Chapter 40

As promised when he accepted the marriage, Noah's actions were surprisingly swift.

The next day, a letter arrived, and before I knew it, arrangements were made for him to visit my home.

Noah was set to come on the next day off. My father and brother had somewhat complicated expressions, but my mother wore a gentle, serene smile. The butler, Marc, and the housemaid, Dorothea, also seemed pleased.

Knowing that my father and brother were not opposed, the atmosphere in the house was somewhat buoyant.

And then, the day arrived.

I woke up early, perhaps due to nervousness. The sky, visible through the opened curtains, was still dim. In the early morning light framed by the window, the snowscape, which had been blue, was gradually turning golden as the sun slowly rose, creating a beautiful scene.

I returned to bed to watch the view, and before I knew it, sleepiness returned. Just as I closed my eyes, thinking there was still plenty of time before breakfast, there was a knock on the door.

The knocking was strong and persistent, as if urging me to wake up. I slowly got up, worried that something might have happened. Before I could respond, the door opened, and there stood my mother with a bright smile. Behind her, Dorothea, also smiling, was holding a large box.

"Good morning, Alicia. How are you feeling this morning?"

"Good morning, Mother. I'm a bit surprised, to be honest."

I rubbed my eyes with my fingertips and yawned. I wiped away the tears that had formed and got out of bed.

"What are you doing up so early?"

"Today is the day Einhard is coming."

"Yes, I know that."

"You need to get dressed up to welcome him."

"Get dressed up..."

Dorothea, who had placed the box, brought in a cart with a basin of hot water and various items. The box and the items on the cart were surely related to getting dressed up.

I didn't want to dampen their enthusiasm, but I also felt a bit embarrassed as I washed my face with the water prepared on the table.

I put on the dress from the box and sat in front of the dresser, where my mother was doing my makeup. Dorothea, standing behind me with a comb, was carefully brushing my light green hair. Thanks to her, my hair had a beautiful shine, but she was being a bit too meticulous.

"Madam, how would you like your hair styled?"

"Let's braid the sides and make it look like a headband. Please leave the forehead completely exposed. It will make the makeup stand out more."

"Understood."

The cosmetics with a floral scent were my mother's favorites. The makeup she applied was much more delicate than what I could do myself, elegant but not garish. I was impressed by her skillful touch.

"We'll put on the lipstick just before Einhard arrives. You can have a light snack if you like."

"With this tight corset, I don't think I can eat much."

"Oh, it's not that tight at all. The ones we wear for evening events are much tighter."

"Thank goodness I don't have to attend evening events. I don't think I could handle it."

The dress my mother had prepared was not one that a noble would wear, but it was more than elegant enough, a light purple. The cuffs of the long sleeves had white frills, making my wrists look slender. The neckline and neck were covered with a light purple lace.

The corset made my waist look slim, and the skirt flared out from there, but it looked neat without a petticoat.

The earrings were made of gold and shaped like flowers. Small purple gems dangled from the gold chains. The gold was probably to match my eyes, or perhaps... Noah's evening star. It was clear that the dress color was chosen to match him, and I felt a bit embarrassed.

"You look beautiful, Alicia."

My mother and Dorothea smiled. In the mirror, I saw myself with a flushed, love-struck face. I might have the confidence to stand beside Noah. The reflection was filled with a radiance that made me feel that way.

Noah arrived on time, dressed in his knight's uniform with his bangs swept back. He looked just as he always did, as Einhard.

He held a bouquet of bright bougainvillea, which made my heart race and almost made me dizzy. He looked as beautiful as if he had stepped out of a painting, with the ruggedness of a character from an opera.

Noah's eyes widened slightly when he saw my outfit, but only for a moment. He quickly smiled and offered me the bouquet.

"You look beautiful. Is this... for me?"

"Please don't ask."

Noah laughed softly and reached out to touch my cheek. Just before he touched me, he clenched his fist and lowered his hand. He must have read my mind. With my parents and brother behind me, it would be awkward to touch me here.

While my father and brother led Noah to the parlor, I asked Dorothea to decorate the room with the bouquet. The flowers were so beautiful that I wanted to keep them close.

Seeing those flowers in the morning and at night would remind me of this day.

In the parlor, Noah sat on the sofa, and my parents sat on the opposite sofa across the table. My brother and I sat on single-seat sofas.

It felt similar to when Sir Felix visited, but the atmosphere in the room was completely different.

"I have already stated in my previous letter that I wish to marry Miss Alicia. I humbly request your permission."

After taking a sip of the tea prepared by Marc, Noah straightened his back and spoke. The profile I could see was very sincere, and his gaze was fixed on my parents.

Hearing those words from Noah again made my chest feel heavy. I realized that I was being sought after, and it was both a happy and painful feeling.

My father looked at Noah seriously, then sighed softly. He placed his hands on his knees, bowed deeply, and slowly straightened up.

"The engagement I arranged caused Alicia a great deal of pain. I hurt my daughter's heart, and this time, I want to respect Alicia's wishes. Our desire is for Alicia's happiness. If Alicia chooses you, we will gladly accept it."

"I also wish for her happiness. And I want to nurture that happiness together."

Noah spoke softly and then slowly stood up, kneeling in front of me.

Alicia, will you marry me? I swear to protect and love you for the rest of my life. My happiness is with you. I hope your happiness is the same.

Noah took my hand, which was resting on my lap, and spoke with a passionate voice. His voice and gaze were seeking me.

The intensity of his feelings made my vision blur. I thought my makeup might smudge, but I couldn't suppress the overwhelming emotion.

"My happiness is also with you."

I could only respond with a trembling voice. But Noah smiled happily, as if it was enough.

In his evening star eyes, only I was reflected.