He wasn't very interested in conversation as we walked. Short answers while constantly looking away made me think that he was upset, but I hadn't done anything to upset him. I think.

" Are you alright? You've been very quiet..." I didn't expect a reply, and it took him a few seconds to come up with one.

"Why do you like him so much?"

I stopped, surprised by the topic. " Who, Roderich?". He laughed and answered "Well, do you like someone else?". He grinned and leaned closer. " I bet you like big strong guys, who can manage their property well and are smart and stuff. Sure, that spectacled jerk is smart, but he's such a wimp! I don't see how someone like you could be attracted to someone like him." He was still smiling, but it wasn't a happy or mischievous smile, more of a sad smile like when you remember your first love who didn't love you back.

" I, uh... He is smart, very smart! He can be tough, too. When I'm uncertain, he knows what to do and can help me with it. If we're wed, our kingdoms will be united and he will manage my defensive soldiers. I believe he will be a great leader."

He gave me a tired expression and laughed dryly. " So you like his description, what about him? There's always a soul inside a suit of armour, a personality behind a mask. Do you know how he rules his people or how he would want your children to be raised? Assuming he's willing to do the act to conceive them." I looked away, not out of annoyance with Gil but because the idea of him and I together in that way still made me blush, even knowing we are meant to do it someday, were going to do it possibly yesterday. He seems to take it as a sign I'm mad at him though, and sighs.

" Look, I'm sorry. I should be more sympathetic I guess. I know you don't have much of a say in this, so you have to make due with what you've got. I just don't see why it's him, there's some better options out there." He shifted and kept up a straight stare away from me.

" Wh-what, are you volunteering?" I laughed nervously. " Hey, how is it you know him so well, or rather, have such a strong opinion of him? I've been raised in this same general area my whole life, as has he, and I've never met you before yesterday. I didn't think he did, either." I looked at him suspiciously.

He cleared his throat. " I don't need to tell you about that right now. In fact, I won't. Whether or not I'm volunteering doesn't matter, you're dead set on him." There was a little bitterness to his voice that surprised me. What does this stranger care? "If you're done with the awkward questions, we're approaching the town we'll be staying in."

I looked up and sighed lightly. It looked like a cozy little town, one of those off the well-known path where all the members of the community know each other decently and everyone's in each other's business. In a loving way.

This is supposed to be my new home? Alright. I guess.


Ahh sorry it took so long! I'm in my last year of high school, and it seems the teachers are giving us plenty of essays to remember them by. I currently hate ancient Romans and dislike the ancient Greeks thanks to essays and Art History and stuff. Anyways, enough about me, this chapter isn't complete. That's why it's got a different title type than the past chapters. I dunno if anyone noticed, but I was trying to make every title in a different language. I'm lazy though, so they'll mostly be in English from now on, with the exception of random Spanish or something.

Ehehe awkward moments. So much easier to know what to reply when it's not you getting embarrassed.

Anyways(again), I'll have the second half up soon, probably on Sunday or possibly tomorrow(unlikely). Thanks for keeping up with my derpy story thus far! :D Have a nice day~. Reviews are loved ( so so loved). Any input is useful~.