Chapter 4

The day after the ball, it was very unusual for me to be called by my father.

I followed a maid whose face I recognized but whose name I didn’t know, and stepped into the main house for the first time in a long while.

The annex where I had lived since childhood had almost no servants, and in my younger days, I often cried from loneliness and inconvenience. However, thanks to that, I became capable of taking care of myself even as a young lady.

Now, with the memories of my former self, I don’t think living in the annex is so bad.

After all, my stepmother, half-sister, and indifferent father rarely come to the annex. They only call me when they need something, so the annex itself is a place where I can be alone and calm. My stepmother and half-sister call the annex a "shed" or a "doghouse," but it’s about the size of a cozy house, and it’s just the right size for one or two people to live in.

"Oh, what business does the poor girl who was dumped by her fiancé have at the main house?"

Unfortunately, I ran into my stepmother in the hallway.

Her honey-blonde hair, which is quite noticeable for a commoner, is adorned with an overly flashy hair accessory.

Her dress is also too flashy for everyday wear, and her makeup is heavy, with a lot of jewelry.

Her overall appearance is gaudy and lacks class, which makes me snicker.

"I was only called by the viscount. If not for that, I wouldn’t have to see your face this early in the morning, but since I was called, there’s nothing I can do about it."

My stepmother’s eyebrows twitch when I imply that she has no business with me.

My former self would have lowered her head and remained silent.

Clearly not expecting a counterattack, the fan in her hand creaks.

"T-That’s the same for me. I don’t want to see someone as useless as you either."

"Is that so? Then perhaps you shouldn’t speak to me. I find it extremely unpleasant to think that a woman who casually cheats on her husband and a daughter who steals her sister’s fiancé are, even if only in name, part of my 'family.' Since this is a good opportunity, I’ll say it: please don’t speak to me in the future."

"W-What...! Y-You...!!"

"I’ve been called by the viscount, so I’ll take my leave."

I lift my chin and pass by the lady, brushing my platinum blonde hair off my shoulder.

You’re making a big mistake if you think I’m the same as I was yesterday.

I can hear her screeching behind me, but I ignore it and head to my father’s study.

The maid seems to have something to say but I ignore her.

I knock on the door, and a man’s voice from inside says, "Come in," so the maid opens the door. When I enter, my father is sitting on the other side of the study desk.

He has soft chestnut hair and emerald green eyes, and is a bit plump.

He looks at me with cold eyes, and I return the gaze expressionlessly.

"I have come as you called."

Without offering me a seat, the viscount shows me a letter.

"A letter from His Highness the Second Prince arrived this morning, ordering us to go to the castle this afternoon. The content of the summons isn’t written, but he has strictly ordered me to bring you. Have you done something to offend His Highness?"

It seems the letter really did arrive just today.

I shake my head to deny it.

"No, I haven’t done anything."

"Then why has he called you!"

"I don’t know. But I do have an idea. For example, perhaps it’s because I shamelessly broke off my engagement at a royal ball, ruining the atmosphere. Or perhaps it’s because my half-sister stole my fiancé, causing a scandal unsuitable for such a grand occasion."

"!"

Did you forget because I didn’t make a fuss?

My father’s face turns red with anger in an instant, which is quite amusing.

"That’s enough, get out! We’ll go to the castle after lunch, so be prepared!"

"Understood, I’ll take my leave."

I curtsy, open the door myself, and leave the study.

While I know the reason for the summons, my father, who was suddenly called by the prince, must be completely baffled. He’ll be even more surprised when he finds out the reason.

Anyway, if we’re going to the castle, I need to choose a dress to wear.

I need to pick a dress that’s old, dowdy, and plain, one that’s a bit difficult for a viscount’s daughter to wear. There won’t be any accessories, and my shoes are all worn out, so I just need to match the color.

Oh, I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait to see Lord Winterson.

＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊

Lunch is a black bean soup with a little meat and vegetables, and a slightly dry piece of cheese.

It’s not very delicious, but considering that the servants eat something similar, it’s not too bad. Compared to days when I can’t eat anything, today is a good day.

After that, I change into a dress I can put on by myself. It’s a dull gray, an old second-hand dress that was given to me a long time ago. On closer inspection, it’s patched in places and has no frills or embroidery. The luster is heavy and makes it look old-fashioned.

I only run a comb through my hair once, trying to avoid making it shiny.

The shoes match the dress in material, but they’re a bit too big, so I stuff the toes with cloth.

When the maid calls me, I head to the main house in this outfit. My stepmother is smirking, clearly thinking it’s good that I can only wear a dowdy dress.

My father frowns slightly but says nothing as we get into the same carriage to go to the castle.

It seems the letter specified that only the viscount and I should come.

It’s impossible to change now, given the time.

When we arrive at the castle, we are led to a slightly smaller reception room. Even so, it’s larger than the annex where I live and might even be more luxurious than the main house.

I drink the tea prepared by the castle maid. It’s delicious.

It’s been a while since I’ve had tea made by someone else.

The maid who used to come to the annex was bad at it, serving only a pale, watery drink. I realized it was a form of harassment and ended up making my own tea.

The viscount seems a bit nervous and doesn’t touch the tea.

Soon, the door opens, and we stand up to bow.

"Hello, sorry to call you so suddenly,"

Prince Shawn says lightly as he enters.

When he sits on the sofa, we also stand up and sit down again when prompted.

Lord Winterson is standing behind the prince. When our eyes meet, his sharp gaze seems to soften slightly, and I can’t help but smile a little.

