| Prev | TOC | Next
———
~ Please support this site by disabling your ad-blocker ❤️ ~
______
———
~ Please support this site by disabling your ad-blocker ❤️ ~
______
CHAPTER 125 - Welcoming My Elder Brother
"I'm so relieved to see you well again, Lady Ortansia."
"We've been praying for you at the temple all this time! Praying for Lady Ortansia to get better!"
"Hehe. Emily, Janet, thank you."
Ortansia's cheeks softened into a broad smile at her friends' kind concern.
The demon lord Lucian's ambitions had been crushed, thanks to the efforts of Gérard (and, to some extent, Ortansia).
There had been various after-the-fact matters to deal with, such as honours from the royal family, but finally, things around Ortansia had settled down, and life was returning to its former peaceful routine.
Today was a tea party at her friend Emily's mansion.
“So, how are things going with that marquess’s son?”
“You won't believe it, Lady Ortansia! Emily has gone and taken the step into adulthood without us”
“Tsk, that's not true Lady Ortansia! We're not at that stage yet”
Watching Janet teasing and Emily flushing crimson with fluster, Ortansia chuckled softly.
“I'm glad to hear things are going well.”
“Well, for the time being... But more importantly, I heard Janet went on a date with that young entrepreneur.”
“Oh, come on, I told you that wasn’t a date. It was just a market inspection.”
‘Wow, they are really moving fast…’
The two friends who had been by her side since their debut into society seemed to be growing up faster than Ortansia herself..
“Romance, huh…”
When Ortansia murmured this, the pair turned towards her simultaneously.
“According to the oracle, Lady Ortansia cannot leave the House of Verité, correct? Are you seeking a suitor?”
“I'm sure gentlemen from all over the country will be flocking to see you”
“Ahaha, sorry to disappoint you, but there are no such plans at present. My elder brother comes first, after all.”
'Ortansia Altiel Verite is a child beloved by the gods. Her radiance finds its true worth only within the House of Verite. So long as the hero and the saint join hands, this realm shall be enveloped in blessing.'
The oracle issued by the goddess to calm Gérard's spirit (as Ortansia believes) is already known to the public.
But even Ortansia herself was uncertain how to interpret its meaning.
She understood it meant she must not leave the Verité Ducal household for now, but could she really take a husband, as the two suggested?
‘Well, I’ve no such plans for the time being anyway.’
For Ortansia, nothing matters more than the happiness of her beloved brother and father.
At the very least, until her big brother Gérard, finds someone he could truly trust and share his heart with, she had no intention of seeking a husband for herself.
“I wonder if my brother will ever find someone like that.”
Since making her debut in society, she’d come to realise just how incredibly popular Gérard was with women.
No matter how cold he was to them, or even if he didn’t so much as glance their way, they simply couldn’t help but be infatuated with him.
There were even those who approached Ortansia purely to get closer to Gérard.
Her father and brother never spoke of it openly, but she was certain there had been countless marriage proposals.
Among them, there might even be someone truly suited to Gérard, but still…
“I wonder what sort of person would be a good match for my brother”
When Ortansia murmured this, Janet and Emily simultaneously glanced over again.
She waited for their opinions, but neither of them said a word, as if their gaze alone should make the answer obvious.
“...Is there something on my face?”
“No, it's not that…”
“If we’re talking about the perfect match for Lord Gérard, then surely…”
Just as Janet began to speak.
A polite knock sounded at the door, and the waiting servant responded.
‘Miss Emily. The carriage for Lady Ortansia from the House of Verité has arrived.’
“Oh! Today was the doctor's appointment day...!”
Completely forgetting about it, Ortansia scrambled to her feet.
She had been so engrossed in reuniting with her friends after so long that she had quite lost track of time.
But as she was about to take a step forward, Ortansia was utterly stunned by the sight of the person standing on the other side of the door.
“Big brother!?”
Standing there was none other than Ortansia’s brother, Gérard himself.
For someone as busy as he was to come all this way, could something serious have happened?
“Big brother, what happened!? Is something…”
To Ortansia's flustered questioning, Gérard's reply was remarkably simple.
“I came to fetch you. That's all.”
“Eh... What!?”
Surely not, coming all this way just to fetch her? That was something he could have easily left to a servant!
