Instead of My Stepsister, I Have Become Engaged to the Son of a Marquis, Who Is Said to Only Have a Year Left to Live - Chapter 30
Chapter 30
In the carriage
As they rode in the carriage home, Lionel snuggled up to Edith and narrowed his eyes nostalgically.
“Do you remember, Edith? The last time I came to the Oak Ridge Earl House, even the rocking in the carriage on the way back was so painful that I felt like my body was going to fall apart. You noticed the change in my physical condition right away and were concerned about me.”
“…At that time, you made the effort to come and pick me up from your house. I was worried, but I was grateful for your kindness.”
“But now, my body is like this. Although I still have some inconveniences in my daily life, it is a world of difference compared to back then. …Just as Miss Laura, who came to greet you earlier, said, you have created a miracle in my life. When I first met you, I said that I didn’t mind if you thought of it as a one-year engagement… but I hope to be able to live with you for many more years, and if possible, for decades to come.”
Lionel looked intently into Edith’s eyes, his eyes blazing with heat.
“As I have told the Earl and Countess of Oak Ridge and your stepsister, I cannot imagine anyone other than you as the person to spend my life with. I know you may feel uneasy about being with me, as my body is still not in perfect condition… but I want to ask you once again. Would you be willing to continue our engagement?”
“Lord Lionel…”
Edith felt tears welling up in her eyes as she looked back at Lionel with a serious expression.
“Of course, I don’t mind marrying you once my body has recovered and you’re no longer worried. But as I promised when I first met you and was told I only had a year left to live, if a year passes like this and you leave me… I just can’t bear it.”
Edith smiled at Lionel, who seemed a little nervous.
“I don’t know how to convey to you how happy I am to hear your words. I really do love you, Lord Lionel. You are the only one; I want to be by your side… But there is something else that is making me anxious…”
Edith lowered her eyes, remembering the words of her stepsister, Dahlia.
“I believe that Lord Lionel’s illness will definitely be cured… However, as I told you at the beginning, I have lived as a commoner for a long time, and I do not have the manners or education befitting an aristocrat, let alone a marquis. Unlike an ordinary person like me, many beautiful young ladies have received a proper aristocratic education and will surely flock to you now that you are healthy. But even so, I worry that I might become a hindrance to you in the future…”
Lionel gently held Edith’s soft hand.
“I will always protect you. Besides, there are more important things in a human being than the manners and education of an aristocrat. You have those things, Edith. Deep kindness and compassion, and a strong, pure heart. There will never be another woman with a heart as beautiful as yours.”
Edith raised her eyes to face Lionel, and he continued.
“I don’t think there’s anyone beside you who I want to spend this life with. … In the past, even before I fell ill, I had seen many young ladies, and there was talk of my engagement to Eugenie, but none of them moved me as a woman. You are definitely the first person I’ve ever loved so much that it made my heart ache, and I’ve ever felt the desire to be with you forever.”
Lionel smiled as he put his arms around Edith and pulled her close.
“Edith, you are the only one for me in life. I know this is selfish of me, but if you have feelings for me, I hope you will nod in agreement with what I say.”
Being held in the arms of stunningly handsome Lionel, Edith felt her heart visibly leap with excitement and looked up at him in surrender.
“Lord Lionel. If it is truly okay for me to continue standing beside you, … then I’d be happy to.”
“I’m glad for you, Edith.”
Lionel’s face was filled with joy, and he gently kissed Edith’s lightly flushed cheek. In an instant, Edith’s cheeks grew hotter and redder.
“Also, there is one thing I want to tell you… Although I am the eldest son, I suffered from such a serious illness and am still recovering, so I don’t know if I will be able to inherit the Marquis of Granvelle family. The decision as to whether my younger brother Craig or I will inherit the family will be left to my father’s sole discretion. Are you okay with that?”
“Of course. It doesn’t matter to me whether or not Lord Lionel will succeed the Marquis of Granvelle. I will be happy just to be by Lord Lionel’s side.”
“Thank you, Edith. I’ll cherish it.”
Lionel tightened his arms and hugged Edith tighter. Edith was surprised at the strength of Lionel’s arms, which had grown strong like a young man, and she felt her heart fill with happiness as she gently leaned into his arms.