My Engagement Got Broken, But I Don’t Remember Getting Engaged in the First Place - Chapter 55

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After hearing Nora’s words, Thorvard glanced at Elias. Elias nodded at him with a wry smile.

“She doesn’t want anything superfluously extravagant. As a matter of fact, she had also turned me down before.”

Picking up on his implications, Thorvard smiled in resignation. “In that case, I won’t force you… But what can I do for you? I can give you another piece of land, money, jewellery…”

Nora desperately shook her head. She feared that if she didn’t stop him, His Majesty might offer her with gold and silver treasures worth as much as the land.

“Um, there will be a ball sponsored by the royal family, isn’t there?”

“That’s right.”

“Then, could you please allow our estate to be the purveyor of grape juice for the ball?”

It would be an excellent avenue for them to promote their product, gain public recognition, and increase their sales. Supplying goods for the ball hosted by the royal family was more than an honor in itself.

“No problem! But is that it? I can grant you an interim Royal Warrant in no time.”

Being granted a Royal Warrant was, in fact, the highest mark of recognition from the royal family. She’d be delighted if they were appointed as such, but getting it through such unofficial means was against her principles.

“I appreciate your offer, but I think it’s unfair to other people. And I don’t want to trouble the royal family… I do hope one day we’ll be able to make it, but only when we’re worthy of it.”

It must have taken a great deal of effort and hard work to receive a Royal Warrant. Even if they were granted one temporarily, she didn’t feel worthy to claim it.

Thorvard suddenly burst out into laughter, seemingly unable to contain it.

“Nora isn’t well-versed in the art of deception after all. Very well, we’ll have the Kranz estate provide the juice for the next ball. If the reception is good, I will ask for your services again. Will that work for you?”

“Yes, thank you.” Nora inwardly felt happy at the thought that the Kranz estate’s grape juice would be introduced to more people.

“So this is how I make it up to Baron Kranz’ family. But what do you want for yourself, Nora?”

“For myself?”

I thought that was it, but there’s more?

Nora was already over the moon that they would be able to serve their product at the royal ball.

“I was the one who provoked Duke Lindell and Rebecca, and although everything ended well, there was still danger posed against your life. It all happened under my command, and I even forced Elias to obey even though he adamantly refused… so if I don’t make up for it, then I am nothing but useless.”

Elias had been drinking quietly but after Thorvard spoke, he laid down his glass.

“Hm, are you gonna make it up to me too?”

“Well, we’re friends, aren’t we? Isn’t it natural to apologize after causing trouble?” Seeing Thorvard looked serious, Elias smiled and picked up his glass of drink again.

“I knew you’ve been on Duke Lindel’s tail for years, so really, it’s no trouble. But since you offered, I might as well take it. Hmm, what can I ask?”

“Don’t ask for too much. The national treasury is limited.”

“How mean. Is that how you think of me? I was actually just gonna ask you to give me something worth as much as one of Andrea’s dresses, you know.”

Seeing them laugh together made it seem like they were frolicsome youngsters. Nora felt happy knowing that Elias and King Thorvard had such a friendly and carefree atmosphere between them.

“Anyway, how about you, Nora? What do you want?”

“Asking me that so suddenly…” Nora was already grateful enough to have the opportunity to serve their grape juice to the ball.

“Gold, jewellery, dresses… name it. I can give you everything except the Queen’s throne.”

“Queen… Is Lady Andrea all right?”

“Oh, she’s fine. She already lives in the royal castle.”

In Nora’s memory, Andrea was a beautiful, gentle, voluptuous, elegant and attractive noble lady. If she were like her, she would have been confident in herself, too. Thinking as much, a thought suddenly flashed across her mind.

“I’d like to work under Lady Andrea even for a little while… Or rather, could you hire me as a servant in the royal castle?”

Thorvard cocked his head in confusion. “Can I ask why?”

“I thought I could kill two birds with one stone. Learn how to act like a lady, and earn money on the side.”

“If you want to learn, I can hire someone for you.”

“No need, that would be a waste of time for me. And I don’t have the luxury to study leisurely.”

Ordinary nobility indeed would learn things that way, but she couldn’t do the same because she wouldn’t be able to do her chores nor make any money. Although they were out of debt, the Kranz family remained poor.

“Then, I’ll arrange for you and Andrea to meet and talk?”

“Oh no, that would inconvenience Lady Andrea and I’d like to be able to work.”

Being an upper class nobility’s companion was the subject of envy for every female aristocrat. It wasn’t something that Nora, who had no redeeming features, was qualified for.

“You’re surprisingly stubborn, Nora. Very well, I’ll tell Andrea. She did say she wanted to talk to you more, the one who had captured Elias’ heart. Perhaps she can arrange something with the head maid.”