I Ran Away And The Reverse Harem Started Chapter 144

Lynne glared at me with a terrifying expression, as if she were the devil herself. Startled by her intensity, I stammered.

“Uh… b-but Daniel and I lived together for five years when we were kids—doesn’t that count?”

“It doesn’t. Fighting and playing as children is not the same as seriously dating as adults! I don’t even know if that count is really a good man. Marriage is far too soon!”

The cynical Lynne, uncharacteristically blushing, objected to marriage with all her might. Her fierce reaction caught me so off guard that I blinked in confusion.

Yvette reacted much the same.

Standing beside me, Yvette patted my shoulder gently and said,

“I don’t think there’s any reason to rush into marriage either. An engagement is enough. Instead, how about learning the business under me until then? After all, the Büllosen Construction Company belongs partly to you now.”

“R-really…?”

“Of course. Which is why marriage is still too much for now. You’re too young…”

No, twenty-three is not young at all!

But my little rebellion didn’t work against those two women.

Soon enough, the two of them turned cold eyes toward Daniel, who was standing behind me.

…As though they were staring at some kind of thief.

 

 

 

****

 

 

 

Of course, I could understand how Lynne and Yvette felt.

After returning from Shamit, I had lived with the Büllosen family for the past three months.

I ate daily with my parents and Yvette, spent time painting or reading with Father, and told them stories of the life I’d lived until now. They always listened intently, and Yvette, brimming with enthusiasm, was eager to teach me many things.

There were so many things they wanted to give me, to share with me, to show me once I was back. I, too, happily enjoyed those moments with my family.

Father’s health had even improved. The illness that had festered from grief after losing me began to heal once I returned.

On top of that, I was given a generous allowance on the condition that I learned the trade at the company.

Enough to equal a year’s worth of hard work as a maid!

Contrary to all fears, the three months I spent in the Büllosen estate were happy ones.

But for my family, three months must have felt far too short.

To Yvette and my parents, it must have seemed like I was being stolen away the moment I came home. Of course they would feel upset if I rushed into marriage right after returning. It’s not that I can’t understand—it’s actually touching, and I’m grateful.

And since Yvette, the eldest daughter, wasn’t yet married, my wedding would have felt all the more premature.

Daniel also understood that the Büllosen family felt my marriage was too sudden. That’s why he agreed to settle for an engagement instead.

“Still, we don’t know when the king might change his mind. I’d at least like to get engaged first.”

“Mm, an engagement should be fine. You’re not upset about it, are you?”

“Of course not.”

That stubborn man considered being with me more important than insisting. He set aside his pride for my family’s sake—even if most of his focus was on sticking close to me instead…

“It’s a relief Daniel understood.”

I forced myself to push away the image of those two women glaring daggers at him as if to cut him down.

Carrying the dress Roan had specially made for today, I entered my room—where three familiar faces greeted me.

“Oh! You’re dressed already!”

Mika, Angie, and Marie—each neatly dressed in blouses and skirts—smiled brightly.

“Thank you, Rosieta, for even thinking of our outfits.”

“Oh, no—it’s nothing. As the host, I should at least do that much. I’m the one who should be grateful you came. And I owe so much to your mother, Marie!”

With the allowance I’d received over the past three months working at the company with Yvette, I bought gifts for those I was most grateful to.

A token for the people who had helped me survive as a maid—new outfits for my engagement ceremony!

Dragging Lucas along, I’d gone to Crown Square and carefully chosen these expensive blouses. Just seeing Mika, Angie, and Marie wearing them filled me with satisfaction.

Mika leaned close with a sly smile.

“Knew I’d be spoiled thanks to our princess.”

“Ugh, you flatter too much.”

She looked ready to give me a grateful kiss, so I quickly turned my head away. Laughing, she stepped back.

“Give me the dress, Rose. We’ll help you into it.”

“Really? But I invited you as guests today.”

Angie’s smile widened.

“I’ve always wanted to help a lady into her gown at least once. And today, the one who must look the most beautiful is you, Rosieta.”

“Then… just for today, I’ll ask you.”

Feeling embarrassed, I laughed sheepishly. The three of them eagerly rolled up their sleeves.

The dress Roan had sewn for the engagement was a soft chiffon gown, light lavender in hue, flowing just below the knees. Its square neckline and lavender embellishments gave it a refined elegance.

“Thank you—it’s so much faster with your help.”

“We’ll head down first. Take your time. The main star always enters last, after all.”

Laughing together, the three of them went ahead to the garden where the engagement would be held. I too checked myself in the mirror one last time before stepping out.

The halls were quieter now, most of the household busy preparing for the event outside.

Through the corridor window, I caught sight of Angie, Marie, and Mika joining the others in the back garden.

And among them, I saw Yvette again.

It was she who had quietly told me of Rumiz’s condition a few days ago.

“Her illness has worsened—she can’t leave her sickbed anymore. Mina and Hermann are still angry, so they hardly visit. She’ll likely die that way, bitter and alone.”

