Daddy, I Don’t Want to Marry!

Had I done the right thing? I didnt want to regret what I had already done, but it was the first time I had made an important decision on behalf of my father. Just the thought of it daunted me. Sighing, I returned to my room and found that Max was sitting on the sofa. I had been worried that he would barge into the drawing room, but he had waited patiently for me. Wearing a pleasant smile, I approached him.25

Huh?

In the blink of an eye, he was in front of me.

Eyes fixed on me, he asked, What took you so long? There was slight resentment in his voice.

I sighed. Lord Elios asked for cooperation from our family. Apparently, criminals who escaped from his fathers territory are in a village under my fathers authority. The discussion ended up being drawn out.

Giving me a gaze of suspicion, he interrogated, Was that all he came for? His question reminded me of what Lord Elios had said:

The hunting competitionit is just around the corner. I want you to cheer me on.

I wondered how Max would react if I told him the truth. There was a sudden urge to play the mischievous girlfriend, but not wanting to cause a misunderstanding, I held my tongue. I had clearly stated my boundaries to Lord Eliosthere was no reason to feel guilty. And so I nodded, Yes, thats all.

His gaze now fiery, he reminded me, I waited patiently as you told me to.

If there was a medal I could give him at this moment, I would. The problem was there was no such thing. Good job, was all I could say.

Once I commended him, he hugged me. He then asked, Then, could you do me a favor?

I wondered what he might want from me for a split second. Swallowing nervously, I nodded. What is it?

I want an embroidered handkerchief made by you, he whispered. Startled, I recoiled slightly to meet his eyesreminded of the conversation I had with Lord Elios just moments ago. Had Max overheard the conversation? He already had several records of eavesdropping, and I couldnt help but doubt him. I was looking at him with questioning eyes when he asked again, Do you not want to? He was now asking with pleading eyes, seeming a bit disappointed.

No, its not that I reflexively shook my head. Why do you suddenly want an embroidered handkerchief from me?

Max pulled something out of his pocket in response to my question. My eyes widened in surprise. He still had the pink handkerchief I had given him a long time ago. He carefully unfolded the fabric as if it was the most precious item in the whole world. It was clean but looked a little old; it was as if he had carried it around all the time. Thanks to this, I was able to get through the battle against the Lagon. This was a reminder of the moments we spent together, he explained. I had given the handkerchief to him without knowing he was going to war. Filled with embarrassment and regret, I gazed at him. I wont force you, of course. You must be busy preparing for your coming-of-age ceremony.

Shaking my head violently, I cried, No way! There is still a long way to go until then!

Smiling with his eyes, he asked, Will you do it for me, then? Realizing the promise I had made, I forced a smile. Having spent most of my life as a spoiled, good-for-nothing brat, I was not familiar with even the basics of sewing. Then, Max gave me my last chance as he said, I guess I would be putting you in a difficult place. Its okay, I still have this handkerchief.