CH 2

It was when Ashley turned ten years old that she remembered her previous life as a black rabbit of the demon race. By that time, she had already learned the history of Tolfa, so she understood what happened to the demon kingdom after she died.

“About six hundred years ago, a small country in the east separated by a high mountain range, the demon king invaded neighboring countries one after another. The momentum was tremendous, and many countries were destroyed and taken over by the demon kingdom. Finally, the demon king reached Tolfa!”

Ashley’s thoughts were elsewhere while the teacher in front spoke dramatically to the children.

‘The demon king is indeed powerful, even his aides were also very strong. Though I died soon after I was sent out to fight.’ 

A little black rabbit that only peacefully eats grass had no fighting skills.

“Then a brave man stood up. A strong and noble hero with his fluttering gold hair and green eyes defeated the Demon King in a deadly battle! Peace has come to Tolfa! The hero married the princess and for generations Tolfa has been ruled by the hero’s descendants!”

Applause and praises were sung, “Lalala. The hero is wonderful!~”  It was a national anthem that every Tolfa citizen knows.

The demon kingdom, which is separated by high mountains, is now Tolfa’s territory. Of course she knows that the invading demon kingdom was wrong and was at fault. However, the black rabbit that was killed by the hero’s subordinate, cannot bring herself to sincerely praise the hero.

‘It’s somewhat complicated.’

While the teacher was singing the song praising the hero with joy, Ashley followed in a small voice and sang.

ー‘A nostalgic dream’

After waking up from a nap, Ashley stretched out her body. Her joints ache because she took a nap on the sofa.

On a sunny afternoon in the Wollett family’s living room, her mother and sister are excitedly choosing fabrics for a new dress. The chandeliers hanging above were sparkling from the sunlight through the windows. A large stone fireplace is at the corner of the living room. However, it is not in use since it is warm at this time of the year.

It has been three days since she was granted the audience at the palace. Suddenly,

“Rejoice! Ashley’s engagement has been decided!” Her father entered with a big smile. “To Marquis Sargent!”

“Eh!” Ashley, her mother, and sister exclaimed at the same time.

There’s no young lady who does not know the name of Marquis Sargent.

The Sargent family has a long and distinguished history that has lasted for twelve generations. It is a prestigious family that has produced many renowned magicians. The former Marquis, who  died four years ago, had no son and gave the title to the present young family head, who was a close relative.

The twenty one year old marquis has wealth, status, and good looks. He is extremely popular and an excellent candidate for a marriage partner. However, he’s rejected every marriage offer from all the women who were coming to him like insects drawn to light with a smile.

“The Marquis was the one who proposed the offer. My hunting partner, the royal commissioner, personally arranged it. The other side said that they wanted to have the engagement as soon as possible. I’ve received a letter saying that the day after tomorrow, the Marquis will come with his solicitor. Oh my goodness!”

‘Why the royal commissioner?’ Ashley thought. It’s a good thing though, she had no idea that Marquis Sargent would ask her to marry him. It seems like a miracle.

“Goodness! Isn’t Ashley amazing! Although it was kept as a secret, I heard from Count Kaden’s wife that she almost fell over like a frog during her audience with Her Majesty. I was seriously worried that she wouldn’t be able to marry. Who would have thought, Marquis Sargent! That’s my daughter indeed.”

“You’re amazing, sister! I always thought that you’d just hang around a dark room. You’re so great! I admire you so much!”

Ashley looked away as if things in the royal palace and the usual were also revealed. When she found out that she would be granted an audience with the queen, her family’s expectations were high. In order to be granted an audience, it is necessary to send a document with her name and her father’s status through referral in advance. Only then would a response be received.

Up until about fifty years ago, only the upper class were granted an audience. Now, however, middle class people are allowed as well. It’s different from the old days when parents were the ones who’d decide their children’s marriage. Nowadays, people attend balls, banquets, and other social gatherings where many love marriages would bloom. That’s why the enthusiasm of both children and parents for social gatherings is great.

‘But, hey…’

Ashley, who has no interest, motivation, or ambition, would likely be able to respond. Especially after her clumsy event in the palace. Her sister, who is four years younger, has a bright personality and she placed her hopes in her direction instead. Or perhaps her brother, who’s two years older and is currently studying in a foreign country. He’d surely be able to have a noble wife.

Even though she was thinking of such a thing…

‘It’s truly amazing. What a miracle!’  She jumped up and down squealing. Perhaps it’s because she was a rabbit in her previous life, she’s very much confident of her jumping ability. She was worried that she’d be scolded for doing something unbecoming of a lady, but her family were jumping around the living room making triumphant poses.

Two days later, the day of the Marquis Sargent came. Yesterday they spent the day polishing the entire house with the maids. There was a shortage of manpower therefore Ashley and the others were also sent out. The reception room for guests was shining. The finely woven ivy pattern carpet laid out is one of her mother’s prized possessions, which she bought from a wholesale shop for nobles.

“I am Clyde Won Sargent. This is our second time meeting Miss Ashley.” The rumored handsome marquis smiled at her as he sat down on the sofa and crossed his legs.

‘This person is…!’

Ashley was very much surprised to see her parents standing beside him. So, Marquis Sargent was the young man who helped her at the palace.

“I’m very much grateful for your help the other day!”

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

‘What luck! Amazing! Thank you, god.’

The former little demon was grateful to god.

Ashley’s mother sat next to her on the decorated sofa. Her father was sitting on a loveseat looking at the documents handed to him. A small stout solicitor was beside Clyde and his assistant was behind him.

After a discussion about marriage funds and dowry, they signed and stamped their seals on numerous contracts and documents. They are now engaged.

Her father had a big smile, “No, thank you very much for your kind words. I understand that the Marquis seem to have fallen for Ashley at first sight.” 

“Yes, of course.”

What now? But since Ashley’s happy now, she decided not to worry about it.

“Well, Ashley seems to have become even more beautiful these days. No wonder the marquis likes her so much!”

“Yes, that’s right. She has become much more feminine. After all, her beauty originally takes after me. Ohohoho~”

Her parents are very much in a happy mood, Ashley thought.

“Yes, that’s exactly true.”

Although Clyde has a refreshing smile on his face, she couldn’t help but wonder what it is. She’s getting a little bit worried.