Chapter 61
Chapter 61
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 61
Chapter Title: Political Marriage? (3)
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Noon sunlight poured down on the shopping district.
I strolled along the street after leaving the castle.
As expected of a bustling area, crowds of people filled the place, along with an equally diverse array of goods.
Among them, I entered a shop called 'Everything for Travelers' simply because the name appealed to me. A clerk spotted me and hurried over.
"What are you looking for?"
"I'm seeking high-end travel gear that's performant, yet reasonably priced at a glance."
"......Ah, yes. This way, please."
He skillfully guided me to the second floor of the shop.
A variety of travel essentials were on display there.
I carefully examined their quality and prices as I browsed.
They were all items I already had, but with my pockets flush from yesterday's card game winnings, I planned to upgrade to better ones.
The gear Lucian had given me was all basic stuff—nothing expensive.
The rich always have more, but wouldn't it have been nice if they'd outfitted me with top-tier gear from the start?
Even a quick scan of the shop revealed piles of equipment superior to mine.
Truly, money makes the man.
After splurging through the shopping district, I headed to 'Hans's Bookstore' laden with hefty new purchases.
"Are you looking for a specific book?"
"I'm after a detailed guidebook on worthwhile travel. Something like this, for example."
"......Yes, over there."
I showed him the '101 Ways to Properly Enjoy a Long Journey' I'd brought along, and he pointed to the shelves behind a pillar. I nodded and walked over.
Thanks to my exceptional eyesight, I scanned the displayed books from afar and spotted a title that perfectly suited me.
'101 Ways to Properly Enjoy a Long Journey: Advanced Edition.'
It was the sequel by the author of '101 Ways to Properly Enjoy a Long Journey,' which I was already reading for the second time.
Lucky me.
I grinned and strode straight toward it. At that moment, someone else approached the same book.
A slender finger reached precisely for '101 Ways to Properly Enjoy a Long Journey: Advanced Edition.'
I lightly stomped my foot.
My body shot forward like it was sliding on ice, arriving at the bookshelf in an instant.
Someone's hand was nearly touching the book.
But I grabbed it first.
"Huh?"
The person who'd missed out on the book let out a startled noise and turned to me.
"I got it fir—"
"If you had, it'd be in your hands right now."
I shook the book in my hand to show her.
"Th-that's true."
Without a backward glance, I headed to the counter.
Today's indulgence seemed perfectly capped with this book.
As I exited the bookstore after paying, the woman who'd just missed out on the book stood at the entrance.
Beside her was a tall woman who, though unarmed, was clearly trained in the sword.
Her bodyguard knight?
The woman stepped in front of me and spoke politely.
"Hello. Sorry, but could you possibly yield that book? I've been waiting for it forever, and they say this print run's last copy is it."
"Then you'll have to wait even longer."
I tucked the book deep into my bag.
"I'll pay you double the price."
She blocked my path again as I tried to pass. A faint disinfectant scent wafted from her.
"Or triple?"
She smiled coyly, batting her eyelashes.
She knew she was pretty and knew how to weaponize it.
But I wasn't the type to fall for that.
"Pass. Out of my way."
I shoved her aside and kept walking. An incredulous stare bored into my back, but I ignored it.
After such twists and turns, I returned to my room, unpacked my new gear, and dove straight into the book.
'If your body isn't aching, it's not a real journey.'
The opening line hooked me instantly. I nodded in agreement.
For a rewarding trip, you have to work diligently.
This author really gets it.
Satisfied, I immersed myself in the pages.
How much time passed?
Before I knew it, it was dinnertime.
Like yesterday, a servant led me to a separate dining hall from the rest of the group.
What's this guy's deal?
I pondered as I followed the servant.
Yesterday was one thing, but what separate talk could there be today?
It seemed he wanted something specific from me.
The dining hall doors swung open, and Cardron greeted me with a warm smile.
"Come on in."
But he wasn't alone today. There was another person besides Cardron.
A woman with golden hair and green eyes.
A familiar face.
"Huh?"
She widened her eyes upon seeing me.
Cardron, about to introduce her, noticed her expression and looked puzzled.
"What's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing."
I stated the facts plainly, as she tried to play it off.
"Saw her earlier today."
At my words, Cardron brightened and introduced her.
"Is that so? Fate works in mysterious ways. This is my eldest daughter. I arranged for her to join us tonight. She heard your stories from yesterday and got curious."
"Hello. I'm Cecilia Teynan."
Cecilia rose from her seat, lightly curtsying with her skirt. I replied curtly.
"Jenness."
Cardron looked between us and spoke in an excited tone.
"You two make such a handsome pair. How'd you cross paths during the day?"
"Nothing worth mentioning. Ask her yourself later."
Too lazy to explain, I brushed it off.
