let’s watch together.”

He even went so far as to physically block Kisa from leaving. Just as she was about to raise her voice-

“Hey, you! This isn’t the time for this!”

Someone who seemed to be the man’s companion approached and shouted.

“The Duke of Hillan has arrived!”

 

Chap 13

A Passing Connection

Come to think of it, there had been a strange disturbance in the surroundings for a while now. It felt different from the usual bustle of a crowded audience.

If she listened carefully, she could faintly hear people calling out “Your Grace.”

“What? Duke Hillan? His younger brother?”

The man who had been pestering Kisa widened his eyes, and his companion nodded vigorously.

“Yes, they say he’s a twin and looks exactly like his older brother. Everyone’s greeting him. Let’s hurry over there too.”

The man, clearly hesitant, looked back and forth between Kisa and his companions.

“It was an honor to meet you, Lady Vansfelt. Next time, I’d like to invite you to a better venue on my side.”

But he seemed to have made up his mind quickly, as he hastily bowed to Kisa before following his companions.

Though he clicked his tongue in regret at missing this opportunity until the end, it seemed his desire to make an early impression on the new duke took precedence.

This was unexpected luck for her. Who would have thought the mere rumored existence of Duke Hillan would be helpful?

She couldn’t understand why he had shown up here when he had never appeared at any official occasions before, but truthfully, she wasn’t very interested.

If he resembled his brother so closely, then this new duke would most likely be the type of person Kisa would find difficult to like.

She glanced at the particularly crowded area. Duke Hillan must be in the center there, though he wasn’t visible through the crowd.

Kisa didn’t waste any more time and headed straight for the stairs. She should quickly enter the hall while everyone’s attention was focused elsewhere.

“Oh, there are two chairs here.”

Kisa muttered to herself as she entered the section with her seat in the second-floor balcony. Only two chairs were placed in the fairly spacious area.

The ticket price must have been quite expensive just for that alone, and moreover, this position offered a direct view of the stage.

Seyard must be from quite a wealthy family to give up two such seats.

She had thought his circumstances might not be very good since he borrowed books from the library, but it seems she had been mistaken.

‘Come to think of it, I haven’t heard anything about Seyard’s family.’

She knew that his birthplace was the capital, that he had moved to another region before entering his teens, and that he had recently returned to the capital.

Though she had heard various other details about him that day, information that might hint at his family background was missing.

Surely he had refrained from mentioning it out of consideration for Kisa, who hadn’t revealed her surname first. What a kind person. If only Daniel had inherited half of that temperament.

Startled by her own thoughts, Kisa shook her head to scatter the strange ideas that had popped into her mind. Though it wasn’t a proper proposal, she shouldn’t be thinking such things after rejecting Seyard’s marriage offer.

She didn’t want to think about that ill-mannered Daniel, especially while she was out enjoying herself.

As it was almost time for the opera to begin, she picked up her opera glasses. Today she would enjoy the performance without any distracting thoughts.

The performance was more impressive than expected. “The Lord’s Castle” was, as the title suggested, a love story set in a fictional lord’s castle. The performance depicted the romance between a lord, who was a brilliant strategist and stern ruler, and a woman who became his prisoner.

As some lady had mentioned at the tea party, the singers’ delicate acting stood out, and the orchestra’s music was also very high quality. Above all, the work’s theme, which discussed the meaning of true love, evoked various emotions.

‘However, personally, there were some aspects of the ending that I found difficult to accept.’

As Kisa was leaving the hall, contemplating the lingering impressions of the performance, she made a disgusted face upon seeing the crowd concentrated in one area, just like hours before. What a popular Duke indeed.

“Miss, I’m here!”

Just as she was wondering what to do, Marsha, who had been waiting outside and spotted Kisa, came running over. She frowned and said, “There are so many people. Let’s quickly get to the carriage before you get caught up in it.”

“Y-yes.”

Led by Marsha, she went outside and got into the carriage. As the carriage departed and she watched the opera house receding into the distance, a sense of regret washed over her.

‘In the end, I couldn’t meet Seyard.’

She had hoped to run into him after the performance, but it was too much to expect.

She couldn’t stay behind by pushing away Marsha’s hand, as she worried that man would appear again and pester her. It would be very annoying if he tried to hold her until he got a promise this time.

But she had wanted to meet Seyard and exchange thoughts about the performance. If they had met, she had planned to ask about the aspects of the ending that left her unsettled.

She was curious about his thoughts. She wanted to know how he felt about the performance. What would that man, who had always kindly explained whenever she had questions while reading Theory of Possession, say about this performance?

‘Well, it’s fine.’

Just as Kisa was unconsciously thinking she could share opinions next time they met, she belatedly realized an important fact.

Was there going to be a next time? There was no guarantee she would meet Seyard again anywhere. She didn’t know his surname, where he lived, or when he visited the library.

Looking back, they hadn’t discussed meeting again the last time they met either. During their walk, they were preoccupied with the marriage proposal, and after returning to the reading room, they both focused on their duties as library users.

Then they parted after she received the opera tickets as a gift.

If she was lucky, she might meet Seyard at the library again, but if she kept going to places she didn’t usually visit, the Count would start to get suspicious.

It would be difficult to sneak out avoiding the Count’s eyes, and meeting Seyard by chance would be nothing short of a miracle.

“…Maybe I’ll never see him again.”

The excitement of the opera that had filled her heart until just moments ago cooled bitterly.

About four days after seeing the opera performance, Kisa was summoned to the Count’s office. She thought he might scold her for going to the library, but Count Vansfelt said something unexpected.

“Did you fight with Count Dos’s daughter?”

After that, Melissa had sent two or more letters, but she hadn’t replied to any of them.

“Why do you ask?”

The Count, seated at his desk, glanced up at his daughter who answered his question with another question.

“I had business at Count Dos’s house yesterday, and his daughter said she had angered you by being inconsiderate. She wants to restore your relationship, but you keep ignoring her letters. Is this true?”

“…It’s true that I’ve grown distant from Melissa lately.”

“Make up with her.”

It was an extremely simple answer, without asking more or less about why his daughter had fought with her friend. Although Kisa had usually followed her father’s wishes even in friendships, this time was different.

“I’m sorry. I cannot do that, Father.”

A line creased the Count’s forehead.

“Why not?”

“Melissa committed a wrong that I find difficult to forgive. Her letters contained only excuses rather than sincere apologies. Unless Melissa changes, I won’t become close with her again.”

He sighed and removed his glasses that he only wore when reading text on paper.

“Don’t you know that our families have maintained a close relationship for generations?”

“Just because Melissa and I have fallen out doesn’t mean our families have to as well. Instead, Julian can be friendly with Melissa’s younger sibling.”

At the mention of her brother who was attending university elsewhere, the Count openly frowned.

“It would be even better if you were friendly with her too.”

“I’m sorry. I cannot do that.”

“Why? This is just an issue that could be resolved if you’d be generous this one time.”

“If I let it slide, it’s obvious Melissa will cause the same problem again. I know it.”

“Do you want me to keep hearing complaints from Dos and his daughter?”

“Then I’ll tell Melissa not to drag you into our matters.”

“Kisa!”

Finally, his voice rose.

“You’re not a child anymore! How long will you make such a fuss over trivial matters!”

It wasn’t trivial at all to the person involved. Despite knowing her father’s unfeeling nature, she felt newly hurt.

“I see you’re not curious at all about why Melissa and I fell out.”

“Now it’s my fault? Why are you acting like a child when you’re all grown up?”

“Growing distant from friends is something that happens to adults too.”

“Stop talking back disrespectfully. Make up with Dos’s daughter while I’m asking nicely.”

“I’m sorry. I cannot do that.”

“If you really…”

Just then, as the Count was getting agitated at his daughter who kept repeating the same words like a parrot, there was a quick knock at the door. 

Knock, knock, knock.

“Count, Count?”

It was the voice of the person who worked as the Count’s secretary.

“What is it!”

When the Count shouted irritably, the secretary hesitated but revealed the reason.

“There’s something you need to know.”

“Wait. I’m talking with my daughter right now.”

“But, but… It’s an important matter. I think it would be better for you to check right away.”

Perhaps reading the tension in the secretary’s response, the Count’s anger subsided somewhat. Finally, he let the secretary in.

“What is it?”

“Actually, just now at the mansion…”

The secretary glanced at Kisa, then moved closer to the Count and whispered in his ear. The Count’s face quickly hardened as he listened to the story.

 

Chap 14

Duke Hillan (1)

“What? Is that really true?”

