Chapter 6: Graduation Ceremony

Today, I’m officially graduating from the academy. The final year had a lot of assignments, and the tests were tough, but I managed to graduate with a score I’m not ashamed of.

Father, Mother, and Onii-sama all praised me. It was worth the effort!

Jay-sama and the marquis family were also delighted for me. I’m so relieved!!

My parents attended the graduation ceremony, and Jay-sama will escort me to the party afterward.

As usual, perhaps? Jay-sama gifted me a dress designed by the same designer.

After the ceremony, I returned to change and get ready, and Jay-sama came to pick me up.

“…Isn’t the neckline a bit too open?”

It does feel a bit breezier than usual, but is it really that noticeable? Even though Jay-sama is the one who gave me this dress?

“Your neck is completely exposed…”

The designer advised me that an updo would make this dress look more elegant.

Following that advice, Jay-sama also gifted me a hair accessory.

It’s a ribbon made of the same fabric as the dress, adorned with an emerald… It’s custom-made, isn’t it?

Could it be…?

“Does it… not suit me?”

Normally, Jay-sama would exaggerate and say things like, “You look cute,” or “You’re beautiful,” but… Was I a disappointment? My brows drooped in sadness.

“No, it suits you perfectly… It really, really suits you.”

“Jay-sama?”

“I don’t want other men to see you looking this beautiful, Rubina… You’re absolutely stunning today. The dress suits you, the hairstyle, the accessories—everything… My fiancée is beautiful, adorable, and precious.”

The maids around us looked exasperated. Jay-sama’s attendant was facing down, shoulders trembling.

Jay-sama, unbothered, took my hand and kissed it.

“That’s the highest compliment. I always think this, but you know what suits me better than I do, Jay-sama. I might not be able to choose my own outfits anymore.”

I’m losing confidence in my own sense of style. The dresses Jay-sama gives me always get compliments.

“Does that mean I can keep choosing your outfits, Rubina? Is that my reward?”

“A reward? You say the funniest things, Jay-sama.”

I giggled.

“Ahh, your smiling face is so cute, Rubina…”

We need to leave soon, or we’ll be late. Since parents are attending today’s party, they’ll be heading out soon too…

“Oh… Father, Mother.”

Both of them were standing there silently.

“We’ve been here for a while. Jay-dono, shouldn’t you head out soon?”

Father and Mother had a look that said they wouldn’t comment further.

“…Is there time to change?”

Jay-sama is so stubborn. He says it suits me, but then he wants me to change.

“No.”

My voice overlapped with my parents’, so Jay-sama had no choice but to get into the carriage.

“I’m sure other young nobles will ask you to dance, Rubina… I don’t think you can refuse at a graduation party. It’s a celebratory day, after all.”

The party is supposed to be informal, I heard. Some students might let loose to make graduation memories… Since everyone’s paths will diverge after graduating from the academy, they’ll spend the party as they please.

“Then why don’t you stay by my side the whole time, Jay-sama? You’re the one who left me after saying we’d stay together!”

I turned my face away with a huff.

“Are you talking about Leo’s wedding? I was wrong back then. As you say, I absolutely won’t leave your side today, Rubina.”

“Promise?”

“Yes, of course.”

Leo-sama’s wedding is a fond memory, but Jay-sama always apologizes for it. As we talked about that, I spotted Sophia-san, Deborah-san, and Rachel-san!

“Oh my, Rubina-san, your dress today looks amazing on you!”

“Sophia-san, Deborah-san, Rachel-san, you all look so lovely too! You’re stunning!!”

We complimented each other’s dresses. Everyone looks so beautiful! Jay-sama watched from behind me. Looking at my friends’ dresses, it doesn’t seem like my neckline is too open. Their fiancés were there too, and after some chatting, I danced with Jay-sama.

This dress flutters at the hem when I move, giving a different vibe while dancing.

“You’ve gotten better at dancing, Rubina. It’s so easy to dance with you.”

“That’s because you lead so well, Jay-sama.”

When you dance with your fiancé, others might ask you to dance too, but Jay-sama stayed close to my side, so no one approached me. After the party, he took me home.

When I got home and talked with Father and Mother, I heard something surprising.

