Chapter 2

The shock I had braced for did not come.

"Lord Gorman"

Albes, my brother, had grabbed Lord Gorman's raised hand.

Since Lord Gorman is of average height, my tall brother had to look up to grab his hand.

Lord Gorman seemed to be trying to shake him off irritably, but he could not match the grip strength of my brother, who had been a knight of the kingdom.

Giving up, Lord Gorman opened his hand and moved away from me.

"Let go!"

"I apologize."

Albes released his hand quietly but stood between Lord Gorman and me, as if protecting me.

Lord Gorman adjusted his clothes and glared at us with disgust.

"Hmph. It's unpleasant to stay here any longer. The documents to be submitted to the palace are already prepared. I would like the viscount's signature."

"...Understood."

My brother signed the documents that were handed to him.

His handwriting was more rough than usual, and the pressure made the letters thick.

"That's all then. I'll have this document issued from my House of Ophels. Viscount Laguren seems to be busy with chores!"

"I appreciate your consideration."

My brother bowed respectfully.

But he kept his head bowed and glared at Lord Gorman.

His posture reminded me of my brother when he was a knight of the kingdom.

Lord Gorman must have been intimidated by the suppressed hostility. He did not utter any more insulting words and hurriedly left.

I watched the carriage leave from the window and dragged my heavy feet back to the parlor.

My brother was still standing there.

"Albes, brother"

When I called out softly, my brother slowly turned to look at me. He tried to smile as usual, but his face only twisted in pain.

"...I'm sorry, Lucia. I wanted you to be happy."

"If it's about the marriage dowry, I think it couldn't be helped."

"But it was still the wrong thing to do. I consulted with Lord Ophels because it was difficult to gather the full amount by the end of the year. The lord understood, but..."

My brother looked down and sighed deeply.

"...Actually, it wasn't impossible to prepare it. We had some savings, and there were still things we could sell."

"Brother, I know our financial situation well. The savings are for preparing for summer and winter, right? And there's nothing left to sell... You were thinking of selling your sword, weren't you?"

My brother averted his eyes and did not answer. It seems he really did consider selling his sword.

That's out of the question.

If my engagement is broken, it just means I can't get married for now.

But if my brother sells his sword, he will never get it back.

That wonderful sword was prepared by Father when my brother became a knight of the kingdom, by selling Mother's heirloom.

After Father passed away, my brother gave up his knighthood to protect the declining estate.

He did the usual lord's work, such as maintaining order and resolving disputes among the people, while also working in the fields, maintaining irrigation channels, preparing various documents for the palace, and negotiating with officials in the capital.

He does the work that would normally require several people all by himself. I have finally started to help, but I haven't been able to repay him for all his sacrifices.

That sword is a precious treasure to my brother. If he had sold it, I would have regretted it for the rest of my life.

I'm glad he didn't push himself and discussed installment or delay. If the engagement was broken as a result, it couldn't be helped.

My mind is clear now.

"Come on, don't keep that face. I was surprised by the broken engagement, but to be honest, I didn't think I could manage well in the house of the count. So, I'm actually relieved!"

"Lucia"

"Brother, pull yourself together. Weren't you in the middle of repairing the livestock shed? You said you wanted to finish before the rain."

"...Ah, yes. I was in the middle of the work."

Finally, Albes smiled.

He wasn't as energetic as usual, and his face was pale, but he was back to the brother who always showed me a smile, no matter what.

I like my brother's sunburned face.

I respect him for using his large hands, which should be wielding a sword, to hold carpentry tools and repair the roof. Even the slightly awkward finish has its own charm.

To cheer him up, I'll make his favorite stew tonight.

...Yeah, it's okay.

I'm feeling good, and while I'm disappointed that I can't get married, I'm glad that our expenses will be reduced. I have the time to think about tonight's dinner menu.

So, I smiled.

"I want to use the turnips before the boars take them. How about turnip stew tonight?"

"Sounds good. I'm looking forward to it."

Albes said this and placed his hand on my head.

After stroking my simply tied black hair, he slapped his own cheeks with both hands.

"Alright, I'll change and come back. I'll finish before dinner."

"Good luck!"

My brother, who left the room, seemed a little more energetic.