Merchant Noble is out (1/4 chapters for today)
Marie and Festival (5)*
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Marie’s POV
Breaking away from the tedious banquet, she surrendered herself to the bustle of the town. For Marie, it felt as if she were in a dream.
That day-to-day life, where she sighed while looking at myself in a dress for a banquet in the mirror, was just a short while ago. Now, dressed in the same clothes as the commoners, she was desperately fleeing while being pulled along by Arc. She could hear the man’s angry voice behind me. It was the man who had bumped into me and demanded money.
Up until now, everyone had only seen my status. I had never been asked for money, and I had never been yelled at. Everyone would bow their heads to me, and even though it wasn’t amusing, they would smile at me. In return, I would smile back, even though I wasn’t amused.
But now, because I’m wearing commoners’ clothes, there’s no one like that around. The accessory shop owner, the food stall owner, even the man chasing me while shouting, they all see me as myself.
Even as she desperately ran, she felt a strange happiness.
When she couldn’t run anymore, Arc gave me a piggyback ride.
How many years had it been since I’d been carried like this?
While he joked about her being heavy, he carried her on his back. As she complained about it, she clung to Arc. He couldn’t see, but she was smiling so happily.
“You seem like the type who one day might just snap and run away with a slave.” (Leo)
Her brother Leo’s words came to mind.
When did he say that?
It must have been a few years ago, before his relationship with Father deteriorated, back when he was still in the capital. Mother, who was still alive then, had scolded him, saying, “This child is kind at heart. Don’t judge her by your standards”, but she never imagined something like this would happen.
As Marie clung to Arc’s back, she looked behind her. The huge royal palace loomed beyond the men chasing us. It gave her the strange feeling that she wasn’t fleeing from the men, but rather from the palace itself. Though she had always had her own thoughts, she never considered leaving the palace, but now, in this situation, her heart was racing.
I wish someone would just take me away like this.
Marie rested her head on Arc’s shoulder and closed her eyes. Before she knew it, they had reached the city walls. Since she couldn’t hear the shouting anymore, it seemed they had completely lost the men chasing them.
“Well, we should be safe now. What’s wrong? Your face is all red.” (Arc)
“Of course it is!! I’ve never been called ‘Marie’ so casually in my life! And I’ve never been given a piggyback ride either!” (Marie)
“The soup you threw at those ruffians splashed on me too! Look!” (Marie)
“Oh, it did. Haha.” (Arc)
“What’s so funny! You’ve got some on your face too, Arc-san.” (Marie)
Arguing with Arc on top of the city wall, Marie was having a very enjoyable time. Arc had this strange charm that made it easy for her to express my true feelings without hesitation.
It had been since her childhood friends that she last had a conversation where they exchanged true thoughts and spoke their minds. As they grew older and understood the concept of status, they disappeared from her life. But now, Arc was right here with her. It was a very happy time.
“Oh, you’re right. We look like commoners now. Like a couple of adventurers doing odd jobs.” (Arc)
Marie gasped at Arc’s words.
A couple. Lovers. Someone you care about. Being able to be my true self. Finding it easy to speak honestly. Smiling naturally. These aren’t the only impressions I have of Arc. There is an inexplicable feeling. Could this be love?
She realized she had feelings for Arc. But she couldn’t admit that she was in love with him. If she acknowledged that she was in love with him, something irreversible might happen. She could easily foresee that it would only lead to pain and heartache, and ultimately nothing would come of it.
Because I am engaged. The House of Marquis Raiha, whom I am engaged to, is a noble household that has been gaining power rapidly. I had seen the marquis’s face once before, and even though he is the same age as my father, he appeared rugged and youthful, which I found appealing. However, now, laughing with Arc, when I think about it, the marquis suddenly seems less attractive.
“Like a couple… Yes, that’s right.” (Marie)
“To others, we probably do look like a couple.” (Arc)
Suddenly, fireworks exploded right above Marie and Arc.
“Kyah!!” (Marie)
Startled by the loud noise, Marie screamed and clung to Arc. Arc laughed, perhaps finding the situation amusing. Seeing him laugh made Marie laugh too.
“Hahaha!” (Marie)
“What happened? You were so surprised.” (Arc)
Arc wrapped his arms around Marie, holding her close. Marie simply laughed in his arms without saying anything. There were no words exchanged between them as they embraced. Something blissful seemed to envelop the two of them.
Marie felt entranced while being held against Arc’s chest. The view from the city wall was wonderful, with the lights of houses and stalls shining brightly. The scene they were sharing felt like something out of the romance novels she read as a child.
As she looked around the town, Marie’s eyes caught sight of the royal palace. Unlike the town stalls, it was gaudily illuminated by countless lights. Its appearance was enough to bring Marie back to reality. The fireworks ended, and the festival would soon be over. The banquet would also be ending soon. Before then, she needed to change back into her beautiful dress and return as if nothing had happened. However, even though Marie’s mind knew she had to return, her heart and body didn’t want to listen.
I want to stay with Arc forever.
Her heart was shouting this. Even though her mind screamed that such a thing would be a burden to him, Marie’s body ignored that reason.
“Hey. Will you hold me?” (Marie)
At that moment, the second round of fireworks exploded above them.
“What happened? You were so surprised.” (Marie)
There is still time. I can pretend it never happened. I could pass it off as a joke, taking advantage of the atmosphere. I could use the fireworks as a distraction.
Marie’s rational mind was desperately shouting this.
But her heart and body wouldn’t stop. Completely overpowering her reason, Marie pushed Arc down.
“I want to remember this day forever.” (Marie)
I will give my purity to you.
Marie looked down at Arc, who lay stunned beneath her.
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