Ms. Anne Was In Quite A Shock
“…And will you tell me the reason?”
“Yes. First, I am currently in a contract with House Liebert, for the selling of herbs. If I were to become a noble…”
As Ms. Anne’s face was frozen with surprise, I explained to her what I had talked about with Ms. Claire. That I wanted to honor the contract and had no intention of becoming a noble.
Sebastian was nodding as he stood behind Ms. Claire. So I suppose I was not saying anything wrong.
“…But… That is hardly a reason to refuse… Besides…I have never been rejected in my life…”
Ms. Anne’s level of disbelief only rose after my explanation.
Indeed, because she was beautiful, a marriage with her might be appealing to some.
Especially since she was her father’s heir.
Ms. Claire had talked about it yesterday as well. There were few opportunities to become a noble in this country, and so turning it down would be unthinkable.
However, it meant nothing to me, and I was not like those other people.
Well…not that stupid thoughts of playing with Ms. Anne’s rolls did not enter my mind…
“But… Surely you wouldn’t… But you can become a noble…!”
“Well, how unfortunate for you, Anne. But I must tell you now, any more attempts to seduce Mr. Takumi with promises of titles will only make things more embarrassing for you.”
“…This can’t be happening…”
While Ms. Anne was still stunned, Ms. Claire was overjoyed.
Was it because I had rejected Ms. Anne with such clear words?
“Hahaha! Our Mr. Takumi is not the kind of man to be swayed by such promises! I knew it all along!”
Suddenly, the doors of the dining hall burst open, and Mr. Ekenhart entered while laughing boisterously.
Apparently, he had been listening to the conversation.
…As Ms. Lyra was standing by the door but turning her head away, she had probably noticed him, and opened the door a little.
“…Father…you were eavesdropping again…? After everything I said…”
“Oh, not at all. …I was just about to enter the dining hall when I noticed that Mr. Takumi was in the middle of an important conversation… And so I thought it best to not disturb him.”
Ms. Claire was looking at her father with narrowed eyes.
Well, after what happened last night…it could not be helped.
Mr. Ekenhart looked a little uncomfortable as he made his excuses.
“Hah… Well, nevermind then. It would have indeed been wrong to interrupt Mr. Takaumi’s very determined and final decision.”
Ms. Claire sighed with resignation and her father smiled and nodded.
“However, you must not do such a thing again.”
Mr. Ekenhart replied as he went to sit at the table.
Ms. Lyra placed a cup in front of him and poured some tea.
…Her movements really were smooth and practiced.
“So, Anne. What a shame for you.”
“Your Grace… Why would Mr. Takumi refuse to become a noble?”
“It is quite simple. Because he is currently under my protection… And who would trade that for your house?”
“…Because a count is lower than a duke…”
Mr. Ekenhart. That makes it sound like I just sided with the house with more authority…!
“Well, uh… Mr. Ekenhart… I must say that the ranks of the houses was not something I considered…”
“Of course. Mr. Takumi is not the kind of person who decides matters based on power.”
“Hmmm… I suppose you are right. Well, there you have it Anne. …You must abandon this cause of yours.”
“Not moved by authority…what kind of man…”
Mr. Ekenhart was satisfied once Ms. Claire and I had corrected me.
Since I was born and raised in Japan, I didn’t want to choose a marriage partner just based on the level of power.
Though, I suppose it depends on the person.
In any case, Ms. Anne was surprised that I would not change my mind, even when she reminded me of her influence.
I didn’t know what her life had been like up until now, but she had probably been surrounded by people who obeyed her.
Thankfully, I was with a house that did not like to show off. But perhaps between most nobles, and the upper class, greed and power were things that were more visible.
…After all, there were similar things happening even in Japan.
“Hah… I think Ms. Anne hasn’t quite recovered from the shock.”
After breakfast, as I went out into the garden and made herbs, I thought about what had happened earlier.
Ms. Anne had just stood there and repeatedly muttered to herself, ‘But…I’m a noble…’
It showed how much she believed that I wouldn’t reject her.
Due to her rank as a count’s daughter, she had likely very few experiences where she didn’t get her way.
“Well, she is supposed to be here for an education…after all.”
She had been placed in Mr. Ekenhart’s care, and Ms. Claire would see that she was disciplined… Though, it was bound to take a long time.
Ms. Claire never refused to do anything because of her rank. And she had even treated the orphan children with warm friendliness.
She never brought up her family name in order to get people to listen.
Previously, she had told me in the forest that she disliked those who used their authority to forcefully bend others to their will.
The exact opposite of… Well, I won’t go that far. But it was a different approach than someone like Ms. Anne, who relied a lot on her family name.
“This whole business of educating her is going to be very difficult… And I want no part of it.”
“Indeed. She has lived in the way that she wanted. And so it will be difficult to change so suddenly.”