He Opened A Matchmaking Agency In 18Th Century London [EN]: Chapter 197

< Reencounter >

“Caterina? That’s absurd!”

Lady Doje shot up from her seat, her face ashen.

“Madam! What do you think you’re doing! Sit down this instant!”

However, Lady Doje was beyond hearing her husband’s restraint, having completely lost her composure.

“It can’t be! Caterina wasn’t even there that day… Something’s wrong! This is definitely wrong!”

The Venetian councilors buzzed with surprise at the unexpected turn of events.

Amidst the commotion, Minister Grimaldi spotted Caterina and, beaming, approached her.

“Ah, so you are here today! You must be Caterina Manoinni?”

“…Yes? Oh, yes.”

“I didn’t see you a month ago because you weren’t there. Seeing you today, I’m reminded of your childhood self, haha!”

“…?”

The most astonished person in the room was Caterina herself.

She had been chosen as a marriage prospect? Speechless, she could only stare blankly at Minister Grimaldi.

However, the officials of the Venetian Republic seemed relieved.

In truth, when Bianca was initially selected as the negotiation candidate, many had questioned, ‘Why her of all people?’

Moreover, they worried whether Bianca, with her various shortcomings, could successfully secure approval from the Kingdom of Naples.

But upon learning that Caterina was the nominee, they understood Naples’ choice.

Ludovico Manoinni Doje, greatly pleased, asked Minister Grimaldi,

“But how did this happen? The Prince couldn’t have seen our Caterina that day.”

“Haha, indeed. I’m not entirely sure myself. However, seeing Miss Caterina here today, I personally believe she would be a wonderful match for our Prince.”

Bianca and Lady Doje, utterly dismayed, remained frozen in place for a long while.

* * *

Late at night, in Ludovico Manoinni Doje’s study.

The Manoinni Doje was having a conversation with his eldest daughter, Caterina.

“Caterina… to think you must leave for the Kingdom of Naples tomorrow without any preparation. I’m sure you’re as bewildered as I am. This is your first time leaving Venice and going abroad, isn’t it?”

“Yes, Father.”

“Life there won’t be easy. I know a little about it, having been abroad myself in my younger days. I suffered from terrible loneliness and homesickness.

If the marriage is decided, I worry about whether you can endure life in a foreign land without knowing anyone.”

Caterina had been more concerned about the French invasion than anyone else.

Now, an unexpected opportunity had arisen, and she couldn’t refuse it simply because the environment was unfamiliar.

She had to endure it for the sake of her father, the Doje, and the people of the Republic.

“Don’t worry, Father. It’s just another place where people live; there’s no need to be afraid. Besides, this is for the good of our entire Republic.”

At her resolute attitude, the Manoinni Doje clasped Caterina’s hand tightly.

“I’m grateful that you think that way, as a member of the Venetian Republic, truly grateful.”

She had spent her childhood lonely because her mother had passed away early.

He knew that his second wife didn’t treat Caterina warmly, but he was always too busy with work to properly care for his daughter’s loneliness, and that always weighed on his mind.

Still, Caterina understood her father’s work and heart, and she grew up well, never disappointing his expectations.

“I knew that your stepmother had been neglecting you. I warned her and asked her several times, but it didn’t improve much.”

“It’s okay. My stepmother must have had her reasons.”

“I’m even more sorry and grateful that you understand.”

Caterina asked with a puzzled expression.

“But, Father, why did the Kingdom of Naples nominate me instead of Bianca? I wasn’t even at the introduction.”

“I’m not sure. Perhaps it was revealed that you are my eldest daughter. Traditional royal families tend to value the eldest son or daughter.”

“Hmm… I suppose that could be it. But Father, I heard the Prince came last month. Did you get to see him in person? What did you think of him?”

“He didn’t say much at the time, so I didn’t have a deep conversation with him. But he had a handsome appearance and seemed well-educated. He was a decent young man.”

“Ah… I see.”

However, Caterina’s face darkened.

She had to put aside her personal feelings because the marriage negotiation partner was chosen by her father, and the fate of the country could depend on it.

However, the bad rumors about the third prince of Naples made a corner of Caterina’s heart uneasy.

“I’ve heard that the Queen of Naples is very strict and demanding. So, she probably invited you first as a condition of the marriage negotiation to examine you.

