<h4>Chapter 193: Sam and Alicia Are Now Engaged</h4>
<i>Tranted by AmaLynne </i>
<i> </i>
<span data-contrast="auto">The day after hearing Alicia’s feelings from Lise, Sam, who was somewhat nervous, went to visit Alicia’s room.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Sam-sama?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">When he knocked, Alicia, wearing a dress with a thin cardigan over it, peeked her head out of her room.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“I have something to discuss with you. Do you have a moment?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Of course. Pleasee in. Oh, but please don’t look around too much in my room. It’s not very tidy, and I’m quite embarrassed.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Excuse me.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Once inside the room, Sam couldn’t help but nce around Alicia’s room.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Upon reflection, Sam realized that this was his first time visiting her room.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">There were numerous stuffed animals on the bed and shelves, and books were scattered all around, but it wasn’t messy; everything was neatly arranged.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">It was a room that reflected Alicia’s personality.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Please, have a seat over here.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Presumably set up for tea, there was a small table with two chairs.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Sam took a seat, and they faced each other across the table.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“So, um, what’s the matter?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">As Alicia inquired, Sam swallowed nervously.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">He was indeed feeling quite nervous.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">While Sam had previously been bound to Lise and engaged to Ste and the others, he often relied on momentum, emotions, and the flow of the moment.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Consequently, this was the first time he had to confront something directly.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">(I don’t doubt Lise-sama, but if Alicia-sama doesn’t have any feelings for me or anything… I can’t even imagine it. Alright, I must face this head-on!)<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Well, I can’t say anything very clever, and I think it would be troublesome if I suddenly said something like this.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Yes, what is it? Please feel free to say anything.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Sam took a deep breath and gathered his courage for the confession he was about to make.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“–Would you be my wife?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“–Eh?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">?<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Upon receiving Sam’s heartfelt confession, tears welled up in Alicia’s eyes.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Oh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean it like that!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“…So no?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“No, that’s not it! But, um, if I’ve offended you in any way, I apologize!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Alicia suddenly burst into tears, leaving Sam in a state of panic.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">However, observing Sam’s frantic reactions seemed to calm her down, and she took out a handkerchief and pressed it to her eyes.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“I’m sorry for crying all of a sudden… but I’m really happy.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
Innread".
<span data-contrast="auto">Hearing her say that she was happy, Sam breathed a sigh of relief.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">At least he knew that Alicia didn’t dislike the idea.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“But why all of a sudden… Ah, did you hear this from Father?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Yes, well…”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">The truth was, he had heard it through Lise, but he didn’t want to mention his sister’s involvement, as it might make Alicia feel unnecessarily obligated.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“So, you proposed to me because Father asked you to, right? But it’s not like I expected…”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“No, it’s not because someone asked me.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“…You probably already know, so I won’t hide it. I truly admire you from the bottom of my heart.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Alicia, blushing, confessed her feelings after taking Sam’s words seriously. However, her joy was short-lived as her expression turned anxious.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“But I’ve never thought that we should be together against your will. I’d rather go to a convent than cause you any trouble.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Wait a moment. You’re not causing any trouble!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“–Eh?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Sam was taken aback when Alicia mentioned going to a convent.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">He hadn’t expected her to think this far.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">She was probably trying not to get in the way of his rtionships with his other fiancées, and her excessive consideration touched him.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">However, he couldn’t help but feel that she should be a bit more assertive.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“To be honest, when I first heard about your feelings, I was surprised. I never expected it. But I was happy.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Sam-sama.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“I enjoy spending time with you and talking with you. When I see you talking passionately about books, I can’t help but smile. It pained me to hear that someone like you might be forced into a marriage you don’t want.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Sam got up from his chair and knelt beside Alicia.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">He took her hand and gently ced it over his.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Knowing that you have feelings for me makes me happy. I’m very grateful.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Then, um, really, about me…”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Yes, I’m serious about it.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Seeing Alicia’s surprised reaction to his feelings, Sam smiled wryly.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“In reality, we should take more time for these things, but I heard that time is short, so I decided to take action.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Sam-sama, are you sure it’s me? Is it okay for me not to give up on you?”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“If it’s alright with you, even though I have four other fiancées, let’s be happy together.”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Sam-sama!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Alicia jumped into Sam’s chest.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">With her momentum, Sam ended up falling over.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">Alicia realized her awkward position and blushed, but she was too excited to care.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">She held onto Sam tightly, and for the first time, she wore the biggest smile Sam had ever seen.<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">
<span data-contrast="auto">“Of course! I look forward to being with you, Sam-sama, for many years toe!”<span datap-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}">