Chapter 4

In the swaying carriage on the way back, I was jolted by the rattle and rattle. The carriage seats four, but on the opposite side of us two, only one maid sat quietly, as still as a statue.

"…I heard that not only Lord Advance, but also Lord Josephine proposed to your sister."

You already know, huh. The social circle is a place where information spreads quickly.

"It's just nonsense."

"It might be serious."

Alto had a serious expression.

"Stop saying silly things. If it were Prince Josephine, he would have more women than he could handle."

"I don't know! …But, sister is cute…"

When I looked at Alto in surprise, he was blushing and turned away.

"Oh, Alto, you've even learned to flatter. You've evolved from a monkey, haven't you? (Translation: I'm glad you're growing, but it's a bit embarrassing.)"

"…."

Alto didn't speak after that.

It's not like Alto. This is probably the first time he's ever called me "cute." Usually, he only spits out insults when he opens his mouth and never compliments me for being cute or beautiful.

…When I received a marriage proposal from the royal family in the past, Alto opposed it. I was hurt by his harsh words back then.

While reminiscing about the past, we rode in silence.

***

What a fool. Later, an official engagement proposal came from the royal family.

I was called to Father's study and asked, "What do you think?"

"Please decline it."

I asserted to Father. I don't dislike Prince Josephine, and I think he's a wonderful person, but being a princess is absolutely out of the question.

"It's a request from the royal family. How do you plan to decline it?"

"Say something like, 'Loretta suffers from an incurable speech disorder and cannot serve as a princess.' It's not an imperial decree, so it should be possible to decline."

Father shrugged. If it were an imperial decree, we couldn't refuse. The royal family must be aware that Loretta is a defective lady and wouldn't push it. I think it's foolish to even bring this up now. It's probably at the behest of Prince Josephine… I can tell he likes me.

"Then I'll respond that way."

I drank tea in Father's study. Herbal tea. It's oddly sour. Mother bought it because it's good for beauty or something. I don't dislike it, but I don't particularly like it either. It's a beautiful reddish color.

"Hey, Loretta. What would you do if Alto said he wanted to marry you?"

"Isn't it a waste of time to think about something impossible? (Translation: I've never even thought about it because it's impossible.)"

"Hmm…"

Father hummed.

Alto and I getting married? No way. Lately, he hasn't been as bad, but every time he looks at me, it's like he's looking at a caterpillar.

"Shall we go to an art exhibition as a family next time?"

"You seem to have learned a better way to spend your time, Father. (Translation: I'm really looking forward to it.)"

I'm looking forward to family time. An art exhibition with everyone! I'm especially excited because I love art appreciation.

***

We took a carriage as a family to the Rupart Master's art exhibition. Rupart Master is the most popular and in-demand painter in the art world right now. He's young, but his skills are undeniable.

His paintings are characterized by vivid colors and a fantastical style. A painting of a girl playing a flute in a meadow with her long hair flowing in the wind is beautiful. It has an indescribable charm.

"Sister, there's a painting of the birth of a goddess over there."

Alto spoke with a smile. Lately, he's been smiling at me more often. He used to make a face like he was looking at a caterpillar whenever he saw me. I'm not unhappy, but I'm a bit confused.

"Let's take a look then."

The painting depicted a fragrant goddess born from a rose bud, with fairies dancing around her in celebration. It was meticulously painted with soft, pale colors.

"It's quite nice. (Translation: It's really beautiful!)"

"The texture of the roses is amazing. They look so lustrous and wet."

Alto praised the rose petals. Indeed, the texture of the wet petals is well depicted, but…

"This is the moment to marvel at the beauty of the goddess."

I had a subtle expression. The roses that gave birth to the goddess are indeed beautiful, but the main subject of this painting is the goddess. Her beauty is breathtaking, with a face and figure that could be described as the most beautiful in the world. The goddess is likely Flotia, the goddess of love and beauty, who is considered the most beautiful being in the world.

"The goddess is beautiful, but you are more beautiful, sister."

"Oh, are you up to something? (Translation: I get flustered when you suddenly start flattering me.)"

"R-really, you are beautiful…"

Alto blushed.

I felt my cheeks turn red at his seemingly sincere reaction. I shouldn't be flustered with my brother. I scolded myself.

"Of course. I always strive to be better. (Translation: I'll work harder to be even more beautiful.)"

I tried to sound positive, but it might come across as arrogant…

We joined Father and Mother to admire the paintings together, or I would take my time to appreciate the ones I liked. Rupart Master also paints landscapes. A sunset over the sea, with the sky painted in shades of crimson and gold, is breathtaking. I was entranced by the beauty.

Suddenly, I saw Lord Advance admiring a painting with a lady on his arm. Is she the rumored widow?

"Lord Advance."

When I called out, he looked surprised.

"Miss Loretta. What a coincidence to meet you here."

"Yes, quite a coincidence. You two seemed quite intimate. I must have interrupted something."

I commented with a sharp tone. Proposing to me and then admiring paintings with another woman?

"It's a misunderstanding. She is… a pastime for a gentleman. It's not serious."

"I see. I wasn't aware of such gentlemanly pastimes. (Translation: Do you really think that excuse works with women?)"

"Miss Loretta, you are a grown lady, right? One should understand the pastimes of adults."

He winked at me.

I was irritated. I had heard that his romantic life was colorful, but this is what it looks like. It's infuriating to see it firsthand. Adult pastimes? Are you kidding? It's just infidelity.

"I see. I understand now. (Translation: I understand that we are incompatible.)"

That's not a position for someone who has already lost her virginity to take.

"That's good. I love you the most in the world."

Lord Advance probably loves me the most. But he also loves other women, as part of his adult pastimes. I can't imagine marrying a man who would continue this behavior after marriage. Lord Advance is indeed handsome and a bit playful and kind, but… the connection with the Drarek family is certainly advantageous, but we're not in such a desperate situation that we need to force a marriage. I don't like what I don't like. If I have a choice, I'd rather choose someone else. I have two more years to decide. There's no need to rush.

I arranged for Father to send a polite refusal.