Chapter 124.2

Arnold replied without hesitation.

"I know exactly what I want you to do.――A loafer, living an idle, carefree life, was it?"

"!!"

The words sounded familiar.

[I'll definitely be lounging around in the castle! I'll be a loafer, living an idle, carefree life!]

Rishe stated this when Arnold proposed.

"T-That's not what Your Highness wants. It's something I want to do myself..."

"I don't think you're up to it by any stretch of the imagination, though."

"What do you mean I'm not up to it? I'm definitely going to win this idle life in the future!"

"There's no point in trying to win it. After all, you're not cut out for it."

What did he mean she wasn't cut out for it? While Rishe was feeling unresigned, Arnold also asked.

"Anyway, why'd you ask?"

"...Harriet seems like she's trying too hard to train in her bridal training. I was wondering what men think of this situation."

That wasn't a lie, either.

Since they were on the topic, she'd like to hear Arnold's thoughts on the matter.

"What kind of country is Fabrania, in Your Highness' eyes?"

It was a kingdom she'd visited in her past life, but she asked him without showing a hint of pretense.

"In my impression, it's the country on the western continent that has been the most active in offering diplomatic relations to Garkhain."

"...They sound like a pesky nuisance."

"Diplomacy with the western continent is not very beneficial at the moment. It may be of use later, but we have many other priorities."

"In other words, they're a nuisance..."

Speaking of which, Rishe heard Harriet's head maid say.

That that King of Fabriana wanted to use this opportunity to establish his long-cherished desire for friendship with Garkhain.

"However, the western continent is full of small countries. If I had to choose one to associate with, it would be Fabrania, the leader of the alliance in that area."

In other words, Sigwell and the rest of the countries were no better than Fabrania for Arnold.

"...Even though it's a small country from the point of view of Garkhain, I'm sure Fabrania, to the countries of the west, is an entity that cannot be defied."

"Well, I suppose so."

One more question bothered Rishe.

I don't know why His Highness asked me, a duke's daughter of a weak country, to marry him.――And something of the like.

It reminded her of the future in her life as a hunter.

I don't see how a political marriage between Sigwell and Fabrania will benefit Fabrania.

It was precisely unbeneficial, so she couldn't help but frown at it.

Harriet accepted her political marriage as a duty, and rightly so. I also thought it was a role I had to fulfill, until His Highness Dietrich broke off our engagement.

However, after choosing a life as a merchant, she enjoyed living her own life and became absorbed in the days ahead of her.

Thanks to this, she never even considered marrying someone in her life.

But this life is different.

When she looked up, her gaze met Arnold's, who was looking down at her.

"―― ......"

This man would be her husband.

The moment this thought popped, the words she was told before came flooding back.

[You don't have to be ready to be my wife.]

"..."

She gently exhaled to cover up the creaking in her left chest again.

"Your Highness, I know it's too abrupt, but I have another favor to ask of you."

"What is it? Tell me."

"Please let me check a certain record at the exchange office."

Her request took him by surprise.

Rishe pulled the basket closer and took out a tube of papers that she had rolled up.

"If I may, I have something to report to Your Highness as well."

"This is..."