New chapter of May Our Village be Happy is out (1/2 chapters)

 

 

Engagement (1)

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In accordance with the prior arrangement, Ayla returned to Patrick before evening.

The young lady wore upon her chest a black brooch that she had received from Mika Valentine, who had purchased it for her at a goldsmith’s shop as a memento of their day together. With a radiant expression, she spoke at length of how much she had enjoyed her stroll through the city.

She said that Mika had conducted himself with impeccable courtesy from beginning to end. Even when they drew curious stares from those around them, he showed no sign of embarrassment at walking beside her. Far from seeking to distance himself, he had willingly offered his arm at her suggestion, linking with her so that they would not be separated.

Moreover, he had shown deep understanding not only of Ayla’s attire and her beloved plush toy but also of her very notion of happiness, of the joy she found in treasuring her memories with her mother while living in the manner she herself desired. He had also spoken much about himself, explaining that his dream was to develop his domain, to grant those under his protection a life of abundance and peace, and to live as a worthy lord. His words had been filled with noble conviction.

It had been a very long time since Patrick had seen Ayla speak so animatedly about anything. Not since the day she first met that young man had she spoken with such delight. It was also the first time he had ever seen his daughter speak so favorably of a man of her own generation.

Then, Ayla had said it. She wished to be with that young man. She trusted him. Declaring this plainly, yet still deferring the final decision to her father as head of the family, she had withdrawn to her guest chamber.

Not long thereafter, the knight assigned to escort her came to make his report.

That knight, one of Patrick’s close aides in military matters, stated that while he had followed them from a discreet distance, he had observed Mika Valentine throughout the day. According to his account, Mika had shown not the slightest sign of discomfort at Ayla’s company. Whether passing pedestrians or merchants and shopkeepers stared at them with strange expressions, Mika had made no attempt to conceal that Ayla was his companion. He had neither blushed nor acted ashamed but had remained a gentleman at her side throughout.

“Then, the impression my daughter gave of that young man was not one embellished by affection.” (Patrick)

Patrick spoke quietly as he received the knight’s report.

“What will you do, my lord?” (Servant)

“I do not know. Truly, this is a most difficult matter.” (Patrick)

He answered thus to the long-serving attendant who had cared for him since his youth, all the while continuing his deliberation. Rarely did he find himself so conflicted.

Ayla was a daughter of many difficult aspects, yet to Patrick she was still his beloved youngest child. She was the precious daughter born to him by his late wife, whom he loved even now from the depths of his heart.

Therefore, no matter how eccentric her clothing or how childish her habit of carrying a plush toy, he had permitted her to live as she pleased. Considering the wealth of the Hewitt Household, supporting one daughter posed no burden. He had thought it acceptable to allow her freedom and not to force her into marriage. Even his eldest daughter, who would one day inherit the Hewitt family name, had agreed with him.

When he visited Eltpoli on this occasion, his purpose had been twofold, to conduct political discussions with his niece by marriage, Sandra Yutilainen, and to consult her, incidentally, regarding possible matches for Ayla’s marriage. Yet the latter had been no more than a secondary matter. Sandra had offered no particularly promising prospects, but Patrick had not been disappointed, having long since resigned himself to the matter.

And now, this sudden development. First came confusion, and then concern.

Patrick had known of Mika Valentine only by rumor. Over the past few days, he had conducted a more thorough inquiry. Sandra had provided information, and Patrick had also spoken with merchants and craftsmen familiar with the Yutilainen Household, who had contact with Mika.

At the same time, under the pretext that it was Ayla’s own wish, he had permitted her to accompany Mika on a stroll through the city. He had instructed her to observe Mika’s behavior carefully, then sent along a knight to serve both as escort and discreet observer. The intent had been to determine whether Mika approached Ayla merely in pursuit of an advantageous alliance with a powerful household or whether he truly understood her and bore no aversion to remaining by her side.

From the results of his inquiries, Patrick had heard no ill reports. Mika was indeed a wanderer by origin, yet apparently his claim of noble birth was true. His manner of speech and conduct lacked any vulgarity. He was said to apply himself diligently to the administration of his small domain, using his talent for magic to improve it, and to strive earnestly for friendly relations with his neighbors. Judging from Ayla’s account, he seemed a man of upright disposition. He possessed ability as well, having repelled incursions by other lords.

