CH 2

Raul's Own Point

Translated by KaiesV

Edited by KaiesV

Raul Colden. That is my name.

I have a fiancée who is three years younger than me.

She’s the sister of my best friend, Keith Gracis, and her name is Marshallie. If I had to describe her in one word, I would say she was a brilliant girl. I wouldn’t go so far as to say she was a genius, but she was a quick-witted girl anyway. When Keith and I were working on homework for school, she would peek in from next door and study with us. Sometimes, when we thought highly that there was no way she could understand us, she would point out our mistakes. She was especially strong in languages and could speak four languages in addition to the common language she usually spoke. The fact that the territory of the Gracis family is a resort area where people from many countries gather may have been a factor. Keith also had some language skills, though not as much as Marsha. So it was understandable that Marsha was chosen as an exchange student with a neighboring country.

If someone had asked me if I liked Marsha, I think I would have loved her enough to say that I did. It’s hard not to think it’s adorable the way she adores me with every fiber of her being. She’s a sweet girl, always smiling, well spoken, and never boring.

However, I could not have any romantic feelings for Marsha. I just couldn’t see her as a woman.

Then I fell in love for the first time.

I fell madly in love.

Her name is Priscilla Maschutie. She’s a daughter of a Baron.

I had heard rumors that she was a commoner’s daughter, but I did not know much about her.

I happened to see Priscilla being surrounded by several young ladies and saved her, which led to a lot of talking and getting to know her personality. She was pleasant and modest, an honest woman who knew how to stand up to others and couldn’t be flirtatious, and I found myself following her with my eyes. I soon learned that she likes someone who isn’t me. And that the other person, the Second Prince, felt the same way.

It would be a lie to say that I wasn’t disappointed. But more than that, I wanted her to be happy. So I spared no effort to cooperate with her to make her happy. It was by no means easy, but her efforts paid off and she was able to become the Second Prince’s fiancée.

Now I can forget this love. So I thought.

When I saw Marsha for the first time in two years, I honestly stuttered.

Marsha had grown beautifully, as if she had hatched from a girl into a woman. However, I was also relieved to see that the only thing that remained the same was the smile that she turned to me.

I still have smoldering feelings, but I am going to marry Marsha. I had to draw a line for that, I thought naturally. I had no idea that Marsha would see that distinction.

I am aware that I was careless.

I don’t think it was the right thing to do at an evening party with my fiancée. But for some reason, I was in such a hurry at that time that I had to make up my mind quickly.

Marsha’s eyes, with their pure white complexion, reproached me. I couldn’t bear her look, so I looked away. It was as if I was guilty of something. I have no excuse.

My father reprimanded me and my mother cried.

He asked me what was wrong with Marsha, and I couldn’t answer. Because I don’t have a single thing to complain about.

I can’t find the words to apologize. What face should I go see her with?

Before I could act on this concern, my father forced me to end the engagement.

The moment I told my father that I did not want to do so, I felt a shock on my face. My father hit me.

He told me I was selfish and cried that I was pathetic.

Still, I couldn’t think of breaking off my engagement with Marsha.

Eventually, the Gracis family attached a「condition of continued engagement,」to which I nodded my head in agreement with one or the other. I was simply glad. It was no big deal to wait for Marsha to get her mind in order.

But I would come to realize that it was not that simple, and how deep her heartbreak was.

The first year, Marsha transferred to the Royal Academy, and we were told that she had earned all her credits that year.

In the second year, Marsha is chosen to be the lady-in-waiting for the Princess who has been proposed to the Crown Prince.

In the third and fourth year, I decided that it was time for me to get married, so he applies to the Gracis family for a marriage, but is turned down.

In the fifth and sixth year, I applied for marriage every year, but is turned down out of hand.

The seventh, eighth, ninth, and soon the tenth year.

Marsha was never in the mood for it.