You’re wise, so you’ll handle it well, but you must always think and act carefully.”

“I understand, Father. Don’t worry too much.”

The Manoinni Doje’s heart ached as he looked at his daughter, who had grown up so much and was now of marriageable age.

“I know about the double contract evidence against the usurer [moneylender who charges exorbitant interest], and that you’ve been diligently helping the poor at the cathedral and other places… I know everything. I’m so proud and grateful.”

“……”

The Doje’s eyes reddened.

“I know that this marriage is an unparalleled opportunity for you and for our Venice, but… on the other hand, it pains me as a father to feel like I’m selling you off to protect the country’s safety.”

“Father, please don’t say that. It’s not like that at all, so please don’t blame yourself.”

Tears welled up in Caterina’s eyes at her father’s heartfelt words.

“If you don’t like the Prince or if the Queen is scary, just come back. No one will blame you for not getting permission for the marriage. If you come back, let’s cultivate our Venice together and live happily with your father, okay?”

“Yes… I will, Father.”

◈ Mid-April 1797. The port of the Kingdom of Naples.

Aboard a British warship, Caterina headed to the Kingdom of Naples with Minister of Internal Affairs Grimaldi.

The voyage, lasting over ten days, was the longest journey Caterina had ever experienced.

The loneliness her father had spoken of.

Until she boarded the ship at the port of Venice, she hadn’t realized what that emotion felt like.

However, after several days of crossing the vast Adriatic Sea, as the port of the Kingdom of Naples came into view, everything suddenly became real.

Along with a sense of fear, an immeasurable loneliness washed over her like a tide.

She was not a princess or a duchess like in other countries.

The Doje’s daughter. A status that was not very attractive in the eyes of the Neapolitan royal family.

She knew that she had been invited as a marriage negotiation partner, but in reality, she was on trial by the Neapolitan royal family.

In particular, Queen Carolina was known to be very powerful and pragmatic, to the point where it was said that she was the de facto leader of the Kingdom of Naples.

She would probably scrutinize her with a hawk’s eye and ruthlessly reject her if she thought there was no benefit to the kingdom.

“Ha-”

A sigh escaped her lips without her knowing.

Perhaps because of her gloomy mood, she even missed her stepmother, who had never been affectionate.

‘Why is my heart so restless? Is it because I’ve never been abroad before and I’m feeling uneasy… Homesickness already? Get a grip… I have to think about the people of our Republic who are suffering…’

Caterina shook her head vigorously and tried to pull herself together.

If the French Revolutionary Army invaded, the poorest people in the Venetian Republic would suffer the most.

She was determined that her self-sacrifice would be nothing if her marriage could protect the Venetian Republic even a little and reduce the suffering of even a few people.

‘……’

However, Caterina’s lonely heart did not easily subside, unlike her firm resolve.

Even her father, who she had relied on mentally, was no longer by her side.

The fear of starting a new life in a foreign land where she knew no one was reawakening the terrible loneliness of her childhood, which she had kept hidden.

As Caterina’s mind became complicated with various thoughts, Minister Grimaldi approached her and said,

“We will arrive at the port shortly. You should prepare to disembark.”

“Yes…”

Unaware of her feelings, Minister Grimaldi pointed to the distant port with a broad smile.

“Haha, look there. It seems the palace has already sent people.”

Caterina turned her head in the direction the minister was pointing.

Indeed, she saw quite a few people and several carriages waiting near the port.

The sight of them waiting for her made her feel more burdened and intimidated.

While Minister Grimaldi went down to check on other luggage, Caterina closed her eyes and began to pray.

“Hail Mary, full of grace! Shine a light on the future that will unfold before my weak self, and give me the courage to move forward boldly. And so…”

Caterina’s hands trembled slightly as she prayed, and her chest felt heavy.

The composure she had vowed in her heart the day before leaving the Venetian Republic,

The composure she had shown in front of many acquaintances after saying goodbye to her father,

Could not be found in Caterina now.

The reality of leaving her homeland like she was being sold off and being surrounded by strangers was still too much for her, who was still young.

*

Unseasonably chilly weather for April.

Prince Pietro stood silently, facing the cold wind of the port, watching the British warship coming in from afar.

“Your Highness! The wind is cold. Please wait in the carriage. You will have to wait much longer for that ship to arrive here.”

