“If one is to gift roses during the visiting season, it is customary to choose white ones. Instead of speaking of taste, perhaps you should revisit the basics of etiquette.”
“Isn’t pink obviously the color that suits Lady Sharon the most? Spending all your time cooped up in that outdated supreme court must have dulled your sense of aesthetics.”
“And you, it seems, have forgotten even the most basic manners after wasting your days living off your family’s wealth.”
The two were so focused on attacking each other that they were less interested in rebutting the other’s claims and more in making their own points.
Letticia found their behavior utterly ridiculous. What exactly were these people trying to achieve here?
‘This isn’t some mating season battle between male animals fighting over a female.’
During the courtship season, women would compete over men. But now, it seemed the tables had turned, with men clashing over women.
Neither scenario was particularly pleasant to witness. Fortunately, Camilla, who appeared to share Letticia’s sentiments, stepped in to put an end to the squabble.
“Such rough greetings among gentlemen hardly suit this tea time. If you’re eager for some intense activity, might I suggest heading to the club? You could enjoy boxing or fencing to your heart’s content.”
At Camilla’s polite yet pointed remarks, the two suitors reluctantly stopped glaring at each other.
At that moment, the Marquess swiftly stepped forward, pulling a piece of paper from his chest, and knelt on one knee with a dramatic gesture and an intense gaze directed at Letticia.
“In that case, may I have the honor of reciting this poem that expresses my feelings for the Lady? Last night, thinking of you, I poured my entire heart into these words.”
“…I’m truly looking forward to it, Marquess. Please, go ahead.”
In truth, she wanted to tell him to leave immediately, but Letticia forced a smile and nodded. Kenneth silently lifted his teacup to cover his face, while Camilla prepared herself to endure the inevitable discomfort.
“The moment I think of you is the very moment my soul trembles, and with the sound of my heart pounding…”
The Marquess, after clearing his throat slightly, launched into a stream of ornate phrases. As he passionately delivered the poem with grand hand gestures, Letticia internally wished her soul could leave her body for a moment and return later.
‘My ears feel like they’re rotting…!’
While Letticia writhed internally in pain, the Marquess became increasingly engrossed in his own recitation, delivering his words with ever greater fervor.
“My goddess, if I could gain but a fragment of your heart, I would gladly offer my body, soul, and passion—all without a hint of regret. May the song of this slave of love, who exalts your beauty, leave the faintest trace in your heart…”
Unable to bear the sight of the Marquess losing himself entirely to his self-indulgence, Kenneth turned his head away. Beside him, Count Cromwell looked as if he wanted to stuff the rose he was holding into the Marquess’ mouth.
Although it was said that nobles often recited love poems when courting, hearing one in reality sent chills down her spine, making it unbearable.
‘Someone, please save me…’
At that moment, Letticia felt like she would forgive even Matthias or anyone from the Duke of Averil’s family if they suddenly appeared.
Above all, she couldn’t comprehend how the Marquess could proclaim himself a ‘slave of love’ and exalt her so much when he had hardly interacted with her.
‘I only danced with this man once!’
As she recalled, the only interaction they’d had was dancing together at a ball held at his estate, during which he had unilaterally flirted with her.
Unlike Ezkhiel, Alexander, or even Achilles, with whom she had shared more interactions, the Marquess’ sudden proclamation of love felt less like flattery and more like a burden.
“…And when this sincere yearning is finally reciprocated, my soul, which has suffered in hell, shall find salvation and ascend to heaven.”
As the poem finally ended, it felt as though people tortured in hell had been delivered to heaven. Fearing that the Marquess might say even one more word, Camilla quickly clapped.
“What a marvelous poem, Marquess. Your passion and heart are clearly evident in its words.”
Internally, she may have called him ‘this fool,’ but as the Queen of Social Circles, her face betrayed nothing. Letticia, too, once again admired her mother’s ability to maintain her composure and addressed the Marquess with a gentle smile.
“This is the first time I’ve heard such ardent words of love, Marquess. You are quite the passionate poet.”
