MLIIWTFL Chapter 131

 

 

 

 

“Even among the new noblewomen, there are certain fantasies about old noblemen. Do you know what they are?”

 

“…Is it about being a man who knows how to take the lead, brave enough to participate in activities like hunting and gambling?”

 

“That’s the fantasy of old noblewomen. On the other hand, new noblewomen expect a gentleman.”

 

“A gentleman?”

 

Letticia carefully selected words that would be favorable to Ezkhiel, recalling stories she had heard from her friends during their academy days.

 

“Yes. Someone who remains polite in any situation, knows how to back off gracefully without being pathetic even after being rejected, and considers the other person’s dignity with kindness.”

 

“………”

 

“They think hobbies like horseback riding or being involved in the arts are incredibly attractive. People who appreciate the arts always seem to have an air of sophistication.”

 

“…Not hunting or gambling?”

 

“Well, they might find it romantic for a man who wins a hunting competition to dedicate the victory to them. But gambling? Definitely not. Who admires someone who could lose their entire fortune to debt from card games? It’s not even worth boasting about. Gambling is either for showing off or for people who are ridiculously bored with nothing else to do.”

 

Traditional nobles didn’t need to work for a living as money flowed in without effort. They would often squander their surplus time and wealth on activities like gambling.

 

For the new nobility striving to climb the social ladder by earning wealth and establishing their status, such leisurely indulgence seemed nothing more than laziness and waste.

 

“That’s why my friends always praised Lord Bright. They said I was so lucky to have chosen such a great person, and they were envious of me. Lord Bright earned a lot of points!”

 

In truth, while some admired him for being polite and appearing to be a good person, no one was truly envious. However, that was something Letticia had pre-coordinated with her friends, so it was no issue.

 

Ezkhiel didn’t seem to fully believe Letticia’s slightly exaggerated enthusiasm, but he didn’t say much about it.

 

Worried that he might spiral into self-loathing as he had before, even if he remained silent this time, Letticia emphasized again.

 

“So, if anyone dares to say that you don’t suit me, stand up to them. It’s all just jealousy or inferiority complex anyway. Nothing bad will happen even if you say something to them.”

 

“…Do you truly think that my presence by your side won’t be a burden?”

 

At his trembling voice, Letticia seized the opportunity and nodded her head firmly.

 

“Not at all. In our family, what matters most is genuine love between the parties. If I like you and you like me, what does it matter what others say?”

 

“Still, there’s the issue of image. If someone as beautiful and dazzling as you, who draws everyone’s attention, falls in love with someone as ordinary as me, people will gossip. They’ll question whether your standards are so low. I’m used to hearing such things, but if they said that about you….”

 

Just imagining such a future made Ezkhiel bow his head as if the mere thought was suffocating him.

 

As the color that had finally returned to his face started to drain again, Letticia instinctively wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him close in a strong embrace.

 

“Lady?!”

 

Ezkhiel, who was on the verge of turning pale, now had a face mixed with confusion and blush due to the sudden embrace.

 

Technically, this was their second hug, but unlike the first one that ended quickly, this time they stayed close enough to hear each other’s heartbeats.

 

While listening to the heartbeat of the man she loved, Letticia gently stroked his back, trying to comfort him. However, each movement of her hand seemed to make Ezkhiel freeze up even more, causing an unintended countereffect.

 

“I understand what you’re worried about, Lord Bright. Public opinion is, of course, important. But there’s really no need to worry too much about it.”

 

“No need to worry?”

 

“Yes. Think of it this way. Which seems more genuine: me falling in love and marrying His Highness the Crown Prince or an extraordinary great noble, or me falling in love and marrying you?”

 

“Well, obviously the former. You are more than worthy of marrying someone of such high status…”

 

As Ezkhiel reflexively answered, Letticia shook her head.

 

“No, you’re wrong. The latter appears far more genuine. Before marriage, what matters most is whether true love exists or not. And true love, as people believe, doesn’t depend on conditions or status.”

 

“…That’s true…”

 

Ezkhiel nodded absentmindedly, as if the thought had never occurred to him. Letticia, with a wide smile, pulled him even closer and said:

 

“So if I say I’ve fallen in love with you, people will believe that our relationship is truly one of love. On the other hand, if I marry into the imperial family or a great noble household, I’d have to settle into their family. And if I leave, there won’t be anyone in my family to represent us as a model. That would be a huge loss for Sharon Jewelry.”

