If You Wish to Have Me - Chapter 51-60

Chap 51

The Princess’s Tea Party

In the blink of an eye, the day Kisa had to attend the princess’s tea party arrived.

During that time, Kisa spent her days either exposing her affectionate relationship with Seyard to numerous people while dating or preparing for the upcoming engagement ceremony.

Daniel had sent several letters claiming he would arrange for her to meet a witness who knew about Seyard’s past, but she merely skimmed through them and ignored them all.

She would trust the Seyard she had come to know. That was Kisa’s conclusion.

“You look lovely today, Kisa.”

Those were the first words Seyard uttered when he visited the Vansfelt townhouse on a sunny afternoon.

As Marsha blushed at the romantic gesture beside her, Kisa deliberately lowered her gaze and murmured.

“Oh, Seyard…”

After the concert held at the Darion mansion, he occasionally blurted out words he had used that day to escape troublesome questions.

He claimed it was for a more perfect performance, but judging by his smile that seemed to deepen whenever Kisa showed embarrassment, it was clearly meant to tease her.

This revealed another fact about Seyard Hillan. He had quite a mischievous personality.

“Have a good day, miss!”

“Yes, see you later.”

After saying goodbye to Marsha, Kisa left the mansion with Seyard.

While walking to the gate where the Duke Hillan’s carriage was parked, Seyard lowered his voice and asked.

“Are you very nervous?”

Kisa answered weakly.

“Honestly, I can’t say I’m not. I wonder how the princess will react…”

The two ladies she had met at the recent concert had been so hostile to Kisa for the princess’s sake, so she couldn’t even imagine how the princess herself would be.

Moreover, Melissa, with whom her relationship had soured, would also be at the tea party, and the other ladies would surely side with the princess, not Kisa.

The thought of sitting around a table with several people who held animosity toward her and having to eat refreshments made her wonder if everything would get stuck in her throat.

Above all, she felt uneasy thinking about the sense of loss Princess Arta must be feeling.

Although she had exposed Kisa and Daniel’s affair on her own, her affection for her deceased fiancé seemed genuine.

Hadn’t she secluded herself in the palace, ceasing all social activities after Vischer Hillan’s death?

‘She’s also lost weight.’

Perhaps the princess had tried to comfort her grief by marrying Seyard, who greatly resembled her fiancé.

Of course, even though they were twins, they were clearly different people, so it couldn’t be said to be the right method, but it might have been desperate for her.

Apart from not regretting accepting Seyard’s contract marriage proposal, Kisa was inwardly concerned about this aspect of the princess.

Would it be selfish to wish that she could break free from the past and find new love?

“Here, Kisa.”

At that moment, Seyard, who had reached the carriage, extended his hand to escort her.

However, when Kisa took his hand, he gazed at her intently.

Looking at the puzzled Kisa, Seyard applied just enough pressure on her hand not to hurt her.

“Don’t worry too much. Everything will be fine.”

Facing his gentle smile, she recalled when he had said the same words before.

It was what he had told her just before they parted ways on the day she first learned about Seyard’s identity.

Those words had given courage to Kisa when she was trying to escape from Daniel, who had angrily visited the Vansfelt mansion after their engagement was broken.

It was because of that gentle encouragement that she had been able to say what she wanted to say.

And now too, somehow, she felt that everything would be fine as he said.

Although it was just a vague feeling without any clear basis, she felt that way.

“You’re right. Everything will be fine.”

So Kisa replied with the answer she couldn’t give then, raising the corners of her mouth.

In the carriage heading to the palace, Seyard, sitting opposite Kisa, suggested an extremely simple solution.

“Just hand over the invitation and leave immediately.”

“No, that’s a bit…”

Saying so, Kisa fidgeted with the handbag placed on her lap.

The invitation he mentioned was inside this bag. It was the invitation to their engagement ceremony.

For reference, other invitations for guests selected by Kisa and Seyard were being delivered collectively by the Hillan ducal house.

But this one card that Kisa had specially brought out, she wanted to hand to the princess personally.

If it had to be given anyway, it seemed more courteous to give it by her own hand while inviting her.

Despite the uncomfortable circumstances involved, it would be inappropriate not to invite a direct royal family member to the engagement ceremony of someone as significant as the Duke of Hillan.

It was proper to extend the invitation even if the princess chose not to attend.

Facing Kisa, who had a determined look, Seyard advised.

“Staying there longer will only make it harder for you. It’s better to just accomplish your purpose quickly and leave.”

While it wasn’t wrong, how could she abruptly leave a tea party she was invited to by the princess without permission?

“You can feign illness. Or say that an urgent matter has come up.”

As if reading Kisa’s thoughts, Seyard made improper suggestions with a calm face.

“Ah, or it wouldn’t be bad to say that I called for you.”

“That’s also…”

“Kisa, just leave the aftermath to me. I’ll take care of everything.”

It was an incredibly attractive proposal, just like his smiling face.

However, Kisa firmly shook her head.

“No. I can’t always depend on Seyard.”

After all, she couldn’t live comfortably under his shadow forever.

Although it might be far in the future, Kisa needed to think about life after parting with Seyard.

Their relationship was fundamentally established based on a contract with a set ending.

Of course, a significant amount of human connection had built up between them, but he was a man carrying the burden of a great family and would eventually need to marry and have heirs.

Kisa’s role was to faithfully perform the duties of a wife until he found a woman he liked, and then quietly disappear to live her own life.

‘Seyard told me I could leave first if I ever wanted a different life, but how could I do that after all the kindness he’s shown me?’

When Kisa disappeared, he would immediately face marriage pressure from those around him, and leaving the position of duchess vacant would be troublesome in many ways.

At least until he found someone to fill the duchess position as if taking turns…

For some reason, she suddenly felt pain in her solar plexus.

After briefly searching for the reason, Kisa concluded it was due to imagining a future that seemed so bleak.

That was because parting with Seyard meant facing the world alone.

Count Vansfelt would never forgive a daughter who divorced at her own whim, and Kisa had no intention whatsoever of returning to the Vansfelt family.

She would live freely in a new life.

To achieve that grand dream, she needed to diligently prepare to stand on her own.

‘When I marry Seyard, I’ll try to learn various things.’

Currently, with her father’s watchful eye, it was difficult to do anything frivolous, but Seyard had promised to provide Kisa with freedom. He said he wouldn’t interfere with her private life as long as she fulfilled her role as duchess.

So she planned to figure out means to support herself while staying at the Hillan ducal house.

Her top priority was to develop the ability to take care of herself before the contract period ended.

‘If I can do that…’

She would be able to live a life of her own, not possessed by either Count Vansfelt or Daniel.

Kisa tried to suppress her inner anxiety by deliberately envisioning a positive future.

Soon after, her tense solar plexus returned to its normal state.

“……”

“……”

But then her eyes met those of the man who had been observing her.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

Thinking he might have something to say, she asked, and Seyard shrugged.

“Nothing special, just that you often get lost in thought like now, and I was wondering what might be in that small head of yours during those times.”

“Oh, I’m sorry if it bothered you. I’ve been told many times that I get lost in my own thoughts too often.”

“Is that necessarily wrong? Besides, I enjoy watching your face when you’re deep in thought.”

“…Do I make funny expressions?”

“Not at all. I meant it’s interesting to see your expressions change little by little from moment to moment.”

Whether that was truly interesting or not, she figured it must be if Seyard said so.

‘But it’s going to make me self-conscious from now on…’

The thought of someone watching her face closely made her nervous. It would be difficult to get lost in thought in front of him from now on.

Meanwhile, the carriage arrived at the palace.

Seyard, who escorted Kisa when getting off just as he had when getting on, spoke in a regretful voice.

“I need to go this way.”

In an awkward coincidence, he also had business at the palace on the same day as Kisa.

The king had summoned him again. Although Kisa hadn’t heard the exact number from Seyard, this wasn’t the first time he had been called to the palace.

After all, it wasn’t only the princess who was upset by Seyard’s sudden engagement announcement.

The king had been bothering Seyard with all sorts of reasons that he would have normally overlooked.

Even if he was at the pinnacle of a country, he had no right to force the marriage of the Duke of Hillan, so it was a kind of venting.

“Good luck!”

“You too. And remember. Just quickly hand over the invitation and come back.”

After parting with Seyard, who repeated the same advice as before, Kisa headed to the princess’s palace.

Soon after, as she entered the reception room, several cold gazes fixed on her.

The women who had been chattering until then all closed their mouths at once and stared at Kisa.

 

Chap 52

Engagement Party Invitation

“Hello, everyone.”

In the midst of hostility directed at her, Kisa made an effort to speak with dignity and composure.

“I see everyone has already arrived.”

It was clearly half an hour before the time specified on the invitation.

Something was obviously wrong. While it was natural to arrive early when meeting with the princess, had these people always been so quick to arrive?

Thinking back, Kisa typically arrived about half an hour early in the past, and about half of the guests would arrive after her.

‘Moreover.’

Kisa’s gaze turned to the table.

Not only were refreshments already laid out, but some teacups were nearly empty.

This certainly didn’t look like a refreshment table for guests who had arrived just minutes ago.

In other words, they had arrived long before Kisa and had been drinking tea.

Judging from the princess’s absence, it didn’t seem like the appointment time had been changed.

So had they coordinated to meet early among themselves? Excluding Kisa.

“Hello.”

“It’s been a while.”

At that moment, two or three ladies awkwardly greeted Kisa.

Their tone was considerably cooler than usual, and the rest didn’t even bother to greet her at all.

Most of them glared at her before turning their gazes away.

The few who did return Kisa’s greeting probably couldn’t completely ignore the House of Hillan’s influence, but they certainly weren’t doing it because they liked her.

“Now then, what were we talking about earlier?”

Before Kisa could even take her seat, Lady Welf led the others in resuming their interrupted conversation.

Among the laughing and chattering people, Kisa silently had to sit in the only empty seat aside from the princess’s designated one.

As luck would have it, it was between Lady Welf and Lady Clifford—a seating arrangement that strongly conveyed the intention to exclude Kisa from any conversation.

As expected, even after Kisa sat down and more than ten minutes passed, they continued their conversation about topics only they knew about.

It seemed to be about their previous visit to the princess’s sickbed, which they had made without Kisa.

“Oh, speaking of that place, I’ve also been—”

“Oh my, my cup is empty. Hey! Could you pour me another?”

Whenever a familiar topic came up and she tried to speak, those seated beside her would somehow prevent Kisa from opening her mouth.

Feeling tired, Kisa decided to just keep quiet.

“My goodness! That’s such a ridiculous man.”

