Bridal Lessons - Chapter 4
Even though the times have changed and marriages of love had become common, arranged marriages were still prevalent in noble society.
Marriage, as an institution, has always been somewhat disadvantageous to women, regardless of time or place. Thus, it was not uncommon for brides to experience changes of heart before the wedding. Brides running away from engagements arranged unilaterally by their fathers or brothers happened often enough.
‘Bridal lessons’ were a preventive measure to keep brides-to-be from changing their minds right before the ceremony.
It involved bringing the new bride into the house early and subjecting her to a rigorous schedule of education until the wedding day, leaving no time for other thoughts or doubts.
There were criticisms that this was practically imprisonment, but if the engagement were to be broken, it would cause difficulties for both families. Therefore, the bride’s family usually consented to taking their daughter or sister for these lessons. Of course, not all families followed this procedure, and it could be omitted in certain cases.
“Bridal lessons, huh…”
“…”
“Is something like that necessary?”
Gulp.
As Iscarion muttered softly, Rosen downed her drink in one gulp to hide her trembling.
Now, I really need to say it.
The sweet drink with a fragrant mix of peach and floral notes went down her throat. The liquid she hurriedly swallowed had a stronger aroma than the aperitifs she occasionally tasted before meals.
“Rosen?”
Iscarion watched as she emptied her glass in one go.
After a moment, he lowered his gaze and opened a covered dish placed to the side of the table. The dish, used for small snacks, contained meringue cookies that melted in the mouth.
Despite not having a sweet tooth and rarely eating desserts, he surprisingly liked these cookies.
“Want some?”
Noticing her gaze, he offered her a meringue cookie, but Rosen shook her head. Though she liked them as a child, she had no appetite now.
After contemplating for a moment, he smiled lightly and began to speak.
“It seems like you have something to say to me today.”
“How, how did you know?!”
“Of course, I know. How could I not?”
He spoke casually while tilting his glass. Having observed Rosen’s growth closely, Iscarion was always the first to notice even her smallest changes.
“Coincidentally, I also have something to tell you.”
He added briefly, gently touching the pocket of his jacket. Rosen’s gaze unconsciously followed his hand, watching the veins bulge naturally.
Could there possibly be… the annulment papers in there? The thought that the inevitable moment had come made her tense, and she licked her lips nervously.
“Brother! Let me, let me speak first.”
“Alright, go ahead.”
She hurried to speak, thinking it would be less humiliating to be the one to initiate the conversation rather than hear him ask her to leave. Surprisingly, he nodded in agreement with a calm demeanor.
“What I have to say might take a while.”
“…”
His words made Rosen’s heart sink.
So her guess was right.
Considering this is the Grand Duchy of Lutèce, the procedure for breaking off an engagement won’t be simple. She might have to sign an oath not to reveal anything she has seen or heard while living in the grand duchy and to promise not to retract the breakup. Since she had been living there since she was six, she might even be asked to repay the expenses of her upbringing.
Of course, Rosen was very grateful to him for raising her until now. She had always intended to repay the costs of her upbringing someday.
But he must know that she, only two years past the age of adulthood, couldn’t possibly pay that sum immediately. Surely, he wouldn’t demand full payment all at once, considering the bond they shared as siblings…
“Brother! No, Your Highness.”
Rosen finally steeled herself and spoke up.
“I have something to tell you.”
“…’Your Highness’?”
Iscarion, who had just lifted his glass, looked at her. His calm blue eyes slowly scanned her small face, as if trying to understand the implications behind the sudden change in her address.
Even though she used formal language in official settings, it was rare for Rosen to speak so formally at home. He was usually lenient with her and rarely scolded her, unless she made a significant mistake. But as far as he knew, there was nothing major she could have done wrong.
Iscarion watched his young fiancée and slowly leaned back on the sofa.
“This is unexpected. I did think it was about time to change how we address each other.”
Ah…
So, Brother also thought it was time to end this engagement.
Rosen felt a wave of despair crashing down upon her.
