Chapter 236 - Game (1/2)

-U Manor -

”Father, you called?” Pupillam said to the man around his 40's, who was sat down and polishing his sword. Since they rose to fame, her father has dressed more formerly. Pupillam still found it odd to see her father in such garments though.

”Pupillam, a marriage proposal for you arrived.”

”Is that so?”

”However, I've already refused it.” Yet he called her out here, he must have something to say regarding it, ”It was count second son who sent the proposal.”

A knowing 'ah' escaped her lips, ”So it was from fathers old acquaintance.” She watches him put the sword back in the sheath as he turned to the window.

”I do not wish to give you to someone who makes fun of people who rose to power like us. Especially not to an arrogant man whose spirit does not even match yours by a tiny amount. Does it not chill you to imagine it, Pupillam?”

Her sweat fell at her father's reaction; what is he doing? So, much for that refined and dignified expression.

Father continued, ”Just imagining it makes me shiver, that second son only has his good looks and his sword skills. He uses underhanded methods. I wish the eldest son proposed, he is at least a man of honor. So, I have no intention of sending you to him... But that guy was oddly persistent; he insisted that the only one you could marry is him. He said if I spoke to you about this, you would think the same as him.”

Pupillam sighs deeply, ”Your getting off-topic. But you're doing a good job refusing the proposal.” If their family didn't have enough influence, it probably wouldn't have been possible. But the second son of the count family... She once greeted him a few years ago. So it was Lord Amakaze. They are around the same age.

Her father turned to her, ”Pupillam, the son in law I choose will be the one that's inheriting the family business.”

Pupillam understood what her father was getting at. Even if they have gained fame and prestige, the family business is still important to him.

”This is my duty as your father and head of the family. I owe it to you, who decided that you would protect the Princess at the cost of your life. Please wait, I will find someone who can be trusted, so just wait for a little longer.”

”Understood father.”

..

On her way back home, Pupillam found herself thinking back to those words countless times. Rely on, huh? Come to think of it she doesn't talk to many people her age. Those who approach her are only doing so because they want something from her. Or are being paid to do so. Up until now, there has never been anything truly genuine. Her thoughts broke off when she hears a horse pull up beside her; her eyes went wide recognizing the person on the black horse.

”Good evening, let's talk.”

”It's nice to see you again, Lord Amakaze.”

This man is Lord Amakaze, the person her father was just speaking to her about. Pupillam could guess what he wanted.

Amakaze smiles, ”Ah, you recognize me that's an honor. Today I came here to meet you. The marriage proposal, I wanted to know why you refused it.”

”I am devoted to the Princess.”

”Is that all there is?”

Pupillam sighed, ”Out of all the people you'd ask, why was it me? You are often the center of attention; surely, there is a better candidate.