CH 71

D-daughter-in-law, who on earth…?

Marquis Klaus, who had been silent for a while, added a comment to the bewildered Noel. “I’m the same opinion as your mother.”

“I agree too, Brother. If it’s Lady Waieos, I think it’ll be alright.”

“No, everyone, what on earth are you talking about?”

Noel exclaimed triumphantly. “A-are you telling me to marry Lusi?”

“Oh my. Is Lusi her nickname? That’s a cute name. Isn’t that right, Gerion?”

“It sounds like an easy name to call, Wife.”

“Hoho. I see. The children are so lovely.”

“A relationship doesn’t sprout from a single name.”

Noel got goosebumps when he saw his parents continuing their conversation with laughter. He couldn’t understand their words. It was as if he had been taken out of this space.

The marchioness spoke as if to break Noel’s delusion. “Why are you silent? Did you think about that child?”

“No! Who am I thinking of?!”

“Elusiana, that child. It seems she had a hard time after what happened to the viscount. But she’s doing her part, right? She’s a child with a very commendable aspect, not like other noble ladies.”

“Right, Wife. She seems to be a very straight-hearted child, given that she doesn’t mind doing menial tasks in order to save her family from ruin.”

“She’s a very pretty child.”

Noel looked tired of the praise that never seemed to end.

By the way, is Lusi’s real name Elusiana? Oh no. It’s not time to think about this.

The laughter of marchioness died down just in time. “So, when would you like to hold the ceremony? I’d like you to hurry for that child. What do you think about it?”

“If you leave it to him, it will take a long time, Wife.”

“Well, I guess so. Then we’ll do the preparation ourselves.”

“Wife is too wise.”

Noel felt it was hard to control his anger. He couldn’t even dare to guess where the final destination of this story would be. However, all he could think was that it shouldn’t end in this state. He then drove the wedge in a strong tone.

“It’s a misunderstanding.”

“Huh?”

“What do you mean?”

“What do you mean misunderstanding, Brother?”

At the question of his parents and Yeriel that followed, Noel continued after sweeping off his hot forehead. “Lusi and I are not in that kind of relationship. To be clear, she’s my friend. Yes, she is. We’re like friends. I just found out now that Lusi is noble.”

“Oh my.”

“I see.”

“Umm. You must have been very surprised.”

The family calmed down as if they understood. The quick acceptance was a little suspicious, but Noel continued again with a somewhat relieved face.

“So please put that aside. It will be uncomfortable for Lusi to find out.”

“Oh gosh.”

“Hmmm.”

“That’s quite possible.”

The last one was Yeriel’s acceptance. On the other hand, the faces of the marquis and marchioness, who nodded their heads, showed concern. He wondered why, but Marchioness approached Noel’s side and sat down, giving him this consolation.

“You must have had a hard time, Noel. Yes, this mother understands everything. One-sided love is always exhausting. But now that you know that child’s identity, make a firm resolution.”

The Marquis of Klaus, who sat in the upper seat, nodded and added. “How could you know if you never try? There was a time when I jumped into the mausoleum alone to win your mother’s heart and almost died. Ahem, a man must have the courage to risk his life.”

The marchioness blushed with a glance at marquis’s words.

“So don’t give up and do your best. If you don’t get her after taking 10 shots, you can take 20, 30, until you succeed. If you don’t give up on your own, you will surely find the way, Son.”

Noel opened his mouth when he saw Marquis Klaus burning his will with a stern look.

“I will support you too, Brother. Cheer up.”

No, Yeriel, you too?

Noel’s face darkened when he saw his family sending such strong support. How on earth did they know that they matchmaking Lusi and him together like this?

Noel grabbed the back of his neck as he chewed on the words of Grand Duke Sestein that suddenly came to his mind.

“I have never let anyone who covets whats mine live.”

* * *

Noel was able to resolve the misunderstanding of his relationship with Elusiana only after reciting the details of what had happened to his family. Although he still had doubts that the more he spoke, the more awkward the situation became.

