Chapter 39: Nonsense VII (part 1)

“Heh, engagement? The marriage between the daughter of the Marquis of Castana and Young Lord Cain?”

Aria’s earlier expression had been one of tears. The climax of her distress came when I revealed that my visit to the Marquis of Castana was due to my engagement to Bianca. 

Something in Aria’s eyes shifted, and it looked like she might burst into tears or lash out at any moment. 

I found myself blurting out a half-hearted excuse without even realizing it.

“Yes, I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you in advance. But the situation is a bit complicated, and what happened specifically…”

Just as I was struggling to come up with excuses that seemed inadequate, Aria’s eyes grew fierce the moment I said “I’m sorry.” 

Her gaze transformed from a gentle, puppy-like look to something akin to a wife’s ferocious eyes upon discovering her beloved husband consorting with other women in a brothel. 

I felt the icy chill of Aria’s stare without fully understanding it.

“Young Lord Cain, what are you apologizing to me for?”

“…yes?”

Aria puffed up her cheeks in a manner that seemed both stunned and somewhat childish. Despite the initial shock, her reaction was not frightening; rather, it appeared endearing in its own way.

“When I think about it, Young Lord Cain doesn’t seem to have anything to apologize to me for. I am just a maid, and Young Lord Cain is a busy heir of the Estel Duchy. How can someone as insignificant as me interfere with something as significant as Young Lord Cain’s engagement? Don’t you think so too?”

“…..”

Despite her words indicating that there was no need for concern over herself, Aria’s expression was one of fierce judgment. It was as if she was reprimanding someone socially disadvantaged, and it made my heart ache unexpectedly. 

I recalled a piece of advice I had once received from a man whose face resembled that of a parasitic thug, while I was drinking with the knights of the Duchy of Estel before my return. 

The advice came back to me vividly.

[Young Lord, what do you think is the most challenging aspect of dealing with women?]

[…well, if I knew that, I wouldn’t be hearing this from you.]

The man’s expression had been quite arrogant as he replied.

[I think the correct answer is women’s jealousy. Women are like territorial animals; they notice when another woman enters their domain.]

Looking at the man who had muttered, “I know this because I’ve been caught cheating a few times,” and licked his lips, I had to resist the urge to put a few marks on his parasitic face.

[Women who feel their territory has been invaded ask this question to a man making excuses: What are you sorry for? What is there to be sorry for? For your information, you should avoid hasty answers. Particularly, if you admit fault outright, it will be disastrous.]

[…why is this a big deal?]

The more I thought about it, the more I became intrigued by his words. Although I had never truly held a woman’s wrist, the man’s advice was oddly compelling.

[The problem is that you are asked what you did wrong. Regardless of whether you admit fault or not, it will be a target for criticism. In the end, there is only one thing a man can say.]

‘[What is that?]

[I’m sorry, I really am. Do you understand, Young Lord? Shockingly, things go back to square one! It was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life, as if time repeated itself endlessly.]

The man’s trembling figure was truly pitiable, and the term ‘cowering’ seemed inadequate to describe it.

[…so, what’s the answer? When women ask what they’re sorry for, what should I say?]

[Yes? I don’t really know. Whispering “I love you” in their ears with a deep gaze quickly turns their anger away. Or perhaps stealing a kiss is a good approach. Isn’t it possible to overcome such trivial adversities with the power of love?]

[…..]

Even now, thinking about it, that advice seemed completely unhelpful. However, one thing was clear: Arya had strong feelings of dissatisfaction with the situation.

[Well, if you view it objectively, there are indeed many problems with my actions.]

From Aria’s perspective, Young Lord Cain von Estel, who had recently broken off his engagement with Sarah Cernard, appeared to be a man who casually chatted with women like the princess or a prospective saintess of the Empire. 

Now, he had quickly engaged to another woman. Of course, entanglements with women like the princess, Aria, or Bianca were not my intention but rather a twist of fate. 

Yet, Arya would not understand that.

‘…I can’t help it.’

At this point, I felt the need to appease Aria. 

She was not just my personal maid but a crucial talent who might become the exclusive mage of the Duchy of Estel, following in the footsteps of old Carol. Additionally, she might become the ‘Witch of Winter’ in the future. 

I had no reason to anger her, and to be honest, Arya might even be stronger than me now, which made me somewhat apprehensive.

“…it can’t be helped. Aria, I have something to confess to you.”

---

Goblin: Want to read more? Then please consider becoming a Patron at Patreon to read more chapters, and you can also support me by donating at BuymeaCoffee! A little support can help me a lot!

The Patreon page has (IPUAW Level 1) at $5 only a month. Member of this tier will get access to Two Advance Chapters immediately, then stay Two Chapters ahead of regular release for the month! Become a Supreme Patron for only $30 to access all the advanced chapters of all the novels on Goblinslate!

Please point out any mistakes if you find one. Please whitelist this site in your a*blocker to support the translation. If you enjoy this novel, please take some time to rate it on NU