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 8

Chapter 8
To the Marquis of Granvelle

　The day after Edith met Lionel and their engagement was confirmed, a splendid carriage from the Marquis de Granvelle family came to pick up Edith, just as promised.

　When Lionel got out of the carriage with the help of his servant, he looked even paler than the day before, and Edith, worried, hurried over to him.

“Lord Lionel, thank you for coming. Umm, how are you feeling?”
“Oh, I’m fine. Besides, seeing you seems to cheer me up.”

　Lionel smiled as he said this, but Edith realized that he was pushing himself and enduring the pain, and she felt bad for him. She quickly spoke up, thinking that spending too much time outside must be bad for Lionel’s body.

“I am also happy to meet you, Lord Lionel. Everything is ready, and all that remains is to board the carriage that came to pick us up, so let’s get going right away.”

　Edith glanced back and saw her stepparents and stepsister, smiling fondly at her, seeing her off.

　Edith’s stepfather bowed politely to Lionel’s father as he followed him out of the carriage.

“Marquis. I’m sure there are many things I’m lacking, but I hope you’ll take good care of Edith.”
“No. I am truly grateful that someone like Lady Edith has agreed to betroth my son to her.”

　Edith’s stepfather looked from Lionel’s father to Edith.

“Edith, I appreciate your kind words. Please don’t be rude.”
“Yes, Stepfather. Everyone, please take care.”

　Edith, holding a small bag, saw Laura gazing at her and waving softly. Edith gave Laura a wink and a smile before turning her back to the Oak Ridge Earl’s House.

＊＊＊

　As Edith looked out the carriage window at the shrinking Earl of Oak Ridge mansion and reminisced about the year and a half since she arrived, she heard Lionel, who was sitting across from her, call out to her with a concerned look on his face.

“Are you feeling lonely about leaving the Oak Ridge household, Edith?”
“No, I was just remembering the past year and a half. Thank you for your concern, Lord Lionel.”

　As the carriage shook, Lionel’s voice trembled, and he breathed heavily, but he looked like he was trying even harder to endure the pain in his body, so Edith couldn’t help but continue.

“Well, the carriage does shake a lot, and I’m sure it’s quite uncomfortable for you, Lord Lionel. I know it may seem presumptuous, but why don’t you close your eyes and get some rest? I’ll be staying with the Marquis of Granvelle from now on, and I’ll have plenty of time to spend with you, so please don’t worry about me.”

　Edith had no intention of just accepting that Lionel had only a year left to live, so she made the point of saying that he had plenty of time. She had already thought up some medicines she wanted Lionel to try.

　As if he had understood Edith’s intentions, Lionel smiled softly.

“Thank you for your kind words, Edith. I’m sorry I don’t have the time, but I’ll take advantage of your kindness.”

　After answering Edith, Lionel slowly closed his sunken eyes. Soon, Edith heard Lionel’s faint breathing in his sleep. As Edith listened to his uneven, slightly labored breathing, Lionel’s father, who was sitting next to Edith, whispered to her.

“Thank you, Lady Edith, for your concern for my son.”
“No, not at all. And please call me Edith.”

　Lionel’s father looked at Edith with a soft expression.

“I understand, Edith. You are a kind-hearted woman. I can see how you are always concerned about how Lionel feels, despite his illness. I think he is so lucky to have someone as rare as you as his fiancée.”

　He shot a concerned look at his son.

“As you have guessed, Lionel’s body seems to have become extremely worn down. It has been quite a while since he has been out every day. Given Lionel’s character, I think he probably honestly told you about his condition when you were alone yesterday…”

　As Edith quietly nodded, he continued.

“I have by no means given up on Lionel’s life. But on the other hand, if, as the doctor says, his life is coming to an end, I want to make his life as happy as possible in the limited time we have… Although that may seem a bit contradictory.”

　Lionel’s father muttered, his face twisted in pain.

“Lionel has always been a kind, intelligent, and honest boy, and I know this as his father, but I had high hopes for him too. And then he fell ill with this serious illness… But even so, he is desperately trying to look forward and not cause trouble for his family, and I feel so sorry for him. Lionel has love that his family alone cannot give him. I may not have the right to say this to Edith, since I brought up the engagement on financial grounds, but I would be very grateful if you could show my son your warm love as his fiance.”

　Lionel’s father bowed deeply to Edith.

“Thank you so much, Edith, for agreeing to come to the Marquis of Granvelle household. I ask that you take good care of my son.”

(He’s a warm-hearted father who cares deeply for Lionel.)

　The image of her kind parents flashed through Edith’s mind, overlapping with his. Feeling humbled before Lionel’s father, who bowed his head, Edith answered clearly, but in a low voice so as not to wake Lionel.

“I have absolutely no intention of giving up on lord Lionel’s life. I also respect how you are always so kind and considerate, even in spite of your painful condition. I will do everything in my power to support him.”

　When Lionel’s father heard Edith’s words, he smiled at her and gently wiped away the tears that had welled up in the corners of his eyes with his fingertips.