Chapter 14

It has been a few days since I learned the terrifying fact that I emit a monster's aura.

I couldn't hide my shock, but since Ralph kept apologizing with a guilty look, I forced myself to cheer up.

Until I meet the Holy Maiden, there's nothing I can do for now. It's no use moping around. I decided to try to stay as cheerful and happy as possible.

"Ah, good morning, Hugo."

"Good morning, Miss Lysette."

Every morning, after getting up and getting ready, I have started to take a walk in the spacious and beautiful garden of the marquis's house before breakfast. I also exchange light conversation with him every morning.

He is the same age as me and seems to be from the countryside, so we get along well. The content of our conversations is mostly about crops.

As usual, while having a conversation that lacks any romantic tension, I was suddenly called by my name. When I turned around, as expected, there was Ralph.

"Good morning, Miss Lysette."

"Good morning, Ralph."

It's unusual for him to be here at this time.

"It's almost time for breakfast. Would you like to go together?"

"Sure. I'll go with you."

"Thank you."

For some reason, he held out his hand, and since I couldn't ignore it, I took it. Then, he held my hand.

Surprised, I looked up at Ralph, who was walking next to me, but he had his usual bright smile.

"…Are you close with that man?"

"We just talk during my morning walks."

"I see. It's a shame, as he might be moving to the estate's mansion soon."

"That's true."

It's a bit sad, but there's nothing I can do. As I was thinking that, Ralph continued, "In exchange for that…"

"Could you take a walk with me from tomorrow? I didn't realize how pleasant it is to walk outside in the morning."

I'm glad Ralph also understands the joy of morning walks. The sunlight clears my head and feels great. There was no reason to refuse, so I nodded.

"Sometimes I oversleep, but if you don't mind…"

"Thank you."

He smiled happily and said, "I love you," with a smile brighter than the morning sun.

◇◇◇

Nadia has been staying at a classmate's house since last night, so it was just the two of us for breakfast today.

"Hey, is there anything I can do? It feels unsettling to keep being taken care of like this."

"Miss Lysette, just talking to me is enough. In fact, I would like to thank you for that."

"Um…."

It feels unsettling to just be a guest. I asked if I could do some work, but Ralph wouldn't even listen.

I really have nothing to do every day. I've hardly ever had a day without work before, so it's unsettling.

On the other hand, Ralph seems busy despite always being in the mansion. It's surprising that he comes to the sanctuary every day.

"What does a hero do?"

"Now that the Demon King has been defeated, I occasionally go on missions to slay high-class monsters when requested by the knights."

" Demon King…"

It's hard to imagine that such a bright and sparkling Ralph could defeat the Demon King. I can't even imagine how strong the Demon King was.

"How does one become a hero?"

"You are chosen by the sword. Only a hero can touch the holy sword."

"Wow, it's like that."

It's like a story from a picture book I read as a child. The holy sword seems to be a part of him, and he can summon or dismiss it at will.

"By the way, I usually help my father with his work. I'm supposed to be the next marquis, after all."

The marquis and his wife had no children, and they were drawn to Ralph's heroic deeds and character, so they adopted him. However, according to Nadia, it was also due to the king's orders to ensure that the hero would never leave the country.

But she said that the marquis and his wife are wonderful people and that she loves them.

"But, how did you sleep every day when you came here so often?"

"I didn't sleep."

"Huh?"

"Heroes are tough."

When Ralph said this as if it were nothing, I felt a little sad.

"Please, don't do that anymore. Before being a hero, Ralph is a person, and it's not good to disrupt your life as a person."

"…I understand. I'm sorry."

Perhaps because I spoke a bit harshly, he opened his eyes in surprise and apologized. But then he smiled, a smile that seemed to waver with happiness.

"Only Miss Lysette speaks to me like that."

"Huh?"

"Everyone accepts it because I'm a hero, so I'm hardly ever worried about. But now, Miss Lysette will be by my side. I'll try not to overdo it."

I was relieved by his promise. We continued to chat about trivial matters, but then I asked something that came to mind.

"Why are you so good at farming and taking care of animals? You don't seem like an amateur."

"I had some experience a long time ago."

"Is that so?"

That means he probably had this experience before becoming an orphan. I don't know anything about his family, and it might be a painful time for him to recall. I decided not to ask any more.

"…Actually, I have a birthday party next month."

"Really?"

"Yes. I'm not good with social events, but due to my position, it has to be a large-scale one."

Given that he is the country's hero and the marquis's son, his birthday party will be quite grand. I was worried that he would be even busier from now on as I ate the fruit.

"Here, I have a request for you, Miss Lysette."

"…Huh?"

This request at this moment gave me a bad feeling.

"Could you attend as my fiancée?"

And when he made this outrageous request, I started coughing violently.