Two years and a half had passed since then. I didn't do much these past years, just went to subdue some bandits here and there, hunt down monsters that goes rampage and help out during the yearly flood on rainy season. Actually, I don't have to go do all of those but I asked to because I got bored with just following Lucius around.
"Hm….my savings is enough now, isn't it?"
The pouches I had are finally filled with golds, enough to last for my retirement and Louie's need. However, Louie will be working at the mansion soon so he would make his own money.
"What an independent lil' bro I have," I muttered to myself, feeling satisfied with his growth.
The young brother of mine had now turned 15 safely while Jeremy will be graduating in less than a month. Thanks to Jeremy, Louie's academy life had been smooth. That boy, he said this and that but he still listens. Currently, it's the semester break for Louie.
"Sister, what are you thinking about?" Louie suddenly peeked from above as I leaned on the couch.
"….Louie, I'm thinking of buying a house out there. What do you think?"
"If that's what you want, I don't mind."
I gave it a short thought before nodding, "…Right, I'll go ask Lucius."
I wonder if he would allow it. A few years ago, he completely objected the idea of us moving out. Should I just roll on the ground until he let me? I want to try living in the town too…..
"Alright, you may," Lucius replied nonchalantly
"…really? Then I-"
"I'm about to fire you anyway."
His answer took me by surprise, causing me to blurt out my shock, "Wait, what? Why?"
"….."
Lucius stared into my eyes for a long while without saying anything. I guess, he must have his own reasonings
"Not telling, eh? Never mind then, I was thinking of living an easy, jobless life anyway," I scoffed and made my way out of there.
Without further ado, Louie and I proceeded to move out of the mansion. We bought a big cottage by the plain with a spacious lawn.
"Sister, can I use the lawn to plant some herbs?"
"Go ahead, use it to your liking. I'm going to greet our neighbours,"
The people are friendly. Some of them works at the guild next town and are currently on break. I somehow felt unusually comfortable with them, the red-headed archer, the supposedly woodcutter and the rough, strong lady. There is also a handsome young farmer and an old woman that smelled like pastries, she probably loves to bake. The variety of people living in harmony is a sight to behold, it's been a while since I've experienced this.
"I just moved in that cottage over there with my brother, my name is Catherine. Nice to meet you!" The script repeated all day.
After greeting as many people as I could, I made my way back to our home. From here on, my easy and lazy life will begin! I eat and sleep, wake up by noon and exercise once in a while. All in all, it is a typical life of a retired, wealthy commoner.
"Ha....this is heaven..."
I slumped onto the soft bed of mine, reminiscing all those years that had come to a pass. It hasn't been long but somehow felt very distance. I guess that's how life is, anyway.
Living such a listless days, another couple of months passed when I heard a knock on the door while I was lazing around on the couch.
*KNOCK, KNOCK*
"Louie…someone at the door..."
"...."
Ah, yes. Louie went out this morning, didn't he? After a long sigh, I got up groggily. I usually woke up a bit later than this, just who the hell is this uninvited guest?
"Yes…" I opened the door and squinted my eyes from the bright morning light.
"You seem to be enjoying your life," said a silver haired man with a smile.
I was still collecting my thoughts while replying rather enthusiastically, "Hell, yeah. It's my dream life!"
Once my sight got adjusted, I finally managed to process the identity of my guest. *Hm, isn't this him?* I leaned closer to made sure of it.
After confirming his presence, I let my guard down, yawning and scratching my back before asking uninterestedly, "What is the lord doing here?"
He silently gazed on me with his distinctive smile. He seemed to be in a good mood.
"Catherine, please marry me."
After he dropped the bomb, my eyes shot open and my jaw dropped simultaneously. Am I still dreaming? I stared at him with a dumbfounded expression.
"No...I mean- not 'no'. It's just—" I stammered
Gosh, if he wanted to propose, can't he at least give me a sign first? I looked like a 'real' crazy Villager 1 right now. After I snapped out of it, I frantically fixed my bird's nest of a hair.
"&*^% please don't spout it out so suddenly!"
Seeing my panicked demeanour, he also reached out to fix my hair. "I'm sorry, I couldn't wait any longer. My apologies."
Feeling a bit presentable, I immediately thought of a reply. "….But you know what my thoughts are on marrying a noble, right?" I looked up at him with a hint of guilt.
Truthfully, I already knew that he liked me that way. I don't really mind marrying him either, I mean, I do like him. However, I don't want to marry the Marquess of Leonhart, that's the problem.
"I know…." He said softly, as if he is not the Lucius I know.
"Then—"
"But I'm no longer a noble"
"…..pardon?"
He smiled as he held my hand.
"I'm no longer a noble, no longer Lucius Leonhart, just Lucius. So, will you do me the honour of marrying me, Catherine?"
"Huh? How is that possible?? Did something happened back there after I left? Did you got attacked?"
"No, not at all. I simply returned the title to the legitimate heir of Leonhart."
"…Jeremy?"
He nodded while the soft smile still stayed on his beautiful face. Was that why he was so busy before? To prepare the inheritance for the title which usually only passed down after the death of the owner.
"Did you do it simply because…." My voice trailed off as my eyes welled up in tears.
"….I did"
That was when I couldn't held back my tears any longer and just let it streamed down freely. I'm not sad nor in pain, it is the first time I've experienced it. Maybe this is what they called as the tears of joy.
"….you look ugly when crying" He teased
"Shut up or I'll reject your proposal!"
"So you mean you accepted it?"
"Of course I do! Let's get married this instant!"
*PLOP*
The sound of something dropping caught our attention. It turns out that Louie had just returned, heard of the proposal and dropped his basket of herbs out of shock. Even his face is still pale from it.
"S-Sister is getting married?"
"Yes, Louie. Sister is getting married for real!"
Louie, who is now as tall as me dashed and pulled me away from Lucius.
"To whom? The lord?"
"He's no longer the lord, he's your brother now."
Louie pouted a bit as he held me tighter.
Seeing Louie's hesitant behaviour, Lucius stepped out to persuade him. "I'm sorry, Louie. May I have your sister?"
"…."
"I'll take care of her well," Lucius continued.
"Sister…." Louie whimpered.
"Oh, don't worry Louie, it's not like I'm abandoning you. We simply have another member in our family! Come on, sister ain't getting any younger either!" I stroked his hair
Louie was still clinging tightly to my arm, refusing to let go. It took a while for him to accept it. After a few more reasonings, he sighed and reluctantly agreed, "….i-if sister really wanted to then…alright..."
I let out a sigh of relief as I continued to stroke his hair. "Thank you, Louie."
Now that it's settled, I looked back to Lucius, took his hand in mine and declared joyfully, "Well then, let's prepare the wedding now!"