Chapter 128
When I think back to the time I wanted to go to the Academy, I still remember my father’s and brothers’ reactions.
What was it they did again? Oh, right—pretended to cry, begging me not to abandon them.
So honestly, I half expected the same thing when I told them I was going to get engaged to Thea—that they’d put on another crying performance. But surprisingly, my family’s reaction this time was a bit different from what I’d imagined.
Among nobles, engagements usually lead straight to marriage unless something major happens. Most engagements are based on family benefit and alliance, after all. In other words, my engagement to Thea meant there was a very high chance we would end up marrying.
Fortunately, since my family had met Thea several times, they didn’t seem strongly opposed to the idea.
“Goodness, my lady! Congratulations!”
That was Lanche’s reaction. She smiled brightly, truly happy for me. Little Ragwin, who was nestled in her arms, babbled and waved a chubby hand toward me—as if he understood what was going on.
Lanche was living happily with my brother Eddy now, so my engagement seemed to make her genuinely delighted. And well, my brother doted on her so much that it was no wonder the young ladies who once admired him could only bite their handkerchiefs in regret when they saw the two together.
“Congratulations, Laila.”
That was Eddy’s reaction. Despite his busy schedule, he came straight to me the moment he heard the news. His smile was warm and sincere.
Perhaps because he was already married and had a family of his own, he offered a lot of practical advice—like how to properly organize the engagement ceremony. Since Mother wasn’t with us, I’d always felt a bit uncertain about family affairs like that. But thanks to Eddy and Lanche’s experience with their own wedding, I felt reassured.
“…Laila…”
Well, this reaction didn’t need explaining—it was, of course, It’s.
Honestly, I’d expected this much. He looked like a forlorn puppy, blinking pitifully as if he might burst into tears any second.
I did feel a little guilty, but it wasn’t something that could be undone just because I felt soft-hearted. So, I crossed my arms firmly. My brother trudged away to his room in defeat—but even then, he didn’t forget to mutter a small “Congratulations” before leaving.
Yes, It might be overprotective and a bit of a siscon, but I know he only acts that way because he wants me to be happy.
“Laila.”
And that… was Father’s reaction.
After the engagement was officially decided, Father called me to his study and just looked at me for a long time—exactly like he had the day I first told him, in front of the ducal mansion’s gates, that I wanted to get engaged to Thea.
After losing Mother, Father had raised my brothers and me alone for nearly twenty years. He’d already gone through Eddy’s wedding, but I could tell these things never really get easier for him. His eyes held countless emotions—too many to describe.
Understanding his feelings, I stood silently before him.
“Do you have no regrets?”
That was his first question.
I thought for a long time before answering, wanting to respond truthfully.
Finally, I nodded.
“No.”
What I’d told Thea wasn’t a lie. I had never once thought of anyone else but him.
Hearing my answer, Father gave a slow nod.
“I see.”
“…”
“I only wish for your happiness. Whatever happens, we’ll always be behind you.”
“…Yes.”
“My beloved daughter… my treasure, Laila.”
He pulled me into his arms as he said that.
I placed my hands on his back and softly patted him in return. His warmth was so comforting that my chest grew tight, and I almost felt like crying.
My grandparents and uncle soon sent word as well.
—Laila’s getting engaged?!
Uncle Laska was making a huge fuss about it. Despite his age, he was still unmarried, which sometimes made me worry that my brother It might end up just like him one day.
Anyway, my grandparents were overjoyed to hear the news and congratulated me warmly. They said they’d definitely attend the engagement ceremony—just as they had for Eddy’s wedding.
—Our youngest, all grown up!
Even while I was talking with my grandparents, Uncle Laska kept fussing excitedly in the background. I decided to remind him kindly,
“I’ll already be twenty next year, you know.”
That line didn’t just shock Uncle Laska—it seemed to surprise everyone else too.
“I can’t believe Laila’s already twenty…”
Eddy murmured in disbelief. To them, I would always be the youngest, so seeing me this grown up must have felt strange. I crossed my arms again with a small smile.
And just like that, Thea and I were officially engaged.