That his domain encompassed only a single small village was no longer a concern. The fact that a man of lordly standing who could serve as Ayla’s husband had been found at all was fortune enough.

Furthermore, judging from his behavior during the excursion with Ayla, there appeared to be no issue in his treatment of her. Both Ayla’s own impressions and the knight’s objective report confirmed that Mika had shown her consistent respect, walking at her side even before the public eye.

Above all, Patrick recalled their first meeting.

In Mika’s presence, Patrick had deliberately referred to Ayla’s appearance as strange and eccentric. Such a statement always provoked one of two reactions. Some would take it as permission to agree and laugh, saying, “Indeed, she is rather an unusual young lady”, while others would stiffen their expression, striving not to reveal amusement for fear of offending the head of the Hewitt Household.

Yet Mika Valentine had done neither. He had instead shown a trace of displeasure, so slight that one might have missed it without close attention, lasting only a moment, yet unmistakably there. It had been as though he were angered on Ayla’s behalf, unwilling to hear her spoken of ill.

Patrick could not imagine anyone capable of feigning such a reaction. It had left a deep impression upon him. Now, with the results of his inquiries and the report from the city outing, that first impression seemed confirmed.

If possible, Patrick wished for his daughter to find ordinary happiness. If there existed someone who could truly understand that eccentric girl, he wished to entrust her to that person. He wanted to believe in Mika Valentine’s reputation, his conduct, and that first reaction.

Yet it was, in the end, a gamble. No matter how favorable the evidence, certainty was impossible. Mika remained a wanderer and a newcomer, the lord of a small and fragile domain.

“I see no clear answer. It seems there is nothing for it but to wager.” (Patrick)

After long contemplation, Patrick spoke aloud.

More than anything, it was Ayla’s own wish. She herself had resolved to stake her life upon Mika Valentine. In a world where no one could foresee the future or know the right path, all lived by placing wagers. His beloved youngest daughter could not be the sole exception.

He would have to let her try.

 

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The following day, after spending a pleasant time with Ayla, Mika completed several errands in Eltpoli. He made various purchases, prepared for his return to the Valentine domain, and allowed Dimitri and Jeremy some time to enjoy the sights of the city.

Thus, on the afternoon before his intended departure from Eltpoli, a messenger arrived once more from Patrick Hewitt. The emissary came to the inn where Mika lodged and conveyed that Patrick and Ayla requested his presence for an audience at Eltpoli Castle. Shortly before evening, in a reception room of the castle, Mika faced Patrick and Ayla once again. Ayla appeared visibly nervous.

Sandra, lord of the castle and their mutual relative, attended as intermediary for the meeting.

“Lord Valentine. As head of the Hewitt Household, I wish to make a formal proposal. I ask that you accept my daughter, Ayla Hewitt, as your consort and welcome her into the Valentine Household. My daughter is utterly taken with you, and if you would receive this eccentric child of mine, it would be a blessing beyond measure.” (Patrick)

Upon hearing these words, Mika was not surprised. In truth, he had anticipated the purpose of the summons from the moment he received it.

He had sensed Ayla’s affection, indeed had been certain of it. He was not so dull as to fail to recognize the warmth of her open and guileless smile. Moreover, he understood the reasoning. It seemed that Ayla was regarded by society as a peculiarity, and Patrick, recognizing that Mika alone appeared to understand and accept her as she was, had taken note of him as a potential match.

Even so, he spoke calmly.

“Are you truly certain about this? I am but a wanderer of uncertain origin and have known Ayla-san only a few days. Furthermore, my Valentine territory remains a fragile, modest territory. Should Ayla-san marry into the Valentine Household, her future could scarcely be called secure.” (Mika)

He looked from Patrick to Ayla as he spoke, seeking confirmation.

“Ayla, answer for yourself. This is what you wish, is it not?” (Patrick)

“Yes, Otou-sama.” (Ayla)

Urged by Patrick, Ayla began to speak directly to Mika.

 

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