Chương 77: Chapter 65. Maiden's Meeting 2

Sarah Dreadnaught's Point of View Since this journey had begun, I was able to find my preferred way of being woken up. His warm and gentle voice lulling me from my deep sleep. Today John even lightly touched my forehead as he woke me. I was genuinely happy for a few moments, but then I remembered last night. I looked at Anna and she seemed to know what I was thinking about. First thing's first was to speak to my Parents at today's breakfast.

I kissed John goodbye on the cheek and left him to Anna, I then went off to my assigned room in the town lord's mansion. I waited for the Maid I was assigned to arrive. Within 5 minutes, she had come." Gloria, good morning." She was surprised at my appearance as I was already prepared to head out of the room and leave for breakfast." Princess Sarah! I see you've already prepared for the day! Please allow me to escort you!"" Lead the way please."

As we made our way to the dining hall of the mansion, I went through the itinerary I would be needing to bring to attention for today. The top of the list is the poisoning. We must find the perpetrator immediately! I can't allow someone who would harm him or even worse, our children to live in this world! I felt the rage begin to consume me. My bloodlust and my mana were leaking." Princess Sarah, d-d--d Did I do something wrong, My Lady!?" Not good I need to control my emotions before I cause trouble here."

No, Gloria, I apologize. My thoughts were racing about something. You have been nothing but excellent on this journey." Gloria was able to calm down and even smile to the praise I gave her. Moving on from that, I needed to also confirm something I have been suspecting for the last week or so. Sharon is a bit more unclear, but Asha, without a doubt, has begun to hold special feelings for John. How sinful it is for John to cause one of his Fiancé's Friends to fall for him is another matter.

Granted, I sort of laid the seeds for this before anyways. Seeds were sown and it seems I'm reaping them. While thinking about how best to fit Asha into the fold, I had made it to the table of the dining room. Sharon and Asha waved to me as my Parents and Cyn sat at the top of the table. It appears that something had happened, and the town lord had left the mansion to attend to it. My Parents and Cynthia greeted me. The first to notice something was wrong was my Mother.

Somehow, even without using that Ability to hear my thoughts, she has been able to figure out how I feel based on the minute differences in my face." What's the matter, Sarah?"" I believe we need to have a meeting, like last time, Mother."" Why is this?" My Father interrupted my Mother and I's conversation. I could see he was worried. I figured it would be better to be honest in my reasoning for needing a meeting. I lowered my voice so the Servants around us wouldn't hear me speak." John was poisoned yesterday.

He is fine, thankfully. His Healing Spell cured him before the worst could happen."" WHAT!" Both my Parents and Cynthia all shouted loudly. Killing intent began to leak from my Father and Cynthia." Both of you calm yourselves. We are guests in this house and we are to not shame our hosts by leaking bloodlust or destroying anything with turbulent mana!" My Mother quickly snapped them out of their anger. They both returned to their seats. Asha and Sharon became concerned and walked over to us.

Most likely from Cynthia's outburst as they have never seen her that angry before." Did something happen, Sarah?" Asha was the one to ask the question, it seems Sharon already had some idea of what just happened. I lowered my voice again and spoke." John was poisoned yesterday, he was able to heal himself. However, he wanted to keep it a secret so as to not cause any trouble for us. Though he claims it is because of the fact he badly wants to fight the Hero Party." And like a geyser Asha's mana exploded.

If not for my Mother casting a Barrier to seal her turbulent mana, Asha would have blown the roof off of the dining hall. My Father went and soothed the concerns of the Staff of the mansion as we calmed Asha down. How she plans on denying her feelings after this, will be interesting to hear." What are we going to do?" Asha asked, using the cool and calm Noble Lady mask she has spent years mastering.

An outsider may even believe that she was perfectly fine, to anyone that knew her well, they could see the murderous rage hidden in her eyes." For now, nothing. The walls have ears. And the windows allow eyes to see us converse. Sarah, you may have lowered your voice, but from now on, we should all be careful of using his name in public places. Remember what he asks of us." My Mother gave out her decision. I decided to breach the topic I had thought up." Mother, shall we all have another meeting to discuss this?""

How will we, Sarah? We are on a timetable now." We were at a loss at the obvious truth my Mother brought up. The Hero Party will reach the border in 3 days. We are 3 days out from the Border and must continue on. While I was thinking about the logistics, a voice was heard." If we need time, well, I suppose we should thank our lucky stars." My Father spoke to us while returning with a letter in his hands that he was reading." What do you mean by that, My Love?"

