I Give Up on the BL Novel's Male Leads - Chapter 127
“Repeat that.”
Edwin doubted his ears, questioning whether he had heard correctly. He asked again for clarification.
“Itâs exactly as I said, Your Highness!”
“AhâŚ!”
Illein wanted to cover her motherâs mouth. However, Edwin pulled her wrist, leading her behind him, as if the facts mattered more than her opinion on the matter.
“Our Illein has been able to attend Bellaine Academy thanks to his scholarship! Our family has been struggling, making it hard to properly raise even one child.”
“So that means⌔
“Mother, thatâs not something to discuss with His Highness. Why are you bringing this upâŚ?”
“Our Illein is barely managing with a full scholarship and work-study funds from his student council activities. If he ends up in second place, heâll be expelled from the academy immediately.”
Baroness Thierry hoped Illein would quit the academy soon. In fact, she was determined to make it happen.
The Baroness thought that Illeinâs reluctance to marry Young Marquis Wignum stemmed from her rebellious spirit.
Anyone could easily predict that if Illein got married, all her efforts at the academy would amount to nothing.
However, the Baroness had no intention of yielding. What were the chances that a mere Baronâs daughter could become the future Marchioness?
Moreover, she had already investigated Melias, using the influence of Duchess Candelaria.
Her approach was subtly mentioning the engagement to the Duchess.
âActually, my daughter is in talks about an engagement with Young Marquis WignumâŚâ
âOh, is that so? Then I suppose it wouldnât be a bad idea to find out a bit about who he is since youâve been working so hard for.â
Duchess Candelaria was a person of dignity and great generosity.
She was broad-minded enough to gladly take on such inquiries.
“Listen here.”
“Yes, Duchess.”
“What Iâve learned is that they are quite decent people.”
“Really?”
“Indeed. The Wignum family is affluent and has individuals who know humility. Moreover, the Marquis has no scandal attached to him, and his son is known for his natural aversion to women and his upright character.”
“Oh my!”
“Therefore, I truly hope to hear good news. After all, our Damon and Young Marquis Wignum are quite close.”
Hearing this made the opportunity even more impossible to miss.
Thus, Baroness Thierry was applying silent pressure on Illein.
She wanted to suggest that Illein cut ties with any unnecessary friendships, focus on her bridal lessons, and stop being stubborn about marrying into the Wignum family immediately.
Illein sensed her motherâs intentions.
“Mother, please⌔
Illein spoke bashfully, trying to usher her mother out of the room.
Edwin observed her and realized that the Baronessâs words were not false.
For that reason, Edwin felt conflicted.
If Illein felt that way, how much worse would it be for Illenas? He glanced at her subtly.
“So, does that mean Illein has been studying fiercely until now?”
“Of course. We feel terribly sorry. We canât even buy him decent clothes. Oh! And Illein’s wand is actually second-hand. The cost of wands is quite steep.”
Illein lowered her head at those words.
She felt resentful that her mother was parading their poverty in front of Edwin.
“All of his academy uniforms were inherited. From graduates, that is.”
But Illein couldnât stop her mother.
Moreover, Baroness Thierry had no intention of stopping.
She was deliberately exposing their financial struggles.
She hoped that Edwin would be disgusted by their poverty and distance himself. She feared he might intervene during the engagement talks.
“So, Your Highness, please take pity on our Illein. This child doesnât show his hardships and is very kind. As a mother, I often feel sorry for him.”
“âŚYes, I understand.”
Seeing the confusion on Edwinâs face, Baroness Thierry thought that her intentions had been somewhat effective.
Thus, she chose not to say anything further and, feeling relieved, greeted Edwin.
“Then have a good time, Your Highness.”
“âŚRight.”
As Baroness Thierry turned away, she reflected on this. This was precisely why she could never let her guard down.
She was determined to keep Illein grounded, fearing that she might get lost in fanciful dreams.
It was pathetic how Illein seemed to put so much significance on the academy.
At that age, it was common for people to dream of unattainable ideals.
She herself had once believed in her husbandâs unrealistic future, and look where it had gotten her. Now, she just wanted to marry Illein off to pay off their debts and live a little more comfortably.
In the Baronessâs mind, a successful womanâs life was simply about marrying well, being loved by the husband, and having children while living comfortably.
