Chapter 93
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 91
Chapter Title: 31. Arranged Marriage
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Becoming one with the bed.
I believe it sometimes offers a more profound rest than even the most advanced magic.
Ignoring the sunlight trying to sneak through the thick blackout curtains, I burrowed deeper into the blankets.
The week-long break I was spending was nothing short of sweet. No, sweet didn't even begin to cover it.
Moreover, it was perfect for soothing my weary body and mind after the date with Iris the day before.
"Yawn..."
As I let out a yawn that felt like it would split my mouth, a languid silence filled the room.
I didn't want to do anything.
I was already doing nothing, but I wanted to do nothing even more intensely.
I resolved to turn into a fossil on the bed, refusing even photosynthesis for the rest of the break.
'No one will disturb me now. Let's sleep more.'
Just as I was about to close my heavy eyelids again.
Knock knock.
Ah.
The knocking shattered the silence, striking my eardrums.
Pretending not to hear, I buried my head deep into the pillow, denying reality.
Knock knock knock.
The sound persisted stubbornly.
I figured ignoring it would make them leave, but the visitor beyond the door showed no signs of giving up.
'No way it's Iris again.'
If it was a date, I'd have to pass.
One time was enough to drain all my energy.
"...Evan? Are you in there?"
A familiar voice drifted in from outside the door.
Its clear, pure, yet gentle tone let me know exactly who it was without needing to check.
Elysia von Arden.
'Why at this timing of all times...'
Ignoring her outright wasn't an option.
With a low groan, I forced myself upright. My stiff muscles screamed in unison.
'...Let's get up.'
Running a hand through my messy hair, I dragged my heavy feet toward the door.
I wanted to tell Imir to handle it, but she'd gone out swinging her sword, complaining of sore muscles.
"..."
Click.
Opening the door brought a dazzling burst of sunlight—and a radiant smile to greet me.
"Good morning, Evan!"
Elysia wasn't in her usual uniform. Instead, she wore a sky-blue dress that looked perfect for travel.
A small bag slung over her shoulder and a wide-brimmed hat completed the look.
"...Miss Elysia? What brings you here at this hour...?"
Rubbing my eyes, I peered at her through the fog of fatigue. She beamed with the freshness of morning dew on a flower—miles from my own exhausted state.
"Oh, were you still sleeping? Sorry for waking you."
Her words said sorry, but her perked-up ears betrayed her delight.
"No, it's fine. But that outfit... are you headed somewhere?"
I waved it off and gave her a once-over. Elysia nodded eagerly, as if she'd been waiting for the question.
"Yes. I'm going back home for a bit. My parents insisted I at least show my face during the break."
A shadow flickered across her expression, but it vanished, replaced by her usual bright smile.
Well, aside from outliers like me—who were on bad terms with their family—visiting parents during vacation was the norm.
I see. Probably just stopping by to say goodbye.
"...Have a safe trip."
I offered a casual send-off.
With her skills, bandits wouldn't be an issue. Ah, but her family would send escorts anyway.
"...Worried about me? That makes me happy."
Elysia grinned, staring straight at me.
Her eyes sparkled with an odd glimmer of expectation.
"I stopped by because I wanted to see your face before leaving... Won't see you for a whole week. I'll miss you."
"...I suppose."
I mumbled an appropriate reply, awkwardly looking away.
Her recent straightforward affection was appreciated, but... it was a bit hard to get used to. Not that I minded.
"...Well, I'll head back inside then."
It wasn't polite to keep someone about to leave standing at the door.
As I dipped my head and reached to close the door, returning to bed's embrace—
"Um, Evan?"
She called out urgently, lightly tugging my sleeve.
"Would you... maybe come with me? If it's okay?"
"...Pardon?"
I doubted my ears at first, unsure if I'd heard right.
But her earnest gaze confirmed it: Elysia meant every word.
"Come with me. To the country where I live."
Seeing my blank stare, she doubled down.
No joke in sight—her expression was deadly serious.
"But going to your hometown..."
Her sudden proposal left my thoughts scrambling as I started to respond.
She shook her head, brushing it off.
"It's fine. We're close, aren't we?"
...W-we are friends, yeah.
But I hadn't expected such an abrupt invitation to tag along.
"Why suddenly invite me along? I have no connection to the Arden family."
Right—and she was an elf, not human.
The nation of her birth rejected humans, treating them as outcasts.
No good could come from me showing up. So why?
"I was going to explain on the way... Guess I have no choice."
She let out a faint sigh, barely audible.
"...Actually, Evan, I have a favor to ask."
Squeeze.
Elysia gripped my sleeve tighter, offering an awkward smile.
"Could we talk inside for a moment?"
"Could you wait just a moment?"
"I'm fine..."
Click.
Leaving her waving it off, I hurriedly shut the front door.
"..."
It's me who's not fine.
Showing her this disaster zone would make even her bolt in horror.
Since Kaien left, I'd let the place turn into a wild stallion's sty.
If she saw it, she might flee in shock.
I'd considered dumping it on Imir, but she'd make cleaning a monster den look efficient by comparison.
'Should've tidied up sooner.'
Blaming my past laziness, I blitz-cleaned at light speed.
Stuffing visible trash into corners and airing out the windows, I finally let her in.
"Actually, I've received an arranged marriage proposal."
She took a sip of the warm tea I offered.
Her words that followed were enough to freeze the room's air solid.
"...An arranged marriage?"
I stared blankly, echoing her.
Arden Ducal House.
One of the pinnacle families among elves—the noblest of non-humans.
I couldn't fathom the weight of a match proposed for their young lady.
"Yes. The other house is a bit lower-ranked, but from the family's view, it's hard to turn down."
Elysia continued with a bitter smile.
The despair and anguish in her eyes hit me like a physical blow.
"My parents have been urging me to come home during the break... to at least meet his face."
I got why she had to go.
With a proposal like that, she'd have no choice but to see the guy, willing or not.
But.
"You're not asking me to tag along just for travel companionship."
Arms crossed, I fixed her with a steady gaze.
Surely she wasn't calling me to her homeland to size up her fiancé together.
"Right."
Elysia hesitated a moment, then met my eyes with resolve.
"I want to ask you to... pretend to be my boy, boyfriend..."
"...Boyfriend?"
"Yes. Introduce you as a human, sure—but stronger than anyone... someone I truly rely on."
Her cheeks flushed deep red, her eyes trembling fiercely.
"Of course, I'm not forcing you. B-but..."
She gently clasped my hand.
A faint tremor from her slender fingers traveled through my palm.
"I don't want anyone else. It has to be you, Evan."
"Haa..."
A sigh slipped out unbidden.
Gazing at the cooling teacup, I sorted through my thoughts.
A fake lover, huh.
A romance novel cliché, right in front of me.
But her desperate gaze made saying no feel impossible.
"I heard elven nations don't accept humans."
"It's fine. As my guest, you can enter."
Elysia rushed to reassure, clinging to that thread of hope.
"I'll ensure VIP treatment. I'll make sure no one dares disrespect you."
'...Protect me?'
Her bold declaration drew an involuntary chuckle.
Well, with her caliber, it wasn't entirely off-base.
Shouldn't take long.
A quick introduction, and we'd be back before the break ended.
"I'll handle my own protection."
I gave her hand a light squeeze.
Her eyes flew wide in surprise.
"Let's go."