Even Kisa, who had lived under the same roof for a lifetime, could count on one hand the times she’d seen the Count so shocked.

“Could there have been some mistake?”

The secretary jumped at his employer’s question.

“It’s true! I confirmed it with my own eyes and read it over several times!”

“This makes no sense. Kisa is already……”

The Count suddenly stopped speaking, looked at his daughter, and furrowed his brow.

“Kisa, you may leave now.”

“What?”

“Go and attend to your duties.”

“But Father, you just-“

“I said leave.”

With such a stern and resolute tone that brooked no objection, Kisa had no choice but to exit the Count’s office.

“What could this be about……”

It was difficult to guess why her father’s attitude had changed so suddenly. What news had the secretary brought?

Given that the Count had inadvertently mentioned Kisa’s name, it clearly had something to do with her, but she couldn’t think of anything.

“Well, if it really concerns me, I suppose I’ll find out eventually.”

At least for now, she wouldn’t have to send unwanted replies to Melissa. Taking comfort in just that fact, she returned to her room.

****

The Count burst into Kisa’s room without warning the next day, late in the morning.

Kisa, who had been playing the violin to soothe her gloomy mood, was startled to receive her father.

“Father? What brings you here?”

It was a surprising visit, as the Count usually summoned his daughter to wherever he was when he had business with her. His scrutinizing gaze carried an unsettling air.

“I heard you went to the Opera House a few days ago.”

The Count began the conversation with an unexpected opening. No matter how strict he was, he wouldn’t rebuke her just for enjoying opera like many nobles did. Could he perhaps have caught wind of something about the source of the tickets?

If the Count were to learn that his daughter had met with a strange man twice at the Royal Library and received opera tickets from him as a gift, he certainly wouldn’t remain quiet about it.

Not wanting to cause any trouble for Seyard, Kisa answered carefully.

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Did anything special happen there?”

She carefully searched her memories, but there wasn’t anything particularly noteworthy to report to the Count.

“No, nothing in particular.”

“So you didn’t meet Duke Hillan?”

Duke Hillan? She blinked at the unexpected name. Come to think of it, he had been at the Opera House.

“I heard that the Duke was there, but I didn’t meet him. There were too many people, so it wasn’t possible.”

The Count’s elongated eyes narrowed, as if verifying the truth of her words.

“Really?”

“Yes, really.”

“You’re not lying?”

“Why would I lie to you about something like this, Father?”

“……Alright. I’ll believe you for now.”

After staring at his daughter for a long while, the Count turned around. He seemed to have found nothing suspicious.

“Wait a moment, Father!”

But Kisa couldn’t let him leave like this.

“Why are you asking about this? Does it have something to do with what the secretary mentioned yesterday?”

“That’s none of your concern.”

Cutting off Kisa’s question as ruthlessly as he had arrived without warning, he left the room. Left alone, Kisa found it difficult to guess what was going on.

Why suddenly Duke Hillan? Had the Hillan family filed a complaint because she hadn’t greeted him first at the Opera House? She could only think of such absurd possibilities.

This wasn’t the only event disturbing Kisa’s peace of mind.

That same day, in the afternoon, a rather large box was delivered to the Vansfelt townhouse, and as soon as Kisa confirmed the sender’s name, her face crumpled.

“Daniel Lowens……”

Wow! The nanny, who was examining the contents of the box alongside Kisa, exclaimed.

“My goodness, what a beautiful dress!”

Inside the box was an evening dress with subtle blue tones. It came complete with matching gloves and shoes.

“Did Young Master Daniel send this? He must want to see how lovely you’ll look in it.”

Without giving any particular response, Kisa roughly tore open the envelope of Daniel’s letter that had come with the box.

“Oh my! You should use a paper knife!”

Ignoring the nanny’s scolding, she read the letter. Its contents were utterly simple.

[Dear Kisa,

The time for Count Habertz’s charity soirée has come around again this year. I’m sending these things that should suit you well, hoping you’ll wear them and show off your beautiful figure to your heart’s content.

Your loving fiancé, Daniel.

P.S. Surely you’re not still upset about that time? While that side of you is cute too, I like your smiling face the best.]

Her teeth ground together. This crazy bastard, this shameless jerk. No, “shameless” wasn’t enough. How could someone be so brazenly slick?

Count Habertz’s charity soirée required attending with a partner. And for several years now, Kisa had attended the charity soirée with Daniel. Countess Habertz was his aunt.

In other words, after ignoring his fiancée completely until now, Daniel was suddenly demanding Kisa’s presence because he needed her. As if there had never been any conflict between them.

Who did he think would come? Kisa crumpled up Daniel’s detestable letter and pointed to the box containing the dress while looking at her nanny.

“Throw this away.”

The nanny was horrified.

“No, why would you throw this away? What a waste!”

“I don’t like it.”

“Don’t like it? Miss, you’ve always liked dresses like this! Young Master Daniel chose well in sending it.”

“……I didn’t wear them because I liked them.”

She had worn them because Daniel liked them. To look good for the man she loved.

“Is that so? Well, even if that’s the case, we can’t throw away perfectly good clothes. I’ll keep it in the wardrobe, and you can try it on if you change your mind.”

With those words, the nanny left the room carrying the box in her arms. Completely ignoring her mistress’s instructions.

Right, that’s all there was to it. Though she was said to be like a mother to Kisa, the nanny was ultimately Count Vansfelt’s employee. Hired by his decision and paid by him.

Once again feeling that there was no one in this mansion who put her before the Count, Kisa slumped down on her bed. She was just tired.

…..

It was on a day when Kisa still didn’t know the contents of the news the Count’s secretary had brought, and when she couldn’t throw away the dress because the nanny had hidden it.

As she was returning to her room after finishing her walk in the garden, a carriage entered her field of vision.

A black carriage was standing in front of the main gate. Though no family crest was visible, judging by its size and luxurious appearance, it wasn’t the kind of carriage that would be used by errand runners delivering groceries and such to the house. It seemed the Count had a visitor.

There was nothing particularly strange about this, as they didn’t always inform Kisa when guests arrived.

But why? For some reason, Kisa began to feel curious about the identity of this unknown visitor.

Kisa’s feet led her toward the Count’s office, where he was probably receiving the guest. Then she ran into a man lingering in front of the office.

“Oh, Miss.”

Though it was just a brief moment, the Count’s secretary wore a startled expression upon seeing Kisa. She instinctively felt that the guest behind that door was somehow related to her.

“The Count is currently with a guest-“

“Who is it?”

“Pardon?”

“I asked who the guest is. Is it someone I know?”

“I’m sorry. For business reasons, I cannot tell you……”

Before the secretary could finish speaking, she approached the door and faint voices could be heard.

Among them, the one with the louder voice, Count Vansfelt, mentioned his daughter’s name. Saying that Kisa already had a designated match.

The other person responded something. Being calmer than the Count, it was difficult to make out the exact content.

But strangely, it seemed like a voice she had heard somewhere before.

“Miss, you’re putting me in a difficult position.”

As she pressed her ear against the door trying to concentrate, the secretary approached to stop her.

“Just wait a little.”

“Please return to your room. If you refuse, I will have to report this to the Count.”

“Are you threatening me?”

While arguing with the secretary like this, Kisa suddenly lost her balance. The door she had been leaning against opened.

Kisa let out a small “ah” and nearly fell, but fortunately didn’t collide with the floor. Thanks to the person behind the door who supported her.

A fresh citrus scent wafted from the strong arm that wrapped around Kisa’s shoulders. This too was somehow familiar.

“Oh my, are you alright?”

Kisa slowly raised her head to look at the owner of the scent. Her blue eyes trembled uncontrollably.

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

The man who worried about her in an elegant voice while lowering his gaze was someone Kisa knew. Because they had met at the library not long ago.

It was Seyard. But why was this person here…….

“Kisa!”

At that moment, Count Vansfelt’s startled face appeared behind Seyard’s shoulder. He glared at her.

“Don’t tell me you were eavesdropping on our conversation?”

However, Seyard restrained the Count, who seemed about to unleash several more sharp words.

“Count, would you allow me to introduce myself to the young lady?”

“Ah, yes.”

Surprisingly, the Count’s anger quickly subsided. Seyard took the confused Kisa’s hand and lightly kissed her knuckles. It was such a fleeting touch that it barely registered.

“Pleased to meet you, Lady Vansfelt.”

The man looked at Kisa with gentle, smiling eyes.

“I am Seyard Hillan.”

 

Chap 15

Duke Hillan (2)

She silently rolls the name he said in her mouth. Seyard Hillan, Seyard Hillan, Seyard… Hillan? The familiar first name Seyard followed by a surname that feels both familiar and foreign.

