Chapter 150: Letty and Will

(Following the previous story, this is an episode from shortly before the Kingdom answers the proposal from the Empire.)

Upon hearing the exchange between Her Highness Flora and me, His Majesty wore a satisfied expression. “Umu. It is good that you both seem to desire this engagement. It may not be very King-like of me, but I wanted my daughter to have a marriage based on love, not politics.”

Father also nodded deeply. “I understand His Majesty’s sentiment well. Our family is a bit eccentric and we haven’t done political marriages, so I am very happy that both Her Highness Flora and William desire this engagement.”

“William-san, I look forward to being with you from now on.” Her Highness wore a radiant smile, and then said something unexpected. “While we are at it, let’s have you get engaged to Scarlett-san as well.”

Engaged to Letty too? I was dumbfounded. “The greatness of William-san’s Production Skill will become widely known due to this incident. Since you are engaged to me, they won’t hope for the position of principal wife, but surely many nobles will try to send in concubines.”

“Is such a thing possible?” “Yes, it will surely happen. Offers from foreign countries are also possible.” I was surprised, but both His Majesty and Father were nodding.

“However, we cannot accept those we cannot trust. Since William-san will likely continue to create things beyond our imagination, we must avoid having anyone like a spy close to you.” I see. If someone like an industrial spy became a concubine, that would indeed be terrible.

“Therefore, if you get engaged to Scarlett-san now, it will be easier to refuse when they try to send in concubines.” No, well, I understand the logic of Her Highness’s story, but…

“Furthermore, while I intend to support William-san in diplomacy and commerce, I cannot be of use in battles against monsters. Scarlett-san can play an active role when William-san fights monsters. I think it will be a good division of roles.” “Has Her Highness thought that far ahead?”

Father asked His Majesty. “I understand Her Highness’s thoughts, but is Your Majesty also fine with this?” “Umu. William-kun is now the center of attention. The nobles won’t leave him alone. The Cardiff Earl House is a trustworthy family, and Lady Scarlett seems to be on good terms with Flora, so I also think it is a good idea.”

Father nodded. “Will, I agree too. Although I only took one wife, looking at Will‘s success, that likely won’t be possible for you.”

“But Father, how does Letty feel about this?” Father looked exasperated. “Will, it seems I failed in your education regarding that point alone. I don’t think she will refuse the marriage.”

“Yes, that is William-san’s flaw. The reason I recommend the engagement with Scarlett-san is also because I would feel bad being the only one to become happy.” For some reason, I was scolded even by Her Highness.

According to Father, Earl Cardiff would likely welcome it too. Letty is the one who understands me best. It’s a grateful offer for me, but is it really okay?

As soon as we left the Royal Castle, messengers from the Royal Family and the Fairchild Margrave family were sent to Earl Cardiff, who was in the capital for the exchange event. And as Father predicted, Earl Cardiff agreed immediately, and the talk proceeded in the blink of an eye.

However, before it was officially finalized, I was given an opportunity to speak with Letty. When I visited the Cardiff Earl’s mansion in the capital, the Earl welcomed me, said “You two should talk at your leisure,” and left the room with a smile.

I was alone with Letty in the drawing room. It felt somewhat awkward. We fell silent for a while. I took the plunge and broached the subject. “Letty, have you heard the story about getting engaged to me? Things proceeded so quickly.”

“Yes, I heard. I’m surprised by how sudden the development is. For Will to get engaged to the Princess, and then to me as well.” “Are you okay with marrying me, Letty? You are a precious childhood friend, like family to me, so I don’t want you to enter a marriage against your will. So if you don’t want to, tell me honestly, and I’ll do something about it.”

“Will, what do you think about marrying me?” Letty asked me for my feelings instead. “My feelings?”

It’s embarrassing, but now is the time to speak properly. “Letty, you have encouraged me since we were small, and you understand me best. Even though people call you a beautiful girl, you didn’t get conceited and dedicated yourself to the path of the sword; I thought that was cool.”

It’s very embarrassing, but I feel I must say it. “If you would marry me, Letty, I would be happy.” Letty, who had been looking down slightly, raised her face.

Huh, are her eyes misty, or is it my imagination? “I’m happy you said that. I’ve thought of Will like a brother too, but I respected how you built up achievements with your Production Skill. I thought I might not be able to stand beside you.”

Come to think of it, she said something like that at the welcoming ceremony. “I’m the one who always thought I wasn’t good enough for you, Letty.” “Really? I worked hard to become able to use the Magic Sword, thinking I could finally meet Will. Until then, I couldn’t bring myself to appear before you.”

So that was it… I just thought she was absorbed in sword training since she hadn’t shown her face for a while. It seems I really don’t understand girls’ feelings.

“I was also happy that even after you lost weight, became handsome, and started getting popular, Will stayed Will. I think I would be happy if I could be by your side.”

“Letty, will you marry me?” “Yes, I want you. Though it is embarrassing to have this conversation.” “It really is. To think we were childhood friends and now we’re going to get married. But I’m happy we can be together from now on.” “I’m happy too.”

Thus, Letty changed from a childhood friend to a fiancée.