I called Satie, who was hiding in the grass, and I decided to ride in the carriage as Julia suggested.

　It rumbles and shakes, but it's still more comfortable to ride than a horse.
　I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one.

''So this is the carriage. I feel like a princess.''

　Yulia, the daughter I rescued earlier, asks with interest.

'Is this your first time riding in a carriage, Satie-san?

　Sati is confused.

　I had told her to let us through that we are Ismus' sorcerers, but the girl named Sati is honest to the core. It's hard to find a girl who is as bad at lying as she is.

"Well, you see--

　Sati tries to fool me, but I interrupt her.

''My family is of the noble class of Ismus, but we're not a very wealthy family. And this girl has been made to be a maid in the mansion all this time. She's not very well versed in the world.'

　When I explained that to her, Julia seemed to understand.

''Actually, so am I.'' "No, of course, I've ridden in a carriage many times, but this is my first time leaving the city of Zenobia. No, of course, I've ridden in a carriage many times, but this is the first time I've left the city of Zenobia.

Is that so?

'Yes. Actually, I've been set up with an influential person from a neighboring city.

Julia was a little embarrassed to tell him what happened.

'I see, you are of age, too. Your father must be looking for a good match. So, is it likely that the matchmaking process will come together?

No, I didn't make it.

　Julia answers immediately.

''Well that's a shame. However, there are some men who have no aesthetic sense to dump Miss Julia. If it were me, I would never refuse her.''

　I said that as a social gesture, but it was certainly a waste of time, I thought.
　Because the girl, Julia Octave, was a beautiful girl, to say nothing of the flattery.
　Besides, she was the daughter of an ally of the Trade Federation.
　If I were to be united with her, I wouldn't have to worry about money for the rest of my life.
　As I was thinking this, Yulia asked me in the tone of a mischievous girl.

''Is it true what you just said?''

Yeah, well, if I were in his shoes, that is.

　She smiles even more when she hears those words.

'Ryke-sama, I don't understand social graces or lies. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. That's why this match-up didn't come together either.

What do you mean?

The man I was meeting with was so miserable that I stepped on his foot as hard as I could at the ball.

...that's a tough one.

　This girl looks ladylike, but she's quite a prancing horse.
　I had such an impression, but the jujama surprised me even more.

''Ryke-sama, you just said that 'surely' you would take the marriage proposal if you were in his position, right?''

　She smiles merrily as she says this.
　I don't think it's possible, but I nodded in passing.

''........only if I were in his position, that is.

'Then, Master Ryke, when we reach Zenobia, may I tell my parents that I wish to be engaged to Master Ryke?

..........

　We can only answer by silence.
　Satie seems to be dismayed, too.

　That's right, because you're proposing a marriage proposal to someone you just met who is a complete stranger to you.

　It's normal to question this girl's common sense.
　Satie protests modestly.

''Yoo, Yulia-sama, I don't think it's normal for you to suddenly offer a marriage proposal to someone you just met.

　Julia's answer to that was clear and concise.

'Is there a proper time for a maiden to fall in love?　One minute?　An hour?　A day?　Or is it a month? Anyway, I'm in love with Mr. Ryke. If Ryke agrees, I'll change into my bridal gown right now.

..........

　She couldn't help but be silent, but her eyes were serious.
　If I nodded at this point, it looked like we were going to have a ceremony in the church in a week's time.
　Of course, I couldn't just nod.
　I'm not here to find a bride.
　I've come to meet with Zenobia's allies and make a treaty with them.

　However, that's why I can't just shake my head easily.
　It would not be wise to displease her here.
　I decided to act like a Japanese.
　In short, I decided to muddle through.

I appreciate the offer, but let's wait to get to know each other a little better. Fortunately, we still have plenty of time to get to know each other. When we get to Zenobia, you will show me the city, won't you?

　The words seemed to make sense to her.

'Yes, I suppose so. There is certainly still time. Assuming that Zenobia will stay in Zenobia for at least a month, and Ryke-sama will have to go back to her parents' house once to report the marriage, and that will take a month, we need to prepare the bridal gown. It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so we need to make sure it's the best it can be. It will take at least three months to make it...

　However, her fantasies go on and on.

　On the road to Zenobia, she talked endlessly about her honeymoon, her new house, and even the number of children she had on the road to Zenobia.

　Me and Sati used her one-sided vision as background music as we headed to the city of Zenobia.