Chapter 17

“When you debuted, you only spent a year attending social events as a proper member of society. After that, you continued to be stubborn and stayed only in Philioche. If you go on like this, there won’t be a single suitor who will ever get married to you.”

“I don’t care if I’m not married. It’s nice to continue living with you and father in Philioche like this.”

Herietta quickly intervened and explained her point of view. However, it only served to frustrate Rose more as she quietly wore a bitter expression.

“Herietta, listen to me. We love you, but you can’t live here for the rest of your life. One day you too will have to leave this place and start your own family. Whatever anyone says, it’s the right thing to do, and that’s what you have to do in the future.”

“But mother…”

“Stop, don’t try to complicate this anymore. To you, my words may sound awful right now, but I am saying all of this for you. On the contrary, you know that we’ve been letting you go too far.”

Rose cut her off. Her decisive attitude forced Herietta to keep her mouth shut because it was true that they had become lax towards her after she returned from Lavant with a broken heart.

Meanwhile, Hugo, who was about to finish eating the bacon, put his knife and fork down as the atmosphere at the dining table turned heavy in an instant. He looked down as if he were poking his nose at his plate. He couldn’t even look his sister in the eye because he had caused the current situation after carelessly opening his mouth. The side of his face tingled as he felt Herietta’s scorching gaze on him.

“Rose, my love. Do you have any plans in mind?”

Baodor asked. Rose nodded as if she were waiting for him to ask.

“Well, there is Lilian. She knew that Herietta was coming last year and was really looking forward to it. But Herietta ended up not coming over in the end, so she must have been very disappointed.”

“But Lavant…”

Baodor trailed off as he glanced in Herietta’s direction. He still vividly remembered how his daughter had a hard time dealing with a broken heart after she returned from Lavant that year.

It wasn’t like he didn’t try to find out what happened to her. But no matter how many times he asked, it was no use because Herietta kept her mouth shut like a clam whenever he tried to get her to talk about it.

Lilian, whom he trusted, also declined to provide information, saying that she could not reveal anything unless Herietta consented.

And so, to this day, they still did not know who had broken Herietta’s heart.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s not Lavant. If Herietta doesn’t want to go to Lavant, I can try contacting my friend in the capital. If I set my mind to it, then we can still find you a suitor, right?”

Herietta’s expression soured at Rose’s words.

The capital of Brimdel was very far from Philioche. Compared to Lavant which could be reached in three days by traveling in a horse-drawn carriage, it would take at least a week to reach the capital through the same means. Thinking that she might have to travel that far, Herietta felt the food she had eaten earlier go back up.

“Then what do you want to do, Herietta?”

Rose asked. This time, there was a determination in Rose’s eyes that her daughter would not be able to change her mind in getting her to socialize with other nobles no matter what.

* * *

“Oh my, my! Look at that, sister! Look at those arm muscles! I told you that slave is in good shape!”

“I know! The last time I talked to him, I also found that he has a nice voice.”

Two young maids, standing a few steps away from the workshop, chattered like sparrows. They were spying on someone and their faces were bright red as they looked on.

Her stomach churned at the undeniable truth. She hated seeing herself feel relieved that things had happened and that he had come to her side. How can a person be so selfish and hateful?

“Come to think of it, your hair has grown too long.”