Chapter 2

Just as I was about to let go of consciousness, I remembered that I was outside and hastily sat back down. I felt a chill, realizing that I had unconsciously been thinking of something outrageous.

"Are you okay? I think you should refrain from drinking any more today."

As I held my still dizzy head, a glass of water was offered to me.

"Oh, thank you."

"Still, you're quite something. You let me talk about myself, but you leave when it's my turn to talk."

"That... I'm sorry."

"Excuse me. I was being mean while you were feeling weak."

A small laugh came from beside me. It seemed the man wasn't really bothered.

"I was a bit annoyed. Talking about love in front of a heartbroken woman, you must not be very popular."

"Unfortunately, I'm actually quite popular."

Are you trying to pick a fight? I wish I could splash the water from this glass on your head and feel refreshed.

"Oh, really? Then I'm glad your love will soon come to fruition."

"Can't you at least pretend to be interested?"

"But you're so popular, right? If you really put in the effort, your current unhappy partner will fall for you in no time."

"Do you really think so?"

"You're surprisingly troublesome..."

This situation feels more like I'm being provoked rather than comforted. As I pondered whether I should leave now, I drank the water.

"Actually, it was love at first sight. But at that time, she already had a fiancé, so I haven't really had a chance to talk to her much."

"Then start by getting to know her. I don't know how much of a reputation you have, but few women would trust a man who suddenly approaches them."

"No, I don't have a reputation like that."

"That's not true. If you're popular with women, you're definitely being talked about behind your back. Approach her with the assumption that she knows this."

"...You seem to have perked up quite a bit."

"Yes, thanks to you."

I couldn't help but give sincere advice. I could tell the man was dissatisfied. He seemed surprisingly easy to get along with, but that was probably due to the alcohol.

"Well, since I got some good advice, let's get back to the conversation."

"Huh? Are you still going to rub my heartache in? You really are popular, aren't you?"

"That's hurtful."

The man paused, then handed me a new glass. He was considerate, even though I hadn't noticed my glass was empty.

"Introduce me to your parents."

I sobered up instantly. I thoroughly analyzed and dissected his words, but the only thing that came out of my mouth was a simple "Huh?"

I mean, what does this even mean? Doesn't he know that conversations need context?

"You have to marry that man. You'll have to live under the same roof with your sister, and you won't be able to defend yourself against gossip in society."

"Why are you suddenly bringing up reality? And you're doing it so methodically. Do you have a grudge against me?"

"You'll have to endure humiliation for the rest of your life, while your sister will likely find a new partner at the right time. She might even become someone's first wife."

"Don't say such ominous things! It's especially bad because it seems like it could actually happen."

Imagining the concerned looks of the servants, my sister's triumphant face, and my fiancé trying to please me, I felt tears welling up. It was a vivid and realistic fantasy.

"That's why my existence is necessary."

"Um, I don't follow..."

"Hehe, I have a good idea. Will you go along with it?"

The man's voice was extremely cheerful. I felt like he was manipulating me, and a chill ran down my spine. As if reading my thoughts, the man laughed softly.

"If you don't trust me, feel free to decline. Well, then you'll have no choice but to head straight into an unhappy future. Choosing a thorny path on your own is quite a character. I admire you."

"No, please, I'd love to hear your wonderful idea."

The man nodded approvingly at my sudden change in attitude.

"Nothing to lose, right?"

I decided to take full advantage of the situation and drank the newly offered water in one go.