“Duke of Hillan.”

Only after Count Vansfelt spoke that title did Kisa realize it was the name of the country’s most prestigious family.

No, more than that – did Father just call Seyard the Duke of Hillan? That Duke Hillan?

When she looked at him with confusion written all over her face, Seyard gestured toward the sofa with his shoulder.

“Shall we sit down and talk first, Lady Vansfelt?”

The Count objected to that suggestion.

“There’s no need. My daughter will return to where she belongs right now.”

His glaring eyes commanded Kisa to leave. However, Seyard subtly stepped between the father and daughter, as if blocking that gaze.

“That seems a bit odd. How can we proceed with the discussion without the person concerned?”

“The person concerned……”

“Since I proposed to Lady Vansfelt, I naturally want to confirm her intentions. Now that I’ve heard your opinion sufficiently, that is.”

The Count pressed his lips tightly together. After remaining silent for a while, he finally relented.

“Kisa, sit down.”

Kisa followed her father’s direction without fully grasping the situation. Seyard is Duke Hillan? And a proposal? What is all this about?

When Kisa sat down next to the Count, Seyard, seated across from them, smiled warmly and mentioned that another cup of tea would be needed.

The Count told his secretary, who was still at the doorway, to bring tea. It was the first time she had seen her father so readily comply with someone else’s request.

While the maid who soon appeared prepared Kisa’s tea, Kisa carefully observed Seyard. There were two major differences from when she saw him at the library.

First, whereas before he wore comfortable, simple attire, now he was dressed in formal wear so traditional it might be considered old-fashioned.

Yet rather than looking stuffy, it suited him perfectly. She had thought from their first meeting that he had an old-world charm about his features, and his clothing created a subtle harmony with that.

Second, his bangs, which had been naturally styled before, were now neatly arranged, highlighting his clear forehead. Compared to before when he looked like a freshman university student, he now appeared quite mature.

Since she had heard that the current Duke of Hillan was a twin of the previous one, he now finally looked his actual age.

‘……So Seyard really was the Duke of Hillan.’

Looking at him now, she could see it. He was identical to his brother, as rumored. Though his aura was completely different from the man who had remained expressionless even beside his fiancée, the princess, their appearances were very similar.

Why had she only realized this now, how foolish of me. It was amazing how different someone could appear just from their behavior, dress, and expressions.

Even now, it was hard to believe that Seyard, smiling warmly at Kisa, was born on the same day as that man who had been as dry as a desert.

“I feel a bit shy when you stare so intently.”

At Seyard’s sudden comment, Kisa realized a beat late that he was speaking to her.

“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude.”

When Kisa hurriedly apologized, he waved his hand dismissively.

“No, no. I wasn’t trying to scold you. It’s an honor to be looked at by such a beauty. Count Vansfelt must be pleased too, having such a proud daughter.”

The Count acknowledged Seyard’s playful remark with slight displeasure.

“Yes, well, I suppose so.”

Something felt off. Had he always used such a frivolous tone? The Seyard that Kisa knew was refreshing but never light.

“So, about that matter.”

However, contrary to Kisa’s belief, Seyard crossed his long legs and leaned against the armrest, resting his chin on his hand. It was a somewhat improper posture.

“Lady Vansfelt, or rather, since we’ve been introduced, I’d like to call you Miss Kisa. It feels more familiar that way.”

Introduced? Strictly speaking, they hadn’t been. While Seyard had revealed who he was, Kisa hadn’t.

“Is that alright? Good, Miss Kisa……”

The man who changed her form of address before getting permission sent her an expectant look.

“What do you think of me? Would you be willing to accept my proposal?”

“Pardon? Proposal?”

Right. She had momentarily forgotten about it, being so shocked that Seyard was Duke Hillan, but he had clearly mentioned proposing to her earlier.

His proposal reminded her first of the contract marriage suggestion he had made in the Royal Library’s garden, but from the looks of it, that wasn’t what he meant now. Currently, Seyard was pretending to meet Kisa for the first time, mindful of the Count’s presence.

“Well, that is, I……”

“I haven’t told my daughter about it.”

When Kisa was at a loss for words, the Count intervened. Seyard put on an exaggeratedly surprised expression.

“You haven’t even told her? That’s too much. I even went to the trouble of sending a proposal letter.”

This was the first time she’d heard about a proposal letter. She looked at the Count with eyes demanding an explanation, but he didn’t even glance at her.

“There was a problem with that proposal letter from the start, Duke.”

“Was there? I followed all the proper formats.”

“It’s not about the format. Usually, a proposal letter is sent after there has been some exchange between both parties, but to just send a proposal letter out of nowhere-“

“Ah, then we can have that exchange now. That conversation between both parties.”

The Count’s brow furrowed when his words were cut off, but Seyard paid no mind and shifted his gaze to Kisa.

“Miss Kisa. A few days ago, when I saw you at the Opera House, it was love at first sight. So, would you marry me?”

Kisa instinctively drew in a breath. Though she knew it wasn’t sincere, his expression and voice while proposing were incredibly sweet.

She forced herself to stay focused. It seemed he was going with the setting that he first saw Kisa at the Opera House. The outline of his script was becoming clear.

‘I thought he had given up that day, but apparently not.’

It seemed the contract marriage proposal Seyard had made in the library garden was still valid. Looking back, she didn’t think he had actually said he was withdrawing the proposal at the time.

Her hands gripped her skirt tightly. This was an opportunity. A perfect opportunity to break off her engagement with Daniel. And a miraculous opportunity that might never come again.

Just then, the Count brought up that very issue.

“Duke Hillan, as I’ve told you several times, my daughter already has a fiancé.”

“If marriages can be broken, there’s no reason engagements can’t be.”

“……That’s quite an extreme statement. Matters related to marriage should be decided within the family.”

“I’m not trying to force anything. I’m asking for Miss Kisa’s opinion even at this moment.”

“There’s no need to ask. Kisa-“

“I accept.”

Both men’s gazes turned to her. Kisa tried to speak as clearly as possible. To convey her own will, and no one else’s.

“Duke Hillan, I accept your proposal.”

The Count’s face instantly contorted while, in contrast, Seyard wore a beautiful smile.

“Kisa! What nonsense are you speaking?”

“I said I’ll marry the Duke, Father.”

“What about Daniel?”

“Obviously, we’ll have to break off the engagement. What else can we do when I’m going to marry someone else?”

“You… are you in your right mind?”

Since the Count was treating her like someone who had lost their mind, Kisa decided to act as if she really had.

“I’m sorry. But I really want to marry him. I must marry him no matter what.”

“Why?”

“Because I just fell in love at first sight.”

While the Count struggled to respond to this outrageous reason, Kisa glanced across at the opposite seat, hoping Seyard would play along appropriately.

‘Huh?’

But he just blinked quietly. His perfectly composed face showed clear bewilderment.

Just as Kisa was wondering if she had said something too strange, Seyard suddenly stood up. Then he quickly walked over and took both of Kisa’s hands in his.

“It’s an honor, Miss Kisa. I swear. You will never regret this day’s choice.”

No matter how many times she saw it, his acting was as convincing as any theater performer’s.

“You go out now.”

Having finally come to his senses, Count Vansfelt drove Kisa out of the study. Though she wanted to stay longer, it seemed inappropriate to insist when the heads of households needed to talk.

Since Seyard didn’t try to keep her either, Kisa withdrew obediently.

But she couldn’t help being concerned about their conversation. She was dying to know how the Count would react. It would be troublesome if he insisted until the end that breaking off the engagement wasn’t possible.

In truth, she could understand the Count’s negative reaction to Seyard’s proposal. While simply comparing families, Lowens couldn’t compare to Hillan, but the interests involved in engagements were far more complex than that.

First, they had to consider the king’s feelings, who had intended to marry his youngest daughter to the late Duke of Hillan, and the Lowens had maintained ties with Vansfelt for quite some time.

Moreover, given the Count’s cautious nature, he would naturally be wary of the new Duke of Hillan whom he didn’t know well. It seemed the key would be whether Seyard could convince him.

‘I hope everything works out well.’

Though she wanted to eavesdrop on the conversation in the study out of worry, the Count’s secretary was watching with sharp eyes, so she had no choice but to return to her room.

Of course, it was nearly impossible to calm her nerves there either. Kisa endlessly paced around her room, time feeling longer than usual.

How much time had passed? After exactly three knocks, the Count opened the door and said with a somewhat tired face.

