Hakushaku to Yosei: LN Vol 11 Chapter 1 Part 4 (END)
Hakushaku to Yousei
Light Novel 11: 花嫁修業は薔薇迷宮で
Bridal training in a rose maze
Chapter 1
Since popular newspapers were speculating on the Earl's engagement, they were raising questions on how the Earl and his fiancee met, and what caused him to break up in his other relationship with other women.
Filled with a sense of unease, Lydia immediately stood up.
Since Edgar has not came back from entertaining his guests, Lydia's father has left for work.
Looking at the pile of design drawings on the table, Lydia sighed and decided to open the window for the wind to come in to refresh her mind.
Suddenly, a gray cat leaped in from the window.
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"Hey, Lydia! In regards to the list of candidates on the tabloids, has seemed to increased in number again! Like the previous lists, your name was not stated in any of the tabloids."
One hand grasping the newspaper, pointing out precisely what Lydia did not want to hear about, was Lydia's childhood friend and fairy, Nico.
A fairy that is in a figure of a cat, but meaningless standing on two feet, with paws/hands? akimbo on its waist, looked up at Lydia.
"Nico, don't you think it's already time to stop reading this silly newspaper?"
"What?! I was just going to hand this to you as it shows you how to handle your marriage doubts!"
-
"Since they do not know who the real fiancee of Edgar is, they are just randomly speculating."
Displeased with Lydia's reply, Nico unhappily shook his tail.
"But why let these silly speculations continue? You should just let your name be published on the tabloids."
"We haven't even decided on the wedding day yet!"
"Aah? Why? Don't you already have the dowry and clothes prepared?"
"Fabricating the clothes takes up a lot of time, Nico."
"Hmm, don't you think this is suspicious, Lydia? That Earl must have some secret that he does not wished to be known, thus not letting the public known of his marriage."
"And that problem is?"
"You see, perhaps he has once married other women, and they have not fully divorced/break up yet - thus the news is not released to avoid any scandal."
Although it may seem impossible, but since that person is Edgar...
But aah... however, this kind of affair must not be mistaken.
I can only trust him now, Lydia mused.
"Well, frankly speaking, I don't think that this sort of scandal is possible. You surely must know how troublesome it will be for Edgar to formally introduce me to the noble society, so I think the delay is due to him planning for these sort of events to happen."
-
Compared to the matter that Nico raised, Lydia was first forced to consider her problems.
Starting from tomorrow, Lydia would learn from Duchess Maysfield the basics and etiquette of the nobility.
"But having mentioned that, don't you think there is a large amount of cash gifts?"
In a flash, Nico handed Lydia the newspaper.
Scanning the numerous digits of the speculated cash gifts, Lydia's shoulders drooped.
But even if it was a more reasonable number, but won't Lydia's and Edgar's marriage cause huge economic losses to the Ashenbert family?
"Human marriages are really troublesome.. however, if you were to elope like what your father did, bride's merchandises and gifts will be something you don't need to prepare."
Lydia's parents eloped only to get married after. As such, Lydia's father had no understanding of marriage preparations.
"Ah, that isn't a bad idea."
-
Edgar, back from the salon, smiled and stepped towards Lydia.
"You want to get blessings from relatives, don't you, Lydia?"
"Well, yes..."
"Has Professor Carlton left?"
Edgar then stepped even closer to Lydia.
"Yes. Classes begin in the afternoon."
"I see. Are you tired?"
"...a little. Marriage is something not to be taken lightly, it seems."
"The troublesome work you do need to deal it by yourself. You can leave everything for me to be dealt with."
Lydia suddenly felt very bad for Edgar. Marriage was something that she was also a part of.
"No, it is not troublesome. I'm just a little overwhelmed, that's all."
"Are you sure?"
"Ah, the wedding dress and ornaments are easily be arranged. Although I am very pleased with how things are going, I'm not quite sure of the preference of the upper class society."
"You do not need to consider the preference of the nobility, Lydia. Pick whatever you like."
Tilting her head upwards, a gentle kiss was pecked onto Lydia's cheek.
Soft caramel coloured swayed slightly, Edgar purplish-gray eyes narrowed in happiness, as if they were smiling.
Since when has Edgar revealed such a content expression?
Fooled by fate, he continued to struggle, even smiling, but Edgar never gave up.
"Lydia.. you should quickly prepare for the wedding. I want us to married as soon as possible."
"Ah...yes. I wonder what date should we set?"
"In three months time? The preparatory work should be done by then."
"Hmm? How about it? Three months?"
-
"Wait a minute, wait a minute! I can't be a Countess in just three months! I still have so many things to learn, such as the customs and etiquette of the nobility."
"These can be learned after marriage."
"Still... how about a little later? Perhaps in six months time... or even a year?"
"I can't restrain myself that long." Edgar stated firmly. "Lydia, most likely three months is my limit. No, to be honest, I'm not even sure about three months. I have to control myself quite a lot every time I see you."
Wha-what?
Although not comprehending what Edgar meant, Lydia shifted warily from him.
"Duchess Maysfield stated that if I truly cared about my fiancee, I would wait until marriage than lay my hands on you. But of course, she reminded me in a very gentle manner. But, this is a very serious matter. I obviously do not want you to feel guilty when you say your vows before God as you are a very pure and virtuous lady. As your husband, I would like to acquiese to your wishes. However, my three months is the limit."
Lydia sensed that Edgar was adamant about the wedding date, and thus she could only nod.
Smiling in relied, Edgar reeled Lydia toward him. Just when Edgar was about to kiss Lydia, she quickly turned her face away from him.
"Um, Edgar, you shouldn't do this in front of people..."
"People?"
Edgar took a quick glance around the room.
"There's only a cat."
Nico ears twitched irritatingly, when he heard the word 'cat'.
"Oi, Earl! I'm not a cat!"
Lately, Edgar was trying to kiss Lydia wherever they were, so she was trying not to give him any opportunities to do so in public. Since Nico was the only one around, she was a little carried away, but it was still embarrassing in front of Nico.
"Rest assure, Lydia. I know the difference between kisses in public and kisses when we are alone."
How can you say something like that in front of Nico, Edgar?!
Edgar took advantage of Lydia's silence and kissed her lightly.
Nico sighed while Lydia blushed.
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End Chapter 1
PS. Sorry for the extremely late update! I tried to make it up by making it longer... (1190 word count) ;__;I hope you enjoy this, lovelies! Do leave me a comment if you did! ^^