MLIIWTFL Chapter 110

 

 

 

 

When the Empress asked her question, Letticia hesitated to answer briefly.

 

This was because she wasn’t sure how the Empress might perceive the reports from Lucinella about Matthias and Letticia dancing the waltz together.

 

“Why? Surely it’s not because you haven’t found anyone you fancy?”

 

“…I do, but I wouldn’t say it’s certain that we’ve mutually confirmed our feelings just yet.”

 

Letticia’s cautious answer brightened the Empress’s expression.

 

“Really? Then do you think you’ll get married this season?”

 

“That’s still uncertain… I want to take my time in a relationship. I think it’s better to meet for a few months before making a decision.”

 

“So, does that mean you want a long engagement period before deciding on marriage?”

 

“No, I’d prefer to take my time dating and then decide on an engagement. If we reach the point of engagement, I think the wedding could proceed quickly afterward.”

 

The ladies-in-waiting were startled and turned their attention to Letticia. The head maid, who appeared older than the Empress, refrained from interrupting since the Empress hadn’t objected, though her expression suggested she wanted to scold Letticia for such notions.

 

However, the Empress found Letticia’s remarks rather intriguing.

 

“Taking your time dating and then slowly deciding on an engagement… Well, it’s true that it’s cleaner to part ways during courtship than to break off an engagement.”

 

“Yes. If it’s truly going to be called a ‘love marriage,’ wouldn’t it be better to have the freedom to date for a while before marrying? I wouldn’t want to regret an engagement later because I didn’t fully understand the person I’d spend my life with.”

 

“Then it’s important to find someone who understands that.”

 

“I intend to find out if they are such a person.”

 

When Letticia spoke confidently, the Empress chuckled, maintaining her composure.

 

“All the society journals are unanimously claiming that Matthias danced the waltz only with you, so I thought there might be something between you two. But it seems you’re not meant to be. There’s no helping it, though. Marriage should be between two people who love each other.”

 

“…Do you hope that His Highness the Crown Prince will choose his spouse himself, Your Majesty?”

 

Sensing an opportunity, Letticia asked, and the Empress nodded slightly, her expression somewhat complex.

 

“If possible, that would be the most ideal. Even if it’s not love, at the very least, it should be a marriage chosen by the individuals themselves.”

 

“Not a marriage that benefits the imperial family?”

 

Imperial marriages fundamentally operate that way.

Even noble marriages are arranged to benefit their families, let alone those of the imperial family.

 

However, the Empress, who had lived as the Emperor’s companion, seemed to think differently.

 

“Letticia, marriage is ultimately a union between people. And as people, they have personalities, thoughts, and ways of loving, which naturally means there must be compatibility.”

 

The Empress emphasized the word ‘people’ as she quietly spoke.

 

“Even if the families or other conditions are suitable, a marriage will inevitably fail if the compatibility isn’t there. People often overlook just how devastating such a situation can be.”

 

Letticia tilted her head at the seriousness of the Empress’s words, which seemed surprising coming from someone who had reportedly married for love.

 

However, the Empress quickly shifted the topic, as if unwilling to dwell on it for too long.

 

“In your case, your family has given you the freedom to choose, so you can find someone truly compatible. From what I hear, there’s someone you fancy, so it looks like you’ll marry before Victoria or Marianne.”

 

“Well, my older sisters don’t seem too interested in marriage for now…”

 

Both Victoria and Marianne, having secured their places in Sharon Jewelry, didn’t seem to feel the need to participate in social events to find marriage prospects.

 

While this was understandable for 21-year-old Marianne, it was unusual for 25-year-old Victoria, who was nearing the end of the ideal marriageable age.

 

“It seems like Tori might find a husband faster through a lawyer or a business contact. As for Mari, perhaps Ken could introduce one of his friends to her?”

 

“Since those two are from a branch family, marrying that way wouldn’t be a problem. But remember, if the partner isn’t of noble status, it would be beneath me to attend.”

 

“For now, you don’t have to worry about that, Your Majesty. The person I’m interested in is a noble.”

 

“Well, that’s a relief. I wouldn’t be able to face the Grant if I couldn’t attend the first wedding in your family.”

 

“My grandfather would be greatly honored and delighted to hear that.”

 

Letticia’s grandfather, Grant, had passed his title to Patrick a few years ago and was now living leisurely at a country estate. He had expressed a wish to witness his grandchildren’s weddings before passing, so he would likely come to the capital for Letticia’s marriage.