“Whenever a young noble tried to approach you, Rubina, Jay-sama would smile and intimidate them. The smarter ones backed off after seeing his smile.”

Mother said, laughing. I hadn’t noticed at all.

“Rubina, congratulations on graduating. You worked hard. This is from your father and me.”

As Mother spoke, the head butler handed me a box with a ribbon, which I took and placed on the table.

“Wow, a jewelry box? It’s lovely!”

It was designed with a violet flower motif, my favorite. So cute!

“We thought about giving you jewelry for your graduation, but you already have plenty, don’t you?”

From Jay-sama’s gifts… Father and Mother both laughed.

“…Yes.”

“Hehe, exactly. So we thought we’d give you something to store them in. This is also a music box, and it holds photos.”

It was a family photo with Father, Mother, Onii-sama, and me, taken before Onii-sama got married. The music box played the lullaby Mother used to sing to me. So nostalgic.

“You’ll have your own family soon, Rubina, so you can swap out the photo and use it.”

Mother said, but I think I’ll keep this photo in it as is.

“Thank you, Father, Mother. I’ll treasure it.”

I hugged them both, expressing my gratitude. Father said, “You’re our pride and joy,” which made me so happy.

Having safely graduated, the marquis family—Jay-sama’s family—hosted a celebratory meal for me. My family was invited too.

A formal dinner would’ve been too stiff, so they made it a lunch gathering, ensuring the children could enjoy the meal casually.

Father enjoyed drinks with the former marquis (my father-in-law), Onii-sama bonded with the current marquis over estate matters, and Cynthia-san (my sister-in-law) asked Julianne-sama about things good for prenatal care (she’s currently pregnant). Everyone was having a great time.

“This isn’t bad at all, is it?”

I smiled and replied to Jay-sama.

“I’m so happy. I’m grateful to everyone in the marquis family.”

“Rubina-onee-chan, let’s go to the garden together!”

Arthur-san invited me. After lunch, some enjoyed drinks, others tea, each spending the time as they pleased.

“Yes, let’s go. What about you, Jay-sama?”

“I’ve been called by Father, so can I leave Arthur to you?”

“Yes, shall we go, Arthur-san?”

“Yeah!”

As we walked hand in hand, Marc-san joined us, and the three of us went for a stroll.

“Arthur always tries to drag Rubina-onee-chan away the moment you take your eyes off him.”

“But Anii-sama, you’re always taking Rubina-onee-chan to read books with you, right?”

“Hehe, you two really get along so well. Please keep looking out for me in the future too, okay?”

“Yes!”

The summer garden was full of sunflowers and other large flowers. We sat on a bench in front of the fountain and talked. The topic was Marc-san’s study abroad plans. He’s considering two countries and is currently deciding. Jay-sama studied abroad for five years starting at thirteen, but Marc-san plans to go at twelve, spending three years in each of the two countries. Since he’s starting at twelve, that’ll be next year.

“I’ll miss you, but please broaden your horizons and come back healthy.”

“Yeah. I’ll write letters, and it’d be great if you and Jay-oji-san could come visit. I’ll return during long breaks, so let’s meet then.”

“Yes, please let me know if you have time, Marc-san. Everyone will be looking forward to your return.”

Next year will be hectic. With Marc-san going abroad, Arthur-san will likely feel lonely. Once I get married, I probably won’t be able to visit the marquis family as often as I do now.

“Arthur-san, it’ll be lonely when Marc-san goes to study abroad, but please come visit me if you’d like.”

“Yeah, I want to!”

“I’ll be waiting.”

After an hour of walking in the garden and chatting, a maid from the marquis family called us for tea time and led us to the salon. When we got there…

“Oh my!”

That’s all I could say in my surprise. The room was filled with all kinds of sweets.

“We prepared lots of your favorites, Rubina-san. Come, help yourself.”

Julianne-sama had prepared this as a surprise for me.

“Rubina, since they went to the trouble of preparing this, let’s enjoy it without holding back today.”

I nodded at Mother’s words. It’s all my favorites!

“Rubina, you haven’t been eating much lately. Are you feeling unwell?”

Jay-sama peered into my face with concern.

“No, I’ve eaten plenty, you know?”

