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

 

 

Engagement (2)

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

“I… I am deeply grateful to you, Mika-san. You have understood what happiness means to me. You listened to my words, understood me with sincerity, and stood by my feelings. When we first met, and again when we spoke before the temple square, I cannot begin to express how greatly your words saved me. These past few days have been more than enough for me to be certain that you are the greatest understanding person in my life.” (Ayla)

Ayla spoke with a tense expression, yet her voice was clear and resolute.

“That is why I wish to help nurture and protect the happiness of the one who has understood mine. I hold the greatest respect for your dream of developing your territory, granting your vassals and subjects a prosperous and peaceful life, and living as a worthy lord. I wish to stand by your side and support you as you strive to fulfill that dream. It is not the power or size of the Valentine Household that draws me, but rather your character and your noble conviction, which I find irresistibly admirable.” (Ayla)

“Even if hardship awaits you as a result of choosing me, even if an unhappy or painful end lies ahead, would your feelings remain unchanged?” (Mika)

“Yes. My feelings will never change.” (Ayla)

The Valentine Household was weak. It was far poorer than the Hewitt Household, and its territory was small. Advancement or development could not be achieved without hardship. More than that, there was no guarantee that it would continue to exist in the years to come. In the worst case, he might lose in battle, or be struck by some other misfortune, and die with his dream unfulfilled.

Therefore, when Mika questioned her again, Ayla answered without hesitation.

“I… I wish to walk the same path as you, to share whatever that path may bring, and to meet the same end as you. I wish to share your dream and live the same life alongside you. That is how deeply I love you.” (Ayla)

Her voice faltered with emotion as she spoke, and her eyes were filled with tears. Mika did not question her any further. As a lord, the political advantage of forming a marital bond with a powerful household was, of course, significant. Yet at that moment, such concerns no longer mattered.

To be honest, he too had felt drawn to her. He found her, with her wish to protect the happiness she possessed, a most endearing woman. He felt a deep sense of empathy toward her. If he could become someone who understood her, if his presence could bring her comfort, then he wished to remain by her side.

Now, hearing her words, his feelings had solidified into certainty.

She had understood his dream, respected it, admired it and had declared her resolve to share that same dream, to live that same life. Some might call it simple-minded, but to Mika, her words were utterly decisive.

“I love you as well. For the rest of my life, I shall remain by your side as the one who understands you. I shall protect you from all that may stand in the way of your happiness. Let us weave our lives together and live as one.” (Mika)

Speaking not as a lord but as a man, Mika answered with pure sincerity.

In hindsight, he had sensed that this would come to pass ever since their first conversation. On that day, as they smiled together, he had somehow known it intuitively.

Ayla, overwhelmed with joy, covered her mouth with trembling hands. Then tears spilled from her eyes as she replied softly, “Yes”. How dear she is, Mika thought, returning her smile. Then, he composed his expression and turned toward Patrick.

“Lord Patrick Hewitt. Regarding your proposal, I, as head of the Valentine Household, and more importantly, as a man, accept it with joy. I swear to devote my life to becoming a worthy husband to Ayla-san, and a worthy relative to the Hewitt Household.” (Mika)

“I am grateful for your ready consent. Lord Mika Valentine, I place my trust in you from this day forward.” (Patrick)

With those words, Patrick extended his hand. Mika took it in firm reply.

“Take care of my daughter. I mean this from the depths of my heart.” (Patrick)

“Yes. I swear it before God.” (Mika)

Their handshake was strong enough to hurt. Mika did not avert his eyes as Patrick met his gaze. Having thus affirmed one another’s resolve, their hands parted. Then Sandra, who had watched the proceedings in silence, spoke.

“As the intermediary of this meeting, I hereby bear witness to the engagement of Lord Mika Valentine and Lady Ayla Hewitt. In the name of the Yutilainen Household, I guarantee the bond of engagement between them.” (Sandra)

Having said so, Sandra turned toward Mika and let out a small sigh, her expression tinged with disbelief.

“Lord Valentine… When we exchanged greetings a few days ago, I did not for a moment imagine matters would come to this.” (Sandra)

“To speak frankly, I share your sentiment, Lady Yutilainen.” (Mika)

Mika answered with a faint smile. He could only laugh.

She was a far greater figure than himself as a lord. When he had met her, he had been content merely to have his name remembered by her. Never had he imagined that, only a few days later, she would serve as a witness to his engagement or that she would bear witness to so intimate a confession of love.

“I had a feeling that I would come to know you, a promising and capable young lord, more closely in the future. Yet to see my premonition proven true in this manner, in so few days, is almost comical. Nevertheless, it is a most joyous occasion.” (Sandra)

Sandra allowed herself a small laugh, cleared her throat, and composed her expression.

“To be frank, I have always found Ayla’s attire and behavior difficult to comprehend. Even so, she is my cousin. If she has found new happiness, I can only rejoice. Furthermore, by marrying her, you shall become my cousin by marriage. Thus, our households too shall be joined in kinship. I trust that we will maintain a relationship of friendship and goodwill.” (Sandra)

“Yes. I look forward to our continued good relations.” (Mika)

Mika replied with a smile and exchanged a handshake with Sandra.

Of course, kinship did not mean he could ask for aid whenever he wished. Should he beg for assistance too easily, he would incur debts he could never repay and risk becoming a de facto vassal. Worse still, he might be deemed incapable of managing his own household and lands, in which case Ayla might be pitied, but both Mika and the Valentine Household would surely be abandoned.

Even so, being able to identify himself as the son-in-law of Lord Hewitt and the cousin by marriage of Lady Yutilainen would serve him well. Even without direct support, the mere weight of that title would provide protection. Within Eltpoli’s sphere of influence, no other lord would readily invite conflict with the Yutilainen or Hewitt Households by moving against the Valentine Household.

Thus, Mika’s standing as a lord within the region had become decisively secure.

“A modest banquet has been prepared to celebrate the engagement. I invite both households to relax and enjoy the evening.” (Sandra)

It seemed Sandra had already arranged for the celebration, confident that the engagement would be concluded. She then guided Mika and the others to the castle’s dining hall. There, Mika conversed warmly with Ayla and Patrick and deepened his friendship with Sandra and the members of the Yutilainen Household.

The banquet passed in a harmonious atmosphere. The following day, they discussed the steps leading to the formal marriage, and the day after that, Mika departed for his return to the Valentine territory.

 

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