“R-really…?”

“Of course! After all, you managed to defeat that monster with a single kick…! Moreover, I’ve never eaten such a scrumptious boar meat and tomato soup before!”

Hadith always carried handy, comprehensive, travel kit with him. It was a first aid kit—and included bandages and disinfectant; a small pot, a knife, a cup, and even a spoon. Somehow, he also didn’t forget the seasoning.

Camila would describe his preparedness as him “being accustomed to banishment.” Regardless, Jill opted to just think of him as being dependable—because it was less sad that way.

“Almost everything is readily available in Kratos! Therefore, we shouldn’t run out of things to eat for a while!”

Jill spoke as she fumbled with a steaming potato. When Hadith offered to refill her cup, Jill nodded.

They sat at the base of a large tree, where its overlaying leaves gave the impression of being a roof while its roots acted as chairs. It was like a shabby secret base. Rave, who sat on the log beside Hadith, looked around and sighed.

“It’s surprising to see green onions, tomatoes, and potatoes growing in the Rakia Mountains. I mean, we’re only halfway up the mountain? Did the Saber family plant them?”

“I wonder about that. Certainly, my family manages everything around here. However, I think some seeds just ended up here and they grew on their own.”

While the Kingdom of Kratos and the Rave Empire were connected by the Rakia Mountains, the terrain and climate were completely different. After all, one was blessed by Kratos—the Goddess of Love and Earth; while the other by Rave—the Dragon God of the Sky.

“Still—! The soup is only delicious because of His Majesty’s cooking ability—!”

“But you were the one who hunted the boar. Not only that, you adeptly handled the meat.”

“Of course, since it’s my forte! Leave it to me!”

Incidently, Hadith seasoned the skewered boar meat with salt and pepper before grilling it. As of the present, it was already in Jill’s belly.

“How far are we?”

“I think we’re already halfway through. While it depends on what’s ahead, I think we’ll either arrive tomorrow or the day after. We’ll surely be able to overcome the trial in three days, and then get married—!”

“O-okay, but then, the purpose behind the souvenirs and dowry I prepared—”

“—Don’t dwell on it, Hadith. Sometimes, simple is best.”

“Before we reach the mansion, I’d like to at least get changed…”

Hadith sighed while dusting off the hem of his clothes. Basking in the dreamy light and shadow of the campfire, the melancholic Hadith seemed mesmerizing. As she sipped the warm soup, Jill sneaked a glance at his face.

“I don’t think the way you dress will matter much to my parents…”

“But it matters to me? To be frank, I’ve been worrying about how to face Jill’s parents for a long time.”

“…Why is that?”

Having a bad feeling, Jill frowned at him.

“In the world of dragons, we’re a married couple, while in the Rave Empire, we’re engaged… But it’s different to your parents, right? Won’t they chastise me for being impudent…?”

“Hmm, I don’t think they’ll mind. Besides, it’s too late for that. In the first place, didn’t you kidnap me in front of my parents?”

“—That’s exactly what I’m saying! Hence, I’d like to improve their evaluation of me, even if a little.”

Jill was weak when Hadith—who was taller than her—looked up at her. The sight of his head made her want to stroke it. To conceal that desire, Jill cleared her throat and contemplated their situation.

…Her relationship with the 19-year-old man. If neither “marriage” nor “betrothal” could describe it, then how about a lover? But for a 11-year-old girl to have a lover…

“…Then, to me, you’re like a boyfriend, or something?”

“A boyfriend—!?”

Jill muttered casually, and Hadith answered in surprise. As his eyes swum, he suddenly draped a huge blanket over his head.

“B-b-b-b-boyfriend…!? I, I’m your, boyfriend…!?”

“Well, if you don’t like it—”

“—I don’t hate it!!”

Hadith turned around and denied it with all his might. But he soon turned red and fidgeted.

“I-I don’t really mind, but how do I put this… I’m not ready for it yet!”

“…Aren’t you here to ask my parents’ approval for our marriage?”

“T-that’s different! H-hey, a ‘boyfriend’, as in, someone who’ll hold hands and goes on dates with you, right!? That’s also known as a lover, isn’t it!?”

“…But aren’t we already engaged?”

“This and that are two different matters—!”

Looking at Hadith’s insistence, Jill asked Rave.

“Am I mistaken?”

“Dunno, I’m going to sleep…”

“—After all, an engagement is mostly a contract, isn’t it!? But a couple is different—as in, they’re together because they love each other. It’s as simple as that! Despite having no obligations or reasons to do so, they still love each other, hold hands, and go on dates—!”

…What is he on about?

Despite having come this far, he still doubted Jill’s feelings? Jill eyed him skeptically. In response, Hadith wriggled and covered his face with both hands for some reason.

“I can’t believe I’m your boyfriend…”

“Like I said, if you don’t like it—”

“—I don’t hate it!!”

‘Haa…’ Jill exhaled. For the time being, Jill understood that the word ‘boyfriend’ caused Hadith immense joy.

Is it something to be embarrassed about? To be considered His Majesty’s girlfriend this late in the game…

Jill, who was about to finish her soup, suddenly pried the cup away from her mouth to avoid choking. Her face was probably red… but that was because she’d been sitting in front of the campfire that entire time.

“…Uhm, Jill?”

“W-what is it!?”

Before she knew it, Hadith was already staring at her. As soon as their gazes overlapped, Jill turned away. She overreacted, and in turn, Hadith spoke.

“Since I’m now your boyfriend, can I flirt with you?”

“Eh?”

“Aren’t you cold?”

Certainly, since they were high up in the Rakia Mountains, the temperature was lower than at the foot of the mountain, especially at night. But it was midsummer…

…Your Majesty, you’re quite gutsy.

However, when he waited like a dog begging for a treat, she couldn’t exactly reprimand him. Rave had disappeared somewhere—perhaps slumbering inside Hadith.

While holding her cup, Jill stood up and sat between Hadith’s legs. His face lit up instantly.

“Let me warn you, we don’t have much time.”

Hadith, who was in a good mood, wrapped his arms around Jill’s shoulders.

“I know.”

“We’re doing this to get our marriage approved.”

“Somehow, I doubt that. Haven’t you had your share of fun?”

“Is that no good?”

Hadith nestled on her shoulder. Pursing her lips, Jill admitted it—

“—I just want to show my family how cool His Majesty is.”

After she said that, Jill hid her face behind the cup in embarrassment. Although, even if she hadn’t done that, Hadith wouldn’t have been able to see her face anyway.

“I see.”

Hadith’s reply was brief, while his voice was calm. It was difficult to imagine that he’d lost his cool at the word ‘boyfriend’ just now.

“I’ll do my best.”

“Really.”

“Yes, so let me charge up for a bit.”

—Chu.

He dropped a kiss on her ear.

He’s truly gutsy…

When she turned around in anger, Hadith only laughed at her.

“We can’t do this in front of your parents, right?”

While that might have been the case, it was still improper. Still, Jill decided to not object because of the gentleness of the arms that held her tight.

…Certainly, her current expression wasn’t the one that she could show her family.

---

***T/N: Their relationship REGRESSED but in a good way (???????)

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