Chapter 1: Jay-Sama’s House

“Wow…”

Is this a white stone castle? Elegant and foreign-looking? I passed through the gate, stepped out of the carriage, and looked up at the entire building. I couldn’t find the right words. This place is…

“I was surprised to hear that Leonardo invited Rubina-chan without permission… Please, this way.”

When I arrived at the Durand earl residence, Jay-sama greeted me with an apologetic look.

“Thank you for having me. If it’s alright, please take this. My mother asked me to bring it.”

It’s wine and cheese made at my mother’s family estate. I heard it’s the best wine they’ve produced in recent years.

“Leonardo probably wanted to be considerate since he’s here. I’m sorry for the trouble. I’ll have Leonardo send a thank-you to the viscount family later.”

“No, please don’t worry about it. Mother said this is a token of our gratitude for always looking after us.”

While I was greeting Jay-sama, Leo-sama appeared.

“Rubina-chan, welcome! Is this your first time here?”

“Leo-sama, hello. I’m here thanks to your kind invitation.”

I lifted the hem of my skirt.

“Let’s skip the formal greetings. As Jay’s friend, I’d like you to feel at ease with me.”

…I’d like to say that’s impossible, but I managed to smile. I wonder if I pulled off a proper smile.

“Rubina-chan’s here, so Jay went all out preparing tea—ugh, that hurts!”

Jay-sama nudged Leo-sama in the side.

“Mind your own business… But it’s not entirely wrong… There’s a salon with a view of the garden, so let me show you.”

“Jay, you can actually escort someone properly, huh?”

“Ignore the peanut gallery. Please, this way.”

Jay-sama and Leo-sama really get along well. The corridor with embedded tiles is quite charming.

“This is an unusual style. Jay-sama, you mentioned you liked this castle, didn’t you?”

“You remembered. It’s not very spacious, but I’m quite fond of it.”

It’s larger than our residence in the capital, though? If this isn’t considered spacious, just how big is his family estate…? I can’t even imagine.

“It’s just the right size, isn’t it? The view is great too.”

This is definitely a conversation between wealthy people. A former prince and a marquis’s son…

“Is something wrong? Please, this way.”

“Oh, yes.”

…A wall of glass! They’ve used such large glass panes so extravagantly!

“It’s impressive, isn’t it? I think it was cutting-edge for its time. These days, glass-walled salons aren’t uncommon, but I heard the former Earl Durand, who owned this castle, was a very forward-thinking person with a deep knowledge of architecture.”

“The stained glass at the entrance is stunning too, isn’t it?”

I’d only seen stained glass in churches before, but when the light hits the white walls, it’s so magical that I could stare at it forever. Then my eyes were drawn to the garden.

“There seem to be a lot of herbs in the garden.”

Besides herbs I’m familiar with, there are also rare ones I’ve only seen in plant encyclopedias.

“The chef uses the garden’s herbs to make dishes and tea. It’s a bit windy today, so the windows are closed, but early spring is very pleasant. If you’d like, please come again.”

“Yes.”

“Another promise made. Now, the tea will get cold. Please, this way.”

It’s Jay-sama’s pace again. Leo-sama watched with a smile. I felt a bit shy but quietly took my seat and enjoyed the tea.

This tea is unique but delicious. I heard it’s a souvenir Leo-sama brought. It might be a royal tea. Let’s savor it.

When I asked why Leo-sama invited me to Jay-sama’s residence, he said he wanted to share stories from their student days, reminiscing fondly as he spoke.

“Jay was so skinny, he often got teased by our friends. But he didn’t care at all and was surprised when he came to this country. Jay’s pretty well-trained, you know. Compared to the heirs here, he’d be considered frail in our country.”

Huh? That much?

“That’s an exaggeration. There were plenty of guys skinnier than me.”

Right. Jay-sama, frail? Then most people in this country would be skin and bones (that’s an exaggeration).

“He was the skinniest among us, so he wasn’t popular, but maybe he would’ve been in another group. He’s a marquis’s son, after all.”

Hahaha… Leo-sama laughed heartily.

“No way. Gorillas are the popular ones there.”

Hehe. Calling them gorillas… That’s a bit much. The fun conversation continued.

