Reasons for Contract Marriage - Chapter 50

At the time, Florian didn’t recognize Lucius Carlisle at all. Having lived in Harzen for four years before joining the academy, he had no friends and knew little about the academy’s circumstances.

“Hi, nice to meet you. You look like a new face. Are you a freshman too?”

Florian grinned cheerfully and gave Lucius a light punch on the shoulder. At that moment, the atmosphere in the classroom suddenly grew tense. The other students were staring at Florian, their mouths agape.

Florian glanced around, scratching his cheek, and muttered, “…What’s going on? Why is everyone staring?”

It wasn’t until later that Florian found out that it had been Lucius’ first day back after a week of suspension. He also learned that the infamous freshman who had flattened a senior four years his senior was Lucius himself. By the time he discovered this, the two had already become well-known as inseparable friends at the academy.

Clap, clap, clap, clap!

When the speech ended, the hall was filled with loud applause. Florian joined in with an uninspired clap for the headmaster. The tiresome speech had finally come to an end, and the degree presentation was about to begin.

“Lucius Carlisle!”

With that, Lucius ascended the stage. This time, Florian clapped enthusiastically, his hands practically burning from the effort.

Florian wasn’t the only one proud of Lucius. He glanced at the long seats along the wall, reserved for the graduates’ families. The Dowager Duchess of Carlisle was also seated among the spectators, watching her son receive his award with a smile.

Florian’s gaze shifted to the seat next to her. The Duke of Carlisle couldn’t attend due to his recent busy schedule. Instead, a doll-like young girl sat beside the Dowager Duchess. Florian soon let out a languid sigh.

No matter how you look at her, she’s not a good match for Lucius.

“She’s just a child. I can tell she sees me as a big piece of candy she doesn’t want anyone else to have.”

Just as Lucius had once said, she was an immature, arrogant child. The recent rumors about her only reinforced this idea.

At every event she attended—whether it was hunting, horseback riding, tea parties, or balls—she acted as if she were already part of the Carlisle family. It had gotten to the point where even his mother had come to Florian to vent.

“That impudent girl! She walks around with her head held high, refusing to greet anyone properly. And somehow, she’s heard about our financial struggles and mocks me for it. She behaves as if she’s already the Duchess of Carlisle. Does she think she’s engaged to the Duke instead of Lucius?”

Florian muttered, rubbing his forehead, “Who would have thought I’d feel sorry for my mother…”

With the diploma ceremony over, all the formalities were finished. After a short time to chat with their families, the only event left was the graduation ball. Light refreshments were served in a side room next to the auditorium, and everyone moved there.

“Florian, congratulations on your graduation!”

Florian silently accepted the bouquet his father handed him. He also endured the embrace and kiss on the cheek his mother gave him.

“You should have gotten engaged earlier and brought your fiancée today like the others.”

Viscountess Robert, seeing other graduates with their partners, immediately started nagging her son. Florian wanted to point out that what she really wanted was for him to be with a wealthy fiancée, but he decided to hold his tongue today.

“Ah, the Carlisle family is here as well.”

Next came Viscount Robert’s grumbling. Recently, the Robert family’s feelings toward the House of Carlisle had soured. The Duke, along with the other nobles, had pushed for supporting the Kingdom of Basel, leaving the money they had invested in Sierra as a total loss.

“Lady Kirchner has followed them all the way here. Doesn’t she have anything better to do than trail after her fiancé?”

Florian almost commented on how his mother had just complained about him not having a fiancée, but decided against it. It would be best to part ways quickly and avoid further conversation.

“Since the graduation ceremony is over, you should head home now.”

Florian practically pushed his parents away. Viscountess Robert tilted her head slightly, giving him a questioning look.

“What about you? You’re not attending the ball, are you? You don’t have a reason to stay here either.”

Florian flinched slightly. His parents didn’t know he had a partner for the ball, so they naturally assumed he wouldn’t attend.

“I’m going to talk with Lucius a bit longer.”

Viscountess Robert frowned, but didn’t say anything negative. Instead, she brought up the marriage arrangements again, a topic that had been quiet for some time.

“I’ll be meeting with Baroness Wesley soon to discuss your marriage again. This time, don’t do anything rude to the young lady. Understood?”

Since Florian was planning to formally bring up Brianna soon, he didn’t respond and simply sent his parents off. Then he approached the Carlisle family.

“It’s been a while, Your Grace.”

Florian greeted Dowager Duchess Veronica Carlisle with a friendly smile, and her face lit up with joy.

“Oh, Florian! It’s been so long. Congratulations on your graduation.”

“Thank you. You’ve grown even more beautiful since the last time I saw you, Your Grace.”

As Florian kissed the back of her hand, she laughed aloud. “Florian, you should save those sweet words for the lovely young ladies, not an old woman like me.”

“But you’re the most beautiful woman here, so I can’t help it.”

“You’re as smooth as ever. I wish Lucius could be even half as charming as you.”

Lucius is great, but he’s no fun. Veronica mumbled this under her breath as Florian glanced around. Lucius was nowhere to be seen.

“Where’s Lucius?”

“He went to speak with the headmaster. Now that I think about it, you two should greet each other soon.”

A moment later, Veronica seemed to remember something and introduced Adelheid to Florian.

“This is Florian Robert, Lucius’ longtime friend. And this is Adelheid Kirchner.”

Florian smiled at Adelheid as he greeted her. “Nice to meet you, Miss Adelheid. It’s the first time we’ve been introduced, isn’t it? I’m Florian Robert. Lucius has told me a lot about you.”

Adelheid blushed, looking a little shy. “Has he said anything bad about me? I’ve been such a bother to him…”

“Of course not. Lucius isn’t the type to speak ill of others, and he values those close to him more than anything. I’m sure that includes you, Miss Adelheid.”

Veronica, who had been watching the exchange, suddenly remembered something and spoke up. “Now that I think of it, I heard that Brianna is working as a tutor for the Kirchner family. It’s such a small world, isn’t it?”

“I was surprised when I heard that too.” Florian politely addressed Adelheid as he continued, “In fact, Brianna and I have been friends for a long time. By chance, she ended up tutoring your brother. If she’s lacking in any way, I hope you’ll be kind and understanding.”

Veronica laughed. “Lacking? I’ve never met anyone as brilliant as Brianna. The last time I saw her, even Countess Kirchner seemed satisfied with her. Don’t worry.”

After quietly listening to their conversation, Adelheid spoke up. “By the way, Lord Robert, who are you attending the ball with?”

Veronica also chimed in with interest. “Yes, Florian, who’s your partner this time? Is it someone I know?”

“Well…” Florian darted his eyes around, then grinned. “But aren’t you two feeling thirsty? How about I get you something to drink?”

Veronica happily accepted the offer. “That sounds wonderful. Would you mind fetching us some refreshments?”