Chapter 6

And so, the day finally arrived for me to enter the Royal Academy. After preparing, I headed towards the carriage when something surprising happened.

"Eh... Lord Ash!?"

To my surprise, Lord Ash, who was supposed to be in Baltsline, was there.

"It's been a while, Angelina."

"Y-Yes, it's been a while... No, not really. Not that much time has passed since we last met, Lord Ash."

"Hehe. Indeed, you're right."

Why was he here in the capital? After all, he was supposed to be in a remote border area, a two-week carriage ride away from the capital.

"Rest assured. I came here with everyone's approval and after making all the necessary preparations. Baltsline won't fall to the monsters."

"N-No, I wasn't doubting that..."

The monsters from the great forest beyond the northern border wall apparently have a cycle. There are days of intense attacks and periods of relative peace. So, it wasn't impossible for Lord Ash to leave. Most importantly, his knights were all excellent and loyal to their lord. They could manage for a while without him. Still, I hadn't expected to meet him at such an unexpected time.

"Actually, everyone pushed me to come and chase after you."

"Huh?"

"Even though we'll be living apart for a long time, we can't neglect the time before our marriage. ...I fully agreed with that, Angelina."

"Eh? Lord Ash?"

"I can't let anyone else have you. So, I want to go with you... to the academy, and show everyone that we... are in that kind of relationship. They all encouraged me to do so."

"Ah..."

I see. Everyone in the border region loves Lord Ash. And their relationship is very close. They are quite proactive, even a bit troublesome, when it comes to his marriage. The one leading the charge is his sister, Aria, who has a bit of a selfish motive. Of course, her selfishness is wanting to call me 'Sister Angelina.'

Lord Ash must have been pushed by them to come here. He went along with it, and then decided, 'I want to do this too. Let's do it.' He must have come to the capital proudly and confidently. Although we've only been dating for about half a year, I understand his character well enough.

"So, Lord Ash, you're going to escort me to the academy?"

"Yes. Will you allow it, Angelina? As your fiancé, I won't be able to stay by your side at the academy, but..."

That's right. Lord Ash is five years older than me and has already graduated from the academy. Even if he had permission, he couldn't stay in the academy. I can't drag the border lord around for my school life, which is just a normal daily routine.

In return, he will show everyone that he is my fiancé and that I am loved by him. I've already explained my concerns about the engagement. I don't want to be seen as a lonely woman at the academy.

"Hehe. Wasn't that Elke's idea?"

"Actually, it was. 'The first impression is the most important, Lord Ash,' he said. But I really wanted to do it after hearing his suggestion."

"Yes, I understand. Thank you, Lord Ash."

"...So, can I escort you to the academy, Angelina?"

"Yes, I would be delighted, Lord Ash."

I reached out my hand, and he took it, leading me to the carriage that had been brought all the way from the border.

"How long do you plan to stay in the capital, Lord Ash?"

"Since I'm here, I thought I'd pay my respects to His Majesty. I've already booked a place to stay."

Meeting His Majesty as an afterthought. Fufu, that's disrespectful... But it means that meeting me was the main purpose. It's a bit embarrassing, but I'm also happy.

"So, you'll be staying for a few days?"

"Yes, that's the plan. I can't stay for months, of course."

"Of course."

What should I do? I want to show him around the capital as an afterthought. If I make a plan with him, he might adjust his schedule. But it might be too much for him, considering the distance and time it takes to travel to the border. I want him to follow his schedule, rest properly, and then travel.

"Angelina."

"Yes, Lord Ash."

"Would you... like to?"

"Yes."

"After paying my respects to His Majesty, would you... like to walk around the capital with me during my stay?"

Lord Ash proposed what I was thinking. Is it okay? Of course, if it's allowed, I want to be with him too.

"It's before you enter the academy or right after. I want you to take your time to get used to it. I won't force you."

"N-No! I'll go with you!"

"Great!"

Lord Ash's face lit up with a smile. He seemed very happy. But I was the one who was happier. Not only did he escort me this morning, but he also made a date with me.

We spent a somewhat embarrassing half a year, enjoying the time of being unsure if we would become lovers. On the first day of the academy, I was so excited that I almost stumbled. I'm really glad we decided to go through with this engagement.

The carriage entered the academy grounds and stopped at the carriage park. Lord Ash got out first and offered his hand to me.

"Thank you, Lord Ash."

"Yes."

With his help, I got out of the carriage. The unfamiliar carriage from the border lord's family was already drawing some attention. I was led by Lord Ash, showing everyone that we were a loving couple. It was both embarrassing and delightful.

But the time passed quickly. At the entrance of the academy, outside the gate, our time together ended. It wouldn't be appropriate for the already adult Lord Ash to walk into the academy holding my hand. It would probably look more like he wasn't reading the room.

"Lord Ash. See you later."

"Yes. I'll come to pick you up after school. If I can't, I'll send someone else."

"Understood. Thank you, Lord Ash."

"Angelina."

"Yes."

There, Lord Ash, a bit hesitantly, gently kissed my forehead. It was very light, just a touch, not on the lips. But, in such a place!

"A-Ash...! A-Ah!"

"No, it's just that... Aria said... I should show this much..."

Aria! What are you making him do! That's beyond just showing off! My face was burning with embarrassment.

"Angelina. Try... your best..."

"Y-Yes. Thank you, Lord Ash..."

We parted, both with red faces. The first day was quite a dramatic start.

Even though we are engaged, we've only been dating for about half a year. Marriage is still a long way off. There's no need to rush our relationship, so passionate displays aren't necessary yet.

"Phew..."

This might just make me a target of teasing for a long time. I'm fifteen, no, almost sixteen. My partner is an adult male, already a grown man who is protecting his territory. ...A man five years older than me seems even more attractive at my age.

"Phew, already..."

I lightly slapped my cheeks to cool down and resolve to pull myself together. I'm just at the starting line.

...And I didn't know that a female student had been watching our interaction from a distance.

The nuance of the title:

A famous (or infamous) line from a certain game streamer, Mr. Cow (a play on words in Japanese).

(In the rain)

"I'll use an umbrella, but will you use one? You should use one (pause)."

The image is something like:

"I'll be happy, but will you be happy? You should be happy (pause)..."