“Rubina-chan, this guy used to skip evening training to go talk with theater troupe members or craftsmen—he was quite the oddball.”

“I joined the morning and afternoon training, didn’t I? Training all day would turn your brain into muscle too.”

Jay-sama’s tone becomes casual when he talks with Leo-sama—it’s refreshing. As I listened to their fun stories, it suddenly got noisy outside the door.

“Hm? Excuse me for a moment. It sounds noisy out there, so I’ll check.”

Jay-sama stood up and opened the door.

“Jay! Has something happened to His Highness Leonardo?!”

“Father? Leo’s over there eating snacks, though?”

Huh? Father? That means… His Excellency, Marquis Hudson? I immediately stood up and curtsied.

“Oh? You have a guest? My apologies.”

“Marquis Hudson, sorry for calling you out. This young lady is the daughter of Viscount Rosen.”

Leo-sama introduced me to the marquis.

“My apologies for the late introduction. I’m Rubina, daughter of Viscount Rosen, meeting you for the first time.”

W-Why… did this happen? I’m so flustered and nervous that my mind has gone blank.

“No need to be so formal. I’m Jay’s father. I was just talking with Viscount Rosen the other day. Sorry for interrupting so suddenly. What’s going on, Your Highness Leonardo?”

If something happened, it’d be a matter of national prestige, right? Since the marquis was summoned, it must be serious.

“Oh, I got to meet and talk with Rubina-chan, so I’ll be returning to my country soon. I wanted to say goodbye to the marquis. Jay took good care of me, and I felt at ease here, so I’ll leave this with you.”

He handed some documents to the marquis. It seems to be about work.

“Thank you. I’d like to proceed with this matter as discussed.”

“Yes. I hope for a long and fruitful relationship. I’m planning to invite Rubina-chan to my wedding too.”

…Huh? Me, to a wedding? Leo-sama’s?

“Eh? Me?”

“Yeah. Sorry for the sudden invite, but it’s next month. Since Rubina-chan is already my friend, come with Jay.”

“…Um, with all due respect, attending a wedding where royal families gather would be inappropriate for someone of my status, so I’ll have to graciously decline.”

Since he’s a former prince, there’s no doubt royal families will attend. It’s far too daunting.

“My fiancée is an earl’s daughter, and her relatives include viscount and baron families. I’m a child of a concubine, so we’re not holding a party at the palace. I’ve stepped away from royalty and have a more relaxed status now. The king and my mother will attend the ceremony, but afterward, I’ve been told I can do as I please, so we’re having a casual party. It’d be sad for Jay to attend alone, so please come with him.”

Even if you call it a casual party, I can’t imagine it.

“I can’t decide this on my own, so I’d like to discuss it with my family first.”

This isn’t something I can decide on my own. I need to get permission from my parents for outings, and since it’s another country, we’ll likely decline.

“Got it. I’ll convince the viscount! Rubina-chan, don’t worry!”

…If even the marquis steps in, our family won’t be able to refuse, will we?

“Father, please consider Rubina-chan’s feelings first. If you step in, she won’t be able to refuse.”

…Yes, it’s impossible.

“It’s just a one-day boat trip, so it’s close. I’ll leave the invitation with you. Our country has lots of burly guys like gorillas, so it’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a zoo!”

…A zoo.

“Leonardo! Don’t make decisions on your own!”

“Whoa, scary!”

It seems Jay-sama calls Leo-sama by his full name, Leonardo, when he’s angry.

After that, I spoke with the marquis, but I don’t remember what we talked about.

It was a whirlwind of a day.

＊＊＊＊＊＊

“Rubina, can you explain how this happened?”

I was called by Onii-sama and Mother.

To explain simply, I became friends with Jay-sama’s friend, Leonardo-sama, and was invited to his wedding. Since Leonardo-sama is of high status, I tried to decline, but the marquis stepped in, and I couldn’t refuse.

“That’s too simple an explanation! His Highness Leonardo’s wedding will likely have the king in attendance. A family like ours at such an event?”