I had chocolate cake, a fruit tart, and grape jelly.

“Even though they’re small portions, you’ve only eaten this little? Are you sure you’re not feeling unwell?”

N-No, that’s not it…! Does Jay-sama think I’m that much of a glutton? There’s a proper reason for this.

“Lately… I’ve gone up a size, and the clothes you gave me, Jay-sama, have gotten tight…”

There’s no room around my chest or hips anymore. Honestly, it’s uncomfortable.

“Oh, I see. That’s what it was.”

“It’s not just ‘that’! My favorite dress, you know…”

“When did I give you that one? You’ve grown taller and become more womanly, haven’t you?”

“But I want you to see me looking beautiful at the wedding, Jay-sama.”

“…That’s sweet of you to say, but if you get any more beautiful, I’ll be in trouble.”

“Huh?”

“You’ve been working hard at so many things, and you’re thriving, right, Rubina?”

“Yes, I’m enjoying every day. Thanks to everyone.”

“Every time I see you, you get more beautiful, and I’m reaching my limit…”

“Limit? Is something wrong…?”

Jay-sama’s face turned red.

“Come with me for a moment!”

He grabbed my arm and took me to the garden. It was a small courtyard-like area right outside the salon. Jay-sama sent everyone away.

“Jay-sama?”

“Sorry, I didn’t want anyone to overhear.”

“Are you troubled by something, Jay-sama? What do you mean by ‘limit’?”

Jay-sama closed his eyes and ruffled his hair in frustration.

“You’re too adorable, Rubina—I want to touch you, I don’t want anyone to take you away, I want you to be mine alone. I want to have the wedding soon. I’m overflowing with those feelings.”

“…You too, Jay-sama?”

“Huh?”

“I’m struggling because you’re too wonderful, Jay-sama. I want to be someone who isn’t embarrassing to stand beside, and I want to become your bride soon…”

I want to be your bride soon… How embarrassing. My face suddenly felt hot. What did I just say?

“Can I touch you?”

I nodded. Because I feel the same way as Jay-sama.

“I love you, Rubina.”

I closed my eyes tightly.

He gently placed his hands on my shoulders. I could feel Jay-sama’s face getting closer… and he kissed me. I felt so happy, but when he pulled away, I felt a little lonely…

“I’ll absolutely cherish you.”

“…Yes.”

“I love you so much.”

“Yes, I love you too.”

After the kiss, he hugged me. My whole body felt as if it were burning.

Until the wedding… I made Jay-sama wait so long, and I’m sorry. It’s not that I wanted to tease him. We sat on a bench until the heat in my face subsided. I couldn’t go back in front of everyone like this…

“Rubina, I’m sorry. I couldn’t wait until the wedding.”

“Please don’t apologize. I… I wanted to do it with you too, Jay-sama…”

At that, Jay-sama smiled.

“I’m relieved to hear we felt the same way. I’ll only go as far as kissing until the wedding, so don’t worry.”

Only kissing…?!

“Please don’t say strange things!”

“You’ll become my bride, right, Rubina?”

“Yes, but…”

“Sigh… You’re too adorable, Rubina, I can’t help it, but I’ll manage somehow.”

“You’re teasing me again.”

“You’ve grown stronger, Rubina. You express your feelings, but you also consider others, and you’re kind to my family—I’m grateful for that.”

That’s because everyone treats me so well and calls me family. Jay-sama, on the other hand, does so much for me behind the scenes. He says he won’t keep secrets, but he won’t tell me about the wedding. Still, I know he’s doing it for me, so I don’t ask.

“You’re good at spoiling me, aren’t you, Jay-sama?”

I said, trying to hide my embarrassment.

“Good at it… Hmm, that’s one way to put it. Spoiling you, making you happy, and sometimes making you cry? Maybe I’ll make you my life’s work, Rubina.”

“…If you say that elsewhere, people will think you’re strange.”

“I don’t mind. There are plenty of husbands who love their wives in this world, aren’t there?”

Jay-sama laughed, stood up, and took my hand.

“Shall we head back?”

“Yes.”

“They prepared those sweets for you, Rubina, so eat as much as you like. I heard they’ve already adjusted the dress size for you?”

He found out about my size increase.

