My Engagement Got Broken, But I Don’t Remember Getting Engaged in the First Place - Chapter 27

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“Well, I heard that the toll fee didn’t change in the neighboring estates.” Urged by his wife, Baron Karl Kranz immediately set out to collect more information about the toll fee increase after he heard about it from Perre. This was what he first said upon his return.

The three family members looked at each other as their eyebrows furrowed all at the same time.

“In other words, it was only increased for our estate?”

“That seems to be the case.” Karl answered, looking nonchalant as though it was someone else’s problem, which was disconcerting to hear.

Seeing his seemingly uncaring attitude, Rita reacted faster than anyone else. She held Karl’s hand, which was in the middle of putting his coat down, and said with a smile. “In that case, how about you talk to Duke Lindell directly?”

“Directly? Setting an appointment and visiting the Duke takes a significant amount of time.”

“Today, the parliament meeting will be held at the royal castle until noon. On the way home, he’d have to travel by carriage.”

“But Rita, do you think the Duke will spare me some time?”

Nora wondered how her mother knew the schedule of the parliament meeting but it seemed like that was the least of his father’s concern.

“Karl, if you want time, you must make it. Go and bring Perre along.”

Rita’s tone wasn’t a suggestion but an order.

Karl and Perre immediately set out to the royal castle after being sent off by a smiling Rita.

“It’s absolutely out of the question–is what he said. What a rigid guy.”

Perre said when he returned home in the afternoon. He took off his jacket and threw it on the sofa.

“Duke Lindell only said it was already settled, didn’t he?”

“I don’t even know what he meant by that. How annoying.”

Perre slumped down on the sofa so abruptly, the pillow beside him fell off.

“I was also able to confirm that the toll fees of the other estates indeed did not change at. When I inquired about it, it seemed like they didn’t have the slightest idea of why the increase was only applied to our estate. Everyone shook their heads.”

“Do they have something against us?”

“We’ve never offended anyone nor have we been disliked. I just don’t understand. This is why I don’t like high-ranking nobilities.” Perre heaved a sigh as Nora passed him the brewed tea.

“Well, the fact that our toll fee increased remains the same. Further negotiations will likely take time, so in the meantime, we’ll have to cover the increase. But we also have to recoup and plan for the future.”

“Doing a detour has a high risk, but going back in debt would also be tough.”

The three people drew in a deep sigh except Perre, who sipped his tea as he sat on the sofa.

Then the sound of the door bell echoed, informing them that a guest had come.

“Let me take that. Nora, will you please pour me another cup of tea?” Perre said as he headed for the door. He wondered who it might be and as he opened the door, a handsome gentleman with grayish brown hair greeted him.

“Hi, Nora. I heard that you returned to your estate so I came to visit.”

“H-hello.” She never told him directly so she was puzzled as to how he knew. But as it was, they were in the middle of discussing the future of the Kranz household.

I feel bad but I must ask him to leave.

“Elias, I’m sorry but–”

“Now that Elias is here, why don’t you two go out and take a walk?” Nora stared in disbelief at Perre’s betrayal. He’s her younger brother but she couldn’t deny that his chartreuse-colored eyes were beautiful and complemented his well-defined face.

“…Is it the face? Do you have some alliance of good-looking faces?” Perre gently laughed seeing his sister glaring at him.

“Don’t be ridiculous. I just figured you and Elias need some time alone.”

What does he mean by that?

She went to their estate to temporarily stay away from Elias but not only was she able to resolve that, she didn’t expect to encounter more problems. Furthermore, now that he himself has come, Nora’s little vacation would be over. She reluctantly left the house while staring at the two smiling faces.

“What a lovely smell. Did you put on some perfume?” Elias asked Nora as he handed her a bouquet of flowers as customary.

It wasn’t a particularly strong scent but people often noticed it. She remembered that Elias’ hobby was something like poison testing so it was probably no surprise that such minute changes wouldn’t escape his senses.

“I made it from the blue roses you gave me last time as I didn’t want to waste them.”

Since she made it by crushing the flowers he gave, she assumed he would either be disappointed or even dislike her for it. But instead, she saw him smiling.

“Are you not disappointed that I crushed the flowers you gave me?”

“Of course not. I’d be shocked if you crushed the flowers in front of me out of the blue, but I’m happy that you processed it and kept it by your side.”

It wasn’t like she intended to keep it by her side; she simply didn’t want it to go to waste. She felt guilty but was embarrassed at the same time.

“…face.”

“Pardon?”

“Can you not say such words with that handsome face of yours?”

She had meant to berate him but Elias just smiled.

Seeing that smile, she felt a twinge in her heart. Not knowing what to do, Nora shifted her eyes away.