 

“In that case, I suppose I am more suitable. Being the second son, I won’t inherit my family’s title anyway, and I could even join your family as a son-in-law… Though, when His Majesty ascends to the throne, I might receive a new title, so I’d have to think about that part a little.”

 

Hearing his voice sounding much calmer than before, Letticia turned her gaze toward him. His green eyes, which had been downcast and dull moments ago, now showed a glimmer of their usual brightness.

 

“Besides, our family has mastered the art of public opinion, promotion, and advertising. Father and Mother’s marriage was a success, wasn’t it? Creating a favorable image for us is not a big deal. Brother Ken, the employees of Sharon Jewelry, and everyone else will do their best to build our image. There’s no way our family would suffer any loss, so don’t even dream of thinking you’d be a burden.”

 

“…..……”

 

“Well, now that the practical concerns are addressed, shall we date—”

 

“…Wait a moment, Lady.”

 

As Letticia loosened her embrace slightly, Ezkhiel moved away from her. Thinking he might still not believe her, Letticia turned to glare at him, but she froze at the unexpected expression on his face.

 

“…Please, just this once, let me be the one to say it, Lady.”

 

His reddened eyes looked as though tears might fall at any moment. His voice trembled as if it took all his strength just to speak.

 

And yet, his face radiated undeniable joy, happiness, and gratitude that he could not hide.

 

With all these emotions written plainly on his face, Ezkhiel extended his arms and pulled Letticia into an embrace this time.

 

Startled by the sudden hug, Letticia, who had been so assertive moments earlier, now leaned into him, completely caught off guard. Then, Ezkhiel uttered the words she had been waiting so desperately to hear.

 

“Lady Letticia Sharon, I love you. Please, will you be my partner?”

 

***

 

Kenneth, who had been quietly listening to their story all along, nearly dropped his teacup at those final words.

 

No wonder Letticia had seemed so cheerful yesterday—she had finally become a couple with Ezkhiel.

 

“Yesterday, your maid told me you were alone in your room, overjoyed and acting out an entire play by yourself. I wondered what could possibly make you behave that way…”

 

“It wasn’t a play! I was just letting out shouts of joy!”

 

“Well, if it was loud enough to be heard outside your room, it was probably more than just a shout. Still, congratulations on starting your relationship. Though, it would’ve been nice if you’d told me yesterday.”

 

“You were out having dinner with your friends, remember? Father and Brother Ren were also out for dinner, and Mother was at a banquet. There was no one to tell.”

 

And when she woke up this morning, all her family members who worked at the jewelry shop had left early. Camilla had slept in for the first time in a while, so at the breakfast table, it was just Letticia and Kenneth.

 

Kenneth thought she could have told him at the table, but judging by her mood, it seemed she had more to say and decided not to bring it up then.

 

‘Now that I think about it, this story might have ended sweetly, but it began as a complaint.’

 

Even after starting a relationship, what could she possibly have to complain about that required setting up a tea table with her cousin and making time for this?

 

However, Kenneth decided to set aside his curiosity for now and instead chose to congratulate his cousin. Questions could wait, but congratulations were best expressed in the moment.

 

“Anyway, congratulations on starting your relationship. It’s great that you’re now dating the person you like.”

 

“Thank you, brother. But I’m not done talking yet.”

 

“Not done? What’s left?”

 

“Lord Bright’s self-esteem, which has hit rock bottom! That’s still completely unresolved!”

 

Letticia lamented, almost wailing.

 

“It’s absurd enough that he compares himself to people who don’t hold a candle to him and then concludes that he’s unattractive. On top of that, he’s ridiculously anxious that being with me will ruin my reputation! You have no idea how much I’ve had to talk just to reassure him!”

 

“…Didn’t you say you don’t like people like that? You always said you found people without self-confidence frustrating.”

 

“Lord Bright is different. He’s the one I love.”

 

Kenneth noticed the glaring double standard but chose not to point it out or turn it into an argument. Instead, he listened to his cousin’s words with patience. After all, love was about wanting to embrace everything about the person, and pointing it out would only be a futile effort.