“Jay-sama!”

When making a dress, they always check measurements to fit your current figure… They said the wedding dress can be adjusted too…

Jay-sama chuckled.

“If the size can be changed, then I’ll eat to my heart’s content!”

With that, I enjoyed the sweets without holding back for the first time in a while. It was partly to hide my embarrassment, but I really did eat my fill…

“Arthur-san, you’ve got cream on your mouth.”

I wiped the cream with a handkerchief.

“Thank you, Rubina-onee-chan.”

“Hehe, it was delicious, wasn’t it?”

“Rubina-onee-chan, did something good happen?”

My heart skipped a beat!

“Huh? Well… it’s because everyone celebrated for me like this.”

“Hmm.”

What’s gotten into Arthur-san all of a sudden…?

“You seem happier than before, Rubina-onee-chan, so I thought something happened between you and Jay-oji-san.”

“Eh? With Jay-sama, it’s the same as always.”

“The same as always—you mean flirting like usual?”

“Eh? The same as always…?”

To think even Arthur-san sees us that way…!

“Arthur, don’t tease Rubina.”

“But Rubina-onee-chan is so cute.”

Being called cute by a seven-year-old who’s like a little brother to me…

“You’ll understand when you find someone important to you someday.”

“If I’d been born ten years earlier, I’d have wanted Rubina-onee-chan.”

“Too bad for you. Rubina’s going to be my wife. Think of her as your big sister and give up.”

Jay-sama patted Arthur-san’s head.

“Rubina’s really loved by both Marc and Arthur, huh. They’re still kids, so it’s fine, but if they were your classmates, I wouldn’t be able to relax.”

If Marc-san and Arthur-san were my classmates…?

“Our classes would be different, so you can rest easy.”

“No, even if I were your classmate and in a different class, I’d still pick you up in the morning and after school, and I’d want to have lunch together.”

“The same age as Jay-sama? That would be fun in its own way, but I like things as they are now. I love hearing stories about Jay-sama’s time studying abroad.”

As we were talking, the Marquis looked at Jay-sama with a pleased expression.

“I thought Jay was just fooling around, but he’s earning well, and thanks to the botanical garden, our family’s reputation has improved. He’s become reliable, and that’s probably thanks to Rubina-san. You found a good girl.”

I felt embarrassed hearing the Marquis say that.

“I heard from Julianne and Marc that Jay’s always flirting with Rubina-san, and I couldn’t believe it at first, but it seems to be true. I’m happy to have gained a cute little sister. Rubina-san, I’m counting on you with Jay.”

“From Anii-ue’s perspective, I’ll always be the spoiled youngest child, huh? Will you see me as an adult once I’m married?”

The Marquis and Jay-sama are ten years apart. I heard Jay-sama was very attached to his older brother when he was little and deeply respects him.

“Of course. But if you ever need help, don’t hesitate to ask. Even if you leave the house, this will always be your home.”

Father said the Marquis isn’t just a kind person, but he’s very family-oriented, isn’t he? I heard the Marquis, who works at the royal palace, has a nickname—“The Ice Marquis.” Or maybe not. I can’t imagine it.

The meal ended, and I returned home. Today was such a happy day.

“Rubina, I’m sorry. I couldn’t wait until the wedding.”

“Please don’t apologize. I… I wanted to do it with you too, Jay-sama…”

I remembered that moment before going to bed!

Kyaaa!

Rubina, a lady shouldn’t be intimate with a man before marriage. Kissing is supposed to wait until the day you swear your love before God in the church… That’s what Grandmother told me when I was little…

Grandmother… Rubina is an improper girl! But I don’t regret it. Jay-sama is my precious person. The next morning, I had breakfast with Mother. Father left the house early.

“Rubina, what’s your plan for today?”

“I’m going to pick out furniture today. I can’t quite decide…”

They’ve prepared so many wonderful things, it’s hard to choose.

“Just buy what you like, Rubina. You’re the one who’ll be using it.”

“How did you decide, Mother?”

“For me, I had furniture prepared that matched this estate. I told the craftsman what I liked and didn’t like, then left the rest to them. There were so many wedding details to decide, so I entrusted what I could to reliable craftsmen. Your father was busy with his title inheritance, so all I remember is feeling relieved once the wedding was over.”

