Chapter 5

"Why is that, Miss Loretta?"

After refusing his proposal, I was confronted by Lord Adavan at the evening party. He dramatically lamented and mourned.

"I am a woman who does not understand the ways of adults. I have decided that you would not change after marriage, so I must decline your offer."

I laughed softly. I don't want a cheater. I want to marry a man who loves only me.

"By proposing to me, are you not underestimating me to think that you can still have relations with other women? I have a clear understanding of your so-called 'love.' (Translation: I hate cheaters.)"

"Miss Loretta, you are more idealistic than I thought."

Lord Adavan looked troubled. His attitude, as if he were dealing with a disobedient child, made me even more irritated.

"Oh, what's wrong with a maiden dreaming about marriage? To win me, you need to be the 'best,' not just 'one of them.' You need to be the 'only one.'"

Lord Adavan, despite his enthusiastic pursuit, never said he would not have relations with other women. He clearly intends to continue his womanizing. While I have lost my purity, I still find men who are loose with their morals repulsive. Lord Adavan shrugged and left.

As I was drinking champagne at the venue, Lord Josephine approached.

"Hello, Miss Loretta. You look beautiful today."

"Good evening, Your Highness."

"Although my proposal was refused, I came to see if you might change your mind."

"Your time would be wasted. (Translation: I have no intention of changing my mind.)"

I savored the champagne. The elegant bubbles caressed my tongue. The alcohol content was light, so it wouldn't make me drunk.

"Miss Loretta, I have always admired you. Would you not pluck the red rose that blooms in my heart with your fair fingertips?"

"I don't feed dogs I don't plan to keep. (Translation: I can't take responsibility, so it's impossible.)"

Lord Josephine looked sad. He is probably the type who doesn't cheat, which is very appealing, but even a crown prince is too much for me... His position is too heavy for me. It might have been too heavy for Princess Beatrice as well. Thinking about this, I feel sorry for Lord Josephine.

"Your Highness, what do you like about me?"

"I find your honest kindness endearing. You are unique, charming, and lovely."

Hmm...

He really sees me clearly... Such a pity.

"If I were at least the second prince, you might have taken my hand."

"Hypothetical scenarios are meaningless."

"At least dance with me tonight."

"I suppose I can. (Translation: I'd be delighted.)"

I danced with Lord Josephine. He is a wonderful man, and if he were the second prince, I might have considered him more seriously.

After one dance, Lord Josephine left. He can't afford to linger on a woman he can't have.

I am somewhat beautiful, so I attract attention from men.

I danced with many different men throughout the night.

"Miss Loretta, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Siegmund Edwin. Please remember me."

Edwin is a count. I flipped through my mental directory of nobles.

"I am Loretta Shellgam."

I am my mother's stepchild and not adopted, so I am not a daughter of the Dinatore family. I am treated as a descendant of the Shellgam count's family. My father's family was stripped of their title due to his misconduct, so the Shellgam count's family is my mother's family. My father made excuses to my mother when his misconduct was exposed, and she lost patience with him. Since there was no family for my father to pass on, I was taken in by my mother. I don't know what happened to my father after that. He was never very kind, so I don't have much affection for him. The only father I recognize is Father Mikal.

Siegmund was incredibly handsome. He had tanned skin and silver hair. His large, emerald eyes were like gemstones. His features were sharp and radiant, like a living jewel. He was beautiful and slightly wild, a charming man. His appearance was perfect.

"Would you care to dance?"

"It would be an honor to dance with you. (Translation: I'd be delighted.)"

Siegmund was an excellent dancer, making me feel special. I was thoroughly enjoying myself.

"How was the dance, Princess?"

Siegmund smiled.

"It was quite enjoyable. (Translation: It was a lot of fun!)"

"I'm glad to hear that. Would you like to chat a bit?"

We went out to the terrace and chatted. The moonlit terrace was romantic.

Siegmund was a wonderful gentleman and spoke Loretta's language very well. Our conversation flowed smoothly.

"Miss Loretta, I heard you refused Lord Adavan's and Prince Josephine's proposals. Is there someone you have your eye on?"

I quickly dismissed the fleeting image of Alt that came to mind.

"No, there isn't."

"Then, what about me?"

Hmm...

I do think he is a wonderful person, but...

"I'm not the kind of woman who would easily agree to a handsome man's advances. Show me your sincerity. (Translation: Siegmund is a wonderful person, but I need some time to think. We should get to know each other better...)"

"You're right."

We just met, so I avoided giving an immediate answer. I want to get to know each other better and fall in love with Siegmund before considering his proposal. I also want to investigate his character. I don't want someone like Lord Adavan.

Siegmund mentioned that he grows roses as a hobby, learning from his gardener while struggling with the process.

I shared that my hobby is art appreciation and that I ask Father to give me paintings I like as gifts.

Our conversation was very enjoyable.

***

Alt seems to be in a bad mood. He is silent in the carriage on the way back.

"What's wrong? Your bad mood is affecting me too. (Translation: Did something happen?)"

"…It's not good for my sister to wag her tail so easily for other men."

Is he talking about Siegmund?

"Why should I need my little brother's approval to choose a man I want to wag my tail for? I am not your property. (Translation: Even I can have a crush on someone.)"

Alt looked frustrated. He seems emotionally unstable lately. I'm worried about him.