The father, annoyed by Isabelle’s abrupt exit and moodbreaking, coughed irritably.

Mrs. Bacchus, with a gloomy expression, seemed uncomfortable in her seat.

“It’s just that I’ve lost my appetite. So, don’t worry and let’s continue our conversation.”

Father, thinking this was an opportunity, was about to say what he wanted.

“I’m sorry. I’ve also lost my appetite.”

“What?”

“I should leave first. I’m sorry.”

When even Mrs. Bacchus left her seat, the atmosphere in the dining room became indescribably dark.

The father, who had been grumbling, also shut his mouth quickly. He chewed a few pieces of meat, then looked at the faces of his sons and left the dining room.

In the end, both Roger and I couldn’t finish our meals and put down our utensils.

“Mother always envied Mrs. Marsen.”

Roger plucked his violin strings a few times while speaking. It was after we had returned to our rooms after the meal.

“Envied her?”

I couldn’t understand. If Isabelle had envied Mrs. Bacchus, why would it be the other way around? When I asked, Roger handed me the tuned violin and continued speaking.

“Mother continued her medical practice even after marrying Father. It was what Mother wanted, and Father never interfered.”

“But?”

“The problem was, Mother was afraid of blood. She rarely performed surgeries, and she even felt dizzy at severe injuries. I heard later that she was unable to do anything when a patient became violent during surgery. She lacked the strength to even restrain the patient.”

He spoke calmly, but Roger’s expression seemed bitter.

“So, she was kicked out of the hospital and focused on charitable work.”

Roger then took out his own instrument from his bag. I put down the violin he handed me and watched his actions.

“Even so, there’s no reason for Mrs. Bacchus to envy Mother.”

“At that time, Father had achieved great success on stage. Audiences, critics, and nobles did not hold back their praise. Mother was happy for Father’s success but also looked anxious. In just a few days, Mother quit being a doctor. On her own initiative.”
Roger finetuned his own violin. Each movement of his fingers altered the notes subtly, making them squeak and emit an unstable sound.

“My mother was as ambitious as my father. She conquered the difficult profession of being a doctor, and even overcame discrimination among men. But she gave up on herself. Not because of external factors, but because of her own limitations.”

Roger looked at me as if asking if I understood now.

She wanted to practice medicine again but couldn’t due to her limitations. Mrs. Barkus had tried several times since to return to her medical practice. And each time, she failed.

“So, is that why your wife keeps mentioning the past to my mother?”

“Well, yes. Many people wanted to keep Mrs. Marsen from giving up her research for the sake of marriage. I’ve heard there are still many people waiting for Mrs. Marsen to return to her research.”

What would Mrs. Barkus feel when she saw Isabelle, I wondered. She might envy Isabelle for achieving her dreams, yet see her as cowardly for ignoring them.

I had a lot to ponder. The discussion felt far too real, and not like someone else’s business. It wouldn’t have been strange if I found myself in a similar situation.

However, for me, who dreams of happiness, both situations are circumstances to be avoided.

“Let’s end this discussion here. Actually, I’ve selected a piece. It’s an easy one, so you should be able to play it with some practice.”

“Suddenly? Well, whatever, let’s go with that piece.”

“Without even listening?”

Roger frowned at my soulless response.

He sighed, realizing I was still lost in thoughts about Mrs. Barkus, then positioned the violin under his chin and began to play.

The smooth movement of the bow and the slowly resonating melody captivated me. As the piece reached its climax, Roger stopped the bow.

“It’s a piece called ‘And Then on the Platform.’ What do you think?”

“I like it, but can I really play it?”

“I’ll teach you. Besides, you’re my fiancée. If you have any concerns or worries, feel free to tell me.”

Roger spoke as if it was no big deal, making me smile involuntarily.

“Why are you smiling?”

“Fiancée, huh? You’re really serious.”

“If you don’t like it, break it off.”

Roger’s voice was timid. Was he offended?

“Roger.”

“What.”

“If you finish the performance, I’ll seriously consider the engagement.”

Roger made a face of disbelief. Then,

“…Just finishing the performance will do?”

What?

“No changing your words.”

“Wait, wait!”

Roger started playing the violin abruptly.