“I know. I was so embarrassed I couldn’t even look up.”

While Kisa silently drank her tea, the lively conversation continued.

To ostracize someone so openly was petty, but if their goal was to hurt Kisa, it was a fairly effective choice.

Despite coming fully prepared, being treated like an invisible person made her spirits sink.

Above all, what made it sad was that until their relationship had soured, all of these people had been on friendly terms with Kisa, even if they hadn’t been particularly close.

If they had simply never gotten along or had treated each other with indifference, she might have felt better than this.

As she was thinking this, her gaze met with Melissa, who was sitting diagonally across from her.

Melissa looked at Kisa with a mixture of slight sympathy and even greater hostility before stubbornly turning her head away.

Though it might have been her imagination, Kisa thought she saw an accusatory look that seemed to say, “You should have listened to me sooner.”

Even if she ended up without a single friend, Kisa had no intention of becoming friends with Melissa again unless she sincerely repented, so there was no lingering regret.

After more than half an hour had passed without Kisa being able to say a proper word:

“Oh? It seems everyone arrived early.”

Princess Arta opened the door and entered the reception room with a welcoming smile.

“Princess!”

“Welcome.”

“How is your health now?”

Everyone rose from their seats and greeted the princess with enthusiasm.

“I’m perfectly fine now. It’s all thanks to everyone’s concern.”

The princess answered as she sat in her designated seat, with Melissa beside her today.

“Melissa, thank you for responding to my invitation and coming here today.”

“No, no! I’m the one who should be grateful for the invitation!”

Starting with the flustered Melissa, the princess called each person by name and expressed her gratitude.

But just when it seemed that she was going around in a clockwise order, the princess casually skipped from Lady Welf to Lady Clifford, not even glancing at Kisa.

“……”

Kisa simply sat quietly, collecting her emotions that were threatening to become upset.

This was nothing. She would be fine.

“Kisa.”

But just as she was trying to regain her composure, the princess suddenly called her name.

It was right after she had expressed gratitude to the lady sitting next to her, in the opposite direction from Melissa.

“Yes, Princess.”

“Kisa, thank you for coming today as well.”

“I’m honored by your words.”

“But why didn’t you come with the other ladies last time?”

She seemed to be referring to the hospital visit from which Kisa had been excluded.

“I apologize. I didn’t receive any notification.”

“Lady Dos clearly said she sent a letter. Isn’t that right, Lady?”

Lady Welf suddenly interjected, looking at Melissa.

“…Yes, that’s correct.”

As Melissa nodded slightly, Lady Welf raised one corner of her mouth.

“Princess, so Lady Vansfelt’s claim that she didn’t receive any notification—”

“Karinne.”

But the princess cut off her words.

“It’s alright. That’s not particularly important. I was purely curious why Kisa didn’t come that day, not trying to blame her.”

Lady Welf’s cheeks instantly reddened.

“I-I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. Karinne, you were just speaking with my feelings in mind, weren’t you?”

Arta flashed a smile and turned her gaze back to Kisa.

“Anyway, I’m glad you came today. As it happens, I had something I wanted to tell you.”

Kisa was taken aback by her less prickly attitude than expected and replied:

“Yes, please tell me.”

“Congratulations on your engagement to Duke Hillan.”

Was this development unexpected for everyone in the room? Kisa felt people collectively holding their breath. She was no exception.

“I’m sorry for giving you my congratulations so late. I’ve been quite overwhelmed lately. During the Habertz charity banquet, I was rather flustered for various reasons…”

“Not at all. It’s an honor to our family just to receive your congratulations like this.”

Kisa hurriedly replied, and the princess’s lips curved into a smile.

“I’m glad to hear that. Oh, would you mind telling me how you met the Duke?”

“Pardon?”

“I’ve heard bits and pieces, but I’d like to hear it from you directly. The love story between the two of you.”

“I…”

“You will tell me, won’t you?”

With the princess offering congratulations and asking like that, there was no way to refuse.

Kisa reluctantly began her story.

“As it’s known, the Duke first saw me at the opera house. At that time, I wasn’t particularly conscious of him, but after my broken engagement, when the Duke visited our mansion…”

The princess listened intently to the fake love story fabricated by Seyard, as if genuinely interested, while the others exchanged confused glances with each other.

Could it be that the princess had truly decided to let go of her resentment toward Kisa and Seyard? As Kisa continued her love story, such a question crossed her mind.

It was surprising and hard to believe, but if it were true, there was no reason not to welcome it.

However, the change came at that moment.

“…Ugh.”

Without warning, Arta began to shed tears while listening to Kisa’s story.

“Oh my!”

“Princess!”

“Are you alright?”

Startled women rushed to her from all directions, but the princess raised her hand to hold them back.

“It’s nothing, please calm down.”

Wiping away a few tears with the handkerchief Melissa offered, she lowered her head.

“I’m sorry for ruining the mood. I tried not to, but listening to Kisa’s words, I started feeling strange and before I knew it…”

After taking a few deep breaths, she continued.

“I know it’s a different person, but because the resemblance is so strong, I keep thinking of Vischer. I went to the opera house with him several times too.”

An indescribable sadness spread across everyone’s faces.

While some ladies comforted the princess, others glared fiercely at Kisa.

Their accusing gazes seemed to say: how dare you inflict another wound on someone who already carries such a painful scar?

“I’m fine. Let’s continue with our conversation.”

The princess, who had stopped crying, looked at Kisa and spoke.

“Kisa, I’m sorry, but could you continue your story? I promise to listen properly this time.”

She still spoke in a gentle voice with a hint of a smile, but Kisa could now sense a clear, unmistakable hostility.

The princess deeply disliked Kisa.

“…Wouldn’t it be better to talk about something else?”

“No, I want to hear more. Please continue.”

To the extent that she absolutely would not allow any escape.

Kisa had no choice but to continue telling the love story that no one in the room welcomed.

It was truly an ordeal. Her voice trembled, and her lips became dry.

Just when she thought she wanted to stop, she suddenly remembered what Seyard had told her on the way:

[Kisa, leave the aftermath to me. I’ll take care of everything.]

Could she really do that?

While her mind was conflicted, her body reacted first.

“Princess, here.”

Kisa took out the item she had brought to give to the princess from her handbag and politely offered it.

“This is my engagement party invitation.”

Since she had been talking about the engagement preparations, it wasn’t an awkward transition.

“Oh, is it?”

For a moment, Arta made a subtle expression, but soon regained her smile and accepted the invitation.

“Well then, let’s see what kind of magnificent engagement party Duke Hillan has prepared for the lovely Kisa.”

She opened the envelope with unhurried hands and scanned the contents of the invitation.

But a few seconds later, the princess’s face hardened terribly.

 

Chap 53

Speaking My Mind

The princess’s face showed shock comparable to when she first learned about Kisa and Seyard’s engagement news, or perhaps even greater.

Soon, others noticed the princess’s unusual behavior and hesitantly approached her.

“Princess?”

“What’s wrong?”

Eventually, laughter spilled from the lips of the person everyone was focusing on.

“No, I was just surprised that the engagement ceremony seems to be much grander than I expected. The Duke must really cherish Kisa.”

The princess spoke while awkwardly squinting her eyes as if trying to force a smile.

‘Grand?’

Kisa was only perplexed.

Of course, Duke Hillan’s engagement ceremony couldn’t be held modestly, so the duke’s household had paid as much attention to it as possible.

But it wasn’t a scale that would surprise the princess who had only lived surrounded by luxury, and moreover, since the preparation period was short, there were inevitably limitations.

“Ah. Suddenly, I have a migraine coming on.”

Arta abruptly touched her forehead and groaned.

“Oh my, are you in much pain?”

“I’ll send for a physician immediately.”

The ladies asked in alarm, but the princess shook her head, saying it wasn’t necessary.

“There’s no need for that. But I’m afraid we’ll have to end the tea party here. I need to go rest a bit.”

“Of course! Please rest well!”

“You’ve only recently recovered, you must have overdone it.”

“Indeed. How great your distress must be today.”

The last remark came from Lady Welf, who glanced sideways at Kisa sitting next to her.

“Well then, everyone. Please return now. As I said earlier, thank you for coming.”

“If you’re feeling unwell, please feel free to retire first.”

When one lady said this, Arta frowned, perhaps due to her headache, but waved her hand dismissively.

“As the host of this gathering, I couldn’t possibly do that. I’d like to at least watch everyone leave.”

Naturally, everyone hurriedly rose from their seats.

Though the reason wasn’t clear, it was welcome news that they could escape this uncomfortable place without any actions that might be criticized.

Kisa left the reception room following the ladies.

But in the corridor, there was a group that stopped Kisa.

“Just a moment, look here.”

It was a group of five or six women, led by Lady Welf, who were particularly loyal to the princess. Among them was also Melissa.

“Lady Vansfelt, I didn’t realize you were such a brazen person.”

“What do you mean?”

Kisa calmly asked Lady Welf, who was being quite sarcastic.

She hadn’t been particularly afraid before, but having just dealt with Princess Arta who had been tormenting her with a smile, Lady Welf seemed like a small yapping puppy.

“What? Did you really not feel anything seeing the princess crying—”

At that moment, Melissa, who was behind Lady Welf, stopped her.

“Lady, may I speak with her first?”

Karinne Welf glanced at her and readily yielded her turn.

“Fine. Perhaps she’ll listen more carefully to someone she was once close with.”

Melissa thanked her and then stood in front of Kisa.

“Kisa, if you have even a shred of conscience and remember the favors you’ve received from the princess, why don’t you cancel the engagement now?”

While Kisa was speechless at this baseless demand, Melissa confidently presented her argument.

“Duke Hillan seems to love you dearly, but how long do you think that love will last?”

“…What are you trying to say?”

“Love that blooms like a flame tends to fade like a flame. He fell for you just by seeing your appearance at the opera house.”

“So you’re saying it will soon disappear?”

“This is sincere advice for your own good, Kisa. Right now, the position of a duchess might seem very tempting. But you need to think about the future. Especially with the princess’s situation, how could the royal family possibly look kindly upon you? Your standing in society will be limited. It’s not too late. Return everything to how it was and apologize to the princess—”

“Enough.”

She couldn’t bear to listen anymore and cut off Melissa mid-sentence.

“I’ll handle my own affairs. You worry about yours. That’s my advice to you.”

At those words, Melissa let out a sound as if she couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

“After someone tries to give you advice out of concern, can’t you at least pretend to listen?”

“Out of concern for me? You always say that. But I don’t understand. How can you claim to care about me when you kept quiet about Daniel Lowens being intimate with another woman?”

