Chapter 23
“Not thinking about anything…”
Eliano couldn’t hold back her laughter any longer. A clear, bright laugh burst forth from her small, full lips.
Flint, momentarily stunned by her laughter, blinked his silver-gray eyes with an expressionless face.
Had she been a little rude? Since he rarely changed expression, it was hard to read his thoughts. Eliano spoke as gently as she could.
“I know it means you have made no judgment at all. That’s why I laughed.”
A puzzled look formed on Flint’s face. He found it even harder to understand.
Eliano added,
“To not make a value judgment about something means you don’t care. Such people are rare for me.”
Eliano was the most sought-after bride in high society. Every man coveted her and dreamed of becoming the Rosana Duke’s son-in-law. Even Emperor Leopold requested the Duchess of Rosana to give Eliano as a bride for his own son. She was a noble woman who had rejected the Empire’s Crown Prince.
Flint fully understood what she meant. Life must be exhausting for a beauty with so many suitors.
“Alvich the Marquis was quite a problem… Does Your Highness know about that?”
It was well-known in society how Alvich had danced once with Princess Eliano, exchanged a few words, then suddenly gone mad and submitted a marriage proposal. Flint knew the story well and nodded.
“I thought he would be somewhat different, but after just one conversation, those hopes were shattered.”
That was a lie, due to a deal with his sister. Thinking about the idiot Alvich who got beaten by his father made Flint’s hands clench.
“That must have been difficult.”
“Yes, very much so.”
“Choosing a good man and marrying him might be a good solution.”
Eliano blinked, surprised by the unexpected suggestion. Despite her obvious look, Flint spoke seriously.
“If the princess were to stay forever in her father’s care, it wouldn’t matter. Later, the young marquis would take care of his sister.”
Eliano sneered without realizing it.
“Damian will never be that kind of kind boy.”
Probably Damian would not tolerate his illegitimate sister squandering the family fortune. If by some stroke of luck their father died suddenly, Damian would quickly marry her off after inheriting the title. More sadly, their father was still in good health.
The man before her had taken that father’s life and erased their family line.
Eliano’s green eyes flashed strangely.
“Then you should choose a good man while your father is still alive.”
“My husband will be chosen by my father. It’s said that my father loves me so much that he’ll keep me with him forever, but I’m just his glass doll.”
Flint knew she wasn’t the kind of woman to speak without care. This was a kind of test. Of course, her close friend, the Crown Prince, might hear this and gossip like a sparrow.
Or Flint himself might boast about it, raising his own value. If Flint Howard was truly a man unworthy of her, she would humbly accept her mistake and choose another. There were plenty of men with two heads.
But thinking of Rosana’s family being destroyed by his hands made her want him even more.
“But my husband will have my father’s support and gain the Rosana family as an ally. Above all, I have enough value as a man’s trophy. If it’s a gain, not a loss.”
At Eliano’s sharp words, Flint’s typically blunt voice responded,
“A man who treats his only wife as a trophy is not a good man. If the princess’s father is truly such a man, you should be more careful in choosing your husband.”
Eliano’s lips parted slightly. How could this be exactly like her past life? It seemed her frustration was somewhat relieved. Yes, Flint Howard had been like this before.
He had secretly sneaked into the enemy’s palace to convince them to return home and promise peace. The memory was still vivid to Eliano. Even then, he was good at saying things that irritated people.
Flint Howard was the first man in all of Eliano’s lives to speak so straightforwardly. His words carried the power of truth beyond any rhetoric.
“What criteria will Your Grace use to choose a bride?”
Eliano asked, and Flint replied coldly,
“I have no intention to choose a bride.”
“Do you have no wish to marry? I heard the Crown Prince is arranging matches.”
A certain emotion flickered on Flint’s face: exhaustion and a look of ‘how do you know that?’ Not avoiding her piercing gaze, Eliano said gracefully,
“Your Grace, society’s walls have eyes and ears. You haven’t forgotten who I am, have you?”
Flint sighed softly.