“It seems status doesn’t matter… Leo-sama’s fiancée is an earl’s daughter, and her relatives include viscount and baron families. He also mentioned that some of his academy friends aren’t nobles… I told him I couldn’t decide on my own.”

Oh… I might cry. Sniff.

“…Rubina, sorry. I’m not angry. It’s just that traveling to that country will take several days, right?”

…Several days? That’s different from what Leo-sama said. I tilted my head.

“You’d leave home, stay overnight in a port town, spend a night on the ship, and then one or two nights en route, depending on the weather—it might take even longer. The climate should be fine, but I’m worried about you traveling with an earl for such a long time…”

“Eh? Leo-sama didn’t mention that. I thought it was closer…”

“He probably left out the travel details, didn’t he? You’ll need to get new dresses and accessories, but since the academy is on a long break, that shouldn’t be an issue.”

“I’m sorry… I didn’t know enough.”

I drooped my shoulders, and Mother spoke up.

“Rubina, if they’ve gone that far, you have no choice but to go. I’ll have Lily go with you, so enjoy yourself.”

“Mother, I’m sorry.”

It seems Mother will inform Father. I wrote a letter to Jay-sama saying I’ll go, and I also replied to Leo-sama, accepting the invitation.

Then I received a letter from Jay-sama saying, “Whenever you’re free after academy, please come to my shop,” to which I replied, “Then in two days.” The day I chose was when academy ends early.

So, after academy, I went to Jay-sama’s shop still in my uniform.

“Hello.”

“Hello. I’m sorry for calling you out so suddenly. I was short on time, so please forgive me.”

…Would another day have been better?

“Shall we reschedule?”

“No! That’s not what I meant. We need to have a dress made by next month… I’ve called a designer today to take your measurements.”

Why is Jay-sama worried about my dress?

“I was planning to have a dress prepared at home.”

Onii-sama said it’s okay to make a new dress.

“That won’t do. Since you’re attending as my partner, I’ll prepare it. I’ve already sent a letter to Madam, so please don’t hesitate and come this way.”

I was led to the back of the shop. There’s a room here too? The designers were already preparing.

“Let’s start with the measurements. Then we’ll decide on the design and choose the fabric. Men, please leave.”

Jay-sama was ushered out of the room, and I heard the door close with a thud.

“Now, please take off your uniform.”

…Before I knew it, my uniform was off, and they measured every part of my body. It happened so quickly that by the time I changed back into my uniform, Jay-sama returned, and we started discussing the design over tea. Since there are apparently some taboos depending on the country, I listened to Jay-sama’s detailed explanations.

“Please use yellow in part of the dress. For celebratory occasions, it’s customary to decorate with the national flower, which is yellow, and yellow is often used at such events.”

Jay-sama chose a yellow tie or handkerchief and a silver suit. The designer suggested matching my dress color to silver as well, so we settled on silver. The design was left to them because they showed me three options, all of which were lovely, and I couldn’t decide.

“We’ll hurry and make it, so please come back in a week for a fitting to check the size.”

It seems the dress was finalized through Jay-sama and the designer’s discussion. A week from now? That’s fast work.

＊＊＊＊＊＊

“Tomorrow marks the start of the long break, right? Enjoy yourself, Rubina-san!”

Since we were talking about the long break, I told Sophia-san and the others that I’d be attending a wedding with Jay-sama.

“Yes. It’s my first time going abroad, so I’m nervous.”

“Please tell us all about it when you get back. It’s a family-approved trip, after all.”

“A trip? Not quite, but I’ll bring back souvenirs. I heard there’s a famous candy shop.”

“Kyaa, tell us some sweet stories!”

Kyaa, kyaa—they got so excited. Sweet stories? Like… the candy…?

The dress is finished, Lily was enthusiastic about packing, and there’s nothing left to prepare. When I got home, Father had returned from the estate. He’s been busy traveling back and forth lately.

“Welcome back, Father.”

“Welcome back, Rubina. I’m heading back to the estate again, but I wanted to see your face first. I just met and spoke with Jay-dono. Be careful on your trip. Is there anything you need?”

Father is so busy, and I’ve made him worry.

“Yes. Lily prepared everything, and if I need anything, I’ll buy it along the way.”