Despite the attendant’s words of concern, the Prince remained unmoved.

Teo went to Prince Pietro with a large coat and handed it to him.

“You will catch a cold if you continue to face the cold wind like this. So, at least put on this coat.”

The Prince, who had been focused on the ship coming from afar, accepted the coat Teo handed him and thanked him.

“Ah… Yes. Thank you.”

About thirty minutes later.

The warship carrying Caterina entered the port.

Soon, a temporary bridge was connected, and people began to disembark from the ship busily.

And, in the distance, the figure of Miss Caterina, disembarking with Count Grimaldi, was finally seen.

Prince Pietro ran to greet her in one step.

“You must be tired from your journey, Miss Caterina! Haha-”

Caterina was bewildered, her eyes wide with surprise at the sudden appearance of Prince Pietro and Teo.

“Oh! No, how… How are you two here?”

“Haha- Don’t you remember? Didn’t we say we were from the Kingdom of Naples?”

“Ah! You did, but… How did you know to come all the way here? You weren’t waiting for me, were you? Do you have business here? By any chance… Are you working at the Naples Palace?”

Caterina’s expression, not knowing what was going on, was full of joy.

Caterina, who had been greatly intimidated by the fact that she knew no one, was as happy to see the two as if she had met an old friend in a foreign land.

“That’s right. We were waiting for Miss Caterina.”

Caterina’s face brightened at Teo’s words.

“Ah- So you two really were working at the palace? So you knew I was coming and came out to meet me on purpose? I can’t thank you enough… You two will never know how relieved and comforted I feel right now. Do you happen to be going into the palace with me?”

Prince Pietro smiled brightly and answered Caterina’s question.

“Yes! Of course. I live in the palace.”

“That’s great! I’m not from a royal family, so there’s so much I don’t know about palace life, but I would be so grateful if you could help me!”

The Prince nodded with a bright smile.

“Haha- Yes, don’t worry. I’m an expert in royal life. I’ll tell you everything in great detail from A to Z. Now! Shall we go to the carriage? It’s windy and cold.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Caterina, guided by the Prince to the carriage, seemed surprised once again by the size of the carriage.

“Oh my! I’ve never seen such a big carriage in my life.”

“It’s a royal carriage. You’ll get used to it soon.”

At that moment, the attendant lowered the wooden stairs at the entrance of the carriage and opened the door.

“Please get in first.”

“Yes.”

Caterina, the Prince, and Teo stepped onto the stairs and boarded in turn.

Shortly after, the attendant sitting next to the coachman announced in a loud voice.

“Your Highness! Then we will depart!”

With a cheerful crack of the whip, the carriage moved powerfully.

Then, Caterina looked at the Prince and Teo with a puzzled expression.

“Um… Just now… I think you said ‘Your Highness’? Or am I mistaken?”

Caterina didn’t speak Neapolitan very well, but she knew basic sentences and words.

Teo gave an awkward smile and looked at the Prince.

“I think we should tell her now?”

Prince Pietro nodded with an embarrassed face.

Caterina, sensing the strange atmosphere, asked Teo.

“What are you talking about?”

Teo opened his mouth with a sorry expression.

“Unintentionally, I haven’t been able to tell you our identities properly.”

“?”

“In fact, the person sitting next to you is Prince Pietro de Bourbon. I am the Earl of Sanderson from England.”

Caterina, who had been blinking blankly at Teo’s words, dropped her jaw and raised her eyebrows after a moment.

“Wha… What… What is all this…?”

The Prince hurriedly explained the whole story, lest Caterina misunderstand.

“It may sound like an excuse, but when we first met on the ship, we had no time or opportunity to properly explain our identities. You wouldn’t have believed me even if I had said I was a prince. I didn’t mean to deceive you at all, so I hope you don’t misunderstand.

So, the next day, I went to the palace to meet Miss Caterina and formally greet her, but I couldn’t see her because she wasn’t there that day.”

Caterina, who had been confused for a long time, asked as if to confirm.

“So… This person here is Prince Pietro of the Kingdom of Naples… And this person is the Earl of Sanderson… Does that mean… The famous… Theo Sanderson of England… Is that right?”

Teo smiled and nodded.

“Yes, that’s right.”

Caterina, alternating between Teo and Prince Pietro, who were smiling, couldn’t close her open mouth for a long time.