Roger put his hand back into the pocket to see if there was another paper for me. This time, two more crumpled pieces of paper came out, more wrinkled than the first. Roger fidgeted, carefully smoothing out the crumples.

“These are chess records that Count Kito asked me to deliver if I met you. I said I was going to visit the Marsen mansion to see you. I received three sheets, but I lost one, so there will be a gap in the middle. Is that okay?”

“Roger, you’re really something else!”

I put down the paper and hugged Roger tightly. Roger, who I thought would ask me to let go any second, stood still, unusually stiff.

Playing chess alone had become tiresome. But now that I had new chess records, I wouldn’t be bored for a few days. I moved away from Roger’s embrace and carefully examined Count Kito’s chess records.

“…If you want more, I can bring some. I won’t lose them next time.”

You adorable thing!

“You’re the best, Roger!”

“Hmm, speaking of which, the Count returned to the village. He said he wants to see you.”

To hide his flushed face, Roger changed the subject.

I had known for several days that Count Kito had returned to the village. That’s why I had tried to send a letter to him several times, but failed every time.

The more I couldn’t meet him, the more I worried he might keep a more capable and talented disciple by his side.

“By the way, did Count Kito say anything about me?”

“…Both Duke Fenton and Count Kito praised you. Yurik Fenton did too, but he’s naturally fond of you anyway.”

“You’ve been visiting the Fenton mansion frequently then.”

“Well, yes. I thought I would be confined in the mansion since my mother was angry with me. But Lady Fenton visited our mansion and apologized for taking me to the beach several times.”

The one who should apologize is me.

I felt heavyhearted when I heard that Lady Fenton personally visited the Bacchus mansion to apologize.

“Lise?”

“…I’m sorry.”

There was no response to my sudden apology.

“I’m sorry for taking you to the beach. You got scolded by my lady and suffered because of the storm. I sincerely apologize, Roger.”

“What, was that it? I thought it was something serious. Don’t worry. It was fun.”

He gave a slight smile.

“…It was fun?”

You almost got blown away by the storm.

Roger chuckled as he recalled that day. Looking at his face, it seemed his words were not a lie.

I put down the paper I had been holding and approached Roger.

“Anyway, let’s do what you want to do today as a form of my apology.”

“What I want to do? There’s really nothing specific.”

“Really?”

“Um….”

Roger pondered silently for a moment and then glanced at the violin case on the floor. I wondered if my words had unintentionally offended him.
As expected, Roger took out the violin and bow from the case and smirked.

“Slacking off on your violin lessons, I assume.”

“…….”

“Shouldn’t you at least play an easy piece? If you’re going to perform with me.”

“….This is a good time to hang out with my brothers.”

“Don’t think of avoiding it, Lise. We’re going to catch up on all the lost progress today.”

My jaw was the problem.

“Lise. May we come in?”

I heard the voices of Silke and Felicia from the door.

I had been holding the violin bow for already two hours.

If even a single note went wrong, Roger would sharply say, “Again,” causing my arm to ache and my jaw to tremble. At the sound of the voices, I thought it was the right moment and put down my bow.

Upon opening the door, the two siblings appeared. They discovered Roger beyond my form and blushed slightly. I had assumed their fondness for Roger had entirely vanished after earlier, but it was surprising.

‘Is he really that goodlooking?’

To forget even upon hearing dislikable remarks?

Roger’s purple irises were unique and pretty. His face was sleek and clear, clearly visible even from a distance. Although he’s still a child, he’d probably grow up to be very handsome once his lines became more defined.

But that was it.

“Mother said the meal is ready.”

“Um……”

Just as Silke finished speaking, Roger cut in. Silke and Felicia swallowed hard due to Roger’s proximity.

Roger faced the two squarely and opened his mouth.

“I am truly sorry for earlier. If possible, I want to get along with my sister and brothers.”

“Uh……uh.”

As Roger spoke politely, the faces of Silke and Felicia reddened even more. Feeling they might get too excited, I pushed Roger’s back.

“Roger, go to the dining room first.”

“Ah, okay.”

Seeing that neither of the girls reacted to his words, Roger seemed awkward and promptly left. Silke and Felicia’s gaze followed Roger’s retreating form.

‘Fine, let’s admit he’s goodlooking.’

Acknowledging Roger’s handsomeness, I put the violin in its case and adjusted my clothing. Just as I was about to head to the dining room, Silke and Felicia who had been waiting, suddenly grabbed my arm.

“We heard from Mother. Roger is your fiancé?”

“……Mother decided that arbitrarily.”

“Why did she arrange such a goodlooking nobleman to be your fiancé but didn’t arrange anything for us?”

Silke genuinely expressed her bewilderment.

“I wonder.”

I was also puzzled.

Although I had many complaints about Roger, in truth, he was an excessive match for me.

Very much so.