“Princess, I declined Prince Herace’s proposal.”
“I see. May I share this at my tea party? Many ladies were disappointed to hear you were to marry.”
“…Do as you please.”
There was a weariness in Flint’s voice. Eliano answered cheerfully,
“I’m glad you gave me a chance to correct the misinformation.”
Eliano grinned as she continued,
“What if the noble sun himself arranges your match?”
At that moment, Flint’s steps stopped. What if the Emperor arranged a marriage? Flint replied coldly,
“Duke Rosana also refused the Emperor’s proposal. Do you think I would be any different?”
His voice was firm. A momentary intimidation swept over her, but Eliano managed to smile. Her experience living as an Empress was not insignificant.
“How about my suggestion? For example… Princess Rosana?”
“…What did you say?”
The pressure and sharpness in the man’s whole body disappeared. Eliano smiled like a flower. Her fresh green eyes softened but then paused at the man’s next words.
“Your sister is still a minor, is she not?”
He must have misunderstood. Eliano looked troubled and said,
“She will soon debut in society. Minors can be engaged. And as for the age difference, wouldn’t Your Grace make up for that?”
Flint’s cold reply carried a peculiar gaze.
“Please do not make me a shameless man. Age difference cannot be overcome.”
His voice was clearly reproachful. Eliano felt like a wicked sister trying to sell her little sister to an old man. No, she hadn’t even done that yet. What was with that look?
“I feel like the shameless sister here. There are many couples with a ten-year age gap in society.”
“Well, that’s reality… But I’m not the kind of man to recommend to a young lady. Even if I had a sister ten years younger…”
He did not continue but his expression said it all. Eliano felt the need to speak the truth. She had tried to test his reputed good character but got rejected in return. She was almost kicked out by a non-existent noble. She also wouldn’t accept a man ten years younger!
Eliano quickly said,
“Duke Flint Howard, you wouldn’t say you can’t overcome a five-year difference, would you?”
Flint, as if about to say something, blinked his gray eyes blankly. Seeing the usually stern expression soften gave Eliano relief. At least he wasn’t completely clueless.
“I dislike value judgments about myself, but I think they are necessary for life’s major decisions. Especially for Your Grace, I will permit it.”
Eliano signaled to a maid standing apart and adjusted her kapelin hat, then spoke gently,
“If your heart wavers even a little, that ribbon…”
“Princess Rosana, I dislike political marriages.”
This time Flint did not apologize for cutting her off.
“…”
Eliano’s calm green eyes stared deeply at Flint. Her voice was also calm.
“Did I propose a political marriage? I didn’t expect you to interpret a lady’s heart that way. When I mentioned value judgment…”
Eliano’s face hardened and she trailed off.
“What meaning would explanation have? I understand your intent. I will bury today’s events in that ribbon and forget.”
Like the wind, Eliano turned sharply. “Child, come along. Miss Hyren will be waiting.” She took her maid and walked quickly.
The man reached out instinctively but Eliano was already far out of reach.
Flint felt something missing and had an urge to chase after her.
“Flint, what are you doing here? Miss Hyren is showing off her famous horse. Won’t you try riding?”
If it weren’t for Herace, he might have run after her.
“Flint?”
Flint felt something lodged in his throat. For some reason, his chest was tightly blocked.
The riding event hosted by Veronica Hyren was lively. Skilled gentlemen and ladies expertly held reins, and some were already galloping.
“Really… such a proud horse.”
Hashi, the famous Hyren steed, did not even allow the Crown Prince to mount. It had flicked its tail and stomped its hind feet without a glance. Countess Veronica Hyren wore a very troubled expression.
“Your Highness, I’m sorry.”
“No need. Veronica has no need to apologize. It’s my lack of skill.”
Veronica looked even more embarrassed. Watching her, Eliano clicked her tongue. Why must they add such unnecessary apologies to unsettle a young lady?
Then Eliano suddenly felt a damp sensation and shrank back.
“Eek! Princess, are you alright?”
