Volume 1 - CH 7

It was about a month after Cyclo became a “Clock User”.

“–No way!? What do you mean that the engagement is canceled?”

Cyclo shouts in surprise.

The man in front of him is Maria’s father. Groh Florence.

“…… You know that very well yourself, don’t you? Cyclo, the Clock User.”

“! …… So you’re saying that my engagement to Maria is no longer worth it?”

Cyclo mutters in frustration. Groh did not nod, but his eyes told him he was right.

“The engagement was originally based on the promise of your talents as a magic tool craftsman. If it turns out that you were only a watchmaker, it’s only natural that the engagement should be called off, right?”

“…… but I and Maria have feelings for each other!”

“Your feelings are a trivial one, Cyclo. That’s why you two were ‘forced’ to get engaged.”

Groh did not listen to any of it. Cyclo’s head was faced down, wondering if he had no choice but to accept the situation.

Maria, who had been watching from behind Groh, called out to him.

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“…… Cyclo. I’m sorry.”

“Maria ……”

“The church’s people told a lot of things to me too. They say it doesn’t fit the image of a saint …… and it also for Cyclo’s sake.”

“For me?”

Cyclo had no idea. But when he heard Maria’s story, he was convinced.

“The church told me that Cyclo might have some ‘misfortune’…….”

“…… So that’s how it is.”

In other words — the church is also willing to go to any lengths to break off the engagement between Cyclo and Maria.

It would have been reckless to continue the engagement under such circumstances.

“…… I understand. Maria, I accept to break off my engagement with you.”

“Cyclo ……”

“…… But it’s not that I’m giving up.”

Cyclo looks at Maria with strong, determined eyes, then turns to Groh.

“I’ll become a great watchmaker, I promise. I will be the best craftsman in the world, respected by all. At that time, I will come for Maria again. You can’t forbid me from doing that, can you? Mr. Groh?”

“…… Hmph. If you think you can do it, go for it. I don’t think it’s possible, though.”

Groh did not take Cyclo’s words seriously as they were nothing but nonsense.

Maria, however, was moved by Cyclo’s words.

“Cyclo …… I understand. I’ll be waiting for you. No matter what happens, I’ll always believe that one day, Cyclo will come for me..”

“Maria–, thank you.”

Thus, they made a promise to each other — and broke their engagement.