The conclusion of the matter of arranged marriage
“Even though I tried to stop you, Claire, you left the house, claiming that you were going to find someone… Realizing that you were likely to pick someone most unsuitable, with your impulsive ways, I decided that I had to find someone first. And so I’ve been selecting trustworthy candidates ever since.”
“…That…but I don’t remember that at all…”
“So Lady Claire’s actions were the reason all along…”
Ms. Claire… You can’t go out and search for someone to have an arranged marriage with. That’s not how it works…
Even I had to give her an exasperated look when I heard this.
I had actually thought that her ability to take action was commendable, but this time, it had ill consequences.
“Not only that, but then you started saying that you would arrange a marriage for your newly born sister. And since there was no way that you could choose the right person, I decided to do it instead. Once you get an idea in your head, even I cannot stop you.”
In other words, Mr. Ekenhart was choosing candidates before Ms. Claire could do something disastrous.
“…I do remember that you told me about the first duchess’s marriage… And though it was arranged, they were fond of each other and lived happily… However, I do not remember doing any of those other things….”
“…Well, I do not blame you… It was just when she died, and you spent many days weeping. Perhaps the shock of it has affected your memory.”
“…Father…are you talking about mother?”
So her ancestor had been in a happy marriage.
But more importantly, Ms. Claire’s mother had died….
Now that I thought about it, while they had talked about Mr. Ekenhart many times, I had never heard anything about their mother.
Apparently, it was when Tilura was born, so she didn’t remember. But it was a sad time for Ms. Claire, and she had tried to forget it.
That might explain why Ms. Claire could seem overprotective. Whether it was leaving the mansion because she was worried about Tilura’s illness, or her attitude towards Sherry. Losing her mother so early might have made her feel like she had to take her mother’s place.
“Mother…I don’t remember her…”
“Because you were just born, Tilura. It can’t be helped.”
Mr. Ekenhart said gently to Tilura, who muttered sadly.
Ms. Claire seemed to be remembering how she felt when her mother died. And her eyes looked misty.
And then Mr. Ekenhart continued.
“She… My wife was always quite frail. She was weakened greatly after Claire’s birth, but managed to get through it. But that wasn’t the case with Tilura… But you know, Claire and Tilura. She was happy to have you two.”
Asked Tilura. Mr. Ekenhart nodded.
“Aye, she said that she was happy. And so once she had passed away, I felt that I had to raise you two so that she would be proud. Thankfully, you two took after me when it comes to physique.”
Ms. Claire and Tilura took after their father?
…Well, I didn’t quite agree with that… But perhaps it was more of a general toughness.
A tear ran down Ms. Claire’s face as she thought about her mother.
I could not have predicted that talk of marriage proposals would lead to talk of the death of their mother.
As Tilura didn’t know her mother, she did not cry. But she also seemed to lack her usual cheerfulness, and was in a dark mood.
And while it had nothing to do with me, these were people I was indebted to, and I could relate to their experience as well.
My parents had also died when I was young.
It was an accident, but due to my age, I didn’t really understand the circumstances.
And so I was taken in and raised by my father’s older brother, and they were very fond of me.
My uncle’s family were very kind, but there was a part of me that did not want to be taken care of by people who weren’t my parents.
Thinking back, it was probably a combination of missing my parents, and going through a rebellious phase. Regardless, once I started highschool, I got a part time job and started living alone.
My uncle and his family were very worried about me, but I brushed off their concerns and focused on working.
Still, I must have been very lonely. After all, I had rescued Leo and brought her home.
Leo helped with that feeling of loneliness, but I had come to this world without ever being able to repay my uncle and his family for their kindness.
I had always thought that once I started a full-time job, I would be able to start giving back to them… But in the end, I was so busy with work and never had time for them.
…Well, I think that is enough talk about me.
“…Father, while I do not remember any of that, I am sorry for the trouble I caused back then.”
“Hahaha. Well, I knew you had a strong fixation with your ancestor. So don’t worry.”
After some moments, Ms. Claire had collected herself and apologized to her father.
Mr. Ekenhart just laughed and forgave her with a pat on the head with his large hand.
As he was very gentle, I knew that he wasn’t, but…he still had the appearance of some bandit… Oh, I was thinking rude thoughts again.
“Now, father. Can we agree to leave all this talk of marriage behind us? After all, I would very much like to make such decisions for myself.”
“If that’s what you say, then that’s what we will do. I will turn down all of the candidates myself.”
“Are you fine with that, Tilura?”
“I don’t know anything about marriage yet. And so I don’t want to be meeting anyone right now.”
She was too young to even understand what marriage was.
Some girls thought of marriage even at a young age, but Tilura was not one of them.
So it was completely normal for her to not understand yet.
“Very well. Now, that’s enough talk of that. Sebastian, is my room ready? I haven’t gotten much rest on my way here. Now that I’m relieved after seeing my daughters, I would like to get some sleep.”
“Yes, Your Grace. It has been prepared. However, there is one other matter…”
“…Oh? It is rather unusual for you to say such things. What is it then?”
Mr. Ekenhart looked at Sebastian quizzically, but Sebastian just turned to look at me.
Was this about selling the herbs?