“W-why is that suddenly being brought up here?”

Seeing Melissa visibly flustered, Kisa deliberately raised her voice.

“Actually, I was really surprised today. I didn’t know you were such a loyal person. If only you had shown me even a fraction of that loyalty.”

As this seemed to be news to them, the gathered ladies looked at Melissa with eyes full of interest.

Their gazes seemed to ask, ‘What? Weren’t they arguing over the Duke Hillan issue?’

According to what Kisa had heard from the two ladies at the Darion mansion, they believed that Melissa had fallen out with her friend while trying to stop Kisa from betraying the princess.

“Ah, but I am grateful to you in one way regarding that matter.”

“Stop it.”

“If you had told me about Daniel and that woman before their relationship deepened, we probably wouldn’t have broken off our engagement. Then Seyard wouldn’t have proposed to me, would he?”

“What?”

“Thank you. In a way, you’re the benefactor who brought me and him together.”

“Kisa!”

Kisa tried to smile as she watched Melissa fuming as if she had heard a terrible insult.

She now knew well that sometimes a bright smile can infuriate others more than an angry expression or a fierce glare. She had learned this from Daniel.

“Well, I must go now. I’m supposed to meet Seyard.”

That was half a lie. Seyard had told Kisa to go ahead if she wanted, as his business might run late, though he would have liked to return together.

“Excuse me, Lady Vansfelt.”

At that moment, Lady Welf blocked Kisa, who was about to pass through Melissa’s group.

Unlike the others who were distracted by the conversation Kisa had brought up, she hadn’t forgotten their original purpose.

“Whatever reason you two are fighting for has nothing to do with us. What’s important is that you’re currently hurting our poor princess.”

“I too am sorry about the princess’s sadness. But I’m not sure if that’s a valid reason for Lady Welf to harass me.”

“W-what did you say?”

“How long has it been since the princess asked everyone to withdraw, yet you continue to detain me? Is this truly an action taken for the princess’s sake?”

The words flowed surprisingly smoothly even to Kisa. She wondered if she had picked up some of Daniel’s smooth-talking skills from dealing with him.

“If that’s the case, the princess’s quarters are nearby and she’s suffering from a headache, so why do you keep creating situations that inevitably result in loud voices?”

“How dare you, acting so…”

Lady Welf seethed with an angry face, but she seemed unable to come up with an immediate rebuttal.

Furthermore, after hearing the conversation, she seemed to realize she might be committing an impropriety in the royal palace, as she anxiously glanced around.

“Fine, I understand.”

In the end, she was the one who decided to back down first. Lady Welf said, grinding her teeth:

“We’ll see about this later. I’ll be watching to see how well you fare after making the princess cry.”

Soon after, she led the other women away with determined strides.

Melissa, seeming reluctant to leave, looked back until the last moment before finally disappearing with the group.

Phew, left alone, Kisa sighed.

She had worried she might face humiliation surrounded by many people again, but somehow that crisis was averted.

She should wait a little longer before leaving to avoid running into those who had departed earlier. Just as Kisa was standing there absentmindedly with that thought in mind:

“Excuse me, Lady Vansfelt.”

A palace servant who had somehow approached Kisa said with proper etiquette.

“The princess wishes to meet with you privately.”

****

A moment later, Kisa was alone with the princess in the reception room where she had been with others just a short while ago.

She hadn’t expected that the princess would still be here.

Moreover, while Kisa was delayed arguing with the others in the corridor, the princess had been waiting here the entire time.

She couldn’t even guess what had made the haughty princess do such a thing.

Bang! Suddenly, the princess struck the table hard.

On it lay the engagement ceremony invitation that Kisa had given her earlier.

“What are you plotting?”

Bewildered by the princess’s informal speech that she had never heard before, Kisa was glared at as the princess muttered ominously.

“I asked what you’re plotting. What was your intention in giving me this invitation?”

“Pardon? Plotting?”

“You can say that after giving me this?”

With a fierce look, Kisa hurriedly examined the invitation on the table.

But no matter how many times she looked at it, it was the same invitation she knew, except for slightly crumpled corners, perhaps due to the princess’s actions.

It contained only basic information about the engagement ceremony, including Kisa and Seyard’s profiles, the date, venue, and so on.

She couldn’t even guess which part had made the princess so angry.

“I’m sorry, but I really don’t understand.”

At Kisa’s best possible answer, Arta brought her face close and examined Kisa’s eyes, as if trying to read her hidden intentions.

“……”

“……”

A suffocating time passed. After a silence that might have been seconds or minutes, the princess spoke.

“So, you’re saying you don’t know.”

She changed her attitude instantly.

“Very well. You may go now, Kisa.”

She was the usual princess that Kisa knew.

Somewhat dumbfounded, Kisa left the reception room.

Although Seyard wasn’t there, his carriage took her home.

And the next day, a letter arrived.

It was a letter announcing that the youngest princess would attend their engagement ceremony.

 

Chap 54

The Young Genius Musician

“What on earth could be happening?”

Seyard tilted his head at Kisa’s question.

“I wonder.”

“The princess’s demeanor clearly changed from the moment she checked the contents of the invitation. Was there some issue with the invitation? Does Seyard have any guesses?”

After closing his eyes and remaining silent for a moment as if pondering, he shook his head.

“I truly don’t know.”

Nevertheless, Kisa continued speaking out of fear and worry.

“You told me to just throw the invitation and leave, so I thought Seyard might know something.”

“That’s not the case. I merely suggested that there would be no benefit for you to stay there any longer.”

“…I suppose that’s true.”

It was obvious even to a three-year-old child that Princess Arta didn’t harbor good feelings toward Kisa, and Seyard’s advice didn’t contain anything particularly special.

Above all, Kisa knew best that there was nothing unusual in the invitation, having read it several times.

“Then why did the princess suddenly change her attitude? Moreover, she said she’d attend the engagement ceremony.”

Although she had been invited out of courtesy, Kisa never dreamed the princess would actually agree to attend.

At least from what Kisa had observed over the years, the princess had a very proud personality.

‘Would someone like that come to celebrate the engagement of a man she lost?’

The speculation that she might come to ruin the engagement ceremony seemed more plausible.

Of course, considering the relationship between the royal family and the Hillan duchy, she wouldn’t commit any blatant rudeness.

“Why would she? Why…”

“Kisa, I’m sorry, but how about setting aside that worry for now?”

Seyard placed his hand on Kisa’s shoulder and gently turned her around.

“Shouldn’t you prioritize this issue over others right now?”

What came into Kisa’s view was the sight of people busily moving back and forth in a large banquet hall.

For reference, the banquet hall where the two were standing was where various events of the Hillan duchy had been held for generations, and the people were servants of the duchy.

Looking at them skillfully decorating the interior of the banquet hall, Kisa answered Seyard’s question.

“…I suppose you’re right.”

The main reason for Kisa’s visit to the Hillan townhouse today was to prepare for the engagement ceremony.

The engagement ceremony of Kisa and Seyard was now just three days away.

“Well, though I say preparation, everything is already so perfect that there’s nothing for me to do.”

Walking through the banquet hall alongside Seyard, Kisa muttered in a somewhat dispirited tone.

Indeed, the great Hillan family. Even though this wasn’t the main castle in their territory but a townhouse in the capital, it had such a large banquet hall attached to it…

‘Even the servants seem different somehow.’

The interior of the banquet hall, which had been mostly decorated, displayed an extremely classic and elegant appearance, neither excessive nor lacking, just perfectly ideal.

All that remained were the fresh flower decorations, which depended on freshness, and the food to be served to the guests?

Embarrassingly, Kisa had contributed almost nothing to the smooth preparation of the engagement ceremony.

At most, she had diligently answered whenever Seyard asked for her opinions regarding the engagement.

In truth, even if she had wanted to take a more active role, she didn’t possess the necessary skills.

Kisa had never experienced hosting a large-scale banquet.

With the Countess absent, managing the Vansfelt family’s banquets fell to Kisa, but how many grand banquets would the frugal Count hold?

Kisa had only organized a few small-scale events.

Today, too, she had come here at Seyard’s suggestion to finalize the engagement ceremony preparations, but in reality, all Kisa was doing was observing.

Until just a little while ago, Seyard had personally guided her around the garden for her first visit to the Hillan mansion.

‘At a glance, it looked at least five times the size of our home garden, and I couldn’t close my mouth in amazement.’

She suddenly realized how remarkable a family she was about to marry into.

The question of whether she could fulfill the role of mistress of such a family weighed heavily on her shoulders.

Noticing that Kisa had become dejected, Seyard tried to encourage her.

“There’s nothing to be done about it this time. It’s still too early for you to be deeply involved in Hillan’s affairs.”

Indeed, it would be strange for a soon-to-be fiancée to take the lead in organizing things.

“At least until the wedding, leave the work to others and be at ease, Kisa.”

“Hmm, should I?”

Feeling embarrassed that her mood had improved so quickly from his comfort, Kisa laughed softly.

Just then, she noticed a person in a corner of the banquet hall who seemed out of place among the servants.

“Hello?”

The man bowed politely upon seeing the two people walking toward him.

“Good day to you both.”

The person standing in front of the music stand organizing sheet music was Gabriel Williams.

He was the genius violinist who had been the star of the concert held at the Darion mansion.

“Is the practice going well?”

“Yes, all thanks to the Duke.”

Gabriel, questioned by Seyard, expressed his gratitude with a face that seemed to feel a sense of responsibility.

“To give me an opportunity to perform at such an important event, I will not disappoint you.”

Yes, he had been assigned the role of adding beautiful melodies to the couple’s engagement ceremony.

The story goes back to a few days ago.

The day after the quartet concert at the Darion mansion, Seyard had first suggested to Kisa that they hire Gabriel as a guest performer for their engagement ceremony.

Since it wasn’t unusual to include a performance during a banquet, and having been greatly impressed by Gabriel’s playing, she gladly accepted Seyard’s proposal.

Actually, she felt good that he had remembered how captivated she had been by Gabriel’s performance during the concert.

Anyway, that was how Gabriel came to be here today.

Apparently, Gabriel’s side had requested to come to the venue beforehand to rehearse and practice.

‘And also…’

At that moment, Seyard suddenly addressed the performer as if remembering something.

“I’m going to have dinner with my fiancée later. Would you like to join us?”

“Me too? Is that alright?”

“Why wouldn’t it be? I might add that my lady very much enjoys your playing. Almost to the point where I’m jealous.”

“Seyard, really!”

Kisa unconsciously slapped his arm.