"I called you today about your daughter,"

The prince glances at me.

"D-Did she do something wrong? If so, please punish her severely. We’ve been at our wits' end with her, as she doesn’t understand her place. If you could personally punish her, we could send her to a convent—..."

My father rubs his hands together and smiles obsequiously.

Oh, a convent, huh. So you were planning to send her there because of the broken engagement.

But the prince cuts him off.

"What are you talking about? The reason I called you today is to propose a match between my guard, Riley Winterson, and Edith Aringham."

The viscount’s smile twists and he freezes.

"Eh? A, a match...?"

"Yes. By the way, do you know Riley Winterson? I don’t think you could miss his face. Riley is the guard standing here."

"I, I am aware of him..."

My father glances at Lord Winterson, his face turning pale as he looks away. He should just stop looking if he’s scared.

"Apparently, they had a fateful encounter at last night’s ball. And I heard that Edith was recently dumped. Since they’re both free, I thought it would be a good idea to arrange a match. So, I called you to discuss it."

Yes, it was a fateful encounter.

I fell in love at first sight and kept pushing him.

"However, there are some issues with making her the wife of a hero...,"

"There are no such issues. She can interact with Riley and me without being intimidated, and there are no problems with her age or family status. Most importantly, the reason for her broken engagement was not her fault. Or do you not trust a match arranged by the royal family?"

"No, no, that’s not it! But I thought the engagement annulment hadn’t been approved yet."

"In that case, the king has already approved it, so Riley can be engaged to her immediately."

My father’s face contorts as if he’s eaten something bitter.

He’s not happy that the daughter he planned to send to a convent will stay in the capital due to a royal match. It seems he doesn’t like things not going his way.

Even if he calls it a match, the viscount’s family can’t refuse because it would damage the royal family’s reputation.

"However, if my daughter does something to offend the hero, it would be a problem for our family. After all, she’s a bit of a troublemaker... Besides, it’s an honor to be connected to the hero’s family, but it’s also a bit daunting."

...I see, you don’t want to be connected to Lord Winterson either.

He’s called a hero, but he’s also feared by the nobility.

"Father, then please disown me. That way, anything I do won’t affect the viscount’s family. Prince Shawn, would the engagement and marriage still be allowed in that case?"

"Yes, in that case, she would be adopted into another family in name only. If that’s better, I can introduce a family of suitable status for Riley. What do you think, Riley?"

Lord Winterson nods at the prince’s question.

"That would be better. I have various rumors surrounding me, both good and bad, so it would be better for the Aringham viscount’s family not to be affected. It would be for the best for both parties."

I’m happy to hear Lord Winterson’s positive response about the engagement and marriage. I was a bit worried because he didn’t respond when I pushed him yesterday.

Even if there’s a reason, it’s a relief to know he’s willing to accept me.

"Prince Shawn, Lord Winterson, thank you. ...What do you think, Father?"

My father looks at the prince and nods several times.

"If it won’t cause problems for our family, then certainly. It’s a blessing to receive her, as the broken engagement would have been a disgrace to our family."

That disgrace is because your beloved daughter, my half-sister, stole my fiancé.

Everyone here knows the reason for the broken engagement, yet he can still say that.

The prince has his attendant prepare several documents.

One is an engagement form, one is a disownment letter, and one is an adoption certificate.

First, we sign the disownment letter. Both my father and I sign it. The letter details the severance of ties due to my engagement and marriage, and once approved, I will no longer be related to the Aringham viscount’s family. This means I won’t inherit the viscount’s estate. My father is pleased that his beloved daughter, Felice, can stay in the family.

Next, the adoption certificate. Although the adoptive family hasn’t been found yet, it’s expected to be found within a day or two, so only my father’s signature is entered for now. My signature will be added after I meet the adoptive family, so it’s left blank for now.

Finally, the engagement form. The date is already filled in, and it’s decided that I will live with Lord Winterson to deepen our relationship, not with the Aringham viscount’s family. While it’s not ideal for an unmarried couple to live together, a plausible reason is given, such as getting used to Lord Winterson’s appearance.

When I read it and look up in surprise, Lord Winterson nods strongly in return.

I almost grip the document in my hand.

The pain has lessened thanks to my new memories, but I haven’t forgotten everything.

And the idea of living under the same roof with the person I love from today—...

"...I wonder if my heart can take it."

Prince Shawn looks up at my muttered words.

"Miss Edith? Did you say something?"

"No, nothing. It was just a thought to myself."

My name and Lord Winterson’s name are written on the engagement form, with the prince’s name as a witness. The parent’s signature section is left blank, to be filled in with the adoptive family’s name within a few days.

After confirming all the documents, I stand up.

"Prince Shawn, Lord Winterson, thank you very much for this opportunity."

I bow politely to both of them.

Then I turn to my father, no, the viscount.

"Father, thank you for everything. I don’t expect to have much contact in the future, but please take care of yourself. Please convey my regards to the viscountess and the viscount’s daughter."

The viscount snorts, clearly recognizing the sarcasm.

It’s a fitting farewell between a father and daughter who are being disowned.

...What a foolish man.

It’s true that Felice’s fiancé is from a baron’s family, which will maintain the family’s status and title.

But that’s only if you look at the family status.

Accepting a second son from a relatively unknown baron’s family versus connecting with a third son from a viscount’s family who is a knight with the king’s trust and is called a hero. Which is more beneficial?

He might realize it eventually, but since we’re disowned, it won’t matter.

When he realizes the significance of the disownment and is shocked, it will be his own fault.