Published: August 1, 2025
The business negotiations ended sooner than expected. With the extra time, we enjoyed tea, sweets, and the island chief’s castanet performance.
Eventually, satisfied, we saw the island chief off and returned to the inn.
After tidying up the documents, I leaned back in my chair and stretched deeply with a big “Uuun.”
“Good work, Lord Cyrus. I’m glad the negotiations went well,” Marie said, promptly massaging my shoulders. After enjoying it for a while, I sat Marie down and massaged her shoulders in return.
“The fact that it wrapped up so quickly is all thanks to you, Marie. If Wolf or Mio had been with me, it wouldn’t have gone like this.”
“Me? I didn’t do anything...” Marie said, genuinely puzzled rather than modest, which made her even more endearing. I gently ran my hand over her head.
“You really helped a lot today. As a thank you, let’s go sightseeing in Luhab this afternoon. Of course, we’ll have Isaac guide us, but I can show him some charms of Luhab he doesn’t know yet.”
“How wonderful! I’m really looking forward to it. Are there any eateries along the way? Should I prepare some lunchboxes?”
“There aren’t many restaurants, but there are some unusual things sold at street stalls. We’ll have to walk through some rocky terrain, so it’s best to dress lightly...”
As I said that, a sudden brilliant idea came to me. I whispered it quietly into Marie’s ear.
“To make sure we don’t get separated, let’s hold hands on the way. No honorifics.”
“Ah... That’s just like the first time we went to Dilz Central Market...” she trailed off, blushing deeply as I nodded without letting her finish.
Yes, a date after a long time.
We live in the same mansion in Dilz and were alone together in the cabin on the ship, but a date is a different matter. Isaac will be our guide, and though young, he’s a professional tour guide familiar with navigating couples and newlyweds. Surely, he’ll be considerate and excuse himself at romantic spots.
My face was probably more flushed and excited than Marie’s. She smiled happily, stepped lightly to the kitchen, and told the landlady, “We’re heading out.”
Then we went out into the garden to find Isaac. A little way off, he was playing ball with some siblings. Marie cupped her hand and called out.
“Isaac! We have some free time now, so please take us sightseeing around Luhab!”
“All right!” came his usual energetic reply as he rushed over. That was fine, but... why was Angelo coming closer too?
“W-what’s this? I wasn’t invited,” I said.
“Oh, Lord Cyrus, didn’t we agree earlier? During the negotiation, you chased me off, but promised we’d eat together later.”
“Huh?”
I blurted out in disbelief.
What is this guy talking about? I never said that—well, I did, but it was just a formality. Who takes such empty words seriously and wags their tail like a dog?
Still, saying that in front of Marie would make me look insincere and get me scolded. So I dodged the issue, saying,
“W-well, if that’s the case... how about some drinks tonight, just the two of us?”
“Oh, Lord Cyrus, aren’t we setting sail this evening? There won’t be another chance.”
Exactly. Which means today is the only chance for a date with Marie...!
Angelo smiled lightly.
“Don’t worry, I won’t kidnap Lady Marie along the way.”
“Why on earth would Marie let you kidnap her!”
“Lord Cyrus, why are you angry?”
Marie tugged gently on my sleeve.
Ugh, grr...
“B-but... you know, Angelo is the one nursing that young lady...”
“If that’s the case, then everything’s fine.”
That was Marie speaking, not Angelo.
Angelo looked confused, “Huh?”
Marie left the two men behind and walked briskly toward the guest rooms, opening the door. Suddenly, there was a loud thud as a woman fell forward heavily, seemingly leaning on the door — probably eavesdropping.
“Lord Kaede!”
Angelo hurried over and helped her up. Kaede had apparently slammed her forehead hard against the floor and was holding her head as she got up.