Until recently, such behavior would have been unimaginable, but it had become quite commonplace in just a few days.

Since they had thwarted Lady Welf’s persistent questioning with their affectionate act during the quartet concert, Seyard had often played such embarrassing pranks.

Gabriel answered with an awkward expression.

“If you’re inviting me, it would be an honor.”

“Then it’s decided. Come to the dining room this evening. If you’re not sure where it is, just ask any servant.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“By the way, is the food here to your liking?”

“Of course. Everything is excellent.”

“I’m glad to hear that. I hope you’ll be comfortable during your stay at this mansion.”

Oh, and Gabriel was currently staying in a guest room at the Hillan mansion.

I’m not sure of the exact reason, but it seems that when he was unable to continue staying at his original place due to unavoidable circumstances, Seyard had coincidentally proposed the performer role to him.

Fortunately, things worked out well, and Gabriel became a guest of the Hillan family before and after the engagement ceremony.

Gabriel, seemingly wanting to repay Seyard’s kindness, asked in a considerate manner.

“I’m planning to practice the pieces I’ll perform at the engagement ceremony. Would you like to listen?”

Having no particular reason to refuse, Kisa and Seyard sat on nearby chairs and enjoyed Gabriel’s performance.

It was still a beautiful and powerful melody capable of moving one’s soul.

Though there was one small concern.

That evening, the three of them had dinner together as promised.

As Gabriel had said, the food at the Hillan mansion was excellent in every way.

With good food and drink, they were able to hear various stories from Gabriel, who didn’t seem particularly sociable.

“Ah, so Gabriel, you’ll be returning to your studies abroad after our engagement ceremony ends?”

The young musician answered Kisa’s question with a slightly loosened tongue.

“Yes, thankfully Duke Hillan has agreed to help me in a way that I couldn’t repay even if I tried for a lifetime.”

“It’s not to that extent.”

Seyard said with an embarrassed expression, but from what they heard, Gabriel’s description wasn’t that much of an exaggeration.

According to Gabriel, he had studied music in the capital of the neighboring country, Octava, which was famous as the homeland of music, until a few years ago.

Unfortunately, a woman fell in love with him, causing him to be misunderstood and disliked by her lover, an influential nobleman of Octava.

Due to that man’s influence, Gabriel could no longer stay in Octava and had no choice but to return to his homeland.

“If it weren’t for the Duke, I wouldn’t have even dreamed of studying music there again.”

So Seyard, who had done various things to ensure Gabriel could stay in Octava, was nothing short of a benefactor to him.

‘He’s really kind.’

After hearing Gabriel’s circumstances, Kisa looked at Seyard with warm eyes, thinking it was wonderful that he had done so much.

Seyard truly is a good person.

‘Huh?’

But suddenly she realized something strange.

Somehow her heart was beating faster—could it be the alcohol?

 

Chap 55

Marriage Contract

Strange. Gabriel might get drunk easily, but Kisa didn’t drink that much.

She didn’t particularly like alcohol to begin with, and she would get drunk quickly after just a small amount.

“It’s already a great honor to perform at such a grand occasion as the Duke’s engagement ceremony, but to receive such generous compensation as well…”

Kisa momentarily let Gabriel’s words go in one ear and out the other as she focused on her heartbeat.

Thump-thump. It seemed a bit fast.

After trying to calm her excited feelings by taking several deep breaths, she concentrated again.

Then she felt that her heartbeat had definitely slowed down compared to before.

A moment later, after concluding that her heart was perfectly normal, Kisa breathed a sigh of relief.

No matter how weak she was with alcohol, it would be troublesome if her heart started acting up after just one glass of wine.

“Kisa?”

Just then, Seyard’s voice tickled her ear.

“Is something wrong? You seem distracted from the conversation. Are you feeling unwell?”

He leaned in close to Kisa, who was sitting beside him, and whispered in her ear with concern.

Kisa hastily shook her head, moving away from his lips that had almost touched her.

“…No, I’m just a bit tipsy.”

For some reason, the spot where Seyard’s breath had touched felt hot and flushed.

“That’s good then. But Kisa.”

“Yes?”

“Would you come to my room after dinner?”

As Gabriel, who must have been quite drunk, started nodding off with his breathing providing background music, Seyard quietly said.

“I have important business to discuss.”

His eyes curved into a smile.

Shortly after, Gabriel left for his room with the help of servants, and Kisa and Seyard also rose from the table.

Kisa followed him toward the innermost part of the mansion where his room was located.

‘Important business.’

Since Seyard had avoided answering when she asked what it was, saying she would see when they got there, Kisa’s curiosity grew with each step she took.

Part of her thought it probably wasn’t anything special, but somehow she couldn’t help feeling nervous.

As they walked, they soon arrived at an imposing door.

“Please, come in.”

Seyard opened the door with a polite gesture, inviting Kisa inside.

This was Seyard’s study. One of the spaces where he spent most of his time during the day.

Entering the room, Kisa carefully looked around.

A large desk, bookshelves filled with books, a low table for receiving guests, and sofas…

It was the Duke of Hillan’s impeccably neat and elegant study.

Yes, rather than Seyard’s study, it was the Duke of Hillan’s study.

Despite the undeniably excellent space before her, Kisa felt slightly disappointed.

Unconsciously, she had hoped she might discover a different side of him here.

“You can sit there.”

Just then, Seyard pointed to a sofa beside the table and walked toward the desk.

“Ah, yes.”

Kisa sat down awkwardly and observed Seyard standing in front of the desk.

He picked up a document that had been placed on the desk and looked at it with an expressionless face.

Judging by appearances, it seemed like a document someone had newly placed there while he was away.

Was it serious content? His reddish-brown eyes seemed more subdued than usual.

Looking at him, Kisa naturally revised the thought she had earlier.

‘Here it is, a different side.’

Come to think of it, this was the first time she’d seen him engaged in official duties as the Duke of Hillan.

In the library he had seemed like a student, and during their date like a man in love, but now he was every bit the Duke of Hillan.

Kisa secretly observed his profile for a while with an inexplicably nervous feeling.

Meanwhile, Seyard, after putting down the document he was holding, opened a drawer and rummaged through it.

Soon after, he approached Kisa holding another document.

“You can go ahead with your work. I can wait.”

When Kisa said this, Seyard, who sat across from her, shook his head.

“I cannot possibly make a guest wait. Besides, this matter is more important to me.”

Seyard handed her the document as if for her to read as well.

Her eyes widened slightly as she confirmed the writing on the paper.

It was a marriage contract formalizing the details of the contract marriage between Kisa and Seyard.

-First, the two people must maintain their marital relationship for the period they have mutually agreed upon.

-Second, after the period has passed, if either party wishes for a divorce, they can terminate the relationship.

-Third, as long as the marital relationship is maintained, they will faithfully fulfill their roles as each other’s spouse.

-Fourth, however, those spousal roles do not include sexual acts such as conjugal relations.

Below these four main principles that Seyard had established at the Vansfelt’s garden previously, there were detailed specifics that the two had discussed bit by bit whenever they met.

He had said before that he would take care of preparing the contract, and it seemed it was finally complete.

While Kisa read through the content written on the paper, Seyard spoke.

“Please check carefully, and if there’s anything you’d like to modify or add, feel free to tell me.”

“Oh, is that really necessary? I’m sure Seyard has done a good job writing it.”

“No, that won’t do. Regardless of the type of contract or who you’re contracting with, a contract should be examined until there’s not even a single doubt remaining.”

“Of course.”

“Kisa, do you understand?”

“……”

Seyard, emphasizing again, was looking at her as if she were a child left alone by the water.

Although it was slightly embarrassing, even she thought her previous statement had been too naive, so Kisa just glared intently at the innocent contract.

She was determined to leave no room for doubt, just as he had advised.

Afterward, she wrestled with the mere one-page contract for nearly an hour.

She reread parts she didn’t understand multiple times, and if she still couldn’t comprehend something, she asked Seyard.

Thankfully, he showed no sign of annoyance and sincerely resolved all of Kisa’s questions.

Listening to his logical explanations made even difficult legal terms easy to understand.

Shortly after, having finally eliminated all doubts and checked the same content more than five times, Kisa confidently said,

“Let’s sign now.”

Everything was exactly as they had agreed upon, and there were no disadvantageous clauses for Kisa.

Silently, Seyard took out a pen from his chest pocket and signed his name in the signature field first.

Then, after signing another contract document with identical content, he handed both contract papers along with the pen to Kisa.

Secretly thinking that his signing looked cool, Kisa tried to write as stylishly as him while moving the pen.

“With this, our contract is established.”

When she finished signing, Seyard said in a somewhat subdued voice.

“Now you can’t back out even if you want to?”

At his playful tone, Kisa responded cheerfully.

“That’s my line. Seyard, you’re stuck being my husband for at least two years after the wedding?”

Seeing Kisa secretly embarrassed by the connotation of the word “husband” that she herself had just used, he curled up the corners of his mouth.

“That’s exactly what I wanted.”

That day, the two each took one of the twin-like identical contract documents.

****

The next day, Kisa visited the Hillan mansion again.

The ostensible purpose of the visit was preparation for the engagement ceremony, same as the day before, but in truth, she couldn’t calm her mind just sitting at home.

No matter how predetermined their relationship was, it was inevitable to feel excited about an engagement ceremony.

Kisa met Seyard and watched the transformation of the banquet hall together as they had done yesterday, then strolled through the garden that the Hillan family prided themselves on.

“Your Grace, so here you are.”

But during the walk, Gilliam, Seyard’s secretary, appeared before the two looking for him.

“A message from His Majesty the King has arrived from the palace.”

From what she heard, it seemed the King had found another trivial excuse to summon Seyard.

Seyard apologized to Kisa with an embarrassed expression.

“I’m sorry, but I need to go right away. It seems you’ll have to continue your walk alone.”

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

“I’m sorry.”

Apologizing once more, Seyard headed toward the garden exit with Gilliam.

Kisa continued walking through the garden, feeling a bit disappointed. Having just arrived, she didn’t want to leave yet.

But then, someone caught her eye.

It was Gabriel, who had joined them for dinner yesterday.

Thinking he must have also come out for a walk, Kisa was about to thoughtlessly call out to him but closed her mouth.

This was because Gabriel was staring intently at something with a rather unusual look in his eyes.

And at the end of that gaze was Seyard’s retreating figure leaving the garden.

His expression, as he stared endlessly at Seyard without even noticing Kisa’s nearby presence, was incredibly complex.

It certainly didn’t look like the face of someone viewing a benefactor who had helped him.

