Rosamiris: “I’m sorry the tea parties have become less frequent. The tutor at the duke’s house is strict, and it was difficult to coordinate our schedules.”
Seig: “No, it’s my responsibility to adjust my schedule. Please don’t strain yourself, Lord Sieg.”
Rosamiris: “…I see.”
While speaking indifferently, he places his teacup on the saucer.
This young man, who possesses both the innocence of a boy and the allure of an adult, is Rosamilis’ fiancé, Sieg Forten von Londinia, the future Duke. His deep green eyes, which hold a complex array of colours, are striking, and he always wears a wistful expression.
Sieg is not particularly talkative.
He is not exactly taciturn, but he doesn’t speak more than necessary.
If he does talk, it’s mostly about matters concerning the families of the earl and the duke, or the soirees they will be attending soon.
It’s not that he doesn’t engage in small talk, but that usually happens when someone other than Sieg and Rosamiris mediates the conversation. When they are alone, their tea parties consist only of listening to the chirping of birds. Rosamiris used to initiate conversations more often in the past, but she stopped doing so as Sieg always seemed to wear a frowning face, making her think he might dislike her.
(I’m definitely off my game…)
Sirius, her sixth fiancé, was a man who engaged in conversation more actively. While he tended to talk about himself a lot, it wasn’t entirely his fault since Rosamiris in her previous life had been quite introverted.
He was lively and always smiling.
She loved him in her previous life for that reason, and it hurt when he had an affair with another young lady.
But now, her fiancé Sieg in this life is a quiet man.
His face is identical to Sirius’, which only adds to the confusion.
(I’m not… disliked, right?)
If he truly disliked her, he wouldn’t bother hosting tea parties.
Moreover, this tea party is set up according to Rosamilis’ preferences.
From the tea leaves and brand, the assortment of Western confections, to the blooming flowers – everything is what she loves.
But it’s hard to tell since he doesn’t show it on his face.
Seig: “By the way, …what happened to your hair?”
Rosamiris: “I cut it myself. I thought it was time for a shorter style.”
He finally asks about her drastic haircut.
She thought he had no interest in it, as he only gave it a second glance when she arrived.
Seig: “…Did you have a heartbreak?”
(Wait, Lord Sieg, you too!?)
Surprisingly, although he didn’t look directly at her, Sieg had an expression like a puppy about to be abandoned.
Rosamiris: “No, that’s not it. Absolutely not.”
Seig: “…Really?”
Rosamiris: “Really.”
Seig: “There isn’t another man on your mind, is there?”
Rosamiris: “Of course not. I am, after all, your fiancée, devoted to you now and in the future, Lord Sieg.”
Seig: “Devoted now and in the future…”
(I wonder if saying something so meaningful like that would make it sound like I have memories of my past life? … But that can’t be. I’m just overthinking it.)
Rosamiris focuses on the phrase “both now and forever.” On the other hand, Seig dwells on the words “devoted”
Rosamiris: “Well, let’s put that aside for now! More importantly, Lord Seig, about the ball next week.”
Seig: “Ah, yes. We need to find time to practice dancing, as many prominent figures from the music world will be present. As the next Duke of the Londinia family, I absolutely cannot fail.”
Rosamiris: “Of course.”
The music for the ball is quite challenging. Unlike Rosamiris, who is good at dancing and relatively free for a day, the schedule of Seig, the next Duke, is always packed. He squeezes in dance practice between studying, swordsmanship, magic, and horse riding. One cannot help but admire his diligence.
“I want to check the schedule. How about this day?”
“Yes…”
As Seig receives the schedule book from the butler, Rosamiris leans in close to his face.
This time would be fine. This day won’t work.
As they continue to adjust their schedules, they realize how close their faces have become.
“Hehehe. You two look so affectionate.”
The woman, who seems to be Seig’s maid, smiles warmly, and Rosamiris’s face turns red for a moment.
“Kyaa!!”
The maid, who was about to pour tea into an empty cup, suddenly collapses.
Reacting instinctively, Rosamiris closes her eyes and feels a warm, enveloping sensation. It’s comforting, and she wants to stay like this forever. As she slowly opens her eyes, she finds Seig’s face extremely close and loses her voice.
Seig: “Is it… hot?”
“Lord Seig, your back is covered in tea!!”
At the maid’s scream, the situation finally becomes clear.
To prevent the hot tea from splashing onto Rosamiris, Seig shielded her with his own back.
“I am so, so sorry, Lord Seig!! How should I apologize for such a blunder…?!”
“It’s fine.”
Seig doesn’t get angry at the maid, who is rubbing her forehead on the ground in apology. He takes off his tea-soaked jacket, hands it to her, and tells her she can leave.
Rosamiris: “Lord Seig, what about your back?!”
Seig: “Don’t worry. I’m fine.”
Rosamiris: “But!”
If Seig hadn’t protected her, the tea would have splashed on Rosamiris’s face.
Seig: “It only got on my jacket. More importantly, I’m truly glad it didn’t get on you, Rosa.”
Rosamiris: “Eh…?”
Rosamiris’s heartbeat races at Seig’s rare small smile.
His expression usually doesn’t change and he looks sullen, so it’s unusual for him to smile like this. She can now believe that she’s not disliked, and she’s simply happy.
(Lord Seig…)
As Rosamiris gazes at Seig with a dreamy expression, he averts his eyes slightly, either knowingly or unknowingly. After glaring at a point somewhere, he directs his gaze to the cobblestone where the maid tripped.
Seig: “This stone was flat just a moment ago. Someone probably cast a spell to make the stone unnaturally rise when the maid approached the table with the tea.”
Rosamiris: “You mean someone did it on purpose?”
Seig: “From the feeling of this magical power… I think it was intentionally set up.”
If she had been burned, she might not have been able to attend the ball next week.
The thought of it getting in her eyes sends chills down her spine.
Seig: “If Rosa were unable to attend the ball, I would have to dance with another young lady.”
Seig has announced that he will dance with his fiancée at the ball.
Even if Rosamiris had to take a break due to a burn, Seig’s dance would still be a certainty.
So, who would he dance with…?
Seig: “If Rosa were absent, my partner would be Miss Bianca, who is rumoured to have been adopted. Normally, considering the family, sisters would attend together.”
There’s no solid evidence.
However, if Bianca were scheming to dethrone Rosamiris as Seig’s fiancée and take her place, it would make sense.
In that case, there’s no need for restraint on her part.
(The first test subject for my selfishness will be Miss Bianca.)
Rosamiris braces herself, knowing that from tomorrow, things will become busy.
