Chapter 43

"Excuse me."

After carefully storing the floating grass in her room,

Amelia was led by Oscar to the study.

At the back of the room, Logan, dressed in his work attire, was processing documents at a large desk.

"You're here."

Logan said without looking up.

His hand was moving so quickly that the pen seemed to dance.

"Sorry for calling you here so suddenly."

"Not at all. What is it you need?"

Logan stopped writing abruptly and stood up.

"Sit down."

"Yes, yes."

When she was about to sit across from him,

"Why do you try to sit across from me? Sitting next to me is fine."

"Huh... Ah, yes."

She responded awkwardly to his stern expression.

(Oh... right, we are husband and wife...)

She timidly sat down next to Logan.

The citrus scent wafted around her.

She could feel Logan's warmth and his breathing.

Amelia's heart gradually began to warm up.

(No, no... I can't be nervous at a time like this.)

She shook her head and tried to maintain a calm demeanor.

"Would you like some tea?"

"Yes, thank you."

Her calm facade was short-lived.

Seeing Logan ask Oscar for two cups of tea made Amelia feel inexplicably happy.

While trying to control her almost relaxed cheeks, Logan spoke without turning his gaze away.

"There will be a tea party at the Edmond Duke's residence soon."

"A tea party, you say."

Amelia looked at Logan.

"Yes, do you know about the Edmond family?"

"I know the name... I believe they are one of the most prestigious families in the country, and their title was granted not by royal succession but by the achievements of the previous generation."

It was one of the few families Amelia knew, despite being isolated and lacking knowledge of the noble world.

The reason she knew about them was because...

(...I remember, Erin always bought a new dress every time she was invited.)

She had been forced to listen to Erin's boasts each time.

"That's enough for now. The Edmond family regularly holds tea parties under the guise of social gatherings. They must have sent an invitation after hearing about our engagement, given our long-standing relationship."

"I see, I understand..."

"They want us to attend together as a couple."

"Us... as a couple!?"

Amelia exclaimed, and Logan nodded.

"They are probably aware of the rumors about you, but they had to invite you considering our relationship. Normally, tea parties are mainly for young ladies... but by inviting me to attend as well, they are likely taking precautions."

The rumors about Amelia in the noble world were dire.

She was described as a rude, unsociable, selfish, and self-centered person...

If she were as the rumors suggested, she could ruin the tea party.

It would be natural for them to not want to invite her.

However, with the current head of the Hellemburg family being engaged, it would be impossible not to invite her, considering the relationship between the two families.

On the other hand, inviting Amelia alone... After much deliberation, they probably concluded that it would be best to invite Logan as well, under the pretense of a couple.

"I'm sorry for causing such a complicated situation..."

"You don't need to apologize. The fault lies with your family."

Hearing Logan say this, Amelia felt a little lighter.

"So... what do you think?"

When Logan asked, Amelia thought about it.

(A tea party... )

Honestly, she couldn't be optimistic.

She naturally looked down.

She was still plagued by bad rumors, and more importantly, she didn't want to expose herself.

Even though it was due to poor nutrition, Amelia believed she was an ugly and bony young lady.

Of course, since coming to this house and starting to eat properly, she had regained her weight and was gradually returning to her original appearance... but such self-awareness was beyond her.

Her low self-esteem, deeply rooted in her heart due to constant criticism from her family, was firmly entrenched.

Therefore, her true feelings were that she didn't want to go to a place where she would be seen by others.

(...Besides, I'm sure I'll embarrass Lord Logan.)

This was the bigger part of her true feelings.

Seeing Amelia's troubled expression, Logan said,

"You don't have to go if you don't want to."

Amelia looked up.

"Given the current spread of negative rumors about you, it would be difficult to attend. I can clear up misunderstandings with the Edmond couple, but it would be hard to do so with all the attendees. You will almost certainly not be viewed favorably. Also..."

After a pause, Logan continued,

"The guest list isn't finalized yet, and it's unknown which families will attend... but there's a possibility that your family's young lady might be there. It could be emotionally difficult for you."

"That's a possibility..."

Memories of the various mistreatments she endured from Erin while living with her family resurfaced, making her spine stiffen even though it wasn't winter.

"It's just a possibility. Regardless, it will be a significant burden for you. So, you don't have to go. We have a good relationship with the Edmond family, and refusing an invitation once won't affect our relationship. You don't need to worry about that."

"Thank you for your consideration..."

(I feel bad about it, but... if possible, I would like to do that, but...)

For some reason, Amelia felt a nagging doubt.

A doubt about whether it was really the right thing to do.

She couldn't put it into words, but it was definitely there.

Seeing Amelia's downcast and silent demeanor, Logan spoke again.

"This is a selfish thought of mine..."

His tone suggested that this was the main point.

"From a different perspective, this tea party might be a good opportunity for you."

Hearing this, Amelia looked at Logan again.

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