TLWFL 07

Chapter 07

With a frustrated heart, I went to find Lindberg again. I scraped together all the money I had. It wasn’t like I had any friends here, or any family I could open up to and consult with, anyway.

I felt so suffocated inside.

Still, Lindberg was an information broker, so if I paid him, he’d give me advice and listen to my story.

Not personally, but professionally.

He was a man who only sold necessary information, so it didn’t seem like he’d spread around the things I was saying now. Besides, everything I told him was anonymous anyway.

Letting out a deep sigh, I brought up the topic with Lindberg.

“I tried complimenting that boy on behalf of my friend, but it doesn’t seem to have worked well. Mr. Lindberg, could you tell me some complimenting methods that work well on men?”

Honestly, the hard part was that for someone like me who’d never even dated once, this was way too hardcore.

“Just tell me a few things, and I’ll apply them well myself.”

With sparkling eyes, I took out my notebook.

On my way back, I was thinking of buying a few books related to male psychology. Lindberg stared at my face for a moment, then burst out laughing.

What, why is he laughing?

What’s so funny?

“…Why are you laughing?”

“Ah, no. It’s just… you said that with such a serious face.”

Well, I guess it is funny. Coming to an information broker to ask something like this. But seriously, how friendless do you have to be to resort to this?

“Mr. Lindberg, you’re a man too, so you must know, right? Please tell me the kind of compliments a man would like to receive from a man’s perspective. It would be a huge help.”

Lindberg covered his face with his hand.

Why is he acting like that, really.

Hoo, this is tough in so many ways, really.

—

Chestancourt Dowager stared meaningfully at Reston, who was staring into space with an unreadable smile.

The Dowager set down her teacup.

He’d been out and about until late recently, and today he’d visited late, just sitting there smiling like that.

“Did you get wind in your lungs or something?”

Reston turned his head and looked at the Dowager. Reston was often said to be a spitting image of her. Reston’s deceased grandfather and parents had been romantic people, but Chestancourt Dowager was rational and logical.

Reston was the same.

But that expression on his face right now…

The Dowager narrowed her eyes.

“Yes. It seems a hole has been drilled in my head.”

Reston answered lightly. He kept thinking about what had happened today. The face of that person, earnestly taking down whatever nonsense Reston had been spouting as he went along.

‘I never thought she had that side to her.’

Or perhaps, she was truly someone completely different.

Reston slowly rubbed his face.

“Is this really the time for you to be wearing such a foolish expression? Count Roteroa has begun to move. You’re not thinking that we’re the only ones at a disadvantage because of the tourist site fiasco now, are you? Have you forgotten how much money we’ve poured into that?”

The Dowager furrowed her brow and traced the rim of her teacup with her finger. Reston was far too much like the Dowager to forget something like that.

“Do you think I would have forgotten?”

“Lady Roteroa is out of the question. I heard this time Roteroa caught hold of a gullible one. A Viscount Spelin, is it? Apparently, their estate is overflowing with gold mines, so they’re filthy rich, but have no business sense whatsoever. There are rumors that this nouveau riche, who spends that vast fortune like water, is planning to debut his only daughter in the capital this time.”

The smile that had lingered on Reston’s face slowly faded. Reston asked coldly.

“Have you already found a new prospective granddaughter-in-law?”

“Of course. Does something just fall into your lap if you sit still? We have to snatch it up before someone else sets their sights on Spelin.”

“That’s too fast. Lady Spelin hasn’t even debuted in the capital yet, has she?”

“What does that matter? It’s precisely now that we can get the cheapest marriage. The price will only go up. Do you think you’re the only one coveting Lady Spelin? A wealthy and innocent young lady is a hidden gem. If taught well, she’ll manage the family’s affairs just fine. Reston, you know everything I do is for you, don’t you?”

“Still, it’s too early. It was you, Grandmother, who said that choosing the wrong person could ruin the entire family.”

“…You’re not saying you refuse.”

“Because, as you say, Grandmother, we do currently need Spelin.”

Reston judged coolly.

In Reston’s view as well, the Dowager’s words were all correct. Recognizing the value of something and buying it when it’s cheapest is also a skill.

“Before that, Rose El made a proposal to me.”

“You must have brought it up because you thought it would be beneficial to us. Go on, tell me. That child has been bright since she was young.”

“She said she would donate the Muteso trees. To the disaster site in Muteso.”

The Dowager looked surprised. She even set down the teaspoon she was holding. The Roteroas were merchants to the bone.

And they were going to donate that many trees for free?

“Roteroa must have needed a way to avoid investigation and shed their image. Rose El proposed making it seem like Chestancourt was also lending a hand in this matter.”

“In what way?”

“By having you, Grandmother, rekindle your friendship with Rose El. And I would meet with Count Roteroa once or twice to talk.”

“…If you’re not careful, marriage talks between you and Rose El might resurface.”

“Who holds the most value is something we’ll have to wait and see, isn’t it?”

“Well, that is…”

The Dowager narrowed her eyes.

She thought of Rose El once more. The image of a beautiful young lady, perfectly suited for social circles.

If you compare Rose El to Lady Spelin, whose name she barely knows, the former is clearly superior.

“It’s uncertain until the seal is stamped. Alright, Reston. Do as you wish.”

“Yes, Grandmother.”

Reston concluded the pleasant tea time.

“I plan to visit Roteroa tomorrow. I will soon arrange a meeting for you and Rose El, Grandmother.”

“Hmm. I’m curious what that child will say. She might even ask to marry you again.”

“I doubt it.”

Reston chuckled. He rubbed his lips with his thumb. He had thought of Rose El, who had worked so hard to compliment Reston while emphasizing that this was by no means a personal meeting, ridiculously clumsy and adorable.

“She won’t do that.”

The Dowager stared intently at Reston as he smiled.

‘*Something must have happened.*’

Since he wouldn’t answer if she asked, it would be better to meet Rose El and find out.

Reston rose as if he had nothing more to say.

Just as the Dowager looked forward to meeting Rose El, Reston was also looking forward to seeing her. He was truly curious about what kind of compliments Rose El would give him at their meeting tomorrow.

—

I took a deep breath.

Count Roteroa was in a good mood all day at the news that Reston was coming today. The Countess was also in a flurry, making a fuss preparing to receive the guest.

“You did really well, Rose El! Bringing up the marriage talk again was the right move, wasn’t it?”

I smiled awkwardly.

It would be better for Reston to do the talking rather than me. I’m just shoving all the annoying stuff onto Reston.

“Please hear it directly from Reston.”

“Yes, yes.”

“I’m not quite ready yet.”

“Hurry up and go to your room!”

It was true that I ran away to avoid the situation, but what I said about not being ready was sincere too. I still hadn’t decided what compliments to give Reston, or what kind of attention to show him.

Yesterday, I’d even read two books on male psychology and checked the list Lindberg had given me several times over. But what is this feeling that no matter what I do, it’s not enough?

I quickly returned to my room and checked the list I’d prepared.

Ah, what should I say to make Reston feel good enough to have a change of heart?

We need to start the conversation well with compliments that make each other feel good so we can steer it constructively.

While I was doing a final check of the list, Reston arrived.