CH 4

Chapter 4: Departure│Read translated stories and daily updates at: Awebstories.com

Angelique, who planned to marry Ernest after graduation, had a large collection of bridal accessories.

Dozens of dresses fit for a married woman, as well as dozens of matching tiaras and necklaces.

Since her enrollment in school at age eight and her debut in society at age sixteen, she had made dozens of dresses and accessories, but nothing in comparison to her luggage being loaded.

Generosity was one of my father’s virtues, but I hoped he would learn a little frugality in the future.

Angelique expected to inherit the Duchy of Montan, and her father trusted her instincts. He believed that things would continue to go well if she managed the estate herself.

Even if something bad were to happen, she knew that if she kept a cool head, a way out would open up.

But no matter how well things go, you’re going to run into an obstacle. You always have to be prepared for that and have the strength to overcome it.

I wonder if my father realizes that losing me is no small loss for the Montan family.

“Marlene and Francine are not stupid. I’m sure they’ll do something about it.”

Angelique reflected as she watched her belongings being loaded into the carriages.

Six carriages were at the disposal of the Dukes of Montan. One was for their father’s daily use, one was for Ernest and other high-ranking guests, and two were small and nicely appointed for Angelique and her sisters. There were also two reserves.

There were also carriages to transport the products of the estate, but these are not included in the total.

The carriage horses were also beautiful, and the small carriages of Angelique and her sisters were often pulled by two white horses.

Seeing the amount of luggage going to be transported to distant Bourg, the Duke of Montan, who had made preparations, folded his arms.

“Is that enough?”

Angelique replies with a wry smile.

“I will leave my carriage, Marlene’s carriage, here and take four to Bourg. The rest will be delivered at a later date.”

“I understand the wedding is in Bourg…”

“Because the wedding is unexpected, Count Voltaire will need to make some preparations. I will notify you as soon as a date is set.”

A royal decree formalizes the marriage of a noble (that is, Angeliqeu is already married to the border count). The wedding on the other hand consisted of a series of events, including a party and a short parade to announce the event.

Since the Duke, who had made extensive preparations, was far away, only a limited number of people could attend. He expressed disappointment that it would be a simple affair.

“I’m sorry for disappointing Oto-sama.”

“I think there must be some mistake. But there was evidence, and rumors spread far too quickly. Ernest is angry too, and when the king told me personally, there was nothing I could do.”

Her father regretted that he could not protect her.

“I’m feeling better now that Oto-sama believes me. The truth will be revealed in due course, and I will do my best; I will be fine.”

“You are really helpful. I was convinced that you would take over the house…”

“Marlene and Francine are smart and good girls. I’m sure one of them will have a wonderful son-in-law.”

“About that…”

Then, her father told her that Marlene had gotten an offer to marry Ernest from the royal family.

Angelique frowned.

“I’m not sure what will happen now that this has happened. But I’m grateful that the royal family still favors us.”

“Yes.”

The Dukes of Montan are a family that the royal family wants to be friends with.

But not Ernest… And Marlene is already engaged. It would be a shame to ruin their relationship. Ernest is twenty-two years old, and the only possibility is Francine, who is ten… That’s right.

“Why don’t you allow the third prince, Claude-sama, and Francine to meet?”

Claude is fifteen and has yet to make his social debut. They would never have met because the academy is a separate school for men and women, but Angelique had met him once before.

She met Claude in a special botany class taught by an academy professor who trains civil servants.

The academy is a place where nobles and commoners alike can learn, regardless of their social status.

Angelique went to the academy in secret and was dressed modestly when Claude came up to her to greet his brother’s fiancee.

He was a bright and pleasant boy. His plain coat concealed his royal birth, and he listened attentively to the professor.

Since they were so close in age, they would be well matched if they got to know and like each other.

Her father paused for a moment before nodding.

“Yes, I hadn’t considered that because Ernest-sama and you arrived first, but it would be a good match. I will speak with His Majesty the King as soon as possible about this.”

“But first, you should take Francine’s feelings into consideration.”

Angelique has long given up on true love, but being the daughter of a nobleman does not prevent her from falling in love. In fact, it’s natural to fall in love.

I’m not sure how much Francine, the ten-year-old, will understand… But if she really doesn’t like it, it will be difficult to live with it from now on. I wanted her to be prepared for that.

Suddenly, she remembers her future husband, whom she has never met.

I don’t plan on running away from anyone. I just wish there was something I liked about him.