Chapter 7-2
Htes room in the Duke Adiras mansion.
With the help of her maids, Hte hastily groomed herself.
She fetched water, washed her face, andbed her hair neatly.
Finally, she applied make-up and dressed in a suit.
<em> Why am I doing this?</em>
Hte looked at herself in the mirror with a displeased expression.
She was getting dressed up just because Sion Laird was here at the mansion.
Normally, she would have been rxed, dressed, and eating, but that life was about to be shattered.
<em>Ah, maybe I should just run away.</em>
Hte sighs as she adjusts the cor of her suit.
It wasnt easy meeting her parents demands.
And now she was engaged to be married, which meant she would always be under their thumb.
<em>Why the next room? Couldnt you have given him another room?</em>
Even without asking, she knew what their intentions were.
It was probably an attempt to bring them closer and make their rtionship more intimate by living closer to their fianc.
Perhaps it was intentionally created to solidify their rtionship and confirm the marriage.
<em>Ah, reallyI shouldnt havee out</em>
Hte hung her head as she recalled the events of earlier.
As usual, she stepped out into the corridor without a second thought.
The presence of the butler, the maids, and her mother, Yenid, was all well and good.
But when she spotted Sion Laird beside her, she could hardly contain her embarrassment.
<em>Ugh! Both he and my mother Kuu its driving me crazy, seriously.</em>
Hte wallows in self-pity and worries about the future.
Yenid would scold her for this, and the news would reach Robbins.
Perhaps Sion Laird will bring this topic up at every opportunity and make fun of her.
<em>If Id onlye back earlier, none of this would have happened.</em>
Hte didnt return from the gambling establishment until after dawn today.
It was past midnight, and she couldnt bring herself to leave as she had a strangely good winning streak.
Luckily, she won some money, then snuck back into her room and fell asleepte.
However, I awoke suddenly to find myself face to face with Sion Laird.
<em> No. Why am I scared of what he might think? Did I do anything wrong?</em>
Hte scowls and walks away from the dressing table.
It was nothing more than an arranged marriage, with both parties taking advantage of each other.
Basic courtesy was important, but there was no reason to interfere in each others personal lives.
If she didnt like it, she could take what she needed and run away.
<em>I need to speak clearly this time. Its already a hassle, but I cant just let him interfere.</em>
Hte flung the door open before the maids could.
At the same time, she heads to the next room and knocks on the door without hesitation.
When the door opened, she saw the maids gathering their things and Sion standing nearby.
Oh, youre here? You look good this time.
Uh can you spare a moment?
Sure? Take a break, you guys. Ill go out.
Sion conveyed a message to the maids and quickly left.
The maids outside received instructions from Hte and quickly disappeared.
Should we go outside?
Do whatever you want.
Sion followed Hte down the stairs.
They greeted the knights and maids and left the mansion, eventually arriving near the garden.
I couldnt tell you before, but dont interfere with me. Ill do as I always have.
Now your opinion seems to match mine. I hope you wont interfere with me anymore. I have a lot I want to do.
Eh? I-is that so?
Surprised at how easily it ended, Hte took a step forward, lost for words.
His stubbornness was as strong as it had been when they first met.
While he was an easy talker, there was no need to be any closer.
Should I say something from my side now? When were around others, Ill prioritize taking care of my sister. Is that okay with you?
What do you mean?
Just what I said. Dont I have to appear devoted to you in front of others?
During their engagement, Sion had to build up his poprity in any way possible to increase his value and make himself more important to his family. Of course, he would also prepare to obtain the Demon Sword and secure his own territory, such as the estate ornd.
I wont do anything that would result in losses, okay?
Thats right. If you dont want to lose out, you should follow my lead, right?
Thats true But if we look too close, wont the wedding be moved up?
Thats why we have to keep it in moderation.
Ah Moderation?
If we do that, we can rx until the wedding.
This n was based on the assumption that Hte would run away before getting married.
Sion knew this fact and had nned everything, even the future, while seeking Htes cooperation.
If Hte were to change her mind, the n itself would crumble.
<em>That wont happen. The future is already predetermined as long as there is a protagonist in this world.</em>
Many characters, including Hte, are destined to be involved with the protagonist.
All he needed to do was asionally observe the process and build a foundation for himself.
Um You know That
Hte hesitates while watching Sions reaction.
Sion waits patiently with an expressionless gaze.
Um You know That What if, I mean, what if we do get married What would you do then?
What else am I supposed to say? And Is it really that difficult to say those words?
Hey! Do you find marriage is funny?
Its not something tough about. You surprisingly came off serious.
Sion chuckled before showing a serious expression.
He wouldnt get married no matter what, but he had to answer if he was asked about it.
I can do what you ask, But for that, you need to be considerate of me too.
You mean you wont interfere with whatever I do?
Well as long as you dont cheat,mit a crime, ore back toote
Hey! Isnt that obvious? What do you think of me?
Oh, is that so? I didnt mean to offend you. I was just trying to make it clear.
Sions response was somewhat sincere.
If he were to marry someone he didnt love, his remaining life would be messed up.
Therefore, they needed to find a bnce to avoid harming each other.
<em>Why is she asking this? Shouldnt she be nning how to run away? Or Are you seriously thinking about marrying me?</em>