"Now, I just need to talk to Luna."

I had spoken to everyone except Luna.

Luna was the only person left.

I sat in the lab, looking towards the door.

Just a short walk through this door, and I would find Luna's lab.

But the closer the location, the harder it became to approach.

Luna and I saw each other's faces every day.

Because we interacted so routinely, I worried about how to start the conversation.

"It feels a bit too casual to just bring it up... But then, it seems too serious to suddenly make it a big deal..."

I thought hard about it.

How could I bring it up without it being awkward?

I couldn't come up with a good idea like I did with the others.

As for Luna's hobbies, all she did was research magic.

She didn't have any particular hobbies.

But if you ask what she likes, she enjoys eating?

Luna eats well, but she looks happier than usual when she eats something delicious.

"Maybe I should look for a good restaurant?"

Sitting still wouldn't give me any good ideas.

So, I decided to move around and look for one.

If I found a restaurant first and looked around the area, maybe something would come to mind.

"What happened..."

Luna had waited all day after hearing the rumor.

She didn't go to see Rudy; she just stayed in her lab alone.

But Rudy didn't come.

"Something... something must have gone wrong?"

Rudy was a perfectionist in work matters but often a klutz in daily life.

This time too, it must have been that Rudy forgot to tell her...

Suddenly!

"That can't be!!!"

Luna stood up abruptly.

How could she have forgotten something like this?

Of course, there was a misunderstanding.

Rudy was unaware of the rumors that he had gotten engaged to someone else.

The rumors started because he hadn't officially announced any marriage, nor was he seen going out with anyone.

"Sigh..."

Luna was left alone in a state of gloom.

Knock, knock.

"Lady Luna?"

"Who is it?"

"It's your maid, Cirelle. A visitor has come for you. I was informed at the front gate."

"A visitor?"

"They said it's Lady Riku and Lady Ena..."

Luna's eyes widened, and she hastily opened the door.

"Oh, it's really you! Where are you now?"

Luna ran quickly to the front gate.

There, Luna's close friends, Riku and Ena, were waiting.

"Riku! Ena!"

"Luna! It's been so long!!!"

"Luna, you haven't changed at all."

The last time Luna saw Riku and Ena was at the Graduation Ceremony, but it had been nearly a year since they had spent time together.

"How have you been!"

Ena responded with a smile to this question.

"I went back to the place I was interning at."

"Ah~! To the researcher side?"

Ena was dressed in a robe, typical for scholars.

Ena, who had always been suited for research, had become a researcher affiliated with the Academy's Alchemy Department.

"What about you, Riku?"

"I'm just traveling around~. After rolling around in the Academy, I needed some time off~."

"Sigh. Do you know how hard it is to get a job through the Academy's placement... Just go back to where you were interning."

"Pfft! I can't waste my youth in such a place! I'm going to enjoy being unemployed a bit longer!"

"Ahaha... That's so like you, Riku."

Luna laughed awkwardly at Riku and Ena's conversation.

"Speaking of which."

"Right, right! Luna!"

Both of them turned to Luna, their eyes filled with curiosity.

"“What happened with Rudy?”"

Both asked simultaneously, as if they had agreed on it beforehand.

"Rudy's marriage news has been quite the talk lately, hasn't it?"

"Yeah. That's why I came."

"......"

Luna slowly looked at them and then made a gloomy face.

"What should I do?"

After guiding Riku and Ena to the reception room, Luna chatted with them.

From how she had been doing lately to why they came to visit.

The reason Riku and Ena came was somewhat obvious.

The famous story of Rudy's marriage among the nobility.

They rushed over after hearing the news.

"He didn't say anything to you?"

Riku and Ena looked incredulous after hearing the full story from Luna.

"What! How can that be! Where is Rudy now! I'm going to go straight to him and..."

"Riku, wait."

Ena calmed the fuming Riku and pondered.

"But why wouldn't he say anything to you?"

Luna quietly opened her mouth in response to Ena's question.

"I don't know either."

Luna's affection for Rudy wasn't something new.

Rudy hadn't responded to it and was planning to marry someone else.

