n

n

n

"W-What was that?

" John asked as he looked at the calm man.

n

"I said I'd offer you my daughter's hand in marriage?

" Said Kurt with a confused expression.

nMr Kurt, a man who looked to be in his 30s, Blonde hair, blue eyes, and wore glasses. He had a shaved beard and looked just like a man from a fantasy world.

n

"W-Wait a minute! Dad! Things are going too fast! We just met!

" Said Eleanor while flustered.

n

"And? Isn't it a good thing? Besides, you don't seem to dislike him,

" Said Kurt.

n

"Just because I don't dislike him, doesn't mean its fine! Besides, we don't even know how he feels about it,

" Said Eleanor as she pointed at John.

nShe was way too embarrassed to face John at this point.

n

"Well, John, How do you feel about it?

" Asked Kurt.

n

"Yeah, John, Why don't you go ahead and tell us?

" Asked Serena with a smile on her face.

nAriel seemed to also be curious about what he would say.

nSomehow that smile makes John feel insecure.

n'Anyways, Getting married huh… I mean Eleanor is definitely beautiful, with long wavy golden Hair, Oceanic blue eyes. On top of that, she has a caring personality. She's also a noble, so I would probably be able to live a peaceful and quiet luxurious life, but…' John thought to himself.

n

"I'm sorry Mr. Kurt, while I am certain I do not deserve such an offer and as much as I appreciate it, unfortunately, I'm afraid I'd like to decline…

" John said as he bowed.

nHe looked over at Eleanor to see how she would react and she didn't seem that bothered by it, almost as if she knew this would be the answer.

nAs John thought that, tears started to drop from her face as she shouted,

"Dad, you idiot!

" and ran out of the room.

n

"Eleanor-

" Said Kurt as he stretched out his hands to stop her, but it was too late.

n

"Sorry…

" John muttered to himself after she had left.

nJohn had not expected her to be that bothered by it. His rejection did seem a bit cold, but he knew that he'll have to properly explain it to her later.

n

"Ah… I did it again… John, do you mind if I ask something?

" Asked Kurt.

n

"Of course…

" John replied.

n

"Are already engaged to one of those two girls behind you?

" Asked Kurt.

n

"Ah, no, they're just my-

"

nBefore John could finish, Serena spoke up.

n

"Nope, who would want to be engaged with this idiot?

" Said Serena.

n

"Yeah, we're just party members.

" Said Ariel as she followed Serena's lead.

n

"That pretty much sums it up, although it was harsh,

" John said as he looked at Serena.

nShe stuck her tongue out, then faced the other direction as she made

"Hmph

" Sound.

n

"So then why would you reject the proposal? I don't see a reason not to… Eleanor is both cute and intelligent… She's also the daughter of a noble, I'm interested in what your reason is… Could it be that you don't find her attractive?

" Said Kurt.

n

"No, no, it's not that. Sure Eleanor is cute, intelligent, and attractive, but we just met, I'm sure forcing relationships are common between nobles, but I wouldn't want to force someone into that…

" John explained.

n'With this, he should back down-' He thought.

n

"I doubt she would mind. In fact, she didn't seem to refuse the proposal, only slightly complained about it.

" Kurt spoke.

n

"True, but for a commoner get engaged to a nobl-

"

nBefore John could finish, he said,

"Don't worry about that, you have my backing after all. Besides, she's just like you…

"

n'What's that supposed to mean?' John thought, feeling confused.

n

"Alright, I understand, there won't be any problems if we engage, but there's something I haven't told you…

" John said.

n

"What is it?

" Kurt asked.

n

"There's someone I like…

" He replied.

n

"Wha-

" Serena unintentionally let as she shortly after recomposed herself.

nAriel silently stared at John as if she was waiting for him to say who.

n

"I haven't confronted that person about my feelings yet, and if I were to suddenly get engaged before telling her, I'm sure it wouldn't be a good start to a relationship I hope of achieving…

" John justified himself.

nSerena and Ariel were both quietly staring at him with interrogatory eyes, as if they wanted to know who he meant.

n

"You have a point… But polygamy is allowed and isn't uncommon in this kingdom. I'm sure she wouldn't mind,

" Said Kurt.

n'I can see why he's a noble merchant.' John realized.

n

"We can't be too sure, but in the end, it'll be better for us to get to know each other before moving into something like an engagement.

" John thought.

n

"You have a point, I apologize for rushing things. It's a shame, especially since you two are around the same age… John, you'll be taking the academy entrance exams too, right?

" He asked.

n'Looks like he finally gave up… Why did he want me to marry his daughter so badly?' John thought.

n

"Yes?

" He replied.

n

"Hm, so you two will have more opportunities to get to know each other.

" Kurt continued.

n'Looks like he still hasn't given up…' John realized.

n

"Haha, yes…

" he replied.

nAriel and Serena let out a relieved sigh. It looked like John getting engaged would probably be troubling for their party. They were probably worried that the party would get disbanded or something.

n

"Mr Kurt, when is the entrance exam for the academy?

" John asked.

n

"Hm? You didn't know? It's tomorrow.

"

n

"Eh-EHHH!?

" the three of them said in sync.

n***

nAfter he told them that, as thanks for saving his daughter, he offered to take them to the academy and to let them stay in the guest rooms.

nSince they had no reason to decline, they accepted his proposal. At the same time, he gave them a bag of 150 Gold coins for protecting her. He had planned to give them more, but John stopped him. 150 was way more than enough according to him.

n

"John, John

" Said Ariel.

n

"Yes?

" John asked.

n

"Who was the girl that you said that you liked?

" Ariel asked.

nSerena who was beside her also seemed curious as she would occasionally stare at John while they walked.

n

"Do you two really want to know?

" John asked.

nThey were on their way to the guest room as they followed one of the servants.

n

"Not really,

" Said Serena as she looked away, occasionally peeking.

n'You're making it pretty blatant that you do…' John inwardly thought.

n

"Well, you see…

"

nJohn cast Silentium around the three of them so that the servant and anyone else wouldn't hear.

n

"That was a lie,

" John said to the two of them.

n

"Ehhh… John is a liar��

" Said Ariel with a small smile formed on her face.

n

"What? No, I had no choice-

"

n

"Yeah, he's a pretty good liar for an idiot,

" Said Serena who was also smiling.

n'Eh? Why are they both in a good mood? Ah… Is this the case that I read about… Girls prefer bad boys…?' John wondered.

nHe disabled silentium before the guards noticed something was up, and suddenly he stopped and bowed.

nIn front of him stood a woman who appeared to be in her twenties.

n

"Oh my, You must be the ones who saved Eleanor, As her stepmother, I thank you. My name is Usiel van mira, It is a pleasure to meet you.

" She said as she slightly lifted up her dress with her fingertips.

n'A noble gesture… And did she say… Step mum?' John realised.

n