I Accidentally Saved The Male Lead’s Brother Chapter 171

Baron Lannia’s words brought Carcel a sense of relief. For now, that answer alone was enough.

 

But he couldn’t completely relax.

 

In his 23 years of life, he had never been so tense. Carcel clenched and unclenched his hands repeatedly before finally opening his mouth.

 

“Baron, I wish to propose to Charlotte.”

 

Contrary to his expectations, the baron did not seem particularly surprised.

 

Carcel sensed that perhaps the baron had anticipated this. Emboldened, he continued.

 

“May I have your permission?”

 

The baron didn’t respond immediately. Normally, Carcel would have patiently awaited his answer. This time, however, he felt the need to elaborate further.

 

“I know I am lacking in many ways. I also know that no matter how hard I try, I may never be the perfect son-in-law or husband. But…”

 

Carcel paused briefly, recalling Chase.

 

With his gift of gab, Chase could easily win others over. What exactly had he said to gain Sir Anderson’s approval?

 

Unable to ask, Carcel never found out. But whatever it was, it was likely far more eloquent than anything he could manage.

 

Carcel wasn’t good with words and lacked the talent for crafting impressive speeches. 

 

But there was one thing he could promise with absolute sincerity.

 

“I love Charlotte more than anyone else. I can vow that for the rest of my life, I will love only her.”

 

Though his words were plain, his sincerity shone through.

 

“So, please, just this once, trust me and grant me your permission.”

 

A smile slowly spread across Baron Lannia’s face.

 

“I have heard Your Grace’s words.”

 

“……”

 

“If you and my daughter love each other so deeply, how could I possibly object?”

 

“Does that mean…”

 

“Please, take good care of our Charlotte.”

 

Though he had achieved his heart’s desire, Carcel couldn’t bring himself to smile. Instead, he felt as though he might cry and bowed his head deeply.

 

“Thank you.”

 

His voice trembled as he expressed his gratitude.

 

“Thank you, Baron.”

 

***

 

The Lannia baronial couple stayed in the capital for a week.

 

During that time, Charlotte entrusted Theo to Carcel’s care and spent her days exploring the city with her parents and brother.

 

Amid her family, who always prioritized her happiness, she felt like the carefree youngest child again for the first time in ages.

 

Though she felt guilty about leaving Theo and Carcel behind, when she was with her family, they barely crossed her mind.

 

Theo seemed unhappy about not spending time with his “Sister” (sister), but thanks to Jake, who occasionally played with him in the garden, he didn’t throw too many tantrums.

 

The happy days flew by, and soon it was time to say goodbye.

 

As she watched the servants loading their luggage into the carriage, Charlotte couldn’t hold back her emotions and ran to her mother.

 

“Mother, I’ll miss you.”

 

“Oh, you silly girl. It’s not like we’ll never see each other again, yet here you are acting like a child.”

 

Despite her words, the baroness hugged Charlotte tightly.

 

“Do visit the Lannia estate soon with His Grace and Theo. The sprouts are just starting to grow, and Theo will love it.”

 

“Yes, he’s been curious about it. Jake told him the fields at Lannia estate are much larger, and he’s eager to see them.”

 

“That’s right. Now, take care of yourself.”

 

When the baroness let go, Baron Lannia embraced Charlotte next.

 

When she had first left the Lannia estate, he had told her she could return to her family anytime. Now, he said nothing of the sort.

 

But Charlotte, busy holding back tears, failed to notice the change.

 

“Take care of yourself.”

 

“Yes, Father.”

 

After her family departed, Charlotte felt an odd sense of emptiness, similar to the void she’d felt after dreaming of her mother in Korea.

 

It was strange, given that unlike her mother in Korea, her current family was always within reach.

 

“Sister? Why sad?”

 

Seeing her downcast expression, Theo began showing off his antics to cheer her up. But Charlotte’s mood remained unchanged.

 

“How about this, Young Master? Shall we go have some chocolate together?” 

 

Emma, sensing Charlotte’s melancholy, coaxed Theo out of the room, giving her time to herself.

 

****

 

‘Is this homesickness?’

 

Charlotte sighed as she gazed out the window. In the garden below, Ron the gardener and his apprentices were busy revitalizing the grounds for spring.

 

Theo’s little vegetable patch now had new companions, and the previously barren yard was filled with vibrant, colorful blooms.

 

‘Wait a moment.’

 

Something about the scene struck her as odd. She stepped out onto the terrace.

 

‘Those flowers…?’

 

It wasn’t her imagination. The flowers being planted were the same ones commonly found in the Lannia estate during spring.

 

Though smaller and paler than the large, vibrant flowers typically used by nobles, they had a quaint charm of their own.

 

Charlotte was about to head down to the garden when the door opened, and Carcel entered.

 

“Charlotte.”

 

He was dressed impeccably in formal attire, an unusual sight for their home.

 

‘Why is he…?’

 

As Charlotte stared blankly at him, Carcel extended his hand.

 

“Would you join me for a walk?”

 

Entranced as if by a fairy, Charlotte took his hand and followed him into the garden.

 

By the time they arrived, the gardeners had vanished, leaving only the two of them.

 

Feeling bashful under Carcel’s intense gaze, Charlotte awkwardly changed the subject.

 

“These flowers look like the ones from the Lannia estate…”

 

“Yes. I noticed you’ve been missing the estate lately, so I prepared this.”

 

“That must have been difficult.”

 

“For you, nothing is too difficult.”

 

Carcel’s response was as casual as it was heartfelt. Then, he knelt on one knee before her, pulling a small box from his pocket.

 

Charlotte stared in a daze as he opened the box, revealing a transparent diamond ring sparkling in the spring sunlight.

 

“Charlotte, so much has happened until now. Through it all, you’ve always been my rock.”

 

“Carcel…”

 

“You are my everything now. So please…”

 

Carcel closed his eyes briefly before opening them with the brightest smile she had ever seen.

 

“Will you marry me?”

 

Charlotte looked down at him. He was smiling, but he couldn’t completely hide his nervousness.

 

Was he afraid she might refuse?

 

Such worries were unnecessary. Charlotte’s answer had been decided long ago.

 

“I…”

 

Just as Charlotte opened her mouth, on the verge of tears, a loud voice interrupted them.

 

“sister!”

 

Theo came running toward them, dressed as smartly as Carcel, with a large ribbon tied around his neck.

 

Instead of leaping into Charlotte’s arms as usual, Theo knelt beside Carcel, his face beaming.

 

“Marry Brother!”

 

Charlotte couldn’t help but burst into laughter at the sight of the two brothers kneeling before her.

 

Overwhelmed with joy, her heart, which had felt hollow in her family’s absence, felt full again.

 

Smiling through her tears, Charlotte nodded.

 

“Yes.”

 

She held onto their arms and helped them both to their feet.

 

“Let’s get married.”

 

Carcel wasted no time slipping the ring onto her left hand. Watching intently, Theo shouted gleefully.

 

“Sister and Brother are married!”

 

*****

 

One rainy night during their wedding preparations, Theo, frightened by the thunderstorm, curled up under the covers.

 

“Scary! Sleep with Theo!”

 

Charlotte joined him on the bed to calm him, and soon Carcel, coaxed by Theo, joined as well. That night, amidst the storm, Charlotte dreamt of a man with purple eyes and a soft smile who bore a striking resemblance to Carcel.

 

“Edgar…?”

 

The man smiled gently.

 

“Long time no see, Carcel.”