Since it’s my first trip outside the estate, Lily prepared everything with enthusiasm.

“Listen to Jay-dono and don’t go to dangerous places or wander off alone. Do you have enough spending money? It’s better to bring more than you need.”

I can’t bring shame to our family in another country. Getting lost would be troublesome too. Spending money? Father gave me an amount that’s more than just spending money. I’ll have Lily hold onto it.

“Yes. I’ll return safely.”

“No matter what happens, I won’t be surprised anymore. Enjoy yourself, Rubina.”

“? Yes. Thank you.”

Recently, Jay-sama’s life has changed. He officially inherited the Durand earl title, so he’s no longer called Lord Hudson. My family has also started calling Jay-sama by his name at some point.

~Rubina’s Father’s Perspective~

With His Highness Leonardo and His Excellency Marquis Hudson involved, our family couldn’t possibly refuse… And Marquis Hudson even said,

“It must be fate. Shall we have a drink?”

He invited me, and even Luke got dragged along. Things have been hectic since the botanical garden’s commemorative ceremony. I don’t know if Rubina has realized her own feelings, but she doesn’t hesitate to go out with Jay-dono and seems to enjoy herself.

“If you’re going to get engaged, just do it…”

My stomach feels like it’s going to get a hole in it. If we take too long, some other lady might snatch him up…

Even without an estate, he’s a businessman backed by a marquis family with connections abroad. Jay-dono, who opened the botanical garden to the public, is popular with the citizens.

“It might not lead to an engagement, but even Rubina will have to notice that she’s falling for Jay-sama. I heard their date went well too.”

My wife said while sipping tea.

“You’re drinking tea so calmly—aren’t you worried about Rubina?”

“We decided to leave it to Rubina’s feelings, so there’s nothing we can say, right?”

“…True, but I don’t know what a father is supposed to do in times like this.”

“Just trust your daughter and stand firm.”

…I trust Rubina. She’s my daughter—serious, cute, humble, hardworking, and lately, she’s become brighter. She was never gloomy, but she used to be too reserved. There’s nothing lacking in her partner, but isn’t there something (a flaw) about him…? There isn’t. I have no reason to object.

And finally, the day of her departure arrived.

“Father, Mother, Onii-sama, I’m off.”

We each kissed Rubina’s cheeks and said our goodbyes. She’s expected to return in about twenty days.

“To the Rosen viscount family, please entrust Rubina-chan to me. I’ll take good care of her.”

“Jay-dono, I’m counting on you. Rubina, listen to Jay-dono and don’t get lost. Lily, I’m counting on you too.”

I asked Lily to report on the trip since I’m giving her a special allowance. I told her, “It’s unlikely with Rubina, but if anything happens, I’m counting on you!” She replied,

“Leave it to me! I’ll protect Rubina-sama’s chastity!”

That’s not necessary. I can say with confidence that Jay-dono wouldn’t make a move on Rubina during this trip… I trust him so much that looking for flaws feels foolish.

“Yes. I’ll make sure not to get separated from Jay-sama. Getting lost abroad would cause trouble.”

With that, Rubina set off. Did she have a dress like that? Huh? She got a new one? That’s fine, but has her taste changed? What? The fabric was a gift from Jay-dono? I-I see… It suited her. The designer changed? I see. Good taste, then. You got a dress made too? Oh, that’s nice! You said you wanted a new dress… Huh? It was a designer introduced by Jay-dono? I’m getting tired of thinking about all this. He’s wealthy, well-connected, and above all… He’s the type to shower her with gifts.

＊＊＊＊＊＊

“Wow, so many birds…”

“Don’t get too close. They might carry diseases, so just look from a distance, okay?”

We came to the port to board the ship. We arrived in the port town last evening and stayed overnight at a hotel, and now we’re about to board!

“Yes. Just looking is enough. There are so many—it’s a bit scary.”

I never thought birds pecking desperately at fish would look so ferocious. There are big birds too, and if I got close, they might peck me. They have long legs, sharp, large beaks… Wow, that’s kind of scary.

“Birds have to survive too, so they’re desperate. Shall we move inside the ship? It’ll be shaky, so hold onto my arm.”

