Chapter 11
Rumonie had just ended, and Chloe thought she could escape her mother’s marriage pressure for a while, but her expectations were dashed beautifully.
“His Highness the Crown Prince has sent a gift to Miss Chloe Elena.”
It was precisely because of the gift sent by the Crown Prince. Sending a gift to someone met during Rumonie was a blatant expression of interest in that person.
“Oh my, the Crown Prince is sending a gift to our Chloe!”
Naturally, Countess Elena’s mouth stretched into a wide smile.
“We’ll need to start preparing the dowry for the royal family right away.”
Countess Elena acted as if Chloe’s marriage to the Crown Prince was already confirmed.
Just this alone was enough to drive her crazy, but there was one more thing that would put Chloe in a difficult position.
“It’s a gift from Young Duke Ian MacMilden.”
It turned out that Ian MacMilden had also sent a gift.
‘Why on earth are you doing this!’
Chloe let out a silent scream as she glared at the gift box sent by Ian. There was no way it was sent as a sign of affection like the Crown Prince’s, there had to be another reason, but she couldn’t even guess what it might be, leaving her feeling utterly bewildered.
“Just like our daughter.”
Countess Elena, who had no idea about her daughter’s feelings, seemed immensely moved as she wiped away tears and touched Chloe’s face.
“So that’s why you’ve been making me worry all this time. You were trying to attract the attention of such wonderful men.”
That wasn’t her intention at all, Mom. The words she couldn’t say rolled around in her mouth.
“Whomever you choose to marry, I will support you. So choose freely, my dear.”
“That’s not what I mean…….”
“No way. You can be honest now.”
Chloe was perplexed about what she was expected to be honest about. She was curious about what Countess Elena wanted, but she was too scared to ask anything.
“I have an appointment, so I must take my leave.”
Chloe felt she would be tormented by the Countess if she stayed any longer, so she quickly made her escape, using her appointment as an excuse.
As she passed through the long corridor and descended the central staircase, a boy who looked just like her came up.
“Jeremy?”
It was Jeremy Elena, the youngest of the Elena family.
“Why are you here on a Wednesday?”
At just eight years old, Jeremy had been called by the Gods and had spent the weekdays in the temple, only returning to the mansion on weekends for the past seven years.
At his young age, this was still possible, but once he underwent his coming-of-age ceremony and became an official priest, he wouldn’t be able to go out freely except on special occasions.
“I was worried about you, so I got permission to come out for a bit.”
“Worried about me? Why?”
“I had a dream about you last night…….”
Jeremy fell silent, unable to finish his sentence. His eyes, staring at Chloe, were filled with a nervous flutter.
It seemed he had a nightmare. Chloe smiled and gently ruffled Jeremy’s hair.
“Don’t worry. Nothing will happen.”
Yet, still not reassured by his sister’s words, Jeremy tightened his grip on her arm.
“You’re going out now, right? But I’m still anxious. Can’t you stay home today?”
“Well, that might be a bit difficult.”
If she stayed home, she wouldn’t escape her mother’s nagging, and with the royal knight entrance test right around the corner, she needed to practice her swordsmanship.
Seeing Chloe’s determination to leave, Jeremy’s shoulders slumped in disappointment. He then took off the cross necklace hanging around his neck and placed it around hers.
“Then please take this with you.”
“Hmm? Is that okay? Isn’t it an important necklace?”
“Yes. It’s a consecrated necklace that protects priests from negative energies.”
Jeremy smiled brightly.
“I’m just lending it to you, so please return it safely after you come back.”
“Jeremy…….”
How could she have such a lovely younger brother? Touched by his thoughtful gesture, Chloe pulled Jeremy into a tight embrace.
“Okay. I’ll definitely come back safely and return this necklace to you.”
After exchanging heartfelt goodbyes with Jeremy, Chloe left the mansion and rode her horse toward the training grounds in the plaza.
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