Reasons for Contract Marriage - Chapter 28

“It seems more like he’s considering resolving both my marriage and political matters together,” Karen said.

“Given that the Count of Brantel is currently the most crucial ally for the Carlisle family, it seems likely that Karen has the advantage…” Ellie mused.

Adelheid sipped her tea quietly, listening to the ongoing conversation. Suddenly, Charlotte’s confident voice rang out.

“If that’s the case, wouldn’t the young lady invited to the upcoming graduation ceremony be the most likely candidate?”

In two months, the graduation ceremony at Bastogne Academy would take place. The ball held at the end of the ceremony required an escort, typically a fiancée or a lady of interest. Thus, the young lady whom Lucius Carlisle invited to the graduation ceremony would undoubtedly be his final marriage prospect.

“Indeed, it will be interesting to see who he attends the graduation with,” Adelheid said, prompting a wave of cheerful laughter from the group.

As always, they maintained their elegant façades, never revealing their true thoughts.

After the tea party, Adelheid headed home. As soon as she stepped out of the carriage, she asked the maid who had come to greet her, “Where is my mother?”

“The madam is currently interviewing a new tutor for the young master…”

Before the maid could finish her sentence, Adelheid walked briskly to the drawing room and flung the door open without knocking.

The Countess Kirchner looked up in surprise from the doorway. “Adel, what unladylike behavior is this?”

“This is not the time for that, Mother. Is it true that Lord Lucius is considering other women as potential brides besides me?”

The Countess sighed, pressing her hand to her forehead. What should she do with this thoughtless child?

She decided to address the immediate issue first and turned to the man seated before her with a smile. “I’m afraid, Mr. Anton, that you are not suitable to be my son’s tutor. Thank you for your time; you may go now.”

The man, who had barely said a word during the interview, stood up and left. The Countess then had her fumed daughter sit on the sofa.

“Now, calmly tell me what you heard.”

Adelheid recounted the conversation she had overheard at the tea party. After listening, the Countess let out a thin sigh.

“It’s true. Lord Lucius intends to marry someone who will benefit his family, and currently, the Brantel family is the most advantageous for the Carlisle family.”

“But you said I was certain to marry Lord Lucius!”

“That was before the war broke out. The parliament is about to vote on the war, and we need to bring over as many allies to our side as possible.”

About a month ago, the anticipated war had finally erupted. The long-standing tension between the Kazak Empire and the Kingdom of Basel had escalated into a full-scale battle in Sierra. Contrary to the expectation of a quick victory for the empire, the two nations were locked in a fierce and evenly-matched struggle, showing signs of a prolonged conflict. This left the Kingdom of Schwerin in a dilemma about whether to participate in the war and, if so, which side to support for maximum benefit.

“But that doesn’t mean the Carlisle family has completely decided on the Brantel family. Lord Lucius’s opinion is still the most crucial, so you just need to win his heart.”

“But… he doesn’t seem to open his heart to me at all.”

For the past few months, Adelheid had tirelessly tried to win his affection. She had been confident. The man who previously claimed he had no time before graduation had suddenly begun attending social gatherings frequently, which she believed was due to his interest in her.

However, even while dancing or conversing privately, he remained politely distant, maintaining a clear boundary. She had thought her bold and lively demeanor would attract him, but perhaps she was wrong.

“I’m meeting the Dowager Duchess soon. I’ll ask her to arrange more opportunities for you and Lord Lucius to meet.”

Adelheid, who had been feeling down, perked up at her mother’s words. “Really?”

The Countess, reclining on the sofa and rubbing her temples, sighed deeply. “Yes, the Dowager Duchess seems keen on finding a bride for her youngest son, so she likely won’t refuse my request.”

“Yay!” Adelheid cheered, throwing her arms around her mother’s neck.

The Countess, in a mock stern voice, scolded her and swatted her on the bottom. “You little rascal! How will you manage to get married if you remain so childish?”

“I promise, I’ll truly become a proper lady now. I swear!” Adelheid said, rubbing her cheek against her mother’s shoulder and laughing brightly.

***

Brianna trudged along the path, her steps heavy with fatigue. Today, the way home felt longer than ever. She had skipped lunch, the weather was cold, and she had just been rejected from yet another interview.

“I’m sorry, but without a recommendation letter, it’s impossible.”

How many final interviews had she failed now? And the reason was always the same. No matter how skilled she was, no one would entrust their children to someone without a recommendation letter.

Of course. If they wouldn’t hire someone without a letter even for a maid’s job, how could they entrust her with educating their children? It made perfect sense, but…

Brianna stopped and stared blankly at the desolate street. The sun was setting, and the cold wind was picking up, causing the number of people on the street to dwindle noticeably. Everyone was hurrying home before it got colder. As they opened their doors, they would be greeted by the warmth and love of their families.

Trying to stave off the rising sadness, Brianna forced herself to think positively.

It’s okay. Next time, I’ll surely succeed.

Even though this had been her mantra for the past few months, Brianna decided to keep trying. If she couldn’t find a job as a governess, she would look for work as a maid. If even that failed…

“I’ll figure it out after dinner.”

She changed her plan to skip dinner and go straight to bed, deciding instead to make herself something to eat. She needed the strength.

On her way home, she stopped by a grocery store and bought some bread and ham. She couldn’t afford fresh meat or fruit; the city’s already exorbitant prices had recently soared even higher.

It wasn’t just the cost of food. Even the rent for her tiny room was more expensive than she had anticipated, depleting her severance pay and emergency savings. After months without any income, it was inevitable.

Carrying the groceries, Brianna left the main road and entered a narrow alley. She walked for quite a while before reaching a small red-brick apartment building. Her home was on the second floor.

As Brianna was about to enter the common entrance, the door suddenly flew open.

“Oh my, Brie? Are you okay? Did you get hurt?” Lily Serna, her neighbor, held the door handle, looking startled.

Brianna quickly waved her hand. “I’m fine, Lily. I wasn’t hit, just a bit surprised.”

Lily finally smiled brightly, her usual demeanor returning. “Sorry, I was in a hurry…”

“On your way to practice?”

“Yes!”

Lily was a singer at the opera house. Dreaming of becoming a famous prima donna, she was currently taking on various minor roles.

“How did the interview go today?”

The innocent yet cruel question from Lily darkened Brianna’s face. Seeing this, Lily tilted her head and brought her hand to her mouth.

“Sorry, that was thoughtless of me.”

“You had an audition too, right?”

“…I didn’t make it either.”

Brianna reached out silently, and Lily opened her arms to hug her. They patted each other’s backs, offering mutual comfort.

“By the way, that guy is waiting in front of your house. Your boyfriend. That handsome young gentleman.”

As soon as they broke the hug, Lily’s words made Brianna flare up. “He’s not my boyfriend!”

“Right, right. Just a male friend, isn’t he?” Lily giggled.