"Now, let's leave the rest to the young couple, shall we?"
When the Duke said this, the Duke and his wife and my parents left the room.
Only Lady Anastasia and I were left in the room.
Lady Anastasia looks apologetic.
'Would you like to take a walk in the garden, if you don't mind?
The garden is an embarrassment compared to the Gardens of the House of Cousins, but the cicis flowers that don't bloom in King's Landing are just around the corner.
I said, inviting Lady Anastasia to the garden.
"Oh my. A cassis flower?
I'm looking forward to it.
She laughs, and I offer my hand to escort her.
I've been a nobleman and a merchant for many years now, so I've gotten a lot smarter with women.
"Master Ginorius. I need to talk to you."
When our conversation was interrupted during our stroll, Lady Anastasia spoke up as if she had been waiting for it.
I will have tea prepared in the gazebo over there.
Let's talk over there."
With that, I asked a servant who was waiting a short distance away to prepare the tea.
"So what's the story? What is it?"
I asked after the servant had prepared the tea and had moved back to a position where I could not be heard.
I'm sorry, sir.
My father arranged this marriage on his own.
Please give me some time so I can tell my father to take care of it."
Lady Anastasia stood up and bowed in apology.
She lifts her skirt, sits down, and bows her head.
As expected of a duchess.
It is a graceful bow that makes you admire her.
"Does that mean you're going to break off this marriage proposal? You mean you want to break up this marriage?
I ask Anastasia as she sits back down.
"Yes."
Anastasia answers my question.
I wondered if there was someone else she had feelings for.
I think so, and ask Anastasia.
I see.
So you already have someone in mind, huh? "I see.
"No. No, there is no such person.
Anastasia replied with a look of disappointment.
You can see from the expression on her face that she really believes that.
So, I guess...
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm not used to being around women.
I was a creepy guy in a previous life, so I guess I'm a creepy guy at heart.
In this life, I was able to get along well with women at work and with my relatives, but when it comes to love and marriage, I guess I'll soon find a fatal problem.
No, I don't. It's nothing like that.
You don't need to worry about it.
You don't have to worry about me. I understand that I am not very good with women.
So, for future reference, can you tell me what was wrong with me?
I'd like to know my faults.
No, sir. I really thought you were perfect.
Why would you come to that conclusion?
After that, I asked many different questions, but in the end, she didn't tell me what my problem was.
There's no way to improve this.
I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but my parents love me deeply.
If Lord Zinorius were to marry me and have a mistress after marriage, they would use all their power to destroy him.
Especially my mother who is your sister.
His Majesty loves her so much that he changes his mind when it comes to her, and he would be furious if she cries.
Her power is immense.
If Genorius wants to have a relationship with another woman without being ruined, it will be after the power relationship with his parents is reversed.
At least until His Majesty abdicates, my mother will continue to have power, so it will be at least twenty years before we can talk about it."
What are you talking about all of a sudden?
I would never cheat on my wife.
There are several people I knew in my previous life who cheated and got divorced, but none of them were happy.
The ones who didn't marry their affair partner became old bachelors, and the ones who remarried their affair partner divorced at a ripe old age, took all their retirement money, and became poor bachelors.
The misery of the elderly living alone is something I know firsthand.
In the first place, it was unreasonable for me to try to be happy with a woman who had a disposition to touch other people's things.
So I have no intention of doing such a thing.
I don't want to be an old bachelor anymore.
I don't care who you are.
I want you by my side.
If it's someone as gentle and kind as you, Anastasia, I'll be happy.
Well, what are you talking about?
I have no intention of having an affair.
I asked Anastasia.
I have no intention of cheating on you," I asked Anastasia, "but you should certainly not be engaged to me.
I have heard from my father that Genorius is a clever man.
After meeting him today, I can see that he is beautiful to look at, a good speaker and a kind man who cares for others.
In addition, if you are sincere enough not to cheat on your wife, I am sure you will be in great demand.
It would be a tragedy for him to end up with a woman like me.
Hmm? Tragedy?
Is he in some kind of trouble?
I know this is a very difficult thing to talk about.
What is your problem, Anastasia?
If it's okay with you, I can help you solve it.
When I asked that, Anastasia made a puzzled face.
You've been talking out of both sides of your mouth for a while now.
Thank you.
Thank you, but there's nothing I can do about it.
Anastasia says with a giggle.
"My problem is with my appearance.
You don't want to be married to such an ugly woman, do you?
