Reasons for Contract Marriage - Chapter 15

In the past, thinking about fireworks always brought back memories of her father’s death, leaving her with a heavy heart. But from now on, she will remember the happiness instead of the sadness. Watching the fireworks with Lucius had been a truly joyous moment.

Deciding that she would send the handkerchief to Florian along with her next letter, Brianna carefully placed it in the deepest part of her drawer.

***

As the fallen leaves blanketed the academy’s garden, news arrived that a letter had come from Brianna Everett. It was one of those rare days when both Florian and Lucius had time to share a simple lunch together. They settled on a grassy spot with a good view of the school, unpacking their modest picnic of sandwiches and apple juice. Florian, evidently hungry, took a big bite of his sandwich and suddenly remembered something, rummaging through his bag.

“Oh, I haven’t read Brie’s letter yet because of back-to-back classes,” he said.

Lucius paused with his cup of juice halfway to his lips, his gaze briefly resting on the letter in Florian’s hand before looking away.

Florian scanned the letter quickly, chewing his sandwich. “She’s been busy with Thanksgiving preparations and hasn’t had time to write. No wonder her reply was so late.”

“She’s involved in that? I thought she only looked after the Dowager Countess,” Lucius said.

“Normally, she just tends to my great-aunt, but she always steps up to help when there’s work to be done in the castle. Brie’s so kind, really an angel,” Florian said, smiling fondly as he continued reading the letter.

“Apparently, this year’s harvest was exceptionally good, so the Thanksgiving celebration will be bigger than usual. She feels sorry for the pigs that are going to be barbecued. Ha! Cute, isn’t she?”

Lucius listened to the contents of the letter while chewing his sandwich. It was filled with various ingredients like ham and vegetables, but today he couldn’t taste any of it.

“Ah, there’s a part about you at the end,” Florian said, drawing Lucius’s attention.

“You lent Brie a handkerchief?”

“Oh, yes. She hurt her leg,” Lucius replied.

“She asked me to give it back to you. She’s grateful you lent it to her. The letter came with a small package. I was wondering what it was.”

Florian rummaged through his bag again and handed over a wrapped item. “Here you go! Your handkerchief.”

Lucius took it, murmuring, “She didn’t need to return it.”

“I told you, Brie’s too kind to keep someone else’s belongings.”

Florian finished his sandwich and sprawled out on the grass, a smile playing on his lips as he gazed at the clear, cloudless sky.

“You know, I’m going to propose to Brie as soon as I graduate. I’ve already got my great-aunt’s blessing.”

Lucius turned to look at Florian. His friend’s lips were curled into a contented smile as he stared up at the sky.

“When I visited Harzen last time, I told my great-aunt that I wanted to marry Brie after graduation. She said she would be delighted, as long as Brie is happy with it too.”

“Do you understand what marrying Brianna entails?” Lucius asked.

“Of course. It means facing my parents’ severe opposition,” Florian replied with a small sigh, covering his eyes with his hand to shield them from the sunlight.

“I know my parents well. That’s why I’ve kept my feelings for Brie hidden all this time. If they find out, they’ll definitely make things difficult for her.”

A noble’s blue blood and the preservation of noble lineage were non-negotiable. While some nobles had started marrying commoners as their status improved, the Viscount and Viscountess of Robert were staunch traditionalists. They believed commoners were inherently inferior and dim-witted and would stop at nothing to achieve their goals, even if it ruined someone’s life.

“Knowing all that, you still plan to propose?” Lucius asked.

“When I’m capable of standing on my own, I can marry Brie even if my parents oppose it. If they persist in their opposition, I’ll renounce my title and leave with Brie. That’s why I chose to major in chemical engineering.”

While younger sons of high-ranking nobles often chose military science or theology, heirs to titles typically studied political science or economics to safeguard their family’s wealth and maintain their influence in politics. Florian’s choice of a major was unusual for someone of his rank, as it was a field more commonly pursued by lower nobles or commoners. People had been puzzled by his decision, but they didn’t give it much thought due to his known interest in chemistry.

“I plan to live in a quiet countryside place like Harzen with Brianna. We might not be able to afford more than a small house initially, but that’s fine. It means we’ll be together all the time. Just thinking about it makes me so happy.”

Florian clutched the letter to his chest and began rolling around on the grass. Lucius watched him quietly before asking, “But isn’t the most important thing Brianna’s feelings?”

Florian abruptly stopped rolling and sat up, facing Lucius. “Yes, that’s actually the biggest problem. I’m not sure if Brie sees me as a man!”

He grabbed his head in frustration. “The last time I hugged her…”

“……”

Lucius’s eyes narrowed, and Florian quickly waved his hands. “No, it’s not what you think! I mean, literally just a hug! What do you take me for? I’m not that kind of scoundrel!”

“And?” Lucius prompted.

“As we were saying goodbye, I hugged her. It was maddening. She smelled so sweet, her skin was so soft… and then my body reacted in ways I didn’t expect…”

“You had an erection,” Lucius said matter-of-factly, sipping his juice.

Florian shrieked. “Don’t say it so bluntly!”

“Did she notice?” Lucius asked.

“No, I pulled away before she did.”

Florian’s expression turned dejected. “I was struggling to hide the changes in my body, but Brianna didn’t seem to notice my condition at all. Looking into those innocent eyes of hers, I felt utterly hopeless. It was like she felt nothing even when she hugged me. It was no different from when we were eleven years old. Meanwhile, I felt like I was losing my mind just holding her hand…”

He hung his head, mumbling. “I can’t tell if she’s just ignorant of such things or if she doesn’t see me as a man. I want to approach her as more than a childhood friend, but I’m afraid it will scare her…”

Lucius sighed. “Why don’t you just confess? Then Brianna will tell you how she feels. If she sees you as a man, she’ll accept. If not, she’ll reject you…”

“Ugh! Don’t say any more! You heartless jerk! What do you know about love?” Florian jumped up, brushing the grass off his clothes.

“I have a thesis research class to attend. What about you?” he asked.

“I’m done with classes for today,” Lucius replied.

“I’m done with classes for today.”

“Really? Then I’ll see you at school tomorrow. Oh, wait!”

Florian, who had been heading towards the lecture hall, suddenly spun around and grinned as he slowly walked backwards.

“If I do end up marrying Brianna, you’ll be my best man at the wedding, right?”

When Lucius remained silent, Florian’s jaw dropped. “You’re not saying no, are you?”

After a moment of staring at Florian, Lucius finally allowed a faint smile. “Of course, I’ll be there.”

“Thanks a lot!” Florian waved excitedly and then sprinted towards his class.

After Florian left, Lucius cleaned up their picnic spot and headed for the carriage that would take him back to the duchy. As he gazed absentmindedly out the window at the passing scenery, his thoughts drifted. He turned his head to the opposite seat, where a young woman had sat about a month ago.

“You’re just as responsible as I’ve heard,” she had said with a small, amused smile.

“Florian told me about you. He said that even if everyone else deserted him on the battlefield, you were the one friend who would never leave him behind. He said he trusted you implicitly.”

Her words echoed in his mind, bringing a subtle warmth to his chest as he recalled the gentle expression on her face.