Orlando lets out an incredulous scoff, shaking his head as he looks down at me with absolute sincerity.
Orlando continues with a serious voice, "Listen to me, Eleanor. We would never do something so cruel. In fact... it was quite the opposite."
I blink, completely caught off guard. "What do you mean... the opposite?"
"I mean that you were the one who begged Father and Mother to arrange this marriage in the first place," Orlando says gently, crossing his arms. "You fell head over heels for Arthur a few years ago.. I mean when you were young and you made it very clear that he was the only man you ever wanted to marry. Father was actually hesitant about it at first, but because you insisted and cried so much, they finally gave in and set up the engagement."
The words hit me like a physical blow.
Wait... what?! I stand frozen on the stone pathway, my mind spinning into complete chaos.
H-hold on a second... I think to myself, a cold shock rushing through my veins. Here I was, mentally blaming this high-society family, assuming they were traditional tyrants who forced poor Eleanor into a loveless, arranged political marriage with zero freedom of choice... But the reality is completely the opposite?!
Eleanor was the one who chased after Arthur? She was the one who begged her parents to make it happen because she fell for him first!
A heavy wave of embarrassment and disbelief crashes over me. All my internal assumptions and dramatic frustration completely dissolve, leaving me staring dumbly at my brother, utterly speechless.
As Orlando's words settle in, my mind races in a completely new direction.
So Eleanor was actually that kind of person? A totally childish, spoiled little rich brat who threw massive tantrums and begged her parents to get whatever she wanted? She was really something else...
A sudden wave of realization washes over me, pieces of the puzzle clicking into place. Well, no wonder her family seemed so distant or cold toward her at times! If she constantly threw fits and acted like a spoiled princess, they must have been completely exhausted by her behavior. Maybe I need to do some damage control and start winning their hearts back by buttering them up a bit.
Without missing a beat, I instantly shift into performance mode, letting my shoulders drop and pulling a deeply regretful, sorrowful expression onto my face. I look up at Orlando with big, wide, moisture-rimmed eyes.
"Oh, Brother..." I begin, my voice trembling with theatrical self-reproach. "I... I didn't realize how foolish I was back then. I really was such a terrible, childish brat, wasn't I? I'm so, so sorry. Because of my reckless, immature actions, I caused so much trouble and worry for both you and Father. I shouldn't have been so stubborn."
I lower my head, gently wringing my hands together. "Please forgive me for bringing up the past like this. Since I lost my memories, I've been trying to piece things together to understand who I was, but hearing how selfish I acted... it breaks my heart. Please, Brother, you have to forgive me. It was entirely my fault."
Orlando instantly turns bright red, completely flustered by my sudden, dramatic emotional display. He waves his hands frantically, taking a step back.
"W-wait, Eleanor, stop it! Please don't look like that!" Orlando stammers, his cheeks burning crimson. "Look, yes, you were a bit headstrong and childish back then, but it's really not that big of a deal now! You don't need to apologize like this. It was a long time ago, and... well, you were young and impulsive. It's fine, truly! Just stop beating yourself up over it!"
So they aren't cold tyrants at all, they're just softies who don't know how to handle a genuinely remorseful sister. I completely misjudged them based on their initial distance. I really need to stop jumping to conclusions.
For a while, we walk side-by-side in a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. I maintain my solemn, pitiable posture just a little longer to secure maximum sympathy points, while Orlando tries his best to lighten the mood with casual remarks about the scenery.
Suddenly, a loud, unmistakable grumble echoes through the quiet garden air, originating straight from my midsection.
I freeze, my face flushing bright red. I quickly press both hands against my stomach, letting out an awkward, nervous laugh. "H-haha... wow, what was that? Must be a bird!"
Orlando stops walking, turning to look down at me with a thoroughly amused, disbelieving smirk. "A bird? In your stomach? Honestly, Eleanor, was that a grumble? Are you really that starved right now? Why on earth didn't you say anything?"
"Well... to be honest, I guess I am a little hungry," I admit, rubbing the back of my neck with a blushful grin. "I suppose I was just having too much fun walking and talking with you that I didn't even notice my stomach rebelling. Maybe we should stop here for today?"
"Obviously you're starving if you're making sounds like a dying whale," Orlando chuckles, shaking his head with a fond smile. "Yes, we should definitely head back so you can get a proper lunch."
"You should come join me, too!" I suggest brightly.
Orlando's smile falters slightly, and he shakes his head apologetically. "Ah, I'd love to, but I can't. I have a mountain of estate duties to finish, and Father had to leave the mansion on official business. I have to get back to my paperwork."
Alright then, Brother, you should go ahead and get back to your official work and finish up your tasks," I say, offering a reassuring smile. "I'm really sorry for keeping you out here so long and taking up your time when you had so many duties to attend to."
Orlando shakes his head immediately, a warm, affectionate smile spreading across his face. "You don't have to apologize for that, Eleanor. It was entirely my choice. I wanted to accompany you, so don't worry about it at all. Besides, spending this time with you...it was worth every minute."
"Okay, Brother. Just take care of yourself, and make sure you eat something on time, too," I reply, my tone softening genuinely.
Orlando chuckles softly. "Yes, yes, obviously I'll eat something in my office. Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself. I'm a grown man, unlike a certain someone who forgets to eat," he teases playfully. "Now go on, head back and eat your lunch before your stomach decides to make another dramatic speech."
My face heats up in an instant, a flustered flush spreading across my cheeks at his teasing words. "H-hey! That was just a fluke!"
Grinning at my embarrassment, Orlando gives a light wave, and I hurry back toward my room with a flustered yet happy flutter in my chest.