Chapter 2

As expected, a throng of young ladies exclaimed, "It's me!" They were declaring, "I had premarital relations," but was that really okay for them?

Even if they dyed their hair, their heights were different, the color of their eyes was different, their builds were different, and their voices were too different... the young ladies were being eliminated one by one.

Among those who remained, Alte asked, "Can you swear to God that you are definitely the young lady I am looking for?" To those who answered, "Of course," he demanded, "Then, lift your skirts and spread your legs for me to see." This was done while servants watched to ensure nothing inappropriate happened. Of course, the young ladies were furious. Those who bravely complied were told, "You don't seem to be the woman I was looking for," and they left dejectedly.

I clearly understood what Alte was searching for. On the inside of my right thigh, there are three small moles. When connected, they form a small equilateral triangle. He was looking for that. It's a place no one usually sees, and these moles only appeared after I grew up, so even my mother doesn't know about them. Only a man who has seen me spread my legs would know.

Alte, determined to find the real one, was dejected when all the women turned out to be false.

I was relieved that no fake cherry eater appeared. It would feel terrible if Alte were deceived.

"Hehe. It's a good thing you weren't deceived by a fox woman."

I meant to comfort him, but Alte sighed gloomily.

"Why didn't you come forward? After we loved each other so passionately..."

"..."

"...? Sister... Your face is red..."

"It's nothing."

I turned my face away. When he said we loved each other... indeed, I begged in a sweet voice that was unimaginable for my usual self. Honestly, just replaying the words I said in my mind makes me want to die of embarrassment.

"... Will you accept Lord Advance's proposal, Sister?"

Lord Advance refers to Duke Advance Dralek. He is 28, 10 years older than me, but he is handsome and kind, and very popular among young ladies. For some reason, he is infatuated with me. I received a marriage proposal from him recently.

"I'm still thinking about it."

I can't respond until my next period. Well, my hymen is already gone, but it can break from daily activities like riding a horse, so I believe it can be managed. But if I were pregnant, marriage would be impossible. If I accepted the proposal and then said, "I'm carrying another man's child," what a terrible situation that would be...

"... Lord Advance is kind, but I've heard he is quite fickle with women. I don't recommend it..."

Alte said this with a gloomy face. He seems to be against my engagement.

"Well, I thought you would want to kick me out of the house. It's surprising to hear you say something like this. What's changed your mind?"

"..."

Alte blushed and glared at me.

"Hehe. You look like you're jealous."

Teasing him, Alte blushed even more.

"I don't want to know you anymore..."

Alte left quickly. Could he really be jealous? No way.

Maybe he was worried about me. Or maybe he felt lonely at the thought of losing his sister. I've only been harsh to Alte, so I don't think he would feel lonely. He even told me once that he hated me. Our relationship is notoriously bad, mostly because of me.

***

I was anxious, but my period came on time. Thank goodness. If I were pregnant, I would definitely be asked, "Whose child is it?" If I answered honestly, Alte might be hurt. I'm relieved.

But I need to seriously consider Lord Advance... I'm already 18. Women start feeling left behind after 20. I only have two years left, so I need to be positive. Alte said he is fickle, but is that true? I'm quite jealous, so I don't want a man with mistresses.

"What's the matter, Loretta? You seem distracted..."

Father asked me. I was spacing out during breakfast, holding a soup spoon. The corn chowder is delicious, though.

"I was just thinking about Lord Advance."

"Hahaha. Is Loretta in love? Spring has come to our home..."

Father laughed.

"...! Thank you for the meal!!"

Alte stood up abruptly.

"Alte, that's bad manners."

"..."

Alte ignored Father and left. Maybe he was in a bad mood. He still had food left on his plate.

Father sighed.

"He'll regret it if he doesn't realize it soon..."

Father muttered to himself. Mother smiled wryly.

"So, is it okay to proceed with the talks with Lord Advance?"

"I'm not that cheap that I can be had so easily. (Translation: I need some time to think.)"

"Then, let us know when you're ready. But don't take too long."

"It depends on the person. (Translation: I'll think carefully.)"

Father and Mother laughed at my special language.

"Do you both know if I'm suitable for marriage? (Translation: What do you think of Lord Advance?)"

"We've investigated, and he has quite a colorful history with women. However, he is good at handling widows and has never proposed to a young lady before you."

I made a sour face at the mention of his colorful history. If he settles down after marriage, I won't pry into his past, but what kind of person is he? He always says I'm cute and dotes on me when we meet.

"What do you think, Mother?"

"He is a very charming man, but I would be a bit hesitant. It's not a bad match for the family, but the final decision is up to Mikaldo and Loretta."

Mikaldo is Father's name. Mother's name is Carla. Mother doesn't recommend it... That makes me think.

"I respect Loretta's decision, but I don't recommend it either. He's not a bad person, but..."

Father also doesn't seem enthusiastic. His tone was somewhat hesitant.

Hmm... If both parents don't recommend it, it's a bit... But if I were in love, they wouldn't oppose it. Lord Advance...

For the main story, Alte is 16 years old.