The Beast of the Albard Mansion - Chapter 41
He was the feudal lord of the Ozr region, which was near the capital. He had accumulated a lot of wealth by supplying agricultural products, seafood, and wine to the populous capital. The grapes from Ozr were known for their high sugar content and the wine for its rich flavor.
Count Ozr was also connected to the imperial family. Although his rank was the same as Father’s, he had a much higher status.
Father furrowed his brow slightly but quickly smoothed his expression.
“You must have had a hard time traveling over such inconvenient roads.”
Father, usually so proud, changed his demeanor.
Count Ozr lifted his chin as if this treatment was only natural. Then, he glanced at Mother and me, his eyes sparkling. The young man next to him also brightened.
“It seems the beauty around the village isn’t the only thing worth noting.”
“Oh, you must be Solivia.”
The young noble approached me, trying to kiss the back of my hand. Father hastily corrected the misunderstanding.
“That’s my younger daughter. Selenia, greet them.”
With my hand awkwardly clasped, I curtsied. The young noble visibly showed his disappointment.
As he tried to keep hold of my hand, I carefully twisted it free. His palm was uncomfortably hot and damp, making me want to wipe my hand on my dress.
“Where is Solivia?” the Count asked.
“She is still getting ready and couldn’t come out yet.”
Count Ozr cleared his throat, clearly displeased.
“She must be lazy to still be in bed when the sun is already high. I thought she was wise, having graduated from the academy.”
“Lazy? Not at all. She is very smart and quick with calculations, a great asset to management.”
“Women being too calculative and smart isn’t always a good thing.”
It seemed the Count had come to find fault with everything. Mother stepped in to defend Sister.
“But Solivia is humble and knows her place well.”
Apparently, this was what the Count wanted to hear, as he smiled and nodded.
“She should be, to support my future heir. That’s why I made this long journey.”
Father and Mother joined in laughing at his words, despite nothing being officially proposed yet, and without even seeing Sister.
The Count and Father began discussing how the marriage would benefit both families. The Count eyed our family’s abundant grain supply, wanting to produce not only fruit wine but also high-proof spirits and grain liquor. He heard our grain was large and flavorful.
Father, on the other hand, valued the geographic advantage and wide connections of the Count’s family. He seemed to dream of entering the social circles of the capital through the Count.
Before long, the two were behaving like old friends, closer than I was with Father.
I watched them from my seat in the dining room. Solivia should have been down by now, but she was nowhere to be seen, still likely arguing with the maids.
While sipping my tea absentmindedly, Solivia’s suitor spoke to me.
“Does your sister look like you?”
The young man seemed most curious about Sister’s appearance.
“Yes, as we are sisters.”
“Then she must be very beautiful.”
“…Yes, Sister is very pretty.”
“More than you?”
My mouth felt dry and rough.
“Yes, more than me.”
As I said this, I glanced at the young man. He was already sipping wine and casting glances my way, scrutinizing me with narrowed eyes.
His first impression was amiable and good-natured, but now he seemed sly, like there was a snake writhing inside him.
Blushing, I turned away hurriedly, feeling a tightness in my chest.
As the dinner began, Sister finally appeared.
She looked like she hadn’t slept well, with dark circles under her eyes. Her hair was messy, and she seemed less polished than usual as she entered the dining room.
“Come on in. Greet them properly. They came all this way to see you.”
Solivia glanced around awkwardly, giving a half-hearted greeting. Count Ozr’s mustache twitched in irritation.
The young noble also grimaced upon seeing her.
Their reactions made my heart pound with anger. Their gaze felt insulting.
They dissected my dear sister, examining her piece by piece, evaluating her. They didn’t even respond to her greeting, just looking her up and down.
Unable to watch them break her apart, I bowed my head, tears threatening to fall.
Though the main parties involved seemed dissatisfied, the dinner continued as if nothing was wrong. Father and the Count acted as though everything was normal.
The young noble spoke to me again, ignoring Sister.
“You don’t drink wine? Don’t you like alcohol?”
I didn’t want to answer him. I turned my head sharply and replied curtly.
“No.”
“If you try wine from our region, you might change your mind. We supply it to the royal family.”
“…”
“So shy. Some men prefer experienced women, but I don’t. I like a modest, bashful lady. There’s a fresh charm to someone unfamiliar with men.”
I flushed red in anger, but he took it differently.
My clenched hands trembled. My throat felt blocked, preventing me from speaking. My mind went blank, unsure how to respond.
Solivia, who had been silent, suddenly intervened.
“How rude.”
“Solivia.”
But Mother scolded her with just one word.
