Aester looked somewhat sorrowful. “That’s right. I’ve heard that your wife passed away when Lady Nanalie was still a young child...”
“Yes, she passed away when Nanalie was four years old. I do regret that my daughter had to experience such sadness...” Tristan’s expression clouded over for a moment, but then he quickly moved on and returned to his cheerful smile. “I hope my daughter will find happiness that makes up for the pain that she experienced. If I may be so bold, I’d like to express my gratitude to your family, including you, Sir Reiner, for having this meeting. I’m sure that our children will face some problems of their own, but I do hope you will look after my daughter.”
Tristan bowed his head, and Reiner was a bit troubled over what to do, since Nanalie still hadn’t arrived. He insisted that the count lift his head and smiled at him.
“Though I haven’t met her yet, judging from your wonderful character, I am confident that Lady Nanalie is an amazing person. I am also of the opinion that we would make a great match, so you have nothing to worry about.”
“I apologize. My emotions made me get ahead of myself. I am incredibly grateful to hear you say that, Sir Reiner,” Tristan replied, nodding along with Reiner’s words. He seemed a bit ashamed to have gotten emotional and bowed apologetically.
The very next moment, there was a knock on the door. “I am so sorry for keeping you waiting, father,” said a woman with a serene voice. “May I enter?”
“You’re here, Nanalie,” Tristan responded. “Come in. Everyone has been waiting for you.”
Reiner was suddenly overwhelmed with anxiety once more. His eyes were filled with anticipation as he stared at the door she would be entering from.
“Excuse me,” the woman said, opening the door, and Nanalie Ronamis appeared before him for the first time.
She was dressed in a gorgeous gown, and her hair was just as crimson as the rumors suggested. Her eyes were purple, just like Reiner’s, but they were a brighter shade than his. She quickly glanced at the Valdias, then made her way to the couches where everyone was seated. She quietly lifted the skirt of her gown and curtsied gracefully.
“I deeply apologize for my belated appearance. I am Nanalie Ronamis. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
Nanalie then stood back up and gave the guests an adorable smile. All of her behavior, every small movement she made, was all incredibly elegant, and just a quick glance at her would leave a deep impression on anyone’s mind. Reiner hadn’t expected Nanalie to be this beautiful, and he was completely enchanted.
What’s wrong? Nanalie thought when she noticed he was staring. Was something about my greeting unsatisfactory?
“Um, was there anything about my words or actions that concerned you, Sir Reiner?”
Reiner finally realized that he’d been staring at Nanalie, and he let out a gasp as he snapped back to reality. He bashfully covered his mouth with his hand and averted his gaze for a moment before returning his attention to the young lady. Nanalie simply tilted her head, confused by his behavior, but their parents were all grinning at the innocent interaction between their children.
Reiner exhaled as if to calm his nerves, then replied, “If I may speak honestly, I was captivated by you, Lady Nanalie. I apologize if my behavior upset you in any way.” He bowed his head apologetically.
Nanalie hadn’t expected that response, and her face flushed bright red. “Oh, there’s no need for that, Sir Reiner! You haven’t upset me at all, so please raise your head!”
The innocent and flustered yet positive progression of their conversation put an amused smile on Aester’s face. “You’ve only just met, but you two seem to be getting along quite well already. I think we should give them some space,” he told Toulette and Tristan.
“Yes, I agree,” Tristan replied. “Nanalie, we will move to another guest parlor, so go ahead and speak to Sir Reiner about anything you’d like.”
Aester got up first, then his wife and Lord Tristan followed suit. Before they left, Toulette and Aester both walked up to Nanalie.
“Please take care of my son,” Aester said.
“I’d like to ask for the same,” Toulette chimed in. “Also, I must say, I’ve never seen Reiner like this before,” she added with a giggle. “I hope you two get to have a fruitful conversation.”
Nanalie was surprised by the Valdias’ words, but she took them to heart and nodded. “Yes, I’ve been looking forward to speaking to Sir Reiner about all sorts of things as well. I am truly fortunate to have been blessed with this opportunity.”
Aester and Toulette were both impressed by Nanalie’s response, and they turned their attention to their son and grinned.
“We’ll be leaving now. I know you’re nervous, but be careful not to say anything rude to Lady Nanalie.”
“Please don’t tease me, father,” Reiner replied, embarrassed by his father’s words.
Aester seemed amused by his son’s reaction, and he stifled a laugh as he left the room, followed by Toulette and Tristan. Reiner and Nanalie were now alone, and the room fell silent. After some time, Reiner finally spoke up.
“I’m sorry about my parents.”
“No, no. You have nothing to apologize for. Your parents seem like very warm, good people.”
She smiled, and Reiner’s heart skipped a beat. He tried to feign composure as he replied.
“I’m glad that you think that. I must say, I believe you have no shortage of choices when it comes to marriage. Why did you accept this meeting to discuss marriage with me?”
This was the first and biggest question he had about their prospective marriage. When he had researched the Ronamis family in preparation for this meeting, he’d learned that Nanalie had already accepted several proposals in the past, but they had all fallen through. Since then, she had continued to receive proposals, but she’d declined them all. Considering that history, Reiner found it strange that she had agreed to have this meeting. He was clearly confused, and Nanalie let out an amused laugh.
“Well, to tell you the truth, I’ve seen you around the aristocratic quarter and the castle several times. Also, it seems that you do not remember, but we’ve actually met before.”
“Really? I can’t imagine anyone forgetting you after meeting you once...”
Reiner couldn’t hide his shock. He had no recollection whatsoever of meeting Nanalie, and no matter how hard he tried to remember, nothing came to mind.
She seemed further amused by the sight of him racking his brain. “Let’s see... Why don’t I give you a hint? Several months ago, you saved a noblewoman who was being bothered by some young men in the aristocratic quarter. Do you remember now?”
“Several months ago... The aristocratic quarter... A noble lady...” Reiner repeated to himself, trying to trigger any relevant memories.
It was true that he’d accompanied Arwin to the aristocratic quarter several months ago, and Dynus had traveled with them. Reiner finally recalled an incident that had taken place during that visit, and he gasped and looked up at her.
“Could it be... Were you that noblewoman with the red hair?”
Nanalie seemed pleased that he remembered her and blushed. “That’s right. I am that noble lady with the red hair.”
The surprise on Reiner’s face was as clear as day. The young woman he’d met that day was completely different in demeanor to Nanalie, to the point that he’d automatically assumed they were separate people.
Reiner silently thought back to that day, recalling the events that had taken place.