Chapter 47
I entered the dining hall where Father and mother were seated. I sat next to Mother. A few minutes later, Count Ozr and Lord Brent came in.
We all had to stand up to welcome them. As soon as Lord Brent entered, he looked at me and approached to kiss the back of my hand. I stared at him blankly. Instead, Mother admired and praised him.
“Oh, how charming.”
Lord Brent raised his head and smiled broadly, clearly proud of his actions.
“You have become even more beautiful overnight.”
Since I said nothing, Mother wrapped her arm around my shoulder and spoke.
“Seli is at the age where she is just beginning to bloom. She matures quickly day by day. You can’t imagine how sweet and lovely she is.”
Mother was trying her hardest to make sure I didn’t displease him. She knew I needed to make a good impression on my future husband to ensure a comfortable life. Usually quiet, she was unusually talkative today, protecting and defending me. I glanced at Mother, who was stroking my shoulder with a trembling hand.
I felt uncomfortable. Mother had always been indifferent, sickly, and hysterical. She had never cared for me, been kind, or shown any interest in me. But today, she was caring, concerned, and making an effort. I decided to appreciate that.
I had often resented my sick mother, but I chose to hold onto the warmth she showed today instead of the resentment.
“Thank you.”
I took Mother’s hand on my shoulder and spoke. She looked startled, her eyes wide with surprise, then she inhaled sharply. She seemed at a loss, her eyes darting around, glistening as if tears were forming.
Without responding, Mother turned her head abruptly and sat down. Perhaps it had been too long since we last spoke kindly to each other. It felt awkward for her to look directly at me.
Lord Brent sat across from me. I had to endure his intense gaze throughout breakfast. I felt as if my stomach might turn.
“We should hold the wedding on our side. Near the capital would be best. We’ll have a grand wedding, as splendid as an imperial ball, to announce Selinia’s debut in high society.”
My father beamed. He seemed to believe that my wedding would gain the favor of the capital’s aristocrats. Count Ozr promised to treat me well, clearly pleased with me.
After the meal, I had to spend more time with Lord Brent. We had a trivial conversation during tea time, and I had to show him around the mansion. He often looked at me with an enchanted expression. As we walked through the sunlit garden, he complimented the way my hair shimmered.
Even after the tour, Lord Brent didn’t let me go. He used the excuse of wanting to see the back garden, holding onto me. He was sweet, as if he had fallen in love with me at first sight.
He said he wanted more than a superficial relationship. He desired a close and intimate marriage. Every word that came out of his mouth sounded plausible. He was a sociable person who knew how to win people’s hearts, especially women’s. He kept mentioning jewels, parties, love, beauty, flowers, hair, and fair skin.
I quietly observed him as he continued with his flattering words. He was fascinating because there were no men like him around me. My father and brother were stingy with compliments. Desi was too shy to be so slick.
“You are one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. Ah, there are not many women like you even at the imperial balls. I’m so moved to meet you. You can’t imagine how I feel.”
“Oh, really.”
He only said nice things. If I didn’t have Desi, I might have been tempted to leap into his arms. I might have thought, “There can’t be a kinder, more charming man. Even Mother praises him. I could live happily enjoying the splendor of the capital.” I might have compromised with reality, even if I wasn’t thrilled about it. Because I would not have had any other options.
Living like that was the way of life for noblewomen. Adjusting to societal norms, compromising, conforming, not becoming an outcast. Living within the safety of the same fence as everyone else. Just like that, I might not ruin or suffer through my life. I would live as I had been.
As we walked through the garden several times, I sensed a sharp gaze. Behind a shrub in the garden, a large shadow was hiding. It was Desi.
Desi was watching Lord Brent. Although hidden by the dark shrub, Desi’s aura was fierce.
“I apologize, but I’ve grown fatigued. I’ll have to retire now, my lord.”
“Oh. It’s not even dinner time yet… you’re going in?”
“Yes. I need to rest.”
“That’s unfortunate. Am I making you uncomfortable?”
“No. I just need to rest.”
Lord Brent kissed the back of my hand again. I was merely heading back to my room, yet he was making such a big deal out of it.
As soon as I entered my room, a dark shadow enveloped me. Desi suddenly appeared and hugged me. I was so startled I almost screamed.
“Who was that?”
Desi’s voice rumbled from deep within. I took a moment to catch my breath before answering.
“The person I’m going to marry soon.”
“What?”
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