"The Hero Party has encountered trouble yesterday. Our Scouts report that the logistics group following them had found themselves trapped in quicksand in the Marsh Jungles. They spent most of the day recovering what was lost and as a result, have lost a day's worth of time in the process. Which means we now has an extra day. I thought maybe we could relax at the Border before the fight, but if you all need time to discuss some things, I can find something for Matthew and me to do."" That will work for me, My Love.

How about you 4?" We all nodded our heads." Good! Let's freshen up and meet in the garden at the east end of the property then." My Mother finished instructing us. I then returned to my room and before too long, made my way to the garden. My Mother and Asha were already there. After greeting them, I sat next to my Mother and Asha was to my right. Cynthia arrived not long after and greeted us. She sat next to my Mother on the opposite side of the table and faced opposite to me.

Sharon arrived as soon as Cynthia sat and proceeded to sit next to her and opposite to Asha. Then, before starting, Anna also arrived." I apologize for arriving late! King Warrick informed me that this meeting was taking place and took Master with him for a walk. I then made my way here!" We all greeted Anna. After she sat down next to Sharon, my Mother applied a darkened and soundproofed Barrier around us. Once she finished setting the Barrier up, she began to speak freely.

It seems no one will hear or see our talk." It seems we all made it in one piece. Good! Now to begin, we are here to discuss what we are going to be doing. My Husband Warrick, has come to the conclusion that in order to respect John's wishes, we will be sending a few of our agents to investigate the lord of Ashneck and the surroundings. In time, we will figure out what happened exactly. After all, there is only so many people who can have contact with John's meal.

But now that someone out of our group is taking care of the investigation, John can focus on the Hero."" If that is the case, what are we doing here then?" Sharon responded to my Mother with a reasonable question." A few things. The first being Warrick and I have received the wishes of Asha and Sharon's Parents. You both will be returning to your Family Domains after you deal with the Hero Party. Cynthia, you will be returning to the Academy. Do you all have any questions regarding this?"

Asha and Cynthia had difficult looks on their faces. Sharon just looked confused. My Mother's update seemed to have shaken them to a degree." Continuing on, Sarah and John will Marry in the coming weeks after we finish our business at the Border. After which he will receive a Land to match his Noble Title. Last, but not least. Anna, from what I understand, Sarah and John will accompany you back to your Home. While there, John will ask for your hand in Marriage from your Parents. Good luck to you.

I wish for your Happiness Genuinely." My Mother looked at Anna and I with warm eyes. Well, John has explained before that he would want to do things in a "proper way" so it would make sense we would leave for his and Anna's Engagement and Wedding and then spend our Honeymoon more or less on our travels to whatever place John is given to Govern. This news has caused a variety of reactions. Sharon looked sad, Asha looked downtrodden, but there was a hint of something else. It was a look I know well.

I had it on my own face when Laura had gotten so close to John in that kitchen. She was jealous. Cynthia had more obvious displeasure than Asha as my Mother explained more and more, about how far away we would all most likely go. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator." Mother, may I bring up the next topic?"" Do you truly think now would be a good time?"" Better now than later and some might end up regretting it later if we don't."

My Mother seemed to have no issue with me speaking to them. And Anna nodded to me. Let's hope this goes well I suppose..." Asha, Sharon and Cynthia. I want to preface this by saying that this will be the last time I ask this of you all. If you all refuse, then I won't change the way I act with you, however, Anna and I believe that it would be a good idea for us all, to have John begin to act more formal while dealing with you 3. We will have that start after our upcoming battle with the Hero Party."

Sharon and Cynthia had no idea where I was going, Asha seemed to have figured it out." So, for the last time, I will ask this. Do you have feelings for John?" Asha seemed calm. Looks like she did know what I would ask. However, her cheeks dyed red betrayed her controlled expression. Sharon looked confused. Cynthia's face was also dyed red. I waited for them to calm down for a few minutes. I decided to continue and explain why I want to know this now."

The reason I want an answer now, is because this will be the last time for a while that we will all be together. After all, as John's Fiancé and Anna as his Maid both of us are also his soon to be Wives, we will follow where he goes. This will be the last time all of us are going to be together for the foreseeable future."" How would this even work in the first place, Sarah? When we successfully repel the Hero Party that will only work as a way to legitimize John's position as your Marriage Partner.

Let's say that all 3 of us do hold romantic feelings for John. The public would absolutely respond in a negative way if he were to also Marry a Duke's Daughter, a Baron's Daughter and another Princess. I may be from the Clearfield Family, which has a negative view because of my Mother's kin, but I highly doubt they would let it slide simply because of that." While Sharon and Cynthia got bashful at the Marrying John part, it seems Asha was looking for legitimate answers."

