When asked directly, there was no option but to accept a proposal from a duke’s household. Declining was out of the question.
“It’s the Margrave of Appelci. Due to the remoteness of his territory, he’s struggled to find a match. He’s even said he doesn’t mind if she’s a widow, older, or has some circumstances.”
Hearing this, Tina’s sobbing grew louder.
“What’s this? Are you so happy you’re crying? Unfortunately for you, the margrave is quite a fine young man. Perhaps living far away will curb Miss Tina’s inappropriate behavior. Consider this my one and only act of leniency.”
“Th-thank you very much. It’s a wonderful proposal,” their father replied, accepting the offer without hesitation.
* * *
“I absolutely refuse! I’m not going to some backwater like that!”
As soon as the Duke of Citrona left, Tina, who had been holding back her feelings, burst into tears and shouted her objections to the engagement. Her outburst was so extreme that Maion began to worry she might cause trouble even in her new marriage.
“You don’t have a choice, Tina. We can’t refuse the duke’s proposal. Besides, it’s not a bad match,” Sophia said calmly.
“You can say that because you’re not the one going! If you think it’s such a great match, why don’t you go instead?”
“I have to inherit the family, and I’m already doing most of the work. Father would be in trouble if I left.”
For Sophia, managing the viscountcy’s affairs was a source of pride. She had grown exactly as her father had planned, diligently following his instructions and producing results. Although her efforts were rarely praised, she believed that the volume of responsibilities entrusted to her was proof of her father’s trust in her.
“…It’s not like I can’t handle the work myself. Even if you weren’t here, it wouldn’t be a problem,” Maion said.
“B-but…”
“Don’t talk back! You’ve only ever done this work—it’s natural that you’re capable of it!” Maion snapped, raising his voice in frustration. His carefully laid plans had been disrupted, and Sophia’s suggestion that she was indispensable irritated him further. It was misplaced anger, but Maion, who had worked tirelessly for his daughters’ futures, couldn’t stand having even minor aspects of his efforts questioned.
“It doesn’t have to be you. Tina could marry Rauno and inherit the family instead. It’s just that you, Sophia, don’t have the social experience for that. If that happens, you won’t be able to marry anyone. Do you understand?”
“That’s not fair! I was raised to inherit the family!” Sophia protested.
She had been raised with this specific goal in mind by her father. Changing plans now would leave her lost and uncertain of what to do. To Maion, however, her desperate response seemed like defiance from a disobedient daughter.
“We won’t be troubled if you leave. The bigger concern is Tina causing problems in her marriage. I’ll send Sophia to the Margrave of Appelci instead.”
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