I didn’t want to be confined to an ambiguous position of being illegitimate. Nor did I want to lose many opportunities in front of me due to marriage.

“Roger, you should go back to your room and sleep…”

“Lise, I want to be engaged because I like you.”

He interrupted me.

“Huh?”

“It’s not that it’s fantastic. It’s also not subtle. Should I say it’s moderate? So… I don’t want to go to my room; I want to stay here.”

What is he saying?

“Roger, are you joking with me?”

“It’s not a joke.”

“Go to your room, now.”

“No. If tonight is to be the last night with you, then I want to talk to you all night.”

“It’s not the last night.”

“How can you be sure?”

It turned out that Roger was the stubborn and straightforward one, not me. Annoyed, I glanced at him. His eyes shone like a child’s, waiting for my answer and approval.

“Roger, if you stay up all night with me, both my mother and Lady Bacchus will be very angry.”

“…”

“Then the engagement you’ve been hoping for will be completely off.”

“I haven’t been hoping for it… well, maybe I have.”

As I probed, Roger changed his tune.

“I will talk to my mother properly tomorrow, so go back to your room without worry. Maybe the engagement won’t be called off.”

When I pulled Roger by his wrist, he reluctantly stood up. Although his face was still anxious, he stepped outside. His steps were indeed heavy.

Before closing the door, I grinned to lift his gloomy spirits.

“I will really talk well. I’m good at talking, you know.”

“You are?”

At Roger’s innocent question, my smile almost vanished.

“Yes, it’s one of my thousand hidden talents. Now, go to your room. Lady Bacchus might be looking for you.”

When I pushed him on his back, Roger headed towards his room. He had just taken a few steps when he turned his head.

“Lise.”

“What now?”

I crossed my arms. What would he say this time?

“Goodnight.”

“…”

Unexpectedly hearing that, I involuntarily grinned. I waved at him and, after making sure he entered his room, closed the door.

“It’s just too early, and I feel sad, my lady.”

Father was talking to Lady Bacchus who was about to return to the village. It was at the front porch.

Before breakfast, Lady Bacchus and Roger had packed their luggage and placed it in the carriage. Everything was ready, and all they had to do was board the carriage.

“I have no choice.”

“Obligation, you say.”

Lady Bacchus smiled awkwardly and shifted her gaze towards Isabelle. The two exchanged quiet glances.

“I’m sorry, Isabelle.”
Mrs. Bacchus first repeated her words, holding Isabel’s hand.

“Still, call me anytime. I’m on Isabel’s side. And…I’m sorry. Really sorry.”

Isabel said it was fine without further ado, speaking in a dry tone. Observing their conversation, I doubted whether Isabel and Mrs. Bacchus could maintain their previously amicable relationship.

Meanwhile, the brothers and Roger exchanged greetings. The brothers, having warmed up to Roger, promised to meet again later. Roger, too, gave each brother a farewell hug, looking somewhat regretful.

Finally, when Roger and I hugged, he held me tighter than he had his other brothers.

“Hey, Roger. That’s enough.”

Roger didn’t let go for a long time. It was about when I felt the brothers’ sardonic gazes from behind that Roger released his grip. He looked at me with a cheeky expression.

“Lise, come for violin practice this week.”

“Yes, I’ll definitely go.”

I nodded at Mrs. Bacchus’s words, and Roger’s stiff shoulders relaxed a little.

“Then, take care, kids.”

Mrs. Bacchus picked up her bag and headed out the front door. Given the impending rain, the coachman quickened his pace.

“Take care.”

Finally, Isabel spoke. Although the carriage door had closed a long time ago.

The carriage carrying Roger and Mrs. Bacchus soon crossed the main gate and descended the hill.

“Now, I also have to go work. I’ll be home late today. Don’t wait up, go to sleep.”

Father retreated into his study. The brothers, who had to prepare for school, and the twins, who just wanted to lie in bed a little longer, headed to their rooms.

“……”

“……”

What remained were Isabel and me.

Contrary to my tension, Isabel simply turned her back. Another day was passing like this. How long should I agonize, waiting for Isabel to initiate a conversation? Maybe I should speak first.

I was conflicted.

In the time it took to resolve this conflict, the house fell silent as Father went to his company and the brothers went to school. The twins couldn’t leave their room because a tutor had arrived for the first time in a while.

Sitting at my desk, I looked at the flower bracelet on my wrist. Roger made it. Just then, my door opened. Without lifting my head, I knew who had come.

“Lise.”

Isabel. Whether she was angry or holding back, her face was unreadable as she spoke.

“Let’s talk.”

“Yes.”

Isabel gestured as if asking me to come to her room. With a heart that had settled overnight, I followed her.