My Engagement Got Broken, But I Don’t Remember Getting Engaged in the First Place - Chapter 36

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In the blink of an eye, the day of the ball was almost here, and today’s the eve. As she opened the front door, the manager of the restaurant where she worked part-time greeted her.

“A pleasant day to you, Nora!”

“What brings you here?”

The perky manager grew hesitant and started speaking ruefully.

“Well, I would like you to perform at the restaurant tonight.”

“Tonight?”

“It was a request from an aristocrat. He said he really wanted to hear the Azure Nightingale sing. He’s been a longtime patron of the restaurant. I know this is sudden but I’ll pay you extra. I know you’re going to the royal castle tomorrow and might be busy but could you do me this favor?”

It was the first time the manager had asked her for a favor. It seemed like it was really such an important customer.

“No problem. You’ve been taking care of me all this time, it’d be my pleasure to help.”

“Thanks, Nora. You’re a lifesaver. But… who would accompany you home?”

“I can ask Perre, it’s fine.” Her younger brother didn’t say he had anything tonight, so he could surely come with her.

However, the manager’s expression clouded over.

“But what about the twins of Marquis Callum? Aren’t you usually accompanied by them?”

Elias did tell her that she had to be accompanied by either him or his brother, but she couldn’t get in touch with them on such short notice. The restaurant had already opened before the customer had asked her to perform. She didn’t have enough time to tell them.

She didn’t have time to drop by the marquis’ manor, so she could only send them a missive. Writing to either of them wasn’t easy for her, and they might not be at home once it gets delivered.

Besides, even if they were in their manor, should the missive be treated with suspicion, it might not get delivered at all. Or if it did get delivered, they might not have ample time to fetch her.

Furthermore, it wasn’t like her part-time job; she was only going to sing one song, so should be able to get home early.

“Both of them are busy today. And even if I send word, they might not be able to make it anyway. It’s fine.”

“Oh. Well then, I’ll head to the restaurant first. Thank you very much!”

——————

Nora headed to the restaurant with Perre, changed her outfit and performed immediately. Her appearance on stage wasn’t scheduled, but the audience was happy with the surprise and enjoyed her performance tremendously. She felt delighted.

She would usually sing a couple of songs and repeat them throughout the course of the night, but since she only had to sing one song for the longtime patron to hear, she concluded her performance right away.

The manager took her to a table to greet the customer, and she was introduced to an old gentleman with a tender expression on his face.

“Thank you for humoring my last minute request. It was lovely to hear you sing, Azure Nightingale. And please accept my apologies for requesting to see you perform on such short notice.”

“Not at all, it’s my honor that my performance is to your liking.”

The old gentleman had a soft smile on his face at first, but his expression gradually darkened.

“My apologies. I’m really sorry.” He repeatedly apologized, and Nora told him it was no big deal and even thanked him.

Isn’t he a little too courteous or is it a lapse in memory due to old age?

When she had conversed with the old men in the city on occasion, most of them would repeat the same thing over and over again. She figured that he must be like them. After the idea dawned on her, their unusual exchange was finally over.

She expressed her gratitude once more before leaving the table. Now all she needed to do was change her clothes and hurry home.

Perre had been discussing with Flora about their toll fee issue in the dressing room, so once she changed her clothes, they could go straight home from the back door. Nora felt relieved that she would be able to return home before it gets dark.

“Wait—” As she was on her way to the back of the restaurant, someone had grabbed Nora’s hand.

The person who grabbed her hand was a beautiful lady. Is she as old as His Majesty? She had beautiful golden hair and crimson eyes, and her feminine physique exuded a bewitching aura.

“I expected so much considering the ‘Azure Nightingale’ had a good reputation, but your voice wasn’t anything special, much less your appearance. Ashamed of yourself, are you not?”

Nora was surprised by the lady’s harsh outburst out of the blue. Each person would have different views about her voice, and she acknowledged that she wasn’t particularly beautiful. But she didn’t think the lady’s behavior was commendable with her arrogant approach.

“I’m sorry.”

The lady deepened the crease between her brows.

“Did you pretend to be special or something? Have you no shame snatching the position from the singer who had already been chosen?”

“Might I ask who you are?”

“I’m Rebecca.” It was a name Nora didn’t know after all. The lady seemed to have guessed her thoughts and sighed exaggeratedly.

“I have not heard about you either, third-rate singer. But I am originally the singer chosen to perform at the founding ball.”

So she’s the singer who had already been chosen she had mentioned earlier? Then she must’ve come to complain about her position getting snatched away.

“I didn’t want to perform either. Feel free to make an appeal and have me replaced.” The moment she realized Rebecca’s eyebrows furrowed again, the latter had already picked up a glass and splashed the contents onto her.

It was red wine. Her dress was blue so it wasn’t noticeable but Nora worried that the stain might be difficult to remove. She had to wash it immediately with water to prevent any further damage.

“In any case, the decision isn’t up to me. If I could decline, I’d have done so. Please give it your best and claim your position again. You have my full support. Then, if you will please excuse me.” She said it all at once and headed towards the back of the restaurant to wash her dress.

Rebecca tried to grab her hand again, but someone else had stopped it.

“That’s enough.” Holding Rebecca’s hand was a handsome gentleman with grayish brown hair.

“Elias.”

Why is he here?

Nora wasn’t scheduled to work today. Had he come to dine?

Rebecca waved Elias’ hand away with an awkward expression on her face.

“The rumor that you had hoodwinked the marquis’ son must be true. What a dirty woman.” She blurted out disdainfully and left.