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“What is that?”
Thanks to his unexpected focus on my opinion, I was able to share the alternative I had in mind without much difficulty. A method that would satisfy both the Marquis and Edwin. After carefully considering my words, Edwin nodded and said,
“Yes… If it’s that method, then I can rest assured.”
“Right?”
“But I’m not sure if Marquis Calvino will accept it so easily. He’s quite a stubborn man…”
“I’ll meet the Marquis myself and explain it. It would be more convincing for me, the party directly involved, to speak to him rather than Father conveying it on my behalf. With a well-founded proposal, it won’t be easy for him to refuse.”
“…That confident attitude… It’s just like…”
“Pardon?”
“Nothing. Let’s proceed with that plan. But I will attend that meeting as well. If we present this as a responsible course of action endorsed by the head of our family, even he wouldn’t reject it. He’s someone who places importance on justification and duty above all else…”
With a frown, as if recalling Marquis Calvino, Edwin shook his head. His reaction gave me a pretty clear idea of what kind of person the Marquis was.
“He sounds like a difficult man.”
“He’s beyond difficult—he’s immovable. The Calvino family is an old and prestigious noble house with great influence. A noble worth emulating, yes, but as a person… not so pleasant.”
“I see.”
So, in short, he’s the classic authoritarian noble.
A typical character archetype. I could imagine what kind of person he was.
People like that are the ones you have to face head-on. They’re quick to calculate what benefits them, so he’ll surely see the value in my proposal.
“Since His Grace the Archduke came to us first, I think it’s only right that we visit him next to present our proposal.”
“I agree. Ideally, we should have reached out to him from the beginning, but we didn’t expect His Grace to visit without notice.”
“The rumors spread too fast for anyone to stop. Even you were thrown off guard, Father. It couldn’t be helped.”
As I gave him a small smile, he returned it gently. It felt like the conversation had wrapped up, so I finished the last of my milk tea in one go. Ah, I talked way too much at once.
As I put down my teacup, reluctant to let go of the handle, Edwin, who had been watching me quietly, rang the bell on the table.
With a clear chime, Alfred, who had been waiting outside, entered.
“You called, Your Grace?”
“Bring another cup of tea. Also, I need to send an important letter. Bring writing supplies.”
“Yes, right away.”
Not long after, Alfred returned with a maid carrying tea and placed a tray with letter-writing supplies on the table. He then dismissed the maid and stepped aside.
The luxurious-looking stationery was decorated with blue floral patterns. Edwin dipped his pen in ink and began writing with elegant, flowing script.
“I’ll send the letter to the Marquis myself.”
“…But we’re going to visit the Marquis’ residence, right?”
“What do you mean?”
He paused at my unexpected question. Setting down his pen before the ink could blot the paper, he looked at me curiously.
“I mean, we’re going to make our proposal to the Marquis, but His Grace the Archduke will also be present, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then shouldn’t the meeting take place at the Archduke’s estate instead of the Marquis’?”
It was a small selfish thought of mine, but not without reason.
The Archduke, Lucious, outranks the Marquis. Even if it was the Marquis who initiated the marriage proposal, it wouldn’t be proper to prioritize his estate over the Archduke’s.
…Well, that’s just the excuse. The real reason is that I want to see Lucious again.
While I’m at it, I could meet the people of the Archduke’s household, who would become my in-laws, and make a good impression. That wouldn’t be so bad, right?
Worried it might be too transparent, I hesitated, but Edwin, unaware of my true thoughts and seeing the logic in my reasoning, nodded after a brief pause.
“You’re right. If His Grace is attending, it makes sense to hold the meeting at the Archduke’s estate. He’s the one with final authority, even if the Marquis is involved.”
“Exactly. And since it might become my future home, I thought I could use the visit as an opportunity to introduce myself.”
So it’s a win-win—I get to see Lucious and set the tone with the Archduke’s household staff. Strategic!
There’s also value in reshaping their impression of me. Perhaps they knew the old Tiana well. Maybe they hated her for mistreating Lucious… hopefully not.
Letters were sent to both the Marquis and the Archduke’s households, expressing the intention to discuss important matters regarding the engagement and requesting the meeting be held at the Archduke’s estate.
Fortunately, the reply arrived soon after.
Marquis Calvino wasn’t thrilled about it, but he couldn’t find a good reason to refuse and reluctantly agreed.
An appointment was made for two days later, and at last, today was the day of the visit.
“All ready, my lady.”
“Thank you, Inabelle.”
After finishing my hair and getting up, I accepted the parasol Inabelle handed me.
Still not used to having my long hair half-tied, I turned slightly to check it in the mirror and noticed the hair ornament.
The butterfly-shaped ornament looked like it could flutter away at any moment, sitting on my head among tiny flower petals. I really liked the golden butterfly and the blue floral pins.
As I descended the stairs and stepped outside, I saw the carriage ready and waiting, along with Edwin and Alfred.
Alfred, who had been instructing the servants, met my gaze and smiled warmly.
“The carriage is ready, my lady. My… you look truly stunning.”
“Thank you, Alfred. Sorry I kept you waiting, Father. Did you wait long?”
“…”
“Father?”
I smiled at Alfred and approached Edwin. Noticing his unusually stiff demeanor, I tilted my head. Alfred, beside him, chuckled softly.
