CH 20

“I see, I understand the situation. However, please stop doing things like that. I will gather information about him, so you just stay quiet. If you want to do something, just try to probe during conversations…”

“Okay, I understand… I’m sorry.”

I apologized to Jeremiah, who still exuded an aura of irritation from his entire body. I wondered what I could do to make him forgive me.

Where in the Bible does it Say to C...

He was really scary when he was angry. I felt so down that I was about to cry. I was so down that I started to cry a little.

“You don’t have to apologize so much… I was out of line. Wait, are you crying?”

“Uh, yeah… I was just a little scared. It’s my fault, so it’s okay, don’t worry…”

I couldn’t say anything more.

Jeremiah stood up and came to my side. He brought his lips close to my eyelids and wiped away my tears. I was gently embraced without knowing what had happened due to the shock.

What is this? Why am I being hugged?

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t control my emotions. I didn’t mean to scare you…”

I couldn’t say anything.

I said absentmindedly, “Really, don’t worry about it,”

My voice trembled. But I thought it was better than saying nothing.

Still, Jeremiah didn’t seem to be letting go anytime soon. I stared blankly outside, feeling like someone passing by was looking this way, but I didn’t know who it was.

After some time had passed, Jeremiah finally let go, but he didn’t move away. Instead, he held my hand, and I was shaken.

“What can I do to make it up to you?”

“…Huh, that’s actually my line.”

When I reflexively responded to Jeremiah’s words with surprise, he looked momentarily surprised, then quickly put on a troubled smile.

“I see. I’m really sorry. I’ve heard when I get angry, I’m scary…”

“Yes, that’s true. But since you were rightfully angry, there’s nothing to be done. Thank you for comforting me.”

I said, rubbing my eyes.

I felt strange, but also a little curious. The anger that had been directed at me was certainly scary, but I had done something that deserved it. Even so, I was surprised that he would comfort me like this.

“Oh, I really felt bad. Anyway, let me handle Aurelio and your cousin’s matter. As soon as I get the information, I’ll let you know.”

“Yes. My aunt told me yesterday to rely on you… I shouldn’t have jumped the gun. From now on, I’ll do as I’m told and I’ll do my best as your [girlfriend].”

As I said that, he showed a somewhat complicated expression.

“Hey, do you remember when I said I had something to tell you yesterday?”

“Oh, yes. I was flustered about Dorothea at that time, but I remember.”

In response, he nodded once and grabbed my right hand a little tightly.

“Actually, my father came to me and told me that your aunt talked to him about you, and asked for my opinion on what to do. I said it was okay to proceed with the conversation. So, I’m thinking of announcing our engagement on the last day of this gathering, but I wanted to make sure I have your consent.”

“……Konnyaku (Engagement)?”

For a moment, I thought I misheard and he said “konnyaku” (a type of food), but there is no such food in this world. Besides, konnyaku is not something you announce, it’s a healthy, low-calorie ingredient that women are happy to have. If that’s the case, it means exactly what it says. Engagement, not konnyaku, no, engagement. In other words, it’s a promise to marry this person.

TL: 婚約:(Engagement/Kon’yaku)—こんやく(Food/Konnyaku)

“If you really don’t want to, then you can say no. However, there aren’t many people I can trust like you, so I want you to be my girlfriend for a little while longer.”

My right palm was squeezed even harder, and a feverish gaze was directed at me.

I froze.

What should I do? But the beautiful face that I liked so much was looking at me as if pleading. My chest tightened, and I had trouble breathing. I couldn’t refuse.

“O-Okay. If I can be of any help, I’ll be happy to do it.”

I will continue to be a fake lover.

I added quietly in my heart.

“I’m glad you said that. I’m sorry for scaring you… You might hate it, but let’s stay together a little longer. I want to talk to you, and I still want you to learn that dance. Didn’t I say there’s another ball scheduled?”

“Yes, but… I’m really bad at dancing.”

And I had a little resistance to dancing with Jeremiah. I remembered the gaze directed at me on the day I was asked to be his partner. I couldn’t match him.

However, the more I realized that being by his side wasn’t just about his appearance, the more I knew I was exposing myself to a bad situation. Yet, I couldn’t refuse when asked.

“So let’s practice, you don’t have any plans in the morning, right? Besides, the dress you ordered will arrive soon. Oh, by the way, why don’t you show me yourself in the dress first?”

“Of course, but I’m a little worried because it’s my first time wearing such a gorgeous dress, and I’m not sure if I can pull it off.”

“Don’t worry, it will definitely suit you. Come on, let’s go to the ballroom. I’m also thinking of inviting Bruno and the others on the way.”

He took my hand and helped me stand up. As he placed his hand on my arm and smiled at me, I completely lost the will to refuse.

Oh no, this is a really bad development.

“Also, you’ll meet my father tomorrow. If we can get approval from your parents, I want you to sign the engagement pledge. It’s better to do this kind of thing early.”

“W-what? Already?”

“Yes.”

I felt like there was something hidden in his sweet smile.

I felt like a moth caught in a spider’s web. There’s something I don’t know. If we continue like this, it seems like there will be no turning back.

Today, I’ll write a letter to my family. I wrote a letter a little while ago, before Jeremiah asked me to be his girlfriend. I thought I should tell them what’s happening now.

But I had a premonition.

I probably won’t make it in time…