I Ended The Conversation
“Really, you shouldn’t say such things about your own daughter. Besides… I thought most fathers do not like to think of their daughters with someone…”
“Well, it is true. However, my daughters…well, in regards to Claire, I have been expecting it for some time. After all, there was all that talk of suitors.”
“Ah, that’s right. You were the one who kept bringing them up to her…”
“But she was the one who wanted to first. Regardless, because of that, I’ve become used to the idea of her getting married.”
I suppose it was true, since he did care about her a lot, but was still ready to see her get married.
“And so as long as she accepts the person, I have nothing to say. Besides, since I’ve grown fond of you already, it seemed perfect enough.”
“Uh, I’m glad to hear you say that, but… I’m not quite sure what she thinks.”
“Indeed. Well, when one observes her, it seems rather obvious?”
“And don’t worry, it is no matter to me that you are not a nobleman! And this had nothing to do with Leo either!”
“You don’t need to try to set yourself apart from Ms. Anne so much… In any case, this conversation just feels awkward, so we should leave it at that!”
Why did I have to get talked to in such a way by the father of a woman I was interested in…
Well, in many cases, a father was the biggest obstacle, so at least I didn’t have to worry about that… But it still felt strange.
In any case, we hadn’t even reached the town yet, and I did not want to continue this conversation any farther.
“Hmm… However, there is Anneliese now… One must acquire the promising bit of property before it is too late…”
As I sensed that Mr. Ekenhart would not drop it, I told Leo to quicken her pace.
We were at the halfway point now, and I just wanted to reach Ractos as quickly as possible.
Leo had been listening, and she sighed with exasperation. Then she barked and began to run faster.
…Now that I thought about it, Leo had also wanted me to settle down with someone soon… And so did Sebastian. Really, why was everyone here always thinking about that?
“He-hey, wait! Mr. Takumi! It’s too fast! tsk!”
“…Fine. Leo, run just a little slower.”
“Hah… I don’t know how you do it, Mr. Takumi…”
As soon as Leo quickened her pace, Mr. Ekenhart started to shout from behind me.
Apparently, this was too fast for him.
But he quieted down after Leo slowed down a little.
“I thought you were used to riding Leo…?”
“Well, I am used to being around Leo… But at that speed… She was faster than any horse!”
I had little experience with riding horses, so I could not compare… But she had been running quite fast.
Well, perhaps I was fine because I was used to riding on bullet trains…
Leo didn’t reach those speeds. Though, I wasn’t exposed to the wind when in a train, but I could tell by the speed that our surroundings seemed to move.
Also, we had rushed to Range village at a great speed as well, which helped me get used to it.
“While it is wonderful that Leo can move so quickly… Most people would not be able to bear that speed… I can barely see my surroundings.”
“Really? I rather enjoy seeing everything shoot by.”
“You might be the only one, Mr. Takumi. We are too used to the speed of horses. And so it is no good.”
If you weren’t used to it, then going over 100 kilometer per hour would be surprising and disorienting.
And the wind was so strong that it could be difficult to breathe… The only reason that I was fine was because I was right behind Leo’s head, which blocked some of the win.
…I thought that Mr. Ekenhart would be fine if he was behind me… But it was not the case.
“Alright, You can stop now, Leo.”
After Leo had run for some time, I had her stop near the entrance of Ractos town.
“Hah… I knew she was faster than a horse, but not this fast… That was even faster than before, you know? Faster than a horse during a forced march…”
Mr. Ekenhart got down from Leo and stood on shaky feet.
“…Perhaps we can go slower on the way back.”
I petted Leo while thanking her near the town’s entrance.
Mr. Ekenhart also petted her gratefully, but also made a suggestion… But Leo just looked at him uncomprehendingly.
She would definitely continue to run fast.
In any case, as Mr. Ekenhart was able to pet Leo normally now, it showed how much he was used to her.
It was a good thing I had made him play with Tilura and Leo.
When we reached the gates, the guards who were standing there noticed us.
“At ease. I am not here on any particular business today. Think of it as an inspection. And so you should go about your duties as normal.”
The guard was about to go and call his superior, but Mr. Ekenhart stopped him.
I greeted them as we walked by, and Leo barked once.
Perhaps due to Mr. Ekenhart, the guards stood still and watched us leave.
…Or was it because of Leo?
As I had come here several times, I thought they were used to seeing her by now… But maybe not?