Chapter 8

Since we would be noticeable under the eaves, we moved even further to the edge of the garden.

There were no chairs, but the rocks surrounding the flower bed were just right for sitting.

The gentlemanly Serian even laid down his scarf so that my dress wouldn’t get dirty, thinking it would be a problem if it did.

“It’s fine, you know…”

I had planned to let the dress sleep until the next party season without even making a hem. I thought there would be plenty of time to wash it thoroughly, so there was no need to worry, but Serian shook his head with a smile.

“If I don’t take care of it when I can, I might forget. After all, as a cleric, I never had to do such things.”

That’s true. While it’s not uncommon for a cleric to attend evening parties, it’s rare for one to go out into the garden to talk privately with a woman.

Taking him up on his offer, I sat down without dirtying my dress. Then I immediately brought up today’s matter.

“Hey, Serian. Actually, my father….”

“Asked for your engagement without your consent, to Margrave Margret, right?”

“…How did you know?”

When I asked, Serian smiled wryly.

“You had a really unhappy look on your face.”

I touched my cheek involuntarily. Had my expression been that obvious? If so, Margrave Margret might have noticed it too.

Was that why he told me not to flirt with other men? I wondered, but it seemed to be different.

“Others might not have noticed. I think I could tell because I’ve seen how happy you look when you work in the fields, so I could spot the difference.”

“Then that’s a relief…”

I sighed in relief.

“Even though my father made the promise on his own, it’s a problem if you can tell I’m unhappy. I want to break it off eventually, but…”

If possible, I want to do it amicably.

“Do you want help?”

Serian offered, but I could only shake my head.

“It’s going to be difficult for me to get close to you for a while. That Charlotte girl, who broke off my engagement… she was looking at you with such adoration.”

“Charlotte? Why?”

When I smiled wryly at Serian’s puzzled look, he nodded.

“I think any family would want to marry into the D'Orle family. And you, though you might not realize it, are very good-looking.”

I’m sure there are many noble daughters who would want you as a husband, even if your family name isn’t as prestigious.

“I see… I thought our family was rather off-putting, so people would avoid us…”

“Because we’re the royal guardians? In the past, maybe, but now there are no more assassination stories. Rather, I think many people want to marry into a family with strong ties to the royal family. It might be that your family has to select from the many who want to marry in.”

Parents might still be concerned about the assassination stories, but there are many daughters who would push through their blind love.

“I see. Even so, I’d rather not deal with that Charlotte. I don’t think I could get along with someone who caused my friend trouble.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at Serian’s shrug.

“Anyway, until Charlotte gives up on you, I can’t get close. I don’t know what she might do next, so I want to stay away.”

If I get involved with Charlotte, it might lead to something terrible, making it impossible to break off the engagement with Margrave Margret, which is scary.

“So, to marry you, I have to get Charlotte to back off….”

At Serian’s words, I felt a little flustered.

The thought that he still wants to marry me made me feel both happy and guilty.

Thinking back, Felix never wanted to marry me like this.

We just met and talked, without any real reason to go against our parents’ agreement.

Well, there’s no need to take it so seriously, I relaxed my shoulders.

Serian is just asking me to marry him out of the ease of friendship. He’s not passionate about me.

“I understand, Rivia.”

It seemed Serian had accepted my explanation.

“Thank you for your kind offer, but I’m sorry to involve you in this trouble because of my situation, Serian.”

“It’s not your fault. At least, it’s not related to you that she’s interested in me.”

More importantly, Serian’s expression darkened.

“I’ve heard that Margrave Margret can be quite forceful. Can you break off the engagement on your own? Your father seems to be in agreement, right?”

“I’m worried, but it’s not impossible. Thanks to Charlotte, my reputation has dropped significantly. If it comes to the worst, I’ll do something unbecoming to make the Margrave dislike me, so it’ll be fine.”

Even Margrave Margret wouldn’t want to marry a girl with a terrible reputation. Moreover, my father proposed the marriage for the sake of the inheritance. Once the family realizes this, they will surely disapprove of the engagement.

Serian still looked worried, but I smiled to show him that I was fine.

And I resolved in my heart.

I need to think of a way to be disliked.