Chapter 8

"......So, about Lord Gorman's wedding."

The next morning.

Perhaps feeling ashamed of his behavior last night, my brother Albes avoided eye contact as he began to speak.

"If they went out of their way to invite Lucia specifically, I think it would be unwise to decline."

"You're right."

"Still, I can't let her go alone. Lord Gorman harbors an inferiority complex towards her, and Irena is just plain nasty."

Nasty... Is it that bad?

Irena is just shrewd.

Anyway.

"Inferiority complex?"

"......Isn't Lucia taller than Lord Gorman?"

Oh, that's what you mean.

So he was really bothered by it.

That's why he disliked me.

Now that I think about it, Lord Gorman was kind to me when I was still short.

Lord Gorman is of average height, and I just grew too tall.

But, to be disliked so much for that? I didn't choose to be this tall. If I could, I would have preferred to grow up a bit shorter and cuter.

It's so unfair. I apologize for our family's tall stature.

"Because of these circumstances, I can't let Lucia go alone. I'll go with her."

"You'll come with me? That's a relief!"

"Yep, let's face it together!"

Beside us, where we were firmly shaking hands, Fil was tilting his head.

"Hey, Albes."

Fil looked at us, still holding hands, with a troubled expression.

"It's hard to say this when you're all hyped up, but Lord Gorman's wedding is during your busiest period, right?"

"......What do you mean?"

"I don't remember the exact date, but isn't it around the time when you have to deal with tax reports and various negotiations?"

My brother silently looked at the invitation.

I brought out my calendar.

We checked the dates multiple times and exchanged glances. My brother's face was pale, and I'm sure mine was the same.

"......Why now?"

"Officially, it's because most of the nobles will be gathered. But it's also the perfect time for a prank. Albes handles all these tasks alone, after all."

"What a terrible person! No, even if it's just for a day, we could ask for a rescheduling of the reports!"

"I think it's possible, but it will just be spread around again. You'll be the prey of the palace gossips."

"What kind of people are they! To invite Lucia to a wedding in such a situation! I can't forgive them for breaking the engagement on a whim!"

Albes had a murderous look on his face.

Well, he usually has a relaxed face while doing farm work, but he was a knight who fought on the front lines.

It's the same kind of thing.

However, this is a problem.

I, who was just jilted, am invited to a wedding, where I will receive blatant contempt from Lord Gorman and a pitying, victorious gaze from Irena.

They will surely laugh at my dress too.

Each of these things is bearable, but all together is too much.

Just thinking about it makes me feel depressed.

That afternoon, which started with depression.

While preparing the accounts for the tax report before the Summer Solstice Festival, I heard heavy footsteps.

Looking up, I saw Yurana rush in through the open doorway.

"What's wrong?"

Yurana, who helps with the housework, caught her breath and said,

"Miss, the shepherd's son just came with a message!"

"The usual Talon?"

"Yes. He says a carriage from the capital has arrived! And it has a crest we've never seen before!"

"......Is Talon still here?"

"Yes. Talon! Miss is calling you!"

There were more footsteps, and a sunburned boy poked his head in.

I took out a sheet of paper with the crests of families we have connections with and called Talon over to show him.

"What did it look like? Is it one of these?"

"Um... Ah, this one!"

Seeing the crest Talon pointed to, I held my breath for a moment.

But I quickly smiled at the worried Talon.

"It seems to be my cousin. Thank you for letting me know."

"Our father always says it's one of our important jobs as shepherds!"

"That's reassuring. If anything else happens, let me know. Yurana, please give Talon a snack. And could you prepare some hot water for tea? I'll help with the preparations after I change."

"Understood."

Yurana and Talon left the room.

I watched them go with a smile and then looked up at the ceiling, taking a deep breath.