TDWO Chapter 8

Anri walked a little ahead.

However, she only walked a little far ahead, ensuring that the man was in sight.

Just enough to look like a landlord’s daughter while subtly letting him know that she would never walk side by side with him or be on such terms.

She only walked just enough ahead.

Was the way to the stables really this deep and far?

 

“How much would it cost?”

 

Suddenly, a low voice came from behind.

How much would it cost?

The tone was somewhat peculiar.

It wasn’t a normal inquiry asking about the price.

The question was peculiar, suggesting that the transaction would be acceptable regardless of the price, even though she didn’t intend to sell it.

The sudden question made Anri raise an eyebrow and turn around due to its content.

However, as the man with long legs took a step closer, Anri ended up turning back.

Despite her efforts to maintain a constant distance, they ended up side by side in a moment.

Anri looked up at the man in surprise.

 

“I’m curious why you’re not selling Marilyn.”

 

Seeing him like this, she keenly felt the height difference between them.

The man had a truly imposing presence.

Even now, with slightly darkened eyes, he was staring down at Anri intently.

 

‘Snap out of it, Anri Wentworth!’

 

Anri quickly realized the subtle intention behind the man’s probing question.

And the reason why a nobleman like him would personally involve himself.

 

‘Did you come here to negotiate about Marilyn yourself?’

 

It seemed like Kristan’s condition was more serious than expected.

After turning away the butler and saying she wouldn’t sell, even the master himself came to negotiate.

It’s a legendary stallion that has served the Habsburg royal family for generations, so it must be important.

Does that mean Marilyn can be sold at an even higher price?

 

“Marilyn is like family to me. She’s like a little sister.”

“Ah.”

 

The man uttered an indifferent response.

Just by that one syllable, Anri could tell how little the man understood her words.

How can you say she’s like her younger sister? Horses are just horses, right? It was clear he was thinking that way.

 

“Does Viscount Wentworth think the same thing?”

 

Anri’s steps halted at the question.

She hadn’t expected the man to resort to threats while using her father.

 

“……Yes, of course. He considers her his fourth daughter.”

 

Anri resumed walking.

The truth was, to her father, Marilyn was just a horse.

He valued her as a useful animal, not as a daughter.

But if her father were to meet this man, he wouldn’t just sell Marilyn; he would probably give her away.

If her father saw the man’s Roses and Hounds carriage, he would undoubtedly try to make a connection with him.

That darn Roses and Hounds.

It truly has impressive craftsmanship. The name value alone can influence customers’ reputation, reliability, and allure.

 

“Why is she the fourth daughter? Hasn’t Marilyn been here longer than your sisters?”

“…….”

 

The man was much sharper than Anri had anticipated. She momentarily tried to come up with a lie, but a gap emerged.

Her sisters had moved to this house three years ago, and Marilyn lived here much longer.

 

“Oh… right. Marilyn was born ten years ago. She’s the youngest among us.”

 

The man’s words nearly ensnared Anri.

 

“Marilyn was born here; I take it?”

“Yes. I saw her come out of her mother’s belly.”

 

As memories from that time resurfaced, Anri’s gaze softened slightly.

Just before Marilyn was born, her mother, Charlotte Branson, or rather, Madam Charlotte Wentworth, had passed away.

Marilyn was born at Wentworth Manor, a house devastated by the loss of its mistress.

Anri was only eleven years old at the time.

The newborn foal had eyes like lakes, fragile and delicate.

It had a lovable, cute appearance, yet somehow felt pitiful and lonely.

Anri, suffering from her mother’s absence, constantly met Marilyn’s gaze.

Just looking into her eyes was comforting.

Six years ago, her father had tried to sell Marilyn for a high price, but Anri vehemently opposed it.

At the time, the price of mares had skyrocketed, and he could have sold Marilyn and bought three stallions.

But looking into Marilyn’s eyes, she couldn’t bear to let her go.

Is there anything other than animals that can provide comfort just by being there, even without saying a word or communicating?

When did such a Marilyn grow up so much that she needed a husband……huh?

How did she know that he was a stallion with a good pedigree?

Edwin’s gaze, observing Anri from the sidelines, became even sharper and deeper.

He could see the woman’s apple-shaped head, her slightly convex forehead, the long, full lashes beneath it, and the tip of her nose, which was as smooth as a cherry.

Although these facial features were common to everyone, he found himself staring intently at her for some reason.

Of course, since she’s not his woman, he can’t stare at her without a reason.

To do so, he must draw out any words from the woman.

 

“Is her mother here, too?”

“…….”

 

Why is he asking about her mother? Perhaps he’s trying to investigate Marilyn’s lineage.

No matter how aroused Kristan is by Marilyn, as noble a stallion as he is, there may be a need to ascertain the origins of the mare he’s matched with.

