Chapter 2 (1/2)

Mayhem of the Evening Party

「Wi-Wilhelm Aibringer, you say……?」

「Yes.」

「Carol……You, how old that person is……Are you saying this while knowing?」

To my Father’s confirmation, I nodded.

Such a thing, I am aware 100%. Since the beginning, Wilhelm-sama has been an acquaintance of my Grandfather, and I’ve received his affections since I was young.

As I am currently 16 years old, the age difference would be 46 years.

「Of course, Father. In spite of all that, I am asking.」

「……He’s much older than I am, and is the same age as my Father. Even for a Duke’s daughter to be marrying in, that age difference is unheard of.」

Saying so, Father grimaced. Then, he glanced at Wilhelm-sama who was exchanging pleasantries.

And, he lightly sighed.

「This isn’t really a matter I can agree to……」

「But Father, it’s not likely for marriage proposals to come towards me anymore. Since His Highness said that much, even going as far to break off the engagement personally, there will be no more suitable candidates. I probably can’t attend the academy anymore either……」

That was my only regret. If possible, I wanted to graduate from the academy. Even though I still had a lot of things I wanted to study.

But judging by His Highness Reyford-sama’s att.i.tude, he and……What was her name again? I forgot. Saying not to appear before him and what’s-her-name in such a blaming manner, as if I could continue to attend school.

The most profitable plan for the current status quo was to immediately become independant and drop out of school. Then, to find a good house that wouldn’t mind to take me in as a bride.

I think Wilhelm-sama fits all those requirements though.

「But, why does Carol, with Knight Captain Wilhelm……」

But with a “hah,” Father’s eyes opened wide.

Then, as if he understood everything, he looked at me. It seems like he suddenly had a spark of inspiration.

「……I see, Carol. So you meant it that way.」

「Haa.」

「As expected of my daughter, I want to praise you. When you mentioned wanting to wed Wilhelm-dono, I doubted your sanity.」

While laughing “kuku,” a strange, villainous smile floated onto Father’s face.

However, it seems that Father has taken a positive approach to my marriage with Wilhelm-sama. I completely don’t grasp what his intention is though.

While meekly listening to Father’s talk, I doubted his character.

「Father.」

「Don’t worry, Carol. I will definitely tie an engagement between you and Wilhelm-dono. What, I just have to play some of the cards in my hand.」

「……I understand.」

Father was magnificently misunderstanding, but since it was heading towards a situation that was convenient for me, then it was fine.

It seems as if he didn’t think that I really yearned for Wilhelm-sama, but it was meaningless if I carelessly resolved his misunderstanding.

「Well then Carol, you return to the mansion first. Leave the rest to your Father.」

「I understand, Father.」

If he says to leave it to him, then I will grandly entrust this to him.

Actually, if I interposed unskillfully, then I would say needless things. If possible then just like this and without a fuss, it’s best to leave it to Father to proceed as planned.

Well then――And, just as I was withdrawing from the evening party.

「W-wait! Carol!」

From behind, an urgent voice called to stop me.

There weren’t many who addressed me by my first name「Carol.」Specifically speaking, they were my family and my fiancé――No, my former fiancé now. Only Reyford-sama.

And, the ones attending this evening party were my Father and I alone. Naturally, I knew who that voice belonged to.

「……Do you need something from my daughter, Your Highness?」