Chapter 33

I haven’t done anything special, but the war between the Balshain Kingdom and the Remrest Kingdom has been averted. I can finally breathe a sigh of relief, as being dragged into a war due to their royal succession disputes would have been disastrous.

Now that I’ve done what I needed to do, I thought about going home... but the main event hasn’t started yet. It seems that a faction supporting the second prince has emerged in our country, but that’s not important right now.

I came to greet the Ashbaton Margrave, Patrick’s father, who might become my father-in-law. I can’t afford to be impolite or show any lack of propriety. After all, I’ve already dived from the sky with Ryou, so I should still be safe.

In the tent, now with only three of us, I cleared my throat, held the ends of my skirt, and bowed. I’m confident in my posture, thanks to my exceptional physical abilities.

“Let me introduce myself again. I am Yumiera Dorkness, the head of the Dorkness family.”

Patrick’s gaze is piercing. He looks like he’s watching a child attempt something reckless. The Margrave, who had been frozen for a moment, turned to Patrick with a troubled expression.

“...Um, what is this?”

“It’s just a greeting. Yumiera intends to maintain the image of a regular young lady.”

Patrick, don’t reveal my strategy. You’ve been perfect so far. From any angle, I look like the perfect lady. Even diving from the sky is ladylike.

“Ah, I see. Now I understand what Patrick was talking about. You really are... a good girl. Welcome to the Ashbaton territory, Miss Yumiera... or should I call you Lady Dorkness?”

Oh! It seems my strategy has succeeded. My potential father-in-law is giving me a gentle smile. Patrick rarely smiles like that, so it feels fresh. Will he be like this when he’s older?

“Yumiera is fine.”

“...Can you just be yourself?”

“What do you mean? I don’t understand.”

“Yumiera, stop it. It’s giving me chills. You can’t fool my father anymore.”

It seems my strategy has failed. But being accused of deception is harsh. I wish he would say I’m just putting on a facade. Even that would be better.

Feeling a bit awkward knowing my disguise was seen through from the start, I look around. The Margrave then says:

“Patrick, please prepare for the withdrawal. I will temporarily transfer command of the army.”

Patrick immediately leaves the tent. Wait, being alone with him is really awkward.

However, it seems only I feel this way, as the Margrave smiles gently again. He looked like a stern commander on the battlefield, but now he seems like a kind father.

“Miss Yumiera... is that okay? My son has always been in your care.”

“No, no! I’ve been the one receiving help from Patrick.”

I bow deeply. Patrick has been writing letters to my family about my situation. Even the times when he nearly died and when he lost his temper are known to the Margrave. I have no choice but to apologize.

“Don’t be so stiff. But I’m sorry, you’ve come all this way, and I have to stay here for a while. The Remrest forces might come again.”

“Are you really going to destroy them?”

“Please don’t say it like that, Miss Yumiera. It’s not a joke.”

The Margrave’s expression and demeanor are just like Patrick’s. I’ve had similar conversations with Patrick before... multiple times.

“Has Remrest attacked before?”

“Frequent skirmishes, yes. But an attack of this scale hasn’t happened in over ten years... Your arrival has been a great help.”

So it happened ten years ago. Patrick’s hometown was unexpectedly a land of battles.

The Margrave will apparently stay at the front-line fortress for a while. Whether my timing was good or bad, I’m not sure.

“Should I come back another time? I came to discuss... that matter.”

“Ah, the engagement, right?”

“...Yes, that’s right.”

Engagement, meaning a promise of marriage, still feels unreal. I think Patrick and I are definitely a couple, but I’d like someone to define what a couple is.

“Since we’re already living together, the engagement is a bit redundant, isn’t it?”

“No, it’s not like anything is happening. Patrick just followed me.”

A shocking fact has been revealed: Patrick and I are living together.

According to my research, many couples break up after moving in together because they see each other’s flaws. Since we’re not living in a one-room apartment, I don’t think my sloppiness has been exposed... I hope.

The wind from running dries my hair, and I don’t alternate between main courses and desserts just because they’re in the same stomach. Not since Patrick came.

Oh, I feel like my head is on fire. My face is probably on fire too. I might become the explosive Yumiera. All because of the bombshell statement from Patrick’s father in front of me.

He says, with concern:

“It’s fine, I know Patrick moved in with you. I recognize the engagement, and I even welcome it.”

“Is that so... What!?”

Can you just decide so easily? I thought it would be put on hold, so I’m double-checking.

“Is it really okay? To decide so quickly?”

“Well, Patrick has been talking about it for a while.”

Patrick is pushing things too far behind the scenes. Is he trying to cut off my escape routes? I’m not planning to run away.

And just like that, I became Patrick’s official fiancée. It feels too easy, and I have no sense of reality.

“I can’t entertain you, but you two should take your time at home before leaving.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Just as I’m feeling relieved, the Margrave says something scary:

“But be careful with my wife.”

Is Patrick’s mother dangerous?

To be continued within a week

Next: Patrick’s Mother

Next Next: To the Capital