Chapter 6

It has been a week since my engagement was broken off.

Since all the procedures are completed, nothing particular has happened.

Until now, I used to visit the Ophels family in the capital once a month, but since that’s no longer necessary, I don’t have to worry about dresses anymore.

Lord Gorman won’t be coming to our house, so I don’t have to be so meticulous about cleaning. I don’t even have to worry about the curtains fading in the sun anymore.

This engagement was something Father worked hard to arrange before he fell ill. Even when our life became difficult, I continued to prepare the dowry, and I was determined to get married.

But now, maybe I’m not meant to get married at all.

...It’s fine for me.

More importantly, I think my brother Alves, who is already twenty-five, should get married first. Until then, I have to protect my brother and the Laguren viscounty!

...Wait a minute.

That’s strange.

There’s almost nothing inconvenient about the engagement being broken off. Isn’t everything good?

“...If I had known, I should have had it broken off earlier.”

I said it out loud.

I quickly looked around, but fortunately, no one was there. As the sister of a lord, I’m being too relaxed.

Oh no, there’s someone.

There’s someone lying sprawled out on the floor over there.

“Fir, I told you not to sleep on the floor, didn’t I?”

“The floor here feels good. The air circulates well, and the sunlight is nice.”

“...But it’s the floor, you know?”

As I sighed, Fir slowly got up.

Oh no, his beautiful silver hair is all messy. And there are leaves and dirt all over it. His clothes are stained with grass juice too.

“Were you sleeping outside too?”

“I was just sparring with Alves. That guy, he’s not just not getting weaker; his sword is getting heavier. I had to dodge a wooden sword seriously for the first time in a while.”

“Is that so?”

“I guarantee it. ...It’s really a shame.”

His face, as he muttered, looked very serious.

But there’s a leaf on his head, and his hair is sticking up in odd places from bedhead.

I was thinking it all ruined the look, when Fir flopped back down on the floor.

“If you’re awake, please move. I need to clean.”

“I’ll do it later.”

“That’s not acceptable. Come on, move. I’ll kick you!”

I poked his large body with my toes, and finally, Fir stood up.

“Fine. I’ll go take care of the horses. Have you changed the hay yet?”

“Not yet. Can you do it? Brother Alves will probably be working in the fields all day today.”

“Alright.”

He fixed his hair with a comb and went outside obediently.

I’d like to let him relax since it’s his day off, but we don’t have that kind of luxury.

This time, he brought us salt and sugar, and other gifts that I assume are expensive. I feel bad, but an indefatigable worker is invaluable.

Sorry, Fir.

Just when I was starting to live a more positive life...

...a formal messenger from the Ophels family arrived.

“Fir! Please go get Brother Alves!”

“Hm? Sure, but what’s wrong?”

Fir, who was brushing the horses after changing the hay, stopped his hands.

His relaxed face tightened when he saw my urgent state, and he quickly put away the brush.

Then, he rolled up his sleeves and came out of the stable.

“A guest has arrived, a messenger from the Ophels family! He says he has something to hand directly to Brother!”

“...Got it. I’ll go get him. He’s in the fields, right?”

I nodded, and Fir patted my head.

But he immediately ran off.

Brother should be fine now.

I quickly returned to the house.

In the parlor, a man wearing the Ophels family crest was waiting.

Since he’s a formal messenger, it’s not unusual for the head of the household to receive him. However, it’s unusual for something to be delivered only to the head of the household.

What could have happened?

Was there a problem with the engagement annulment documents? Or could they be demanding compensation... No, that’s a bit much... But...

While waiting for my brother in the hallway outside the parlor, I couldn’t help but imagine the worst.

Just as I was considering whether I should go in, my brother came quickly.

He had changed into a neat outfit, fitting for the Viscount of Laguren.

Unfortunately, there was a leaf in his hair.

While he was taking deep breaths in front of the door, I reached out to remove the twig and roughly fixed his hair.

“...Alright, let’s go.”

“Yes.”

We nodded to each other and opened the door.

“My master has entrusted this to the Viscount of Laguren.”

The messenger from the Ophels family handed a sealed letter to my brother.

As he took it, my brother couldn’t hide his surprise.

The letter was made of high-quality paper with a gold border, and a small silver flower sealed it. It didn’t look like it contained bad news. In fact, it looked like it was for a celebration.

Brother stared at the seal and the silver flower, then cut it open.

I held my breath as I watched.

Brother... he seemed to be rereading it multiple times, and eventually, he looked at the messenger in shock.

“This is...”

“It is as written.”

“...When did this happen?”

“I apologize, but I do not have the details.”

The messenger answered calmly.

His expressionless face was perfect for a messenger.