85 85. We Have Our Respective Consent And Freedom

Ayaka felt satisfied that she could be just an ordinary girl today. When not burdened with her duties, she showed a tender, cute side to her. This was unexpected, knowing how she usually treated others with politeness and courtesy. It was a good thing that no one realized that she was a young lady from a big clan. Otherwise, the atmosphere would turn awkward in an instant.

Since the sun already set, they decided to return. However, when they arrived at the Chinju Forest, Ayaka stopped her track. Then, she turned to Ryūhei.

"What is it?" Ryūhei asked.

"I've already decided…"

"???" Ryūhei didn't understand what was with her sudden declaration.

Ayaka continued.

"I think… I think I will set myself a new goal: To live each day without regrets."

"Didn't you already do that?"

"No. That's not what I meant. You already understood that I have another side to myself, right?"

"Eh, really? You have an alter ego?" Ryūhei asked her jokingly.

"That's not!" Ayaka pouted. "After my parents passed away, my big brother and I took over responsibility for the affairs of the clan. We ran into all sorts of difficulties during that time… I'm not sure if people outside the clan could ever imagine what it was like. Yet, there are still a lot of things I yearn for. Wearing pretty clothes or dressing up, trying to eat any food from any different places, playing games, reading novels, enjoying festivals, and playing with fireworks. I want to experience what an ordinary girl does. But for someone of my position to just show up at a festival all of a sudden — it could be considered improper etiquette."

"It's more like making the people around you feel nervous. You know, you can live whatever you want in the first place. However, your thinking is: "As a member of the Yashiro Commission as well as a young lady of the well-known clan, I must meet the people's needs and personally assist in all kinds of matters." Your dedication often moves people and earns their respect. As a result, you actually become a perfectionist, which will be your downside as a teenager."

Ayaka could only listen to him while pondering. And then, Ryūhei added.

"It's not like I'm against a perfectionist. But, being a perfectionist from a young age makes you miss the essence of being a teenager, which is: to have fun. Perhaps people in Inazuma used to respect you. So, people your age refrain from getting involved with you. In that case, free yourself from the so-called clan once in a while. Find some friends that are willing to talk to you normally regardless of your status."

Ryūhei didn't intend to talk about the philosophy of life or something along those lines. He just doesn't want someone he knows to go through their teenage years in vain just because of being burdened with family matters. This wasn't because Ryūhei took pity on Ayaka. But this was something Ryūhei had experienced in his previous life, which prevented him from enjoying school life or having friends of the same age.

And although Ryūhei was still a teenager by now, his mentality was not. He can still have fun, but he also has to take responsibility for what he does. That's why he couldn't do something like what most teenagers would do.

What most teenagers would do were; play games, hang out with friends, forget the time to go home, disobey parents' words, fight over trivial matters, and so on, which should have been taken care of accordingly. In addition, it was a phase to develop their personalities as well. And Ryūhei wanted to let Ayaka experience such an adolescent in a positive way. Let her have friends, hang out, and so on. With that, she wouldn't regret it in the future.

"Thank you! You understand my personality pretty well, don't you? And I think I'll do what you say." Ayaka is grateful to have gotten to know Ryūhei, even though their meeting was due to an arranged marriage. Despite Ryūhei's standing being way lower than her at that time but getting her through an arranged marriage, Ryūhei never used that as an advantage. In fact, except for those siblings, Ryūhei always avoided people as much as possible.

Meanwhile, after hearing what Ayaka said, Ryūhei replied.

"You're welcome! I'm glad I could understand your personality well. It's important to trust your own instincts and make the decisions that feel right to you. If my suggestions align with your thoughts, then following them might be a good idea. However, always remember that it's ultimately your own choice and you should do what feels best for you."

And as expected, Ayaka felt something different from him.

"Say, Ryūhei. I think you've changed."

Ryūhei shrugged his shoulders.

"People can change for a variety of reasons, and the causes can be complex and multifaceted. I have my reasons and motivations for change. And you might have known as well, which are my life experience, environment, and interaction or relationship with you. Other than that, it's because of my personal growth and self-reflection. Those are the reasons why the old me is gone." He knew he had changed, but he still couldn't tell the truth. So, he spouted whatever bullshit he had in his mind.

"Life experience, huh? You said you almost died back then. Was that what caused you to change?"

"You can say that." Ryūhei nodded.

Looking at Ryūhei, Ayaka pondered.

'He had experienced several life threats since he was in the Kaedehara clan which made him act more mature and wary of other people. However, the last threat to his life made him change once again. Not only that, his eyes even changed color. Was it because he was struck by lightning? In the first place, is it even possible to change the color of the eyes?'

Ryūhei couldn't read her mind, so he didn't know what Ayaka thought about him right now. Even if he knew, he would let Ayaka guess by herself.

The two walked along the Chinju Forest. Walking step by step, Ryūhei suddenly asked.

"Ayaka, I have always thought about this. What do you think about our marriage arrangement?"

Ayaka halted her step, then looked at him without saying anything.

Uncomfortable with her gaze, Ryūhei added,

"You know, it's not like I have mind reading or something like that. I want to know because I don't know what's on your mind. Normally, most people wouldn't dare raise a voice to object to the marriage arrangement if both of them were from prominent clans. However, both you and I only fulfilled our parents' wishes. We have our respective consent and freedom. And I don't want you to be forced to accept the marriage arrangement just because. I hope you understand what I mean."

Ayaka digested Ryūhei's words in her mind. She understands his concern since marriage was often based on love, commitment, and mutual understanding. It is important to respect and acknowledge the variety of viewpoints surrounding this while advocating for the freedom of individuals to make choices that align with their own desires and values.

She smiled bitterly.

"Then, do you want to object to our marriage?"

Ryūhei shook his head to deny it.

"How could that be?" Then, he explained, "Honestly, you can say that I am very lucky to have you as my marriage partner, knowing that you are renowned as the perfect young lady, even though I know that every person can't be perfect. But, you said nothing nonetheless. Then again, why would I object to having you as my marriage partner? Still, this marriage arrangement seemed too forced. I don't like to force you in this matter since I believe every person has their own freedom in choosing. At the end of the day, our marriage arrangement depends on you, Ayaka. You have taken one step forward, and you have decided to live without regrets. Although I hate to say this, I want you to decide whether you want to keep our marriage arrangement or not."

Ryūhei was still not old enough to undergo the marriage ceremony. At the very least, Ryūhei would have to wait until he turns 17, which would be December 16 of next year. However, that could also be considered the time limit needed if Ayaka decided not to continue.

Ryūhei had never seen or felt that Ayaka had feelings for him. Even if there is, it's only limited to friends only. That's why Ryūhei decided to talk about this directly since they were alone. He wanted to know what Ayaka thought about their arranged marriage.

This might be a little bit biased. But, Ryūhei felt that she was indeed a waifu material. Except for the weird dishes she cooked, everything else about her is perfect. In fact, he couldn't find a girl that was almost as perfect as Ayaka in the modern world in his past life.

Hearing what Ryūhei said, Ayaka closed her eyes as if she was in deep thought. And a moment later, she opened her mouth.

"I…"