Chapter 7 (Part 6)

That evening, an emergency family meeting was held at the Lennox mansion, excluding Reina and Lilith. The meeting, which had never been held before, was suddenly convened for Reina’s future.

The one who arranged it was Duchess Lennox. The reason was the strange words she had heard from Lady Berkshire earlier that day.

Even though her destined partner had appeared, Reina was pretending not to know.

The most baffling part was that the partner was Earl Selkirk.

If he married the troublesome girl of their family who always caused problems, the whole family should be grateful and bow down.

But Reina was vehemently rejecting the Earl, so the family had no choice but to gather and discuss without her.

“Do you know how shocked I was when I heard that from Lady Berkshire? Louis, Richelle. Did you know about this?”

“We both found out today.”

Richelle answered on behalf of both of them.

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

This time, the resentful gaze was directed at Duke Lennox.

“I wasn’t sure if it was Earl Selkirk or Commander Marionus.”

Duke Lennox, who had been quiet, finally spoke.

“I can’t understand why you kept it a secret even though you knew the truth.”

“I know the reason.”

Richelle answered with a displeased expression, drawing everyone’s attention. Duke Lennox spoke on behalf of the group.

“Why does she dislike Earl Selkirk?”

“It seems she has someone else she likes.”

The eyes of the three people widened simultaneously. It was an incomprehensible statement for those who firmly believed that the necklace revealed one’s destined partner.

Louis had already felt a subtle attraction before using the necklace, and the Duke and Duchess had met as partners without the necklace but saw the color change.

Richelle had also felt the same emotions as Louis. So, she thought Reina would naturally change her mind when her destined partner appeared, but she had no such intention, which was frustrating.

“Do you know who the man is?”

“Well… It doesn’t seem like someone she can proudly reveal.”

“What? Who is this man you speak of!”

The three were shocked again, but this time their reaction was much stronger. The most displeased was Duke Lennox.

He recalled Reina’s behavior lately.

She remained calm even after receiving the necklace. She suddenly started insisting on finding a partner, but then suddenly refused the one the necklace had chosen.

Just what kind of man has she set her heart on that her mood has been so erratic all this time?

Could it be a forbidden love?

Reina’s constant rejection of being connected to Earl Selkirk seemed suspicious, but if she was having an improper relationship, her recent actions made sense.

“Do you really not know who it is?”

“No. I even had a tracking device put on her, but I couldn’t figure it out. Lately, it seems she’s been meeting this man, but he leaves no trace, so I can’t even guess who he is.”

“He must be a sneaky fellow.”

“Indeed. How dare some scoundrel try to seduce our darling Reina.”

Louis agreed with Duke Lennox.

The Duke couldn’t just sit back and watch, not knowing what kind of reckless man was trying to lure the innocent Reina.

Knowing that Reina’s destined partner was Earl Selkirk, he no longer intended to let things develop naturally.

He hoped that forcing an engagement would bring Reina’s heart back to normal.

“I’m thinking of pushing for an engagement between Reina and Earl Selkirk. What do you all think?”

“I agree with you, Father.”

“So do I.”

Richelle and Louis immediately agreed with the Duke. However, the Duchess did not. Although she was the one who called for the consultation, she couldn’t answer readily.

After a shallow sigh, she spoke to the Duke.

“Shouldn’t we ask Reina’s opinion before pushing for an engagement with Earl Selkirk? Forcing her to break up with a man she admires might only provoke rebellion.”

“Are you saying this even though you know the necklace is special? Spending more time with Earl Selkirk will naturally shift her feelings. I believe in the necklace’s magic.”

With Duke Lennox’s resolute expression, the Duchess couldn’t argue further.

She felt sorry for Reina, who would be forced into something she didn’t want, but she couldn’t help but find Earl Selkirk suitable as Reina’s partner.

* * *

“Sister, breakfast is ready!”

After her early morning training, Lilith knocked and opened the door as usual.

Reina leisurely followed her to the dining room after Lilith ran ahead, but she stopped in her tracks upon arrival. Earl Selkirk was sitting next to Duke Lennox.

“What are you doing? Come and sit.”

“Ah, yes.”

Although flustered, Reina sat next to Richelle without showing it.

What’s going on?

Duke Lennox had never invited anyone else to family meals before.

Not Richelle or Louis’s lovers, nor any of his cherished vassals had ever dined with them.

What is he thinking? Does he think this will change my mind?

Knowing what Duke Lennox was likely plotting, Reina couldn’t help but feel displeased. But she had to act normally.

However, amidst the usual cheerful atmosphere, she alone felt a tightness in her chest.

What if rumors start spreading because of this?

She didn’t care if rumors spread, but she was worried that it might reach Patrick’s ears. Already feeling anxious, Duke Lennox’s actions were like adding fuel to the fire in his heart.

She didn’t want to burden a man who was already sacrificing himself daily for the Solloi Empire with her personal matters. But her oblivious father kept trying to match her with Earl Selkirk.

She had said ‘no’ many times. Yet he kept repeating that she would regret not choosing Earl Selkirk, and now her father had gone as far as to arrange this.

“Earl Selkirk, are you at the age to marry now?”

“Yes. It’s about time I start thinking about marriage.”

“Is there a young lady you fancy?”

“Not yet.”

Hearing that, Duke Lennox’s face lit up.

“Really? That’s great. How about our Reina? You’ve met her a few times; what do you think?”

“It would be an honor to have the young lady as my partner.”

Why is he so happy about this? Who decided this without my consent?

Duke Lennox seemed ready to proceed with the marriage talk at any moment, so Reina bit her lower lip and looked to Duchess Lennox for help.

But she continued her meal quietly, ignoring Reina’s gaze.

Knowing that Louis wouldn’t take her side anyway, she turned to Richelle for help this time.

“I think they look great together!”

Even Richelle, whom she thought would side with her, betrayed her. She supported their father’s words, creating a cheerful atmosphere.

“Thank you.”

Earl Selkirk also seemed not to mind the marriage talk with her. He had shown little interest the last time, so Reina couldn’t understand why he was suddenly acting this way.

Feeling like everyone except Lilith was against her, Reina felt like an unwelcome guest at her own family’s dining table.

“I’d like to have a private conversation with the Lady.”

To make matters worse, the Earl requested a private conversation with her after the meal.

“By all means, go ahead.”

Before she could respond, Duke Lennox had already agreed. Since he had given permission, Reina couldn’t refuse.