As soon as the announcement was made, the news spread like wildfire—maybe even more explosively than when Lupe got engaged to Prince Alteo. Newspapers began dedicating their front pages to our engagement, and everywhere we went, people offered their congratulations.
“The Engagement of Prince Thearoha and Lady Laila Rosahil!”
It must’ve been truly irresistible gossip. Not just the newspapers—every corner of society started buzzing about us.
The boutique where I ordered my dress even hung a banner that said, “The Dress Shop Chosen by Lady Rosahil!”
Now, every little thing I did drew attention. Even yawning felt risky under so many eyes.
Was Lupe like this too?
Thinking that made me remember her annoying face. And when I thought of Lupe, another face came to mind—inevitably.
Elia.
What could she be thinking right now?
Was she perhaps with Prince Alteo?
The thought left a faint bitterness in my mouth.
Just then, someone’s loud voice broke through my thoughts.
“Oh my goodness, Laila! You could’ve at least given us a hint!!!”
The owner of that voice was Sern. Her cheeks were flushed red as she practically shouted, looking as excited as if the engagement were her own.
“Congratulations!!”
She beamed, her face filled only with genuine happiness for me. I smiled back, doing my best to match her energy.
“Thank you, Sern.”
Among noble families, women tend to marry young, so I figured Sern must’ve already received several marriage proposals. She was beautiful and kind—surely there were plenty of men interested in her. Yet strangely, I hadn’t heard any news.
“Don’t you have any thoughts of getting engaged, Sern?”
At my curious question, she only smiled sweetly.
“If I meet someone good, anytime would be fine.”
“Oh my, I hope such a person appears soon.”
Just then, another familiar voice joined the conversation.
“Answering in perfect timing, as always.”
It was Eveharun.
“Iveharun!”
“You’re here already?”
We were at the salon of the Marchioness of Amad—a powerful figure in high society known for her tireless energy. Her salon was a place where rumors and priceless information flowed freely. Naturally, my friends and I had come here to let the news of my engagement spread even further.
Eveharun held a feather fan gracefully in one hand, smiling gently. She always looked like the embodiment of elegance itself. As she walked closer, her long, silken lavender hair swayed beautifully down to her waist, and the faint scent of her perfume drifted in the air.
“Congratulations on your engagement. I knew this would happen.”
“Since when?”
“Well, probably since that time I saw you and Prince Thearoha talking at Sern’s grandfather’s estate.”
I couldn’t help but laugh, a little embarrassed. She was referring to that time when we’d been kidnapped and later rescued at Sern’s grandfather’s territory—when Thea came to find us. I’d foolishly stepped between them, worried they might start liking each other.
Eveharun herself was at an age where an engagement wouldn’t be strange, yet she’d never been involved in any romantic rumors. She once told me she wanted to focus on becoming a duchess before thinking about love.
Since I was always on her side, all I could do was hope that everything turned out well for her.
Aside from Eveharun and Sern, there were other young noble ladies nearby, blushing as they peeked at me from their tables. Eventually, one of them mustered up the courage to approach.
“E-excuse me, Lady Rosahil!”
The poor girl was trembling. She was clearly nervous just standing before me. I smiled softly, trying to put her at ease.
“What is it?”
“I heard you’re engaged to Prince Thearoha! C-congratulations!”
Her eyes sparkled with admiration—it was probably pure awe.
Once she spoke, the others followed.
“Congratulations!”
“When is the ceremony?”
“Have you chosen your engagement rings?”
Their questions poured out one after another, and I turned to them, answering patiently.
“Thank you. The date isn’t set yet, but it won’t be long. And as for the rings…”
I lifted my left hand.
The girls gasped in delight.
A beautiful ring sparkled on my finger—the engagement ring Thea and I exchanged.
Mine was a platinum band with a black diamond, while his was a platinum ring set with a shining silver diamond. The stones represented our hair colors—mine dark, his light.
Preparations for the ceremony were steadily underway.
And then, from across the room, a familiar figure appeared.
He scanned the crowd, spotted me, and immediately strode over with confident steps.
“Laila.”
“Thea!”
I called out to him joyfully.
Of course—it was him. The other main star of today’s salon gathering.
