Engagement Party
Right now, I’m attending Brother Gerald’s private engagement party.
Brother Gerald’s outfit is made of a deep navy fabric, but depending on the light, it almost looks blue.
It’s probably woven with some blue thread mixed in.
His cuffs and accessories use colors matching Young Lady Diana’s eyes.
Young Lady Diana wears a dress in a shade that looks like a blend of violet and pink.
In her loosely pinned-up hair, she has several hair ornaments shaped like flowers—large amethysts as the centers, with small pearls forming the petals.
They were clearly chosen to match Brother Gerald’s eye color.
Since Brother Gerald has black hair and violet eyes, a young Young Lady Diana had no real choice but to pick purple.
She could have chosen to incorporate the color only subtly, but I suppose this was her preference.
Because it’s a daytime party, her dress isn’t as extravagant as one worn at an evening ball, but anyone can tell the fabric is of the highest quality.
Thankfully, with Brother Isaac and Brigitte, Brother Hubert and Dianne also attending, I wasn’t left alone.
Brother Chris, as the heir, is busy making the rounds with our parents and Brother Gerald.
“Thanks to all of you, you really saved me.”
People do come to greet me, but no idiot tries to linger with the groups from the Northtrad Margrave family, the Carlton Marquis family, or the Garuda Count family.
“Sometimes we have to be useful, or we won’t keep an equal relationship.”
“We’re always the ones receiving from you.”
“I do as I like and drag you all in. I’m aware of it.”
When I said that bluntly, Brother Hubert laughed.
“Uncle Davit said it was the tea whisk, didn’t he? He was impressed you came up with a tool to froth milk after seeing the bamboo vases at the exhibition.”
Uncle Davit had seen me calling Dino, the maker of the bamboo vase, after the exhibition to place an order.
“There’s a tool used for whipping eggs, right? I wondered if that could be improved.”
… Though the truth is, I just knew about it from my previous life.
“That kind of idea itself is amazing.”
“The matcha latte is delicious. The milk is so creamy.”
Being praised makes me feel guilty, but wanting tasty things isn’t a crime, so they can forgive me.
“Reinhardt, can you dance?”
“You didn’t have anyone to practice with, right?”
Ugh. They had to ask that.
Mother trained me relentlessly, saying not being able to dance was unacceptable for a noble, so yes, I can dance.
But do I want to? No.
They say it’s all about getting used to it, but it’s embarrassing.
“Want to dance for practice?”
“Brigitte, if I dance with you, others might start sending invitations. No thanks.”
“Practice is important.”
It’s fine.
If I don’t have to do it, I won’t.
Brigitte looked at my reluctant face and gave up.
“How long are you staying in the capital, Reinhardt?”
“I’ll return once the party gathering our house’s vassals is over.”
“That soon?”
“The new town development is busy.”
“You’re working diligently.”
“We don’t have enough people.”
“If you want to sightsee in the capital, we’ll go with you.”
“My parents hate it when I wander around, so I’ll pass.”
They’re worried I’ll cause some sort of problem.
Especially this year—they told me to behave since Brother Gerald’s engagement preparations keep everyone busy.
While we were enjoying our conversation, Brother Gerald and Young Lady Diana came over.
“Good work,” Brother Isaac greeted them.
“Thank you all for coming. I really hope the rest goes smoothly.”
Brigitte and Dianne began complimenting Young Lady Diana’s dress and hair ornaments.
“Brother Gerald, Young Lady Diana, would you like anything to eat?”
“We still have more people to greet, so I’m fine.”
“Thank you, but I’ll refrain for now.”
Just as things felt peaceful—
“Why wasn’t I invited!? Even if I married out, I’m still a direct member of Southcourt! How dare you belittle me!”
Her voice was loud enough for us to hear everything.
“That’s Lady Suzanna. Grandfather said it was settled, and yet…”
“She’s Lord Kevin’s older sister,” Brother Gerald whispered.
Ah, so she was the mastermind who schemed behind the scenes and tore apart the Southcourt family.
“Please stop this, Sister.”
Lord Kevin signaled a server, and Lady Suzanna was escorted out of the hall.
“Diana.”
Brother Gerald offered his hand and escorted Young Lady Diana to the center of the hall, and the two began dancing.
… Wow. He handled that perfectly.
If he hadn’t acted, the mood would’ve been ruined because of Lady Suzanna, but he smoothly shifted things back to normal.
“I can’t imagine myself doing something like that.”
“What are you talking about? You have to at least do that much.”
“But I’m not inheriting the house.”
“In your case, Reinhardt, you’ll have more interactions because of the trading company.”
“With your achievements so far, you’ll definitely be granted a title.”
“Can I refuse?”
“You should accept it. Having a title makes a huge difference.”
Brother Isaac must mean something like Uncle Davit’s position as a Count of the Court.
I really don’t want to get dragged into troublesome matters… but it might be unavoidable.
After that, the party ended without further issues.
I was saved today thanks to everyone, but at the next party… I’ll probably be all alone.
What do you think about this chapter?
