75.

With the kings approval, the engagement ceremony proceeded quickly. People expected a lavish ceremony as grand as Bernhardt and Gartens names, but contrary to expectations, the engagement between the two happened as if it didnt occur.

It was a different move compared to other families who would hold their childrens engagement ceremonies in a grandiose fashion to emphasize their power. At the engagement ceremony, only the direct line of each family and a small number of affiliates were invited, and the reception was extremely short.

It was certainly modest compared to the familys reputation, but considering the nature of House Bernhardt, people thought that it was not incomprehensible.

Duchess Garten was initially displeased with her daughters modest engagement, but she seemed to be satisfied that the ceremony suited her standards.

After the ceremony, they had regular dinners with the Gartens. As the first meeting was held in Bernhardt, the second meeting took place in Garten. Eating face-to-face with the Duke, Ercella felt a prick in her conscience. She felt like she was sinning against Caron. The one good thing was

Duchess, do you like it?

Of course, Your Excellency.

Thats a relief.

the dukes attitude. Unlike the last time, the Duke did not make advances on her or send her lustful looks. He spoke a few times, but even that was formal and infrequent. It was plainly evident he was treating Ercella as if she had become a completely different person. For Ercella, it was a good thing among the various misfortunes.

Oh, Duke. Did you hear this? Word is that Lenart and Conrad had a dispute over Kaler during the last meeting.

I thought the Leenas negotiations ended neatly 30 years ago.

They did, but there seemed to be some noise beforehand. Probably the reason why the talks failed.

The conversation mainly revolved around Duke Garten and Harsen. Occasionally Olivia and Vicente would exchange a few words, and sometimes Ercella would also add in, but that was it. In a dining room that could hold about thirty people, the conversations between them were almost nonexistent.

Suddenly, the Duke asked Ercella, Do you enjoy drinking perchance? This time, I got some liquor from the Roselle Brewery in advance. I havent opened it yet, but the local lord guarantees that it tastes splendid. If you dont mind, lets pop it open together.

The liquor brewed at the Roselle Brewery was familiar to Ercella. It was more popular with women than men because of its refreshing taste, unlike regular alcohol. Ercella was delighted at the offer.

It was the most pleasant thing Duke Garten had ever said. Ercella was thinking of taking him up on his offer when she turned her head to the sudden gaze. Harsen was looking at Ercella. He simply raised a corner of his mouth without a word, not really stopping her, but for some reason, she felt like she shouldnt drink.

In the end, Ercella fizzled out. Im sorry, how about next time?

Well then. Duke Garten accepted the offer in a detached manner.

Would you like a drink with me, Duke?

I dont feel like it today either.

Hmm, guess it really isnt popular. Ill have a word with Viscount Roselle. Duke Garten clicked his tongue and sent his butler for the drink. Consequently, everyone but Ercella drank the Roselle wine; the social faux pas where Ercella would look ambiguously upon those there thus didnt happen.

Ercella thought she should send Eirene a bottle of Roselle soon. Im sure shed like it since Eirene is a drinker. Ive not once seen Eirene blind drunk, Caron must have suffered

It doesnt matter.

Thinking it was none of her business, Ercella gladly dismissed her brothers sufferings.

Duchess, what are you grinning about?

Duke Gartens voice suddenly awakened her from her thoughts. Her lips were apparently twitching into a smile unconsciously.

Oh, I was thinking about my brothers

suffering. Ercella sealed her lips. There was tension in the several pairs of eyes staring at her.

Duke Garten asked Ercella in a meaningful voice, Youre thinking of the Marquis even during dinner. You siblings indeed have a good relationship as Ive heard.

Ahyes. Ercella managed to finish her answer, mumbling at the end. She brought up Caron in Garten. It didnt matter, but it wasnt good either.

Ercella looked at Duke Garten. He stroked his chin and glanced at Harsen, but he didnt say anything. Maybe it was because she brought up Caron, the atmosphere suddenly subsided. Amidst the confusing disharmony, Harsen smiled as if he was having fun and put down his knife.

Dinner was over.

* * *

Personally for Ercella, the hardest time for her was after the dinner was over. At the end of the meal, Harsen and Duke Garten went to have a private conversation, which forced the remaining people to have tea time together. It was the second time since the Coming-of-Age party, but it was still an uncomfortable meeting. Olivia was the only one smiling in the reception room.

Ercella glanced at the Duchess. Judging from her not-so-bright expression, it seemed that she didnt willingly send the queens coronet. Ercella wanted to give it back if she could. Of course, it would be under the condition of annulling the engagement.

Hows the tea?

It was Olivia.

Since Ercella hadnt tried it yet, she raised her cup and smelled it. It was a familiar scent. Its Sanschero.

I especially prepared it for you since you like it.

It was especially prepared. Sanschero was a part of Visaride territory. She even got me something from Visaride to please me. Ercella felt a bit burdened by her earnest hospitality.

Thank you for caring.

Its nothing, really. How about you, Milord?

