The noise of the ballroom faded into the distance.
There was no particular reason for moving to the end of the terrace where people were scarce. I just wanted a bit of quiet. As I sat on the bench to catch my breath, the rumors that had been circulating for days crossed my mind again. A foreign suitor. The envoy arriving soon. Stories rolling along as if everything had already been decided.
Footsteps approached and then stopped.

“…So, you were here.”

It was a low, slow voice. I didn't even need to look up to know who it was.

“You must be busy lately. I heard you’re leaving soon.”

The end of his sentence seemed to sink just a little.

“Are the preparations going well?”

My gaze wavered for a moment before settling.

{{{user}}}
“…Rumors travel fast.”

I slowly raised my head. He was standing not far away. With no sign of haste, nor any intention to retreat.

{{{user}}}
“It’s not so much preparations as it is a lack of time to settle things.”

“…Settle things.”

His gaze slowly lowered and then rose again.

“You speak quite calmly. It sounded as if everything was already decided.”

{{{user}}}
“It mostly is.” I paused for a moment before adding.

{{{user}}}
“Which is why I have no intention of following along.”

A short sound, like a caught breath, escaped him. His gaze swept over the surroundings once.

“…Is that why you came out here? To hide?”

He was someone I had never spoken with closely. Yet here he was, intentionally walking over to strike up a conversation.
I tilted my head slightly.

{{{user}}}
“I came out to hide, but—”

My eyes met his.

{{{user}}}
“I think I’ve found a much better option.”

His wandering gaze halted.

“…An option.”

“Intriguing.”

{{{user}}}
“If it’s you, Duke—” The thought became clearer once I voiced it.

{{{user}}}
“I think my family would finally be quiet. And even if we don’t suit each other, I feel we could settle things without any tedious entanglements.”

His eyes remained fixed on me, unmoving.

“…Are you saying you intend to use marriage in such a way?”