“Kisa, Duke Hillan would like to have a brief chat with you before he leaves.”

Seyard could be seen behind him. Finally, their conversation seemed to be over.

 

Chap 16

Marriage Contract

“…Yes, Father.”

Kisa barely restrained herself from asking what had happened. Since there was much to discuss with Seyard alone, getting him to a private place was the urgent priority.

“Take him to the garden.”

After giving this instruction to his daughter, Count Vansfelt briefly explained his reason to Seyard.

“Though it can’t compare to the ducal garden, Vansfelt’s garden is worth seeing.”

Of course, this was merely a superficial reason. The Count’s office had a clear view of the garden. In other words, he intended to keep watch to prevent any inappropriate behavior between Kisa and Seyard when they were alone.

“Thank you for your kindness. I’m curious to see how lovely it is.”

The intelligent Seyard must have noticed this too, but he graciously accepted the Count’s suggestion.

“This way, Your Grace.”

After exchanging glances with her father, Kisa guided Seyard.

“Oh, Miss. Where are you going?”

“To the garden.”

“…Ah, yes. Have a good time!”

They encountered several servants on their way to the garden’s back gate, and each one gave a quick glance at Seyard before bowing respectfully. The Count must have thoroughly controlled everyone’s tongues, as none seemed to recognize his identity.

‘So that’s why he came in an unmarked carriage.’

By the time this thought occurred to her, they had reached the garden. Seyard took in the sight of various spring flowers welcoming them.

“It truly is a splendid garden, Kisa.”

Kisa, not Lady Kisa. Unlike before, this indicated he was no longer acting. After confirming they were alone, Kisa looked at him.

“How did the conversation with Father go? Did he give permission for our marriage?”

Seyard’s lips curved into a gentle smile at her question.

“I’ve dangled the bait, but it’s hard to guarantee how your father will respond.”

“Bait?”

“There is such a thing.”

Though she asked several more times, he skillfully deflected the topic each time. Perhaps Seyard had offered something beneficial to the House of Vansfelt as a condition for approving their marriage? Land or money, perhaps. Once this occurred to her, it bothered her tremendously.

“Can’t you tell me?”

“It’s really nothing extraordinary. I simply suggested that Hillan might offer some assistance to the House of Vansfelt’s business ventures.”

Some assistance, he says. If Seyard put it that way, it must be so. From his perspective, there was no need to offer too great a price for a political marriage. After all, it was a relationship for mutual benefit.

“In any case, let’s wait and see. Your father seemed to be considering it.”

Did that mean there was hope? As Kisa felt relief wash over her, the man suggested they take a walk. He said they should look like they’re really taking a stroll so the Count wouldn’t be suspicious.

The two walked side by side along the garden path.

Now that her most pressing question was answered, Kisa became curious about more fundamental matters.

“How did all this happen? Could it be that Seyard… no, I’m sorry. Your Grace…”

“Please continue calling me Seyard, as before.”

“R-really?”

“Yes, I’d very much prefer it. To be honest, I’m not yet used to the grand title of Duke.”

“Ah, that makes sense. Anyway, I never dreamed that Seyard was the Duke of Hillan.”

He lowered his gaze apologetically.

“I’m sorry. However, I had no particular intention to deceive you.”

“I know. You were just playing along since I wanted to hide my family background.”

“Yes, and additionally, I worried that if you knew my position and detailed circumstances, you might not accept the marriage proposal.”

“Me?”

“I heard you were close to the Princess.”

Ah, he must have thought Kisa might prioritize her friendship with the Princess over breaking off her engagement. Well, there was no real possibility of that.

While Kisa quite liked her and served her as royalty, she had never once felt they were true friends. Friends should be somewhat equal, shouldn’t they?

But their relationship wasn’t like that, and the Princess had even exposed Kisa’s vulnerabilities at the tea party without permission.

She wasn’t sure of the exact reason why the Princess did that. She might have truly believed it was for Kisa’s benefit, or there could have been other hidden intentions.

The only thing Kisa knew for certain was that she would never again feel the same vague affection for the Princess as before.

“It’s fine. To get what you want, you have to accept some losses.”

Currently, her most important goal was breaking off her engagement with Daniel. For that purpose, she would set aside other considerations for now.

“Still, when I saw Seyard at our house today, I thought my heart would stop.”

“I feel quite ashamed about that.”

“By the way, how did you find out about our family? Did I leave some clue?”

“Well, actually, on both days I met you at the library, I noticed the Vansfelt carriage waiting nearby. Since few nobles spend much time at the library, it caught my attention.”

“Ah, I see. Looking back, I was quite clumsy about it, which is embarrassing.”

Why hadn’t it occurred to her that he might have seen the carriage with their family crest prominently displayed? Feeling her face flush, she quickly changed the subject.

“More importantly, did you have today’s events in mind from the moment you first gave me the opera tickets?”

“Yes, proposing marriage without ever meeting would be strange no matter how you look at it. I wanted to create an appropriate point of contact.”

Seyard stopped walking abruptly and smiled at Kisa.

“Isn’t it quite plausible? A rookie duke who happens to visit the opera house, encounters the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen in his life, falls completely for her, and ends up proposing.”

“What?”

“It’s quite an impulsive and reckless decision, but considering my background, it’s not incomprehensible. Many people don’t think I learned noble etiquette at the monastery. Moreover, throughout time and place, there are countless cases of men making hasty decisions when enchanted by beauty…”

No, that wasn’t the issue. Didn’t he just say something incredible about her being the most beautiful? He said it so naturally that for a moment she thought he was talking about someone else.

“What’s wrong, Kisa?”

Seyard tilted his head curiously when Kisa didn’t respond.

“Just now…”

“Just now?”

Kisa opened and closed her mouth before shaking her head.

“It’s nothing. Please forget it.”

She couldn’t bring herself to ask. Just remembering what he had said made her want to hide in a mouse hole.

If Seyard had shown obvious interest like countless men before him, it wouldn’t have been so disconcerting.

But his tone when saying Kisa was the most beautiful person he’d ever seen was utterly matter-of-fact.

Occasionally, there were those who tried to seduce naturally, as if adding water to water. However, in such cases, the persuasive words usually had metaphorical aspects, but his earlier statement was too direct and even obvious. If the speaker had been anyone but Seyard, Kisa would have sneered internally.

“Is that so? Well, shall we continue walking?”

Looking at the back of the man who walked ahead with such composure, she wondered what his intention was in saying such things. Not that watching his back would reveal his true thoughts.

They exchanged a few more words after that, but they were all about the contract marriage, and there was nothing that could be called romantic tension.

“Kisa, shall we first establish some basic principles regarding our contract?”

The principles they agreed upon after discussion were as follows:

First, the two would maintain their marriage for a mutually agreed-upon period.

Second, after that period, if either party desires divorce, they can terminate the relationship.

Third, as long as the marriage continues, both will faithfully perform their roles as spouses.

Fourth, however, these spousal roles do not include sexual activities such as conjugal relations.

They decided to meet separately later to draft a contract and discuss the details together.

How much time had passed? Suddenly checking his pocket watch, Seyard said he should leave.

“If we take too long, your father will send someone.”

“Ah, then let me escort you to the main gate-“

“It’s fine. The wind is quite chilly.”

He insisted that Kisa should go inside first.

“Kisa, don’t worry. Everything will work out.”

Those were Seyard’s final words as he watched her head toward the mansion entrance. She returned to her bedroom thinking how wonderful it would be if things went as he said.

Then she watched through the window as the black carriage carrying her visitor departed. For a long time.

****

It had been three days since Seyard’s secret visit. No particular changes had occurred at the Vansfelt townhouse.

Daniel was still Kisa’s fiancé, and the Count showed no sign of revealing his thoughts to his daughter.

Once during a shared meal, she tried to subtly probe his thoughts, but there was no luck in getting the Count to open his tightly sealed lips.

If there was one positive sign, it was that as Seyard had said, he seemed to be intensely considering something.

Kisa prayed fervently to God that these considerations would conclude in her favor.

However, there was someone interfering with her prayers.

“Miss! How long do you plan to ignore Young Master Daniel’s gift?”

It was her nanny who had been pestering Kisa for the past few days to try on the dress Daniel had sent.

She sighed, “Oh my!”

“What if your measurements have changed and it doesn’t fit? We need to try it on early to decide whether it needs alterations or replacement.”

“It doesn’t matter. I won’t wear it anyway.”

“Again! You’re being so stubborn like a child! I really don’t understand why you’re suddenly acting like this.”

The nanny crossed her arms firmly.