Moreover, my parents are very powerful, and as a bridegroom, I can't run away to another woman.
It would only be unfortunate for the man you are marrying to end up with me."
Ah. I finally understand.
Was Lady Anastasia concerned about her appearance?
I didn't care, and I was far more concerned about my poor relationship skills, so I was focused on that.
I'm going to ask my parents to adopt a child and let him or her take over the House of Unsworth.
My parents have not yet given up on my marriage, but in another ten years they will.
So I don't need to ask for your help.
Time will solve everything."
No, that's not a solution to anything.
It may solve the problem of the house, but how is Lady Anastasia going to be happy?
You're going to end up an old bachelor.
Oh.
Are you the type of person who doesn't look for happiness in marriage?
I've heard that there are a lot of high class aristocrats who have political marriages as a matter of course.
"Are you of the opinion that marriage does not bring happiness, Lady Anastasia? Do you think so?
"Happiness through marriage...?
I hadn't thought about it.
I've never thought about it. I've already given up on marriage because of my appearance.
Then Lady Anastasia smiled sadly.
Seeing that smile, I felt a tightening pain in my chest.
Now I realize.
This girl is just like me in my previous life.
She is just like me who was not treated as a human being just because she was ugly.
The way she laughs is the same as my laugh in my previous life.
I had that laugh, too, as if I had given up everything.
Something with an overwhelming amount of heat, like magma, surges like a tsunami from deep inside my chest.
Please don't give up.
"What? What?
Please don't give up!
It's not that I have a bad face, I don't care!
It's just that the flesh on your face is a little different from others, right?
I'm sure you're not the only one. Why do you look like you've given up on everything?
Don't give up!
Don't give up on being happy!
You deserve to be happy!
You deserve to be happy!
Don't laugh as if you've given up everything!
Your life is just beginning! Your life is just beginning!
I found myself grabbing Anastasia by both shoulders, tears welling up in my eyes as I spoke passionately.
Since I became an old man living alone, I've only had time to think.
Every day, I regretted my unworthy youth, thinking that if I had done the right thing at the right time, I would not be this miserable person I am today.
I think I was sending a message to my younger self in my previous life through her.
That is the reason why I stopped speaking respectfully in the latter half.
I've noticed that, but I can't stop now.
She is me from a previous life when I did not yet know the pain of being an elderly person living alone.
The time between retirement and death is as long as the time it takes for a child to become an adult.
She has yet to understand the pain of a lonely old age, and the length of time the pain lasts.
If I don't stop her now, I will regret it.
Originally, I don't care about looks.
I don't want to be the kind of person who discriminates against others based on their looks.
Besides, I know that beauty fades eventually, and that people spend much more time after they lose their beauty.
If I'm going to spend my old age with her, personality and ease of conversation are more important than those things.
In this respect, she is a perfect and wonderful person.
I have no reason to refuse this match.
More than anything, I can't stop thinking about saving her.
Let me help you live a happy life."
With that, I kneeled down and kissed the back of her hand.
It's been sixteen years since I began my life as the son of a viscount.
I'm used to kissing the back of my hand because I've done it often with my sister and other relatives.
I want you to marry me.
I promise that I will make you happy.
So don't give up on your own happiness."
Her white skin is turning red and her green parts are getting darker.
"Yes...yes..."
I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
Thank you."
I was happy to see that she was looking forward a little, and I hugged her with all my might.
I heard a loud coughing sound and looked in the direction of the sound to find that it was the Duke of Sevensforth coughing.
In addition to the Duke, the Duchess, my parents, servants and guards are all here.
All the guards were poised as if they could overpower me at any moment.
Judging from the situation, it seems that they were all watching me, and when they noticed me shouting, they rushed out.
That's quite an unusual situation for a nobleman to be shouting at each other.
I hurriedly moved away from Lady Anastasia and sat back down on the chair in the gazebo.
When she realized that everyone had seen her hug, Anastasia's white skin turned red like a boiled octopus and she covered her face with her hands.
That's not good.
Grabbing and hugging a woman you've never met before is an act of bad manners.
This is not how a fourth son of a viscount should behave to the only daughter of a duke.
Please be moderate in your dealings with her.
So says the duke who gives me a cold stare.
"Yes!
I'm sorry."
All I could do was apologize.
"Well, well. That's fine.
I'm sure Anna will be delighted to be seduced so passionately.
The duchess said to the duke.
"That's the problem."
The duke turned away and muttered, and the duchess giggled.
