Chapter 6: Rumors, the Broken Engagement, and a Proposal
“Ah, right, I heard about it. That was quite unfortunate.”
After Ernestâs souvenir sweets were laid out and the maids had withdrawn, he spoke casually.
It seemed the maids had been waiting for a pause in the conversation.
Claudia exchanged glances with Vivian.
“If I say itâs about Gilbert Sylvester, heir of the Marquis House, would that make sense?”
“Yes. Has it become a rumor at the royal castle?”
Even so, wasnât the rumor spreading far too quickly?
It had only been two days since the Sylvester heir had come to visit.
Even considering how fond nobles were of gossip, this was too fast.
More importantly, how had a matter that could tarnish the Sylvester House leaked out in the first place?
It certainly hadnât come from the Ragley household.
And it was hard to imagine the Sylvester House telling anyone either.
“The young lady who became his fiancĂŠe was boasting in the tea salon, saying, âI was the one chosen.â”
Within the royal castle, there were several tea salons for visitors to refresh themselves.
Of course, those who worked at the castle could also use them to relax.
“See? Just like I said.”
“Indeed.”
“Youâll probably find a better match, so donât be too discouraged.”
Ernest said this with concern.
“Thank you for your concern. But I truly donât mind at all. More importantly, I heard your engagement was broken off.”
“Hm? Ah, yes. It was my fault. We didnât interact much, and I personally donât mind, but I feel bad for the other party.”
Was that really acceptable for the heir of a marquis house?
It seemed things hadnât been going well to begin withâor rather, he hadnât been interested.
Claudia felt a sense of familiarity, but unlike her, Ernest was supposed to marry.
“You donât need to worry about it, Brother. I heard she already has a new fiancĂŠ. She was probably looking for a reason to break it off.”
Isnât that far too quick?
Perhaps Vivian was right.
If so, then both Ernest and the young lady were equally at fault.
It might have been for the best that it ended.
“Well, if she has someone else, then thatâs good.”
The way he said it so calmly made it clear he truly had no feelings for his former fiancĂŠe.
“So she simply wasnât appealing to you, Brother.”
“To be honest, I can barely remember her face.”
Well, that was something.
Wouldnât that be awkward if they met again?
Though if they did, it would likely be at a social gathering.
“Well, in that case, it must have been good for both of you.”
Vivian said it plainly.
Come to think of it, Claudia had never heard Vivian speak about Ernestâs fiancĂŠe.
Perhaps she hadnât liked her much.
“More importantly, Brother, listen to this. After this incident, Claudia is planning to retreat to her territory.”
This incident had nothing to do with it.
She was simply planning to return now that her business was done.
“So you were hurt after all?”
He asked with concern.
“Not at all. Since Iâll be receiving what they call compensationâwell, nuisance moneyâI have various things I want to make.”
At that, Ernestâs expression clouded.
“If thatâs the case, that would be a poor move. If you retreat to your territory now, people will assume youâre heartbroken. I knowâwould you like to go out and about with me? âŚThough perhaps it wouldnât look good since my engagement was just broken off.”
“Since she already has a new fiancĂŠ, thereâs no issue for you, Brother. However, if itâs just a man and a woman, it might invite unnecessary speculation. Iâll join as well, so the three of us can go out together. Brother, youâll be surrounded by flowers.”
Ernest smiled.
“That sounds nice. What do you think, Lady Claudia?”
Both Ernest and Vivian turned their gaze toward her.
“Claudia, if youâre seen going out and enjoying yourself, people wonât say unpleasant things like youâre heartbroken.”
She didnât care about rumors, but she did want to avoid unnecessary interference from others.
In that case, going out with Vivian and Ernest, whom she was comfortable with, would be much better.
“That sounds good. Please.”
Then she suddenly realizedâhe was a workaholic.
“But if your work is busy, please donât worry about me.”
“No, my engagement was broken off because I was too focused on work, wasnât it? My superiors are rather concerned, so it seems Iâll have some free time for a while.”
That was understandable.
If an engagement ended due to overworking, it would naturally raise concern.
“I donât really have any hobbies. Even if I have free time, I donât know what to do. So to be honest, Iâd appreciate it if you would go out with me.”
“Work is your hobby, after all, Brother.”
“Thatâs true.”
“In that case, I look forward to it.”
“Yes.”
Behind the fan she had opened at some point, Vivian watched the two of them with a sly grin.