Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 275
‘People often try to fill their own deficiencies through others.’
You’re wrong, my friend.
There are always exceptions in this world. Someone with an iron will and overflowing defiance may instead find their deficiency gives rise to a sense of cynicism.
‘I have no particular attachment to the idea of family.’
I have no confidence I could be a good husband. No confidence I could be a good father.
So, from the start, I expect nothing.
It’s not even a marriage I chose for myself, so surely such indifference is understandable. And you, woman of Lasphilla, aren’t you the same?
Logan looked at the woman who would become his wife. A woman from a distinguished noble family with outstanding looks. Ordinarily, she would never marry a nouveau riche commoner like himself.
The fact that such a woman ended up in his hands meant that she, too, had a deficiency like his own.
Deficiency? No. To others, it was seen as a flaw.
“Will you be all right with this?”
When Logan asked, the woman was startled. It was clear she hadn’t expected him to speak to her first.
“W-What do you mean…?”
She stammered. It suited her timid nature, but it seemed her lovely voice was being overshadowed, which was a bit of a shame.
“I mean, marrying me.”
“…D-Do you not like me?”
“That’s not what I meant.”
Logan took a moment to choose his words carefully.
“We both have complicated circumstances, don’t we?”
“Oh.”
Only then did she grasp his meaning.
Both Logan and she were children born from their fathers’ affairs. It was difficult enough for one, but if both husband and wife shared such a blemish, it would be even more conspicuous.
“What about you, Lieutenant? Are you all right with it?”
Of course Logan didn’t care. He wasn’t the type to worry about what others thought, nor did he have much reason to cater to people’s expectations.
His status as a soldier had freed him from the busy scrutiny of high society.
“I have no problem with it.”
“Th-then, I’m alright with it too.”
The woman smiled with her head bowed. It seemed to be a habit, but it was a little frustrating. The shadow on her face made her expression hard to see. He thought she would look much prettier with a proper smile…
“I’ve always… I, I always wanted a family of my own. …It’s been my dream.”
Ah, family.
Is that so? Are you one of those people who wishes to fill your deficiency?
A heavy sense of obligation settled on his shoulders.
He asked,
“Does it not matter what kind of family it is?”
“N-No, it’s not that…”
Perhaps the sudden question felt like an attack, as she hesitated.
“I’d like it to be as harmonious as possible…”
“In that case, you should meet someone better. Someone who can help you build a good family.”
She must think he’s lost his mind to be saying this right before their wedding. But he swore he meant no harm.
Logan genuinely wanted her dream to come true. He hoped she would build a happy family and live in peace for the rest of her life.
In that case, it couldn’t be him. If she ended up with someone as unprepared as him, she would surely suffer.
So, before it was too late, he…
“Can’t we try together?”
She asked. This time, she didn’t stammer, and her tone was so quick it felt almost anxious.
“Together…?”
“Yes, I… I…”
She hesitated, waving her hands several times and repeating things like ‘I’m sorry’, ‘just a moment’, ‘please don’t be angry’.
Logan waited patiently. It wasn’t particularly difficult. All he had to do was keep his mouth shut and his ears open.
But still, she kept asking him not to get angry. That, too, seemed to be a habit.
“You can take your time.”
Only after Logan reassured her did she finally confess, almost in a sigh.
“I like you, Lieutenant.”
Her voice, which had barely held together like silk thread, gradually gained strength.
“I want to build a happy family with you, Lieutenant.”
She no longer bowed her head. With a face flushed red, she looked him straight in the eye.
“I…”
I’m not confident. I don’t know how. I’ve never seen it done.
So things likely won’t go the way you hope.
A thousand denials ran through his mind, but what came out was this.
“…I’ll try.”
He was startled by his own answer, which was not what he intended.
But he soon forgot.
Because she smiled.
Without bowing her head, without trembling.
With a face as bright as violets in the midday sun, she smiled.
Oh, so dazzlingly, almost unbelievably.
