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 34
“Hehehe~”
“Welcome back, Almia. Judging by your face, it seems you’ve been healed properly.”
“Yes! The moment the magic was cast, my body lit up with a *poof*, and I felt completely better!”
Now, my natural charm and personality are back to normal.
I can get engaged to anyone I want.
Of course, I prefer someone wealthy.
“Perfect timing. A marriage proposal is progressing. The other party is a commoner, but he comes from an extremely wealthy family. You understand the purpose, don’t you?”
In other words, Father is showing his kindness by ensuring my happiness.
Naturally, I want this arrangement to move forward.
“Yes. I will make sure to request a generous engagement gift.”
“The other side is rich, so I expect they will bring a large sum without being asked. But if that doesn’t seem to be the case, make sure to collect it properly.”
“Understood!”
I’m excited to see what kind of person he is.
♢♢♢
Before I knew it, the day of the meeting arrived.
I put on many rings and accessories that I had previously bought before leaving the house.
Even though he is a commoner, he is a wealthy one.
I heard he lives in an upscale residential area near the noble district, which raises my expectations even more.
“This is the place.”
“Alright, alright.”
I stepped out of the carriage and began my inspection.
No complaints—it’s magnificent.
The estate looks larger than the Falrune Viscount family’s, and the garden is spacious.
I instantly felt that I wanted to live here.
Now, as long as the fiancé himself is decent…
“Are you Almia Falrune?”
“Y-Yes, I am. Are you my fiancé?”
“Yes, I have been expecting you. My name is Rouge.”
Yes, yes, he seems good.
His appearance is well-groomed, and, most importantly, he is my type.
“Please, come in.”
“Excuse me.”
Like the Falrune family, this is a grand mansion with a proper reception room.
Unfamiliar paintings line the walls, and in the back, I caught a glimpse of an enormous kitchen.
They must have many chefs working here.
Everything screams luxury and wealth.
“Please have a seat. We have coffee, tea, and milk available.”
Oh, here it comes.
Last time, I failed miserably due to inexperience, but this time, I won’t make the same mistake.
I have trained for this!
“Do you have espresso?”
“Eh…? Oh, yes. I’ll have it prepared right away.”
He looked a bit surprised. Seeing him ask an older woman—who appears to be a servant—confirms that he truly has money.
“May I call you Almia? Or should I address you as Lady Falrune?”
“Please call me Almia. May I call you Rouge?”
“Of course. I look forward to getting to know you.”
Yes!
Everything is going smoothly, and he seems to have a good impression of me.
The healing magic must have purified my darkness.
I should be able to make a few requests without issue.
An espresso was placed before me, while Rouge had milk.
Hehehe… He’s more of a child than I expected.
Time to show how mature I am!
Ugh… The espresso still smells incredibly bitter…!
But I must endure! I can do this!
I have to prove that I am a refined and mature lady.
I threw the espresso into my mouth.
“Guhp—!”
Oh no!
The overwhelming bitterness, combined with drinking it all at once, made me burp…
However, Rouge looked concerned for me.
“Shall I bring you some water?”
“No, I’m fine. Instead, please bring me another espresso.”
“Um… You seem to be struggling…”
“W-What are you saying? Do you think a refined and mature lady like me would struggle with mere espresso?”
“…I see. Understood.”
I must endure!
If I can make him believe that I love espresso, my appeal will surely rise!
Two more cups… I should be able to manage.
Still, I need to pace myself, or I might vomit.
For now, let’s focus on the conversation.
“What are your hobbies?”
“I enjoy ballroom dancing.”
“Oh my…”
Lucky!
I excel at ballroom dancing—this must be fate.
“My father is a merchant who imports rare ingredients from foreign lands, so I get invited to evening parties. But I only dance occasionally.”
“Then, I shall teach you properly.”
“Oh, I would love that.”
I already adore Rouge.
With him, I could live happily ever after.
He enjoys my favorite activity, his family is wealthy, his manners are good—he’s perfect.
“If you don’t mind, there’s a multi-purpose hall in the back. Would you like to dance there?”
“Of course!”
I’ll capture his heart with my dance!
♢♢♢
“Ei! Eiyaa—Korasa! Ei! Eiyaa—Korasa!”
“Wha—!?”
Hehehe~ Rouge looks surprised.
But he has stopped moving.
“What… was that?”
“I was setting the rhythm.”
“I… see. That’s quite an *original* approach.”
He praised me again.
I don’t know what *original* means, but it sounds like a compliment.
Alright, let’s continue.
“Ei! Eiyaa—Korasa! Ei! Eiyaa—Korasa! Soore-Sore-Sore~♪”
“……”
Rouge kept dancing in silence.
Our rhythm didn’t match at all.
He should join in and call out the rhythm with me.
“May I ask something?”
“Yes, go ahead.”
“Have you ever performed this dance at a formal gathering?”
“Of course! It was a small evening party with only barons and viscounts.”
Everyone was so lively.
When I danced, everyone smiled at me.
They even called it *original* and *one of a kind*!
“Would you mind if we end today’s dance here…?”
“Oh? That’s fine.”
He must be feeling unwell.
I’m glad this wasn’t at an official ball.
Ballroom dance skills can impact one’s social reputation.
♢♢♢
After the dance, we returned to the first room.
Rouge looked somewhat down.
I should ask for a fresh espresso.
“Rouge, could you have the espresso replaced?”
“Of course… I understand.”
“Also, if possible, I would like some octopus-shaped sausages for a snack.”
“That… might be difficult.”
Oh well.
But now that I’ve expressed my desire, he will surely prepare them next time.
I’ll look forward to it.
“Here you go.”
A servant placed the espresso on the table.
Her placement was not refined. I should correct her.
“Excuse me, can’t you set it down without making a sound?”
“Huh?”
“Setting it down noisily is an insult to Rouge’s reputation.”
I taught her properly.
But for some reason, Rouge’s expression turned grim.
“…I must ask you to leave. No, in fact, I ask that you never return.”
“Huh?”
“That is my mother. Not a servant.”
“Huh?”
“Why did your attitude change? Was it because you thought she was a servant?”
“I… I was just…”
“Even if your dancing was… questionable, I would have continued this engagement if you had a good heart. But someone who treats others differently based on status—I cannot marry such a person.”
Wait, why am I being treated like the villain here!?
“I was just stating the obvious!”
“I cannot live with someone who looks down on others.”
Unbelievable!
I tried my best for him!
Fine! I’m leaving!
On the carriage ride home, I fumed.
How could Father arrange a marriage with such an awful person!?
Why are all my potential suitors so terrible!?
Maybe that healer’s magic was fake after all.
I must expose them as a fraud!
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