‘Yes, it’s more like…’

It was the look of someone harboring a tremendous, hopeless love in their heart.

Good heavens. Kisa swallowed a single exclamation down her throat.

 

Chap 56

Could it be?

‘Surely not. It can’t be.’

I shouldn’t jump to conclusions based only on looks or expressions.

Kisa deliberately denied the possibility that had appeared in her mind and cautiously approached Gabriel to speak.

“Um, good morning.”

“Ah!”

Though she had merely greeted him, he jumped as if he’d seen a ghost.

“Oh, Lady Vansfelt.”

Having calmed down shortly after, he scratched his head with flushed cheeks.

“I apologize for overreacting.”

“No, I’m sorry for startling you.”

“It was because I was lost in thought, that’s all.”

“…If you don’t mind me asking, what were you thinking about?”

Perhaps her question was too direct, as Gabriel avoided her gaze and gave an evasive answer.

“Nothing significant. Just concerns about my performance, I suppose.”

Kisa looked at his profile for a moment before speaking again.

“Speaking of performances, may I ask you something I’ve been curious about?”

“Yes, if it’s something I can answer, gladly.”

Perhaps due to his great debt to Seyard, Gabriel was relatively favorable toward Kisa as well.

“Are you perhaps troubled by matters of the heart?”

“What? Why would you…”

“It’s an extremely personal matter, so you don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. But during your last concert, and yesterday as well, whenever I listen to Gabriel’s performance, I can’t help but think that.”

Kisa tried to find the right expression.

“How should I put it, your performance sounds sorrowful. Both times, the pieces weren’t particularly about the sorrow of love, but as I listened, I couldn’t help but envision the feelings of someone suffering from unrequited love.”

Although she said this to draw information from him, it wasn’t exactly a lie.

What had been just a vague feeling at the concert became much more intense when she heard his rehearsal at yesterday’s reception.

She never thought she’d be asking the question she’d been wanting to ask someday like this.

“…”

Gabriel silently looked down at the floor.

The already melancholic man now looked so dejected that Kisa’s conscience pricked her.

“I’m sorry.”

Just as she was about to apologize for asking something inappropriate, his previously tight-lipped mouth opened.

“To think I played such a pathetic piece for a joyous engagement ceremony.”

“Pathetic? It was wonderful!”

Though the mood was a bit sad, there was no doubt it was an excellent performance.

“Still, it’s not appropriate for an engagement ceremony, is it?”

After saying something she couldn’t deny, he stared blankly at the cloudy sky for a moment.

“Actually, the Lady is right.”

Kisa drew in a breath at his sudden confession. He was honestly revealing his inner feelings.

“There is someone I hold dear in my heart. But this is a love that can never be fulfilled.”

His voice was immersed in calm sorrow.

“That person is in a place I dare not reach, nor can I even look up to. A place so high.”

Kisa immediately voiced the question that came to her mind.

“Is this person a noble?”

“…”

“If so, perhaps you shouldn’t be too pessimistic? Sometimes there are cases of marriage across social classes, though extremely rare.”

But the man shook his head weakly.

“It’s not simply that kind of issue. I can only tell you that they are truly someone I dare not aspire to. I’m sorry. If these feelings became known, it would only be a burden to them…”

“Haha, it’s alright. These things happen.”

Not simply that kind of issue—did that mean there were barriers to his love beyond social status?

Such as gender, perhaps…?

‘No.’

That was too hasty a judgment. Was Seyard the only high-ranking noble in this world worthy of causing Gabriel such burden?

Sorry as she was to Gabriel, Kisa wanted concrete evidence that the person in Gabriel’s heart was not Seyard.

Otherwise, the engagement ceremony would become very uncomfortable.

Having to get engaged while listening to music performed by a man who was secretly in love with her fiancé.

Even if Kisa could somehow bear it, it would be nothing short of torture for Gabriel.

Who in the world would want to perform a congratulatory piece at the engagement ceremony of the person they secretly loved?

‘If that’s really the case, I should cancel the performance even now.’

It was highly likely that Seyard had recruited Gabriel because of Kisa.

He knew very well that Kisa was quite fond of Gabriel’s performances.

And unfortunately, for a performer whose study abroad plans had been thwarted, it would have been difficult to reject Duke Hillan’s offer, regardless of his feelings.

Even if Seyard didn’t offer direct help, performing a solo at Duke Hillan’s engagement ceremony, which many influential people would attend, was an excellent opportunity to gain fame and connections.

In other words, it meant that Kisa might be one of the reasons pushing this poor Gabriel into pain.

With unexpected guilt, Kisa’s heart grew indescribably anxious.

“Um, by the way.”

To the point of blurting out such a sudden question.

“What do you think of Seyard?”

How could this be? Kisa was most startled by her own question.

She had intended to probe his feelings much more indirectly, but her mouth moved of its own accord.

“Pardon? Duke Hillan?”

Gabriel also looked visibly perplexed.

“No, I just… wanted to get another man’s opinion.”

Kisa tried to salvage her mistake, albeit belatedly.

“With the engagement ceremony being the day after tomorrow, I find myself having all sorts of thoughts. Whether I can really manage well, that sort of thing…”

“Ah, I see.”

Thanks to her desperate floundering, Gabriel seemed to accept Kisa’s explanation.

“I understand. It’s natural to feel unsettled at such a time.”

“Y-yes, that’s right.”

“But please don’t worry too much. From my perspective, the Duke is a very good person. Kind, generous, manly, and exceptionally capable. He deserves to be loved by many. Whereas I…”

Somehow, his voice, which had been praising Seyard, gradually began to droop.

“Compared to him, I am so insignificant that I dare not…”

“Um, Gabriel?”

At that moment, Kisa froze.

She had witnessed moisture forming in Gabriel’s eyes, glistening in the sunlight.

Having quickly wiped it away with his sleeve, he turned his head sharply to avoid Kisa’s gaze.

“I’m sorry, Lady. I just remembered something urgent, so I must go now. I hope you enjoy your walk.”

“Wait a moment—”

“I’ll see you again later.”

The man hurried away without giving Kisa a chance to speak.

Urgent business? Anyone could see that he was fleeing because he didn’t want to talk anymore.

Kisa remained there for a while, staring in the direction Gabriel had disappeared.

She didn’t know what to do about this. It seemed Gabriel really did have feelings for Seyard.

…Until about an hour ago, she had felt excited whenever she thought about the engagement ceremony, but now her heart felt heavy.

****

“What? Gabriel Williams?”

Seyard’s eyes widened at Kisa’s question.

It was already evening. Seyard, who had returned from the palace late in the afternoon, invited Kisa to dinner just like yesterday, and Kisa accepted his invitation without much thought, also like yesterday.

The only difference from yesterday was that today, only the two of them were seated at the table.

“Why do you suddenly ask about him?”

Kisa had tried to bring up Gabriel’s name as naturally as possible after observing him during the meal, but it seemed awkward to Seyard.

“…No, just curious.”

“My thoughts about him?”

“Yes, something like that. Anyway, what do you think of Gabriel?”

Kisa added a flimsy excuse.

“Seeing as you’re helping him study abroad, I was curious if you liked him quite a bit.”

“Well. I think he’s a talented fellow.”

Despite the sudden question, he answered with a serious attitude.

“And objectively speaking, it’s certainly a shame that his talent hasn’t blossomed due to petty jealousy.”

But, Seyard continued.

“I don’t have any special feelings that could be called fondness for Gabriel Williams.”

“…I see.”

Thinking it was a colder response than expected, Kisa took small bites of her food.

“Kisa.”

Suddenly, he whispered in a subtle voice.

“At the concert and elsewhere, you seem quite concerned about that man.”

A crooked smile appeared on his lips.

“I’m feeling somewhat threatened. I might even get jealous.”

“…”

“Kisa?”

When there was no response from Kisa, Seyard erased the playful expression he had been wearing and looked at her with worried eyes.

“Did something happen?”

He seemed surprised that Kisa, who would normally react with alarm or slap his hand at such teasing, was silent.

After a moment of silence, she called his name.

“Seyard.”

“Yes.”

“I don’t think that aspect of you is good.”

“Which aspect do you mean?”

“The way you captivate people at any time, without warning.”

“Me?”

“And if we’re deciding who should feel threatened, I think it should be me.”

Seyard just blinked, as if he didn’t understand.

It was quite a fresh look for someone who usually seemed to see through everything.

With a sigh, Kisa exhaled deeply.

“You know, about the performance Gabriel was supposed to do. It’s too late to cancel it now, isn’t it?”

“That would be difficult indeed. We’ve already sent invitations to guests mentioning his performance.”

Kisa’s sigh only grew deeper.

 

Chap 57

Engagement Ceremony (1)

Regardless of Kisa’s feelings, time flowed unhindered, and the day of the engagement ceremony had finally dawned.

On the bright morning, Kisa opened her eyes in one of the many guest rooms of Duke Hillan’s mansion.

“Good morning, miss.”

The maid who woke Kisa greeted her cheerfully.

“Did you sleep well last night?”

“Yes, thanks to Lily taking good care of me.”

“Oh, I didn’t do anything special.”

Her name was Lily. She was the maid Seyard had introduced to Kisa yesterday.

“According to Gilliam, she’s friendly and quite good at her work. Above all, she’s diligent and not the type to easily succumb to temptation.”

He had recommended Lily as the maid who would attend to Kisa most closely.

Of course, it was a selection that considered Kisa’s future as the mistress of the Hillan ducal family after marrying Seyard.

Kisa was quite pleased with Lily’s cheerful first impression, and above all, she knew the meticulous Seyard wouldn’t recommend someone unreliable, so she gladly accepted his suggestion.

“Anyway, I was worried you might be uncomfortable in an unfamiliar bed, but I’m glad you slept well.”

Lily said as she placed a basin of washing water on the dressing table.

“Yes, it’s fortunate. If I hadn’t slept well, staying here would have been pointless.”

It was Kisa who had first asked Seyard if she could spend the night before the engagement ceremony at Duke Hillan’s mansion.

Although the ceremony would be held in the early afternoon, preparations needed to start early.

Rather than traveling from Count Vansfelt’s residence and then preparing, it seemed better to ask Seyard for one night’s lodging.

Seyard agreed readily. In fact, he went beyond mere acceptance and offered her the room traditionally used by the Duchess of Hillan, which caused quite a commotion as she tried to dissuade him.

There should be a proper order to things, even for a couple soon to be married.

Perhaps because he was raised in a monastery, he occasionally showed a tendency to be less bound by formalities than one would expect from the head of an ancient family.

“Oh my, your skin is so beautiful.”