He gently offered his arm. The plank looked wobbly, so I took his arm without hesitation.

“The inside of the ship is so spacious… Wow, the water’s surface is sparkling—it’s dazzling.”

Everything I see feels so fresh. It’s my first time experiencing the smell of the sea. Being on the water is so surreal! And we’re gradually moving away from the port.

“It’s getting chilly, isn’t it? Shall we go inside for a bit?”

The wind on my cheeks is indeed cold, but it feels nice… Achoo.

“You’ll catch a cold. Let’s have some tea to warm up and change into warmer clothes before exploring the ship again.”

“Yes, you’re right. I got carried away because it’s so fun.”

There were a few people on the deck, all watching as we left the port. As Jay-sama pointed out, my body had gotten a bit cold, and the cocoa I was given warmed me up gently, seeping into my body.

“How was your room? It wasn’t too cramped, was it?”

They prepared a room for me and Lily, and I didn’t feel any inconvenience.

“No, thank you for arranging such a comfortable room.”

“If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Also, I’d prefer if you didn’t wander around the ship alone. There’s a guard outside your door, so if you need anything, just tell them.”

A guard? That’s too much for a mere viscount’s daughter.

“You don’t need to go that far—I wouldn’t wander around alone.”

“This is the area where nobles stay, but there might be people on the ship who approach with bad intentions. I’m sorry if it feels restrictive.”

“Not at all, it’s not restrictive!”

Even though Father asked him to, I think Jay-sama is being overly considerate of me. And so began a truly pampered journey.

After changing into warmer clothes, I explored the ship with Jay-sama. We ate at the restaurant, returned to the room, and after a bath, I chatted with Lily until I fell asleep, probably from exhaustion. I’d heard of seasickness, but it didn’t seem to affect me.

Jay-sama invited me to the restaurant for breakfast. There were so many fruits I’d never seen before—it was a luxurious morning.

Then we arrived at the port—my first time abroad! I stepped off lightly with a hop, and Jay-sama looked at me, trying to hold back a laugh. That was a bit childish… I got too excited.

“After disembarking, we’ll travel by carriage and stay overnight at a hotel. The area around the hotel is lively—would you like to explore?”

“Yes!”

Traveling by carriage feels so different in another country, and the scenery is so enjoyable.

“It’s a safe area, so shall we open the window a bit?”

The road is well-paved, so no dust comes in. Seeing people walking along the road with smiles makes me think this must be a good country.

After a half-day carriage ride with breaks, we arrived at the hotel where we’d be staying. The journey has been smooth so far! We’re staying here for a night to let the horses rest, so after leaving our luggage at the hotel, I went out with Jay-sama.

“There are a lot of people, so don’t get separated.”

“Yes.”

…Wow, all the men are so big… Leo-sama was big too, but everyone here is really huge. With so many large people, I feel like I’ve shrunk.

“Is something wrong?”

“Oh, um… I was just surprised at how big everyone is.”

“Hehe… That’s right. In this country, men train to be big because it makes them more popular—they’re quite dedicated.”

What about Jay-sama? Didn’t he want to be popular?

“Jay-sama…”

I don’t really understand men’s bodies. I think Jay-sama could hold his own against the knight students… He’s slim but well-trained—imagining that made me feel shy!

“It’s a bit embarrassing, but I wasn’t popular at all. I think well-trained muscles like Leo’s are impressive, but I prefer lean, flexible muscles… Let’s stop talking about muscles. I think it’s down this street. Oh, we made it in time.”

“Wow, a market stall?”

“They sell small items that women might like. I heard people even come from the capital to buy them.”

There were beaded accessories lined up—lots of variety, and I could tell they were carefully made.

“Wow, this hair accessory is cute.”

Maybe I should get these as souvenirs for Sophia-san and the others. But I just got here—maybe it’s too early to buy? There might be better things later. What should I do? I can’t decide.

“There are many women in this area who make beaded accessories. If you’re hesitating, I recommend buying them.”

“Really? Then I’ll buy them as souvenirs for my friends.”

Blue for Sophia-san, pink for Deborah-san, orange for Rachel-san. And for myself, green! I bought enough for everyone after some deliberation. Since the currency is the same, it was easy to understand. It was a great purchase—the first time I spent money since leaving home.

