But from the point where my parents started neglecting me, I don’t remember us ever talking much. It’s because to earn my parents’ praise, I desperately immersed myself in nothing but training and studies.
“Yes, it is a bother. And here I thought I would be living a lone and free lifestyle from here on.”
If I say something harsh to her, she may turn back. Thinking that, I voiced something that wasn’t on my mind.
Novem was never a romantic dreaming girl, and even if you compare her to the Walt Family’s precepts, she was definitely a passing bridal candidate.
“… I deeply apologize. But I have decided to marry Lyle-sama.”
To the girl giving a smile, I delivered some crucial information.
“I have no such will. I’ll become an adventurer, and live a willful life being waited on by women. Being driven away by my family actually makes me feel relieved.”
The worst sermon. With this, Novem should be tired of me.
As I thought that, I looked down. I didn’t want to see Novem’s scornful face, but as I decided that wouldn’t advance the conversation, I looked up at her again.
“Don’t worry, it’s something I arbitrarily decided for myself. Even if we don’t marry, please allow me to serve by your side.”
I put my face in my hands.
“What about House Forxus? You’ll make your parents sad.”
As I brought up her own home, Novem offered a response full of self-confidence.
“Don’t worry about that part. I’m the second daughter, and my brother is the one succeeding the house. I even have an elder and younger sister, so my parents sent me off saying that it would somehow work out if I alone was freed of obligations.”
(The hell’s wrong with you, Mother and Father Forxuz!?)
My head was starting to hurt.
Even if you call her a side-liner, Novem’s still got decent looks. To add onto that, she was strictly disciplined, and quite refined. Even if she doesn’t say anything, I’ll bet there were marriage proposals to her.
It’s possible she could have even gotten married off to a Viscount’s family.
Having finally gotten the happiness she wanted, it’s a waste if she were to render it futile for my sake.
Simply because I had known her from my childhood, I wanted her to be happy. But the individual’s own will was quite rigid.
(Come to think of it, she had those stubborn parts back when she was small too.)
“… Just do whatever you want.”
AS I turned my face away, Novem put her hand to her mouth, and smiled.
“Then I’ll do just that.”
As if he had heard our voices, the merchant spoke up.
“It sure is nice to be young. That alone is a fortune, you know.”
It sounds like he heard all that quite clearly.
My face turns red from embarrassment. But at that time, I heard a voice.
『Oy, oy, you’re quite loved, ain’t ‘ya, kid.』
I heard a voice with a teasing tone. I looked around.
On top of the cart, there was only me and Novem. The Peddler was holding the reigns upfront. Around our wagon, there were similar travelers and merchants out searching for work, but they weren’t at a distance where a voice would reach.
“Novem, did you hear anything? A voice that seemed to be trying to tease?”
On my question, she shook her head.
“I-I apologize… I didn’t hear it.”
As she apologetically lowers her head to me, I tell her not to mind it, as I survey the area once more.