Chapter 37 - After Marrying the Great Demon Lord in Secret Part 4 - Preference

"My lucky day?" Cendrarsa repeated the phrase, her expression puzzled.Seeing an opportunity, Aunt Three swiftly moved closer, reaching out to embrace Cendrarsa's arm."Of course, it's a lucky day! Nowadays, who can afford to eat meat every day? They say, if you agree to marry him, he'll open a grand clinic for you. You can do whatever you please, and as for meat, you can have it as you wish."Chuckling softly, Cendrarsa gently retrieved her arm from Aunt Three's grasp."Aunt Three, thank you, but I haven't considered marriage yet. Besides, I don't particularly enjoy meat; I'm content with simple fare like vegetables and radishes.""What? You don't like meat? Who doesn't like meat?" Aunt Three, recalling the promise from Dave, that if this marriage were to happen, she would receive half a pig as a gift, quickly swallowed her saliva."Cendrarsa, don't reject this so soon. Our Dave is truly a good man, honest and capable, and he would certainly cherish his wife. Take your time to consider; there's no rush for an answer.""Not at all, Aunt Three...""I'll take my leave now, I'll come back another day. Cendrarsa, keep it in mind." Before Cendrarsa could respond, Aunt Three hurriedly departed. It was crucial not to close the door entirely on such matters; leaving room for future discussions was wise.Observing the plump woman's brisk departure, Cendrarsa refocused her energy on figuring out how to navigate her relationship with Zagonnas.However, as soon as the sun rose, her clinic once again bustled with visitors.For three consecutive days, she was occupied from dawn till dusk. On the fourth day, when the rain finally came, and no patients arrived, Cendrarsa made herself a bowl of noodles to fill her stomach. It was then that a sturdy man wearing a straw hat appeared in the downpour."Cendrarsa, my mother is ill. Could you come and take a look?""Oh? Sure."Without much thought, Cendrarsa grabbed her medical kit, picked up an umbrella, and followed the man.His pace was brisk, but Cendrarsa's martial arts skills and agility allowed her to effortlessly keep up.In this remote village, wealthy households were scarce, but the man's home appeared well-off. There were refreshments set out on the table in the living room for guests.Following the man into the inner room, Cendrarsa found an elderly woman lying on the bed, seemingly asleep."My mother woke up today feeling unwell after lunch and couldn't get up." The man stood anxiously beside her, explaining."I see." Sitting by the bedside, Cendrarsa began examining the old woman's pulse.After a moment, she lowered her hand."It's nothing serious. Just drink some hot water.""What?" The man looked surprised, and upon hearing this, the old woman opened her eyes, speaking with a trembling voice, "Doctor, I'm feeling uncomfortable, with a headache and pain all over. Please give me some medicine!""Ma'am, taking medicine without a proper diagnosis can be risky. I have other matters to attend to, so I must take my leave." Cendrarsa shook her head in resignation, preparing to depart. The old woman's pulse was strong, and she seemed perfectly healthy.However, as she rose to leave, the old woman sat up."Dear, don't rush off. You've come all this way; stay a little longer. Quick, go make some tea for the young lady." The old woman glanced at her son.The man was momentarily stunned but quickly left the room.Subsequently, the old woman began to smile at Cendrarsa."Young lady, that was my son Dave, the village butcher. The matchmaker must have visited you, right? She mentioned that you were quite pleased with our son, but wanted to discuss further. However, my son is almost thirty, and I'm eager for grandchildren. I invited you here today to have a chat; let's have the wedding on the sixth day of next month."Cendrarsa widened her eyes, finding the situation rather amusing.When did she express satisfaction with Dave? What was going on here?Shaking off the old woman's hand, Cendrarsa chuckled."I never agreed to anything with the matchmaker, nor do I have any intention of getting married. Please excuse me, ma'am."Leaving those words behind, Cendrarsa walked out, coincidentally encountering Dave."Cendrarsa, you're leaving? Let me walk you.""No need." Cendrarsa was starting to feel annoyed. The rain had stopped, and she left with her umbrella and medical kit.Dave seemed insistent, sticking close to Cendrarsa."Cendrarsa, my mother is getting older, and sometimes she may be a bit confused. Please don't mind.""Cendrarsa, once we're married, I've already thought about it. We'll have two children, a boy to learn butchery from me and a girl to study medicine with you. Your clinic is too small; in the future, I'll build the largest clinic in our village for you.""Cendrarsa, I..."Cendrarsa's patience had reached its limit. She stopped in her tracks, looking up at Dave.She contemplated producing a poison pill, perhaps silencing him forever.However, at that moment, a nearby wooden door swung open.Zagonnas emerged from within.Dave immediately noticed Zagonnas."Oh, sir, you're going out just as the rain stops?""Yes, going out for a walk," Zagonnas replied, his gaze shifting to the visibly enraged Cendrarsa.Seeing Zagonnas's gaze on Cendrarsa, Dave hurriedly added, "Sir, this is my future wife who hasn't crossed the threshold yet. My mother said, in a few days, we'll have a wedding banquet, and you must come then."Dave spoke confidently, wearing a smug expression.Upon hearing this, Zagonnas was momentarily stunned.The most powerful leader of the Southern Poison Sect was to marry a butcher.What was her intention? To eat meat? Was there a shortage of pigs in the Southern Region?Confused, Zagonnas let out a brief, "Congratulations."Initially, Cendrarsa had contemplated violence, but this infuriating lunatic was now offering his congratulations!Considering revealing her true identity and engaging in a confrontation, she hesitated. But then she remembered, he was her leading man, her beloved Merlin. Despite her anger, she held back."Heh, Dave, you've misunderstood. I prefer scholars like Zagonnas here. Why would I marry him?" Cendrarsa not only spoke these words but also cast a flirtatious glance at Zagonnas before turning back to Dave."Dave, it seems the matchmaker may have misled you. I have never agreed to marry you."