“Pardon? Oh… yes, that’s correct. Wait, Lord Reynald, are you saying that you… you’ve fallen in love with Lady Liliengela at first sight?”
“…No, it’s not love, not quite. But her aura—it’s so clear, like water. It’s comforting.”
“This is… this is a monumental event! At last, Lord Reynald has found a bride! We must immediately send a formal proposal to the Romana family!”
The attendant’s mind filled instantly with thoughts of his master’s prospective wife. Reynald, aged 28, had found the first woman to meet his standards in his entire life. The attendant’s heart blazed with determination—he would not let this opportunity slip away.
Pitter-patter.
Like a little bird, Liliengela approached Reynald.
Standing before her, Reynald, broad-shouldered and muscular like a bear, seemed even more imposing with a prominent scar across his face. His severe demeanor was enough to make some noble ladies tremble at the mere sight of him.
But Liliengela showed no fear at all.
Her tiny, deliberate steps were utterly adorable.
Though Reynald had claimed it wasn’t love at first sight, his chest tightened, his heart thudding against his ribs. He had always liked small animals, and Liliengela’s appearance fit his preferences perfectly.
Reynald panicked. His heart raced. His chest hurt. The sound of his heartbeat roared in his ears, so much so that he wondered if he was falling ill.
While he had rejected many women with clouded auras, Reynald had never grown close to someone who captivated him. He had never confessed, dated, or fallen in love—a nobleman untainted and pure in his way.
As Liliengela drew closer, Reynald desperately wanted to speak, but he had no idea how to start a conversation that would delight her. Cold sweat dripped down his back, and his breathing grew erratic. His emotions churned into chaos, and he couldn’t even manage a simple greeting.
His mouth opened and closed like a fish gasping for air. Sweat poured from him as if he were steaming.
Finally, overwhelmed by his internal turmoil, Reynald turned on his heel and fled.
Despite his bear-like size, he ran like a hare, dashing away with astonishing speed. It was as if a massive bear had been utterly defeated without a fight by the charm of a tiny bird.
As the wind swirled in his wake, Liliengela and Andre stood dumbfounded.
“…Andre, was I just rejected without even exchanging words?” Liliengela asked.
“Surely not. Perhaps he had some urgent matter to attend to. Do not worry, Lady Liliengela. I will consult His Grace and inquire with the Marquess of Tua about his intentions.”
“Yes, I’ll also speak to my father about Lord Reynald,” Liliengela replied.
Thus ended the royal soirée with Reynald’s attendant rushing off and the marquess himself fleeing.
* * *
The next day.
A formal marriage proposal arrived from the Marquess of Tua, relieving Liliengela. However, another visitor soon arrived—Lucius.
“To come so shamelessly to the home of the family you publicly humiliated with your despicable behavior… do you have no concept of shame?” Liliengela muttered.
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