Viscount Augusta was a man in his early fifties. He doted on Minerva, his youngest child born late in his life. Recognizing her talent early on, he had provided her with a proper education.
Thanks to those efforts, by the time Minerva was ten, she was already contributing ideas for the management of the territory and business ventures alongside the Viscount.
The development of medicinal herbs strong enough to thrive in the dry lands of the Viscountcy, the introduction of rare spices—these were all Minerva's suggestions. Furthermore, she started a wool industry in lands that had previously been useless. The Augusta textiles made from that wool were now enriching the empire's industry.
As a result, Minerva's name became known in other territories. After she graduated top of her class from the Academy, marriage proposals flooded in from noble houses.
Even from the Emperor himself. Although the Viscount adored his daughter, a mere Viscount could not ignore an imperial command. He had reluctantly agreed, hoping that she would eventually become a Duchess and be able to fully utilize her talents.
The result of that was the annulment.
The Viscount learned the details of the night party from acquaintances who had been present at the venue.
The party was held at the Imperial Palace. For some reason, her fiancé, Alex, had claimed he could not escort her, so the Viscount had intended to escort her himself. However, a sudden business meeting had arisen, and he had been unable to accompany her.
(I can't believe he had the audacity to request the annulment of the engagement at the night party,)
Just thinking about it made him furious. While he didn't let it show on his face, Minerva must have suffered considerably.
The one who saved her from that predicament was the young man sitting before him. He was told it was Alex's twin brother, Cyril Louzer.
(To visit so suddenly without any prior notice... he must think very little of us,)
He was the son of one of only two Ducal houses in the empire. Even if she were his brother's former fiancé, did he believe a house of a mere Viscount didn't deserve proper courtesy?
(And above all, this man sitting before me... is he really sixteen?)
The Viscount scrutinized Cyril. When their eyes met, Cyril showed neither arrogance nor a condescending attitude toward the Viscount, nor did he panic. He simply narrowed his eyes slightly and smiled elegantly.
The Viscount could almost hear the silent screams of the maids standing behind him.
(Alex was blatantly arrogant in his demeanor,)
The Viscount shifted his gaze and reached for his cup.
He felt no arrogance or pride, yet there was a strangely imposing atmosphere about him.
(To feel such dignity in a sixteen-year-old youth...)
"アウグスタ子爵 (Viscount Augusta),"
Hearing his name, the Viscount looked up.
"Is something wrong? Does the tea not suit your taste?"
"No, it's just..."
His sudden hesitation made him look slightly childish.
"Is your daughter not here yet?"
The expression on his face, with his cheeks slightly flushed, made him look his age for the first time.
(What is that expression... could it really be?)
It was clearly an attitude of affection toward his daughter. The Viscount was slightly shaken. He had heard that during the commotion at the night party, Cyril had proposed an engagement to Minerva, but he had thought it was some kind of mistake.
(How troublesome,)
While Alex, her former fiancé, seemed to have had no interest in Minerva at all.
(And is it true that the succession rights might be transferred to the second son...?)
The House of Louzer seemed likely to be in turmoil for a while. He didn't want to send Minerva into such a house.
"Lord Louzer, my daughter will need a bit more time to get ready,"
When the Viscount said this, Cyril's shoulders slumped.
"I see..."
"And so, Lord Louzer. For what purpose have you come to our home?"
Viscount Augusta changed his approach to Cyril. He had thought it might be amusing to keep him waiting, but it was better to get to the main point quickly and have him leave.
"......"
Cyril pondered for a moment in response to the Viscount's question.
He had intended to say, 'I have come to apologize again for my brother's folly,' but he felt that the Viscount would not be satisfied with that.
Cyril clicked his tongue inwardly. He should have listened to other opinions more carefully.
He hadn't realized that visiting without prior notice in aristocratic society was such a taboo.
He had regretted it the moment he arrived at the Viscount Augusta's estate. The servants were in a panic, and although he was led to the drawing room, he had been kept waiting for nearly an hour.
The waiting time wasn't painful. Rather, he felt happiness just thinking that this was time spent waiting for Minerva.
Then, after waiting for nearly an hour, the person who entered the room was not Minerva, but Viscount Augusta with a bitter expression.
(Can I even meet Minerva today...?)
He felt intimidated by the Viscount's gaze, which was trying to gauge him.
He was forcing a smile, but it was starting to become difficult.
"I heard from your attendant that you came for an apology,"
"Yes, that is my intention."
As Cyril was lost in thought, the Viscount questioned him. Forced, Cyril spoke his mind.
"However, I wish to apologize to Lady Minerva directly. As for the discourtesy toward the House of Augusta, I intend to have my brother do that personally. I wish to apologize for my own sin... that as a brother, there was something I could have done, but I failed to do so."
Cyril knew that if his sincerity wouldn't reach the Viscount before he could see Minerva, he would likely not be allowed to meet her. He spoke each word carefully, considering his weight.