Chapter 59
“What am I supposed to do then?”
“What else? Go after him!”
“Why?”
“Because Ash seems to have misunderstood something.”
Misunderstood? What misunderstanding?
I tried to retrace the events right after Ash walked in.
So…
I think I was just talking to Gale, right?
If there was anything unusual, it would be the moment when Gale leaned in close, and I put my hand on his face to push him away. That’s about it…
“Don’t tell me… he thought you and I…”
“He probably thought we were about to kiss or something.”
“Ridiculous! Why would I kiss you?”
“It’s all about the angle! The angle made it look that way!”
Damn it! I bit my lip and then started nibbling on my nails.
So, I was sitting on a chair facing the door, and Gale leaned in close, his back to the door, and Ash walked in at that exact moment. I guess it might have looked a little suspicious.
Of all people, with this guy?!
“Argh! What are we going to do about this, huh?”
“It’s not my fault! Instead of blaming me, go and talk to Ash.”
“And what am I supposed to say when I catch up to him?”
[Shall I bring him back for you, Master?]
‘Bring him back? Then what?’
‘What are you going to do after that?’
I really hate situations with no clear answers.
Ash likes me?
I hadn’t even considered the possibility.
It’s already overwhelming that someone might like me, but Ash?
I couldn’t think of an appropriate response.
If it were Bright, I could just let it go in one ear and out the other since I’ve been hearing his nonsense since we were kids. But this? What do I even do?
“That depends on how you feel about it, doesn’t it? So, Geenie, how do you feel about Ash?”
“How do I feel? I… I’ve never thought about it!”
“Well, start thinking about it now! Ash’s feelings are as clear as day.”
“I… I don’t know.”
Ash likes me.
Honestly, it didn’t feel real. But if it were true, there were only three things I could do: pretend I didn’t notice, accept his feelings, or reject them.
How do I feel?
If Ash is being serious, what should I do?
I was so flustered that I couldn’t think of anything else.
“I think I know, Geenie.”
“Know what? I don’t even know myself, so how could you?”
I turned my head, irritated by Gale’s smug comment as he continued staring down the hallway Ash had disappeared into.
“You got angry earlier. At me.”
“…What kind of anger?”
“You got mad when I said Ash misunderstood. You were upset, weren’t you? That Ash might’ve gotten the wrong idea. If you didn’t care about him, you wouldn’t have been mad at me.”
Now that I think about it, that’s true.
I recalled how I felt when I first thought Ash misunderstood.
I found myself blaming Gale for no reason.
So, does that mean I like Ash?
Is that really how I feel?
Even though I was still confused, one thing was certain—I didn’t want to leave Ash with the wrong impression.
I took my fingers out of my mouth and started walking.
I need to catch up with him.
“I’m going. To Ash. I need to see for myself.”
[Oh, me too, Master!]
Without hesitation, I ran down the hallway and descended the stairs.
Reaching the first floor, which was set up as a dining area, I looked around to see if Ash might be there. But the room was filled with nothing but empty tables.
Could he be at the tavern?
I stepped out of the inn and headed to the tavern right in front of it.
As soon as I reached the entrance, the thick smell of cigarette smoke made me step back.
Instead, I stood by the door, craning my neck to peek inside, but Ash wasn’t there.
Just as I was turning away, Lox emerged through the cloud of smoke.
“Miss Geenie, what brings you here? I thought you didn’t like drinking.”
“Where’s Ash?”
“Ash? He said he was tired and went back to the inn earlier…”
There was no point continuing the conversation if Lox didn’t know where he went.
I turned on my heel and ran into the darkening streets.
Maybe it was because of the crescent moon, but the streets felt unusually dark even though it wasn’t very late.
Running around the inn and tavern in search of Ash, I was already out of breath.
The fact that I couldn’t find him anywhere made me angry.
He misunderstood and ran off on his own!
Isn’t this kind of thing supposed to be the guy’s job to figure out?
Look no further than Withry and Gale for examples!
Feeling frustrated, I ruffled my hair in irritation.
“Ash, you idiot! Where are you hiding?”
[Master, he’s over there.]
“What? Where? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
[I just picked up on his presence. I wasn’t sure at first, but now I think it’s him. Although… it might not be.]
Without wasting time getting mad at Rai, who was trotting alongside me, I started running in the direction he pointed.
Down the dark alley.
Past the alleyway, there was a wide river and a stone bridge stretching over it.
And if my eyes weren’t deceiving me, the person slumped over on that bridge was none other than Ash.
To a stranger, he might look like he was about to jump off the bridge, given the ominous vibe he was giving off.
