It had been a long wait.
After that day, he became like a ray of light in her dark life. The promise they made that day took on such precious meaning to her.
She knew very well it was a trivial promise between young children, but she still couldn’t forget him.
Why was that?
Was it because it was the only thing she had held in her heart since she was born, or because it was all that supported her?
Whatever the reason, it wasn’t so bad. Whenever she felt weary and tired, she could find satisfaction in the memories she had with him, gently touching them from time to time.
Even that much was enough.
Because there was hope. Hope that at the end of a long solitude and wait, she would be able to be with him. That hope gave her the strength to endure no matter how hard the present was and to find the strength to move forward.
Until she heard the news of his engagement to a woman named Sarah Cernard.
And so, everything came to an end.
It felt as if everything beneath her feet was collapsing.
On that day, every promise, every memory, every oath, everything that had supported her was shattered.
It marked the beginning of a long nightmare that would not end easily.
For her, spring had become a season that did not exist.
****
“My lady, how do you like this dress?”
“…It’s good. His hair is also black, so we will look pretty good standing together.”
Bianca stood in front of the mirror and examined herself in the black off-the-shoulder dress.
The dress had a thick, open side slit that revealed her enchanting legs, and a white frill near her chest that enhanced her elegance even more.
Looking at her reflection, she felt quite satisfied. It seemed like she could stand in front of him without shame.
After all, she was a woman, and she always wanted to show her most beautiful self to the one she loved.
“…he? Are you referring to Young Lord Cain?” the maid asked.
Bianca nodded in response to the maid’s doubtful question. “So, who else would I be with?”
As she said this, Bianca smiled slightly without even realizing it. Answering like that, she felt as if she had truly become his fiancée.
No, on second thought, it was clear she was his fiancée.
Although there had been a political transaction between Estel and Castana behind their engagement, this fact was not known to the public.
The world only knew that the engagement was the result of pure love.
Young Lord Cain had made such a declaration at the last banquet, saying he loved her and would always be by her side.
“He he…”
Yes, she was his fiancée.
In the past, a hateful woman named Sarah Cernard had occupied the seat next to him, but that was all in the past. At this moment, the person who had chosen to be with him, promise a future with him, and share everything with him was none other than Bianca.
Therefore, it was never wrong for her to spend time with him. For example, taking a walk with him in the small backyard of the Castana marquis’ estate would be nothing more than a very ordinary thing for two lovers engaged to each other.
For that brief encounter with him, Bianca had been standing in front of the mirror since morning. It was not easy to choose what to wear.
What should she wear to look good on herself?
How should she dress to appear like a pair of lovers?
She found joy in letting her imagination run wild and had no time for boredom.
Originally, she had no interest in dressing herself up. Even the clothes she wore daily were ones that emphasized practicality, and she had never cared about how she would be seen by others.
However, today, such an act was immensely enjoyable.
She couldn’t stop smiling, just imagining what expression he would make when he saw her dressed up.
Suddenly, Bianca wondered if this was the daily life of other ordinary women. Did other women always feel the way she felt now? Did they casually experience this feeling, where their hearts overflowed with a vague nostalgia just by thinking of someone?
But now she didn’t have to envy them. Because it wouldn’t be long before that day came for her too.
Finally, tomorrow was the day.
Tomorrow, at the family estate of the Marquis of Castana, Cain von Estel and Bianca del Castana’s engagement ceremony was scheduled to be held. All the guests present would congratulate the engagement between the two prestigious families.
And at the end—
“…Lady, My lady!”
“…Ah, did you call? What happened?” she asked, snapping out of her deep thoughts.
“My lady, since the weather is still a bit chilly, your shoulders might feel a little cold. How about wearing this? I thought it would go well with the dress you are wearing,” the maid suggested, handing Bianca a light beige cape shawl.
However, Bianca shook her head slightly. “No need. You don’t have to wear it. After all, this body is not one that feels chills from the cold.”
Bianca, who had received the ‘blessing of mana’ since birth, was not so weak that her body would shudder from a mere chill.
HELP:
During the recent unrest in the country I am from, our family hardware store was broken into and looted by thugs. I don’t know why they did it, since my family has always been minding our own business, without bothering anyone else. I’m guessing some people are taking advantage of the current lawless and chaotic state of the country.
Anyways, the incident now leaves me as the only earning member of my family. Long time readers know that I was already dealing with a mountain of trouble (that I inherited from my father), and was already struggling. I had created a plan of action, and was steadily moving forward. But this incident destroyed whatever plans I had, again. I don’t know why bad things keep happening to me again and again. I might as well be cursed or something.
So here I am, after much hesitation, once again asking for your support. If you are reading this, please help if you are able to, I repeat, help only if you are able to. I am not asking something for free, you can become a Patron at Patreon to gain access to more chapters, or sponsor as many chapters you can from any of the novels you enjoy on Goblinslate here at BuymeaCoffee. Or if you just want to help, you can donate any amount at the Wishlist at BuymeaCoffee.
Thank you.