“Well then, I’ll have to tell the Count.”

“What?”

“The Count needs to know that you’ve been acting strange lately.”

“No!”

Kisa hurried after her nanny who was heading out of the room. It would be problematic if she disturbed the Count who had much on his mind about important matters.

Unfortunately, the Count was walking in the corridor right outside Kisa’s bedroom.

“Count! Please listen to me. You see, Young Master Daniel sent a dress, but Miss…”

The Count quietly observed the nanny as she spilled out details before Kisa could stop her. After she finished, he responded flatly.

“Let the child do as she pleases.”

“Yes, let Miss do as she… “

At that moment, the nanny’s eyes grew as big as saucers.

“W-what did you say?”

 

Chap 17

Count Vansfelt’s Concerns

“I said to let Kisa do as she pleases.”

When the Count repeated what he had just said, the nanny couldn’t hide her surprise. Letting her do as she pleases was completely opposite to the educational principles he had applied to his daughter throughout her life.

“But Count! It’s not just about the dress. Miss is refusing to attend the charity banquet!”

At those words, when the Count turned to look at Kisa, relief spread across the nanny’s face, as if things were finally going right.

However, his next words were enough to shock the nanny even more.

“Kisa, you don’t have to go to the banquet. No, don’t go.”

The nanny’s jaw dropped.

“Father…”

Joy welled up in Kisa’s chest. She vaguely sensed why her father’s attitude had changed.

“If you have something to ask me, follow me to my office now.”

The Count left after saying those words. As Kisa hurried to follow him, a thought crossed her mind and she turned back.

“Nanny! You heard what Father said? That dress Daniel gave me – throw it away right now!”

The nanny just watched her Miss running down the corridor with a bright smile, her eyes filled with confusion. It seemed that changes she found difficult to accept had come to the Vansfelt household.

“Have you made up your mind?”

As soon as they arrived at the Count’s office, Kisa asked with a flushed face from excitement. The Count silently nodded while sitting at his desk.

Breaking off the engagement. Something that had seemed impossible just a few days ago was now presenting itself before her.

Her clenched fist betrayed her overwhelming joy. Though she wanted to shout with excitement, Kisa deliberately spoke calmly.

“So will you now notify the Lowens family about breaking off the engagement?”

“Some time is needed. Unlike marriage, an engagement can be dissolved if one party wishes it, but to break it off without complications, there are things to prepare.”

“What are they?”

“We need to make them responsible for the broken engagement. That way, there will be fewer troublesome issues later. Public opinion will also be on our side.”

Though the Count had adamantly opposed breaking the engagement before, now that he had changed his mind, he was almost ruthlessly proactive. Even his long friendship with Marquis Lowens didn’t seem to stand in his way.

‘Well, he’s the type who sees even his own daughter as a tool for expanding family influence.’

Thinking this aspect was quite typical of the father she knew, Kisa asked:

“Could Daniel’s close relationship with another woman, who isn’t his fiancée, be grounds for breaking the engagement?”

“Well, that depends on how we frame the story. Actually, after you first told me about this, I had someone follow him, and he was indeed going around quite a bit with that woman.”

“…I see.”

Though she had guessed he would investigate various aspects, having someone follow Daniel showed just how thorough he was.

“Thanks to him being so brazen about it, rumors are starting to spread.”

She hadn’t known that. Apparently, people weren’t just gossiping about Kisa and Daniel because of what happened at the Princess’s tea party.

“It would have been better if there were a love child or two with that woman, but this is enough material. Even if Daniel claims it’s purely friendship like he did here before, not many people would believe it. In society’s eyes, that kind of relationship is romantic.”

Her feelings were somewhat complicated. While it was satisfying that Daniel’s brazen behavior would be his downfall, it was bitter to learn that someone she once loved was so close with another woman.

Moreover, it hurt that the Count had been willing to accept Daniel’s friendship excuse despite knowing all this.

But there was no need to reveal these inner thoughts at this point.

“Anyway, you don’t need to worry about anything, Kisa. I’ll handle the engagement dissolution preparations in consultation with Duke Hillan.”

She didn’t want to pour cold water on the Count’s cooperative attitude.

“Thank you, Father.”

Count Vansfelt rubbed his brow upon receiving her thanks.

“There’s no need to thank me.”

His tone suggested he wanted to say: This isn’t for your happiness.

“Still, I’m happy that the engagement will be broken.”

“…Do you hate marrying Daniel that much?”

The Count looked up at his daughter’s face with dry eyes.

“That story about falling in love with Duke Hillan at first sight – it’s a lie, isn’t it? It doesn’t match your sensitive and cautious personality.”

Kisa remained silent, unsure how to respond. The Count didn’t seem to expect an answer as he continued speaking.

“Honestly, though I shouldn’t say this after already deciding to break the engagement, considering your personality, I think you’d be closer to happiness choosing Daniel over Duke Hillan.”

“Why do you think that? How could I be happy marrying Daniel, who associates with other women while having a fiancée?”

“At least you’ve known Daniel for over ten years. But you and the Duke just met a few days ago, and you don’t know what kind of person he is.”

The Count leaned back loosely in his chair.

“He may be showering you with passionate love now, but who knows when he might fall in love at first sight with another woman he happens to meet. I hear he’s known for his eccentric behavior.”

“Eccentric?”

“Yes, just the fact that after inheriting his title, he first appeared at an opera house rather than an official venue isn’t normal. And then throwing large sums of money at opera singers.”

“Se… Duke Hillan did that?”

“You didn’t know? Right after the performance, he went to the dressing rooms, said he was moved by their acting, and gave them 20,000 dini each on the spot. The lead got 100,000 dini.”

Kisa was stunned by the unexpected amounts. Just how much was that in total?

Even her allowance, as a member of the wealthy Vansfelt family, didn’t reach 10,000 dini. Though admittedly, the Count was known for being frugal among nobles.

“That’s not all. Yesterday, he went to an auction house and bought a small island in the Sysna region.”

“An island?”

As she heard the details, that island was apparently famous for being coveted by Margrave Godina, and a bidding war broke out during the auction, resulting in a final price more than double the estimated value. Kisa couldn’t believe her ears when she heard the final bid amount.

After listing several more of the new Duke Hillan’s eccentric behaviors – or in other words, wasteful spending – the Count clicked his tongue.

“Because of this, public perception of Seyard Hillan has become that of a reckless nouveau riche, a playboy unsuited to the noble House of Hillan.”

“I… I didn’t know that. I had no idea.”

Though she read the morning paper daily, she hadn’t paid attention to such gossip, and she had fallen out with Melissa, who had been her main source of social information. She essentially had no channel to hear news about Seyard.

It was surprising. But not disappointing. How Seyard used his wealth was his business, and Kisa was convinced he was acting.

The man she had seen with her own eyes was thoughtful and far from being showy.

‘This must be part of his script too.’

Thinking about it carefully, it made much more sense for a frivolous Duke Hillan, rather than a serious one, to propose to a woman he merely glimpsed at an opera house.

Though she hadn’t expected him to go this far, what arose in Kisa’s heart was admiration rather than bewilderment. How bold and thorough he was.

“I understand what you’re worried about, Father. But my feelings won’t change.”

Kisa met the Count’s gaze directly.

“My happiness lies with Duke Hillan, not Daniel, so please don’t worry anymore. I promise. I’ll live well with him.”

Until the end of our contracted period, Kisa swallowed these words. The Count didn’t need to know their marriage was based on a contract.

“…No, you don’t understand what I’m worried about.”

The Count suddenly lowered his voice.

“What concerns me isn’t Seyard Hillan’s childish behavior. It’s the fact that he’s Vischer Hillan’s brother.”

“What?”

“I can’t believe Vischer Hillan’s twin brother could be such a wastrel.”

For a moment, her heart skipped a beat. The Count seemed to sense something off about Seyard’s behavior. He truly was no ordinary person.

However, he was also someone who tended to believe only what he saw.

“Well, these are just my concerns. I might be oversensitive after worrying about this matter for days. Anyway, I understand your intentions clearly.”

Afterward, the Count dismissed Kisa, and she returned to her room.

And the conversation she had with her father that day strangely lingered in her heart.

****

On a certain day while Count Vansfelt was busy laying groundwork for his daughter’s engagement dissolution, Kisa went out to the bustling streets for the first time in a while.

Though she had avoided going out since learning Daniel’s truth due to the sadness and indignation building in her heart, today she had quite important business.

“Hmm, which one would be better?”

In a store specializing in handkerchiefs, Kisa contemplated between two pieces. Either would suit Seyard well.