Hey! You’re making the atmosphere feel like a ghost is about to pop out!
“Ash!”
“…Hic.”
At my irritated call, Ash flinched and slowly turned his head toward me.
He looked like a guilty criminal caught in the act.
He even seemed to be trying to slink away.
“Don’t you dare run away!”
At my warning, he froze in place, standing stiff as a board.
He seemed completely sober now, as though he’d shaken off any lingering drunkenness.
Of course, with his ability to use mana to nullify intoxication whenever he wanted, it wasn’t surprising.
Still, the misunderstanding earlier, which wouldn’t have happened with a clearer view, was probably partly due to the alcohol.
“Geenie… about earlier, I wasn’t… I wasn’t in my right mind.”
I’d already figured that out.
Sometimes, you just want to let loose, even if I don’t drink myself.
The problem is that you misunderstood the situation between Gale and me!
And now, thanks to you, I’ve been thrown into a mental spiral after hearing the possibility that you might like me!
[Master, my heart’s racing.]
[Why is your heart racing?]
[It’s all so exciting! A thrilling, suspenseful, fantastic love confession continuation! Pfft!] (T/N: Never change my boy, Rai. LOL)
Rai’s ability to read the room was questionable, to say the least.
I clamped Rai’s mouth shut as he continued making annoying comments.
Of course, this wouldn’t stop him from talking entirely—his specialty was pushing boundaries—but at least it made him quiet for now.
I stood directly in front of Ash and looked up at him.
“Say it, Ash!”
“S-Say what?”
“Do you like me?”
“…Huh?”
What’s with the “huh”? I’m the one who’s more confused here!
I couldn’t figure out my own feelings, but at the very least, I needed to confirm Ash’s. The frustration was too much to bear otherwise.
So, I pressed him for an answer.
“Answer me. Do you like me, or… am I just imagining things, Ash?”
“W-Wait a minute, Geenie. What I’m trying to say is… uh… well… you see…”
“Let me clear something up first. There’s nothing going on between me and Gale. What you saw earlier was just a misunderstanding. We were just talking!”
“Really? Is that true?”
Seeing Ash’s face relax as if he was relieved made me feel embarrassed for some reason.
I raised my hand to cover my face.
Why did I even bring up Gale?
Oh, right. I just didn’t want Ash to misunderstand. But why does it even matter to me if he misunderstands?
Is it because of what Gale said earlier that I feel so bothered?
I stammered, trying to explain myself.
“Well, it’s true, b-but I only said it because… I didn’t want you to misunderstand… or anything…”
“I see. That’s a relief.”
He smiled with that annoyingly handsome face, and for some reason, my heart started pounding.
Why do I feel relieved when Ash says he’s relieved?
A relief?
Is it because he’s glad I’m not involved with Gale?
“D-Don’t smile! St-St-St—”
[St?]
“St?”
I meant to mock him for being ugly, but the words wouldn’t come out.
He’s not that ugly… Actually, he’s pretty decent-looking. This isn’t even his real face, but even now, he’s… kind of cute.
“St… mosquito?”
“…Huh? Oh, yeah, a mosquito!”
When I tried to change the subject, Ash went along with it.
Hey! Didn’t I just ask you if you like me? Are you not going to answer?
For some reason, it felt awkward to ask again.
Before I knew it, the two of us were standing on the bridge, looking up at the moon.
The silence made me uncomfortable, so I forced myself to speak, but I felt oddly nervous.
What should I do?
As I glanced around, Rai spoke up.
[Master, I’d bet Undaine and Cheetah that Ash “really likes” you!]
[Don’t use slang like that. And why are you betting my spirits without asking?]
[Because it’s fun! Hmm, if they’re off-limits, I’ll wager 1,000 goldens instead.]
[That’s still my money, you idiot.]
Seriously, this idiot and that idiot!
I was frustrated to death.
That idiot was Rai, this idiot was Ash, and ‘that’ idiot was—
I was referring to Gale, who was probably sulking alone at the inn right now. He was the cause of all this trouble.
“Ash! Let’s clear this up. I hate being confused.”
“You’re asking… if I like you, right?”
“Yes, that’s it!”
“I do. I like you, Geenie. I wasn’t planning to confess yet, but… I do.”
What the—! A direct confession?!
Couldn’t he have eased into it a bit?
Then again, I did ask him outright.
I bit my lip, not out of anger but out of sheer embarrassment.
Gripping the railing tightly, I sneaked a glance at Ash, who was standing next to me. Just then, he looked down at me, and our eyes met.
Startled, we both looked away at the same time.
Silence fell again. I rolled my eyes upward and fixed my gaze on the sky as I asked:
“…What do you like about me?”
