𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟐: 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞
Night.
As usual, Theodore-sama and I were talking in the parlor, facing each other on the sofa.
While sipping on wine that had been aerated, I told Theodore-sama about what had happened with Owenna. I tried to keep my emotions in check so that I could convey it as a fact, not out of jealousy.
“I see. So she’s after me.”
He gave a suggestive smile, swirling his wine while crossing his legs.
“I’m glad it’s going better than I expected.”
“Um. . . Theodore-sama. I hope this doesn’t sound presumptuous, but I have something to tell you.”
“Hmm.”
“She is. . . a woman who has never received education or worked as a lady. If by any chance you were to marry her as your Oku-sama, I think it would be best to assign several people to assist her. . . This is only if you choose her. . .”
“So, you think I’m going to choose her.”
He chuckled and put down his cup, pulling my hand towards him. Losing my balance, I ended up falling on top of him.
Our faces were close. He gently touched my flushed hair.
“As I said, I want you to believe me. I will never take any woman other than you as my wife. I promise.”
For someone who had realized her feelings of love, these words were sweet poison.
He smiled at me, who involuntarily averted my eyes from his intense gaze, and released me with a kiss on my hair.
“Just a little more patience.”
He told me clearly in a reassuring voice.
“I will never go to a place where I could be misunderstood with the Countess Strelitzi or a young lady, and all the people in the territory know that I have always had someone I longed for. Of course, it’s Miss Chloe. . . It won’t go as she plans.”
“Theodore-sama. . .”
“What concerns me more than Countess Strelitzi is her daughter.”
Theodore-sama’s face softened with paternal affection.
“I’m glad she’s getting along with my adopted children, but when I think that she’ll eventually return to her territory with her mother. . . I can’t help but think if there’s anything I can do for her.”
“Yes. . .”
I thought about Anne. Anne had become much brighter since she came here. The children seemed to sense her situation and were trying to make her time here as enjoyable as possible.
“Anne is a legitimate daughter of Count Strelitzi. I think it would be helpful for her future to establish a close connection with the children of the Margrave. . . Just as I was helped by you through connections.”
“. . .You’re right.”
“Children can’t choose their parents or where they’re born. Even I, who am not her parent, can do little for her. But as an adult, I want to do what I can to help her choose a better future.”
“I share the same opinion, Miss Chloe.”
We looked at each other and smiled.
ーーThe story took a sudden turn the next day.
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