Of course, Hijiri and I are not engaged.
Hime was just saying that unilaterally, and the two of them had never even discussed it.
However, both Kiyoshi and I think Hime is very cute, so we couldn't completely deny what she said.
Maybe I really should have said "no" properly.
However, he can't bring himself to say anything because Hime is so adorable and pure. I think Kiyoshi is probably being vague about the marriage proposal for similar reasons.
That's why things have turned out the way they are today.
"Youhei, this is really delicious."
"Yes. I think this is the first time I've ever eaten such delicious fresh cream."
"I also recommend the strawberries. Eat them with cream and your cheeks will fall off."
Anyway, Kiyoshi and Mei were having some sort of argument a little distance away, but Hime and I decided to eat cake for now.
I'm grateful to Mei-san, who had already cut them up. Hime was munching on the strawberries and smiling softly. So cute.
"You can eat my share too."
"Is that okay? Ah, but I want Youhei to have a taste too."
"I just ate one. I'll give this one to Hime."
There was only one strawberry on the cake, but it was cut in half so it was divided into two. I was satisfied with one, so I gave the other to Hime.
"There's no need to be shy. Here you go."
"...Then I'll eat it. Am."
When I handed it to her on a fork, Hime gobbled it down with her little mouth.
I don't mind indirect kisses anymore. I think that's how close we've become.
"Hehe. Strawberries are special after all."
"I like strawberries."
"It's my favorite fruit...especially the one on shortcake."
And so the two of us were leisurely eating dessert.
When I had finished eating about half of it,
"Yohei-sama, can I have a moment?"
A voice called out from behind.
I turned around and saw Mei beckoning me. It seemed like she was calling me.
"Hime, I'm going to leave my seat for a bit."
"Yes. Have a nice day."
After saying a word to Hime, he stood up from his seat.
A little distance from the dining table, Mei-san and Kiyoshi-san were standing near the entrance. As I walked over to them, Kiyoshi-san started walking away as if to replace me.
"Well, make sure you talk to Yohei, okay? I'll take care of Hime-chan."
"Yes, I'll ask you a few questions."
Does this mean that Hijiri's questioning is over?
Hijiri seemed to be in a bad mood for some reason, and headed towards Hime with a look that said "I'm pissed." Well, it wasn't that scary since it was just a pissed look on his face.
"So, I'd like you to tell me more about it, Youhei-sama. It's quite different from what I heard from Lady Hime."
"...Are you talking about marriage?"
To confirm, I said the word clearly, and Mei nodded slightly.
"That's right. I had already heard that Youhei-sama and the Saint Lady were engaged."
Apparently, I had misunderstood that after all.
Of course, that was false information, so I shook my head, and Mei shrugged her shoulders and let out a small sigh.
"So you're not engaged... What a shame. I thought I could leave that sloppy Saintly Lady in your care."
Mei-san, you say similar things to Hime.
I also have a very high opinion of this person. I think that's a bit excessive, but I'm glad I was able to convey some important information about the marriage proposal.