That was the reason why he fiercely accused Cain. Perhaps he saw him as a potential lifelong companion for his granddaughter. It was the old man’s small desire to choose a grandson-in-law who would truly make her happy.
The old man stared at Bianca before asking her a question in a calm tone.
“…There is something I want to ask you. Bianca, do you love the man from before? To the extent that it wouldn’t matter if you got married right away, say, tomorrow?”
“…..”
Bianca didn’t answer the old man’s question. Instead, she quietly nodded her head in a calm manner, clearly affirming. Her cheeks blushed like a ripe fig.
Seeing Bianca like that, the old man smiled without even realizing it.
“Heh heh, yes. He seems like a pretty good man to me. At first glance, he may appear unreliable, but he is thoughtful and considerate of you in every action. If it’s him, I’m sure he’ll make you happy.”
“Grandfather…”
Bianca’s face brightened at the old man’s words. It was partly because the old man recognized him as a suitable match, but more than anything, Bianca was very happy that her grandfather had praised him. That fact alone made her feel elated.
“However, the Heir has one flaw that cannot be ignored. It’s true that he would be with you and promised a future with you, but he lied about one thing. Bianca, do you know what it is?”
“…..”
To the old man’s question, Bianca neither affirmed nor denied. She simply closed her eyes, as if avoiding an answer.
The old man continued speaking with a deep sigh, probably not expecting an answer from her.
“The Heir to Estel was the first to say these words: He says he truly loves you, Bianca. However, that statement was a lie. Everything the Heir said was true, but, funny enough, the words about loving you were lies.”
Looking at her grandfather, who clicked his tongue, Bianca quietly closed her eyes. Since her grandfather didn’t know anything about the ‘contract’ she had with Cain, it was only natural that he reacted that way.
“…Hahaha, Bianca. I don’t think there’s any way a smart girl like you wouldn’t know that. I also know you have something in mind. So there’s only one thing I want to tell you.”
Saying that, the old man smiled benevolently. He truly wanted his granddaughter to be happy.
“I am on your side. No matter what you do to win his love, I will support you. So, don’t worry about it and do whatever you want.”
“Grandfather…”
His words were, in fact, an unspoken permission.
Excluding the Marquis of Castana himself, her grandfather, who had the most say in the family, allowed Sir Cain and Bianca to be together at that moment. He might not have known about the ‘contract,’ but the old man condoned the betrothal relationship between Cain and Bianca, even though he suspected there was something between them.
‘Ahh…’
With this, all the external factors that hindered Cain and Bianca’s engagement were virtually eliminated. Now, only one factor remained between them—what Cain truly thought of a woman named Bianca—and that…
Bianca decided not to dwell on such thoughts for today. Even so, today had already brought sufficient results. She had heard about his confession, learned that he remembered their past, and even succeeded in getting her grandfather’s consent to the engagement with Cain.
So, for today, it would be okay to simply congratulate herself on her success.
Bianca got up and walked toward the window, slightly excited. She raised her head and looked out, noticing a shooting star falling across the sky.
As she watched the star, she wondered if the sky was also congratulating her on her achievements. A bright smile spread across her face as she watched the falling star.
Today, no matter how you looked at it, was definitely the best day.
****
Meanwhile, in the backyard of the Marquis of Castana, a certain silver-haired girl stared blankly at the sky.
In the girl’s mind, the words he had just said at the dinner table replayed countless times.
He had clearly said, […I love her and promise to stay by her side forever.]
She knew…the silver-haired girl had already heard the whole truth from him. That’s why she knew very well that what he said was nothing more than a simple lie.
But it hurt.
She knew he was lying, but she hated the thought that he would love someone else, even if it was a lie.
She hated it.
She was upset.
And it was so bittersweet.
“…Ah, ugh…”
It was sad.
If she had been a little stronger, if she had at least been strong enough not to let him hold the hand of a woman like that, she wouldn’t have had to see this scene at this moment. All that was left was self-reproach, believing it was because of her weakness.
She suddenly hated everything. She hated herself for being weak, she hated the Castana marquis family for bringing him to this place, and she hated the woman who made him say such things even more.
Everything, she just hated it.
“…Ah.”
Suddenly, she looked up at the sky.
A shooting star was falling across the sky.
To her, that shooting star seemed to represent her current mood, like falling into an endless abyss.
In the end, she couldn’t hold on and sank to the ground helplessly, covering her face with both hands.
Today was, without a doubt, the worst day ever.
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.