That was the strangest fact.

"As far as I know, Rudy isn't that bad of a guy."

"That's true..."

"He might be a bit clueless, but not to the extent that such a situation would arise."

"Right..."

"I think there might be some misunderstanding."

Luna had somewhat guessed this might be the case.

"So, the rumor might be false?"

"It doesn't seem so. If it were really a false rumor, the royal family or the Persia dukedom wouldn't just sit quietly."

"Then...?"

"It seems you're indeed in a very disadvantageous and urgent situation."

It was a thunderbolt out of the blue.

"I guess I really..."

"But!"

As Luna was about to despair and tear up, Ena reached out her hand.

"It's also important that it's not over yet."

"…Not over yet?"

"Rudy hasn't confessed to you, but that doesn't mean he's rejected you."

If Rudy really didn't have feelings for Luna, he would have apologized before.

But he didn't.

This meant there was still a chance for Luna.

"So, Luna! What should you do in this situation!"

Caught off guard by Ena's sudden question, Luna tilted her head.

"What should I do?"

That's when Riku excitedly raised her hand.

"Miss Ena! I have the answer!"

"Yes, Riku! Let’s hear it!"

"The answer is for Luna to make the first move!"

Ena smiled at Riku's response.

"Luna, you heard that?"

Luna bit her lip quietly.

Nothing changes if you just sit still.

You can't wait forever for Rudy's answer.

Gather your courage and make the first move…

"…I'll speak up first."

The next day.

"Luna?"

Luna went straight to Rudy's office.

"Ru, Rudy! Would you like to have dinner with me? Tonight…!"

"Oh, that works out perfectly."

"…Huh?"

"I found a nice restaurant. Want to go there?"

"Oh, yes! Tha, that sounds great. I mean…"

"Great, then let's meet in front of the Magic Tower after work. Okay?"

"Uh, yes!"

Luna was a bit startled by Rudy's suggestion.

Originally, she had planned to take Rudy to a restaurant she had found.

She intended to proceed with the plan at a nice place recommended by Ena and Riku, but she ended up nodding along when Rudy made his sudden proposal.

Due to Luna's nature, she didn't know how to refuse an offer, hence this development.

But it wasn't a complete derailment of her plan, so no big issue there.

After all, the choice of restaurant wasn't the most important part.

Time quickly passed, and it was time to leave work.

"Oh, Luna, you're here? Finished your work?"

"I, I did…!"

That was a lie. Luna hadn't managed to do any work during her shift.

With such a big event ahead, it was impossible to focus on work.

She just opened and closed the closet in one corner of the lab over and over again.

"Shall we go then?"

"Yes!"

Luna responded, fidgeting with her clothes.

The dress she was wearing had been chosen after much deliberation during work hours.

It was a dress saved for an important occasion, and wearing it felt somewhat uncomfortable since she hadn't worn it many times before.

Of course, the current situation added to this discomfort.

She had to confess to Rudy today.

That's why she kept fidgeting with her dress, wanting to look as pretty as possible.

"Here we are."

Lost in thought and adjusting her dress, they arrived at the restaurant Rudy had mentioned.

"This place..."

It was one of the most renowned restaurants in the Empire for its delicious food.

It was very famous, highly praised by high-ranking nobles.

"This place is incredibly expensive, right? And hard to book..."

"It's fine. I've already made the reservation, and money is not a problem."

"But still…"

Rudy smiled and pushed Luna's back gently.

"Let's go in. We're going to miss our reservation time."

"Uh, okay..."

Pushed by Rudy, Luna entered the restaurant.

"Wow..."

Luna exclaimed in awe.

The furniture inside seemed to be made of gold, shining brightly, and the soup and salad laid out were too beautiful to eat.

"Can we really eat this? It looks too precious to touch."

Rudy playfully messed up the food on his plate and took a bite.

"Wow, this is so delicious."

Watching Rudy, Luna swallowed her saliva.

Though the food was beautifully decorated, it was incredibly appetizing.

Luna closed her eyes tight and first touched the soup.

