Chapter 142 - Marriage Talks (2/2)

”I take it that you do not approve?” Rei asked quietly.

Allen sighed, ”Considering how I am about to be abandoned because of him. It's normal,” he didn't mean to sound bitter. But Allen knew that he wouldn't be able to hold back when it came to this matter anymore. He is not an emotional person, but there are many emotions he has discarded and kept locked up in a vault inside his heart all these years. Emotions that will come spilling if he doesn't remain calm.

”Have you received any other proposals yet, Lady Rei?”

Rei eyed him, suspiciously, ”Your bad personality has not changed. How could you ask me something like that?”

”I do realize it is in bad taste to ask a woman about their marriage offers. But, I believe I ought to be concerned,” it always worried Allen that the girl could not get another marriage offer after the cancelation. While it was merely a rumor and nothing publicly announced. People gossiped about it. So when he suddenly got engaged to Lyn, many people believed that the canceling happened.

It didn't help how he couldn't visit Lady Rei for a while, which only added to the rumors.

”Rest assured my lord, the rumors didn't affect me.”

”That's good to hear.”

”But, before I answer, I must ask. Where is this coming from?”

”I am curious,” Allen shrugged. His own concern regarding the rumors. It baffles him how a young lady like lady Rei is still living at home. By now, shouldn't she be in charge of her own household? ”Your age, most girls who are younger than you are getting married.”

Rei pursed her lips. It was clear that she was hesitating whether to speak to him about this. Eventually, she spoke up, ”There are a few offers,” Rei admitted, ”My brother is looking them over and narrows it down.”

Sensing her voice and seeing her expression, Allen felt that the girl was reluctant. So he asked, ”You do not approve?”

”It's not that I don't want to. I am very grateful that I'm getting so many. But,” Rei paused, ”I want to get to know the other person first.”

A knowing, 'ah' passed his lips. It seems like even for somebody like Rei who has spent all this time focussing on her studies, would have a preference. It seems like she also wants to fall in love, like all the other girls her age. Allen nodded, he understood. Lyn is the same after all. Even though her circ.u.mstances meant that she had little opportunity to interact with the outside world. Allen always knew that the girl wanted to fall in love. A strong love, one that is genuine.

The elders before decided that Lady Rei is the perfect match for him because they knew her emotions would not sway her. She would remain loyal to him, unlike the majority of the women.

At the sight of at a loss of wealth would turn to another man. But he supposes the same went for men too, they would discard the woman who has little use to them. That's why the elders picked Lady Rei because of her talent, moderate beauty, and loyalty.

”None of them caught your eye at all?”

Rei shook her head, ”None,” she paused, ”Of course, even if my brother decides and chooses somebody for me. I still get the final say.”

Allen nodded, ”That's right, so do not feel pressured.”

These days it is common for the ones involved to have a say in their marriages. While they cannot choose their partners, they can decline. Of course, most people choose not to.