Chapter 11

Just a moment ago, I was so excited that I almost had a nosebleed, but after sitting down next to Lord Chaluti, who had a serious expression, I felt a chill in the pit of my stomach.

The maid who served the tea left, and in the private setting, Lord Chaluti began to speak.

"I have obtained permission from your father, Lord Norton. I thought he was serious, excellent, and a bit timid, but like you, he has courage. My family and Lord Norton have conspired to arrange a marriage for you... and to keep your mother and sister away from society for a while, I suggested that you be sent to our house under false pretenses."

The one who continued was my idol... no, now the Countess.

She looked at me solemnly.

"I haven't lied to you. I like you, and Percival said he wants to marry you. So, please remember this as a separate issue."

When I shifted my gaze to Lord Percival, he nodded deeply.

I will believe. The warmth of the people in this house is real. I have truly felt it in this short period.

"We can talk about what happens when you decide to stay later. For now, let's talk about your mother and sister. ... You and your sister, Casablanca, are only half-siblings."

Those words fell into my heart straightforwardly. I couldn't feel any affection for my sister, who was so different from me.

"You know that your mother comes from a wealthy merchant family, right? There are manners in noble society, but even if she had more money than a baron, she lacked the manners and grace... She is indeed your biological mother. I apologize for speaking ill of her. ... Anyway, she married the viscount and was being toyed with in society, though I doubt she realized it."

"Those nobles who treat her that way can hardly be called genteel. However, your mother cheated on her husband shortly after marriage and became pregnant with your sister, Casablanca. Lord Norton married her on the condition of having a child... He must have noticed the discrepancy in the records but couldn't say anything. Then, he had a second child. That was you. Mimosa, you are truly the child of Lord Norton and the viscountess. But Casablanca..."

The countess stopped speaking with a pained expression, and Lord Chaluti continued.

"We are the head of the Royal Guard. We cannot allow our son to marry a girl of uncertain parentage. Lord Norton declared in public that he only has one legitimate child, Mimosa, and that he would demand the money spent on the viscountess and her daughter from her family and seek a divorce. ... Yes, at the ball where Percival and Mimosa's engagement would be announced, in the presence of His Majesty."

Can Father really do that? But if it's discovered that the wife of the head of the Royal Guard is not a legitimate noble, ... that would be a problem.

"... I somehow understand. I was too much like Father, and my sister was too much like Mother... I don't mind if Father divorces Mother and my sister in public. ... But"

I became anxious and looked at Lord Percival.

Wasn't there someone else who could have been chosen for this complicated family? There must have been plenty of other women to choose from?

I couldn't ask that question because his blue eyes smiled kindly at me.

"Don't worry... I won't treat you badly. Neither will Lord Norton."

"Yes, and Mimosa... we like you. Our desire to welcome you into our family hasn't changed."

And finally, the countess said,

"I told you, didn't I? I'm a fan of your embroidery. I won't let anyone belittle you."