Mother spoke fondly, reminiscing.

“That must’ve been tough. This is the first time I’ve heard about your wedding, Mother.”

Father and Mother are distant relatives; Mother’s family is an earl’s house. Since they’re distant relatives, they’d known each other since childhood. Mother was a tomboy, so people worried if she’d ever marry, but since Father was close in age and a distant relative, it was seen as a safe match, and they got married.

Father said he found Mother’s tomboyish nature cute. Mother laughed, saying Father has peculiar taste, but she didn’t seem displeased. As far as I know, Father and Mother get along well. Even when they argue, Father always apologizes to make up. Even if Mother’s in the wrong, Father apologizes… It’s a story that shows how kind Father is. But Mother also said Father’s scary when he’s angry, and she likes that contrast, laughing about it.

“Since my mother-in-law was an upright person, the title inheritance went smoothly with no objections from relatives, which was a relief. Sometimes relatives cause trouble over such things. The Marquis’s family has many relatives, yet the inheritance went smoothly, which shows how much everyone trusts him.”

The siblings get along well, and Jay-sama said his older brother is a hard worker. The education for the heir must’ve been strict since childhood. It’s the same for Marc-san now.

“Title inheritance sounds tough.”

“It is. Right now, your father is talking to relatives to pass the title to Luke. It’s been five years since your grandparents passed, so we’d like to live leisurely at the estate soon. You’ll be busy too, Rubina, but if you ever want to take it easy, come back, okay?”

“Yes. I’ll come with Jay-sama when that time comes.”

To our estate, where there’s nothing but that’s our pride, with Jay-sama.

“You two are really close, aren’t you? If you’re like this now, I can’t imagine the future. Rubina, are you keeping Grandmother’s teachings?”

“…Huh?!”

D-Did she find out? That I kissed Jay-sama? My eyes darted around… and my face turned red at the same time.

“Fufu… You can’t make that face in front of your father, okay? He’d get jealous. I trust you, Rubina, so do as you like. It’s your life. I know you both love each other, so even if something happens, Jay-sama will take responsibility, right? He’d probably do so happily.”

“Something? What do you mean?”

“…Looks like you’re still fine, then. Tell Jay-sama I said I trust him. Now, get ready—it’s about time.”

“Oh, it’s already this late! Excuse me, Mother.”

I hurriedly started getting ready, rushing around.

＊＊＊＊＊＊

Rubina’s become even more beautiful. Being loved might be the best beauty treatment for a woman. My daughter has grown into a beautiful woman and is marrying someone she genuinely loves. As a parent, there’s no greater happiness.

Her seriousness must come from my mother-in-law, so she’d be delighted in heaven.

My husband and I don’t have a romantic relationship like Rubina and Jay-sama, but I think we’re a family our children can be proud of. I cherish my husband, and he cherishes me.

Blessed with two children, if they both find partners and get along well, we can rest easy and watch over them from the estate.

Now, since Rubina’s heading out, I’ll continue knitting the lace. This is the technique my mother taught me. My mother knitted the lace for my wedding veil, so I’m knitting lace for Rubina too.

Knitting lace while thinking of my daughter, I now understand my mother’s deep love.

A wedding is a big event. When Jay-sama said he wanted to decide everything, I insisted on making the veil myself, and he gave in. The marquis family wanted to contribute too, and I heard they’ll provide the jewelry. The tiara is a prestigious heirloom of the marquis family… Hearing that, I felt truly grateful. Rubina has been accepted as family.

And yet, Rubina says things like, “Jay-sama choosing for me ensures there’s no mistake.” Be more assertive! The star of the show is you, Rubina!

~Jay’s Work~

Ahh… I messed up!

Why did I kiss her at my family home…?!

I couldn’t hold back, but even though I sent everyone away, I should’ve at least done it somewhere else. Why at my family home…? I’m reflecting, but I can’t help grinning. Rubina said we’d kiss at the wedding, so I’ll absolutely make her happy. That’s what I decided.

Today, Rubina’s coming to choose furniture at my place. I want to see her soon, but I have a visitor this morning, so I had to come to the shop earlier than usual. We’re planning to have lunch together when Rubina arrives around noon.

