Chapter 13

As the room was lit by my brother, he approached the fireplace and added more logs. Every time the already red-hot logs moved, sparks would scatter and fall.

I moistened my throat with the slightly cooled tea. After letting out a small sigh, I turned my gaze to my exhausted father. No matter how difficult the negotiations or how important the audience with the royal family, he had never shown such exhaustion before. I felt bad for him, but I couldn't help but think that it was a real relief that he had left it to us.

"Do you think the Viscount knows that Felix is doing this?"

"After sending the last letter, I received an apology letter. It said, 'I am sorry for the trouble I have caused, and I will ensure that this does not happen again.'"

"But, didn't he know about today's visit? The Viscount's family apologized and agreed to dissolve the engagement, but in truth, they want to start over, don't they?"

At my father's words, my brother shrugged. He returned to the sofa and crossed his legs, a sarcastic smile playing on his lips.

"It seems that if things continue this way, his son won't be able to inherit the family."

That's right, he won't be able to inherit the family. I had heard something like that even after I came into the living room. I must have looked very puzzled because my brother started to shake his shoulders.

"You were saying something similar just now. Did Felix say that?"

"Yes. If things continue this way, his younger brother will inherit the family. That's why he wants to convey to his father, Viscount Tostmann, that his connection with the Bloom Company is not severed."

"Amazing. But is that true?"

Is he trying to elicit sympathy? It might be a bit mean to think that. I took another sip of tea and placed the cup back on the saucer.

"It seems to be true. By unilaterally breaking off a valuable connection, his son has become a laughingstock in society, and Viscount Tostmann is angry."

While speaking in a gentle voice, my mother's eyes still held a strong look of anger. She is usually mild-tempered, but even she seems to be upset by this.

"It seems that all the Viscount's family's marriage arrangements have been put on hold."

Father, who had placed a damp towel on the table, put his arm around my mother's shoulder. She leaned in as if it were a familiar gesture. This affectionate scene is a common sight in the Bloom household.

I recalled the Tostmann Viscount's family as I listened to my father's words. Felix Tostmann had adult siblings as well.

"There were a younger sister and a younger brother in that family, right?"

They were gentle, beautiful people with calm smiles.

"A person who unilaterally breaks off a family engagement is not trustworthy. People are keeping their distance, thinking that the parents who raised such a son and the siblings who grew up with him might do the same."

"That's a bit pitiful... but you know a lot, brother."

"Gathering information is important. Especially for a business like ours."

As I marveled at my brother's information, his golden eyes narrowed with a smile. Some people say that the Bloom Company will be secure in the future because of its excellent successor, but even without favoritism, that might not be far from the truth.

"But will the young master back down just like this?"

Father's sigh echoed in the room. The wind grew stronger, making the windows rattle. Mother, who had been watching Father, smiled softly, a smile that was more aristocratic than what a merchant's wife would usually show.

"Then let's rely on my family."

Her voice was gentle but had a strong, unyielding tone.

"The best way to resolve matters involving the nobility is through the nobility. For the sake of our dear granddaughter, Father will have no choice but to agree."

Father pondered for a moment. He nodded vigorously, his brows furrowed in concern.

"They probably know. We must be prepared for a scolding, but that's only natural."

"...It seems we are causing trouble for everyone. I'm sorry."

The cause of the family's distress is the dissolution of my engagement. I didn't expect it to cause such a commotion. As I apologized, my brother shook his head.

"Alicia, you have nothing to apologize for. The one at fault is Felix Tostmann, and Alicia is the biggest victim."

"It's because I accepted that engagement. Alicia doesn't need to think that way."

"That's right. You should take your time to rest."

Everyone offered words of comfort. While I was grateful, I couldn't help but feel guilty.

I picked up the cup and sighed at its coldness. I moistened my throat with the chilled tea.

"Thank you. I really hope this will be over soon."

My heartfelt wish dissolved into a sigh.

"If the Earl's family intervenes, Viscount Tostmann will calm down. Perhaps his son has forgotten that we have the backing of the nobility."

"I think he has forgotten. On the day he broke off the engagement, he said he was disappointed to lose the Viscount's backing."

"Oh dear. That's why he looks down on us."

Mother's eyes, which were laughing, were not smiling. She couldn't tolerate the disrespect not only to me but also to the Bloom Company and her husband. Mother is a person with strong family love.

"He doesn't have the power to interfere with the company, so this should settle the matter with the Viscount's family. All we can do is pray that his son doesn't cause any more trouble. Is your workplace okay?"

I nodded slightly at my brother's question and quietly placed the cup back on the saucer. I clasped my hands tightly on my lap to warm my cold fingers.

"My supervisor is sympathetic, and no pressure has been put on me. The library is a facility directly under the Emperor, so it shouldn't be interfered with by other nobles. Therefore, I don't think the Viscount's or Baron's families can make me quit. We library staff are appointed by the Emperor."

"Will some young lady from the Baron's family storm in, not knowing that?"

Mother's expression clouded with worry. I smiled to reassure her.

"The library is close to the knights' quarters, and knights often come to borrow books. They have told me to rely on them if anything happens. I might hesitate to actually ask, but I think the knights will come if there's a commotion."

"That's good to hear."

Well, it all depends on whether Viscount Tostmann can reason with his son. My sister, who married into the Viscount's family, has been crying at tea parties over this matter. In the midst of sympathy for me and the Bloom Company, Viscount Tostmann would want to avoid making the situation worse.

As the conversation came to a close, there was a knock on the living room door. Glancing at my watch, it was time for dinner.

Let's eat something delicious and cheer up. With that thought, I stood up energetically.