<Episode 16>
I heard that there are rumors that I am a candidate for Solomon-sama’s fiancée.
The actual situation is a little different. But it is difficult to say that it is not far off.
I am the one who has been proposed to by Solomon-sama, and if anything, I have been staying at the Duke of Beardsley’s townhouse for a month now.
Even if you explain it politely and thoroughly, you will probably be asked, “So?”
That happens to me too.
The point is that it is a matter of my mind, and from the side, the rumor is probably true.
(Maybe it’s time to stop looking away and start thinking about it.)
Can you love Solomon-sama as the opposite sex? Are you ready to marry into the Duke of Beardsley’s family?
Then go to …….
(I’m not even ready for my friends to hate me yet. ……)
A heavy sigh escapes my lips.
It is no exaggeration to say that Solomon-sama is the most popular man in the social world.
If you ask an unmarried woman who she has feelings for, his name will be mentioned more than 80% of the time.
And my best friends, Lana and Annabelle, are also examples, and they adore Solomon-sama.
The two, who are not at ease with the men who make advances to them with impolite words, were excited like young ladies of their age when talking about Solomon-sama.
(I can put up with a stranger hating me, but not this two people hating me. I might cry ……)
Just thinking about it made me feel like I was slowly bursting into tears.
But I shook my head, saying I had no right to cry.
Lana was right in front of me when Solomon-sama lifted me up in his arms at the night party.
That sweet girl was worried about me and came after me, but I think she might have been upset inside.
(I wonder how many people’s feelings I have trampled on in the past because I am not a romantic person.)
After several days of repeatedly asking myself unanswerable questions and sinking down.
A letter arrived from Annabelle via her parents’ home.
Annabelle, Lana and I, a tea party for the three of us.
I’ve never felt so down about an invitation I’ve always looked forward to. Still, I would never miss a meeting.
If I did that, I would never be able to look them square in the face again.
“Welcome, Chelsea.”
“How are you?”
Annabelle, who greeted me, and Lana, who had arrived earlier, were smiling. But upon closer inspection, their expressions were hard. Is it my guilty conscience that makes me feel that they have a somber look on their faces?
The gardens of the Marquess of Olcott are as wonderful as those of the Duke of Beardsley.
Although the sculptures and buildings are not glittering, they have a graceful beauty.
The flower garden, mainly in cold colors of white and blue, also suits Annabelle’s serene beauty very well.
The tea and pastries are, as always excellent.
But our conversation was not lively.
Usually, even a single delicious pastry was over-the-top. Even though the manners of a lady and the duties of an aristocrat were forgotten on this occasion.
It is heartbreaking to feel like I have lost precious time with my favorite friends.
(Annabelle and Lana must be in a lot more pain than I am)
I raise my face, which is about to turn over.
The only thing I can do now is to accept their feelings.
They all look thoughtful and silent.
The only sound is the rustling of the flowers in the breeze. It should have been a very comfortable space, but it was terribly suffocating.
It was Annabelle who broke the silence.
“…… Chelsea.”
Bikun, my shoulders shook in an exaggerated manner. She smiles, trying to look nonchalant, and asks, “What?”
I ask back with a glance.
“Are the rumors about you and Solomon-sama true?”
“Are you kidding me?”
Lana says in a frantic voice.
“I was only there for the evening party when Solomon-sama noticed that Chelsea wasn’t feeling well and he carried her in. I went to the common room after that, but he stopped me because you’re in the middle of a doctor’s appointment.”
It seems that Lana and Glen were returned to the venue by the butler whom Solomon-sama had approached before entering the break room.
It was the duke’s squire, whom the butler had called, who had entered the room when she and Solomon-sama were hiding in the garment room.
In other words, the decisive scene was not witnessed, so it can be excused.
But that doesn’t change anything. If we continue to lie on top of lies, there will be an irreparable rift when it is someday exposed.
(though it may be too late now).
Lana and Annabelle’s expressions clouded with anxiety as I remained silent.
I clutched my skirt tightly and then opened my mouth boldly.
“I am not engaged to Solomon-sama.”