She wanted to give him something in return for helping with breaking off her engagement and for the opera tickets she had received recently, and a handkerchief had come to mind.

The handkerchief he had given her when she was crying before.

Kisa had accepted it thinking she would return it after washing, but during their last meeting, she had been too surprised by his identity as Duke Hillan to think about the handkerchief.

Then while considering what to give in return, she thought of handkerchiefs again. What if she gave him a new one as a gift?

Actually, she felt embarrassed about returning a handkerchief that had been soiled with her bodily fluids.

‘There was snot on it too…’

Anyway, just as she was deliberating between the two candidates she had narrowed down…

“This one.”

A hand suddenly appeared from behind, pointing to the navy blue handkerchief on the right.

“This one suits me better.”

Daniel, who had somehow appeared behind Kisa, grinned.

 

Chap 18

Choosing a Handkerchief

“Daniel!”

Kisa hurriedly moved away from the man who had been standing close to her.

“Why are you here?”

Daniel shrugged at her guarded question.

“What else would I be doing at a handkerchief shop except buying handkerchiefs?”

This arrogant man came to buy such a modest gift like a handkerchief in person without sending a servant?

While it might be understandable for his beloved Hazel, it was hard to accept that he just happened to be here at the same time as Kisa.

“You’re lying. You followed me, didn’t you?”

“What? My lady seems quite self-conscious.”

Though Daniel mocked her, this was a bustling district full of high-end shops that he frequently visited. He must have spotted Kisa by chance and followed her.

“Go about your business. Don’t bother people unnecessarily.”

“I told you, I came to buy handkerchiefs. And while I’m at it, I can give you some advice on choosing my gift.”

“Your gift?”

Kisa blinked a couple of times before fully understanding Daniel’s meaning. A sound of exasperation escaped her lips as it was so absurd.

“What nonsense are you talking about? There’s no way I would give you a gift in the first place.”

However, her words had no effect on the man full of arrogance.

“Stop denying it. From what I can see, it’s a men’s handkerchief, and who else would you be giving it to except me? Especially coming all the way here to choose it personally.”

“It could be a gift for my father.”

“Isn’t the Count’s birthday still far away?”

“Is there a rule that says I can only give gifts on birthdays?”

“Ah, I see. Has your father-daughter relationship improved dramatically without my knowledge?”

His smooth mockery showed he clearly didn’t believe it.

Daniel quickly snatched up the handkerchief he had pointed to earlier from the display and held it out to Kisa.

“I told you this one suits me? Come on, pay for it.”

“If you want it so badly, buy it with your own money.”

“It’s strange for me to buy my own gift.”

“As I said before, it’s not your gift.”

“Then who is it for? Actually, when you first came in, I heard you asking the clerk to recommend a handkerchief suitable for a young man.”

“You have quite the nasty habit of eavesdropping.”

Though Kisa’s response was thoroughly sarcastic, Daniel just continued with his own agenda.

“Stop putting on airs. Don’t I know you? Besides me, what other young man are you close enough with to give such an intimate gift?”

“There is someone.”

“Who? Your brother who lives in another region and is distant from his sister? Or relatives you haven’t seen in years?”

Damn, Daniel knew her circumstances too well to keep denying it. In fact, until recently, his words would have been true.

Although she frequently attended social events, she had maintained an almost excessive distance from men.

The conservative Count had taught that this was the duty of an engaged woman, and Kisa had faithfully followed her father’s teachings.

No… Even if the Count hadn’t taught her so, she probably would have behaved the same way. For that cursed man’s sake.

Looking back now, it made her furious. While she had maintained her fidelity alone, her fiancé had made eternal vows to another woman. She must have been crazy, completely crazy. What kind of wealth and glory was she expecting?

“Tell me. Who is it?”

Looking at his irritating, smug face, her mouth itched to speak. She wanted to burst out saying that she would soon break off their engagement, that the handkerchief’s owner wasn’t someone like him.

Of course, that was out of the question. Patience was needed to achieve a more favorable breakup. They couldn’t let the Lowens side notice and respond.

“Oh, are you ignoring me?”

When Kisa turned away, deciding that ignoring him was the best response, Daniel whistled.

“Still such a proud lady. Even though you came here to choose a reconciliation gift for me.”

Ah, this was unbearable. Kisa finally turned to glare at Daniel and asked.

“Reconciliation? Us?”

“Yes, isn’t that right?”

“Are you really crazy? It’s beyond my comprehension. Why would I give you a reconciliation gift?”

“Since I extended my hand first, you probably thought you’d accept it graciously.”

“When did you extend your hand?”

That genuinely curious question received an unexpected answer.

“You received the dress I sent. The dress for the charity gathering.”

Only then did she recall the dress with its bluish tint. Daniel drooped his thick eyebrows in an obviously playful pout.

“Actually, I didn’t feel good about parting ways with you like that. I didn’t mean to say such things, but you kept bringing up Hazel.”

“…And?”

“So I thought. That I should extend the olive branch first.”

His voice became somehow intimate as he bent down to whisper near her ear.

“Listen, Kisa. Let’s go back to having a decent relationship like before. What good would it do us to keep being hostile to each other?”

He naturally wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

“After all, you and I will become husband and wife, right?”

Her neck prickled with goosebumps. Because his embrace was horrifying, and because it wasn’t entirely horrifying.

The moment she recognized this fact, she hurriedly broke free from his grip.

“Don’t touch me. It’s disgusting.”

For the first time, Daniel’s relaxed smile disappeared.

“Your way of speaking has become quite rough?”

“Yes, I learned it from someone who said his fiancée was too stupid and beneath his level. It feels good to stop using only polite words, to the point where I regret being so courteous all this time.”

“Are you going to bring up things I already apologized for?”

She hadn’t thought she’d received an apology from Daniel, but thinking about it again, maybe she had. Very carelessly, in passing.

Daniel’s expression became serious as if he was getting annoyed.

“Isn’t it enough that I apologized and extended my hand first? What more do you want from me?”

“To never appear before me again.”

“You still haven’t given up? We’re engaged whether you refuse it or not.”

That engagement would be broken soon. Completely unaware of this fact, the man was under the delusion that he would always maintain the upper hand.

“It seems you’re angry because you’re embarrassed about being caught choosing my gift, but be smart about this. Think about what attitude would truly benefit you.”

There’s no point in talking to someone who won’t listen. Kisa let Daniel ramble on his own and continued looking at handkerchiefs.

She could quickly decide what to give as a gift. Looking at it again, the plain navy handkerchief that Daniel had liked wasn’t particularly pretty.

Kisa called the clerk and paid for a black handkerchief with sophisticated patterns instead.

“I’ll take this one too.”

But as soon as the payment was finished, Daniel, who had been quiet until then, called the clerk. In his hand were two women’s handkerchiefs with red ribbons on white fabric.

Without even properly listening to the price, he tossed a gold coin to the clerk – far too much for handkerchiefs – and approached her.

Then he arbitrarily placed one of the handkerchiefs he bought in Kisa’s hand.

“Here, a gift.”

“…What?”

Daniel raised the corner of his mouth as he watched her slow reaction due to confusion.

“A reconciliation gift. The dress wasn’t enough, apparently, so I’ll give you that.”

He put the other handkerchief in his pocket and headed toward the exit.

“See you next time. Ah, don’t forget to come to the charity gathering. And make sure to wear that dress.”

Kisa quickly realized why Daniel had bought two women’s handkerchiefs. She also knew who the other one was for.

That person had a personality that couldn’t stand to let anything slide; if his feelings were hurt, he couldn’t help but retaliate in full.

Angered by this attempt to provoke her, Kisa shouted at his retreating figure.

“I already threw away the dress you gave me!”

“Sure, sure. I’ll pick you up that day.”

Believing it to be mere bravado, Daniel just waved his hand without looking back.

“Who says I’m going with you?”

“Well, we’ll see about that when the time comes.”

His voice was full of confidence, not doubting for a moment that everything would go according to his will.

****

They say life alternates between good and bad events. The day after Kisa returned home in a low mood after encountering Daniel while shopping for Seyard’s handkerchief…

Count Vansfelt called his daughter to his office as usual and showed her a magazine.

It was a magazine that specialized in low-quality gossip about celebrities, something Kisa normally wouldn’t even glance at.

“This is…”

Kisa’s eyes flashed as she scanned the open page.

{A noble young master’s bold affair despite having a fiancée? The shocking identity of the woman who captured him!}

The article, clearly referring to Daniel, took up considerable space. For reference, there was even an illustration below that appeared to depict Daniel and Hazel.

