The Squire on a White Horse

Chapter 2.1. The Betrothed

On the other side of the door, I saw my father who was already turning his body towards me. Next to him, there was also Mother.

This was it. This was it…

“I’m sorry to keep you waiting. What kind of business can I help you with?”

“Have a seat.”

I did as I was told and sat down on the visitor’s sofa. My father sat across from me and my mother sat next to me.

Silence fell .

I wonder if this was what it felt like to wait for the guillotine blade to fall.

No, I’m sure it’s not that serious. No matter what is said, no matter what happens, I’m not going to die. I’m sure it’s much better than dying.

Let’s go with a positive attitude. What will be will be. That’s what Stanley said.

“Florence.”　

“Yes?”

“You and Stanley Arliss are engaged to be married.”

I tilted my head when I heard the word engagement, which I was prepared for, and also heard a name that I never dreamed of hearing at the same time.

Stanley Arliss. There was only one person I knew who bore that name. The only person I knew with that name was the man I was talking to just a few minutes ago, the man I’m going to have tea with later, Stanley.

No, that couldn’t be right. I must be so nervous that my ears were not working properly.

“Please say it again.”

“You and Stanley Arliss are engaged to be married.”

“…Again.”

“…You and Stanley Arliss are engaged to be married.”

Apparently, I didn’t mishear. I asked back in dismay.

“Is that Stanley?”

“Probably the Stanley you’re thinking of.”

“Is that the Stanley that’s waiting outside the room?”

“Yes, that Stanley.”

I raised my eyebrows in confusion.

It was true that Stanley was a commoner, but he came from one of the wealthiest merchant families in my domain. He was one of my father’s followers and worked mainly as a secretary. Even in this mansion, he stood out from the other footmen and maids.

That being said, he was still employed by my father.

Even though I was the youngest child who couldn’t bear any children, wouldn’t it be unseemly for me to marry a subordinate?

My father was quick to clear up my doubts.

“Did you hear that Stanley will soon be taking over the family business?”

I shook my head in surprise. I had never heard that before. I hadn’t heard a word about it from him.

Stanley was the second son, and the eldest son, who was a little older than me, was still alive. I’ve heard that the sons of the eldest son, Stanley’s nephews, although young, were quite brilliant and attended the most prestigious schools in the capital. I’ve heard that the heir and his successor’s seats were all filled.

“I’m sure you’ll be pleased to hear that Stanley’s father, who has recently fallen ill, has decided to give the reins to Stanley instead of his eldest son. I’ve met… his eldest son a few times, and I don’t think that man can support the Arliss Trading Company. His father made the right decision.”

After saying this, Father covered his face with his hands and hung his head.

“It would be a shame to let go of Stanley, the man who brought us this far, but we can’t let the Arliss Trading Company fall.”