“But it’s important for us to consider it. I don’t believe it would be good to pretend we don’t realize this fact—to just forget about it.” His Highness spoke radiantly. “Even if we want to forget, change will come whether we like it or not. We must start preparing now so that we won’t be floundering when faced with an unavoidable situation. It’s our responsibility as the next generation to create paths that will better help us flourish in the future.”
His dark eyes—a signature feature of those in the royal family—weren’t filled with bluffs or guilt. They were firmly looking forward to both the present and future. I bowed deeply out of respect for this righteous, dependable prince. People’s hearts were naturally pulled to those who sincerely faced their responsibilities without becoming desperate for approval—those who didn’t use others as stepping stones. I was proud to have Prince Severin as our kingdom’s crown prince.
He turned to Lord Nigel. “Are you going to alert your superiors of this incident?”
The ambassador had merely been listening to our discussion. He answered with his usual light expression. “Yes, sir—at least the basics. This isn’t an issue I can simply dismiss as another kingdom’s problem.”
“I’d like to meet with your queen directly, if possible.”
“I figured as much. My master will be attending your wedding as well, so please take your opportunity then.”
“I will. Tell her I’ll be waiting.”
“Understood.” Lord Nigel noticed me observing them attentively.
“Lord Nigel, you...” I began to say something, then closed my mouth, unable to proceed. I wasn’t sure how to phrase it.
He laughed knowingly. “Don’t worry. I am Easdalian. Born, raised, and living in Easdale. Shulk is simply where my mother was born. I have no attachments to it.” When I didn’t respond, he kept going. “But, well, I’d like to avoid war so that my mother won’t cry. I’m not good at using my head, so I’m depending on my queen, parliament, and you all in Lagrange.”
He then whisked himself away, back to his subordinates.
Lord Simeon wrapped his arm around me. I leaned on his strong body and gazed out at the blue sea with him. I prayed that the times when we could quietly enjoy this beautiful scenery would last forever—that everyone living in this world could continue living peacefully. I prayed to the never-ending waves that approached, pulled back, approached, and pulled back once more. I hope that peace will continue on forever, just like those waves.
Once we returned to our home in Sans-Terre, I went back to my life of huddling up in my study. I steeled my resolve once more, prepared to finish the manuscript in one go.
Or at least, I tried. On the very first day back, another impediment came barreling in.
“Oooh! Who is it this time?! I’m so close to finishing—let me focus on my writiiing!”
Joanna had come to alert me of yet another visitor, which almost pushed me into a full-on tantrum.
“Is it Julianne? An envoy from His Highness? The duke again? Whoever it is, tell them I’ve come down with a virus and can’t see anyone!”
“No, my lady, it’s... Um...”
My beloved kitty, Chouchou, slipped out of the room with an expression that clearly said, You’re too noisy.
Joanna’s fidgeting was at an all-time high. “The Clarac viscount and viscountess have arrived.”
I stopped in my tracks. “Excuse me...? Mother and father? For what purpose?”
Mother was one thing, but father coming with her meant that something extraordinary had happened. This visit couldn’t be missed—I could only hope that it wasn’t something bothersome again. I soon made my way to the reception room.
“Hello, father, mother. Why have you come so suddenly?”
“Marielle!”
Mother practically leaped through the door when it opened. Her expression was so stressed that it made me slump my shoulders dejectedly.
I don’t know if I’ll be able to get that manuscript in on time...
“What’s the mat—”
“Gerard is getting married!”
A pause.
“Excuse me?”
I’d tried to ask what clamorous event could possibly have been happening this time, but unexpected words struck my ears. My head didn’t register it at first.
“Uh...married? What?! He’s finally found a partner?”
“Yes! We’ve suffered so much all this time, yet out of nowhere— But, what should we do?!”
This was supposedly a happy announcement, but mother didn’t look pleased at all. She kept repeating “What should we do?!” over and over, losing her mind. I locked eyes with my father to ask for an explanation, but he was actually wobbling on his feet, looking like it was all he could do not to fall over.
“Marielle...” He forced the words out. “Please tell us this is some kind of mistake...”
His face was deathly pale, as if he could faint any second now. He was holding his big, protruding belly painfully.
I shook my head, exasperated. “I can’t answer anything if you two won’t tell me what’s going on. Is there a problem with brother’s partner?”
Had he fallen in love with a commoner instead of a noble daughter? That shouldn’t have been a problem for our family and certainly not one that would torment my parents this much. In which case, did this woman have a not-so-respectable profession? And before worrying about any of that, shouldn’t we be celebrating the fact that my brother went and found a partner all on his own?
My mother whimpered. “There’s a huge problem... How in the world is our family supposed to receive a person like her? She’s on a different level... It’s impossible! We’re not fit for her! I’m not confident we could ever accept her!”
“What kind of person is she?”
My father shook. “It’s the daughter of the Cavaignac marquessate. You know her well too, don’t you?”
H-Huh?
“Wha...? L-Lady Aurelia?!”
Mother’s next wails represented all of our feelings. “Why...? Why?! What could have happened for them to end up married?! I just can’t understaaand!”
“Brother...and Lady Aurelia...are getting married...? This must be a lie. Or some kind of mistake!”
Father began breathing hard. “Indeed... Right? Please tell us it’s a mistake!”
“Why must our children attach themselves to people above their station?!” cried my mother. “I want to celebrate, but I just can’t be happy about it! If only her family would take him in. Then all we’d have to do is send him off!”
“If they took him, we’d be left with no heir! And yet I... I can’t imagine calling such a noblewoman my daughter... Aaaaah, somebody, please tell me this is all a lie...”
The agonized cries spilling from the reception room made the residents of House Flaubert come to peek in. All I could do was stand there, dumbfounded, unable to even explain to my surprised mother-in-law and the butler what was happening.
✦ ✦ ✦