“Although it’s a third-rate magazine, there’s a clear difference between mere rumors and something appearing in print. Besides, many nobles secretly read this magazine.”

His face was completely businesslike.

“I plan to send the formal engagement dissolution notice in exactly two days.”

It was extremely welcome news. Kisa waited eagerly for time to pass, her heart pounding.

Two days later, the Count sent the engagement dissolution notice to the Lowens’ townhouse as he had said.

And less than half a day later, Daniel came to visit. It was the first time she had seen him lose his composure like this.

 

Chap 19

Breaking Off the Engagement

When Kisa heard from her nanny that Daniel had visited the mansion, she was reading letters sent by people in her room.

“I don’t know why, but he seemed very displeased. I’ve never seen Young Master Daniel so angry before!”

The nanny, who had encountered Daniel on her way, asked with a terrified expression.

“Could it be that he found out about Miss throwing away that dress? There’s no other reason for him to be angry. Oh my, I tried so hard to stop you! I really didn’t want to throw it away!”

The nanny, who had to dispose of the dress sent by Daniel under Kisa’s orders, complained miserably.

Since the information that Count Vansfelt had sent a letter breaking off the engagement to the Lowens was known only to a few people in the Count’s mansion, it was understandable for her to make such a mistake.

“So where is Daniel now?”

“He went to the Count’s study with a frightening expression, so they must be talking right now.”

“Is that so?”

“More importantly, Miss, hurry and apologize to the young master. If he confronts you, even the Count will regret letting you have your way back then. We can get a similar dress made, after all.”

Kisa fell into thought for a moment, then calmly said to the nanny who was afraid the blame might fall on her.

“Why should I go?”

“Pardon?”

“Didn’t you say Daniel is talking with Father? Then doesn’t that mean he has business with Father?”

“Well, that’s true… but Miss, you always used to run to him whenever Daniel came to visit.”

That’s because I liked him. Because I wanted to spend as much time as possible with my fiancé who had many friends, many gatherings, many interests, and sometimes needed time alone. Looking back, her love had been quite one-sided.

“I did. But I’m not going to do that anymore.”

Kisa turned back to the letter she was holding and said firmly.

“I’m going to do my own things. Why should I care if he barges in unannounced? We didn’t even have an appointment.”

“Why are you suddenly acting like this? He’s Daniel, whom you care for so much. Are you really not going to see him?”

The nanny, who had watched over Kisa since she was an infant, couldn’t hide her confusion at this unexpected behavior.

Perhaps until now, she had interpreted all of Kisa’s negative reactions toward Daniel as mere sulking toward an unaffectionate fiancé.

“If he wants to see me, he can come himself.”

After tilting her head while watching Kisa for a while, the nanny said she would go check on the situation and left the room. Even Kisa’s statement that Daniel’s visit wasn’t about the dress couldn’t stop her.

About half an hour passed after that. Just as Kisa, who had finished skimming through the letters’ contents, was looking for stationery to write replies, the nanny returned.

“The Count and Young Master Daniel seem to be fighting!”

The pale-faced nanny said she heard the two men arguing with raised voices inside the Count’s study. To be more precise, the one raising his voice was only Daniel.

“The young master was demanding how could you do this to him, what your intentions were, and such. Given that the Lowens were mentioned, it must be a very serious matter!”

“What did Father say in response?”

“I couldn’t hear clearly, but he seemed to be speaking rather coldly. It wasn’t the tone he usually uses to soothe the young master.”

He was doing well according to plan. She could clearly picture him sitting like a statue, not even blinking, no matter how much Daniel pressed him.

Kisa, who had encountered her father’s such demeanor countless times, could imagine it all too well. Daniel must be dying of frustration right now.

“Anyway, Miss. This isn’t the time to be stubborn about not wanting to attend charity gatherings. I don’t know what you fought with Young Master Daniel about, but if you provoke him now, it’ll really-“

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Before the nanny could finish speaking, someone roughly knocked on the door. There was only one person in this mansion who would knock so rudely.

“Kisa, it’s me! We need to talk!”

Sure enough, Daniel Lowens’ angry voice came from behind the door.

“Yes, Young Master. Right now–”

“Wait.”

Kisa stopped the nanny who was reflexively about to open the door, approached it herself, and spoke calmly.

“Daniel? What brings you here?”

From beyond the door, Daniel replied in an incredulous tone.

“You’re asking because you don’t know? Don’t try to play innocent. I heard from your father. You know about it too.”

“Well, I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”

As she deliberately played innocent, his returning voice became sharper than before.

“The father and daughter are intentionally provoking my temper. Anyway, come out. I need a proper explanation.”

As the doorknob began to turn, Kisa firmly gripped it.

“Hey, what are you doing?”

“That’s what I should be asking, Daniel Lowens. Does the Lowens family teach that it’s acceptable to open someone else’s door without permission?”

“What?”

“If you want to meet me, wait in the reception room.”

“…Kisa, are you joking with me right now?”

“This isn’t a joke, it’s a matter of manners. You’ve not only barged into someone’s house without notice but are also trying to disrupt my scheduled activities.”

Daniel remained silent for a moment, apparently too dumbfounded to speak.

“I’ll make time for you out of consideration for our past relationship, so wait in the reception room. I can meet you after I finish what I’m doing now.”

“What? Miss, couldn’t you write the letters later?”

The nanny’s tactless interjection was welcome at this moment. It gave her the opportunity to say this in front of Daniel.

“Nanny, replying to those who wrote letters worrying about me is a very important matter. It should take priority over most other things.”

The man who belonged to those “other things” growled lowly.

“Kisa Vansfelt, you.”

“If you don’t want to wait in the reception room, you can leave. Nobody will stop you.”

“Don’t push it. Since when did we become the type to stand on ceremony?”

“Indeed, why didn’t you maintain boundaries when we weren’t standing on ceremony? Because you were too casual, I’m going to start being formal from now on.”

“So you want me to go to the reception room and wait quietly until you come?”

“Finally, you understand. You’re not as smart as I thought.”

“And you’re better at getting under people’s skin than I thought.”

“I told you, I learned from you.”

He let out an irritated sigh. Eventually, the sound of Daniel taking deep breaths could be heard, as if trying to calm his rising temper.

Considering the possibility that Daniel might lose his temper and open the door at will, Kisa stepped back from the doorway. She hadn’t locked it, so he could enter if he tried.

However, even as time passed, no such thing happened. It seems he at least had enough manners not to intrude into a lady’s room uninvited.

“Fine, I get it. Manners? Alright, I’ll observe them.”

Suddenly Daniel laughed, “Ha ha.” It was a laugh that didn’t sound amused at all.

“I’ll be waiting in the reception room, so make sure you come.”

Then came the sound of deliberately heavy footsteps. When they could no longer be heard, the nanny exclaimed.

“What are you really trying to do!”

“…What else? As I said before, I’m going to write my replies.”

Kisa answered while sitting at her desk. But her hand holding the pen trembled. It wasn’t from the tension of dealing with an angry Daniel, but from satisfaction.

‘To think he would lose control of his anger like that!’

Moreover, Kisa had managed to throw Daniel off balance during their conversation, leaving him at a loss for words. It was worth staying up all night thinking about how to respond when he would come rushing to confront her after confirming the letter breaking off their engagement.

It felt like she had somewhat avenged the humiliation of being called stupid in front of another woman that day.

But this isn’t enough. That mountain-like pride of his needs more wounds.

Kisa hummed while writing her replies. To be honest, most of the letter writers weren’t genuinely worried about Kisa but rather wanted to confirm if the article in the latest gossip magazine was true.

Letters that would have normally displeased her seemed lovely this time. Even the letter from Melissa, with whom she had fallen out.

Therefore, Kisa wrote her replies carefully. When her hand hurt from writing, she took leisurely breaks, asked a maid to bring her tea, and even fiddled with her violin out of boredom.

Only the nanny watching from the side couldn’t stay still. After glancing at the wall clock several times, she asked.

“Shouldn’t you be going now?”

“Yes, I’ll go in a little while.”

“Oh my, you’ve been saying that all this time! It’s already been two hours since Young Master Daniel went to the reception room.”

“What? Only two hours?”

“……”

“Time sure moves slowly, unexpectedly.”

After pondering something deeply for a moment, Kisa spoke.

“I wonder if Daniel is still in the reception room?”

“I’ll go check right away!”

Before Kisa could say anything, the nanny’s face brightened as she left the room. She returned in the blink of an eye after going to the reception room.

“He’s still there, though a bit angry! I told him you’d be coming soon!”

