My Second Engagement: Loved by the Duke’s Son and Thanked for My Healing Magic ~ My Selfish Sister Took My Fiancé, but Gave Him Back Because She Didn’t Want Him Anymore~ - Episode 2

Since it was the first day of my new engagement, I was given clean and elegant clothes, unlike the tattered ones I had worn before.

It was Almia’s dress. But in reality, it was originally mine and had been taken from me. Still, it had been a long time since I had worn something so beautiful, and I was satisfied.

I got into the prepared carriage.

“You don’t have to come back anymore. Or rather, don’t return unless it’s to pack your things.”

“Pack my things? Even if you say that… What about reporting back?”

“Just show them the letter. As long as the dowry is delivered, that’s enough.”

“Reina, my dear sister, he is a selfish and short-tempered man, but do your best! For my sake too!”

Father and Almia saw me off. Father had a wide, beaming smile—one I hadn’t seen directed at me in over ten years.

Mother, on the other hand, refused to even speak to me and didn’t come to see me off.

With mixed feelings, I headed to the duke’s mansion.

Lord Gress and Duke Gress had easily changed my engagement. I still didn’t understand why, so I planned to ask him directly, even if it was impolite.

Depending on his answer, I might escape from the royal capital this time for good.

I had been studying magic every day so I could run away whenever necessary.

Whether I could actually use magic or what kind of aptitude I had—it was all a gamble.

While I was lost in thought, the carriage entered the central district of the royal capital, where the royal family’s residences were located, and soon arrived at the duke’s mansion.

Carriages are certainly much faster than walking, I thought.

I presented my identification to the gate guards and entered the estate.

The only time I had met Lord Gress was at the Falrune estate.

It was my first time seeing the duke’s mansion, and I was captivated by its grandeur.

“It’s so beautiful…”

The flower beds were neatly arranged with blooming flowers.

The elegant fountain in the center seemed as if it were welcoming guests.

If I lay down on the well-manicured grass, I could probably have the most comfortable nap ever.

Just looking at this scenery made me feel at peace.

As I stepped out of the carriage in front of the grand mansion…

“We have been expecting you, Reina Falrune.”

“It has been a long time, Julite Gress. To think that you would welcome me yourself.”

“Of course. It is only natural since I can once again be engaged to you.”

His silver hair shone brilliantly, and his deep blue eyes had a gentle, crystal-clear appearance.

Despite being of royal bl00d, Lord Gress had a humble demeanor and spoke politely to everyone.

Just like the last time we met, he gave the impression of an impeccable gentleman, someone who would be well-liked by all.

I was guided to a reception room and invited to sit, so I took a seat on a soft, plush chair.

It was so comfortable. Ah, this was dangerous. My constantly guarded heart might just melt away.

“I sincerely appreciate the chance to see you again, Miss Falrune. Unfortunately, my father has just left for an outing, so he is unable to greet you. My apologies.”

The timing was simply too unfortunate.

I had heard that aside from his royal duties, Duke Gress was involved in something else.

Apparently, it was mentioned in the engagement letter as well, and I had been informed about it.

“No, if anything, I should apologize for the sudden changes and for arriving unannounced!”

“Ah, you must be referring to the engagement change. I was surprised as well.”

Lord Gress was smiling, but this wasn’t something that could simply be brushed off with a smile.

I bowed deeply, but he immediately asked me to raise my head.

“I am truly happy that you have returned. This time, I will do my best to never disappoint you.”

“This time?”

“Yes. I intend to prove it through actions, not just words.”

I pondered what he meant by “disappointment.”

Did he mean that he had been disappointed in Almia and was now warning me?

No, that couldn’t be. Someone as humble as Lord Gress wouldn’t say something like that.

Then, what could he mean…?

“This is a message from my father. Since you may not be mentally prepared yet, he suggests a one-year provisional engagement.”

“Provisional… engagement?”

“Yes. Given how often the engagement has changed, another cancellation would be a disadvantage for both families.”

I see. That made sense.

They had already switched fiancées multiple times, and a third change would be troublesome. It also meant they probably didn’t trust me much.

Since I was the one at fault, I decided not to ask any more questions.

I was already grateful just to have a place to stay.

“I have no objections, even if it is provisional. Please take care of me.”

“Thank you. Over the course of this year, as we spend time together… I will make sure—”

“Wait, spend time together…?”

“It was written as one of the engagement conditions. Since we were previously separated, my father requested that you live here to deepen our trust.”

Father, what an outrageous thing you have proposed.

But Lord Gress looked completely serious. Living here would be a great help to me.

Finally, I would be free from my family.

“I look forward to our time together!”

“I’m glad…”

Even so, this was still just a provisional engagement.

Since I was already in a position where I wasn’t trusted, I had to be careful not to make them lose faith in me again.

I would be thorough in my daily cleaning. It was already a habit anyway. And I should continue studying magic seriously.

Come to think of it, since I was no longer at the Falrune estate… maybe now…

“Um, I have one request.”

“What is it? If it’s within my power, I’ll grant it.”

Lord Gress listened attentively, looking pleased.

His kindness made me happy.

“May I practice magic somewhere?”

“Of course. I also train in magic.”

“Well… I have never actually used magic before, so I would like someone to supervise to prevent accidents…”

Everyone in the royal capital undergoes magic training. My words could easily be taken as an admission that I had never studied magic at all.

But Lord Gress didn’t show any sign of surprise and simply smiled gently.

“Understood. Then let’s start by practicing magic in the garden. I will watch over you, so you have nothing to worry about.”

“I heard that Lord Gress is one of the top five most powerful magic users in the kingdom. To have someone like you mentor a beginner like me…”

“Haha, I am honored. But you are my fiancée, Miss Falrune. There’s no reason to hesitate.”

He had called me his “fiancée” instead of “provisional fiancée.” Perhaps it was just a slip of the tongue.

But his kind words and gestures filled me with relief.