Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 98

98.

"You saw it too—it's absurd, right? How could Ibelin—"

"Vivian, calm down. I came to talk to Father, not you."

"Brother!"

"Lower your voice—no wonder you can't find a match."

She looked ready to cry—this was her biggest worry. She wanted a better marriage, but couldn't find one.

Baron Frillie had been respected, but Berman wasn't. He was known as a merchant who'd do anything for money.

"If only we had money."

She fell silent. Her father had indeed been unscrupulous, yet not particularly successful. The suitors that came forward were all unsatisfactory.

"Vivian."

He sighed at his immature daughter. She was trying, but it wasn't easy. It was time she faced reality.

"Father, this isn't about Vivian. Look at this."

Derick showed him the paper.

"Why—"

"Because Ibelin's surname is Frillie—she's still family. A family member marrying a duke."

Berman's mind began to work.

"So we have a connection to the duke."

"His reputation is bad, but he's a duke—with immense power and wealth."

"So he could help us."

"Yes—we must see her."

Vivian interrupted.

"But we have no invitation!"

Ibelin hadn't sent one. Without one, they couldn't enter—unless they knew someone, which they didn't.

"Family can enter without one."

Derick said calmly.

'Family—that word!'

Vivian bit her lip. Ibelin had been quiet and well-behaved—whenever Vivian teased her, she'd just go about her business. She didn't like her, but her brother might be right. Would Ibelin turn away family?

'No—she couldn't do that.'

That's why she'd vanished without a word.

The conversation concluded.

"Then let's go—I'll make time."

So Berman, his son, and daughter boarded a carriage for the capital.

The news soon reached Kite.

---

Kite knew of their arrival.

"Hmm."

Their relationship wasn't good, but would he ban them from the engagement? Unsure, he sought Kailun—who was still hostile.

"Who holds an engagement like this? The preparations should be part of the memory—no matter how grand."

"We'll have another later."

Kailun's face soured.

"Why are you here?"

"Current Baron Frillie is heading to the capital—should I invite him?"

"Berman?"

He rubbed his forehead—he'd been a cute child once, but now he was obsessed with advancement, even committing wrongs.

"With all the urgency, I forgot. He's family, but—"

"His reputation is poor."

"You know."

"I've made it my business."

"Then ask Ibelin."

"I will."

He sighed.

"When will you stop using formal speech with me?"

"Kailun, as Ibelin's grandfather—forever."

"If the bride is pretty, they say you treat the father-in-law well."

"She's not just pretty and lovely—"

He smiled proudly—so different from his childhood. Kailun couldn't help but smile. Though he was learning to love, and that person was Ibelin, he couldn't suppress his joy.

"Be happy."

"Don't need to tell me."

He went to find Ibelin—she sat at the dining table with Seren.

She'd come to help with her own engagement.

"Am I actually helpful?"

She asked glumly.

"Yes—the bride's taste matters."

"I don't know my own taste—what color ribbons and lace for the flowers?"

"You'll learn."

Seren noticed Kite.

"Lord Kite!"

Her face brightened—his heart raced. He was falling more and more for her.

"Ibelin—can we talk?"

"Yes! Seren, I'll be right back."

They stepped outside.

"What is it?"

She asked, expectant—he told her directly.

"Current Baron Frillie is coming to the capital."

"What?"

"Berman."

"Ah—he must have inherited the title. He'd wanted it."

He'd managed to get it. But now he was coming—she understood.

"Should I let him attend?"

"Normally, yes?"

Since she still used the Frillie name.

"Probably—but if you dislike it, you could change your surname."

"Change my surname?"

She widened her eyes—she'd only thought of threatening him. She'd become too violent-minded.

"Become adopted into a suitable noble house."

There were already whispers about a baron's daughter marrying a duke—though fear of Kite kept them quiet. They had nothing to gain, so why bother?

"I know someone—a comrade from the northern front. He's offered to adopt you."

She gripped her skirt—rationally, it made sense. But changing her name while her grandfather was alive? She'd naturally hesitate.

"...I'll think about it."

That was all she could say.

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