“Oh? But I can’t go for a while.”

“Pardon?”

In front of the wide-eyed nanny, she opened today’s newspaper.

“No matter how busy one is, one should keep up with how the world is turning.”

“…Good heavens.”

“It’s fine. Since he came barging in without an appointment, Daniel should understand this much.”

With those words, Kisa began reading the newspaper word by word.

 

Chap 20

Daniel’s Rage

“There’s always something interesting happening in the world.”

After carefully reading even the uninteresting articles, Kisa closed the newspaper as there was nothing left to read.

The nanny, who had been anxiously watching her, brightened up.

“Now you’ll go meet Young Master Daniel, won’t you?”

“No, I’m going to read this now.”

Smiling brightly, Kisa held up a magazine with provocative text and flashy illustrations on its cover.

It was the same magazine that had featured an article about Daniel a few days ago. When Kisa asked to take it with her to read in more detail, the Count handed it over without comment.

“Oh, Miss……”

Leaving the nanny whose expression instantly deflated, Kisa turned the pages of the magazine. She had only skimmed through everything except Daniel’s article before, but now she intended to read it properly.

Since it was her first time reading such a lowbrow magazine directly, she felt somewhat excited.

Soon after, Kisa could feel a gentle shock from experiencing this new culture. My goodness, she couldn’t believe such a world existed.

It was far more detailed and sensually stimulating than the behind-the-scenes social news she occasionally heard through Melissa.

Of course, while there were many articles written in a “believe it or not” style and purely for entertainment, so they shouldn’t be blindly trusted, it was honestly entertaining.

Kisa eagerly read through all the gossip after setting aside the articles that seemed completely unreliable.

Among them, the most interesting article was about the king of the distant Chamal Kingdom searching for a new queen. She remembered seeing related articles in the newspaper.

The announcement of remarriage plans less than two weeks after the previous queen’s death seemed excessive even for a king, but the story in the magazine was even more outrageous.

According to the article, His Majesty the King of Chamal, who was plagued by suspicions of banishing his first wife for not bearing a son and causing the death of his second wife due to her endless infidelity, hopes for a young and beautiful third wife.

Moreover, according to information obtained by this magazine through a reliable source, he reportedly lamented in private that his marriages repeatedly failed because Chamal women were strong-willed and didn’t know how to serve their husbands…

Anyway, as he declared his intention to take a foreigner as his third wife, expectations are rising that the new Queen of Chamal might come from our Sorbi Kingdom.

“What garbage.” Kisa inadvertently voiced her thoughts out loud. Yes, no matter how you look at it, the King of Chamal is garbage.

His womanizing and personality issues were well-known facts, frequently discussed even here in a foreign country.

“I hope his remarriage fails.”

Otherwise, the woman who marries him would be too pitiful. Even if she bears children, they would have no chance at succession since the princes and princesses from the previous queen were already grown. Being a foreign queen, she would likely be isolated as neither the ministers nor the people would welcome her.

Above all, her husband would be a woman-obsessed scoundrel.

Although Chamal Kingdom’s national power was weaker than Sorbi’s, the royal family, including the king, was wealthy thanks to several gold mines owned by the royal family.

While material compensation would be generously provided to both the bride and her family, it didn’t seem likely that the new queen’s life would be happy. It was just the bride’s family striking it rich. This was practically human sacrifice.

“Um, Miss.”

At that moment, Kisa snapped out of her thoughts at the nanny’s cautious voice. The nanny had apparently checked the reception room’s situation again while Kisa was absorbed in the gossip magazine.

“Young Master Daniel is still here. It’s been almost four hours now.”

“Four hours? Oh my, it’s already dinner time.”

“Miss!”

“Okay, okay. I’m joking.”

Although the Count had permitted the broken engagement, he wasn’t the type to deny Daniel even a single meal.

However, Kisa wasn’t particularly happy about dining at the same table as Daniel. After all, meals should be eaten comfortably.

“I’ll go to the reception room now. Satisfied?”

“Oh! You’ve made the right decision!”

“But before that, there’s something I need you to do.”

“What is it?”

“Well…”

After sending the nanny on an errand, Kisa headed to the reception room on the first floor.

As the face of the mansion, the reception room was elegantly decorated under the Count’s meticulous management. Currently, however, it was filled with acrid smoke.

Cough, cough. Kisa rushed to the window and threw it wide open. Daniel, who had been practically lying on the chair, chuckled.

“Finally here?”

He put down his still-burning cigar in an ashtray already full of smoked ones.

“I thought I’d die of boredom waiting.”

Though his tone was playful, his lips were twisted into a fierce expression. The man rose from his seat and slowly approached Kisa.

“Why didn’t you just go home? I wouldn’t have minded.”

“How could I? When the precious Miss Vansfelt would come to meet me.”

“You’re just being stubborn.”

He had stayed in the reception room for four full hours, neither returning home nor coming up to Kisa’s room again, just waiting for her.

For Daniel, giving up and retreating was more damaging to his pride than being treated as an unwelcome guest.

What a sore loser he was. Despite his menacing eyes, he was forcing something resembling a smile – likely for the same reason.

“Anyway, could you just briefly state your business? I need to go eat dinner soon.”

Kisa held out her hand to stop Daniel from coming any closer when he had reached a point several steps away.

“And you smell. How many cigars did you smoke in someone else’s house? Your manners are terrible.”

Daniel stopped in his tracks and raised both arms to shoulder height.

“My, my. You’re being too harsh to your loving fiancé.”

“Good grief. What fiancé? We’ve already exchanged letters of broken engagement.”

At the mention of broken engagement, the smile completely vanished from Daniel’s face.

“No, do you think our family would accept such a thing? I’m still your fiancé. And so are you.”

“What difference does it make if the Lowens don’t accept it? It’s just an engagement, not marriage. It’s a relationship that ends the moment one side breaks it off.”

It was true. The reason noble society avoided broken engagements was due to concerns about deteriorating relationships with the other family and public opinion, not because engagements had any particular binding force.

“As written in the letter accompanying the broken engagement document, I gave you two days’ time because your family needs time to accept it. The news of our broken engagement will be announced to the world the day after tomorrow, and then everyone will know.”

Kisa shrugged her shoulders just as Daniel often did and smiled victoriously.

“The fact that Kisa Vansfelt and Daniel Lowens are no longer anything to each other.”

Daniel showed an unexpectedly calm response of expressionless silence, but judging by the slight twitching of his mouth, his inner state wasn’t as calm.

“…Know your limits, Kisa.”

“I am knowing my limits. I wanted to slap you a few times, but I ended it with just breaking the engagement.”

“I’m not in the mood to play word games with you right now.”

“Neither am I. I just want to eat dinner.”

“Ha,” he sighed while looking at the floor, as if trying to swallow his resentment.

“You need to know that I’m being very lenient with you.”

At that moment, the Count’s face overlapped with his image, making Kisa’s heart stutter.

When his daughter caused problems or disappointed him, the Count would sigh like that and say similar things. He would say, do you know how lenient I’m being with you compared to your brother who will inherit the family?

Because of such memories, Kisa would instinctively shrink before angry or authoritative men. And the current Daniel qualified as both.

‘No. I can’t let him look down on me this time too.’

Kisa took a deep breath and recalled the day she first learned about Hazel’s existence. The anger and misery of that time, and finally the desire to return these feelings, instantly revived.

“What exactly are you being lenient about?”

To hide the fact that she was intimidated, she deliberately glared at Daniel even more.

“Tell me. What are you being lenient about?”

Daniel clicked his tongue at such a Kisa, as if she were the most shameless person in the world.

“Thanks to you leaving me stuck here, I’ve been sitting there thinking. Thank you. As my head cleared, various things came to mind.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“That article in that extremely scandalous third-rate magazine a few days ago. Your father planted it, didn’t he?”

Although it was obvious which article he was referring to, she decided to pretend not to know. There was nothing particularly good about revealing the truth.

“What? What article?”

“Don’t play dumb. I wondered what gutsy person would write such an article. Usually, they come to our family first to demand hush money.”

“I really don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Fine, you and your father will deny it till the end. But you picked the wrong target. You should have ended it with attacking just me.”

Daniel ground his teeth and glared.

“How dare you drag innocent Hazel into this?”

It was the first time seeing Daniel express such anger since he had matured.

“Do you know how much harm Hazel is suffering because of that article? She can’t even open her tea shop because there are so many people snooping around.”

Hazel, the woman with whom he had sworn eternal friendship. She was clearly Daniel Lowens’ sore spot.