“In that case, why did you come all the way here? You are a daughter of a Duke.”
“The situation just overlapped with many things. A messenger came from the Iphalleta House, so I was pondering about if I should respond or not. At that moment, I also heard about the announcement for the successor. Moreover… I was actually curious at the moment. I was wondering who it was that received the medal of honor from the Solia Castle.”
“Ah…”
“I was quite surprised when you said Young Master Lloyd also received a medal. It is terrible that you lost your arm, Count Stein, but… congratulations.”
“Well, it is nothing. It is not like you should be congratulating me.”
Stein gave proper responses to Reutlina. He slowly turned his head and looked at Riley who was sitting next to her with a dumbfounded face. Stein gave a sharp glare at Riley.
‘Say something, will you?’
‘Why should I?’
‘This is an important meeting.’
‘…’
Riley ground his teeth from noticing his father’s gaze. As if he was seeking help, Riley looked at Iris who was sitting next to Stein.
‘Son, keep up the good spirit.’
‘…’
Riley felt betrayed. He opened his mouth wide. Still with the dumb face, Riley turned his head and looked at Reutlina. He then asked the question he was most curious about.
“By any chance, can you please explain about the messenger from Iphalleta that you mentioned just now?”
“Ah, that was about this prospective marriage meeting.”
“Ugh…”
Riley had his right fist tightened. His right fist carefully slammed the table.
“By any chance… You don’t… like me?”
Riley was showing agitated response. Having noticed this, Reutlina put up an awkward smile and asked carefully.
She was definitely different from the rumors.
She was overflowing with vitality and health, contradicting the rumors about being deathly ill.
Also, she had magnificent appearance. It made one want to go criticize the people who spread rumors about her being the ugliest woman in the world.
Her skin…
Her facial features…
Her body line…
Not just her looks, but she also had the title of Duke. Also, she looked sharp and intelligent. Any men would have been begging her to go on a date. There was no other way to describe her. She was the most eligible bride to be.
“It’s not that I hate you in particular.”
Having heard the explanation about the Iphalleta messenger that went to Philisneon’s house, Riley looked at his father once and his mother once and mumbled.
“…”
“…”
It seemed Iris didn’t know what to do, which was reflected on the expression on her face. She kept on glancing to the side. Meanwhile, Stein sat there proudly as if he did nothing wrong and there was no need to explain anything.
‘This is the work of my father.’
Riley realized this prospective marriage meeting was the work of his father alone.
Riley added one more sentence to his mumbling earlier.
“It’s just that I am not used to a meeting like this.”
Still, Riley was educated by Iris to have the bare minimum manner. Struggling inside, Riley calmed Reutlina’s worry to some extent.
“I am relieved. I was worried again… about my intrusion earlier. I was concerned that may have spoiled your mood.”
It couldn’t really be considered rude or intruding, but last night… She ran into Riley at the mansion’s corridor. It seemed she was still concerned about that.
“First impression is half of everything in deciding a person. As for me, I would appreciate it if you could give me a second chance.”
Blushing, Reutlina timidly smiled. She suddenly turned toward Riley and lowered her head.
“It’s a pleasure meeting you, Young Master Riley. I am Reutlina Philisneon, Princess of Duke. If my name is too long… It would be all right if you called me Reuna.”
[Note: The actual word for title translates to daughter of Duke House, but that would be too long to be used every time. More appropriate adaptation is Princess of Duke, and just Princess from that point for simplicity.]
Riley looked uncomfortable. He stared at the top of her head. Knowing the situation could not be helped, Riley responded to her greeting.
“I am Riley Fin Iphalleta. It’s a pleasure meeting you, Princess Reutlina.”
* * *
It was at the mansion’s entrance.
There were nobilities who were headed back to their manors and mansions. Just like them, Nara and the Lightning Boulder mercenaries had completed their preparation to leave the mansion.
“So you are leaving now.”
“We can’t be in debt indefinitely. We are mercenaries, and we live in a world that’s different from Young Master Riley’s.”