Chapter 55

Hiding in the grass, I called out to Sati, and following Yuria’s advice, I decided to get on the carriage.

The carriage jolted, but it was still more comfortable than riding a horse. Sati looked around the carriage with curiosity.

“So this is a carriage. It feels like I’ve become a princess.”

The girl we had just helped, Yuria, asked with interest.

“Is this your first time riding in a carriage, Sati?”

Sati was perplexed.

I had told her that we were magicians from Ismus, but Sati was a girl who was fundamentally honest. It was rare to find a girl as bad at lying as her.

“Um, well—”

Sati tried to fumble through an answer, but I interrupted her.

“My family is part of the nobility in Ismus, but we are not very wealthy. This girl has been working as a maid in our mansion all this time, so she is not very familiar with the outside world.”

Yuria seemed to understand after this explanation.

“Actually, I’m the same. Of course, I have ridden in carriages many times, but this is my first time leaving the city of Zenobia.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. In fact, I just came back from a meeting with a prominent figure from the neighboring city.”

Yuria explained with a slight blush.

“I see, you are of marriageable age. Your father must be seeking a good match. So, did the marriage proposal work out?”

“No, it didn’t.”

Yuria answered immediately.

“...That’s a shame. But there are men who lack taste. If I were in his position, I would never refuse.”

I said this as a social courtesy, but I truly thought it was a waste. Yuria Octave was a beautiful girl, no flattery needed. Moreover, she was the daughter of the leader of the Commercial Alliance. If I were to marry her, I would never have to worry about money for the rest of my life.

Thinking this, Yuria asked in a playful tone.

“Was that really what you meant?”

“Yes, well, if I were in his position.”

She smiled even more upon hearing this.

“Mr. Like, you can’t fool me with social niceties or lies. To be honest, I am a very honest person. That’s why the marriage proposal didn’t work out.”

“What do you mean?”

“The marriage proposal was so pitiful that I stepped on his foot hard during the ball.”

“...That’s quite harsh.”

This girl, who seemed so gentle, turned out to be quite a wild horse. I had this thought, but she surprised me even more.

“Mr. Like, you just said that if you were in his position, you would accept the marriage proposal, right?”

She said this with a cheerful smile. I nodded, thinking it was just a hypothetical.

“...But only if I were in his position.”

“Then, Mr. Like, when we arrive in Zenobia, can I tell my parents that I want to become engaged to you?”

“...”

I could only answer with silence. Sati also seemed taken aback.

Of course, it’s understandable. Proposing to someone you just met is quite unusual.

It’s normal to doubt this girl’s common sense. Sati protested timidly.

“Y-Yuria, proposing to someone you just met is strange, don’t you think?”

Yuria’s answer was clear and concise.

“Is there a proper time for a girl to fall in love? One minute? One hour? One day? Or one month? Anyway, I have fallen in love with you, Mr. Like. If you agree, I can change into my wedding dress right away.”

“...”

I was speechless, but her eyes were serious. If I nodded, it felt like we would be getting married in a church in a week. Of course, I couldn’t nod. I didn’t come here to find a bride. I came to meet the leader of Zenobia and sign a treaty.

However, I couldn’t simply shake my head. It wouldn’t be wise to upset her here. I decided to act like a Japanese person and beat around the bush.

“Your proposal is appreciated, but let’s get to know each other a bit more first. Fortunately, we still have plenty of time. When we arrive in Zenobia, you can show us around the city, right?”

She seemed to understand after hearing this.

“You’re right. We still have plenty of time. I’ll have you stay in Zenobia for at least a month, and then you can go back to your family to report the marriage, which will take another month. We also need to prepare the wedding dress. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event, so we need to make the best one possible. It will take at least three months to make—”

But her imagination knew no bounds.

On the way to Zenobia, she talked endlessly about their honeymoon, their new home, and even the number of children they would have.

Sati and I listened to her one-sided plans as background music as we headed towards the city of Zenobia.