It’s hard to believe that Gérard, the busy heir to the dukedom, would take time out of his schedule just for this!
“Let's go home.”
“Ah, yes. Emily, Janet, I'm terribly sorry to spring this on you. Today…”
“Not at all, don't mind us”
“We had the most delightful time, Lady Ortansia. I do hope we may meet again soon"
‘Yes, do come to our manor next time!’
Gerard took her hand, and Ortansia hurriedly bid farewell to her friends.
“Forgive me, Brother. I had completely forgotten about the doctor's visit”
“It's no trouble at all.”
As always, it was difficult to discern his true emotion from Gérard's terse words, but she felt relieved, certain he wasn't angry.
The air around Gérard now felt gentle, and the eyes observing her held a calm hue.
Even so, Ortansia believes that she is gradually beginning to be able to read Gerard's emotions from his facial expressions and the atmosphere he exudes
Indeed, she was confident enough to claim she could pass any ‘Brother Test’ with ease.
In other words, his current words, ‘It's no trouble at all.’ likely meant just that – It truely is no trouble at all.
‘Hehe, I'm glad.’
Walking along in a rather warm and fuzzy mood, she approached the grand staircase leading to the mansion's entrance.
Ortansia started to descend the stairs, but…
‘Wait.’
‘Eh? ...Hyah!’
She was abruptly halted, then felt her body float gently into the air.
Out of nowhere, she found herself suddenly lifted up by Gérard.
“Big Brother!?”
“What is it?”
While Ortansia flushed bright red, Gérard remained as impassive as ever.
“What... Why did you suddenly pick me up!?”
“You were in danger of falling down the stairs.”
“I'm not that clumsy, you know!?”
“You were bedridden until recently. You're not quite back to full strength yet.”
“But even so…”
While she was mumbling, Gérard swiftly began descending the stairs.
Feeling the gazes of the Earl’s household servants fixated on them, Ortansia pressed her face tightly against Gérard's shoulder in sheer embarrassment.
‘Ugh, this is embarrassing... like a little child…’
Ortansia was already a grown woman who had made her debut in society.
Yet, being treated like this... it sets a bad example for those around.
‘I know my brother is worried, but…’
During the demonic disturbance, Ortansia had suffered severe injuries and had once hovered between life and death.
She has since recovered safely and resumed her normal life, but since then, Gérard has become much more overprotective than before.
No matter how many times Hortensia says "I am okay now," he simply doesn't quite believe her.
‘I wonder if I still look like a child to my brother…’
Feeling somewhat unsettled, Ortensia clung tightly to Gérard's neck, at least to prevent herself from falling.
...Meanwhile, Emily and Janet, who had been quietly watching from the shadows, exchanged whispers.
“Well, I suppose…”
“Quite right…
“There's no one else who is suitable for Lord Gérard quite like Lady Ortansia.”
“And only Lord Gérard is truly worthy of Lady Ortansia…”
Even when Otansia blushed,feeling embarrassed at being treated like a child, to onlookers it appeared only as a handsome nobleman doting on his beloved.
"Lady Ortansia said that, but it would be a shock if Lord Gerard were to actually find a partner other than Lady Ortansia."
Hee hee, but I'm sure it will be fine. I can't imagine Lord Gerard allowing anyone other than Lady Ortansia by his side."
“That is certainly true…”
Even after descending the entire staircase, Gérard and Ortansia maintained their embrace as they stepped outside the mansion through the entrance.
Watching their backs recede, Emily and Janet murmured, ‘awwn...’ letting out sighs of admiration at the scene, as picturesque as a painting.
Authors note
Thank you for your patience. Part Two begins.
We hope you'll enjoy watching how the relationship between Ortensia and Gerard changes significantly!
Additionally, the book edition of this work is scheduled for release on 2nd December.
Mr Yamimo Santaro, illustrator of the comic adaptation, is also handling the illustrations for the book edition, allowing you to savour breathtakingly beautiful artwork!
The latest volume 9 of the comic adaptation is also scheduled for release around the end of December.
As we approach the climax, it's packed with scenes that will stir your heart, so please be sure to check it out!
—————————
Translator Note:
Hope you enjoyed the read!! If you did, please vote on for this novel on novel updates, leave reviews, and support; pretty please.
—————————
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments
What's on your mind...