I Supported My Fiancé for 10 Years After He Said, 'Let's Get Married When I Succeed,' but When He Finally Did, He Dumped Me. By the Way, I'm a Witch and Turning 30 Next Year!! - Episode 43

Hearing such an impossible story left me feeling terribly exhausted.

For today, I decided to take my leave.

When I offered to continue looking after Carbuncle, Saint Sui easily agreed.

“I’m actually not good with fluffy creatures, so that helps me a lot!”

Carbuncle, upon hearing that, turned to me with a look that seemed to say, ‘Did you just hear that?!’

“I’ll tell the sisters and the holy officers that Carbuncle is staying in the Holy Ark Chamber.”

Carbuncle, who was now suddenly being treated as a recluse, gave me another look, as if to say, Isn’t that a bit too much?!

Apparently, the Holy Ark Chamber is a space that only the saint and divine beasts can enter. No one else can interfere, so she assured me there was nothing to worry about.

“So, are you going to look for the user of dark magic?”

“I’m not sure yet.”

This wasn’t something I should get involved in on my own. I had to discuss it with Ie.

For now, I should express my gratitude and take my leave.

“Thanks to you, I’ve learned a lot. I appreciate it.”

“No problem.”

Now that I had properly faced her, I realized she was just an ordinary girl.

Well, as long as I ignored her twisted love for Rymer.

Suddenly, something piqued my curiosity, so I asked a question.

“What’s your real name?”

“Why do you ask?”

“No reason, just curiosity.”

“It’s Hina.”

“Hina… That’s a cute name.”

“Thanks! My mom thought of it, and I love it! It means ‘cheep cheep’ like a baby bird.”

“Cheep cheep…”

“Yeah! If you’d like, you can call me Hina from now on.”

“Are you sure? Won’t people think it’s weird if they hear me call you that?”

“It’s fine. I have a name I love, but no one calls me by it. That would be lonely, right?”

At fifteen, she was still at the age where she would normally be with her parents. Yet, here she was, summoned to another world and living bravely.

Calling her by her name… That much should be fine.

“Well, if anyone looks at you weird for calling me Hina, it’ll probably be the witch, not you.”

“Hey!!!”

For a moment, I felt sympathy for her, but I immediately regretted it.

Still, since Hina had given me valuable information for free, fulfilling at least one of her wishes wouldn’t be too much.

“If I ever have more questions, I’ll come talk to you, Hina.”

“Thank you! Ask me anything!”

Her eyes seemed to glisten slightly, but it was probably just my imagination.

After that, I left the holy church with Carbuncle wrapped around my neck like a scarf.

I thought I might get caught, but surprisingly, no one noticed.

My head was still a mess, but for now, I needed to talk to Ie.

With that in mind, I made a one-time contract with a pigeon nearby and had it delivered a letter to Ie.

Nighttime–

That night, Ie arrived using teleportation magic, likely to avoid being seen.

“I apologize for using your pharmacy as my landing spot without permission.”

“It’s fine.”

If rumors started that the son of the Duke of Claiburg was secretly visiting a witch’s pharmacy at night, it would be a huge problem for Ie.

But when I mentioned it, he shook his head.

“It’s not a problem at all.”

“Really? Thanks.”

That said, having to use teleportation magic every time we met must be a hassle.

Not to mention, teleportation consumes a lot of magical energy.

“If that’s the case, why don’t we just get engaged? That way, no one would think it’s strange for us to be together.”

I meant it as a joke, but Ie suddenly took my hand with a serious expression and said something completely unexpected.

“I’d love to!”

…My eyes must have gone wide in shock.

“Um, sorry, what did you just say?”

“Becoming your fiancé would be like a dream come true, Rei. You’re granting the wish I made eleven years ago… I’m truly happy.”

Ie’s eyes sparkled like gemstones.

Apparently, he didn’t realize I was joking.

“I’ve been struggling with this for a long time. I want to stay by your side, but I don’t want to cause unnecessary rumors or speculation that might trouble you. If we’re engaged, nothing will stand between us!”

What do I do…?

He’s so happy that I can’t just say, I was kidding!

And besides, he did propose to me once before—eleven years ago.

Now that I was no longer with Rymer, there was no real reason to refuse him.

“From now on, I will do my best to be a fiancé worthy of you!”

“Wow, how reliable…”

Watching Ie savor the joy of our engagement, I couldn’t help but think—

I really messed up.