Chapter 3

The next morning, as I tried to sit up, a sharp pain shot through my head. Realizing this must be the notorious hangover, I also keenly felt that yesterday’s events were not a dream.

Yesterday, I remember being taken home by a man—apparently named Ilvys. I must have passed out at some point, as I have no memory of what happened after that.

However, I clearly remember Ilvys’s proposal, and I can’t help but admire my convenient memory.

---

"Use today’s incident to your advantage."

Yes, he definitely started with that.

"First, I’ll take the drunk noble lady to the earl’s house. Your parents will surely come to check on you out of concern."

"I think they’ll be more worried about whether anything went wrong before my marriage."

In this country, only the eldest child can inherit the family. Therefore, my parents don’t care what my younger sister does, but they are very cautious about me, to ensure nothing goes wrong before my marriage. If I were to return with a man just before my wedding, they would undoubtedly scrutinize our relationship with bloodshot eyes.

"That’s exactly why. When your parents ask, I’ll act as if I have feelings for you. Of course, I won’t say it outright, as you are already engaged."

"Uh, right."

"Then, your parents will surely ask you to confirm, so try to act like you’re not entirely against it. Do you have enough time until the wedding?"

"Yes. Considering the current situation, about three months."

Noble weddings take a long time to prepare, so there is actually more leeway.

"Good. Then, in the first month, let’s go out frequently."

"Eh?"

"In the second month, at the right time, tell your parents that you are considering marrying me. Oh, and don’t forget to mention that your fiancé and your sister are in love and should be allowed to marry."

"Wait, what?"

"Noble marriages are contracts. Since the invitations have already been sent, it would be troublesome if everything were suddenly canceled. But if your sister marries instead, there won’t be a problem."

"That’s a problem. Can you hear me?"

"Hmm, what’s the issue?"

You’re making it sound so easy, but even someone like him is the third son of a marquis, with a high status.

"Yes, I know. I can handle that much."

Ilvys spoke as if he were stating a fact, as if diamonds are hard. His calm demeanor was so composed that I was the one who felt confused.

"Is that so? But I don’t think my sister will agree. She always puts herself first, and our parents won’t approve."

"From what you’ve told me, your parents are typical nobles who prioritize honor over love. They won’t dismiss this proposal. If so, your sister, who is just a noble lady, won’t be able to go against them, will she?"

"You’re right, but—"

The situation isn’t that simple, and why are you assuming our parents will agree?

This plan is based on the assumption that my parents respect Ilvys. I want to point out that there’s no reason for my parents to respect him, but I feel a pressure from Ilvys not to dig deeper. I ended up keeping quiet, but he does seem capable.

"Well, in any case, I can only trust you. But, is this okay for you?"

"…What do you mean by ‘okay’?"

His tilted head was infuriating.

"Don’t you have someone you like? Even if you haven’t publicly declared it, it’s a rumor."

"Oh, I see. …This is perfect for burying the outer moat."

His expression changed from curious to that of a hunter planning to finish off his prey. He muttered something softly. His eyes, which I saw for the first time, were ice blue and narrowed slightly. A chill ran down my spine, and I couldn’t help but speak up. He immediately showed a soft smile.

"Sorry, the hall was noisy, and I couldn’t hear you. Could you repeat that?"

"According to you, I’m already spreading rumors, so I said."

"Are you a bit bothered by that?"

…Am I imagining things?

"Of course not. But if it bothers you, I can give you advice on how to get closer to her. I’ve never been close to a woman before."

"You do care, don’t you?"

"More importantly, isn’t this a good deal?"

"More importantly—"

But it is a good deal.

"You can avoid marriage. I can get closer to her. It’s not like a noble lady who can inherit the earl’s house can’t get married."

In fact, it’s such a good deal that it’s confusing. Even in the dark, I can tell that the man in front of me is handsome. It’s true that Ilvys is popular.

That’s why it’s a mystery why he’s doing all this for a stranger like me. Could he be trying to scam me, thinking that a woman who might have her fiancé stolen by her sister is easy to manipulate?

"I said before, if you don’t trust me, you can refuse. But I think it’s a strange hobby to deliberately make things difficult for yourself. I can’t do that."

"Please, I need your cooperation."

To begin with, I don’t have the option to refuse. I’ll think about this man after my engagement is broken. After all, I can’t get much more unhappy than this.

Ilvys, who saw my sudden change in attitude, smiled confidently and said, "I’ll come to see you tomorrow."