“I see. You came to me because you wanted to know about Grand Duke Sestein?”

“Yes, Father.”

Sitting in the upper seat, Marquis Klaus put his elbows on the sofa’s armrest and smiled meaningfully. Since Marchioness Klaus and Yeriel left first, only two people remained in the office.

“I heard that a child is working as an aide in the grand duchy. Isn’t that why?”

“…Aide?”

“You didn’t know?”

“I knew that she got a job as a maid. But how did you know that?”

“It’s about the child my son is interested in, of course I know it.”

“Sigh….”

Noel frowned.

“I’ve made it clear that we’re not in that relationship.”

“I have also made it clear. I’m sorry for the misunderstanding.”

“Then why do you keep picking out misleading words?”

“I was just telling the truth. I think you’re being sensitive.”

“Father.”

“Weren’t you curious about the current grand duke? Why are you hesitating now?”

Noel replied reluctantly, looking at the Marquis of Klaus, who turned his words openly.

“…Do you have any information about the grand duke?”

“Of course I have it.”

Marquis Klaus gave a cool answer and smiled. He leaned his back against the back of the sofa and twinkled his eyes with interest.

“By the way, Noel. Why are you suddenly asking about Grand Duke Sestein? It’s not even about that child. Are you jealous?”

“That’s–”

Noel, who was talking casually, suddenly closed his lips tightly. This was because Marquis Klaus’s eyes, which sparkled brightly, were full of expectations.

“…it just happened.”

“Pfft. Hahaha! Son, what are you so shy about? It’s natural for a butterfly to get entangled in a pretty flower. Just look at your mother—”

“It’s not like that!”

“Ahem, if it’s not, why are you shouting?”

“Father!”

“Yes. I get it. I will hand over all the information related to Grand Duke Sestein, so do as you please.”

Noel shook his head and stood up from the sofa, pressing his throbbing temples. “I’m going to get going. Please send the information to my room.”

“Yes, but when will that child come to—”

“Don’t expect it because I will never bring her.”

“Oh my. I mean to call her as your friend, but you cut me off so coldly. I kind of understand why that child still doesn’t like you even when you kneeled down in front of her.”

Noel’s face flushed red. He knew that more than one of two people were attached around her, but he didn’t expect there was also a watcher planted by Marquis Klaus among them.

“I’ll be on my way.”

“Pfft. Yes, go quickly. You’ll be very busy winning a woman’s heart from now on. Pfft, hahaha!”

Gritting his teeth, Noel left the office. He thought he had cleared up the misunderstanding, but it occurred to him that he had rather poured oil onto the fire.

“Sigh… I’m going crazy. I’m already busy thinking about Camilla, but I even make excuses for a ridiculous misunderstanding…”

Behind the closed door, the delightful laughter of the Marquis of Klaus rang out. Noel somehow had a throbbing headache listening to the laughter.

Hu-

Noel, sighed briefly, and murmured. “This time, I didn’t even have the usual invitation.”

Camilla’s unusual reaction made Noel even more nervous. So there’s no way he could keep quiet. Maybe Camilla had already noticed his relationship with Elusiana. Otherwise, she could not have visited the ‘Fragrant Garden’ in the commoner’s area and ordered flowers. Noel’s purple eyes darkened as he clicked his tongue slowly.

“I must go see Lusi.”

He desperately needed her help in order to quietly enter Eragost County.

Noel looked out of the window casually. The yellow and red sky was sinking into black darkness. He had to arrive in the fragrant garden where she would be before it was too late.

* * *

“Your Excellency, I will take two days off.”

The carriage of Grand Duke Sestein stopped in front of ‘Fragrant Garden,’ and Elusiana hurriedly entered the store.

Today was the 10th day since she went to Angel’s house. Time was running out to prepare Count Eragost’s order within the deadline. I tried to solve it without taking days off if possible. But the order was too much to handle alone. I was born to work hard in the past and present life. Phew.

Elusiana smiled involuntarily and waved her hand at the woman in the store.