Lily exclaimed as she applied moisturizing cream to Kisa’s face after she finished washing.

“Haha, it does look good today. All that rest and care over the past few days has paid off.”

Kisa gazed quietly into the mirror. Instead of the melancholic woman she had seen once before, she saw herself with an ordinarily bright face looking back at her.

“Yes, I like it.”

She murmured to herself in a sing-song voice.

“Um, how do I look?”

After leaving the room, Kisa asked somewhat cautiously when her eyes met Seyard’s.

“You look truly beautiful.”

Although he must have seen her in the dress when they went to have it fitted before, he responded without showing any sign of boredom.

When Kisa twirled around once, the green skirt fluttered gracefully.

Thanks to Seyard, the three dresses ordered from the royal family’s preferred dressmaker were fortunately completed on time and delivered to Kisa.

“As I mentioned before, thank you for the dresses.”

“It’s nothing to thank me for.”

He smiled gently, lowering his voice so that Lily and Gilliam nearby couldn’t hear.

“Soon I’ll be officially your fiancé.”

Fiancé. That word evoked a strange feeling in Kisa’s heart.

In fact, for Kisa, it was a more relatable term than marriage. She had never been married, but she had been engaged once, hadn’t she?

Until just two months ago, she couldn’t even imagine that anyone other than Daniel Lowens would become her fiancé.

From a very young age, she had believed her life was destined to marry Daniel and bear his children.

Yet now she was facing an engagement to Seyard.

The saying that one cannot know what the future holds suddenly felt all too real.

A question suddenly occurred to her: would her future life bring changes more dramatic than those of the past two months?

She didn’t know. But one thing was certain.

“Shall we go?”

She did not regret her decision to take the hand extended before her now. And she vowed not to regret it in the future either.

“Yes, let’s.”

And so their hands folded together.

The weather was also bright, as if celebrating Kisa’s special day.

With about three hours remaining until the engagement ceremony, the banquet hall was bustling with the ducal family’s servants busy with final preparations.

“Wow, it’s beautiful!”

Unlike the day before, the banquet hall was decorated with fresh flowers, and Kisa exclaimed in admiration as she looked around.

The floral decorations were centered around blue flowers to match the color of the second dress Kisa would wear at the engagement ceremony a few hours later.

“The fragrance is lovely too.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

An excited Kisa skipped around the banquet hall, and Seyard followed behind her with a pleased smile.

While doing so, Kisa spotted Gabriel tuning his instrument in a corner of the banquet hall.

Dressed for the ceremony, he looked even more charming than usual, but he couldn’t hide the faint shadow cast over his face.

Kisa instinctively started to approach him but then realized Seyard was behind her.

Now that she knew of Gabriel’s deep feelings, approaching him with Seyard in tow seemed inconsiderate.

It would be painful enough for him to witness Seyard’s engagement ceremony; how could he maintain his composure seeing Seyard next to someone else?

So Kisa said to Seyard:

“Um, I’m going to have a quick chat with Gabriel. You go ahead with your business.”

His expression darkened slightly.

“Is it something I shouldn’t hear?”

“No, it’s not that…”

Without a suitable excuse and not wanting to lie to him, Kisa revealed as much truth as she felt she could.

“I happened to learn about some of his personal concerns before. I want to ask how he’s feeling, but since it’s really a private matter, I think it would be better if we talked alone.”

As she spoke, it occurred to her that from Seyard’s perspective, he might not want others to see his soon-to-be fiancée being intimate with another man.

“I’ll really just talk to him briefly! And keep this much distance!”

But Seyard shook his head.

“That’s not it, Kisa. I have no intention of preventing you from conversing with someone of the opposite sex. I just didn’t realize you two had become close enough to share concerns.”

It sounded like he felt somewhat hurt, leaving Kisa at a loss for words.

She hadn’t expected Seyard to be sensitive about such things.

“And regarding Gabriel Williams’ concerns…”

Just as Seyard was about to say something about Gabriel.

“Your Grace.”

Gilliam, who had just entered the banquet hall, approached them with somewhat urgent steps.

“What is it?”

He quietly reported to his master’s inquiry.

“The youngest princess has just arrived.”

“The princess?”

“Yes, I’ve shown her to the reception room. She’s asking for you, saying she has an urgent matter to discuss. She also mentioned that if you’re busy with engagement preparations, she would come here herself.”

“…I see.”

He murmured softly, then turned his gaze to Kisa.

“Kisa, why would the princess arrive so early?”

Having no idea, she shook her head.

“I don’t know either.”

The Arta that Kisa knew was more likely to be late for an appointment than early.

Even if she were generally punctual, arriving three hours before the start of a reception was not conventional.

“You have no idea at all?”

As Kisa met Seyard’s eyes to answer no, she inexplicably held her tongue.

For some reason, his gaze looking down at her felt searching.

However, that was just a momentary impression, and when she looked again, he appeared the same as usual.

“This is perplexing. What could she be thinking?”

Stroking his chin, Seyard apologetically asked for Kisa’s understanding.

“I’m sorry, but I should go attend to the princess.”

“Oh, I’m fine with that.”

While it was disappointing not to be able to continue viewing the engagement preparations together, it was only proper that a princess of the kingdom should be received by someone of appropriate rank, not mere servants.

“Um, should I come along too?”

“No, that’s not necessary. Someone should remain in the banquet hall just in case. There might be decisions that need to be made on the spot.”

Since it was a reasonable point, Kisa didn’t insist further.

It would also be somewhat awkward to meet the princess together with Seyard, considering she had become a source of conflict between them.

“In any case, we can’t have the princess come to this disorderly place.”

With those final words, Seyard headed toward the main building of the mansion where the reception room was located.

Kisa stared at the space he had left for a moment, then remembered what she had been about to do.

Before the engagement ceremony began, she felt she should check on Gabriel’s condition.

“Gabriel, good afternoon.”

“…Ah, yes. Hello.”

The man responded to Kisa’s greeting more shyly than usual.

He seemed embarrassed about having revealed his unrequited love to Kisa the other day.

Kisa asked in a lowered voice:

“Will you really be all right? If you want to quit, just say so. I’ll try to arrange something.”

“No. I’m fine. I can do it.”

His attitude was uncharacteristically firm.

“This time, I will definitely play a piece befitting a celebratory occasion.”

“You don’t have to push yourself. I think even if you gave up the performance, Seyard wouldn’t withdraw his offer to help with your studies abroad.”

“…That’s not the issue.”

After hesitating briefly, Gabriel confessed something to Kisa.

“Actually, this occasion is my last chance to play for the one I love. Once I go to Octava, I don’t intend to return.”

“…”

“I’m sorry. You probably didn’t know that person would be attending today, and I’ve startled you.”

No, I knew very well.

Who else would attend Seyard’s engagement ceremony if not Seyard himself?

 

Chap 58

Engagement Ceremony (2)

Anyway, Kisa answered his question.

“Well, I was a bit surprised, but I’m fine. You did mention that the person you have feelings for is a noble. I never imagined they would be a guest invited to my engagement ceremony.”

In all likelihood, Gabriel had expected that by providing limited information, Kisa would naturally assume that person was just one of the many guests, which is why he opened up about his feelings.

‘I’ll just pretend I don’t know for now.’

Unless Gabriel himself decided to tell her, Kisa showing that she knew would just be meddling.

Actually, what concerned her more was what she had just learned from their conversation. Gabriel was leaving this country for good.

“What do you mean by not coming back? Are you planning to settle in Octava?”

Gabriel nodded without hesitation.

“I’ll live there pursuing music for the rest of my life, just as I’ve always dreamed. There’s no better place for that than the capital of Octava.”

His light-colored eyes revealed his determination to bury his unrequited love in his heart forever.

The young genius had apparently made a firm decision to choose his dream over love.

‘Yes, that might be better.’

From what she had observed before, Seyard didn’t seem to have that kind of interest in Gabriel at all.

Leaving to pursue his dreams was a much wiser choice than continuing to hold onto a hopeless love.

There’s a saying that distance creates emotional distance too.

Just as Kisa had put an end to her decade-long unrequited love for Daniel, Gabriel too would someday be able to move beyond Seyard’s shadow.

Of course, since Seyard was such a good person—almost unfair to compare with Daniel—it would take much longer.

In any case, as a third party, all Kisa could do was hope that Gabriel would soon find closure.

“Oh my… I just realized how absurd this must sound to Lady Vansfelt. At such an important occasion for both of you, I’m saying I’ll perform with my personal feelings!”

At that moment, perhaps misinterpreting Kisa’s silence, Gabriel’s face turned pale.

“I’m truly sorry. I’ve been so distracted that I’ve committed a terrible impropriety. The Duke is a benefactor who has shown me kindness I could never repay in a lifetime, and yet I dare to…”

“No! I’m fine with it. And Seyard probably wouldn’t mind such things either.”

Kisa quickly calmed the man whose thoughts seemed prone to extreme directions.

“Whatever your feelings are, just doing your best is what matters. It’s your performance after all, and I really enjoy Gabriel Williams’ playing.”

“…Thank you for saying that.”

His eyes seemed to shimmer slightly at those sincere words.

“Still, I’ll try to restrain my emotions as much as possible for this performance.”

“Come on, your emotionally rich performances are quite wonderful too.”

“That’s too generous, but these are feelings I’ll have to abandon eventually. I might as well practice doing so.”

His profile as he gazed at the entrance of the reception hall, still empty of guests, looked infinitely lonely.

May he continue to share his beautiful music with many people, even from far away.

With that wish, Kisa left Gabriel’s side.

Contrary to Seyard’s concerns, the engagement ceremony preparations proceeded smoothly thanks to the servants. Fortunately, there were no exceptional situations requiring Kisa’s intervention.

About an hour before the engagement ceremony, the final preparations were completed, and guests began arriving at the Hillan mansion one by one.

Except for Princess Arta who had arrived abnormally early, the first guest to reach the reception hall was Count Vansfelt.

Well, as a family member of one of the parties involved, perhaps he couldn’t be considered a pure guest.

“Congratulations. However, don’t let your guard down and be careful with your behavior. Those who don’t look kindly upon you are desperate to find even the smallest fault.”

Yet, as soon as he saw Kisa, he offered words too austere for a father whose daughter was getting engaged. His warnings were much longer than his congratulations.

‘Well, that’s very fatherly of him.’

Even if he had suddenly shown warm words or affectionate glances now, Kisa would have found it uncomfortable rather than touching.

For reference, Kisa’s younger brother, Julian Vansfelt, who was studying in another region, was not scheduled to attend from the beginning.

