Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Wha What?

Hanette stammers, taken aback.

She purposely mentioned alcohol and nightlife to provoke Sion.

But his reaction wasnt what she expected, and it made her heart beat faster.

Why are you so surprised? Isnt that what every married couple does?

W-what Couple? Were not even married yet!

Theres nothing wrong with If we are not a couple. Everyone does it in secret, and then when you have kids, you get married.

Thats thats

Hanette blushed, and fidgeted, holding the hem of her skirt.

Certainly there were cases of one-night stands between men and women before marriage.

If they enjoyed each other, that was it, but if the woman got pregnant, it would lead to some form of marriage.

It was an engagement she didnt want, but it wasnt impossible, given the conditions.

But its not good, If you marry like that, youll only end up regretting it.

Well True. You and I both would regret it.

Its not because, this marriage is against my will but I suppose its a bit unfair to be used as a tool?

Sion muttered, a bitter look in his eyes.

Resenting Fred or Robbins wouldnt change anything.

Arranged marriages were more of a custom and a way to increase power.

If you became a noble of this world, you had to humbly accept it, whether you liked it or not.

You must have someone in mind.

No? I dont. I just dont like being used as a tool.

No? But there must be someone whos interested?

Nope. I prefer to be alone.

Sion replied with sincerity and seriousness.

In the modern world, he had encountered so many people, and he had developed feelings of distrust and hatred.

Eventually, he began to hate humans and doubted himself.

Therefore, I tried to be alone as much as possible, but in the process, I accidentally stumbled into this world.

Let me ask you the other way round. Do you have a crush on someone?

Me? I dont have any, and its just annoying.

You drink and gamble but never meet a man, Im surprised.

Sion says cheekily and grins.

He already knew about Hanette, but he pretended not to in order to keep the conversation flowing.

Drinking and gambling were her go-to ways of appearing foolish, and she wasnt going to get close to any men until she met the protagonist.

Its useless, you just keep talking to me and saying boring things.

Whats interesting to your sister?

Drinking, gambling.

And whats useful?

Mmm Drinking and gambling?

Why do you live?

To drink and gamble.

Well, at least youre having fun. You look very happy.

Im enjoying myself. On the contrary, if we get married, youll be the only one unhappy.

Oh, so you want me to break it off?

Id appreciate that.

Well, if youre going to do it, you should do it yourself. I dont want to lose anything.

The engagement was made by the interests of both parties.

If one party wanted to break it off, they had to have a good reason.

If one wanted to break it off for no particular reason, the other would not be happy.

Sure. You and I are in the same situation, so what difference does it make if we fight?

Thats the first time youve been right since we came here.

Ive always been right.

The stronger the pressure, the stronger the desire to escape, and the stronger the desire to be strong.

I can do this.

Hanette had been awakened to magic at an early age, and was taught how to best use it.

It took time to learn it in secret, but eventually she was able to manifest it.

If she could join a renowned knighthood, or make a name for herself as a mercenary, she could escape her family once and for all.

I wish I knew someone.

Hanette could not move freely.

She was always accompanied by a maid in the manor, and a knight for an escort when she went out.

Even if she wanted to learn from the mages, they kept distance from her.

Even if Im gone, theyll be fine by on their own.

Hanette turned, suddenly recalling the person she had met today.

Sion Laird, the youngest son of the Marquess of Laird, her fianc and the man she was to marry.

He, too, seemed dissatisfied with this engagement, and seemed to have no intention of getting to know or getting close to her.

Hes all talk.

Sion Laird responded to all of her taunts with the same attitude.

As the youngest son, she thought hed been spoilt, but he didnt hesitate to attack her, embarrassing her.

Perhaps it was the frequent attendance at social gatherings, or the experience of meeting so many different people.

Well, at least hes better than those guys who try to flirt, and brag.

She was tired of men approaching her with the same objective.

They were either looking at her looks, her family name, or just looking for a quick hook-up.

They were trying to fit in somehow, even if it meant acting like they lived on alcohol and gambling to look like a fool.

Hes good-looking thats all

Sion Laird had made such a distinctive impression on her that she couldnt help but recall his appearance.

His silvery hair shimmering in the breeze. His deep violet eyes, his cold, almost spiteful aura.

Its hard to believe he hadnt been in a relationship before.

Hes not pretentious, hes laid back, doesnt get pushed around.

As her parents had hoped, Hanette met with many of the noble children and engaged in dull conversations.

It was all about greeting, trying to make friends, flattering each other, and humbly retreating.

Day after day, mental fatigue accumulated, and the thought that I was wasting my time never left my mind.

By comparison, I found myself relaxing with Sion Regard, who didnt hold back and said what he wanted to say.

We should have met as friends

Hanette smiles faintly, aware of the reality she is in.

They were already engaged, so it was impossible to be friends.

Theyd either get married, or theyd go their separate ways.

There were only two possible outcomes.

I cant be childish. I dont want to get married yet.

I wanted to be able to choose my own partner.

Youre going to be together for the rest of your life, and youre going to have a lot of memories and love to share.

The idea of being forced to marry someone youve never met was cruel.

If were going to get married, we should at least be compatible

Hanette tilts her head and ponders.

For the first time in her life, she felt like she wanted to be friends with someone.

That meant she liked him a little bit, and wouldnt feel uncomfortable around him.

Hes got a nice personality, hes got a nice face, hes not from a bad background

Hanette sat up straight, realising something.

It was a sudden thought, but it didnt feel out of place.

It seemed quite plausible, given the conditions.

Can I marry him?

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