“Everything… just everything.”
That’s so vague.
Blushing furiously, I turned my face away from Ash.
I was hoping he’d point out something specific, like Gale did earlier, but “everything”? What am I supposed to do with that?
Should I be happy?
Honestly, I was.
I thought I’d built some immunity to things like this thanks to Bright, but clearly, I hadn’t.
Why was my heart racing so much, and why was I so tense?
I pressed my toes against the ground for no reason, and Rai rubbed his head against my leg, speaking up.
[Master, Master! I like you too—everything about you, from head to toe!]
[Oh, great, thanks for that.]
Why does Rai’s comment, which was even more over-the-top, feel so underwhelming?
Is it because I like Ash?
Is it because there’s something special about my feelings for him?
[Master, do you like me too?]
[…Do I really have to answer that now?]
[Yep!]
Rai’s tail wagged furiously, reflecting the moonlight as it shimmered.
I glanced at his sparkling golden eyes before turning to look at Ash’s brown eyes.
Then back to Rai.
Ash’s real eyes were golden too.
Fine. Since I got an answer, I guess I should give one too.
“…I like you too. A little.”
Using Rai’s question as an excuse, I mumbled the words out loud.
I only whispered it, but neither Ash nor Rai were the kind to miss it.
“…What?”
[Haha! I knew it, Master! You like me after all! Of course, Master adores this Rai!]
“Geenie? Did you just… respond to my confession? I didn’t think you’d—!”
[No! She was talking to me! Grr!]
Dodging Rai, who suddenly pounced at him, Ash effortlessly hopped onto the railing.
I grabbed Rai’s mane just as he was about to jump after Ash.
“Whoa, calm down, Rai.”
[Grr? But he said it was meant for him! It was for me! He’s trying to steal Master’s affection!]
[It was for both of you, okay?]
[Oh, in that case, fine.]
Rai nodded calmly and stepped back from the railing.
Oh, Rai, my adorable Rai.
Both of you, Ash and Rai—what on earth do you like about me?
Even I think I’m a pain to deal with.
Still, I guess I should be thankful you like me anyway.
“Hah, that was surprising. Sometimes Rai doesn’t seem like a dog at all, you know? Just now, it felt like he was saying, ‘Don’t you dare approach my master!'”
“You’re probably half-right.”
[Eh? Wrong, Master. I don’t call you ‘Master’ to warn people off. I call you ‘Master’ to say, ‘Don’t steal Master’s affection!’ That’s totally different!]
Same difference.
I looked up at Ash, who seemed even taller now, standing on the railing.
Why was he smiling so stupidly?
“Ahaha, Geenie. This is the happiest I’ve been in a long time. Honestly, I thought you’d just ignore me after I said my piece.”
“…Not that I… wasn’t planning to.”
I probably would have let it slide if Rai hadn’t brought it up…
I avoided Ash’s gaze and looked down at the ground, but Ash walked over to me, sat on the railing, and grabbed my hand. Then he slid the ring off my right ring finger.
The blue gem on the ring, “The Mermaid’s Tear,” glimmered faintly under the moonlight. It was the gift from Anna the Mermaid as a token of gratitude.
I had discarded it once, but Ash had retrieved it and turned it into a ring for me.
I watched Ash take my ring with a puzzled expression.
“Geenie!”
“Yeah?”
“I’m not my true self right now, so I’ll hold off on asking you to date me officially until I can be myself again. Instead, can you wear this ring on this hand until I make my real confession?”
He slid the ring from my right ring finger to my left.
I blinked rapidly, unable to respond.
I knew what the name “Ash” meant.
It referred to Aron Du Pon Epiroth, the second prince of the Elan Empire.
So this means he’s asking me to wait until the test is over and he reveals his identity to date him officially?
What would that make me?
If Ash is the crown prince—no, the emperor, based on my plan—then would I be a candidate for crown princess?
And later, empress?
Does my position make that feasible?
I’m the daughter of a count—no, now the daughter of a marquis. And not to brag, but I’m also Geenie Crowell, someone making waves across the continent.
If I think about it, there’s no reason I couldn’t become the crown princess.
But isn’t that too much? It’s already overwhelming to think about!
“I’m not… really thinking about marriage right now…”
“Neither am I. I’m just asking you to date me officially when the time comes, Geenie.”
Dating a crown prince wouldn’t block my chances for marriage, would it?
Dating a royal essentially scares off any other suitors.
Forever.
Marriage or not, that’s not exactly bad for me.
But I’m not interested in marriage right now.
If I date Ash, they’ll rush to marry us as soon as possible, won’t they?