When the Duke said this, the Duke and his wife and my parents left the room.
Only Lady Anastasia and I were left in the room.
Lady Anastasia looks apologetic.
'Would you like to take a walk in the garden, if you don't mind?
The garden is an embarrassment compared to the Gardens of the House of Cousins, but the cicis flowers that don't bloom in King's Landing are just around the corner.
I said, inviting Lady Anastasia to the garden.
"Oh my. A cassis flower?
I'm looking forward to it.
She laughs, and I offer my hand to escort her.
I've been a nobleman and a merchant for many years now, so I've gotten a lot smarter with women.
"Master Ginorius. I need to talk to you."
When our conversation was interrupted during our stroll, Lady Anastasia spoke up as if she had been waiting for it.
I will have tea prepared in the gazebo over there.
Let's talk over there."
With that, I asked a servant who was waiting a short distance away to prepare the tea.
"So what's the story? What is it?"
I asked after the servant had prepared the tea and had moved back to a position where I could not be heard.
I'm sorry, sir.
My father arranged this marriage on his own.
Please give me some time so I can tell my father to take care of it."
Lady Anastasia stood up and bowed in apology.
She lifts her skirt, sits down, and bows her head.
As expected of a duchess.
It is a graceful bow that makes you admire her.
"Does that mean you're going to break off this marriage proposal? You mean you want to break up this marriage?
I ask Anastasia as she sits back down.
"Yes."
Anastasia answers my question.
I wondered if there was someone else she had feelings for.
I think so, and ask Anastasia.
I see.
So you already have someone in mind, huh? "I see.
"No. No, there is no such person.
Anastasia replied with a look of disappointment.
You can see from the expression on her face that she really believes that.
So, I guess...
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry.
I'm not used to being around women.
I was a creepy guy in a previous life, so I guess I'm a creepy guy at heart.
In this life, I was able to get along well with women at work and with my relatives, but when it comes to love and marriage, I guess I'll soon find a fatal problem.
No, I don't. It's nothing like that.
You don't need to worry about it.
You don't have to worry about me. I understand that I am not very good with women.
So, for future reference, can you tell me what was wrong with me?
I'd like to know my faults.
No, sir. I really thought you were perfect.
Why would you come to that conclusion?
After that, I asked many different questions, but in the end, she didn't tell me what my problem was.
There's no way to improve this.
I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but my parents love me deeply.
If Lord Zinorius were to marry me and have a mistress after marriage, they would use all their power to destroy him.
Especially my mother who is your sister.
His Majesty loves her so much that he changes his mind when it comes to her, and he would be furious if she cries.
Her power is immense.
If Genorius wants to have a relationship with another woman without being ruined, it will be after the power relationship with his parents is reversed.
At least until His Majesty abdicates, my mother will continue to have power, so it will be at least twenty years before we can talk about it."
What are you talking about all of a sudden?
I would never cheat on my wife.
There are several people I knew in my previous life who cheated and got divorced, but none of them were happy.
The ones who didn't marry their affair partner became old bachelors, and the ones who remarried their affair partner divorced at a ripe old age, took all their retirement money, and became poor bachelors.
The misery of the elderly living alone is something I know firsthand.
In the first place, it was unreasonable for me to try to be happy with a woman who had a disposition to touch other people's things.
So I have no intention of doing such a thing.
I don't want to be an old bachelor anymore.
I don't care who you are.
I want you by my side.
If it's someone as gentle and kind as you, Anastasia, I'll be happy.
Well, what are you talking about?
I have no intention of having an affair.
I asked Anastasia.
I have no intention of cheating on you," I asked Anastasia, "but you should certainly not be engaged to me.
I have heard from my father that Genorius is a clever man.
After meeting him today, I can see that he is beautiful to look at, a good speaker and a kind man who cares for others.
In addition, if you are sincere enough not to cheat on your wife, I am sure you will be in great demand.
It would be a tragedy for him to end up with a woman like me.
Hmm? Tragedy?
Is he in some kind of trouble?
I know this is a very difficult thing to talk about.
What is your problem, Anastasia?
If it's okay with you, I can help you solve it.
When I asked that, Anastasia made a puzzled face.
You've been talking out of both sides of your mouth for a while now.
Thank you.
Thank you, but there's nothing I can do about it.
Anastasia says with a giggle.
"My problem is with my appearance.
You don't want to be married to such an ugly woman, do you?