Simple, if you truly Love him and wish to build a Happy Family with him along with us. Anna and I will help John obtain the type of results that will allow that exact situation to happen."" Again, how? What could you possibly do?" I smiled at her question." For starters, we will bring prosperity to wherever we go. Mother, Which place will John reside over as the Lord?" My Mother simply smiled and began to answer my question." The Rose Swamps are what your Father and I decided on."" THAT BARREN LAND!?"

Cynthia and Asha rose from their seats and yelled in unison. Seems I know who's interested now." Yes, I understand that you are worried about it, but, I have an inkling that John will change that Land for the better."" How do you believe that?" Sharon asked the question this time. Seemingly confused why my Mother would trust John. Before long, my Mother began to speak." Before John had arrived, I had to prepare myself for the possibility of losing not only a Daughter but also My Husband.

We may have downplayed it after the fact, but even with my Skill in the Magical Arts, at best, the success of that Summoning Spell was only around 30 to 40%. What arrived was a boy who looked like he couldn't control his emotions. The rage on his face mixed with the look as if he decided to discard something important to him. I thought we may had Summoned a monster. But to my surprise, he greeted us politely. I could tell he was afraid of us and why wouldn't he be?

He was Summoned into a strange land with stranger people. He was trying to stay alive, but once he heard our story, his fear melted and I was shown the temperament deserving of the Job Class of Paladin. From this child I lost nothing, I was able to have a healthy Husband back to 100% quicker than even my wildest dreams. If not for John, Warrick would still be bedridden as we speak. Last but certainly not least, he saved My Daughter. Not once, but twice.

He placed himself in so much danger, but he did it without a second thought to himself." My Mother had tears forming in her eyes. She stopped her thoughts to clear her eyes." I believe that to John, saving is something he "must do", not something he "can do". I believe it goes back to how he lost his Parents. I think that is the true reason that he was able to use his Healing Spell so quickly when he unlocked his mana. It's not a "talent", but an innate trait of his personality.

I believe that he will find what ails the people who stayed behind in the Lands of the Rose Swamps and I believe that he will even find what ails that Land and heal that pain as well." Grip. I held my Mother's hand as she finished her thoughts. I then turned to the three of them again." So again, the floor is yours. Don't think about the difficulties that will come. Just tell me the truth of your feelings." Cynthia rose from her seat and held my Mother's hand while looking at me as well." I'm sorry, Sarah, Mother.

But I do think I like John as a Man! At first, I thought I just wanted to protect him! But it's changed for me. I don't want to be separated from him! I thought at first that it was my duty to protect him for Sarah, but as I spent more time with him, I found my feelings shifting and now I... I..."" I understand, Cynthia. Fear not, I already thought this may happen. After all, you Sisters are more alike than you may think. However, you will need to be separated for a time.

What I will say, is that you should finish your education in the Academy. In time, your moment will come. Think of this as a good time to reevaluate yourself. Speak to others, learn from others. See for yourself if you are confusing this feeling for something else. If at the end, you view it as Love, then stop feeling guilty about it! I will make your Wish a reality!"" Mother!" As my Sister and Mother embraced, I gave them a few moments to calm down. I then turned to Sharon." Sharon, What about you?"

Sharon looked confused and anxious. Seems she is still naive to her own emotions. Maybe forcing her wasn't the correct move? I waited to hear what she had to say." I-I don't know how I feel! This is the first time that I have spent any time near a Man not related to me by blood!"" I understand, if that is how you feel, then I will not bring it up again, Sharon." I had hoped to calm her with my words, but this made her more anxious." No! Wait! I don't want to change how John and I interact!

He's my first Male Friend!" It seems she really is confused; I suppose some hard truths are needed." Sharon. That may be the case for you, but you need to understand the way it looks to those around you. Usually, a Man who is Betrothed to a Woman, would not touch an Unmarried Woman. I've allowed these interactions to happen until now, because the way you look at John seems to have hints of genuine feelings towards him. However, after this battle. John will be a Married Man.

One you will only see every now and again if you were to visit me at the Rose Swamps or we appear at the Royal Palace. Or Gods forbid, a war breaks out again, we all will most likely fight together as a team again. The closeness that you and John have will reflect badly on both of you. If you do not wish to be his Wife, you both need to have a more Formal Relationship for the Benefit of both of your Futures. This means no more physical contact at the very least." Sharon began to tear up at my chastisement.