We continued exploring the town until just before sunset. I might be getting a bit tired.

“Would you like to eat at a food stall today? If you’re tired, we can return to the hotel and eat leisurely.”

Huh? At a food stall!?

“Yes, I’d like to eat at a food stall!”

Jay-sama smiled happily and said, “Let’s do that.”

I enjoyed things I don’t usually eat—fish seasoned with plenty of spices, slightly salty charred meat, and fried potatoes. Some were a bit spicy or strongly flavored, but eating at a food stall felt special. My fatigue melted away.

“Did it suit your taste?”

“There were a lot of things I’d never eaten before, but they were delicious.”

“I’m glad you enjoyed it. We have an early departure tomorrow, so shall we head back to the hotel? I’m sorry for dragging you around when you’re tired.”

“Thank you for being so considerate. I had a lot of fun.”

It seems he noticed how curiously I was looking at the food stalls. Eating at a stall must have been tough for the guards…

“No, not at all. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I had fun too. Now, please rest well.”

…Jay-sama is truly kind. Today was so much fun… Eating at the food stall and shopping!

I returned to my room, chatted with Lily, and fell asleep.

~Jay’s Perspective~

“Wow, a market stall?”

This area is popular with tourists and a town where women thrive. It’s a stop on the way from the port to the capital. Usually, I’d stay in the next town, but I thought Rubina-chan would like this place, so I booked a stay here.

“Wow, this hair accessory is cute too.”

She seems happy. There’s a wide variety, and she’s probably torn. She looks like she’s hesitating to buy.

“There are many women in this area who make beaded accessories. If you’re hesitating, I recommend buying them.”

“Really? Then I’ll buy them as souvenirs for my friends.”

Souvenirs for her friends, huh… In that case, it’s better if Rubina-chan buys them herself. I don’t want her to have to pay, but it’s not an expensive purchase, and if I offered to pay for her friends’ share, she’d probably refuse. I’ll stay quiet here.

She seemed torn but looks pleased after choosing the hair accessories. Since the bead industry is well-developed here, they’re perfect as souvenirs, and the delicate craftsmanship typical of women is popular. They’re vibrant and beautiful. Since we’re here, I want her to experience the atmosphere of this town. It’s almost sunset.

“Would you like to eat at a food stall today? If you’re tired, we can return to the hotel and eat leisurely.”

“Yes, I’d like to eat at a food stall!”

I thought a noble lady might hesitate to eat at a food stall, but Rubina-chan seemed interested and was looking at the stalls. The food stalls in this town are famous, and even nobles come from the capital in disguise because they’re so popular. Back in my student days, I ate at food stalls. Some were delicious, others not so much, but finding the good ones was part of the fun. The guards tasted the food we bought at the stall first. I can’t risk anything happening to Rubina-chan, and street food can be hit or miss.

Fish with plenty of spices, slightly salty charred meat, fried potatoes—some were a bit spicy or strongly flavored.

Rubina-chan, surprised by the unfamiliar spices, drank the beverage the attendant bought in big gulps. I remember the stalls in the capital sold sweets that were popular with young ladies, right? Let’s go there when we reach the capital.

There are still so many big guys around… Rubina-chan was surprised. In a country where men think muscles are the best accessory, they’d often say, “Let’s have a strength contest!” and start competing right away after taking off their shirts. They’d take them off because the shirts would rip otherwise. The young ladies would watch happily. It was like a student vibe, but we were young back then.

Tomorrow, we’ll finally arrive in the capital. Many of my student friends will probably attend Leonardo’s wedding. I hope Rubina-chan will be okay… They’re adults now, so they shouldn’t do anything strange.

We stayed overnight at the hotel and headed to the capital. The weather was good, the roads were fine, and we arrived earlier than expected. A friend from my student days said, “Stay at my place,” but staying at a noble’s house in another country would just tire Rubina-chan out. We decided to stay at a hotel, and Leonardo arranged it for us. It’s one of the top one or two luxury hotels in the capital, close to both the church and the party venue—perfect location. The wedding is in two days, so we’ll take it easy until then.