Chapter 24
More laughable words.
But though Lilian wanted to laugh out loud, she could not, with the pain swelling inside her.
That was when the marquise gently took her hand and explained, “To be honest, our family’s position isn’t as glamorous as it used to be, but we still hold influence. If the prince ever desires to return to the imperial capital in the future, his only excuse is to visit the marquis‘ household.”
She sighed softly then. “Of course, I have my own reasons for this arrangement. Henry Stark is young and accomplished, which is why he and his family are thought of highly in the emperor’s court.
“That said, the emperor is also wary of our family these days, so if Evelyn is to marry Henry with no further issues, you can’t marry someone who’s too important… In that respect, Prince
Michael is the ideal choice.”
Lilian read between the lines right then–in the end, her arranged marriage with the prince was a matter of political counterbalance.
The marquis‘ household was eager to strengthen their alliance with the Stafks, while Prince Michael needed the assistance of the marquis‘ household.
Compared to those matters, Lilian’s marriage paled in importance.
“I see,” she said softly, somehow relieved.
After all, she would feel even more uncomfortable if the marquise’s response was no different
from Michael’s.
But now, she realized that the marriage happened by design.
She had presumed that the marquise had only started planning when Henry suggested that the elder daughter should marry first.
Now that Lilian thought about it, the marquise could well have thought of it when Madam Lestrade appealed to the empress for Lilian’s release–or even earlier than that.
That sounded more like it, with the way the marquis‘ household treated her like a tool.
However, whether it was because Lilian was clearly relieved or because her voice was too soft, her reaction seemed to cut the marquise‘ heart like a knife.
With tears welling up in her eyes, she asked, “Do you blame me for this?”
Lilian shook her head. “Thank you for your honest reply, my lady.”
Her tone was earnest–she was genuinely grateful.
But the more earnest she was, the more sorry the marquise somehow felt for her.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 24
with tears welling up in her eyes, the marquise was crying by the time their carriage stopped outside the marquis‘ residence.
Lilian was left frowning as she watched her, unsure what had gotten into the woman.
She had clearly done nothing, even agreeing to the arranged marriage as they wanted, but that left the marquise in tears?
Still, she thought that Evelyn got that from the marquise.
She did not get off the carriage and simply sat, waiting.
Realizing that she lost composure too, the marquise quickly wiped her tears and forced a smile. “Sorry, I’ve really made a mess of myself. Come on, let’s get off the carriage.”
“Yes,” Lilian quietly replied and alighted first.
It just so happened that Rupert was stepping out from the marquis‘ residence, frowning when he saw Lilian,
He strode up to her, clearly ready to speak since he had blundered terribly on New Year’s Eve,
However, he had yet to get close when he saw the marquise alight as well, her eyes still tearful and clearly having cried.
Rupert’s heart skipped a beat, and his steps quickened as he ran up, grabbing Lilian by the arm and pulling viciously. “Lilian Kerr! Do you even have a heart?! What did you say to Mother to make her cry like that?!”
He was once again blaming her for something she did not do in no time at all!
