Did something happen, Lord Rowen? I asked him with a puzzled expression.
He stood up abruptly. Please excuse me for leaving me in a hurry, Lady Floyen.
What? It was considered rude for guests to leave before having tea.He already committed a breach of etiquette once, and hes going to disrespect me again?I stared at him with bewilderment.
I forgot that I had some urgent business today. Its all because Im lacking Please forgive me, he said with some struggle.
I guess it cant be helped.Although it was rude for him to leave this abruptly, I didnt want to hold onto someone who looked sick. I understand. It looks like youre not feeling well, so please take care of yourself.
I wish the kind and beautiful lady happiness, as well as a good partner. After rambling more blessings, he bowed deeply and left.
Well, its not a big deal because there are other people who I havent responded to yet.Not long after he left, Merilyn came back with a cart full of snacks and refreshments. It was actually a blessing in disguise that he left early since I preferred drinking tea alone.
Merilyn, please set Before I could tell her to only arrange the table for me, someone else stepped into the drawing room. Oh, Father Hello. I managed to greet him as naturally as I could. He merely nodded instead of answering.
I hope he didnt overhear my conversation with Lord Rowen, otherwise, he might talk about the marriage list.His sudden appearance made me anxious, and that feeling only grew when he slowly approached me.
Are you drinking tea? he asked.
Yes.
He sat in the chair across from me as if it was the natural thing to do. Good. Im thirsty as well.
I looked at the steaming teapot, then at him with quivering eyes.Youre going to drink hot tea when youre thirsty?Nevertheless, I didnt comment on the strangeness of this.
The tea is hot, so you should probably drink it when it cools down or you could just drink some water.
I can talk to you until the tea cools down, my father said.
Its more reasonable to leave and drink water. I cant believe hes waiting here to have tea with me.As I pondered over this, two cups of tea were placed on the table.I guess I wont be drinking tea alone.My father lifted the teacup gracefully and gazed at me with a warlike aura.
I smiled brightly and picked up a cookie.Now I have to drink in this tense atmosphere.
* * *
What did you just say? a low voice asked.
Madam Fresia smiled brightly and said, Lady Floyen accepted Lord Rowens offer to become her partner.
Max felt a surge of annoyance at the word partner. I see, he said, trying to look calm.
On the surface, he is a handsome and well-mannered young man, but its rumored that hes a womanizer who has reduced many young ladies to tears, Fresia added playfully.
Max twisted his expression.That woman. I told her not to only look at appearancesFor some reason, anger flared up inside him. So, are those two are going to the ball together? he asked sharply.
Fresia clicked her tongue and said, I dont know if this is a good or bad thing, but he turned the lady down.
Max raised his voice. How dare a counts son reject someone like her!
Fresia clicked her tongue again and sighed. Judging by his reaction alone, it was impossible to figure out what kind of news Max wanted to hear.If hes concerned about the lady, he should just offer to become her partner
At that moment, Max spoke. Did you find out who started the rumors about her?
Fresias eyes lit up. Ah, yes.
Who did it? Max asked with a bloodthirsty growl.
Fresia smiled. It turned out to be Viscount Droil. When Maxs expression hardened, she added, Isnt it funny? She used to be his lover, but he does nothing while his troubled cousin slanders her.
Max was deep in thought for a while, then he said, Find out every weakness of Marquis Hessen and Viscount Droil. I also want a report on the other people who offered to become her partner.
What? But! Before Fresia had a chance to answer, he disappeared. She sighed and muttered, That information was already purchased by Duke Floyen.
* * *
Although the atmosphere was tense, I was relatively calm.Now that Im used to Father acting like this, Ive learned to control my emotions.I slowly sipped my tea with this thought.
Did you find a partner? he suddenly asked.
I had been expecting this question.It wont do me any good to tell him the truth. Ill need to buy some time before I can find a different partner.If I told him that I got rejected, he might mention the marriage list.
Im still trying to choose, I said calmly, setting down the teacup.
If you cant find a partner My father trailed off and stared at me. Be sure to tell me, he said firmly as if trying to imprint these words into my mind.
What are you going to do if I tell you, Father?