"…!"

The perfect temperature, the umami swirling in her mouth, and the subtle aroma of mushrooms spreading gently.

The small pieces of meat on top of the soup doubled its flavor.

After one spoonful, Luna began to devour the soup eagerly.

Rudy asked Luna.

"Is it good?"

"Mhm!"

Luna nodded vigorously, her mouth full of food.

"We'll prepare the next course."

As soon as they finished their bowls, the courses continued to arrive one after another.

"Mmm~~~!"

Luna ate with a blissful expression, indicating it was delicious, and Rudy smiled happily watching her.

Thus, they finished their meal.

"Did you enjoy the meal?"

"Yeah, I'm full…"

Luna smiled happily, rubbing her stomach.

Then, Luna realized why she was here and what she had to do.

"Ah…"

She had intended to at least mention marriage during the meal.

But the meal was already over.

She had been so engrossed in the food that time just flew by.

'What an idiot!'

Luna inwardly scolded herself, looking upset.

Seeing Luna's troubled expression, Rudy tilted his head.

"Luna, is something wrong?"

"No, it's nothing..."

Seeing her satisfied with the meal but then suddenly distressed was puzzling.

"Ha. Ha. Rudy, isn't the weather nice?"

It was odd.

Talking about the weather in a room without a single window.

And speaking in such a mechanically stiff manner made it clear.

Why is she acting like this...

Rudy slipped his hand into his pocket, fidgeting with the ring he had prepared earlier.

'Maybe today's not the day..."'

Luna didn't seem to be in good condition, and attempting anything now wouldn't yield any good results.

"Ha. Ha."

Luna awkwardly laughed, possibly aware of Rudy's thoughts.

'Now that we've finished eating...'

Rudy looked at Luna's empty plate and started getting ready to leave.

"Shall we go now?"

"Go? Where to?"

"Home. We've finished eating, and it's awkward just sitting here."

"Oh, no!"

Luna abruptly stood up from her seat.

Rudy looked at her, puzzled.

Realizing her own reaction, Luna quickly tried to cover it up.

"Like Rudy said, it's awkward just sitting here... Let's, let's go somewhere else. Yeah! Somewhere else!"

"Somewhere else?"

Rudy had a place in mind for after dinner.

He had planned to give her the ring there, but since he intended to give it to her on another day, they couldn't go to that planned place now.

After a moment of thought, Rudy smiled at Luna.

"How about we take a walk outside?"

After settling the bill, Luna and Rudy stepped outside.

They walked the streets in silence.

Even though it was evening and the streets were dark, the moonlight was bright enough to walk without any problems.

During their walk, both of them were lost in their thoughts.

'What to do. What to do.'

Luna wanted to create a favorable situation, but in these circumstances, finding a good solution seemed impossible.

Rudy looked at her with a concerned face.

'…Why is Luna acting like this.'

Luna fidgeted with an anxious expression.

She neither looked at him directly nor opened her mouth to speak.

Rudy couldn't understand the situation.

He hadn't spread any rumors about marrying someone else, so he couldn't imagine that Luna had heard such news.

'We're walking because Luna wanted to…'

It seemed best to send Luna home.

She looked anxious for some reason.

"Luna?"

"Uh, yes!"

"The wind's getting chilly, should we start heading back?"

"Go back? Why? Is something wrong?"

"No, it's not that…"

That's when Luna thought.

'Rudy wants to go home…'

Would Yuni, Rie, and Astina be waiting at home?

Maybe they had already enjoyed their meal together.

Would Rudy end up eating twice? Misunderstandings led to more misunderstandings, and Luna became more confused.

And then.

"Luna?"

"Ugh… Mmph…"

She started to tear up.

"Lu, Luna. Why…"

"Wahh!!!"

Overwhelmed by her emotions, Luna burst into tears.

The situation was already too sad, and the thought of Rudy starting a married life without her was unbearably painful.

"Rudy! Don't leave me behind!"

Luna, with tears streaming down her face, rushed towards Rudy.

"Uh, what?"