Or am I overthinking this?
Yeah, that’s it!
And besides, it’s still, what… two months?
Ugh! Only two months left!
I trudged back to the inn.
Ash must have felt awkward coming back with me because he quickly escaped to the tavern, looking sheepish.
Climbing the stairs, my mind was a jumbled mess.
So, what does this make my relationship with Ash right now?
We’re not officially dating.
But there’s a ring on my left ring finger.
And there’s an understanding about the future.
So, we’re… somewhere between friends and lovers?
It’s comfortable yet a bit daunting.
It feels like the perfect balance for me.
But at this rate, we’ll probably start officially dating in two months, won’t we?
What do I do? What should I do?
If I back out now, Ash will definitely be upset.
And that wouldn’t be right, either!
My mind was racing, my face burning as I fanned my cheeks with my palms.
Let’s just think about it after I get back to my room.
‘Creak’
[Huh?]
“Ah, sorry—”
‘Thud!’
I had thought it was my room, but I walked in on a man and a woman locked in a passionate kiss.
Oh, my!
My face flushed even hotter.
I’m so sorry for interrupting…
“…No, wait! Hey! Do you two want to die? Who’s making out in my room?!”
‘Bang!’
As I slammed the door shut, I realized the pair—one with purple hair, the other with violet hair—looked familiar. Then it hit me.
This ‘is’ my room.
I flung the door open again.
“Gale! Withry!”
You two dare!
Caught red-handed!
Not that I need to arrest them…
“My goodness!”
“Ah! G-Geenie! Let me explain!”
“You! Get out! Right now! Of all places, how dare you in ‘my room’?!” (T/N: HAHAHAHA, I’m literally ROFL right now.)
The two, who had barely composed themselves in the short time I had the door shut, looked ready to jump out the window if I pushed them any further.
Withry was trembling and calling for her mother, while Gale looked pale as a sheet.
They must have seen countless couples doused with water for such displays.
Public displays of affection are strictly prohibited!
Then again, is an inn a public space?
That’s… debatable.
While I was distracted by such irrelevant thoughts, Gale bolted out of the room.
That guy!
[Heeheehee! What a show!]
[What’s so funny?]
[He ran off like his tail was on fire. Isn’t that hilarious, Master?]
[It’s not funny!]
How would you feel if someone ran from you like you were a monster? It’s infuriating!
I turned to Withry, who was left behind, guilty as charged.
Even witnessing strangers engage in such acts is awkward, but having people I know doing it right before my eyes?
That’s intolerable!
“Ge-Geenie… you see…”
“What’s this? Half an hour ago, you were crying your eyes out! What is this now?”
“G-Gale told me… he said you knew and that you were okay with it… and I just… I was so moved…”
Why am I involved in this?
What does she mean I knew…?
Oh, no! Gale, you bastard!
Did you use my name to test the waters with Withry?
No, there’s no “maybe.” He definitely did. That scoundrel!
That cunning scoundrel sweet-talked Withry, dropped my name for credibility, and completely charmed her!
“Ughh.”
“Gale said being an orphan doesn’t matter at all and asked me to think of his parents as my own and treat them like family… Hic.” (T/N: Gale the Rizz Master. ROFL)
[Ruh-roh, Master, your face looks like it’s about to explode. Oh, it’s gonna blow!]
[It’s not going to blow!]
These two are messing with me now, aren’t they?
One moment they’re fighting, the next they’re kissing, and now they’re talking about parents?
Does Withry even realize how annoyed I am? She just keeps babbling about Gale, completely oblivious to my rapidly approaching breaking point.
Meanwhile, Rai keeps teasing me about my expression, which is clearly on the verge of bursting.
Hey! Have you ever seen someone’s face literally explode? People don’t come with a self-destruct feature!
“I-I’m sorry! I made a mistake!”
“Whew, Withry, do you even know why you’re apologizing to me?”
“Th-That’s because… I kissed Gale in a room where you’re staying…”
“…That’s secondary! The main issue is why you dragged me into your drama in the first place! If you’re going to fight, don’t involve me at all!”
Because of their little quarrel, I ended up being dragged into this mess—and now I’m a potential crown princess candidate?!
What am I supposed to do about this?
I huffed in frustration, though I wasn’t even sure if I had a right to be angry.
Ugh, other people would kill to be in this position.
But I hate the thought of marriage.
I mean, I’ll do it eventually, but that’s a long way off.
If I reject him, Ash would be hurt.
Ugh, this is so exhausting.
If I keep thinking about it, my head really might explode, just like Rai said.
I stopped glaring at Withry and let myself collapse onto the bed.
