Chapter 45

When they returned to Ast's house, Teisha greeted them.

"You seem to be in a hurry."

She laughed. Indeed, I had been running around too much. I took a sip of the tea she offered and took a deep breath.

"Children grow up so quickly, don't they?"

She murmured, her face slightly wistful.

"Do you regret what happened this time?"

"No, it's not that. Everyone's gone, so it's just the two of us tonight. It's been a while since we've had a night like this."

He smiled.

"The departure of children is what parents hope for. But, I can't help but feel a bit lonely."

As someone who couldn't have children, I couldn't quite put it into words.

I wonder if my parents felt the same way.

"It's not really complaining, either. Maybe I just wanted someone to listen. I don't talk about these things with him."

"Children grow up quickly. I think the best thing is to send them off with warmth."

"That's true. Hehe. But, I still want them around. Especially that one, since he's so lonely."

"He's an adult now. But, I understand."

As we were talking, the two of them returned.

"Liz, I have something to talk about."

I briefly explained what had happened and invited them to the inn. During this time, Teisha was saying something to Ast.

Ast looked a bit complicated, but when he turned to me, he nodded in approval.

"Sure, but is something wrong?"

"Since we got a decent reward, I thought we could have a celebration dinner as a thank you for taking care of me."

"Okay, I'm looking forward to it."

She smiled brightly. I need to make her smile more.

On the way to the inn, our conversation flowed.

"Really, you've been such a help. Thank you."

"Stop it, you've said it so many times. But, it's fine. You're safe, and that's what matters."

As we continued talking, we arrived at the inn.

We opened the door, greeted the staff, and were led to a table.

The table was set with candles, creating a romantic and bright atmosphere.

Dishes were brought out one after another. It wasn't a set course, so everything came out at once.

As the dishes were placed, the wine cork was popped and poured into the cups.

I was a bit disappointed that they used cups instead of glasses.

By the way, glass does exist, and simple-shaped glasses are available.

However, they are expensive handmade items, so they aren't used in small village inns. It would be a big loss if they broke.

"Liz, you look really beautiful today."

In the dim light, illuminated by the candle, her hair made her glow faintly.

"What... what's that supposed to mean? It's a bit embarrassing. But, the food is amazing."

"Today is a special day."

I took out a bracelet wrapped in a beautiful piece of fabric from my pocket.

"Will you accept this?"

I unwrapped the fabric, revealing the bracelet.

"I want to bind you forever. Will you marry me?"

For a moment, her eyes widened as she stared at the bracelet. Her eyes quickly filled with tears.

"Yes... yes. I'm so happy..."

"Come on, hold out your arm."

She extended her left arm, and I slipped the bracelet on. It sparkled in the light.

"It's beautiful... I didn't know it was this beautiful..."

"That's not true. You're more beautiful than the bracelet, no, more beautiful than the stars. You are the most beautiful in the world."

In situations like this, you should keep pushing. The rational part of my mind whispered to keep praising her.

"No, I feel bad using the word 'beautiful.' Liz is even more than that."

Her cheeks were gradually turning red, and her eyes were getting watery.

It seems to be working.

"Today is a special day. Let's eat."

"Just for the engagement, you prepared all this... Thank you..."

She spoke, looking down shyly, but I could see her lips curving into a smile.

We both took a sip of wine. Since the water here isn't good, it's nice that we can drink wine.

We started with the appetizers. The river fish was smoked and marinated with herbs. The thinly sliced onions and mild pepper were a pleasant contrast.

"It's delicious... I might have never tasted anything this good..."

"That's not true. We'll eat even better things together in the future. We'll be together forever."

She looked down again. Good, keep pushing. Even if it feels a bit over the top.

It seems that in this world, there aren't many pick-up lines, and people don't often give compliments. So, when someone isn't used to being praised, you should really go all out.

"I'm really happy that you're enjoying the food. And your elegant demeanor is beautiful. I can't even express it in words."

I suppressed my true self and kept pushing, as the rational part of my mind whispered.

The wild boar steak was made from well-aged prime cuts, just as I requested.

As requested, there were no strong-smelling ingredients like garlic. Excellent. The innkeeper did a great job.

"This is wild boar... It's so delicious... I've never tasted anything like it..."

That's right, hunters bring in the game but don't eat it. They can't eat the prime cuts that have been aged.

They might eat it, but it's a product, so they don't touch it.

"Yes, it's delicious. I wanted you to enjoy the fruits of your hard work. What Liz does is a great job, and I'm proud of her."

Keep pushing. Keep pushing.

"Thank you... I'm happy... but a bit scared."

"Scared of what?"

"Is it okay to be this happy?"

"Of course, it's okay. No, you should be even happier, more, more, more."

Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were still watery.

After finishing the meal, I nodded to the innkeeper as a signal.

When we entered the room, simple nightgowns and hot water were already prepared. The innkeeper must have prepared them to coincide with the end of our meal.

The water jug was filled with clear water. The innkeeper did a perfect job.

"Let's clean up before bed."

"It's embarrassing, so turn around."

"Ah, I understand."

We stood on opposite sides of the bed, cleaning ourselves. The sound of clothes rustling and water splashing as she washed her hair filled the room.

I quickly but thoroughly washed my head and body. When I finished, I could still hear the sound of her cleaning herself.

I waited a moment, then turned around when the sound stopped and walked around the bed.

"Liz"

"Ah!"

She hurriedly covered her chest.

I mistimed it...

I didn't see anything important, but her white skin glowed faintly in the candlelight. Despite working outside all day, her skin was incredibly white.

Smooth like porcelain.

I felt privileged to see such beauty.

The candles in the room were made of beeswax, giving off a faint, sweet scent.

"As a sign of respect, I will honor the laws of the place I came from. I'm sorry."

I gently kissed her, moving my lips down to her neck, pecking her here and there.

"So, instead, let's touch each other tonight."

"...Touch each other?"

I gently embraced her, kissing her neck and then her lips.

We held each other, feeling each other's warmth.

Suddenly, I felt thirsty.

I poured water from the jug and offered it to her gently and firmly.

"Thank you..."

She took it, sipping it slowly. The movement of her throat as she swallowed was beautiful.

"Cheater... You look even better than usual."

"Your happiness is what matters most to me."

"Idiot..."

She weakly hit me.

She must be tired from taking care of me. She was drowsy.

I gently laid her down on the bed and lay down next to her.

"Good night, Liz. I had a great time tonight."

"Good night, Hiro. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything..."

She was already falling asleep as she spoke.

Despite everything, the preparations went well, and I was satisfied with the outcome.

I fell asleep with a pleasant sense of fatigue.

"Good night. It was the best day ever."