Chapter 221.3
“Lily?” (Welner)
“Ye, yes.” (Lily)
“I’m sorry.” (Welner)
“Eh?” (Lily)
She had a puzzled expression on her face. I didn’t have the words to say, but I wanted to apologize first.
“First of all, I put you in harm’s way the other day.” (Welner)
“Oh, I thought it was inevitable…” (Lily)
“It may have been inevitable, but I can’t deny that I let my guard down. So please let me apologize.”
“Okay, I understand, please raise your head.” (Lily)
When I stood up and bowed my head, she responded in a very panicked voice. I didn’t mean to make her panic. My apology was more like self-satisfaction for me, but even so, I just couldn’t set it aside.“And also, the current situation.” (Welner)
“The current situation?” (Lily)
“Because there’s some kind of political consideration at work, you have to be engaged with me. I am sorry that I didn’t discuss it with you.” (Welner)
I was sorry about this and the things that have brought things to this point. I knew that the people around me would know that the engagement was inevitable, but the fact that it was not openly announced made it seem like I was a bit of a strange guy who was doing something behind the scenes. I wanted those people to get kicked by a horse and be sent away.
“I have declared Lily to be my wife in the presence of His Majesty.” (Welner)
“Eh…” (Lily)
She gave me a surprised look. I have no choice but to bow my head once again and ask for her forgiveness for my selfishness and declaring the engagement on my own.
“But I can’t welcome Lily into the Count’s family just yet. I’m really sorry.” (Welner)
“No, no, um…” (Lily)
After sounding a little flustered, Lily took a deep breath. But then with a resolute voice she speaks her mind.
“Welner-sama has always protected me. Ever since that time.” (Lily)
Thinking about it, that was the first time we met. I couldn’t believe how close we were now.
“Moreover, citizens of this kingdom are protected by Welner-sama. Welner-sama has protected many smiles. So…” (Lily)
After a pause, Lily continued in a clear voice.
“So don’t worry, I can wait. I know that you are doing this to keep troublesome people away for my safety. So, I will wait for as long as it takes for you to return your attention to me. While you are doing your best, I will also do my best to learn so that I won’t be left behind by Welner-sama.”
I sighed. No really, I didn’t know why such a nice girl loved me so much. I felt like I was using up all my luck in life after my reincarnation with this one.
It couldn’t help that the hatred and resentment I was receiving from my enemies have been amplified because of my current position. But now that I think about it again, I was also doing many things that brought me notoriety behind the scenes.
“…Thank you. It might be a little different if I give you this, but in lieu of an engagement, please accept it.” (Welner)
(T/N: Basically, he is just giving her a gift as a symbol of their engagement even if it was not yet officially declared.)
I took out the box that I had prepared for her. Inside the box was not a ring, but a necklace.
The top was shaped like a bouquet of flowers made of silver work and boxwood garnet, held together by a finely crafted arabesque ribbon. The decorative buttons that hold the ribbons together were made of black spinel.
I see, I guess I was being a little possessive myself, huh?
“Oh, thank you…!” (Lily)
I couldn’t look directly at her happy smile. I almost felt my face turn red.