* * *

“That…”

If her brother had seen this, he would have been shocked, exclaiming how utterly rude it was to barge into someone else’s study in such a filthy state, covered in all kinds of dirt and grime from riding.

Yet the young Duke of Velon didn’t bat an eye.

“Please, have a seat. I understand the purpose of your visit. I was planning to request a meeting at your convenience, so thank you for coming first.”

The man’s tone was businesslike—neither prickly nor warm—causing Berta’s mind to go blank for a moment.

No… No, this isn’t right.

He should be shouting about what an insult this is, or be upset, or at least surprised…

What’s going on in his head?

As Berta was trying to gauge his thoughts, Hernan spoke up first.

“The engagement cannot be broken off at this time.”

What does he mean by ‘at this time’?

Does it mean it can be done later, or never at all?

Berta asked for clarification.

“What do you mean by that?”

Hernan answered without the slightest change in his expression.

“Fortunately for Miss Callis, I have no interest in you.”

“…!”

Berta, who had been prepared to say something outrageous like, “I’m far too much of a wild to be the obedient Omega bride you’re looking for!”—something that would have made her brother faint—felt her face heat up.

“Then why did you propose to me?”

It hadn’t even been a month since he proposed, and now he’s saying he has no interest in me? What’s going on?

Is he just trying to secure a marriage as a nobleman, regardless of the bride?

As Berta racked her brain, Hernan delivered the final blow.

“What I want…”

Berta swallowed dryly as she listened intently to Hernan’s low, calm voice.

“…is your older brother, Mister Everdeen.”

“…?”

Berta’s eyes widened in disbelief.

What is he talking about?

What happened between them?

Berta frowned, trying to piece together the parts of the story that were missing, while Hernan cleared his throat.

“I first met Mister Everdeen when I was nine years old, during winter.”

Watching Hernan, who seemed to be confessing a long-held affection with the gaze of someone in love—despite it being a kindness her brother likely didn’t even remember—Berta thought to herself.

Ah. He’s a victim, too.

Jurgen Nil Everdeen, the heir of Nirvan, was a well-known figure despite his relatively low status among the nobility.

Jurgen first gained notoriety due to his habit of meddling in others’ affairs.

Like the eldest son of a large family, he acted as the caretaker in gatherings of young nobles, taking care of the younger ones as if they were his own siblings.

These gatherings typically included only one boy from each family—usually the firstborn and often without older siblings.

These children, raised with the pressure of being the future heads of their families, were expected to be independent and stoic, so it was only natural that they became reliant on someone who cared for them like a nanny, asking if they’d washed their hands, changed their clothes, or eaten enough.

By the time Jurgen reached adulthood, he had become like an older brother to most of the heirs of the families that had any standing in the capital.

This was because, although he was young, he had the mind of a true adult who couldn’t stand to see children sitting idly by.

Neither Berta nor anyone else noticed this.

And her brother extended this treatment to every young nobleman and noblewoman who was younger than him.

As a result, there were many young women of Berta’s age who were convinced that the young Mister Everdeen must have feelings for them, even though it was a misunderstanding.

As Berta listened to Hernan recounting trivial stories, something that her brother wouldn’t even remember because there were so many like them, she became certain.

“So, what did Mister Everdeen say back then…?”

“No, no, no, wait. Just stop for a moment.”

Hernan, who had been about to speak, frowned slightly and closed his mouth as if to say, “Go ahead.”

“I get it. I understand that you like my brother. But… you do realize that there are about twenty other people just like you, right? My brother probably doesn’t even remember a fifth of the stories you’ve just shared. There are just too many of them.”

If they met three times, he might remember them.

If he only saw their face once, then it was better not to expect anything beyond that.

After all, the person in question was Jurgen Nil Everdeen.

And Jurgen, without any hesitation, had dismissed dozens of potential suitors with a single word.

“You’re too young.”

Although the young duke in front of her was older than she was, he was younger than her brother, which meant he would likely be rejected for the same reason.

“Yes, I’m aware. That’s why I’m asking for Miss Callis’s help.”

Berta folded her arms and leaned back, resting her arms on the sofa as she looked Hernan up and down.

In any other situation, this kind of behavior would have been considered extremely rude and might have gotten her thrown out.

He’s good-looking, and as the heir of Velon, his wealth is more than sufficient.

His title? It’s almost too good.

Though she had no intention of marrying him, Hernan Velon Yudenet is, without a doubt, a perfect candidate for a family’s spouse.

Moreover, he’s an unintended victim of my brother.

Berta rested her chin on her hand, thinking.

What kind of person is her brother?

If left alone, he’d likely continue to be bound by responsibility and duty, eventually dying without ever experiencing love.

When he got older, he’d probably choose a partner who was a good match for the family, but not so overwhelming as to be burdensome, and enter into a marriage as a transaction.

Would that be a happy life?

Though she never intended to be tied down by something like marriage, her brother, as the family’s eldest, maintained a stance that he would marry if a good proposal came along.

If he was going to marry anyway, it was better that it be with someone who could make him the happiest.

After some thought, Berta nodded.

“Alright then, convince me. Why should you be my brother’s spouse out of all the many suitors?”

Whether Berta would cooperate depended on how well the duke answered.

Despite Berta’s high-handed attitude, which disregarded their difference in status, the duke didn’t blink.

He calmly and eloquently presented the boundless potential of Velon’s development, the full support of the Yudenet family, and the fact that there would be no nagging or scolding from other family members.

Though the duke maintained a poised and noble demeanor, he seemed almost desperate to persuade Berta.

Though they weren’t related by blood, the saying “like brother, like sister” couldn’t have been more true.

Hernan’s persuasion lasted nearly a week.

After a thorough, rigorous examination of everything from his martial prowess and intellect to his sincerity and wealth, Berta finally spoke, her expression saying, “I can’t believe someone this persistent exists.”

“You’ll need to be very clever about this.”

“If Miss Callis agrees to help, I will offer my full support in return.”

“I’m not particularly interested in your support. Ah… I’m already getting a headache.”

With Berta’s long trial concluded, the real challenge for the two of them was just beginning.

Given Jurgen’s monk-like nature, a natural approach to a relationship was impossible.

That must be why he proposed to me, hoping to win me over.

Berta sighed as she began to speak.

“I, who graduated as the top student from Rosenpierre, and you, who are believed to be quite intelligent—well, we need to combine our wisdom to devise a perfect strategy. You know? My brother is incredibly smart. It’s a proposal that wouldn’t hurt him in any way, right? Even if we offer it with a sense of goodwill, he might refuse it. Even if we show personal favor, he might reject it. Even if we express our long-standing admiration, he might doubt us and turn it down. You’ll probably be rejected and back out.”

The second reason for Jurgen Nil Everdeen’s fame was his business acumen, often described as a demonic talent.

The sharp, meticulous, and intelligent brother was so flustered that he had to be persuaded to make a decision that would at least benefit him somewhat, even if the proposal seemed absurd.

“If you’re half-hearted and end up being outmaneuvered by my brother, it’ll be over. No matter what business proposal we make, if the terms are too favorable, he’ll say, ‘If it’s an investment based on personal favor and friendship, I’ll refuse.’ He might say that people’s minds can change at any time. You’ll need to be prepared for the possibility that he could become a true enemy. Are you really okay with that?”

Berta honestly thought that her harsh nature wasn’t solely due to genetics.

After all, she grew up watching that person up close.

She was even the one who had endured his constant nagging as his stepsister.

Hernan had no intention of backing down from Berta’s warning.

* * *