A What If’ Conversation
“So this is Lux-sama’s room.”
Florence-san murmured with quiet delight as she looked around, her eyes sparkling with interest.
“There’s nothing particularly unique about it, so I’m afraid it might seem a little dull.”
When I offered that apology, Florence-san gently shook her head. “Not at all,” she said, then continued.
“Just looking at how many books you have, it’s obvious how dedicated you are to your studies, Lux-sama.”
“I still have a lot to learn. I’m just doing my best to improve.”
“You may not realize it yourself, Lux-sama, but you’re among the top students at the noble academy. I also heard there’ll be swordsmanship classes after the Royal Exchange—I’m looking forward to those.”
“I’m even worse with a sword than I am with books, so… please don’t expect much.”
When I said that, Florence-san smiled softly, then turned her gaze to the vase blooming beside the bookshelf.
“These flowers… did you grow them yourself, Lux-sama?”
“Yes. I don’t take care of the ones in the garden, but the flowers in my room—I try to raise them myself. I water them every morning.”
“How lovely. The more I learn about you, Lux-sama, the more fascinated I become.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Florence-san continued her quiet exploration with visible enjoyment, until her eyes landed on the bed.
“This bed is so neatly kept. Do you care for it yourself, Lux-sama?”
“I used to, before I started attending the academy. But now that I’m out during the day, it gets dusty, so I’ve recently asked Siana to take care of it.”
The bright cheer in Florence-san’s eyes faded slightly at those words.
“Siana-san… I see.”
“…Is something wrong?”
Her sudden change in expression made me pause, and I asked cautiously.
After a moment’s silence, Florence-san replied.
“No, nothing at all… But more importantly, Lux-sama.”
Her calm demeanor lingered for a beat, then softened as she smiled and stepped closer.
“Have you had any thoughts about our conversation on the engagement?”
“Eh…? Wait, wasn’t that just a ‘what if’?”
“I did say ‘if,’ yes. But even hypothetically, for someone like me—a duke’s daughter—to mention something like that carries serious weight. And if it’s with you, Lux-sama… no, I truly want to be engaged to you.”
Florence-san… really wants to be engaged to me!?
So it wasn’t just an example—she honestly wants to marry me…?
“I-I couldn’t possibly be worthy of someone like you, Florence-san! Surely there’s someone more fitting—”
“I came to this decision after seeing you with my own eyes and feeling it with my own heart. You're free to disagree, Lux-sama. But when you belittle yourself like that, you also cast doubt on my judgment.”
“Wh—!? I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean it like that at all…”
“I’m teasing. That might’ve been a little cruel of me.”
Florence-san said it with a gentle smile that eased the moment.
“But it’s true—I do wish to be engaged to you, Lux-sama. If you ever feel the same, I’ll be waiting for your answer.”
“…Alright.”
I’d been so surprised that I blurted out more than I should—but if she’s being serious, then I can’t pretend I didn’t hear it. I had to answer her honestly.
“Then… shall I make us some tea and we can talk more? Today, let me be the one to serve.”
“Eh…!? I could never let a guest do that! I’ll make it.”
“I’m just visiting a classmate’s home—I’m hardly a guest. Besides, I’d really like you to try my tea, Lux-sama.”
“…If that’s how you feel, then I’d be honored to have your tea, Florence-san.”
“Thank you.”
Florence-san brought over the teapot and poured the tea into a cup. I took a sip.
“Ah…! It’s delicious!”
“I’m so glad to hear that.”
It really was—just as good as the tea Siana always makes.
“If you ever want my tea again, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Th-Thank you so much!”
After that, Florence-san and I sipped tea and chatted happily in my room. As the sky outside darkened, I walked her to the door.
Though she looked a little reluctant to leave, she smiled and said, “Next time, let’s spend some time at my home, alright?”
Spending time with Florence-san really is enjoyable. Even ten minutes after she left the estate, I was still thinking about her—when there came a knock at my door.
“Master, may I come in for a moment?”
That voice—it was Siana. I guess she’d finished her errands.
“Sure, come in.”
As I said that, Siana stepped into the room.
The moment she entered, her brows furrowed and she muttered quietly.
“This scent…”
After pausing for a moment, she walked toward me, her tone edged with irritation.
“Master, you didn’t bring a woman in here while I was gone… did you?”