Chapter 52: Former Fiancé Part 2
The trigger for this discussion seemed to be the investigation of my house that took place the other day. The Rajinia family had always portrayed Jin as physically weak and hardly ever let him leave the house. Nonetheless, due to their family's status, various marriage proposals came from different households. Among them was the Rufios family, who would later become Jin's fiancée. Consequently, Jin got engaged to Flora of the Rufios family.
However, even after the engagement, Jin was never allowed to leave the house, not even during gatherings between the families.
"In the end, they asked me to break off the engagement a month ago, citing that my illness persisted for several years and didn't improve. Considering I couldn't even step outside once, I proceeded with the cancellation of the engagement."
"And that's why I, the party involved in this, came all the way to the royal castle to hear the story since I'm now healthy and working as an adventurer," I said, and Novel nodded, looking at me intently.
Never would I have imagined that I'd calmly talk like this with someone who had been my adversary throughout the entire game.
"Jin-kun, can you tell me what happened during these twelve years of your life? I want to know the truth," Novel asked sincerely.
"Sure, but whether you believe me or not is up to you, Novel-sama," I replied.
Having said that, I proceeded to recount the twelve years Jin had lived and the setting I had for him.
The princess and Novel listened quietly, and after hearing everything, Novel let out a sigh and gazed at the ceiling.
"I had no idea that something like that was happening in the ancient and prestigious Rajinia family, even though I was nearby... Jin-kun, I'm sorry. Even though I was close, I couldn't do anything."
"N-No, it's not your fault, Novel-sama! Please, lift your head," I urged.
Novel listened to my words and, perhaps feeling he should have done something, bowed his head.
To my surprise, he raised his head after a while and took a deep breath.
Damn, it's such a hassle dealing with this version of Novel.
In the main story, I had to go through quite a bit to cheer him up when he was bothered by the actions of the nobles.
"Novel-san, I created this setting to have a discussion about the future, so if the discussion doesn't progress, we can end it here," the princess said to Novel, not showing any signs of disturbance.
Upon hearing the princess's words, Novel, taken aback, raised his head and took a deep breath.
Wow, the princess is amazing for being able to calm Novel down with just a single word.
"S-Sorry, I got a little carried away..."
"I understand how you feel. I was also surprised when I learned about Jin-san's past. But now is not the time to be shocked. We've arranged this meeting to discuss what comes next," the princess said.
"That's right. I'm sorry, Jin-kun. Even though you came all the way here for a discussion with your former fiancé's father, I got carried away..." Novel apologized, and I returned the sentiment.
"Now, Novel-san, what do you intend to do after hearing Jin-kun's story?" the princess asked.
"For now, I plan to investigate the Rajinia family with the king. It's not just for Jin-kun's sake; I cannot forgive those who act against the nobility," Novel replied, his eyes focused and serious.
"I expected that from you. But wasn't that something you had already decided without talking to Jin-kun?" the princess inquired.
"I was contemplating it. However, hearing the story, I made up my mind to take action," Novel said, gazing earnestly at the princess.
Then, he turned his gaze towards me, and I sensed a serious atmosphere.
Oh no, I have a bad feeling about this...
"Jin-kun, are you available on a day next week? Could you meet with Flora?" he asked.
"Fl-Flo...ra-san?" I stuttered.
"I intend to tell her what we discussed today. Most likely, Flora will want to meet you. She wanted to talk to you herself and even came here alone despite her father's opposition. Can you do this for me, Jin-kun?" Novel asked with a determined expression.
After some thought, I decided to meet Flora once, so I replied, "Alright, I'll meet her. Let's set the day for next week when I have a day off from work. We can meet at the Rufios family's place."