Chapter 92

“Even when faced with a reality I wish to avoid, I can overcome it as long as I have your smile, Mei.”

He wanted to make her happy. To do so, he had to confront and overcome all the things he wished to avoid.

“I could have anything I wanted in life, but because of that, I never knew what I truly desired.”

Theodore let out a quiet laugh and slowly looked at Meia.

“After meeting you, Mei, I realized what it is that I truly want.”

“What is it that you want?”

The corners of his lips lifted into a smile.

“For you to be happy.”

Theodore gazed at Meia with tender eyes and continued to speak.

“For you to smile every day.”

His face inched closer and closer.

“For you to do everything you want by my side.”

A warm sensation filled her heart completely.

“What I want is for you to laugh happily and do whatever you desire, all while staying by my side.”

If it had been a mere sugar-coated compliment, she might have been disappointed.

“Even if I had everything, without you, my life would be meaningless. You must take responsibility.”

More than any other compliment she had heard, his words resonated deeply with her. They carried a profound and intense sincerity. Meia found herself gazing at Theodore’s soft, flowing black hair and his face as if mesmerized.

His words made her heart feel soft and light. She bit her lips tightly to suppress the smile threatening to break free.

He then spoke with a bright smile.

“Mei, you are someone special to me. Do whatever you wish, and if there’s anything you want, just let me know.”

“How reassuring.”

His beautifully curved eyes gradually turned a rosy red.

“So, you’re saying I can do whatever I want?”

Theodore laughed joyfully and replied.

“Of course.”

Meia looked into Theodore’s eyes.

Had anyone’s smile ever made me feel this good?

He was the first.

As Meia tried to suppress a strong impulse and calm her heart, Theodore smiled lovingly and said,

“Mei, you are so adorable.”

“We’ve been in the drawing room for too long. We should return to the office. Also, we need to discuss our engagement moving forward, Theo.”

If she stayed in the drawing room any longer, she felt she might lose control in the atmosphere.

“Engagement…!”

Theodore’s cheeks flushed a peachy pink, and a smile spread across his lips.

Meia looked at his smile with satisfaction and firmly resolved to cherish and treasure him, over and over again.

In noble marriages, the Emperor’s approval was required to proceed.

After the family crests of both houses were stamped on the engagement or marriage contract, it would be submitted to the Emperor.

However…

“Theo, does that mean that if we stamp the Hatzbellua Ducal House’s crest on the engagement contract, we’ll immediately be engaged?”

Theodore smiled brightly and said.

“That’s correct. The Florence family doesn’t require the Emperor’s approval for marriage. We only need to notify the Imperial Family.”

“In that case, we should get the crest as soon as possible.”

Theodore, trying to calm his heart, which was leaping with joy at Meia’s words, responded.

“I will prepare a grand engagement ceremony. Even as an engaged couple, you will have all the rights of the Grand Duchess.”

“So, if the Hatzbellua family’s crest is stamped on the engagement contract, I will become the prospective Grand Duchess of Florence.”

“You… as the Grand Duchess…”

Seeing Theodore mumbling shyly with his eyes turning red was extremely endearing and lovely.

“Theodore, your left hand.”

As if under a spell cast by Meia’s elegant smile, Theodore placed his left hand over Meia’s right hand. Meia stroked his fourth finger and asked,

“Theodore, when is your birthday?”

“October 2nd.”

“That’s not far off.”

“Yes. That day is also my coming-of-age ceremony. Many people will come to the Grand Ducal residence. I will introduce you as the Grand Duchess in front of them.”

“On my coming-of-age day, I will introduce you as my fiancé.”

Theodore’s shy reaction to her words was so adorable that Meia unknowingly gave him a tender smile.

Then Meia wrote a letter.

She noted the meeting place, date, and time, along with a brief message.

[Uncle, please come to the Mage Tower. I urgently wish to discuss matters regarding engagement and marriage.