The investigation into Mina was still ongoing. I didn’t exactly resent her, but we had decided to ensure Rumiz would suffer thoroughly.

It seemed her end was unfolding just as I expected—abandoned by her own family.

Her children, blaming her for ruining their lives or for being accused of kidnapping, reportedly barely even looked at her face.

So Rumiz was spending her final days in the loneliest way imaginable, abandoned by the children she had raised with such desperate love.

Hearing of her condition didn’t exactly bring me joy, but I had prepared myself for such feelings. I didn’t want to dwell on them.

No matter what, today was supposed to be a happy day.

Shaking my head to scatter the thoughts, I started walking again.

“Found you.”

Huh?

Before I could turn, a quiet voice came from behind—and someone suddenly grabbed my arm, pulling me swiftly into a room.

“Ahhh!”

I cried out before even seeing who it was.

“Daniel! How many times have I told you not to scare me like that?!”

As if I needed to check.

I narrowed my eyes at him, but Daniel just grinned mischievously. Only moments ago, he had been outside in the garden—when had he slipped up here?

“When I see you daydreaming like that, I just want to tease you.”

“Such a terrible habit.”

Ignoring my glare, Daniel gently tugged me closer.

“The dress is beautiful. It suits you perfectly.”

“Really?”

His eyes lingered on the gown before he leaned down and kissed my cheek. I giggled at the ticklish sensation.

“Roan made this too, didn’t he?”

“Mm-hm. I think he felt guilty about throwing us out of the house three months ago.”

“Hmph, that man? Maybe he just enjoys making clothes for you.”

“That too… but it always feels like he gives them to me exactly when I need them.”

Daniel raised an eyebrow, curious.

“For example, the first time—I had no dress, and suddenly he handed me that peach-colored one. Almost like he knew I needed a summer dress.”

“…Really?”

“Yes. That’s why it’s still the most precious to me. It was the first clothing gift I ever received…”

Thinking of the dress hanging in the Büllosen wardrobe, I smiled wistfully. Daniel’s expression shifted—pride flickered across his face.

Puzzled, I tilted my head at him. Then, suddenly, he drew me into his arms and pressed his lips to my cheek again.

“As long as you like it, that’s enough.”

“…Huh?”

“Come on, let’s go down.”

 

 

 

 

*****

 

 

 

The engagement ceremony was to be a small, intimate celebration with only a handful of guests invited.

The Büllosen family, Lynne’s family, Holden and his companion, Roan, and a few maid friends Rosieta had made at the count’s estate.

Unfortunately, Deborah couldn’t attend. She had just settled her affairs and, with what little money she had left, set off on a “journey of freedom.”

She planned to travel from one monastery to another across different countries, volunteering along the way. A journey style that was, in every way, uniquely Deborah.

But no one could hold her back—not when she, who had always longed for freedom more than anyone else, was finally traveling abroad to experience the world. On the contrary, everyone sincerely wished her well.

She had even promised to appear at the wedding and, in the meantime, sent bundles of dried flowers from each city she visited as gifts. How could anyone resent her?

“She really is like some romantic heroine.”

Thinking of Deborah, Rosieta smiled faintly and lifted her gaze toward the sky.

A clear autumn day, with gentle sunshine.

Around the round tables draped in white tablecloths, the invited guests were already seated.

In the center of the garden, four tables were arranged along a long aisle that led to a half-circle arch, covered in vines and blooming white roses.

With glasses of champagne bubbling in front of them, the guests all turned their eyes toward the rose-covered arch.

The bride and groom had not yet appeared.

Before stepping through together, Daniel reached for the white rose vines. Choosing one of the carefully pruned flowers, he plucked it and tucked it gently behind her ear.

“I’ve always wanted to do this,” he whispered softly.

A pure white rose nestled against her vivid red hair. Its fragrance tickled her nose delicately.

It was a single white rose he had once wanted to give her as a child but never could. Now, blossoming in full, it adorned Rosieta’s crimson hair as if it had finally found its rightful place.

Perhaps it was only now, at last, that the engagement felt real to Daniel. Looking faintly nervous, he held out his arm.

Rosieta, cheeks flushed, looked at him for a moment before slipping her hand through his arm.

“Don’t be too tense. You know you look scarier when you freeze up.”

At her teasing remark, Daniel chuckled quietly. With his free hand, he gently brushed her peach-tinged cheek.

Linked arm in arm, they turned toward the guests. Four tables of familiar faces gazed back at them warmly.

Surrounded by those kind eyes, the two could feel their hearts beating heavily, slowly, in unison.

A new chapter was truly beginning.

A life not alone, but together.

And with it, a new name.

From the host’s seat, Jenny watched them with a pleased expression, then lifted her champagne glass and called out brightly:

“Then let us begin the engagement ceremony of Count Daniel Leandro and Lady Rosieta Büllosen!”