I arrived at the shop and looked over the documents that came in. Cotton prices are soaring… I’ll need to consider finding a new supplier. There’s been talk of declining quality lately.

Today’s visitor is a noble from Mupas who wanted to meet me. What could this be about? I don’t have any acquaintances in Mupas, though.

Mupas has grown significantly in power over the past few years. With the new king, a fresh wind blew through, improving the whole country. I’d heard nothing good about the previous king. The country used to be closed off, but recently they’ve started trading with foreign nations. I can understand the language, but just in case, I’ll have an interpreter present. Finally, the noble from Mupas arrived, but…

“It seems this isn’t our first meeting… We met on our recent trip…”

“Yes, I’ve come from Mupas. My name is Kair Aslan.”

The head of the Aslan earldom in Mupas. Thirty-five years old.

“My apologies for the late introduction. I’m Jay Durand. What brings you here today?”

We shook hands.

“Thank you for the other day. My wife was very grateful as well. We wanted to thank you properly, but you said it wasn’t necessary and left… Later, I learned you were Earl Durand and his fiancée.”

It seems we can communicate without an interpreter. From what I can tell, he seems like a man of integrity.

“My fiancée wanted to do that, so you really didn’t need to worry about it. I appreciate the sentiment.”

That incident brought Rubina and me closer, in my opinion. It became a good memory.

“You have a lovely fiancée, don’t you? When are you getting married?”

“Next year. She was a student, so we’re in the preparation stage now.”

“I see. She was a kind and adorable fiancée, wasn’t she?”

What’s he getting at? Just get to the point already!

“Yes, I’m proud of her. Now, shall we…?”

“Oh, my apologies. I came here today to discuss business.”

Business, huh? Was the travel talk just a lead-in?

“Yes, please go ahead.”

“Our country was closed off until a few years ago, with all imports and exports strictly controlled, but as you know, that’s been relaxed recently. My earldom is known domestically for producing high-quality cotton and silk. However, with cheap foreign imports coming in, our buyers have started haggling over prices. We—my people and I—don’t want to lower our quality or prices. We take pride in what we produce. So, I was looking for new buyers for our cotton and silk, and that’s how I met Leonardo-dono.”

“Leonardo?”

“Yes, your friend, I believe?”

“He helped me out during my time abroad… We still keep in touch.”

He explained that he wanted to expand his buyers. Leonardo agreed to trade with him and suggested introducing buyers in our country, which is how my name came up. That Leo—if that’s the case, he should’ve told me beforehand! I’ll have to tell him not to use my name without permission next time we meet.

I decided to take a look at the goods first.

“This is impressive. The texture is excellent.”

It’s high-quality silk, clearly made with care. The even dyeing is also good. I was surprised again when I saw the price.

“It’s quite affordable. Can you really make a profit at this price?”

“Of course, we can. By dividing the process between manual labor and machinery, we’ve managed to keep costs down. If we sign a multi-year contract, I can lower the price even further.”

I was just looking for new cotton and silk suppliers. They have a license for legitimate trade, and at this price, if I pass, another company will jump at the chance.

“I’d like to say I’ll think about it, but there doesn’t seem to be any issues. And with Leonardo’s endorsement, I’m confident. Are you sure about these terms?”

Leonardo’s endorsement—he’s a former prince of a country, so they wouldn’t dare deceive him. I can trust them on that basis.

“It’s the lowest we can go. You helped us at the hotel, and my wife was grateful for your fiancée’s kindness. Thanks to you, we had a wonderful trip.”

We settled on a two-year contract for now, to see how it goes.

After the business discussion with Kair-dono, we were chatting casually when I got word that Rubina had arrived at the shop. Perfect timing—I’ll introduce her to Kair-dono.

“Kair-dono, before you leave, would you like to meet my fiancée? She just arrived.”

“I’d love to. I’d like to thank her for the other day.”

I heard a knock on the door, so I immediately stood up to greet Rubina.

“Jay-sama.”

Today, Rubina was wearing a navy blue dress. Since it’s still warm, her long hair was braided, giving her a neat and refreshing look.

