Chapter 3

As the engagement was about to become official, Fiona heard unsettling rumors. It was said that Macaulay had a mistress and children outside of his marriage. However, her father, a nobleman, also had a concubine. Since this was a political marriage for Fiona, it was within her tolerance.

However, the rumors continued that he was an outrageous playboy, frequenting gambling dens and dating numerous women. Even Fiona, who was usually composed, found this disheartening. She wished they could have separate bedrooms. She didn't want to catch any strange diseases. She sincerely thought this.

One month before the engagement, the arrangement was suddenly called off. It wasn't because of Macaulay's dissolute lifestyle, but because a new proposal had come in.

It turned out that an engagement with Duke Roseblade, Aloys, had been hastily decided. It was a bolt from the blue. His mother was the king's sister, and given his lineage, it was impossible to refuse. Of course, Fiona would never turn down such a prestigious match. Moreover, the duke's family offered to pay off the Carington family's debts. For the Carington family, there could be no better match.

Fiona's father immediately rejected the previous proposal with the wealthy merchant, citing Macaulay's poor financial management. It was a dramatic turn of events. Fiona was impressed by how nobles should act.

However, she wondered if such a good deal was too good to be true. Despite her doubts, the 17-year-old Fiona's heart was filled with anticipation. "It's okay to dream a little, right?"

The meeting was to take place at the palace, which left the Carington family in a flurry. When they were worried about not having dresses to wear, the duke's family provided the preparation funds, saying it was their fault for the sudden request.

Fiona's father, George, naturally took a cut of the preparation funds, skimped on Fiona's dress, and only paid the minimum for the jewelry, which was borrowed from her mother. The money he took was used to treat his sister and brother-in-law to a lavish meal, buy jewelry for Iides and Melissa, and give a pocket watch to Robert.

Despite this, Fiona was happy. It was the first time she had a dress made just for her, not a hand-me-down from her sister. Usually practical, Fiona felt like a girl this time, her spirits soaring.

"He must be very kind," she thought, looking forward to meeting Duke Roseblade at the palace, to the point where she couldn't sleep at night.

On the day of the meeting, the tea party was to be hosted by the queen. Duke Roseblade's parents had passed away early, and he only had a sister who had married into another country. Fiona was there with her parents.

When they met, the duke was indeed handsome. However, he only smiled and didn't speak at all. The queen mostly kept the conversation going. Fiona felt a twinge of unease. Was he really okay? Was he actually displeased? Clearly, he had no interest in her, giving an impression of being distant and hard to grasp.

Fiona's expectations were too high. "Well, this is how it is," she observed and resigned herself to it.

The tea party was not going well. The duke, who didn't speak, and the queen, who was getting restless. Fiona's father, George, who was weak in the presence of authority, was cowering, and her mother, excited by the beautiful queen, was asking impolite questions. Fiona was worried about committing a breach of etiquette throughout the tea party.

Eventually, they were told to take a walk in the garden. Fiona's mother, Melissa, out of curiosity, tried to follow, but her father stopped her.

Fiona was at a loss about what to talk about with the duke, who had barely spoken during the tea party. Having no experience talking to men at social events, she felt very uncomfortable. Then, he started the conversation, talking about the weather and complimenting her dress. Fiona managed to keep the conversation going by nodding and politely thanking him for the compliment.

As the walk was about to end, he casually said, "I've already spoken to Lord Carington, but as part of this marriage, I will take over the Carington family's debts and provide financial support for one year."

It was an offer she couldn't refuse. Moreover, the terms were better than those from the wealthy merchant family, Reynold.

"Thank you. Not only will you take over the debts, but you will also take care of my family for a year."

The debt was enormous. Fiona looked up at the duke in admiration at this generous offer. He nodded, seemingly satisfied with her reaction.

However, Fiona was puzzled. Why was he doing so much for her? And why did he choose her? This question had been on her mind since the proposal came in. Had her father found some weakness in the duke's family?

"By the way, Miss Fiona, there is something I would like you to promise me regarding our marriage. Can we keep this between us and not tell Lord Carington?"

The duke smiled and said this. Fiona could only nod.

"Of course, anything."

"I would like you not to pry into my affairs. Also, any outings must be with my permission and should be kept low-key. Additionally, please do not speak of anything you see or hear in my home."

"Huh?"

Surprised by the strange request, Fiona accidentally spoke loudly and immediately apologized. However, the duke was not offended and smiled gently.

"Can you promise me this?"

"Yes, I will keep my promise."

Pressed further, Fiona agreed. It was impossible to refuse the duke. He must have some strange hobby he didn't want others to know about.

"That's good. If you hadn't promised, I would have had to call off the engagement."

"Huh?"

Was it really that important? Fiona was internally alarmed by his casual words.

"That is the condition for our marriage."

Fiona looked at the duke in a daze. She couldn't understand his intentions. Her head was full of question marks. She decided to ask her biggest question.

"Does this marriage benefit you, Your Grace?"

"Have you already forgotten? You are not to pry into my affairs."

Without missing a beat, the duke replied with a smile. Their walk ended there.

Is such a good deal really possible? Fiona felt like she had been tricked. She also worried if asking about his favorite books or foods would violate the agreement. She decided to clarify these points the next time they met.