Anri looked back at the man. No, she turned and looked up at him.

 

“Why do you ask?”

 

The round eyes with a sweet, lingering gaze blink a couple of times.

Edwin gazed at those eyes in silence for a moment.

Eventually, he replied with eyes that grew slightly darker and more somber.

 

“I wanted to know about… Marilyn.”

“Hmm…”

 

Anri looked back at him, letting out a faint sigh of confusion.

Clearly, he’s conducting a thorough investigation.

 

“While Marilyn is a precious mare, she may not compare to Kristan’s lineage. Are you really considering…mating Marilyn and Kristan together?”

 

Some embarrassing words seemed to mix in before being spoken out loud.

Nevertheless, they were already out there.

 

“I came here thinking it would be acceptable.”

“You never know; Marilyn might not like it.”

“Our Kristan is also a delicate one, so he’ll need time.”

“Ahaha.”

 

Anri let out a short, incredulous laugh.

If Kristan were a person, he would evoke the image of a muscular, mercenary-like knight; describing her as delicate didn’t quite fit the bill.

Realizing she had laughed out loud, she quickly composed herself and covered her mouth.

Laughing aloud in front of a man she didn’t yet know well was not proper etiquette.

Even if it were acceptable, she didn’t want to appear too cheerful in front of him.

 

“…….”

 

Edwin tilted his head at an angle, his eyes narrowing even more.

This was the first time he had engaged in a (somewhat) normal conversation with a woman like this.

Moreover, he didn’t expect to hear radiant laughter, like the sound of crystal beads clinking.

And the scent, like acacia.

A faint, sweet scent seemed to emanate intermittently from the woman.

The slight tickling sensation in his nose and nostrils was more irritating than the grand fragrance.

 

“Hmm.”

 

Clearing her throat awkwardly, Anri finally noticed the stable coming into view. It was fortunate to arrive at this moment.

Hendel, Albert, and Jeffrey, the man’s coachman, had already assembled in front of the stables. Jeffrey was holding Kristan’s reins.

Kristan, as usual, was slender and well-built.

Under his gracefully arched neck, his thick and firm chest muscles were well-defined. If not on Kristan, where else could you see such muscles?

Perhaps it was because he was a black horse, so he seemed even wilder. Yet to have a delicate temperament…

 

‘Marilyn is on board.’

 

Anri, elegantly folding her hands, was secretly thrilled.

Today, Marilyn would be extremely happy and fulfilled, it seemed.

Thinking about the privileges Marilyn would enjoy as a breeding mare, Anri felt as if she had become Marilyn herself.

Judging by Marilyn’s spirited temperament, Kristan wouldn’t be given much time to adjust.

 

“How are the horses doing?”

 

The man asked the coachmen.

It was a simple question, but the man’s expression and tone carried a chilly and authoritative atmosphere.

Such a charismatic aura couldn’t be attained without innate power, and the temperament typical of the upper class was honed over a long period.

It wouldn’t be easy to fake, even if it’s all lying or acting.

Anri looked at the man with a natural and upright posture.

 

“Um… Kristan’s father?”

 

She couldn’t think of anything else to call him.

Given their temporary cooperative relationship, continuing to address him as ‘that person’ wouldn’t be appropriate.

The man’s gaze, which had been on the coachmen, turned towards her.

However, the man’s eyebrows twitched, subtly contorting.

Is he annoyed?

 

“Oh, since you haven’t told me your name or surname, I’m unsure what to call you.”

 

Anri’s eyes crinkled again, this time in a friendly, nonchalant way.

Father? Edwin didn’t particularly fancy it.

 

“Well, I’m still unmarried, but there’s not much to object to.”

 

Unexpectedly, information about the man slipped out.

Anri blinked a few times, pretending not to hear.

 

“Before mating them… there are matters that father should agree to.”

“agree……?”

 

Anri concluded the conversation matter-of-factly, accompanied by a gentle smile.

However, a strange and slightly chilly doubt lingered in the man’s eyes.

 

“After all, this is our Marilyn’s life and family at stake.”

 

The man’s doubt became slightly more acute.

It seemed he hadn’t expected Anri to bring up specific details.

Even now, the man had no idea what she was about to say.

However, Anri didn’t want to grant permission for Marilyn to spend a night without any conditions.

Even if Marilyn didn’t boast any noble lineage, she was still a female.

A precious mare from someone else’s home!

Maintaining a pleasantly bright expression, Anri spoke peacefully.

 

“How long do you think Kristan can stay here if they want to be together?”

‘Hah.’

 

Edwin let out a short, sigh-like laugh.

After wondering about the agreement, he finally realized the woman’s intentions.

Edwin’s eyes sparkled with a newfound freshness as he looked at Anri.

Anri was proposing detailed terms for the mating of Marilyn and Kristan.