Since Kisa and Seyard were planning to marry within half a year at the latest, they would see him soon enough, and Count Vansfelt didn’t particularly welcome his son coming to the capital.

The reason was that with many entertainment options in the capital, it wasn’t a good environment for his son who lacked self-control.

While Julian had inherited his father’s rigid personality, he hadn’t inherited his iron will.

In simple terms, he was somewhat like the Count but with a weaker sense of self.

That’s not to say he engaged in dissolute behavior, and his tendency to be distracted was similar to others his age.

However, he couldn’t meet the Count’s high standards, so the Count had sent Julian to a place with little entertainment. As an extra measure, he had assigned a servant to watch over him.

Anyway, Kisa didn’t feel particularly sad about his absence, as their relationship wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t especially good either.

“Where is Duke Hillan?”

Having said all he needed to say to his daughter, the Count looked around for Seyard, who wasn’t in the reception hall.

“Princess Arta arrived before the reception hall preparations were complete, so we escorted her to the drawing room. The Duke went to see the Princess…”

Still, it was about time he returned to greet the guests together.

As the master of the mansion, it would be too much for Kisa to handle the guests alone.

“Oh, here he comes with the Princess.”

Just then, Seyard and the Princess entered the reception hall side by side.

Kisa approached them to greet the Princess.

“Princess, it’s an honor to have you here. I hope you will be comfortable today.”

Though she maintained outward courtesy and appeared genuinely pleased, her shoulders naturally shrank as she recalled the humiliation she had experienced at the previous tea party.

She was even more afraid because she still didn’t know why the Princess had chosen to attend.

Had she come to ruin Kisa’s mood with sharp words or subtle mockery?

Kisa looked at her with tense eyes.

“Ah, yes. Congratulations on your engagement, Kisa.”

But Arta’s response to Kisa’s greeting was strangely perfunctory.

“Oh, yes. Thank you.”

“The weather is nice, and it looks like it will be a wonderful engagement ceremony.”

What’s going on? It didn’t seem like she was pretending to be indifferent to express displeasure.

Though clearly conversing with Kisa, her eyes busily scanned the reception hall, as if she had no interest in Kisa.

“Princess, is there anything you need?”

“No, I’m fine. But the interior decoration is quite impressive. May I look around on my own?”

Since it wasn’t really a question seeking permission, the Princess moved away before Kisa could answer.

Soon, she began wandering around the reception hall.

Other guests who had arrived recognized the Princess’s presence and greeted her, but she seemed to barely acknowledge them.

Kisa went to Seyard, who had been dealing with the Princess until just now, and asked about the reason, but he shrugged as if he didn’t know either.

“I wonder. Perhaps she lost something?”

Kisa wasn’t sure if it was her imagination, but his voice sounded slightly amused.

After a while, the Princess, who had stopped her unexpected movements, came back to where Kisa and Seyard were.

“You two…”

Unlike before, her face now clearly showed that she was displeased.

“Yes, Princess. Please speak.”

Seyard’s manner of dealing with the Princess, without the slightest sign of intimidation and even with a faint smile, impressed Kisa.

The hall became somewhat noisy with murmurs.

The guests, who were already surprised by the fact that none other than Princess Arta had come, focused their attention on the three people gathered in one place.

Perhaps aware of their interest, Arta, who seemed to have something to say, deliberately relaxed her tense expression.

“Congratulations on your engagement again. Wow, I wish the engagement ceremony would start soon. I’m looking forward to it.”

The Princess, who had clearly uttered sarcasm instead of what she truly wanted to say, then turned around abruptly and headed to her designated seat.

For Kisa, she couldn’t grasp what was happening at all since earlier.

Why was the Princess behaving strangely? What could have captured her attention?

With these questions lingering in her mind, Kisa examined every corner of the reception hall in between greeting other guests.

It felt like doing so might help her guess the Princess’s true feelings.

But no matter how many times she looked around, not a single plausible guess came to mind.

Instead, she noticed something completely unrelated.

‘Huh? Where did Gabriel go?’

Gabriel, who had been there until Kisa was talking with Count Vansfelt, was now nowhere to be seen.

Wondering if Seyard might know, she asked him, and he told her Gabriel’s whereabouts.

“He’s waiting in a separate space. Rather than the bustling reception hall busy with engagement preparations, wouldn’t it be better for concentration to be alone in a quiet place?”

“Now that you mention it, that makes sense.”

Also, to avoid any guests bothering Gabriel, who had recently gained fame, he was scheduled to move to another location when the guests started arriving.

‘Even with all the engagement preparations, he still thinks of such details.’

As Kisa was once again impressed by Seyard’s thoughtfulness, Lily came to the reception hall and announced:

“Miss, it’s time to change into your dress.”

The time for the engagement ceremony to begin had already arrived.

 

Chap 59

Engagement Ceremony (3)

“Seyard.”

At Kisa’s call, Seyard nodded.

“Yes, leave the greeting of guests to me and go ahead.”

“Thank you. See you later.”

Since she needed to quickly change clothes before the ceremony began, Kisa left the reception hall with Lily at a brisk pace.

One dress for greeting guests before the engagement ceremony, one for during the ceremony, and one for the reception afterwards.

This was Kisa’s plan to change into the three dresses she had prepared for the engagement ceremony.

Having obtained the dresses from a prestigious dress shop with Seyard’s help, it would be a waste not to showcase all of them.

Shortly after, the two arrived at the guest room where Kisa was staying.

Since they had decided to use a guest room, Seyard had given her the room closest to the reception hall to minimize the trouble of going back and forth.

Thanks to that consideration, Kisa was able to return to the reception hall less than twenty minutes after leaving, having changed into her second dress with Lily’s help.

As she entered the reception hall, she could feel countless gazes on her skin.

This wasn’t merely because Kisa, who was both the woman at the center of the kingdom’s recent attention and the protagonist of the engagement ceremony, had appeared.

[Wow! You were already beautiful, but with this dress, you seem to shine!]

These were the words Lily had uttered just a few minutes ago when she saw Kisa who had just changed her clothes.

What had sounded merely embarrassing to Kisa was now proven to be more than simple flattery by the looks in people’s eyes.

Unlike the relatively modest first dress, the blue dress, which was both splendid and boldly revealed the wearer’s figure, captured people’s attention at first sight.

Moreover, it created a visual harmony with the similarly colored decorations in the reception hall, further emphasizing its beauty.

Kisa looked around at the faces of those who were staring at her in a daze.

Among them were clearly those who usually didn’t welcome her.

External beauty. In fact, the objective truth that her beauty was exceptional didn’t bring much joy to Kisa.

It hadn’t always been that way. Kisa was once an ordinary girl who secretly enjoyed the praise, favor, and envious glances of others.

Her father, who was stingy with praise, acknowledged his daughter’s beauty, and Daniel, who found his fiancée annoying, was strangely more generous to Kisa compared to other girls, while Melissa openly boasted about her pretty friend. Kisa liked that.

But perhaps due to the fickleness of human hearts, at some point, Kisa had become increasingly numb to what her beauty brought her.

No matter how much recognition she received for her appearance from many people, Kisa’s life wasn’t particularly happy.

Because of that beauty, the Count increasingly wanted more from his daughter.

It was a markedly different attitude from how he treated his son, whom he would leave alone and pay no attention to as long as he stayed quiet.

Daniel seemingly showed contempt in his words and actions toward Kisa, who cultivated her beauty.

Yet when appearing in public with a fully adorned Kisa, he seemed quite pleased, making it impossible to know which tune to dance to.

Melissa still appreciated Kisa’s beauty, but she didn’t appreciate Kisa’s shy personality.

Gradually, the hand of her friend pulling her to introduce new people became burdensome.

If the three most important people in Kisa’s life were like this, how much worse would others be?

Before she knew it, compliments about her appearance became so obvious and sometimes tiresome to Kisa that they went in one ear and out the other.

Since everyone, including the Count, demanded it from her, she paid as much attention as possible, but the sincere longing that she once had rarely arose anymore.

But not now.

At this moment, Kisa deeply hoped to appear beautiful.

To others. And to Seyard.

The person who told her she wasn’t stupid.

The person who helped her escape from Daniel.

The person who understood her feelings that even she didn’t know.

The only thing Kisa had done so far for this person who had bestowed so many favors upon her was to play the role of his fiancée.

If so, at the very least, she wanted to look beautiful.

She wanted the people who saw today’s engagement ceremony to say she was indeed a beauty worthy of the Duke of Hillan’s desire and to be unable to hide their envy.

She wanted to be the best ornament that would make Seyard Hillan’s name shine even more.

That was all Kisa could do for him.

Would he be pleased?

“Seyard.”

Unable to hide her expectant heart, she approached the man who was standing in the same place as before.

“Kisa.”

Seyard also moved a few steps towards her.

Then, before Kisa could say anything, he took her hand and kissed the back of it.

It was a gesture full of affection, making him look like a man completely smitten with his fiancée in others’ eyes.

Even Kisa, who knew the circumstances, was confused, proving he was truly an excellent actor.

“Why suddenly……”

“I just felt like it.”

Responding with such brazen confidence, Seyard led Kisa to the center of the reception hall.

Almost simultaneously, the servants closed the main door of the reception hall, which had been wide open.

The engagement ceremony had begun.

“Aren’t you cold, by the way?”

As they walked through the path cleared by people, Seyard whispered in Kisa’s ear.

“Especially, your shoulders look cold.”

The second dress was designed to expose Kisa’s bare shoulders.

Kisa chuckled softly, conscious of his hand touching her shoulder.

“Didn’t you ask the same thing last time?”

When they went to fit the dresses, Kisa wore a prototype with the same design as this dress.

Like the other two dresses, Seyard told her it was beautiful, but then added a question about whether she would be cold.

It was a somewhat odd question.

The season was already late spring approaching summer, and the engagement ceremony was held indoors, so how cold could she be just because her shoulders were exposed?

When she answered just that, Seyard simply nodded without further comment.

But thinking about it now, perhaps that was his way of expressing embarrassment.

Having grown up in a monastery, a place forbidden to women, he might not be accustomed to exposure.

Of course, he could leave the monastery, but such attire probably wouldn’t be common in Bonzmos, which was relatively remote.

Such revealing dresses were mainly seen in reception halls.

‘How cute.’

At that moment, Kisa felt an appreciation she had never had before when looking at Seyard.

Thinking that the great Seyard felt embarrassed by such minor exposure made laughter escape her. He wasn’t even an adolescent boy.

Somehow, a corner of her heart tickled.

“It’s fine. I’m not cold at all.”