Moreover, my parents are very powerful, and as a bridegroom, I can't run away to another woman.
It would only be unfortunate for the man you are marrying to end up with me."
Ah. I finally understand.
Was Lady Anastasia concerned about her appearance?
I didn't care, and I was far more concerned about my poor relationship skills, so I was focused on that.
I'm going to ask my parents to adopt a child and let him or her take over the House of Unsworth.
My parents have not yet given up on my marriage, but in another ten years they will.
So I don't need to ask for your help.
Time will solve everything."
No, that's not a solution to anything.
It may solve the problem of the house, but how is Lady Anastasia going to be happy?
You're going to end up an old bachelor.
Oh.
Are you the type of person who doesn't look for happiness in marriage?
I've heard that there are a lot of high class aristocrats who have political marriages as a matter of course.
"Are you of the opinion that marriage does not bring happiness, Lady Anastasia? Do you think so?
"Happiness through marriage...?
I hadn't thought about it.
I've never thought about it. I've already given up on marriage because of my appearance.
Then Lady Anastasia smiled sadly.
Seeing that smile, I felt a tightening pain in my chest.
Now I realize.
This girl is just like me in my previous life.
She is just like me who was not treated as a human being just because she was ugly.
The way she laughs is the same as my laugh in my previous life.
I had that laugh, too, as if I had given up everything.
Something with an overwhelming amount of heat, like magma, surges like a tsunami from deep inside my chest.
Please don't give up.
"What? What?
Please don't give up!
It's not that I have a bad face, I don't care!
It's just that the flesh on your face is a little different from others, right?
I'm sure you're not the only one. Why do you look like you've given up on everything?
Don't give up!
Don't give up on being happy!
You deserve to be happy!
You deserve to be happy!
Don't laugh as if you've given up everything!
Your life is just beginning! Your life is just beginning!
I found myself grabbing Anastasia by both shoulders, tears welling up in my eyes as I spoke passionately.
Since I became an old man living alone, I've only had time to think.
Every day, I regretted my unworthy youth, thinking that if I had done the right thing at the right time, I would not be this miserable person I am today.
I think I was sending a message to my younger self in my previous life through her.
That is the reason why I stopped speaking respectfully in the latter half.
I've noticed that, but I can't stop now.
She is me from a previous life when I did not yet know the pain of being an elderly person living alone.
The time between retirement and death is as long as the time it takes for a child to become an adult.
She has yet to understand the pain of a lonely old age, and the length of time the pain lasts.
If I don't stop her now, I will regret it.
Originally, I don't care about looks.
I don't want to be the kind of person who discriminates against others based on their looks.
Besides, I know that beauty fades eventually, and that people spend much more time after they lose their beauty.
If I'm going to spend my old age with her, personality and ease of conversation are more important than those things.
In this respect, she is a perfect and wonderful person.
I have no reason to refuse this match.
More than anything, I can't stop thinking about saving her.
Let me help you live a happy life."
With that, I kneeled down and kissed the back of her hand.
It's been sixteen years since I began my life as the son of a viscount.
I'm used to kissing the back of my hand because I've done it often with my sister and other relatives.
I want you to marry me.
I promise that I will make you happy.
So don't give up on your own happiness."
Her white skin is turning red and her green parts are getting darker.
"Yes...yes..."
I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.
Thank you."
I was happy to see that she was looking forward a little, and I hugged her with all my might.
I heard a loud coughing sound and looked in the direction of the sound to find that it was the Duke of Sevensforth coughing.
In addition to the Duke, the Duchess, my parents, servants and guards are all here.
All the guards were poised as if they could overpower me at any moment.
Judging from the situation, it seems that they were all watching me, and when they noticed me shouting, they rushed out.
That's quite an unusual situation for a nobleman to be shouting at each other.
I hurriedly moved away from Lady Anastasia and sat back down on the chair in the gazebo.
When she realized that everyone had seen her hug, Anastasia's white skin turned red like a boiled octopus and she covered her face with her hands.
That's not good.
Grabbing and hugging a woman you've never met before is an act of bad manners.
This is not how a fourth son of a viscount should behave to the only daughter of a duke.
Please be moderate in your dealings with her.
So says the duke who gives me a cold stare.
"Yes!
I'm sorry."
All I could do was apologize.
"Well, well. That's fine.
I'm sure Anna will be delighted to be seduced so passionately.
The duchess said to the duke.
"That's the problem."
The duke turned away and muttered, and the duchess giggled.