Chapter 9

It was, as expected, my cousin Irena who visited the Laguren household.

Usually, I would welcome her from the bottom of my heart.

...But the news I heard just yesterday interferes with that.

"Lucia, it's been a while! How have you been?"

In stark contrast to my complicated feelings, Irena had a radiant smile. Irena is the same age as me, eighteen, and a cute girl who makes you want to protect her if you were a man. She is about as tall as my shoulder, and her large, bright sky-blue eyes tilt slightly as she looks up. Her dark blonde hair, similar to Alves' brother, is wavy and fluffy, and her thin, weak arms hugged me tightly.

She is really cute.

...I envy her strong heart for being able to show such an innocent smile at a time like this.

I managed to return a smile despite my face twitching and prepared our favorite tea for the two of us.

Fortunately, I had just made some sweets with the sugar I received from Fil this morning.

"Hey, I think you already know this, but..."

After eating the sweets and refilling her tea, Irena finally got to the point.

"Yesterday, Lord Gorman mentioned that he sent an invitation, so you must know, right? I'm getting married!"

"...Yes, I heard. Congratulations."

I managed to say it while maintaining a smile.

...I'm amazing. Really amazing. I can only praise myself now.

"But, it's quite sudden for the marriage to be decided so quickly."

Ah, I ended up saying it.

I immediately regretted it, but Irena only raised an eyebrow for a moment before smiling again.

"I was also surprised by how sudden it was! But, there's nothing we can do. Lord Gorman's marriage has been set for this year for a long time, hasn't it? The preparations are already complete, so it can't be delayed."

Irena spoke calmly.

But... Lord Gorman was supposed to marry me this year. She must know that, being Irena.

"Since the Ophels family still needs some things, they are preparing a lot at the Bertia household. I was worried that the wedding dress might not be ready in time, but fortunately, the fabric they had prepared can be used. The seamstresses are working hard to finish the dress in a hurry!"

...What?

The fabric the Ophels family had prepared... Could it be the one I was supposed to wear? It hadn't even started being made yet, had it?

With less than half a year until the wedding, it was strange that there was no mention of the dress that was supposed to be gifted from the Ophels family. But it was still a few months away, and I was in the position to receive it, so I couldn't say anything.

But if what Irena said is true.

The preparations for breaking our engagement had been underway much earlier than I thought.

...My head is spinning.

My hands are trembling slightly, and my complexion must be bad.

I don't have the energy to continue talking to Irena.

But I can't tell her to leave.

Irena continued to look at me with a smile, surely noticing my distress.

But she said nothing, her smile only brightening as she continued.

"The Ophels family seems to like me. They really want to meet my cousin, Lucia! I told them that I'm short, but Lucia is very tall, so they are looking forward to meeting you! So, please..."

Standing up, Irena gripped my trembling hand tightly and leaned in close, whispering in a sweet voice.

"...Will you definitely come to our wedding? Lord Gorman, the Ophels family, and all their relatives are waiting for you."

Irena's soft, delicate hand gripped my rough one.

I usually don't pay much attention to it, but suddenly I felt embarrassed by my own hand and had the urge to pull it away.

But I suppressed that urge and gathered the pride of the Laguren family.

"It would be an honor. I will definitely attend."

Spinning out words I didn't mean, I smiled.

Irena smiled back, but her hand slipped away indifferently.