“Yes…”
“But….”
I interrupted Annabelle’s almost relieved words and forced her to continue.
“…… but it is true that Solomon-sama has asked me to marry him.”
Two pairs of beautiful eyes widen.
I straightened my posture and bowed my head toward them.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”
Once again, silence prevailed. I couldn’t look up, afraid to see how the look of astonishment had changed.
“You mean you haven’t responded to …… yet?”
Annabelle’s voice is flat, and it is difficult to discern whether she is angry or not.
“It’s because of my selfishness that I have to wait a while for a reply. Even though I know it would be an honor, I’m not ready for it.”
“Then just refuse.”
“!!!”
At Lana’s words, she looks up as if she had been played.
Her voice was hard and cold, not unlike Lana, who was as dainty and pretty as a spring breeze.
“If you’re not sure you can make it as a future duchess, you should turn it down as soon as possible.”
“It is.”
Lana was right. If you’re not ready, you shouldn’t take it.
If I postpone my reply because I don’t dislike him, and as a result, I have to refuse, it will hurt Solomon-sama even more.
Besides, it is disrespectful to the ladies who have a liking for Solomon-sama.
I know that in my head, but I can’t nod my head.
I think of Solomon-sama’s face and I am at a loss for words.
“Lana. You’re out of line.”
“Because!”
Lana’s cheeks turned red when Annabelle said to rebuke her.
My heart ached for Lana, who looked frustrated, with thin tears on her face.
“It’s okay, Annabelle,” I said. Lana is right.”
Lana looked at me as if she had come to herself with a huff.
The teardrops in the corners of her eyes grew larger and larger. Wrinkling her brow, she squeezed her eyes shut.
“Because Chelsea was going to be my sister-in-law!”
“………… what?”
Abuse or a declaration of insulation? I was waiting for the words that would stab me in the chest, but I froze at the unexpected content.
“I wanted to be a family, but I couldn’t trust my precious Chelsea to a bum like your brother Dale, so I held back. But just in time, I thought I had a chance because my brother Glenn was back. …… why Solomon-sama!”
In front of my stunned eyes, Lana wound up.
Unlike me, whose understanding had not caught up with her, Annabelle nodded her head with a knowing look.
“Solomon-sama is certainly a lovely man, but I’m not sure he’d be a good match for Chelsea.”
“Yes, I think Chelsea deserves a more single-minded and faithful man! My brother Glen is a good choice in that regard. He’s a little uptight, but I wouldn’t worry about him cheating on you at all!”
“…… wait?”
I sincerely hope you will wait. I was so confused that I raised one hand gingerly to stop them, but they wouldn’t stop.
“I hear Master Glenn is not very good with women. How about my brother Adam?”
“Your brother Glenn was interested in Chelsea, so that’s not a problem. Your brother just came of age this year, right? if I recall correctly. I think Chelsea would be better suited to an older man.”
“You won’t notice the two year age difference any time soon. She’s a reliable girl, so I’m sure she’ll be able to support Chelsea.”
They left me alone and glared at each other. I felt a bee and a spark.
“What it’s?”
“Are you going to do it?”
Seeing the exchange that reminds me of when we first met, my shoulders relax.
Before my opinion, perhaps the two of you are ignoring your brothers’ opinions.
If I proceeded on my own, I would be scolded later by your older brother and your younger brother.
But that doesn’t matter now.
“Lana, Annabelle.”
“Chelsea?”
When I call out to him, his gaze turns toward me as if it were a matter of course.
I love these two girls who don’t ignore me and add me to their circle even in the middle of a fight.
“Thank you for not hating me. I love you.”
“!?”
Lana and Annabelle are upset when they see me crying with relief.
“Hey, why are you crying! I didn’t like your brother Glenn!”
“Or Adam? I won’t force you, so don’t cry. We can be cousins if you want, okay?”
“Then it should be my cousin!”
“Not only will your brother be mad at you, but your cousin will be mad at you too. Both of you.”
Embarrassed, I laugh, wiping away tears.
I’m so glad I didn’t lose my precious friend.
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