In response to Kisa’s answer tinged with laughter, he said in a slightly embarrassed tone that he was glad to hear that.

The two arrived at the podium in the center of the reception hall, exchanging whispers along the way.

“I express my gratitude to everyone who has come to this place to celebrate our relationship.”

Seyard delivered a simple greeting to the audience.

After his words ended, Kisa also expressed similar sentiments.

In fact, at an engagement or wedding, since it was a union of two families, the heads of each family would typically announce the start of the ceremony with a lengthy speech.

But the two had previously discussed and decided to simplify the procedure by eliminating all such steps.

There was also the meaning of not exhausting themselves too early since they would be getting married in a few months anyway, and there was concern that the picture might look a bit strange.

Having lost both parents and his brother, and with poor relationships with relatives due to inheritance issues, Seyard had no blood relatives to invite to the engagement ceremony.

This meant there was no suitable older figure to substitute for the role of the family head.

Of course, since he was clearly the head of the Hillan family, he and Count Vansfelt could appear together, but it still felt unbalanced.

Therefore, Kisa and Seyard broke with convention and retained only the exchange of gifts among the existing engagement ceremony procedures.

Originally, this banquet had been planned to celebrate Seyard’s succession to his title, though it somehow ended up being changed to an engagement ceremony.

So Kisa argued that they should put more effort into the banquet that would follow rather than the engagement ceremony, and Seyard gladly granted her wish, saying:

[I am happy for your thoughtfulness towards me.]

He had noticed Kisa’s inner desire for him not to feel the emptiness of family even a little.

Seyard himself didn’t seem to mind much, but it had been weighing on Kisa’s mind all along.

Previously, he had clearly described himself as being insensitive to emotions.

Even if he wasn’t aware of it himself, there could be old wounds beneath that perfect appearance.

Anyway, as the greetings quickly ended, it was time to exchange gifts.

Since they would exchange rings at the wedding, they decided on different items for the engagement gifts.

First, Seyard placed a bracelet made of pure white diamonds around Kisa’s wrist, and then Kisa attached black diamond cufflinks to his sleeve.

As there was no law anywhere that required the preparation of the same type of gift, this was the result of each choosing what they wanted to give to the other.

Afterwards, the two faced each other for a while.

It was the moment they officially became each other’s fiancé.

 

Chap 60

Bracelet

Now that the gift exchange was over, it was time to listen to Gabriel’s violin performance.

Seated in her designated place separate from the guest seats, Kisa gazed absently at her wrist.

‘A bracelet.’

She wondered how much money Seyard had spent on this exquisite diamond bracelet with its dazzling stones.

Knowing his spending habits, Kisa was almost afraid to ask.

From their few dates, she knew Seyard wasn’t particularly someone who enjoyed the act of shopping itself, but he never hesitated to spend money.

Just as he had once said himself, it was as if he was determined to drain the Hillan family fortune.

‘Well, seeing how his secretary Gilliam doesn’t try to stop him, I suppose there’s no real danger of that happening.’

Perhaps the one that should be afraid was the vast Hillan fortune itself.

Kisa glanced sideways at Seyard’s left arm, which rested on the armrest to her right.

The black cufflinks she had prepared as her gift stood out strikingly against the white cloth.

‘They really do suit him well.’

When she had first seen those cufflinks while shopping for his gift, she immediately felt they were made specifically for Seyard.

Although they were top-grade black diamonds, and despite the generous budget that Count Vansfelt had provided quite uncharacteristically, she still had to add her carefully saved pocket money to afford them…

But seeing them now, showcasing their noble appearance just below Seyard’s face as he rested his chin on his hand, they were more than worth their price.

Oh dear, had she been staring too obviously? As he turned his head sideways, their eyes met.

“Kisa.”

Speaking softly, he reached out and took her right arm that had been resting on the armrest.

Looking at her wrist adorned with the bracelet he had given her, Seyard smiled and asked:

“Do you like it?”

Embarrassed at being caught staring at him, Kisa replied somewhat curtly:

“You asked me that before.”

They had checked what gifts each had prepared before the engagement ceremony.

At that time, Seyard had also asked if she liked the bracelet, and Kisa had said yes.

“However, until now, I have never once seen you wearing a bracelet.”

She was a bit surprised. Could he really have remembered such a detail?

“You’re right. Actually…”

After a moment’s hesitation, Kisa admitted honestly:

“I’ve never been comfortable wearing bracelets.”

Necklaces, rings, earrings were all fine, but uniquely with bracelets, she felt confined when wearing them.

To exaggerate a bit, it was like feeling like a prisoner in shackles.

For that reason, Kisa had naturally stopped wearing bracelets altogether.

She never bought them with her own money, and even when receiving them as gifts, she would only wear them a few times in front of the giver before storing them away.

To be honest, when she confirmed that Seyard’s gift was a bracelet, she had been quite troubled.

She hadn’t shown it, not wanting to disappoint him after he had carefully chosen a gift for her.

“I thought as much.”

Seyard silently stroked the bracelet he had given her with his finger.

Worried that he might be truly disappointed, Kisa didn’t even notice that he was still holding her arm.

“Are you disappointed?”

“Disappointed? It’s my fault for giving you something you don’t prefer.”

“Seyard.”

Kisa couldn’t help calling his name.

In fact, since he had asked about the bracelet earlier, there was something that had been puzzling her.

“But why did you give me a bracelet? Didn’t you know? That I don’t wear bracelets.”

At Kisa’s question, a faint smile appeared on Seyard’s face.

“That’s exactly why.”

“What?”

“I gave it to you because you seemed to dislike bracelets.”

What does that mean? Just as Kisa was about to ask, Seyard placed his index finger on his lips.

Shortly after, the sound of violin music flowed through the hall.

Gabriel, having completed his preparations and taken his place on the stage, had begun his performance.

His skill was as excellent as ever, but even after a considerable amount of time since Gabriel’s performance began—a performance she so loved—Kisa couldn’t fully concentrate on it.

Seyard’s last words kept bothering her.

About an hour later, the scheduled performance ended.

People responded with even more thunderous applause than they had given when Kisa and Seyard exchanged gifts.

Waves of emotion flowed across many faces.

Some said it was the best performance they had ever heard from Gabriel.

“That was quite good.”

Even Seyard, who hadn’t offered any particular evaluation during the quartet performance and rehearsal, claiming to know little about music, gave such praise.

…While someone had barely managed to properly hear the performance only toward the end because of him.

Could he possibly imagine that this performance was Gabriel’s farewell, given while sorting out his feelings for him?

“Kisa?”

Puzzled by her lack of response, he tilted his head.

“Is something wrong?”

Is he really asking because he doesn’t know? Feeling a twinge of resentment, Kisa asked sullenly:

“What you said earlier… what did you mean?”

Thanks to Gabriel’s exceptional performance, the guests were busy sharing their impressions with each other, and the conversation between the two was lost in the commotion.

“What did I say?”

“You said you gave me the bracelet because I dislike them.”

Seyard wouldn’t know how many thoughts had bloomed and withered in Kisa’s mind while Gabriel played his violin continuously without an intermission.

Deliberately giving something she disliked as a gift—it couldn’t possibly be interpreted in a positive way.

Had he grown to dislike her? If so, why?

Was it because she only received help without being able to help in return? Was he tired of her frustrating personality? Or had she unknowingly made some mistake?

If there was a reason, she wanted to know it. If it could be fixed, she wanted to fix it.

If possible, she didn’t want to earn his dislike.

“Ah, you mean that.”

Whether aware of her anxious feelings or not, Seyard began to speak in a relaxed manner.

“Don’t worry about it. There wasn’t any profound meaning behind it.”

“…I still want to know.”

Muttering that it was really nothing, he asked in a lowered voice:

“Then shall we exchange? Like the gifts.”

“Exchange what?”

“I’ll tell you what you’re curious about, and you’ll tell me what I’m curious about.”

“Is there something you’re curious about regarding me?”

“Of course.”

After his brief answer, Seyard glanced at the person still on the stage.

“For instance, that personal concern Gabriel Williams shared with you?”

“What?”

“I’m quite curious.”

He met Kisa’s eyes again.

“Will you tell me, Kisa?”

No emotion could be read in his reddish-brown eyes.

After a long silence, Kisa suddenly answered with a constricted voice:

“I’m sorry. I can’t tell you that. It’s Gabriel’s private life.”

“You’re quite loyal.”

“It’s not about loyalty. I simply don’t want to be someone who carelessly gossips about others.”

Otherwise, she would be no different from Melissa, who had disappointed Kisa so much.

However, apart from that, she was still sorry that she couldn’t hear what was on Seyard’s mind.

But then, Seyard spoke in an ordinary tone, showing neither disappointment nor anger.

“I’ll tell you anyway.”

Kisa looked at him with surprised, round eyes.

“You’ll tell me?”

“Yes, I said it’s really nothing. That can be the answer.”

He grasped Kisa’s wrist with the bracelet.

“Even if you disliked it, I thought you would continue to wear the bracelet like this.”

“…What does that mean?”

“It means exactly what it sounds like. Kisa is a kind and loyal person. I could predict that if it were an engagement gift, you would faithfully wear it even if it was a bracelet you disliked.”

“Is that a reason?”

“Such a bracelet is unique, isn’t it? No one else has given you one, and likely no one else will in the future—a one-of-a-kind, special gift.”

After saying this, Seyard showed an awkward expression.

“Well, that doesn’t mean I want you to wear that bracelet all the time. No matter how shameless I might be, I couldn’t ask for that. I would just be happy if you occasionally let it adorn your wrist.”

Kisa looked at him with a dazed feeling.

He was the Seyard she had always known.

Standing up, the man said with a familiar smile:

“It’s time for the delightful reception.”

****

Right after the reception began, Kisa returned to her room to change into her third dress.

Since the early part of the reception was just a time for guests to dine freely with each other, she could change more leisurely than before.

The dress she was about to wear was apricot-colored, contrasting with the modest atmosphere of the first dress and the elegant atmosphere of the second, giving off a lively feel.

Lily, who helped her dress, complimented her again, saying it suited her perfectly.

“Thank you. Let’s go back.”

On her way back to the banquet hall with Lily, Kisa organized her thoughts.

To be honest, she didn’t fully understand Seyard’s explanation.

If it were Kisa, even if she wanted to give a special gift, she wouldn’t have thought to give something the recipient wouldn’t appreciate.

‘But well, I guess that’s possible too.’

How could everyone’s values be the same?

As long as he wasn’t lying, what mattered was that he still held goodwill toward Kisa.

Seyard remained as kind and affectionate as ever.