Volume 2 Chapter 47-2 Our Relationship Has Changed a Little
As I began working with my back to Lene, she gave me a curious look and asked me, but I brushed her off nonchalantly.
"Hmm," a dissatisfied voice came from behind me, and I could picture her scowling face. I almost burst out laughing, but I had to hold it in because this was delicate work.
"...Phew, done."
"...I'm not listening anymore. Mr. Ryuuji is just a man who always keeps me in the dark, isn't he?"
...This is it, huh.
I bet she's still holding a grudge about our air battle and dive, huh?
...Maybe it depends on this.
"...Okay, look at what I was doing. Can you hand me your hand?"
"Huh? ...Umm, like this?"
Confused, Lene tilted her head and extended her right palm facing up.
And, hiding it in my right hand, I placed it on top of hers.
"What?"
Lene stared at the object on her palm, her eyes wide and unblinking.
I took a deep breath and prepared to tell her.
......Alright!
"...You know this kind of thing is not really my forte, so I'll just cut to the chase."
Without waiting for Lene—who's still frozen in place—to react, I hit her with the next words.
"I like you, will you marry me?"
"........."
Without even answering my words, Lene was chewing her lip, staring at the emerald ring I had secretly cut and fitted with a stone that matched her eyes.
I had gotten the base and the ring band when I went shopping, and I fitted the stone myself.
And after what felt like an eternity, Lene squeezed the ring in her hand, her face flushed crimson, and launched a counterattack right at me.
Oh no, did I mess up!?
"...This kind of thing... is supposed to be given to a woman by a man."
Finally, Lene managed to choke out the words.
All I could manage was "Ah, uh..."
Taking her left hand, I turned her palm up and slowly slid the ring onto her ring finger.
Oh, yeah, perfect fit.
"...Why, does it fit perfectly?"
"I had a chance to hold your hand the other day, so I checked the size then. I usually do precision work, so I'm good at this kind of thing."
I explained to Lene, who asked in hesitant words.
It's a skill with no practical use in everyday life, but I never thought I'd be able to check a finger size.
"...So, what's the answer?"
"...I accept."
"That's a bit too business-like, don't you think?"
Lene seemed to be still confused, and she gave me a playful jab.
* * *
I hugged Lene, who was staring blankly at the ring on her left hand.
She's small, or rather, I'm just too big.
"...I never thought I'd be able to get a normal person's happiness like this. Even now, I still dream about that day."
"......I see."
Lene saw hell in the village where she was born and raised.
It's no wonder she hesitates to wish for ordinary happiness.
That's why I might have been drawn to her.
Because──
"Me too. I was used to doing reckless things and thought that even if I got married, I'd just die young and make her unhappy."
When did I start doing reckless things?
Was it when I left my hometown and was desperate to feed my sisters?
Even 'Teacher' told me, "Ryuuji, you'll die young if you don't change that," so I was prepared for it, but──
"...I can't do reckless things anymore, huh?"
"That's right, so keep that in mind."
I smiled back at Lene, who laughed softly in my arms.
Adiliana is gone, but Lene's sister, the Dark Mage, is still out there.
An enemy with the power to easily destroy a village.
But strangely, I don't feel like I'll lose.
"This is the kind of power you get when you're the head of the household, huh?"
"What are you saying?"
With that, Lene showed a slightly confused and bitter smile.
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