After the hunt, I tried to return the ring to Urula multiple times... but she did nothing but shake her head, refusing to take it back.
I appealed to her again and again as we made our way back through the forest, but her answer remained unchanged. Urula stubbornly refused to accept the return of the ring that held command authority over the Secret Unit 'Sky-Demon.'
"That belongs to Rest," she insisted.
"No, look, I’m not the Head of the Margrave Lavender House or anything..."
"Delegation."
"It’s not a delegation, it’s—"
"Then keep it until a child is born. Once we have one, you can give it back."
"A child...!"
I recoiled at her words, which she tossed out as if the matter were already settled.
If this continued, I really was going to end up taking Urula as my wife. It wasn't that I disliked her; I thought of her as a friend, and she had been an immense help to me. Personally, I considered her a good girl.
But... I wanted her to think about the reality of the situation.
Think about it this way. Imagine a girl from your neighborhood, maybe an elementary schooler five or six years younger than you. Then, one day, you’re told she’s your fiancé. How many people could actually rejoice wholeheartedly, thinking, "Score! I got a cute fiancé! Hehehe!"?
I didn't hate Urula, but that was a separate issue entirely.
"The King will probably allow it, too," she added.
"His Majesty... No, well, I won't know that until I actually ask him..."
"You just don't know when to give up."
"............"
It was true; I probably didn't know when to quit. Perhaps this was simply the nature of noble society, but I couldn't just roll over and accept it.
"Ah—er... let's talk about that again another day. I'll have to consult with my father-in-law, Marquis Rosemary, as well."
"I'm looking forward to it."
"Yeah... that's great."
Just as I gave that hollow response, we finally emerged from the forest.
The Margrave Lavender House carriage was waiting for us. A maid standing by the door bowed as we approached.
"Welcome back, both of you. And... Lady, how did it go?"
"Perfect."
"That is wonderful to hear. We shall have a feast today, then."
"What was that about?" I interrupted. "Are you two plotting something behind my back?"
It was Urula and her attendant... I believed her name was Arlie. I sensed something ominous in their exchange, but they both shook their heads in perfect unison, clearly having coordinated their response.
"It’s nothing."
"It is nothing at all. Young Master, please, into the carriage."
"............"
The maid ushered me inside. Still feeling deeply unsatisfied with the situation, I climbed into the carriage.
The carcass of the Diamond Bear was loaded onto a following carriage to be transported by the Margrave's men. With that, the main meat dish for the party was secured. After many twists and turns—and truly, a great many things—my mission in the Margrave Lavender Territory was complete.
"Liquor, fish, and meat... I've gathered enough ingredients."
With such a collection of delicacies, the guests at the party certainly wouldn't be bored. I would be able to serve the finest cuisine and surely make the event a success.
"That's right... I haven't done anything wrong. I've achieved what I needed to do. I haven't made a single mistake...!"
"By the way, Lady," Arlie’s voice drifted in. "It is settled that you will be sharing a bedroom today, correct?"
"Of course... and the bath."
"Yes. A bath together as well. In that case, shall we make dinner something that builds up one's stamina?"
"I'm looking forward to it."
"............"
The conversation between the women continued inside the carriage.
Why did I feel so cornered? I had completed every mission perfectly without a single blunder, yet I felt like a hunted animal.
"I have to run... with every ounce of my being."
I decided right then and there. If push came to shove, I would flee this land at full speed, regardless of any breaches of etiquette or the social fallout.