“Oh, Lady, it is only because of you, my muse, that a mere man like me could become a poet.”
The Marquess discreetly directed his gaze at the back of Letticia’s hand. It was a silent request for permission to kiss her hand as a reward for his poem.
Letticia understood his intention but instead withdrew her hand and turned toward Count Cromwell. Enduring that dreadful poem was bad enough; she had no intention of allowing a kiss.
“In that case, may we look forward to something from you, Count Cromwell? Since the Marquess has provided us with a poem, perhaps a song would be fitting?”
“…….I don’t have a song prepared, but I do have a performance. I learned a bit of piano back in my academy days.”
With that, Count Cromwell eagerly made his way to the corner of the parlor, sat at the piano, and began playing. It was one of the more classic practice pieces, a simple sonatina suitable for beginners.
“Ha, are you calling this preparation? This is just a practice piece, after all. For true courtship, one should at least prepare a serenade to be considered a proper gentleman. Don’t you agree, Young Lord Sharon?”
Interrupting the performance to ask for agreement, the Marquess turned to Kenneth, whose expression betrayed thinly veiled annoyance as he replied.
“A true gentleman would remain silent and listen while the performer plays. At least, that’s what we believe in my family.”
With Kenneth’s sharp remark, the Marquess begrudgingly closed his mouth and silently listened to the remainder of the performance, realizing Kenneth had no intention of taking his side.
‘Of course. And why would anyone take the side of someone who’s busy criticizing others?’
Kenneth had a strong distaste for people who didn’t uphold basic manners, and Letticia felt the same way. If the Marquess had done this to win favor with Letticia or her family, it was an utterly foolish move.
The Count’s performance continued without interruption. While it lacked the over-the-top emotional display of the Marquess’ poem, it was so plain that it lacked any distinct character.
Had the piece been anything longer than a brief movement from a sonatina, Letticia might have dozed off midway through.
“…I can only apologize for such an inadequate performance.”
When Count Cromwell humbly spoke after finishing his performance, Letticia responded with a smile, just as she had done with the Marquess.
“Not at all. I’m grateful that you prepared a performance despite your busy schedule.”
“My family has served as judges for generations, so our education has emphasized etiquette more than the arts. However, I can confidently say that my knowledge of literature, history, and philosophy would not disappoint you, Lady.”
“Oh, which field do you enjoy the most?”
“I prefer philosophy. I especially enjoyed interpreting the original texts of ancient philosophy, even during my studies in law. Additionally, I find the history and epic poetry of the medieval period quite fascinating.”
At his words, Letticia immediately sensed that she and the Count would not be compatible. Philosophy and ancient languages were among her least favorite subjects during her studies—competing for the top two spots, in fact. Poetry was even worse; she considered herself lucky if she didn’t fall asleep while reading it.
However, she couldn’t openly express her disinterest in such dull topics. So, Letticia offered a polite reply.
“Oh my, you must have learned ancient languages. It’s not easy to find tutors proficient in teaching them.”
“My tutor graduated at the top of their class from the Academy of Education. Starting at age eight, I learned not only ancient languages but also philosophy, law, history, and mathematics from them. As for etiquette, I began learning that at five years old.”
“I’ve heard that the Cromwell family is strict, but it seems they start education quite early.”
“Yes. Since the title of Chief Justice has been passed down through generations in the Cromwell family, we’ve been educated early to uphold its dignity. I was also taught from a young age to refine myself into a person worthy of the title.”
As Camilla showed interest, the Count began to explain in detail the exceptional education he had received and the educational philosophy of his family. The Marquess, who had been glaring at the Count, interjected and addressed Camilla.
“I must also explain the education I received, Countess. My tutor, for instance, was Sir Talbot, who once taught the Duke of Dinever. Starting at the age of six, I learned under his guidance…”
Before long, the two suitors had left Letticia in the background and were enthusiastically pitching their manners and upbringing to Camilla.
It was a common practice for suitors to detail to the parents of their intended how suitable they were as prospective husbands.
I too would die if I was subjected to 2 male birds fighting