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 4

Chapter 4
If it’s okay with me

　Edith gave Lionel a bright smile and nodded.

“Of course, I wouldn’t mind. I’d be happy to.”

　Lionel was surprised by Edith’s answer and the smile that confirmed it was not a lie. Lionel’s father smiled happily at seeing his son and Edith, and quickly got up from the sofa.

“Then we won’t get in your way. Is that okay?”
“Yes, that’s it. Edith, I’ll leave it to you.”

　Edith’s stepmother also smiled broadly, emphasized the last part of “I’ll leave it to you,” and gave Edith a sharp look as she left. When the door to the room closed and Edith and Lionel were left alone in the drawing room, Lionel asked Edith, who sat in the chair in front of him,

“…Lady Edith. Were you not aware that my body was in this state?”
“Yes, I had no idea. To tell the truth, I only found out a while ago that a marriage proposal between me and Lord Lionel had come to this house.”

　Lionel chuckled at Edith’s words.

“In that case, I have practically deceived you. You probably never imagined that I would be in such a dire situation after only just hearing that I was to become your fiance. However…”

　Lionel’s gaze drifted thoughtfully into space for a moment, then he returned his gaze to Edith.

“I know this is a difficult request, but Lady Edith, I would be very happy if you would accept my engagement. I think it would be better for me to explain the situation to you directly, so please allow me to explain it to you.”

　After saying that, Lionel began coughing in agony, and his body began to tremble. Edith quickly rose from her chair, stroked his back, and began to speak.

“Lionel-sama, are you okay? Please don’t push yourself too hard…”
“Its no problem. Thank you for your concern.”

　Edith understood Lionel’s feelings and nodded at his words, then smiled, impressed by his politeness.

“Lord Lionel, I am of lower rank and younger than you, so please call me Edith. I would appreciate it if you would be more casual in your speech towards me.”
“…I see. Then I’ll take you up on your offer, Edith.”

　Lionel’s cheeks relaxed slightly, and he continued speaking to Edith.

“I don’t think there’s any point in hiding it, so I’ll tell you honestly, there have been many young ladies who turned pale when they saw me, like your stepsister, whom I met earlier. Edith is the first woman who didn’t distort her face when she saw me since I fell ill.”
“……Eh?”

　Edith looked back at Lionel, feeling a sharp pain in her chest.

“The truth is, my father had previously considered asking the daughters of several noble families to become engaged to me. However, before he could get to that point, they all ran away as soon as they saw me. No matter how much I was the eldest son of a marquis, it seems that no one was interested in becoming engaged to someone with such a serious illness. However,…”

　Lionel looked at Edith with a serious expression.

“My younger brother is soon to be engaged to a certain young lady. However, as you are aware, I am not yet engaged. Due to my physical condition, I would not mind if my younger brother got engaged first, but my father is worried about it. He thinks that the right order should be for me to get engaged first.”

　Edith nodded at Lionel’s words. If, in this situation, the Marquis of Granvelle had betrothed the younger son before the older brother, it would not have been strange for other noble families to assume that the younger son would inherit the family business, and that the eldest son, who was seriously ill, had been given up on as a potential successor.

“Moreover, I heard that you are the descendant of a family skilled in healing magic. My father cares so much for me that I feel guilty, and he has done everything he can to cure my illness. I apologize for taking advantage of your kindness and your family’s financial situation, but I would like to fulfill my father’s wish if possible. Even if you accept my engagement, I may not be able to do anything for you that a fiancée should. I won’t be able to dance with you at the evening party, and the places hang go out together will be limited. I may only cause you trouble…”

　Lionel let out a small sigh as a lonely smile formed on his lips.

“I’m sorry to have you get engaged to someone like me. The truth is, the doctor has given up on me. He says I only have a year left to live.”
“…!”

　Edith stared at him blankly, unable to find the words to reply, so Lionel continued.

“So, even if you were to accept my engagement now, I don’t think I will live long enough to get married. My father is giving me the best treatment he can, but I understand that feeling. However, I don’t want my father to have any regrets when I leave this world… I’m sorry for being so selfish, but could you please bear with me for just a year? You can think of it as a one-year engagement contract.”

(I never thought that such a situation would occur to Lord Lionel…)

　Edith, holding back the tears that were beginning to well up in her eyes, spoke to Lionel.

“If it is okay with you, I would like to accept your engagement to Lord Lionel. However, there is one thing I must tell you.”

　Edith looked directly at Lionel.

“…As my stepmother said, I have only been in this household for about a year and a half. My mother is of commoner origin, and I lived as a commoner myself until I lost my parents in an accident and was taken in by this Earl household. I have not acquired the minimum manners required of an aristocrat, nor have I acquired the education that an aristocrat should have. I will likely cause Lionel-sama, a lot of trouble. Is that still okay with you?”
“Oh, of course. I don’t mind that at all. … And besides,”

　Lionel’s eyes were filled with a gentle light as he gazed back at Edith.

“When I met you today, I thought that if it were possible, I would like to spend one last moment with you. I’m glad that you accepted my engagement.”

　As Lionel spoke with a gentle smile, Edith’s cheeks flushed a soft red.