What was important to Ruth was what results her marriage with Elexis would bring.
If Ruth and Elexis were to get married, Ruth would gain Elexis's financial powers and his political influence, and Elexis would gain the Pardomshiha name and social standing. That could be considered give and take.
However, that wasn't all. There were three other problems that bothered Ruth.
The first was whether or not Elexis could be trusted. Upon speaking directly with him, Ruth felt like he was trustworthy. On top of that, the Pardomshiha family's intelligence division had researched Elexis's personal life. In short term, there were no problems whatsoever. But what about the future? He wasn't a knight but a merchant. Wasn't the reason for DKI's growth that he always sided with someone who could bring him profit? Right now he was on Theia's side, but would he stay on her side in the future? Could he still be trusted if Theia's political influence was to wane for some reason? In other words, Theia was a little anxious because Elexis wasn't a knight.
The next problem was regarding Elexis's human nature. This was similar to the first problem, but here his personal side came into question. If Ruth were to marry him, he would naturally end up being by Theia's side often. If Theia were to suffer because of that, it would be problematic. Was Elexis really a man that Theia would want close to her? It was necessary to take his character, opinions and even hobbies into account. Like the first problem, this was a small cause for concern.
And the final problem. This was the most important one, but it was regarding what Ruth wanted to do about the arranged marriage.
Ruth was aware of how valuable this marriage was. By increasing Ruth's political influence, she could indirectly be of Theia's aid. What's more is that Elexis gave off a good vibe. Although he had a pushy side to him, he seemed positive and kind. If they were to get married, he would surely make her happy. She had two minor doubts, but she felt like she didn't need to worry about his character. Ruth would probably never have a fiancé more blessed than this.
However, something deep inside her wondered if this was okay. She felt like she was betraying something. That's why Ruth couldn't decide on marriage despite such favorable conditions.
It would be best if I get married with El-sama... that much is obvious to anyone... I am probably only anxious because it's all so sudden... as time passes that should solve itself...
There is no reason to refuse and everything will surely go well.
Ruth repeatedly told herself that while praying that she would come to believe that to be the truth.
Part 3[edit]
Ruth and Theia arrived at Kitsushouharukaze high school just as the lunch period was about to end. They sat down at their desks and stayed quiet. It looked like the two of them were deep in thought.
Koutarou was worriedly looking over the two.
Of course they'll worry... Marriage is a big deal after all...
This was a major event that would determine Ruth's future. And to Theia, her childhood friend’s life was about to be decided. It was not such a simple problem. Even Koutarou understood that they would have a hard time smiling. When the Satomi family had suddenly lost the mother, there was a time where the father had thought of remarrying. When Koutarou thought of that, he believed he could imagine how they might feel.
Alright, I'll leave it to after school.
There was something Koutarou wanted to talk to Ruth about. However, as the lunch period was about to end, he didn't have enough time for it now. He decided to hold onto it until after school.
As the school bell rang out, Ruth was looking at the clock installed above the blackboard. It was now three o'clock and school had already ended. However, Ruth didn't register the time or the school bell. Not even the contents of the afternoon classes had stayed with her. She was currently fully occupied with her worries.
Oh right, I better hurry home...
It took about ten seconds after the school bell rang out until Ruth realized that school had ended for the day. Recalling that she had a guest, she hurriedly got up from her seat. And at the same time, Theia arrived next to her.
“Ruth, I'll go on ahead. Elexis-dono might be getting up. You go and prepare dinner.”
Ruth and Theia had come to school because Elexis had needed to rest because of the time lag. And preparations for dinner had to be made before he woke up. So the two divided the work on the preparations.
“Thank you very much, your highness. I am relying on you.”
“Yes. You keep it together too. It's your guest after all.”
Theia waved her hand and left the classroom. She hadn't been as distracted as Ruth and had already finished preparations to go home.
“This won't do, I need to keep it together...”
Ruth warned herself for being too disconcerted.
She should have left the classroom with Theia, but she had been unable to do so because she was too shaken. It wasn't a very good sign.
Having woken up, Ruth put her bag on her desk and began gathering her notes and textbooks.
“Ruth-san.”
That was when Koutarou called out to her.