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Chapter 188: Alicia\'s Feelings 2

Translated by AmaLynne

“Sorry for calling you out like this. Now, please have a seat.”?

“Father? Even Mother is here. What’s going on?”

?Alicia’s parents welcomed her into her father’s study.

Alicia couldn’t help but wonder if there was some particular reason both her father and mother were present. She sat down on the sofa, curious.

Both her parents took seats on the sofa, facing Alicia across the table.

“Lately, our house has had its fair share of troubles, but it’s also become more festive with some good news. To the point, Viscount Robert has expressed his intention to pursue a betrothal with you, Alicia. We wanted to confirm your feelings about it.”

“Does that mean… you want me to marry Jim-sama?”?

“At the very least, the other party, and none other than Jim, wishes for it.”

The Viscount Robert House had been acquainted with Alicia’s family for some time, primarily due to their mothers being friends from their school days.

The eldest son, Jim, was a young boy attending a magical academy and Alicia’s childhood friend.

Jim had held affection for Alicia since childhood, but Alicia, who was somewhat brash and didn’t enjoy listening to people prattle on about themselves, didn’t think too highly of him.

“Jim will graduate from the magical academy this year. He plans to enlist in the magical army. It’s at this juncture that he wants to take Alicia as his wife. Indeed, they plan to be engaged until his graduation, after which they will get married.”

“Jim is not a bad person. He has talent as a mage, and above all, he has sincerely admired Alicia since childhood. That’s why we’ve been pushing forward with this arrangement.”?

“…I…”

?Facing her enthusiastic parents, Alicia’s voice was heavy.

It was no surprise, as Jim wasn’t the kind of partner she wanted to marry.

She knew he wasn’t a bad person, but they simply weren’t compatible.

“Of course, if you’re not inclined to go along with it, you’re free to decline. Considering what happened with Lise, we want you both to have the marriage you desire.”?

“…I don’t intend to oppose your opinion, but it would be quite challenging if you ended up marrying late.”

“I understand. However, it’s not an age to rush, is it? Alicia is still only seventeen, isn’t she? She’s still attending school, and I don’t think it would be a bad idea to wait at least until she graduates.”

“You’re just saying that because you’ll be lonely when our daughter gets married.”

“Hey, hey now, stop that in front of Alicia.”

“Hohohoho, my apologies.”

Watching her affectionate parents, Alicia felt a longing for marriage.

Suddenly, Sam’s face flashed in her mind, and once again, her chest ached.

“Now then, Alicia, what do you think? Even if you’re not fond of gentlemen, wouldn’t it be different with your childhood friend, Jim? You see him at least once a month, and I believe he will understand you.”?

As a mother, she must be delighted at the thought of Alicia marrying a friend’s son.

Thinking that way, it became difficult for Alicia to say she disliked Jim.

Certainly, they saw each other every month, but Alicia had never confided in anyone about how painful that once-a-month encounter was.

She refrained from speaking about it because she was sure her mother would be disappointed if she found out.

?However, Alicia began to question herself, wondering if it was okay to let Jim and the marriage proposal proceed this way.

?(Jim-sama, I’m sorry. After all–)

?She couldn’t seem to fulfill her mother’s and Jim’s expectations.

Alicia took a deep breath and looked straight at her parents.

?(I must gather the courage. I must speak up!)

?If things continued as they were, she would end up hurting Jim.

She didn’t want an unwanted marriage.

As a noble’s daughter, she might be considered unfit, but she couldn’t seem to let go of the feelings in her heart.

“…I’m not fond of Jim-sama.”

“Alicia?”

?Summoning her courage, she spoke that one word and the rest came naturally.

“He’s always so self-absorbed, and he’s never once listened to me. It’s always just about his accomplishments. I hated having to endlessly listen to his self-praise. He’s not someone who listens to my stories like Sam does.”

“Alicia, could it be that you…”

Her parents were taken aback by her unexpected mention of Sam’s name, and they asked cautiously.

“…Yes. I hold affection for Sam-sama.”