TVIMN 19

Chapter 19

Exiting the study, Lyle’s expression was complex. Having spent long years in fierce battlefields, he was not easily disconcerted. However, his conversation with the Duke and Duchess had veered in an entirely unexpected direction.

“Looks like the talk went smoothly,” the butler commented, smiling at Lyle’s expression.

Lyle shook his head slightly, “I can’t quite understand.”

“What part might you be referring to?” The butler looked puzzled.

“Why is no one opposing this marriage?” Lyle muttered. It seemed too easy.

The Duchess was already pondering which furniture artisan to commission for Elaina’s dowry, while the Duke was calculating how to quickly prepare the promised dowry. Despite respecting their daughter’s wishes, their attitude towards a suitor who had come to propose after just a day’s notice seemed far from typical.

The butler nodded, “Ah, you expected opposition when you arrived. Indeed, there are people who oppose the match. For instance, Lady Elaina’s personal maid.”

The butler chuckled, recalling Sarah’s tearful protests as she trailed after Elaina all day.

“The Duke may have been persuaded, but the Duchess was still quite distressed this morning. If they have now consented, there must be a good reason.”

From what the butler could see, Lyle Grant was not the monstrous figure the rumors suggested. The Duke and Duchess, perceptive as they were, must have seen something in Lyle’s character that others did not.

“I will take you to the Lady’s room,” the butler said quietly, leading Lyle.

Following the old man, Lyle thought he could understand where Elaina’s unique character came from.

Walking through the mansion, bathed in light, he reflected, ‘To grow up in such a bright world, loved by both parents and servants alike, must shape a person profoundly.’

Elaina had tried so hard to keep Diane away from him, yet she had volunteered for marriage herself. Not only that, she had offered to help him achieve his greatest ambition. No one had ever spoken to him like that before.

At fifteen, during those formative years, he had been dragged to the battlefield, surviving ten harsh years among enemies and reluctant allies. Everyone had been his enemy. Like a porcupine with quills raised, he had survived alone. But now…

“You’ll need to attend social events more frequently in the future. Feel free to visit our mansion whenever you need to discuss anything. Even if you don’t, do come by often. How about joining us for a meal next time? We’ve just received some excellent wine.”

Speaking to him warmly, almost motherly, the Duchess made him feel welcome.

“Welcome to the family, Your Grace,” the Duke said, shaking his hand in welcome.

On the battlefield, everyone had despised him. Without any usefulness, he was discarded without mercy. His heart had grown numb, shaped by such harsh experiences. He had been abandoned, and he had abandoned others.

But the people of House Winchester felt different somehow.

To him, everyone else was an enemy. The world had been divided into such clear dichotomies. But now, it felt as if the horizons of his previously dichotomous world had expanded slightly.

As he walked down the corridor, his train of thought was interrupted.

“Miss.”

“Oh, Butler.”

“What are you doing here?” The butler’s voice was tinged with surprise as he discovered Elaina hiding in the corner of the hallway.

Elaina stood up, her face flushed with embarrassment, her eyes darting around nervously. “Well, I heard that His Grace had arrived, but it was taking too long.”

“And?” The butler raised an eyebrow.

“So, I thought I’d wait a bit longer and, if necessary, barge into the study.”

“What? Miss! That’s hardly proper conduct…”

“No, no. I just thought about it. I didn’t actually do it, did I?”

“How did you manage to get out of your room without Sarah? She would never have let you leave. Didn’t I tell you that on the day you receive a proposal, you should wait demurely in your room?”

“I know, I know. I told Sarah it was too hot and I’d just step out for a moment.”

The butler was about to scold her further but noticed Lyle standing beside him. He cleared his throat awkwardly. “Ahem. Since I’ve found you, I’ll take my leave. You can guide His Grace yourself.”

“Um, yes. I will.”

Elaina waited until the butler disappeared down the hallway before turning to Lyle. They locked eyes.

“You call that an ambush?” Lyle asked, bemused.

Elaina had crouched down in the corner, but her voluminous orange dress was spilling out everywhere. She had peeked out just enough to see, leaving half her body visible.

“Well, you should have come earlier. I was worried and came to check on you,” she grumbled, brushing dust off her dress.

“You think I wanted to do this? I was afraid my parents might offend you. Not that they’re the type, but you never know.”

Elaina had been anxious that her parents might somehow insult Lyle and make him reconsider his proposal.

“Did the conversation go well? What did they say? They’re usually very refined, but they can be overprotective because they love me so much.”

“Yes, they certainly seem like refined people.”

“Oh, really…? If they said anything upsetting, I apologize. They didn’t mean it.”

“Your mother said she’d match the dowry she had when she married your father.”

Elaina’s eyes widened gradually, her mouth opening in surprise. The sunlight streaming in highlighted her reaction, her pupils contracting in the light.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“Oh…! That’s amazing. I was worried she might be difficult, and I was even thinking of protesting by selling all my jewelry.”

Elaina’s face turned sheepish as she spoke. “But I guess that won’t be necessary. Ahem.”

Feeling a sense of relief, she suddenly noticed the cold that had been creeping up on her. She shivered and sneezed softly. “Achoo!”

Lyle gently placed his hand on her cheek, causing her to startle.

“What… what are you doing?”

“You’ve been out here all this time? Your cheeks are cold.”

“Well, I was worried you might leave if things didn’t go well with my parents.”

“What if I had?”

“I would’ve dragged you to my room. I’ve worked hard all morning to prepare for this proposal. I couldn’t let my parents ruin it.”

Proposal. Saying the word out loud felt a bit awkward. Elaina’s heart fluttered slightly under Lyle’s unwavering gaze.

“Let’s get to it then. Follow me. It’s not far.”

As they walked, Elaina thought about the ring. It wouldn’t be the finest quality since it was prepared in a day, but as long as it fit her finger, she would be satisfied. After all, she intended to wear it for a while.

Instead of following her, Lyle took her arm, turning her to face him. Their eyes met.

“I’ve thought of many things to say for the proposal. But flowery words don’t feel sincere. Our marriage lacks any romantic sentiment.”

The corridor was eerily quiet, as if they were the only two people in the world. Lyle’s voice broke the silence again.

“But right now, I feel like there’s something I want to say to you. I could wait until we go to your room, but I’m afraid I might forget what I want to say. Would it be alright if I propose here?”

It was strange. Like with Diane Redwood, his marriage to Elaina Winchester was just a strategic choice to revive his family. A proposal was merely a step toward marriage—a moment to say the right things, put a ring on her finger, and ask her to be his wife. The answer was predetermined.

But with Elaina, it felt different. It might be just a whim, but he didn’t want to approach this mechanically.

Lyle waited for Elaina’s response. Her silence was an unspoken agreement. Slowly, he knelt on one knee before her.