(Chapter 5)
Clarisse Faeloria approached him with a calm gaze, hoping this meeting would go smoothly. Her voice was gentle as she greeted him, "Your visit is quite sudden, Your Grace."
"Does my unexpected arrival trouble you?" Lorcan asked, his tone filled with curiosity.
"Of course not, Your Grace," Clarisse replied steadily.
Lorcan gave a faint smile, pleased with her answer. "I've wanted to meet you for a long time," he admitted honestly.
Clarisse lifted her teacup and took a slow sip before responding, "You exaggerate, Your Grace. It hasn't been that long since we last met."
"For me, it has felt like an eternity. So, what is your answer? I hope you will accept my proposal," Lorcan said without preamble.
"I... perhaps I will accept it."
"Perhaps?" Lorcan's expression darkened slightly at her uncertainty.
"To be honest, Your Grace, this is all too sudden. I'm sure you understand what I mean. I was hoping you could give me more time."
"I cannot wait any longer. I want us to marry as soon as possible," Lorcan stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Your Grace is being too hasty," Clarisse replied, trying to mask her unease.
"I need an heir. I don't care what you say," Lorcan declared stubbornly.
"That is rather disappointing, Your Grace," Clarisse murmured, her voice softening.
"Hmm."
Clarisse could sense Lorcan's impatience, yet she merely gave a wry smile, hiding her frustration behind a composed expression. Though she tried to reason with him, he remained unyielding. In the end, she chose to concede.
"You know, I am still too young for marriage. I wish I could enjoy my youth a little longer," Clarisse said gently.
"Clarisse Faeloria, you are more than old enough to marry," Lorcan responded indifferently.
"Is that so?" Clarisse replied with a sweet smile.
Lorcan smirked, growing more certain that she was the perfect woman to be his wife. "Marrying me will bring great benefits to the Faeloria family. You will not regret it."
A brief silence fell over the garden before Lorcan asked again, "What are you thinking about?"
"I was just wondering... what if I had another choice?" Clarisse said softly.
"What do you mean?" Lorcan's expression hardened, as if the thought of her having someone else in mind displeased him.
"Since childhood, I have always hoped my life would be different from other noblewomen."
Lorcan looked annoyed, displeased that the conversation was straying from the topic of marriage. He wanted to discuss their union, yet Clarisse spoke of her dreams instead. In a low voice, he replied, "Such wishes are unrealistic."
"Perhaps they are, but to me, the things that seem unrealistic are often the most intriguing. I want to be someone different. That is my dream," Clarisse said with conviction.
Lorcan fell silent, struggling to find the right words. Though he had trained himself to engage in conversation, it was not something he found easy.
"Does Your Grace feel uncomfortable?" Clarisse asked, noticing the tension in his expression.
"Mmm?"
"Your Grace seems deep in thought," she observed, slightly leaning toward him.
"There are many troubling matters at the border," Lorcan admitted, his tone calmer.
"Is it because of the barbarian attacks?"
"Yes. They have been quite active recently. Furthermore, monsters have been attacking the border walls more frequently," Lorcan explained.
"You must be having a hard time, Your Grace..." Clarisse voiced her concern.
"Yes."
"I believe you bear all these responsibilities alone. I am truly grateful for everything you do, Your Grace."
Lorcan smiled. "Grateful? That is interesting."
Clarisse returned his smile, realizing that the afternoon was fading into evening. Lorcan, too, noticed how quickly time had passed. Though he felt a certain reluctance to return to the Northern border, his heavy responsibilities called him back.
TO BE CONTINUED