Vol. 3 - Ch. 112 - Katariona Fought Hard at her Brother’s Engagement Ceremony (Part 1)
The Falsely Executed Marquis’ Daughter Wants to Live Peacefully with Fluffy GodThis chapter is broken. Please report this on discord.
This chapter is broken. Please report this on discord.
The date for the engagement ceremony of my brother and Tria, which had been postponed due to the commotion at the royal ball, has finally arrived.
The plan is to conduct the ceremony in the afternoon with only family members of the two families and hold a reception at night for the official announcement.
The location is set to be the townhouse of the Marquis de Grandeur.
I was sent out early in the morning by my mother to confirm the arrangements.
"Have the flowers arrived? Have you finished preparing the food for the banquet?"
My mother, the mistress of the house, was going through everything to make sure everything was in order. It was a matter of family dignity if there was anything untoward.
"Madam, could you check the waiting room, please?"
Marie, who had prepared the waiting room for the Duke of Villiersberg, requested Mother to do a final check.
"My hands are tied at the moment. Rio, can you go in my place?"
"Alright, mother. Let's go, Marie."
On the way to the waiting room with Marie, I saw an unusual, tranquil scene.
"We, men, are of no use at times like this, Sieg."
"Yes, we are, father."
I saw my father and brother relaxing in the salon, drinking tea. Leon lounging around in the sunshine.
"You both look bored."
I smiled at them, and their shoulders shook with fright.
"Father will help mother! Brother and Leon are helping me! I'm so busy I could really use a helping hand!"
I tugged on my brother's hand and held Leon by my side.
"Rio, you're starting to resemble your mother."
He chuckled.
"Because I am my mother's daughter!"
I've been watching the brilliant and ruthless mistress my whole life.
"Big brother."
"Hm?"
"Congratulations."
When I turned to my brother to congratulate him, he broke into a smile.
"Thank you, Rio."
Once the engagement ceremony was over, I went back to my room to prepare for the evening event.
"Today you will be showing off this dress."
Marie had gotten a blue gradient color dress for me. This dress was co-designed by Laura and Marie, so I was looking forward to the day I could wear it.
"Sandorion's dresses are really nice."
"This dress was designed for you, milady. I am looking forward to designing a wedding dress for you, too, milady."
"Ma, Marie!"
A wedding dress? It's still too early to say.
I glanced at Leon, who was looking at me with a serious face.
"What's the matter, Leon?"
"Rio, you always said that you wanted to be the Bride of God since you were a child. Do you still feel the same way?"
-----Eh!?
"What's the matter with you all of a sudden? I have not changed my mind. And I will never change my mind."
"...... I see."
Leon fell silent.
What was the matter with him?
For the evening party, we have invited people who are close to both families, as well as friends of my brother and Tria.
The event will be a standing buffet so that people can mingle freely.
But of course, one of my brother's friends is the Crown Prince.
My parents told me to only say hello to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and to always travel with family or friends.
After the ceremony, the two families went around to greet the guests of the day.
"Congratulations, Tria! You look great today."
"Angelica. Don't be rude."
Angelica's sister, Marguerite-sama, reproached her for her enthusiasm. Tria looks absolutely wonderful today. I understand how you feel, Angelica.
"I apologize for my sister's rudeness. Today I am here on behalf of my father, the Marquis of Ashbury. Congratulations to the Duke of Villiersberg and the Marquis de Grandeur on your engagement. We congratulate you from the bottom of our hearts."
Marguerite-sama and Angel greeted the heads of the two families. She already possessed the dignified demeanor of the head of the family.
"Thank you, Marguerite-sama and Angelica-sama. I trust your father is well?"
Tria's father, the Duke of Villiersberg, returned the greeting to Marguerite-sama.
It was at that moment that the butler announced the arrival of the Crown Prince and Chris. We had received word that they would be late.
"His Royal Highness Prince Richard and Her Royal Highness Princess Christina have arrived."
