I Thought It Was An Arranged Marriage - Chapter 5

“Do you like it?”

“Yes. It’s a place I originally liked.”

“I’m glad.”

Without any special orders, the tea and tea food she enjoyed were served. Lucas spoke with a light smile to Rosaline, who looked at him with wide eyes.

“I placed the order in advance. The owner seemed to know you well, so I didn’t specify the menu. Is it to your liking?”

“Ah… thank you.”

Rosaline appreciated Lucas’s polite consideration. Though handsome, his somewhat cold impression had made him seem difficult at first. Moreover, their statuses were quite different. While the name ‘Marte’ held more weight than that of an ordinary Count family, it was different when compared to ‘Bryant.’

Rosaline glanced at Lucas while pretending to drink her tea. He was smiling silently.

A brief silence ensued. Rosaline, who liked quietness, savored the tea’s aroma and gazed at the tranquil lake. She suddenly remembered she wasn’t alone and felt embarrassed. She was more surprised that she felt so comfortable with him that she forgot such a fact. It was baffling but not unpleasant.

“First, I must apologize.”

“Apologize?”

“I believe you’ve heard that I sent you a marriage proposal.”

“Oh…”

Rosaline’s mind raced. What was he apologizing for? Was the proposal just to save face and now he intended to cancel it? Her mind quickly calculated the worst-case scenario, but it halted as the man scratched his cheek awkwardly and continued speaking.

“I think I was too hasty. I should have arranged a meeting like this before making any moves. I have no excuse if you felt uncomfortable.”

“Uncomfortable? Please don’t say that.”

“I knew you had a fiancé. I was afraid someone else might appear in the meantime, so I acted rashly. Embarrassingly, I’m a bit older.”

His somewhat sheepish words sounded sincere. Rosaline was taken aback. Uncomfortable? It was more like a lifeline for her.

Twenty-five wasn’t a young age, but if it was Grand Duke Bryant, it wouldn’t matter if he were fifty-two. He was the Emperor’s only full brother, an archmage and a war hero.

Talking about age was actually more disadvantageous for Rosaline. At twenty, she was quite late for a high-ranking noblewoman, especially in a political marriage.

“If you don’t intend to embarrass me, please take back your words.”

“I was thoughtless. I apologize.”

Lucas was more courteous than Rosaline had expected. It was as if he was lowering himself endlessly and speaking cautiously, as if all control of the relationship was in her hands. It was as if he was trying to score points, waiting for her judgment.

After living as a Count’s daughter, receiving bridal training, and experiencing a short marriage, she learned what authority a head of the family held. The head could marry off children as needed, break vows, and even bring in illegitimate children. They might face some criticism, but it was common.

And the man before her was someone she would serve as the head of the family after her father. He wasn’t a man who should be showing such an attitude in front of her. Rosaline felt somewhat uneasy.

“I believe I sent a reply. Didn’t you receive it?”

“Oh, I must have missed it while I was away from the mansion. I was only thinking about meeting you as soon as possible.”

Rosaline felt her neck heat up. He was polite yet straightforward. In high society, where the more one used metaphors and euphemisms, the more one was considered a high noble, his directness was almost amusing.

“Since you’re giving me your time now, does that mean I can hope?”

With eyes full of expectation, Lucas asked in a low voice. Rosaline, rarely, let out a small laugh and nodded slightly. Lucas’s sapphire-like blue eyes sparkled.

“Thank you, thank you, my lady. Truly, thank you.”

“I should be the one thanking you.”

“Then I’ll prepare quickly without delay. If there’s anything you wish for…”

“Nothing in particular.”

However, Rosaline felt a desire rising within her, which could be considered big or small depending on the person. Emotions she thought she had given up and tucked away. She picked up her teacup and cautiously observed the man.

It was a feeling, a premonition that she could ask for anything. A strange belief that, no matter how the man misunderstood her intentions, he wouldn’t treat her unfairly. Rosaline, thinking to herself that she couldn’t quite understand this feeling either, cautiously opened her mouth.

“There is one thing… I’d like to ask.”

“Anything, please.”

Lucas leaned forward, looking genuinely happy, as if he would grant any request. But his expression subtly hardened at her next words.

“I’d like you to respect me.”

Lucas gazed at Rosaline quietly. His eyes were searching, trying to understand her intentions. They were filled with confusion, as if he didn’t understand why she would say something so obvious. Rosaline averted her eyes and swallowed dryly.

“We will become husband and wife, and swear loyalty and fidelity to each other before the deity. But I don’t expect that. I only ask that you maintain my dignity in public.”

“Dignity?”

“You can have a mistress. But please don’t make it too obvious. And no matter how much you love her, please maintain my authority…”

To elevate it. She wanted to say she would be a gracious and dignified wife, so he should maintain her dignity. Lucas hurriedly interrupted her.

“Why… why would you say such a thing?”

His voice was tinged with emotion. She instinctively knew he was hurt and felt flustered. She expected him to be displeased or angry, thinking she was presumptuous. She didn’t anticipate that he would be hurt.

“Well, most men, I mean, not that Your Highness would, but generally… most have mistresses. I’m really fine with that, but just…”

“No. No, you don’t need to say more.”

Lucas raised both hands and roughly rubbed his face. Rosaline couldn’t decipher the emotions in his sigh. She only knew she had made a mistake.

She watched him tensely. Nothing was certain yet. They had exchanged a proposal and a response, but they weren’t engaged or married. They could still part ways.

Yet she instinctively knew he wouldn’t call off the marriage. It was almost a gut feeling. He would marry her. She didn’t know why, but if his feelings were hurt, it would be problematic. Even a marriage starting with goodwill could be ruined, and if he resented her before the marriage? She didn’t want to imagine it.