Cecilia alternated wide-eyed glances between Cardron and me. Cardron gave her a reassuring look.
She seemed startled by my bluntness.
Cardron introduced me again.
"You've heard plenty about him, right? Jenness, the White Lion who's been stirring up the North lately. He's destined to be the continent's greatest swordsman."
"......Ah, yes. I heard a lot from your companions yesterday."
"Really? All praise, I hope?"
Cardron asked with interest, and Cecilia smiled lightly as she replied.
"They were just complaining."
"......"
Cardron coughed awkwardly and sipped his water. I pretended not to hear and focused on my food.
As I'd noticed yesterday, the taste was exquisite.
"Who knew Cecilia had such a sense of humor."
"......It wasn't a joke."
Cecilia muttered softly.
I chewed on my premium tenderloin steak and eyed Cardron.
Now I clearly understood what he wanted from me.
He was plotting to marry me off to his daughter.
A pragmatic strategy.
It was an excellent way to pull me to his side without clashing with the North's White Lion.
The problem was, I had no interest.
As I conversed with Cardron, I stole glances at Cecilia, who dined gracefully.
She screamed noble daughter showered with love her whole life. Flawlessly beautiful, with refinement in her speech and manners.
No man would turn down a wife like that.
Unless he was impotent, in love with someone else, or pursuing a different path in life.
I fell into the third category.
If I married Cecilia and settled in Teynan, could I live the peaceful life I dreamed of?
Looking at Cardron, I shook my head inwardly.
As his son-in-law, I'd be squeezed dry like stock bones.
Above all, I had no intention of marrying yet.
Throughout the meal, Cardron naturally praised Cecilia's virtues. Listening quietly, I pegged him as a total doting father.
"How about a short walk and chat with Cecilia after dinner? She has lots of questions for you, but seems shy with me here."
Cecilia gave an awkward smile of agreement. I accepted the suggestion.
"Sure."
To clarify things, talking directly was fastest.
Unaware of my intentions, Cardron beamed.
Right after the meal, he ushered us into a small garden.
A beautiful one, blooming profusely with tulips.
Twilight had fallen, but lanterns spaced throughout cast a soft glow, adding ambiance.
We walked slowly along the path between them.
"My mother tends this herself. Pretty, isn't it?"
"Yeah."
Cecilia glanced at me as she spoke.
"I didn't realize you were Jenness."
"Same here."
I'd figured she had money with a bodyguard, but Cardron's daughter?
Why the disinfectant smell earlier, though?
Unlike daytime, she now carried a faint floral fragrance.
"I heard a lot about you yesterday."
I could guess what they'd said without asking. They always gossiped about me whenever they gathered.
"You're as impressive as they said."
"No need to lie."
She covered her mouth and chuckled.
I shot her a look as if to say, amusing?
With a smile lingering, Cecilia continued.
"You seem to know everything. Still, they didn't seem to hate you. Actually, they all liked you, I think. That's what puzzled me. How can they complain so much yet like you? Curiosity like that."
"Useless curiosity."
I dismissed it outright.
"Do you have someone you like?"
"No."
"Really? I thought it might be Iriel. She's the prettiest I've ever seen, honestly. And such a bright personality."
"Hah, right."
I snorted in response.
Iriel having a good personality? Please.
"You're not into women, are you?"
Reading my icy glare, she laughed and continued.
"I just asked since you don't seem interested despite the attractive company."
Finding no value in the small talk, I cut to the chase.
"Your father seems keen on marrying us off. You know that, right? Refuse him yourself. It'll look better coming from you than me."
The turbulent straits required alliances.
Better for her to be the one rejecting than me.
That's why I'd agreed to the walk.
"No. I can't do that."
Cecilia smiled playfully.
"It's not what you think."
"What do I think?"
I genuinely had no clue, so I asked.
"That I want to marry you."
"Never thought that. Get to the point."
"Hmm, you're no fun."
Despite her words, she looked amused.
"To be direct, Father's never pushed a marriage this hard before, so it's awkward for me to refuse. And he won't stop if I do. So if you're not interested, could you reject it for me?"
"Fine."
It wasn't difficult.
It just seemed better for appearances if she did, but no reason I couldn't.
"Thank you."
Cecilia clasped her hands at her navel and bowed.
She'd likely agreed to the walk for the same reason. No more reason to stick together.
"Guess I'll head in."
"Sorry, but one more favor?"
I stared at her silently.
Did that make her uncomfortable?
"......No, never mind."
She shook her head.
"Boring."
"Do you believe in the Sun God by any chance?"
"Do I look like a priest?"
"You're not, but...... I do. Thought you should know that much."
"Whatever."
I had no idea what she was getting at and no interest, so I didn't pry. With our goals met, we parted ways.
And the next day.
I heard she'd vanished in the middle of the night.