Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Sion set down his teacup and replied calmly.

The entire family turns to look at her.

Fred nods slowly, puzzled.

I cant do everything. he says.

I wont ask too much of you, and Im sure Duke Adelaira will be happy to oblige.

Go on.

I would like the wedding to be a year after the engagement.

Sion knew he would not be marrying her.

But now that he was involved, there could be unexpected variables.

Therefore, he wanted to extend the time period just in case, so he could keep an eye on both the protagonist and the Crazy Heroine.

No. After the engagement, the wedding must take place within three months at the earliest.

My proposal is a little special. Wouldnt it be better to delay it a little longer?

I see what you mean, but a year is too long.

Then why dont you make it nine months?

I can bring it down to four months.

I can lower it to eight months.

Five months.

Then lets make it seven months.

Family members listening to the conversation with their mouths agape.

They cant bring themselves to interject because of the twist.

It was rare to see Fred give in, or Sion be so bold.

You want six months?

I halved it.

Ive doubled it.

Maybe we can come to an amicable agreement?

The truth is, Fred too, had been thinking about prolonging the engagement.

He had just decided, after talking to his family, that he needed to negotiate with Duke Adelaira.

Is there anything else?

Once we are engaged, I will stay with the Duke of Adelaira, is that correct?

Correct.

With all due respect, I would like to be free in the meantime. Oh, and I dont mean to be rude, I just want to clear my mind before the wedding.

Sion hadnt been out of the mansion much since coming to this side of the world.

He needed time to adapt to life within the manor, and with so many eyes on him, he couldnt help but be a little cautious.

In order for him to become stronger as he acquired wealth, he needed to have the freedom to move about on his own.

You mean you dont want to be interfered with?

Something like that, but a little different. I dont want to bring disgrace to the family name.

That shouldnt be too difficult. Let me see if I can get a word in.

Oh, right. To be free, one must have money. Could you be a little more generous with some money?

I get it.

Fred was about to argue, but reluctantly accepted.

He was handing over Sion to the Dukes of Adelaira for the benefit of his family.

He couldnt say no, not when he was making such sacrifices.

If I am treated unfairly, please allow me to break off the engagement.

Thats already been promised.

This is the final one. If this engagement is broken, please allow me to choose my own partner.

Fred stiffens, slightly embarrassed.

He had already made a promise to Lianne about that.

If he granted this request here, he would be breaking his promise to Lianne.

Do you have a girl in mind?

Lianne broke into the conversation.

He wouldnt ask for such a favor unless he had someone in mind.

Not yet.

Then why are you saying that?

Because I want to live happily ever after, even if I lack it a bit. Oh, and are you worried that I might marry a commoner? because that will never happen.

Sion entered the other room with Young Lady.

As they sat down, a maid offered them tea cups and poured them tea.

Soon the two were alone, but neither of them spoke.

Shes pretty. I suppose thats to be expected of a heroine.

Sion is the first to raise his teacup, looking at her casually.

Long orange hair, dreamy light-brown eyes, and a cold, noble-looking face.

She smiles often, and appears cheerful in front of the protagonist, but when shes with him, she has a stern look in her eyes.

Youre three years younger than me, then you can leave me alone and get out.

Hanette Adelaira, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Adelaira, spoke first.

She was 22 years old, but her partner had just turned 19.

Usually, in a marriage, the man would be older, but on rare occasions, the opposite was true.

Hmm If youre couple, wouldnt it be better to treat each other with respect?

Whos a couple? Were not married yet.

Then I hope you dont mind if I call you by your first name? as its a little too distant for me to call you sister.

Sion sips from his tea with a faint smile.

Hanette was being a bitch, but she wasnt being malicious.

Shes just being provocative because she doesnt want to get too close to him.

Arent you a bit cocky?

As far as cockiness goes, isnt it you whos the bigger one? No matter how big the age gap is, you shouldnt speak unkind words.

Ha! So you want me to show respect to a brat like you?

Youre only three years older than me and yet you say that?

Dont you think thats a bit of an age gap?

Thats why I call you Sister. If you dont like it, I can always call you by your first name.

Oh, really

Hanette squints her eyes and chuckles.

As the youngest son of a Marquis, I expected him to be well-bred, but he was surprisingly snarky.

I had heard that he had a plain personality and appearance, but I wondered if even that was wrong.

You dont like the idea of marrying me either, do you? Same with me, I have some complaints because its a marriage I dont want.

What are you complaining about? You dont deserve me.

Dont be silly, Im more worthy.

Ha! Thats not funny, youre not even worth noticing.

Its relative. Im normal, but youre a Crazy.

Sion puts down his teacup, provoking Hanette.

An argument was bound to break out anyway.

It wouldnt matter who started it. The outcome would be the same.

Now that youre engaged to an Crazy, youre the same. Shouldnt you be more disappointed?

Not really tho. I have plenty of options.

You think I dont have anyone else to choose but you? Im purposely avoiding them. I dont want to meet people like you.

And here you are, meeting someone like me after all?

Im just unlucky.

Why does my sister say exact words that Im thinking of saying?

Its only meaningful if I say it before you.

Ooh thats pretty childish.

Better than you.

Oh, I see, my sister is three years older.

Why dont you go weep and whine? you three years younger than me.

Hanette leaned back and sipped her teacup sarcastically.

She had never encountered anyone so bold as to talk back to her.

After all, one cannot be so disrespectful to the Dukes young lady.

If he hadnt been engaged to her, he wouldnt have been able to speak.

Unfortunately, Im an adult and I dont want to act like a child.

You look like one to me. Do you know how to drink? Have you ever been with a woman? You dont even look like you could keep up with the nightlife.

You bring up an interesting point. How about we find out today? Are you sure you want it?

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