That night, Frederick and Viel were both surprised when Gian told them something unexpected while having their dinner. They both received the news that Gian got a visitor from Madam Finna and it was Lady Shannen. They did not think too much about it since they know Gian and Lady Shannen were childhood friends. Instead, they are rather pleased that Gian met an old friend that day.
But they did not expect that Gian will suddenly ask them a surprising favor.
"You want to be engaged with Lady Shannen?" puzzled Viel as he reaches for a glass of water. "But why?"
"Because I like her."
A loud clattering sounds of ceramics and glasses can be heard in the dining area. Viel accidentally loosens his hold on the glass of water he is holding. Fortunately, the glass did not break and it only makes a loud clanking sounds with the cutleries placed in front of him. The maids quickly move and wipe the wet spots on the table and change the steak soaked in water in front of Viel.
Viel did not pay any more attention to these trivial things and look closely at his younger brother. Gian has an apathetic expression on his face. It was the same expression when Gian told them just now that he likes the young lady of the Cladeu family. Even when Viel makes a mistake just now, his expression did not even change one bit.
"You...really like her?" Viel asked Gian carefully.
"Yes."
"Are you serious? You really like that young lady to the point where you are also willing to ask for her hand in marriage in the future?"
"Yes."
"Why do you like her anyway?" inquired Viel. "If I remember correctly, you did not see her for the past years."
"Lady Shannen is a beautiful young lady who captures my attention the moment I lay my eyes on her earlier. I quickly fell in love with her at first sight." Gian said with a flat expression. "In fact, I can already imagine my future with her by my side."
"You really fell in love with her?! With Lady Shannen?!"
Gian nods his head to answer him this time.
Viel did not know what to think right now. Gian did not show any hesitation and calmly answers his questions. But this is the reason why Viel is getting more worried about him.
Viel had seen a lot of people getting shy or excited as they talk about the person they cherished or love. He can also see the twinkle in their eyes which makes him cringed. But this is the very first time he sees someone admitting their affection to the person they adore with an expressionless face just like what Gian is showing right now. His little brother is talking as if they are only discussing the weather and not the future.
'You fell in love at first sight? You are jesting! That is not the face of a lovestruck man who is deeply in love with a girl!'
Viel naturally did not believe his younger brother. If he really did, he might as well throw the awards he received in the academy and let go of his position as the General of Red Tiger Knights.
Gian does not really care whether Viel believes him or not. He naturally holds the cutlery and elegantly slices the steak on his plate. When he put the piece of meat on his mouth, his eyebrows scrunched a little. Though the meat is nicely cooked, the taste of it is still too bland for Gian's taste.
However, Gian did not ask the maids to remove or replace the food he is currently eating. He continues eating it and ignores the bland taste of the meat on Gian's mouth. If there are things that Gian greatly appreciated after returning back in time, one of them was definitely the food. Gian realized that once you live a life where the money is extremely tight, you will never have time and energy to be picky and just eat whatever kind of food served on your table to satisfy your hunger.
While Gian is quietly eating his food and Viel is busy observing his younger brother, the Marquis faked a cough to get the attention of his two sons. Then the Marquis look at Gian with narrowed eyes.
"Tell me, Gian. Do you really want to ask Lady Shannen to be your fiancee?" Frederick asked.
"Yes." Gian answered decisively.
Frederick quietly stares at his son. Gian did not avoid his eyes and instead, he also does the same. It was the Marquis who first stop staring at his son and nod his head in understanding.
"I understand. I will send a letter to Viscount Cladeu tomorrow morning. I will convey our intention of asking his eldest daughter to be your fiancee."
"Thank you." Gian said. "Please also inform him that I will personally visit Lady Shannen on their mansion three days from now."
"You will personally go there?" Viel asked.
"Of course. How can I show to Viscount Cladeu my sincerity if I will not personally visit his eldest daughter?" Gian questioned back.
"Well, you have a point there." Viel said. He looks at his father for a second. When Viel did not saw any rejection from his father, he nods his head in understanding. "Alright. Then I will come with you too."
"No." Gian said. "You should stay here or do your job in the Royal Palace. But you are not allowed to come with me when I visit the Cladeu mansion."
"But why?" Viel asked.
"Because I do not like it. And besides, it seems like Lady Shannen does not have a good impression towards you." Gian answered. "Tell me, brother. Did you do something bad to Lady Shannen?"
Gian's tone of voice has a strong hint of blame.
"Why are you asking me like that?" Viel questioned back. "Do I look like someone who bullies a young lady like Lady Shannen?"
"Are you really asking me that question?" Gian asked.
"Of course. If you will ask me what kind of gentleman I am, I believe that I am an honest and upright man. The type of gentleman that you should always follow."
Gian glares at his older brother after he heard what his older brother had just said.
"You knew it, right?" Viel coaxed Gian as if he is talking to a young child. "I know that you really like your older brother."
"Do you want me to stab you with this steak knife I am holding or you will stop now?" challenged Gian.
Viel raised both of his arms to show Gian that he will stop now and not to ask any more questions. It is not good if Viel will tease Gian too much.
"But why did you choose Lady Shannen?" queried Frederick. "If you want, I can find more suitable ladies in our kingdom to be your fiancee."
"There is no need for that." Gian answered. "Even if you found a more suitable lady for me, I doubt that they will be pleased to know that I am going to be their fiance."
"But why?" Viel interjected. "You are handsome, smart, and capable in every way."
"Between the eldest son who is famous in our kingdom and the youngest son who was never introduced in the society, they will most likely choose the former." Gian said. Frederick and Viel can hear the bitterness hidden behind Gian's words.
"I think Lady Shannen is more suitable for me. We knew each other since we were kids. We are also pleased with each other so there would be no problem for us in the future."
After eating the last piece of meat on his plate, Gian drinks a glassful of water and wipes his mouth with a clean napkin. Then Gian stands up from his chair and looks at his father.
"I will be going to my room now. I still have to finish the book I'm reading earlier."
"Alright, you may go. Do not forget to drink your medicine before you sleep." Frederick reminded his son.
Gian simply nods his head and quietly leaves the dining area. Both Frederick and Viel looks at the youngest member of their family. Gian can feel their stares, but he ignores it. Since he already told them his intention, he does not need to stay there anymore. When Gian is out of their sight, Viel leans his body on the backrest of his chair and let out a soft sigh.
"Gian is still holding a grudge towards us."
Frederick did not comment and look at the empty seat where Gian sat a while ago.
"Choose at least five of your trusted knights, Viel. They will come with Gian when he visits the Cladeu mansion three days from now."
"I know, father. Do not worry." Viel assured his father. "But what do you think about it? Should we stop Gian this time?"
"No." Frederick said as he closes his eyes. "If Gian wants Lady Shannen to be his fiance, then we will support him this time."
Viel did not know what to do. It is good that his brother becomes interested in these things, but he is not sure if Lady Shannen will be suited to be with his brother. Remembering that young lady's demeanor and personality, Viel can't help but to feel anxious and worried for his brother.