"No Marriage, Please! vs. Marry Me or Die: The Ultimate Love Showdown" - Episode 11

There was neither a sister nor a priest in the church—only a single man stood there.

He was dressed in a way that immediately evoked a sense of nobility. His jacket, a striking contrast of deep crimson and black, was adorned with intricate gold embroidery across the chest. The collar, trimmed in gold thread, gleamed like a royal crest.

His hair, a vivid red, shone with luster, and his facial features were perfectly symmetrical. Everything about him screamed aristocracy.

“May I help you with something? The sister and priest are currently out, but if it’s something I can assist with, I’ll be glad to.”

“Ah, yes… It’s about Ria. She’s not feeling well today and won’t be able to come in. I wanted to ask if she could take the day off.”

“Oh? Miss Ria, you say?”

When I explained, the man reacted with slight exaggeration. It seemed he was familiar with Ria.

“Ah, how rude of me—I haven’t introduced myself yet. I am Naris Cedwyn, the margrave overseeing this region. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“I’m Yuri. I’m an adventurer.”

Cedwyn offered his hand, and I shook it.

“Mr. Yuri, I’ll make sure Ria’s absence is reported on my end.”

“Thank you. I appreciate it.”

Having delivered the message, I turned to leave the church—but Cedwyn continued the conversation.

“By the way, what is your relationship with Miss Ria?”

“I’m her bodyguard. Things have been getting a bit dangerous lately.”

“Ah, you mean the griffin incident?”

“Yes.”

“I see. That explains it. Ria is an exceptionally talented individual—I’ve taken quite an interest in her well-being. Please give her my regards.”

“I will. Thank you.”

Given I was dealing with a noble, I bowed more deeply than usual before leaving the church.
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When I returned to the estate, Ria was still asleep. I brought some freshly made soup to her room.

“…suu… suu…”

She was still asleep, but she needed to eat something. Gently, I shook her to wake her.

“Mmm… ugh…”

“Ria, how are you feeling?”

“I still feel a bit hazy.”

“I brought some soup. You should get something in your stomach, even if just a little.”

Scooping the soup with a spoon, I brought it to her lips.

“Can you open your mouth?”

“Mm. Ahh—”

I slowly fed her the soup and watched her reaction.

“How is it? Is it okay?”

“Sniff…”

“H-Hey, what’s wrong? Does it taste bad?”

“No… It’s delicious. Really, it is.”

“I see…”

I didn’t press further. I understood. Of course—living alone in such a large mansion, there’s no way she wasn’t lonely. She probably never had anyone take care of her when she was sick before.

“…suu… suu…”

After finishing her meal, Ria soon drifted back to sleep. I gently stroked her beautiful silver hair.

But… I knew. I would have to leave soon. Our parting was drawing near.
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†
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The next morning at dawn, I went to Ria’s room. She had opened the curtains and was bathed in the morning sunlight.

Her silver hair reflected the light, glimmering with breathtaking beauty.

“Ria. Are you feeling better?”

“Oh, Yuri. Yes, I’m completely fine now after resting a day.”

“I figured it was probably due to overusing your magic.”

“Seems like it.”

Just in case, I placed my hand on her forehead to check for any remaining fever. She had once been surprised by the gesture, but now she accepted it without resistance.

“Your fever’s gone.”

“Mm. Thank you, Yuuri. Really.”

“No problem. Shall we have breakfast?”

“Yes!”

We sat down in the dining hall to eat. Then, I decided—it was time to tell her.

“Ria.”

“What is it, Yuri? The food’s delicious again today.”

“I’m… leaving the mansion tomorrow.”

“…What?”

Clatter. The spoon slipped from Ria’s hand and hit the table with a dull clang, echoing in the silence. She sat frozen, as if time itself had stopped.

“I’ve told you before—there’s something I must do. That’s why I have to leave.”

“…”

Ria looked down, her eyes hidden. I liked spending time with her too. We were on the same wavelength, and everything felt easy when we were together.

But I knew what was coming. A great war would soon break out in this world. To stop it, I had to take action.

“H-Hey…”

“What is it?”

After a long silence, she spoke slowly.

“This is just hypothetical—just a ‘what if,’ okay?”

“Yeah.”

“What if… you stayed here? You could use this place however you want! I know I’ve been relying on you so much, but I’ll work hard with chores and everything! So, what do you think…?

She looked up at me anxiously, but my answer had already been decided.

I slowly shook my head.

“I have a mission.”

“A mission…?”

“Yeah. I have to go, to fulfill that mission.”

“Is it really something you have to do…?”

“It is. I believe… we should carve our own paths in life.”

Though I spoke in abstract terms, I wanted to convey the strength of my resolve. It’s okay. I’m sure we’ll meet again. Ria will eventually join Theo’s party, play an active role, and lead the kingdom to victory.

“…Yeah. I understand. You have your own life to live, too. You can’t just stay stuck in one place.”

“I’m sorry. I really enjoyed the time we spent together.”

“Me too. I was happy.”

“Let’s have a special dinner tonight—something a bit fancy. Want to cook it together?”

“Yeah…! I’m looking forward to it!”

Ria smiled brightly, but I could tell it was forced. It pained me, but there was nothing I could do.

Still, if I manage to survive in this world… then maybe, just maybe, I’d like to spend more time with her again.

After that, Ria went to the church. She remained composed until the very end, making sure not to worry me.
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Night fell.

I had spent the day in the dungeon, honing my abilities, and returned home a bit earlier than usual. Now, I was waiting for Ria to come back.

“She’s late today.”

The mechanical ticking of the clock echoed in the quiet house. Ria usually returned around this time—but today, she hadn’t.

Then again, overtime does exist in this world too. It couldn’t be helped.

And yet—no matter how long I waited…

Ria never came home.