Everyone who had been chatting until then fell silent, and simultaneously took the bow of a subject.
"Everyone, raise your heads. This is a happy occasion. No need to salute."
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince said, and walked over to us.
"Congratulations to the Duke of Villiersberg and the Marquis de Grandeur on your engagement today."
The Duke of Villiersberg and my father bowed respectfully to the Crown Prince's congratulations. My father's expression was a little sullen, but only the family should be able to read the subtle changes in his expression.
"Thank you, Your Royal Highness. I appreciate your presence here today on behalf of my daughter. Thank you, Princess, for always taking such good care of my daughter."
"Duke of Villiersberg, it is I who am grateful to you for the friendship and support you have extended to me. Congratulations on your engagement to Siegfried-sama, Victoria-sama."
"Thank you, Princess Christina."
In response to Chris's congratulations, Tria, who was being escorted by my brother, replied with blushing cheeks.
I felt a gaze on me and turned my eyes to find His Royal Highness the Crown Prince staring at me.
"Your Royal Highness, thank you for coming to our engagement ceremony today. Victoria and I thank you very much."
Noticing that the Crown Prince was staring at me, my brother stepped forward to shield me.
"Ah, yes, congratulations Siegfried. I wish you the best of wishes, my friend."
I touched my brother's hand that was placed on his back as a way to say thank you, brother. He made a peace sign with his hand.
I guess that means "You're welcome."
After chatting with the Duke of Villiersberg and Father for a while, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and Chris were led to their seats.
After finishing our greetings, we decided to devote ourselves to our own socializing.
"Rio, have you finished your rounds of greetings?"
Here comes my escort for the day. It was Leon, of course.
"Leon. Yes, I'm done."
"You should get some rest. I have prepared a seat for you over there."
Leon indicated to a seat by the window.
Once escorted to the table, Marie set the drinks on the table.
"Thank you for all your hard work, milady. Would you like something to drink?"
"Yes. The heat in the hall is getting to me. Can I have some ice cream?"
"Yes, of course. I'll bring your favorite strawberry sorbet. How about you, Leon-sama?"
Leon nodded in agreement as a plate piled high with food was placed in front of him.
"Bring me the same thing. Just a big pile, please."
"Fufu. Yes, of course."
Marie bowed and then went to get the ice cream.
"Leon, you are ruining your noble image."
I am amazed, almost appalled by Leon, who was eating his food with his mouth wide open.
"No one's looking. Everyone is too busy socializing."
No, that's not true. Leon was unaware of his own attractiveness. Several of the young ladies had glanced at Leon, their cheeks reddening.
"Leon is the adopted son of the Duke of Paulford and the next Earl of Lanchester."
"I don't want a title. The Prime Minister decided that on his own."
What was his uncle thinking when he adopted Leon? Could it have been to replace his late son?
My uncle had three sons, but the youngest died at the age of three. They were surprised at the sudden news, but it seemed that he was born with a heart defect and was not expected to live long. My uncle and his wife must have been devastated, even though they were prepared for it.
I had only met him once, but I remembered the innocent image of my cousin who was still very young.
"Mu--! I'm out of food. I'm going to go get a refill. I'll be right back, stay where you are, Rio."
I was feeling down in the dumps when Leon suddenly said something out of the blue, which threw me off.
"You don't have to tell me that."
Leon is more of a foodie than a sexy guy.
I tipped my glass as I admired the venue.
People were chattering and laughing away under the glittering chandeliers. What kind of conversation are they having?
"Ah, my drink is almost gone."
My glass was empty, so I looked around to see if there was a waiter nearby.
All of a sudden, a drink was presented before me.
"Thank you, Marie. ......"
I thought Marie had brought me a drink. But when I saw who brought me the drink, I choked up.
—---
TL: Oh my gosh, he’s like a lingering wild ghost that just won’t stop pestering our dear Rio! Ahem Anyway, hope you guys enjoyed reading and look forward to the next~ happy reading!