 

“When I married, Grant stood in for my father, Camilla was my bridesmaid, and other members of the Sharon family were seated as representatives of the bride’s side. Though I won’t be able to stand in for your mother, let me know if there’s anything I can do for your wedding. I’ll grant any wish, as long as it doesn’t involve a honeymoon on one of the imperial family’s islands.”

 

“Well, I don’t have any ideas now, so I’ll save that favor for later.”

 

Letticia responded lightly, laughing at the Empress’s joking tone. With no engagement or wedding in sight, thoughts of a honeymoon or anything similar hadn’t crossed her mind yet.

 

***

 

Having unexpectedly received a favor from the Empress, the tea party soon concluded.

 

After the Empress suggested she visit Judith, Letticia excused herself and made her way not to Princess Judith’s quarters but to where Matthias worked.

 

“Is it impossible to see Lord Bright for just a moment?”

 

It had been a week since the visiting season ended, yet there was still no word from Ezkhiel. Letticia found herself too troubled by the deathly pale complexion she had seen during her visit to muster the courage to reach out.

 

‘I’ll just check if he’s doing alright and leave.’

 

Growing up in a family devoted to their work, Letticia knew how disruptive interruptions could be. She didn’t expect to be of any help but thought she could at least see his face and, if possible, greet him before heading to Judith’s quarters.

 

Fortunately, it seemed today the gods didn’t want Letticia to set the palace on fire, as she noticed a group of people gathered near the Crown Prince’s quarters just as she arrived.

 

Among the crowd, Letticia’s face brightened as she spotted a man with brown hair.

 

‘It’s Lord Bright!’

 

Ezkhiel, wearing a neat white shirt and black vest, was speaking with people, looking more serious than usual. His composed expression as he conversed exuded the same professionalism Letticia had seen when he spoke with Count Freke.

 

Letticia’s heart fluttered slightly. Wanting to observe a little more, she took a few steps closer to better see his complexion.

 

At that moment, Ezkhiel happened to lift his head, giving Letticia a clearer view of his face.

 

‘The dark circles are still there… He must still be very busy.’

 

His tired face made her wonder if she should use a date as an excuse to make him get some rest.

 

As she debated whether to greet him or not, Ezkhiel, having finished giving directions, stopped speaking and turned around. His gaze met Letticia’s.

 

“……….!”

 

Ezkhiel’s eyes widened as if unsure whether to greet her.

 

Seeing this, Letticia decided to go ahead and greet him. Gathering the hem of her dress, she approached the group of civil servants.

 

As she got closer, a few of them recognized her and became flustered. However, Letticia ignored them and walked straight to Ezkhiel, greeting him with a bright smile.

 

“It’s nice to see you here, Lord Bright. How have you been?”

 

“Oh, Lady Sharon… How about yourself?”

 

“I’ve been doing well, as always, in good health.”

 

As Letticia casually exchanged greetings with Ezkhiel, the other civil servants’ gazes burned into them. Some even looked back and forth between Ezkhiel and Letticia in shock.

 

“Sir Bright, are you acquainted with Lady Sharon?”

 

One man, who looked like he had just graduated from the academy, exclaimed in surprise. Ezkhiel, slightly flustered, nodded in acknowledgment.

 

“Yes. She’s the younger sister of a friend.”

 

“By a friend, do you mean Lord Lenard Sharon? Are you saying you were friends with him?”

 

“Yes, we became close during our academy days… But more importantly, Lady, what brings you here?”

 

“If you’ve come to see His Highness the Crown Prince, I must inform you he isn’t present.”

 

The stern civil servant’s reply prompted Letticia to quickly clarify, worried that Ezkhiel might misunderstand.

 

“I just came to greet Lord Bright. I apologize for interrupting your work.”

 

“Not at all. I had just finished speaking.”

 

When Ezkhiel smiled warmly, Letticia had to fight to suppress her own smile. She worried that lingering for too long might make it hard to leave.

 

“Well, now that I’ve greeted you, I should go before I become a bother. Lord Bright, do visit the Sharon estate sometime. I’d love to see you again.”

 

“Oh, yes. Farewell, Lady Sharon.”

 

After finishing her goodbyes, Letticia forced herself to move her reluctant feet and headed toward Judith’s quarters.

 

Although their brief encounter after a week apart felt too short, she didn’t want to disturb his work any further.