– Meia of the Hatzbellua family -]

She imagined her uncle rushing to the Mage Tower, suppressing his anxious heart after reading the letter.

Meanwhile, Aethon recovered and was discharged.

“Aethon, you’ve worked hard.”

“Not at all. It’s you, Lady, who has worked tirelessly.”

As Aethon greeted Meia, he quickly glanced at Theodore.

“I have one more medical check-up in the morning. After that, I promised to treat Physician Worst to lunch as a token of gratitude. I’ll return to work immediately after.”

Meia looked at Aethon with admiration for his sense of responsibility, even though he was still unwell.

“Saving my life before, coming to work despite being unwell—Aethon, you’re truly amazing.”

Theodore shot a fierce glare at Aethon, who was basking in Meia’s trusting gaze and smile.

Aethon desperately sent Theodore a silent plea with his eyes: 

“Your Grace! This is a misunderstanding!”

“Aethon, you’re truly remarkable.”

However, Meia continued to praise Aethon.

Feeling frustrated that Meia didn’t understand his feelings, Aethon wanted to cry.

The more Meia praised Aethon, the more Theodore’s jealous gaze bore into him.

***

At the tea party hosted by Concubine Luruna, Meryl experienced severe humiliation, yet she was not disheartened.

Right after leaving the Imperial Palace on the day of the tea party, Meryl headed straight to Thomas.

Meryl’s sudden visit caused chaos at Earl Kurundal’s residence. Fortunately, the veteran butler, Homan, calmly guided Meryl to the drawing room before reporting her arrival.

Upon hearing the butler’s report, Thomas immediately went to see Meryl.

As soon as he opened the door, their eyes met.

Tears streamed down Meryl’s cheeks, and Thomas approached her with a pained expression, embracing her.

Thomas asked what had happened, and Meryl replied sorrowfully.

“Thomas, are you getting married?”

“How did you…”

“I met Lady Cesar at Concubine Luruna’s tea party. She said you’re getting married soon.”

Tears poured down her face.

“It’s just a political marriage. The only one I love is you.”

“If you love me, don’t go through with the political marriage. Marry me, Thomas.”

“The wine business is in jeopardy. Lady Cesar’s family has agreed to provide financial support for the business.”

“I’ll provide the funds. I’ll give you everything you need.”

“I can’t accept that. How could I!”

“I’ll give you everything, Thomas.”

Thomas gently stroked Meryl’s head with a warm touch.

“First, to postpone the political marriage, I need to cover the urgent deficit.”

“Just tell me the amount. I’ll prepare it. Please don’t marry Lady Cesar.”

After Meryl’s persistent persuasion, Thomas sighed and said,

“Simply taking the money feels wrong.”

“Then what should I do?”

“If you sign a business contract with me, it would be acceptable.”

“A business contract?”

One of Thomas’s current businesses involved selling high-quality wine to other empires.

However, a recent natural disaster had caused a ship to sink, resulting in significant losses.

“I need about five ships to continue trade. Once we make profits, I’ll share a portion with you, Meryl.”

The thought of breaking off her engagement with Crown Prince Patzraelli, marrying Thomas, and even earning money made Meryl smile brightly as she nodded.

“I’ll prepare the documents, so please wait here for a moment. The documents are magically notarized, so read them carefully before signing, Meryl.”

But as soon as Thomas handed her the documents, Meryl signed and stamped them without even reading them properly.

“Thomas, I’ll help you no matter what, so don’t marry Lady Cesar.”

“Understood. I love you, Meryl. And thank you.”

“Oh, Thomas, I love you too.”

Filled with happiness from his love, Meryl returned to the Duke’s residence.

“If I sell some dresses and jewelry, I should be able to raise the funds, right?”

The certainty that Thomas would not marry Lady Cesar lifted her spirits. She also felt proud that she could help him. However, the memory of the events at the tea party still angered her.

“How annoying.”

Following Meryl’s fluctuating moods, the maids and attendants at the Duke’s residence once again suffered through a day of torment.