Chapter 34
Chapter 34
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 34
Chapter Title: The Engagement Ring
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*
After leaving the office, I requested the count's soldiers to hand over the criminal Mernan, then headed straight for the castle entrance. I couldn't keep the people who had come to greet me waiting.
I arrived in the grand hall adorned with a massive chandelier hanging from the ceiling, but among those waiting for me, Esili was the only member of the Pelgaroin family present. The rest were a few vassal knights like Marhan and mostly castle servants.
"Ah, Lord Theorad."
Spotting me, Esili approached with a bright smile. But an air of apology clouded her expression.
"I'm sorry. Brother Fred has vanished off somewhere again, and that pig Malden refused to come out because he doesn't want to see you. I have no idea what my sister is up to. Honestly... I'll have to tell Father later and get them all scolded."
I see. It was a bit disappointing, but I couldn't really complain. To begin with, I wasn't in a position to expect a welcome from the Pelgaroin count's family.
"I'm fine, so don't worry. In fact, I prefer the current situation. I have a gift for you, Esili."
"A gift?"
Her innocent blue eyes blinked in curiosity. Confirming no other elves were around, I pulled a ring case from my pocket and held it out.
Esili flinched, her shoulders twitching in uncharacteristic fluster.
"Wh-what is this...?"
"It's an engagement ring. Sorry it took so long to prepare."
At the words "engagement ring," Esili's face flushed red, like ink dropped on paper. It was adorable, seeing her—the usually bold girl who spoke her mind—turn speechless like she'd eaten honey.
Smiling, I opened the case and took out one ring. The diamond-studded band sparkled brilliantly.
"Give me your left hand."
"I-I'm fine. I can do it myself."
"I'm not fine with that. Come on."
When I insisted again, Esili nervously extended her hand. I pulled it toward me and slipped the ring onto her ring finger.
"Esili. Yesterday, you asked me to make you a promise. So, I'd like one from you in return. Is that okay?"
Esili shyly nodded.
"If we meet again soon, smile at me like you always do. Seeing your smile is the joy of my life."
Poof! Esili's face turned beet red. If I exaggerated a bit, her whole body seemed to vibrate with trembling.
"Th-th-that, um..."
"Was that too presumptuous of me?"
"N-no! Absolutely not!"
"Then will you keep that promise with me?"
Nod, nod. Esili vigorously bobbed her head.
"Good. Then, until we meet again someday."
I gazed at her fondly, then turned and walked away. Even then, Esili stood frozen like a statue, making me wonder if I'd done something wrong.
— Oh my. Oh my!
— Did you hear that? I'm going crazy.
— Kyaa!
The reactions from the watching maids were a bit odd, too.
*
Returning to her room after seeing Lord Theorad off, Esili couldn't calm her pounding heart. An engagement ring out of nowhere, followed by a sweet confession.
'Wh-why is he doing this all of a sudden...?'
She'd known it was coming someday, but not like this, so abruptly. Not that she hated it—far from it. She was so overjoyed her mind went blank...
"Hmm. Ahem."
But she couldn't let herself get too carried away; it wouldn't be proper. No one was watching, but who knew?
Steadying her breath, Esili stood before her full-length mirror and tried smiling.
To honor Theorad's request for her usual smile next time they met, she planned to practice a "pretty smile" from now on.
'As elegant and beautiful as possible...'
Esili put effort into crafting a smile befitting noble grace, but an unexpected obstacle kept ruining her practice.
"Ehehehe..."
Every time she glanced at the engagement ring in the mirror, her mood soared, and a silly grin escaped her lips.
*
Exiting the castle gates and crossing the drawbridge, I spotted the waiting four-wheeled carriage. Parked beside it was a small baggage wagon, guarded by two mounted knights—clearly for transporting the criminal.
"Sir, this way please."
The coachman bowed low, flashing yellowed teeth. I tore my gaze from the baggage wagon and boarded the carriage as directed.
"..."
As I'd half-expected, it was no surprise. An elf was already seated inside. My mood soured for a moment, but I sat beside her without showing it.
"Let's go."
I tapped the carriage floor with my toe, and the crack of the whip rang out alongside the steady clop of hooves. I pulled out a book as usual and opened it, but the elf kept staring at me without looking away.
'Does she want something from me...?'
No. Better not engage; it'd just drain my energy. Ignoring her completely was the right move for now. If I held out, we'd reach the estate eventually...
Ziiing—
Her unwavering stare felt oppressive. Sweat beaded on my hand holding the book. How long did this elf plan to keep staring?
Ziiiiing—
At this point, it was blatantly begging for attention. If I kept ignoring her, something bad might happen to me, so I closed the book and turned to her as calmly as possible.
"Do you have something to say?"
"Ah, um..."
She'd been staring holes through me moments ago, yet now she acted all innocent. The elf hesitated, then drooped her pointed ears and looked up at me with wide, innocent eyes.
"I noticed a new ring on Master's left hand."
"Were you curious about it? This is..."
My mouth stopped short of saying "engagement ring," a bad feeling hitting me. If I confessed the truth, life at the estate would turn into hellfire.
Whether it was possessiveness or conquest lust, this elf hated seeing me close to other women.
Declaring "This is an engagement ring!" to her face might translate to "Please kill me!" in elf-speak.
Gulp.
This was a clear fork between life and death. Telling the truth would likely make my life miserable.
Lying went against my faith and conscience, but it was a struggle for survival—the God of Light would understand.
"...I bought it recently for decoration."
"Hee."
Suspicion sharpened her red eyes.
"You put a 'diamond ring' on your 'left ring finger' for decoration. I see. It just felt like you'd exchanged rings with 'someone' to promise eternal love. Hmm. Must be my imagination."
Left ring finger, diamond ring, someone.
Her pointed clues were so relentless I lost the will to make excuses.
But admitting it now would add insolence for lying on top of everything. It was risky, but I had to brazen it out.
"You trash. What business is it of yours what your master does? Spinning wild fantasies on your own is utterly revolting."
I clicked my tongue and glared at her coldly. Only then did the elf lower her gaze, her ears trembling.
"S-sorry... My brain's like a sow's, so I didn't know asking Master questions was wrong..."
"Hmph. Now you do. I'm tired and need to rest, so shut that filthy mouth."
"Y-yes..."
The elf meekly closed her mouth, looking dejected.
Dodging that bullet was a relief. If she found out later it was an engagement ring, there might be hell to pay—but with prior coordination with Esili, I could avoid disaster.
Probably...