Rudy was taken aback by the situation and looked at Luna, who had suddenly thrown herself into his arms.

Although he wasn't sure what had happened, he hugged Luna and patted her back.

"Sob… Sniff…"

"It's okay. Everything's going to be okay…"

As he comforted her, Luna gradually stopped crying.

"Shall we sit down for a bit?"

Rudy led the tear-streaked Luna to a bench and sat her down, then crouched in front of her.

"What happened today? You've been anxious the whole time."

"No, it's not… Sob. It wasn't anything…"

"Really? Can you tell me why you cried then?"

Luna looked at Rudy, who was gazing at her with genuine concern.

After bursting into tears like that, she couldn't just beat around the bush.

"…I heard a rumor."

Luna quietly began to explain.

Why she cried.

What she had heard.

"Already a rumor…"

After hearing the whole story, Rudy sighed.

"So, sorry… It's all my fault…"

At that, Rudy shook his head and spoke firmly.

"No, it's not your fault, Luna. If anything, it's mine. I should have been aware of such rumors spreading."

Understanding the whole situation made Rudy realize why Luna had acted that way.

Then, there was no reason to postpone things any further.

Rudy reached into his pocket, pulling out a small ring.

"I'm sorry. I've been too late."

"This is…"

"I wanted to say it in a better place, at a better time. But it seems too late now, so I'll give it to you now."

Rudy gently took Luna's hand.

"Can I really accept this? If you're doing this just because I cried…"

"Do you think I'd propose just because you cried?"

"I'm a crybaby… I'm not as bold as Rie or Astina…"

"That's you, Luna. And I like you just the way you are."

"My face is a mess right now…"

Rudy smiled, lifting his hand to wipe away her tears.

"A mess? You're only beautiful."

At those words, Luna pressed her lips tightly together.

"Sob…"

"Why are you trying to cry again?"

As he spoke, Rudy slipped the ring onto Luna's finger.

And said,

"I love you."

Hearing those words, Luna swallowed the tears that threatened to come out again.

And responded,

"I, I love you too."

It was a confession full of twists and turns.

Yet, the outcome was positive, and so Rudy's confession operation came to an end.

"Ahem."

The officiant, Cromwell, cleared his throat and called Rudy forward.

"Groom, Rudy Astria."

"Yes."

"Do you vow to love your brides forever?"

"Yes, I will love them."

Cromwell turned his head to look at the brides standing beside him.

"Bride, Rie Von Ristonia."

"…Yes."

"Bride, Yuni Von Ristonia."

"Yes~."

"Bride, Astina Persia."

"Yes."

"Bride, Luna Railer."

"Yes, yes!"

Cromwell called out to all the brides and let out a chuckle.

It felt somewhat like sending off sons and daughters in marriage.

Immersed in sentiment, Cromwell spoke.

"Do you vow to love Rudy Astria forever?"

Everyone in white wedding dresses looked at Rudy beside them.

At their husband Rudy Astria, clad in a black suit…

Rudy smiled at everyone and responded to the officiant's question.

"“Yes, we will love him forever.”"

"Then I declare in this ceremony that all of you are now united in marriage."

Applause and cheers erupted in the wedding hall following Cromwell's declaration.

However, those standing in front didn't hear such sounds.

They only had eyes for each other.

Rudy smiled at them all and spoke again.

"I will love you forever."

[raei: And that's it guys! My first ever novel translation complete! Thanks for everyone that stayed all the way. I unfortunately stopped reading comments halfway through because I just got so busy. Would probably help if I made something that just sent all new comments to me rather than having to go to chapter page each time. Another thing in my to do list I guess.

I also have a novel completing in 2 days and another in a month... I've been translating for a year now so it's nice to have some completed novels under my belt. I'm picking up some new novels I'll be releasing with the completion of this and my second novel so check them out if you're interested! One is a harem as well.

I hope you enjoyed the novel, the tl quality has come a long way... I wonder if anyone remembers the dumb mistakes I made in the first bunch of chaps... and then the huge confusion over Jefrin's gender...

Anyways, Raei out! (￣ー￣)ゞ]