“His Grace is likely taken aback. It’s been a long time since he’s seen you like this. After your collapse, there wasn’t much chance.”
“Ah… I see?”
I had been bedridden for two weeks, and even after waking up, I wore only plain and simple clothing to avoid overexertion. So I guess this was a rare sight.
I don’t know how the old Tiana behaved in the house, but she probably avoided contact with Edwin altogether. Going out like this with him must have been rare.
Honestly, it had been a long time since I’d gone out with anyone. When I first woke up in Tiana’s body and met Edwin… I was flustered. Having never had a father myself, the idea of going out with one was unimaginable.
Dressed in a luxurious yet restrained black uniform, he was the epitome of a handsome, mature gentleman. I can’t believe someone like him is my dad—thank you, universe. I promise to be a good daughter.
He seemed so surprised that he couldn’t take his eyes off me.
Even I was starting to blush under his intense gaze.
As I gave him a shy smile, Edwin seemed to collect himself and smiled faintly.
“You look… very beautiful. Almost unrecognizable… No, you were always beautiful, but now… even more so.”
“Thank you. That’s such high praise.”
“No, really… especially, that hair ornament suits you well.”
“Doesn’t it? I liked it the moment I saw it and decided to try it. Does it look okay?”
“…Yes. It’s very beautiful.”
His gaze lingered on the butterfly-shaped pin nestled in my half-up hair, filled with a tender emotion.
As if he had more to say, he opened his mouth, then stopped, shook his head slightly, and turned away.
“Let’s depart.”
“Yes, Father.”
With Alfred’s help, I boarded the carriage and sat opposite Edwin.
“Safe travels, my lady.”
Alfred closed the door, and with the servants bidding us farewell, the carriage began to move.
“…”
“…”
…What is this awkward silence?
It had been over 10 minutes since the carriage departed, and not a single word had been exchanged between Edwin and me.
I mean, it’s not like I’ve ever been around a dad before, so how would I know what to talk about…?
What do daughters usually talk to their fathers about? “Did you eat?” But we already had breakfast together…
How about “Nice weather today?” It’s sunny and clear, but that’s too boring.
I wanted to make casual conversation, but I had no idea how to start.
As the awkward silence dragged on, I decided I had to say something—anything—and opened my mouth.
Screech—
“Ah…!”
The carriage, which had been moving smoothly, came to an abrupt stop. Edwin turned toward the window.
One of the guards approached in a hurry. Edwin rolled down the window and asked,
“What’s going on?”
“The road ahead is blocked. It seems there’s been an accident.”
“An accident?”
“Yes. A carriage overturned while avoiding a peasant girl, and she… fell off the riverside bridge and died instantly.”
“…!”
What a horrific accident…
Turning toward the window, I could see a crowd gathered by the high bridge spanning the river.
The bridge looked narrow from here. The girl probably couldn’t get out of the way in time and was pushed off.
“The current isn’t too strong, but there are many large rocks along the riverbank… What a tragedy.”
“Yes… Was the girl very young?”
“Yes. I didn’t get a close look at the body, but judging by her small frame, she looked under ten.”
“Oh no… such a young child…”
So, even in this world, such accidents are unavoidable. It’s not unlike modern traffic accidents. Still, a child… how tragic.
“…Are you all right?”
As I stared at the bridge, unable to look away, Edwin spoke gently. I gave a small nod and smile to reassure him, and he gave a faint smile in return.
“Do you think we can’t pass through?”
“They’re still clearing the debris from the overturned carriage, but it’ll take some time. The constables are handling the scene.”
“This area would be under the Second Patrol Division, I believe. Go to the commander and tell him not to treat this lightly just because it involves commoners. And… the coachman—is he among the deceased?”
“The carriage was only carrying heavy goods. But the coachman was crushed beneath the load when the carriage flipped…”
“…I see. Investigate which household the girl and coachman belonged to and report back. If either has surviving family, include that in the report as well.”
“Yes, sir.”
The knight nodded and made his way through the crowd toward the constables. I saw him speaking to someone who looked like the commanding officer and turned my gaze back to Edwin.
Strictly speaking, Edwin bore no responsibility for this accident. It was tragic, yes, but unforeseen. A simple prayer for the dead would have been enough.
Yet seeing him so concerned revealed an unexpected side of him. Perhaps it was because both the girl and coachman were commoners.
At this rate, he might even compensate the families. I was quietly impressed—this must be what they call noblesse oblige.
He issued orders with practiced ease, as if this wasn’t his first time dealing with such situations. The knight moved swiftly, clearly used to such duties. My dad is so cool.
I swallowed the words I couldn’t say aloud and watched him with pride. When he noticed, he seemed flustered and glanced away. His ears turned red, making me smile.
“Ahem… We’ll be delayed a bit, but we’ll have to take a different route. Fortunately, we still have plenty of time, so we won’t be late.”
“Yes, let’s do that.”
As I nodded in agreement, he called for another knight and ordered the carriage to change course.
We turned onto a smaller road beside the bridge. Between the thick trees, I could still see the bridge and the riverside for a while.
I caught sight of the girl’s body being moved. Covered by a yellow cloth, her small feet in shoes were still visible.
