Chapter 10

However, the degree of the "extreme situation" must also be considered.

If their dislike for me outweighs everything, they might refuse the engagement, but the money issue will remain.

If it’s a manageable amount to pay back gradually, that would be fine… but can I really afford it?

If I had to pay it as a condition of marriage, I think it would be a considerable amount.

Feeling anxious, I started listing items I could pledge on a piece of paper.

Father’s cane with the gemstones, the vases in Father’s room, the paintings I cherish.

I’ll sell the expensive jewels I inherited from Grandmother. I believe even the late Grandmother would understand that it’s better for her granddaughter to avoid a marriage with someone she finds physically repulsive.

If that’s not enough, I could sell this mansion in the capital. We won’t need it much if we move to the estate. If I’m called to the palace, I’ll have to rent a small mansion somewhere.

"Would this amount to about two-fifths of the estate’s income?"

If repayment is necessary, with this much, I should be able to negotiate a grace period for the remaining amount.

I felt a bit of the weight lift off my shoulders.

"The next step is to make sure the Earl doesn’t dislike me in a low-key setting."

I was thinking about this when, three days later, I was to visit the Margret Earl’s house with Father.

"This is my chance…"

If I make a mistake at their house, the likelihood of other nobles finding out about my blunder is low.

The Margret Earl will probably dislike me, but if I exaggerate the situation, it will be easier to deny, especially if it’s out of character for me, who usually behaves like a demure lady.

…To spread such a rumor, I’ll need to ask for help from Elise and my friends. I can’t do it alone. It would be even better if the salon members show some sympathy.

Next, I need to think about what to do to the Margret Earl.

I want to do something that seems accidental and rude.

Thinking about this, I remembered Charlotte, who was rude to me the other day.

Should I pour tea on him?

But he’s elderly, and the shock of hot water might stop his heart. It might be better to ask for water, pretend to trip, and throw the glass at him?

After considering a few more options, we arrived at the Margret Earl’s mansion.

The Margret Earl’s mansion is located in an area of the capital where the mansions of powerful noble families stand.

Since it’s within the capital, the gardens are usually not very large. However, old families like this one have managed to secure large plots of land near the palace, and the gardens are so vast that it takes some time to circle them by carriage.

The Margret Earl’s mansion was one of these.

Incidentally, the mansion of the Renlud Countess, who hosts the salon, is also near the Margret Earl’s mansion and has enough space for several fields and flower beds.

As I entered the Margret Earl’s mansion through the iron gate, I couldn’t help but think about how much more I could do if I had a field to work on, while admiring the vast garden.

The carriage arrived in front of the mansion, and with Father’s help, I got out. The butler and servants, who were already waiting, bowed.

"Welcome, Viscount Forsel and Lady Livia. The master is waiting for you."

We were ushered inside, and Father and I entered the mansion.

The interior of the Margret Earl’s mansion was as grand and dignified as its exterior. It was a fittingly old and prestigious family to have such a large mansion in the capital.

I was relieved that it wasn’t filled with garish or avant-garde decorations.

No, perhaps it would have been better if it had strange tastes. If the Margret Earl had bad tastes, even Father might have hesitated about the marriage.

Feeling a bit resentful, I was led to the living room with Father.

The spacious living room had tasteful dark burgundy wallpaper.

A tea table and chairs were set by the window, and a few sofas were arranged facing each other in front of it.

The Margret Earl was waiting in front of the sofas.

"I’ve been waiting for your arrival, Viscount Forsel, and Lady Livia."

The moment the Earl’s gaze fell on me, I felt a chill. The dislike had been brewing in me even during our absence.

"Thank you."

Father responded, and the three of us sat on the sofas.

"Still, I appreciate your acceptance of this proposal."

"It’s a promise. I’m also glad that I’ve decided on a new wife, Viscount."

Father said with a smile, but the Earl didn’t even crack a smile.

Why? Was it because he didn’t propose the marriage as a form of debt? Did Father ask for the marriage to replace the debt?

I couldn’t help but glance at Father, but now wasn’t the time for that.

From the flow of the conversation, it seemed they intended to finalize the engagement today.

Just then, the Margret Earl instructed a servant to bring a piece of paper.

"I’ve already had the marriage contract prepared. I’ve already filled in my part."

"Indeed, Margret Earl. I appreciate your consideration."

Not only that, but I was to sign the marriage contract! I had to stop this!

After my gaze wandered aimlessly, I saw the servant bring in the tea and decided this was my only chance.

After the tea was set on the table and the thick, durable parchment of the marriage contract was placed on the desk, I picked up a cup.

"Then, Livia, sign here…"

"Kyaa!"

"Whoa!?"

I deliberately let out a scream and dropped the cup from my hand.

The tea splashed all over the table.

The cup fell, and Father, surprised, stood up with a shout.

The tea stained the marriage contract brown.

"Oh no!"

I quickly took out a handkerchief,

"Hey!"

Ignoring the Margret Earl’s protests, I rubbed the contract, smearing the ink and ruining it.

Yes, it worked!