She feels this much emotion having to say goodbye. Yet, she says she is confused how she feels? The heart is mysterious I suppose? I may even had been the same way if not for meeting John." Sarah, Dear. I think you may have been a bit too hard on her. Sharon. I think you need to understand the main reason we are asking these questions to you and Asha in particular." My Mother stood up and wiped Sharon's tears with a handkerchief she had used for her own tears."

Sharon, you are a Woman who has Graduated from the Academy. Honestly, you have been quite fortunate that no House has come looking for a Proposal with you. You, Asha and Sarah were known as the Crown Jewels of the Academy while you were there. A reputation like that stands out. I personally think that Noble Houses are being pensive because of the fact our Families have a Relationship with each other. The same for Asha.

I don't know how much time you have left, but I know that you are a Woman who is a slave to her Duty. If you truly don't know what to do. I can try the best I can to buy you some time, but it won't be much. Would you like that time in order to come to a decision?"" Can I be so selfish?" My Mother smiled at Sharon's words. I myself am reminded of Cynthia as a child from Sharon's face right now." Oh, Sharon... It is the duty of Adults to allow the Children to be a bit more selfish than they were.""

Thank you, Auntie Sarah." Sharon and my Mother embraced as well. Again, I gave them time to calm down. Why are they all jumping to embrace my Mother? Am I being too confrontational? Regardless, I need to summarize her answer so we can all understand it. I suppose I should also tell her my other reason for this as well..." So, I shall put you down as undecided for now, Sharon. I know that I was a bit harsh, but I am also worried about you, Sharon. You're the eye-catching Daughter of a newly made Baron.

Because of that, I can tell that there are people eyeing every move you make." Raise. / Step. Step. Step. /" Sarah?" Wrap! Tighten... I hugged Sharon as well and she returned it." I know, Sarah, I'm sorry... If only I could make sense of this. I will seriously reflect and come to a decision, I promise!" TIghten! She tightened her grip on my back. In time, she let me go. I then turned to Asha. Surprisingly, she was already crying. Between her whimpers and deep inhalations of air, she spoke to us."

Is it truly okay for me to be selfish, Sarah? Can I really turn away from the Responsibility of a Duke's Daughter? Of a Young Noblewoman?"" I've placed my trust in John since I've met him. He has yet to disappoint me. But more than that, Asha, I want to know your true feelings. I want to hear them from your own mouth!" Asha, with her reddened and puffy eyes, along with tears streaming down her cheeks, took a deep breath and began to speak." I have fallen in Love with John! I'm so sorry, Sarah!

I shouldn't have, but I have! I've tried to bury it, but every time he would do something to make me feel it even deeper and now, I'm like this!" / Step! Step! Step! / Grip! Pull! Tighten! I rushed to hug her. I pet her head to soothe her. Asha was the hardest nut to crack in my opinion. It seems my Mother's explanation about Engagements was the deciding move in this talk. Once they saw that I was hugging her. Cynthia, Sharon, Anna and my Mother, we all were together in a group hug to try and calm Asha.

I began to talk gently to her." It's okay, Asha, it's all okay, I promise. We can't do anything for now, but Aunt Penelope can easily swipe away Marriage Offers for 2 years with no one the wiser! In that time, John will come for you. He will take your hand, I promise. I've seen it, I know he is attracted to you! You just need to further increase your position in his heart!"" How do we do that, Sarah?"

"Eh?" Sharon asked the obvious question after what I said, unfortunately I didn't have an answer. Once Asha had calmed down, we all went back to sitting at the table. Now we were all stumped on this problem." Has anyone come up with an idea to continually appeal Asha's good points to John yet?" My Mother was asking for any ideas. Why is this so hard!? Asha and I fought for the Top Ranking in the Exams for the Academy! My Mother is a Certified Genius!

It shouldn't be that hard to come up with a way to make a Man fall for a Woman he doesn't see every day! My frustration was beginning to mount. But at the boiling point of rage for us all, Anna Stood up in excitement." Letters! You can send him letters! You can appeal the elegant handwriting you have! You can treat it like an exchange diary by asking his likes and dislikes and sharing your own and finding common ground!" We all looked at Anna." THAT"S IT!" We all agreed in excitement!

I thought of something as well." Cynthia, Sharon, do you also want to do the same? It's a way to stay connected to John. You can also use sending me a letter as well as a camouflage. You can do it by saying it'd be rude not to write a letter to My Husband if you write to me. Because we all fought the invading Hero Party together!" We all looked at each other in agreement. My Mother had a sharp look in her eyes and began to speak." With everyone in agreement! Our meeting had ended! Good work, girls!

Especially you, Anna!" And like that, my Mother ended the meeting. We all felt satisfied with what had happened. We all decided to head to our rooms to freshen up before we met up with John or my Father.