Chapter 16

"Good morning."

"…………!"

When I greeted him, the male servant looked at me as if he had seen a monster and ran away without a word.

... In fact, recently, I have been avoided by the male servants. I was quite shocked by their reactions and walked to the garden with a heavy heart. Hugo, the gardener, also seemed to have moved to the estate shortly after that.

Since then, I have continued my morning walks with Ralph. When I went outside today, Nadia was there as well, and the two of them were sitting on a white bench waiting for me.

The sight of the two beautiful people sitting side by side against the backdrop of beautiful flowers was almost too picturesque.

"Good morning. I am happy to see your face this morning, Miss Lissette."

"Good morning, Miss Lissette. I love you!"

"O-oh, good morning..."

Thus, I walked through the beautiful garden, flanked by the two of them, who were sending me such intense gazes that it didn't seem like morning at all. Nadia's white hand was firmly intertwined with mine.

Since they wanted to hear my voice more than their own, I decided to consult them about the issue of being avoided by the male servants.

"Hey, do I have a bad attitude or something that makes people feel uncomfortable...?"

"Has someone told you that? If so, I will—"

"N-no, it's not that! Actually..."

I hastily calmed Ralph, who was about to say something ominous, and told them about how I had been avoided by the male servants recently. Nadia sighed deeply and said, "Really, you're so clumsy."

"Don't worry about it. Miss Lissette is more beautiful than anyone, and the fault lies entirely with your brother."

"……"

On the other hand, Ralph had an indescribable look on his face. Although I was told that I was not at fault and should not worry, I couldn't help but be bothered by their attitude.

"Oh, right. What are you going to do about your brother's birthday party, Miss Lissette?"

In the midst of this, Nadia changed the subject with a smile. But I had also been thinking that I needed to give an answer soon.

"I think it would be troublesome if the news of our engagement, even if it's just a pretense, spreads."

"Why is that?"

"Because it might cause problems in the future."

"Why is that?"

I flinched at his repeated "Why?" attacks, which I knew were not meant maliciously. I knew that Ralph liked me in some way, but it wasn't guaranteed that he would feel the same way forever.

Ralph is only 17 years old. When the topic of marriage comes up, it would be more troublesome for him. In this country, a history of broken engagements is a significant blemish. That's why I thought it would be better to consider other options.

However, it felt awkward and rude to be honest with him, who currently says he likes me.

"So, someday with another woman..."

"The only woman for me will always be you."

Ralph said this with a blinding smile, and I realized that persuasion was impossible. I gave up immediately. To be honest, I felt a little flustered.

Nadia, who was clinging to me, said, "Even your brother says something good sometimes."

"But, I might embarrass Ralph because I don't even have the manners of a noble lady."

"Don't worry. We can study together from now on, can't we?"

Nadia said this, took my hands in both of hers, and smiled like a flower.

With the issue of my stepmother and her family resolved by Ralph's assurance, I had no reason to refuse.

"... I'll try my best."

In the end, I nodded.

◇◇◇

"You're doing well, Miss Lissette. As expected."

It has been two days since I agreed to be Ralph's pretend fiancée. Today, I started receiving lessons from a tutor, with Nadia, who had returned from school, by my side.

I am being drilled in the minimum manners, but it is something that is usually instilled from a young age, and I can't help but feel that my lack of experience will show.

"Let's end it here for today. Please review before the next lesson."

"Yes, thank you."

When the lesson ended and the teacher left the room, Nadia suggested that we have some tea and relax. Ralph was out on business.

I took a sip of the tea that was quickly prepared and sighed in relief. Doing something unfamiliar is tiring, but since I have taken on the role, I need to do my best.

"I'll have a massage arranged for you later."

"No, that's not necessary. Thank you."

"From now on, Miss Lissette will be in the spotlight, and you already are. Please try your best. It will be tough, but I will help you."

I decided not to comment on the fact that she had started calling me "sister" at some point. Please wait a moment.