Chapter 426 Realizing the Depth Again
"I understand your assertion. I should have spoken more clearly. Regretting it now won't change how you feel."
With a sigh, Marquis Grandchester appeared older than usual.
Suddenly, Sara recalled what she had learned during her lessons with Rebecca.
'The average lifespan in Avalon is about 60 years for men and over 70 for women. However, many men often perish young in wars, which skews those numbers.'
Sara remembered that her grandfather was 53 years old.
He would surely turn 54 by the next social season.
That thought made her realize there might not be much time left to spend together.
"The Sophia Merchant Guild has already established its base in Grandchester territory. I doubt the Maiden's Tower can be moved quickly, and the alchemist guilds exist only in the Royal Capital and Grandchester territory. They will certainly be traversing to other lands in the future, but I believe it will be difficult for them to completely leave Grandchester territory."
"You should consider that enough. We have come to understand the importance of restraint. I apologize."
"No, I believe I am at fault as well. I should have kept my distance from the start. I hadn't realized it, but the memories of losing my parents in quick succession and thoughts of my past life have left me yearning for companionship. Being connected to someone and belonging somewhere brings a sense of security."
"If I could provide you with that sense of security, then that brings me joy. But do not forget, you are my grandchild and a daughter of Grandchester. As long as you are a daughter of Grandchester, it is our duty to protect you. No matter whose household, whether royal or foreign."
"Grandfather..."
"Of course, I understand the need to draw clear lines in one's work. It is only natural, but you should determine how you wish to live your life."
Marquis Grandchester turned to Chloe with a gentle smile.
"It's rare to see Chloe tearful enough to swell her eyes. Has it not been since your infancy?"
"It is rather embarrassing, so please do not look too closely. I, too, have often cried where others could not see me."
"Such behavior is befitting a noble daughter, but it does concern me a bit."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I must tell you the same thing I told Sara. There is no need to concern yourself with the conventions of nobility. Your lives are for you to decide. I have promised Nora that I shall not force our children and grandchildren into political marriages. After all, we ourselves were a couple swept about by the whims of the Grandchester and Amesbury families."
"I am aware of how you two came to wed."
"If you wish to marry Prince Andrew, I would not begrudge you my support. However, if it is for the sake of the family, then let me tell you that it is unnecessary."
"Grandfather, I hold affection for Prince Andrew. Yet, Sara's earlier words pierced my heart. I wish for the prince to long for me in the same manner!"
"I see. Then you must strive for that, I suppose."
Marquis Grandchester then addressed Elizabeth as well.
"Elizabeth, I wish for you to listen too. Political marriages should be left to other families or the royal court. I cannot speak for other noble houses, but we of the Grandchester line are neither so poor nor weak as to sell our children on the marriage market. Their futures shall be determined by them. Edward's successor need not be Adam or Christopher. Well, it may be unacceptable for a mother to think so."
"No, I am unworthy of being a mother, so I cannot possibly interfere in their lives now. I thought I was raising Adam with care as Ed's successor, but I only spoiled him. Because I neglected his studies, his admission to the Academy is now in jeopardy. If I truly considered that child's future, I should have been stricter. Moreover, I was unaware of Christopher's hidden talents."
"Christopher is a clever child. He must have been quite adept at hiding it."
"I am a mother, after all."
"That is the very definition of parental arrogance. Parents love their children, yet they often try to impose their ideals upon them. When taken too far, it can lead to attempts at domination and obedience. However, children and parents are separate beings, each living with their own values. I did not realize this until I lost Arthur. Foolishly, I am now on the verge of losing Sara as well."
Marquis Grandchester, sighing wearily, sank heavily into the backrest of the sofa.
Though it was a breach of etiquette, no one dared to point it out.
While gazing at her father, Elizabeth, who had slumped her shoulders in despair, felt Edward gently pull her closer and quietly spoke.
"Liz, let us allow our children to choose their own paths, just as Sara did. Both Father and Mother must have wished for that."
"Yes..."
Elizabeth said nothing more.
No, to be precise, she could say nothing more.
For Elizabeth, 'serving the household' was the most fundamental common sense ingrained in her since childhood, and she had never considered a life outside of that.
She had fallen in love with Edward during her girlhood.
However, she had never imagined that her love would come to fruition until her father fortuitously inherited the Count's title.
Being merely the daughter of a knight, with no name among the nobility, it was unthinkable for her to marry the heir of the Grandchester family.
While she felt deeply sorry for her late uncle, Elizabeth could not help but feel genuine joy that it allowed her to marry Edward.
However, recently, thanks to Sara, Edward learned that he had loved her even before their engagement.
Edward had been aware of Elizabeth since his days as a knight's son, and his mother, Eleonora, had positively watched over their connection.
Elizabeth, entirely unaware of this, dedicated herself to living for the Grandchester family right after their engagement.
She was happy just to be by her beloved Edward's side and found joy in serving him as he would become the lord in the future.
"Ah, I see. If I serve the Grandchester family and Ed, he has always acknowledged me. I took pride in that. And nurturing the children born between us brought me happiness. But still, that was merely the life I chose for myself."
Suddenly, Elizabeth had an epiphany.
Looking back, when the proposal for marriage with the Grandchester family was brought up, Elizabeth's mother opposed it, claiming their family standings were too mismatched.
Her mother assumed Elizabeth would be unhappy and even sent a letter of refusal to Eleonora without her consent.
Had Eleonora not suggested that they wished to welcome a daughter of a high magical capability as a bride for their heir for the sake of future offspring, their engagement would likely have been broken off.
'How foolish I was, considering I did not even follow what my parents said. Ever since marrying, I only prioritized the Grandchester family, and I never brought any benefits to my own Roche family.'
Suddenly thrust into the leadership of the Count family, Elizabeth's father, due to his modest nature, never consulted her about family matters.
He only supported her cousin during her debut into high society.
Given that she had not brought benefits to her own Roche family, it would not be an exaggeration to say the political marriage with Edward was a failure.
Realizing this, Elizabeth felt a dull headache constricting her mind.
"Liz, you look pale. You should rest in your room for today."
"Yes. I'm sorry, but I shall do so."
As Sara watched Elizabeth leave, she murmured softly.
"Is it my fault...?"
Though her voice was small, Sara's words reached Edward's ears.
"You don't need to worry, Sara. Deep down, you must understand it is really Liz. However, I hope you can grasp just a bit how she has grown since childhood. Is that too much to ask?"
"No, that is quite alright. It is undeniable that we became emotional, but I believe we must face this issue head-on eventually. Moreover, since I am making demands, I should also respect Aunt's values."
"To show respect to others may be difficult for the nobility. After all, nobles always seek to display their superiority."
"No matter how I consider it, being noble is beyond my reach."
"I must agree with you there. I can imagine Sara scattering gold to break the spirits of the noble ones."
"Oh no, Edward, if it were Sara, she would surely strike them with a Money bag."
"Ah, indeed. That does sound accurate."
"Yes, I think so too. My daughter is strong, after all."
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