“Hey, Rubina, I missed you. Thanks for coming. Before we head to lunch, there’s someone I’d like to introduce you to. Can you come in for a moment?”

“Yes, of course.”

When we entered the room, Kair-dono smiled warmly.

“Rubina, do you remember? We gave up our room for them during our trip.”

“Yes, at the hotel.”

“That’s right. This is Kair Aslan-dono, the head of an earldom in Mupas.”

“I’m Kair Aslan.”

Kair-dono greeted Rubina, and she understood properly.

“So you’re from Mupas. My name is Rubina Rosen.”

Rubina gave a lady’s curtsy, which Kair-dono seemed to understand. He thanked her for the hotel incident and mentioned that we’d be business partners moving forward. Kair-dono said he’d bring his wife next time and suggested we have a meal together, then he left.

“You never know where connections will come from, huh. This contract is thanks to you, Rubina. Thank you.”

If Rubina hadn’t suggested giving up the room back then, this wouldn’t have happened.

“It was just a coincidence. Besides, you planned the trip, Jay-sama, and you arranged the room. I didn’t do anything.”

“That’s what makes you so kind and lovable, Rubina. You’re my goddess of luck.”

I kissed her forehead with a small sound. Rubina pressed her hand to her forehead and looked up at me with a shy glance.

“Ugh, this is… not good.”

Her face turned red, and I couldn’t help but blush too… I remembered that day—sleeping together during our trip—but this is my workplace…

Knock, knock, knock…

“Jay-sama, we should head out soon, or we’ll miss our reservation.”

My attendant knocked on the door. Lately, they don’t comment even when we’re alone in a room, and they quietly leave when I send them away, so I got careless.

“…I’ll be right there.”

I closed my eyes to calm myself. Rubina’s face seemed to calm down too.

“Shall we go? I reserved a nearby restaurant.”

“Yes.”

We held hands and started walking. The sunlight was bright as we exited through the back of the shop.

“It’s nice weather, isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is.”

Talking about the weather is the most useful topic for casual conversation. I reserved a lunch course at a restaurant that uses plenty of fresh seasonal vegetables, which Rubina would like.

“This restaurant uses vegetables from the botanical garden. Their herb dishes are also recommended.”

They also supply the flowers decorating the rooms. With more business partners, the botanical garden staff are busy but happy. As we savored the meal, a glass dish was brought out.

“This sorbet is so refreshing. It really cleanses the palate.”

“It’s made with mint and orange—refreshing and delicious, right?”

The topic turned to Rubina having breakfast with her mother. A message from her mother?

“I trust him.”

Does that mean don’t go any further? That’s a heavy statement.

“She said if something happens, Jay-sama can take responsibility, but what does that mean? We’re not doing anything dangerous, right? The night boat ride was a bit scary, though.”

If something happens, huh… Should I say, “I’ll take responsibility with sincerity if it comes to that”? “I trust him”… That’s a weighty phrase.

“Don’t say that elsewhere, okay? Taking responsibility means making you my wife, so you can rest assured about that.”

“Oh!”

Did you finally realize? Rubina’s not a child who knows nothing anymore.

…Wait! Who taught her that?! Let’s drop this topic. I don’t want the mood to get awkward. I want to enjoy our meal.

“Oh, right—did you decide on the furniture?”

A safe topic…

“Y-Yes, I decided. This morning, Mother told me to choose what I like since I’ll be using it, so I went with my intuition.”

She was struggling with that, huh. Rubina’s the type to take care of things, so she chooses carefully.

“That’s rare for you, going with intuition.”

“Yes. Either way, they were all designs I liked. Since you looked over them beforehand, Jay-sama, I was able to choose easily. There must’ve been a lot of designs originally, right?”

“Is there a loose-lipped person around?”

I intended for Rubina to choose the furniture, but there were too many design sketches, so I narrowed them down a bit.

“That’s not it. I saw you had a lot of design sketches, and I thought you probably did that to lighten my burden, Jay-sama.”

“…It’s not that I don’t trust you, Rubina.”

“Yes, there were so many sketches, so you picked out some for me, right? They were all designs I liked, so I was able to choose smoothly. I don’t think I could’ve done it on time by myself.”

The wedding preparations are steadily coming together.