For My Birthday, I Was Gifted Five Husbands - Chapter 6
Eugenie had pursued a path in graduate school, while Carter had inherited the family tradition of serving as a temple priest after graduating from the academy. When career paths diverge, even the closest friends can drift apart.
‘Especially after everything that happened.’
Yet Carter, thankfully, didn’t show any awkwardness and smiled warmly, as if the gap between them had never existed.
“I went to the manor for Viscount Norton’s funeral, but you weren’t there.”
“That? I left after throwing a fit with my textbooks when Peter cheated on me.”
“Oh? What happened?”
“He’s with Apollin.”
Carter rubbed the center of his forehead in silence. After a moment, he looked up and gave a wry smile.
“Well… you haven’t changed, Eugenie.”
“Heh, thanks. It’s good to be consistent.”
“I’m not sure if what I said counts as praise…”
Seeing her old friend, Eugenie was reminded of how he could be affectionate yet sarcastic with his comments.
But just then, the sunlight streaming through the window was obscured by clouds, casting a shadow over Carter’s face. All that was visible were his lips, which had been so familiar since childhood, now seeming oddly distant.
“Anyway, I’m glad you’re done with that guy.”
“…Carter?”
“A guy who only offers smooth talk isn’t right for you.”
The curve of his raised smile was undoubtedly familiar from childhood, yet it felt strangely unfamiliar, like seeing a stranger for the first time. However, as the sunlight returned, Carter’s usual bright expression reappeared.
“Thinking that Apollin likes him is just a delusion. Even back in the academy, Apollin wanted to mess with you, so she probably approached him deliberately.”
“…”
Eugenie remained silent. Carter’s words made sense to her. It wouldn’t be surprising if Apollin and Agatha messed up Theodora Norton’s belongings.
Suddenly, Eugenie looked at her long-lost friend.
‘Should I ask Carter to marry me?’
It was a rather crazy idea, but Eugenie felt pushed to such extremes.
“Carter.”
“Yes?”
“I was wondering if we… that is, if we could ma…”
“Ma? Ma what?”
Carter tilted his head, his dazzling smile as bright as sunlight passing through ice as he awaited her response.
When she was young, Eugenie would confide in the boy with that smile about everything. Carter knew Eugenie so well that even she was sometimes surprised.
However, recalling the events from when she was seventeen made it hard for her to speak.
“…Never mind, it’s nothing.”
“Really now?”
Carter gave a faint smile, continued with some comforting and light conversation, and then started to leave.
“Oh, by the way, Eugenie, happy early birthday.”
“Oh? Ah… come to think of it.”
Her twenty-fourth birthday was the very next day. Originally, she had planned to spend it with her fiance, but now, Peter was nothing more than a former fiance.
Instead, Eugenie smiled faintly as part of closing out an awkward relationship.
“Why? Aren’t you going to say congratulations on the day itself?”
“Not that, but you might be too overwhelmed tomorrow.”
“Hmm…?”
Eugenie frowned at her friend’s vague comment. Yet, Carter’s smile remained bright.
Was that smile really as wistful as it seemed, or was it just an illusion?
“Well then, I’ll see you tomorrow, Eugenie.”
“Ah, okay.”
Eugenie watched her retreating friend with a hint of disappointment.
It had been six years since they had spoken so closely. Although nothing seemed to have changed, it felt like talking through a glass wall, making it a bit hard to breathe.
To drive away this bitterness, Eugenie brushed her hair back and muttered,
“…Should I at least place a marriage advertisement?”
Knowing that there was no real solution, she irritably picked up the newspaper for today. As usual, the articles were just as familiar and increasingly stale.
[The Pride of the South, Wilberforce… Pirate ‘Honegold’ Defeated, Third Medal Awarded]
[Eternal Guardian of the Northern Border, Duke Percival Troys! Concludes Final Battle with the Ravenic Kingdom]
[Skin Disease Outbreak in Northeast Corbenik Region… Cause Still Unknown]
Just as chaotic as her own life, Hermeland was still rife with turmoil both inside and out. How would the Empire have managed without the families that protected it from top to bottom?
‘Speaking of which, I heard Brother came to the capital for a medal ceremony.’
What kind of year was this turning out to be?
Her father died and she is seeing people she hadn’t seen in a while.
* * *
The arrival of her birthday did not change the world. The inheritance issue remained, and finding a husband seemed as distant as ever.
However, despite her personal problems, she could not turn away visitors.
“Eugenie, happy twenty-fourth birthday.”
“Thank you, Alfred. And congratulations on your recent medal as well.”
It was a pleasant surprise to see Alfred, the second son of Marquis Wilberforce, who had long been acquainted with her family. From the days when her parents were on good terms, he had always treated her like a younger sister. Now, he was a true hero of the South.
With his sleeves rolled up, his muscular arms were evident, and his sun-tanned face was under a head of reddish-brown hair. The ever-bright green eyes that usually sparkled with cheer were now shadowed, perhaps due to the news about the Norton family.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t attend the funeral. I’m sure it was tough right before your birthday.”
“It’s alright. That kind of person is…But what was that?”
But just as Eugenie was about to dismiss the subject, Alfred pulled something out from behind her, causing her to gasp.
The sheer size of the gift, which she hadn’t anticipated due to Alfred’s broad back, was overwhelming. The impact of a hundred red roses was indeed substantial.
“What is this…?”
“It’s a gift for you.”
The beautiful and practical gift was much appreciated. Roses made excellent decorations, bath additives, and even beverages.
Eugenie gave a slightly relieved smile and nodded.
“Alfred, would you mind sitting down and waiting for a moment? I’ll get us some tea.”
“Eugenie, I have something to say.”
“Oh, and would you like sugar as well?”
“No, I’m asking you to marry me.”
“…….”
Eugenie froze, her hand hovering over the tea leaves.
What had she just heard?
And who proposes marriage in a humble apartment before even having tea?
Alfred scratched his cheek, looking a bit embarrassed.
“I know it’s a bit sudden, but will you marry me, Eugenie?”