Its okay.

It was a monotonous answer, but Olivias lips moist from tea, curved into a seemingly satisfied smile. The subtly awkward time passed peacefully, at least on the surface. Suddenly, Olivia held the hand of the Duchess, who looked rather glum from a while ago.

Mother, are you uncomfortable? You dont look so well.

She didnt appear uncomfortable. This position itself was upsetting her. Ercella soon realized why. It wouldnt be ridiculous to think that her big ego was defeated by others.

The Duchess covered the back of Olivias hand and spoke, Im fine, Olivia. The food I ate earlier didnt seem to go well with my stomach.

Unlike her dark complexion, her voice was soft. The Duchess looked warmly at Olivia, then gestured toward Ercella with her eye. You looked forward to this meeting, Im sorry you have to see me like this.

Its okay, Mother.

The Duchesss demeanor changing so quickly made Ercella feel strange. She never thought the Duchess could make that face. Ercella knew that she cherished her daughter, but seeing it still amazed her.

Olivia was relieved of her anxiety when her mother confirmed she was okay. She returned with a smile and clapped her hands. Why dont we go on a picnic together next time? I like both Garten and Bernhardt, so I dont mind where it is.

At Olivias words, Ercella lowered her eyes.

Well, it will be quite difficult for a while. As you know, Vicente is preparing for the knights exam.

Oh, I see. Then lets go after he finishes. Milord, where would you like to go?

I think its better to talk about this later. Vicente cut off the topic without disrespecting her.

Olivia narrowed her brows, understanding that it was a roundabout refusal.

Youre being difficult, were engaged now. Is it because of the incident the other day? I believe that was resolved after we sent our heirloom.

The girl, who had just come of age, seemed to have her fathers short temper. These days, even the Duke didnt seem so impetuous.

Despite the rumors that the Duke was an utter idiot, it wasnt enough for her to overlook it and only take after his surface personality. Then Olivia spoke again, Are you still upset about it? But were engaged now. Theres no need for you to be so

Olivia.

Duchess Garten stopped Olivia. Olivia bit her lips at her harsh voice.

Ercella sighed secretly. She mustve been raised by the Duchess, seeing that she was honest where she shouldnt be. Two meetings with her and the start didnt seem very promising.

Master and His Excellency have finished their conversation.

Their tea time ended at the servants announcement.

* * *

Leaning against the bedside, Ercella reflected on what happened at Garten. I dont feel good about it, all the more so after seeing the look of fatigue on Vicentes face after meeting Olivia.

At least if the conversation went smoothly, there would be room for her to think positively about the engagement, but unfortunately, it seemed unlikely to happen.

Harsen.

Before she knew it, Ercella fluttered her lips as she saw the man approaching her and pulling her waist.

Um

Say it.

Um Its nothing.

Harsen slightly tilted his head at her for stalling her words and then shutting her mouth. But it was difficult for Ercella to say it readily. Im sure he wont like it if I bring up the engagement. Ercella too thought,

Whats done is done.

While also thinking,

But wouldnt it be better to talk about it before its too late?

Ercella groaned at the conflicting thoughts. After looking at Ercella with a questioning gaze, he soon began untying the laces of her dress.

Immediately, the cloth wrapped around the shoulder loosened and the air touched her bare skin. Without noticing that her clothes were being tended to, Ercella fell into thought. Should I say it or not?

Well

I dont think hed get upset if I brought it up. Ercella, who rolled her eyes as if she were rolling her thoughts away, finally made up her mind and stuttered, Its about the engagement. Thats uhum Im saying

However, her speech was blocked by the lips rubbing near her neck.

Ercella squeezed her eyes shut and her shoulders flinched. With his lips still on her skin, Harsen said suggestively, Itll be a little difficult to talk about it at this moment.

Harsen gently pulled Ercellas waist, hugging her. Ercella soon wound her arms around Harsens neck, squirming at the sizzling touch slipping through her dress and ascending between her thighs.

He keeps digging inside without giving me time to speak. Is he afraid of pillow talk? Ercella asked out of curiosity, Will you listen if I want something?

Suddenly, he grinned suggestively as if at a loss, as he teased around her neck, What do you want?

It was a rather awkward tone from which she couldnt tell whether he agreed or not. Maybe he knew what she wanted. Perhaps by asking that he wanted to initiate a conversation even if a little.

It was her first time seeing him so troubled, so even Ercella was perplexed inside. If I tell him here to break off the engagementwill he listen to me? Then she naturally let out a sigh. I cant believe I thought of getting what I wanted in this way. Its cowardly even when I think about it to myself. I guess Ill have to pass this time.

Thinking so, Ercella gently stroked the head of the man buried in her. Harsens breathing slowed down quietly as if it were rigid for a moment. Ercella let out a chuckle and whispered in his ear, You, dear.

Simultaneously with those words, her low laughter echoed in her ears. Harsen raised his head, and wrapping his hand around her neck, he quickly swallowed her lips.

* * *