I, Reincarnate as the Leader of the Villainous Knight Order - Chapter 159: Engagement Greetings

Chapter 159: Engagement Greetings  

A week later. A banquet was scheduled to be held at the royal castle to celebrate the subjugation of the Evil God.  

Although this essentially served as preparation time for the event, the knights who had participated in the subjugation were permitted to rest during that period. However, they still had to take turns training the apprentices.  

As for me, during this time, I sent letters to Annabella’s family, the Charette Count household, and to my father, the Marquis Vandière. The plan was to first visit the Charette family for a formal greeting and later arrange a meeting between the two families.  

I was worried that my sudden proposal might result in the letter being harshly rejected. But to my surprise, the response was incredibly positive.  

“Wow, Captain! What’s with the fancy outfit? And a bouquet too? You look like you’re heading out for a marriage proposal or something! Haha!”  

“Well, you’re not entirely wrong.”  

On the fourth day of rest. I received a reply almost immediately after sending my initial letter. It was likely because Annabella had informed them in advance. The visit was set for the very day the reply arrived.  

I was spotted by Arnault in the entrance hall. And when he asked about my plans, I answered truthfully. Although this was technically an engagement greeting, not a wedding proposal.  

“Eh…? Haha, maybe there’s something wrong with my ears. Did I just hear you say you’re getting married, Captain?”  

Arnault looked baffled. He was poking his ear with his pinky as if he hadn’t heard me correctly. Do that kind of thing in your room.  

“It’s an engagement greeting.”  

“WHAT?! The Captain’s getting engaged?!”  

Knowing the truth would come out eventually, I told him directly. In response, Arnault shouted it so loudly that it echoed through the first floor. I promptly silenced him with the “Pickled Plum Punishment” and boarded the carriage arranged for the trip to the Charette household.  

—

Upon arriving at the Charette Count’s estate, I saw Annabella waiting for me at the entrance. Though this was just a formal greeting, the fact that it was to her parents made me undeniably nervous.  

As I stepped out of the carriage, Annabella looked relieved. She was accompanied by an elderly man who appeared to be the steward of the house.  

“We’ve been expecting you… Lord Justin.”  

It seemed he wasn’t yet accustomed to calling me by my name. Understandable, given the short notice.  

“Thank you for welcoming me. Before we meet your parents, this is for you.”  

I handed Annabella a bouquet so large it would require both hands for most women to carry. She accepted it with a shy, happy smile.  

“Thank you… Shall I take you to my parents now?”  

“Allow me to take care of the bouquet, my lady. I’ll place it in your room.”  

“Thank you, Grandpa.”  

Apparently, Annabella referred to the steward as “Grandpa”. It was likely because he’d been caring for her since childhood. His professional demeanor reflected the dignified atmosphere of the Charette household.  

Annabella led me to what appeared to be a reception room. It had a standard design for a noble estate. She knocked on the door and called out.  

“Father, Mother, I’ve brought Lord… Justin.”  

“Please, come in.”  

A calm, composed male voice answered from within—it must have been Annabella’s father.  

As I followed Annabella into the room, I saw her parents rise to greet us.  

“Welcome, Lord Vandière.”  

“Lord and Lady Charette, thank you for sparing your time today.”  

“Please, have a seat.”  

“Thank you.”  

After the initial formalities, I took a seat on the sofa at the countess’ invitation. Annabella seemed to notice my nervousness and struggled to suppress her laughter.  

We exchanged polite small talk for a while before I gathered my courage and spoke up.  

“Lord Charette, I wish to propose marriage to Lady Annabella. Though we cannot marry immediately due to the divine oracle, I will do everything in my power to ensure her happiness. I humbly ask for your permission to formalize our engagement.”  

I said it all in one breath. I then bowed my head deeply while seated.  

“Annabella is our precious only daughter. Please take good care of her and make her happy.”  

“I will.”

It was approved much more easily than I had anticipated. As I raised my head in response, I saw Count Charette tearing up while his wife gently patted his back.  

Still……. it hurt more than I expected.  

But the words I had spoken about doing my best to make Annabella happy were no lie.  

I glanced at Annabella, sitting beside me. Tears welled up in her eyes.  

Could it be that she was feeling guilty toward her parents now of all times? Surely, she wouldn’t confess the truth here and now, would she?  

“Annabella……”  

I understood her feelings. But I silently urged her not to make any rash decisions by gently taking her hand. She looked at me in surprise before giving a small, embarrassed smile.  

It seemed everything was fine. Internally, I breathed a sigh of relief. Still, I decided that a follow-up conversation would probably be necessary after this.  

—

“Hehe, I believe it would be rude of us to linger any longer, my dear.”

“Annabella, would you like to stay here and talk? Or perhaps a stroll in the garden would be better? I can have tea prepared in the gazebo.”  

Following the countess’ suggestion, we decided to take a walk in the garden.  

Little did I know at that moment that this stroll would reveal just how oblivious I could be.