Na-Isekai Ako
Chapter 20: From Business to Betrothals

Chapter 20: From Business to Betrothals

Katherine’s eyes sparkled as she admired the delicate craftsmanship of the glass figurines before her.

"These are beautiful, Zamir!" she exclaimed, gently tracing a finger over the smooth surface. "I remember you saying you weren’t good with glasswork."

Zamir snorted, scratching the back of his head. "I wasn’t. Still not, honestly. But after shattering a few hundred pieces, I figured out how not to."

Katherine grinned. "Trial and error?"

"Mostly error." He picked up one of the figurines and squinted at it. "There was a lot of screaming involved. And maybe some mild existential crises."

She laughed. "Still, these are incredible! I had no idea you could work with glass."

Zamir placed the figurine down with exaggerated caution. "Technically speaking, I still can’t. That’s why I started experimenting with glass-like materials that don’t break. You call it plastic, right?"

Katherine gasped. "You made plastic?! That’s incredible! How?"

Zamir shrugged. "I didn’t invent it, if that’s what you’re thinking. An alchemist introduced the concept to me."

She tilted her head. "Was it someone... like me?"

"Yeah." His tone was casual, but the weight behind the word wasn’t lost on her.

A curious glint flickered in her green eyes. "I hope I get to meet them soon."

Zamir’s expression darkened slightly. "Yeah, about that. They kinda... disappeared."

"Oh." Katherine hesitated. "Like... mysteriously?"

"Well, they didn’t exactly leave a letter saying, ’Don’t worry about me, I’ve gone off on an exciting journey and definitely haven’t been kidnapped.’" He shrugged. "But they left behind detailed notes—just in case something like this happened."

Katherine frowned. "So they expected to disappear?"

Zamir gave her a long look. "You’re catching on quick."

She exhaled, deciding not to think too hard about the implications of that. Instead, she latched onto another thought. "Wait, magic towers have alchemists too, right?"

"Yep. Mostly the kind that don’t go missing. At least, not on purpose."

"I see..." she murmured. The topic made her think about Maestro Eldritch—he was a magician, after all. Would he know anything about going back to her world? Should I send him a letter? Well, that could wait. She had other priorities right now.

Shaking off her thoughts, she turned back to Zamir. "Anyway, these are perfect! I’ll pay five gold coins for each piece."

Zamir blinked. "I’m sorry. You’ll pay what now?"

"Five gold coins each."

He stared at her as if she had just offered to buy air. "That’s too much. I was thinking one gold was already generous."

"Consider it a tip for a job well done," she said with a grin. "Think of it as an investment."

Zamir slowly took the payment, his expression unreadable. "...Is your aunt aware you throw money around like this?"

Katherine laughed. "This is just my allowance. I haven’t even asked her for anything yet."

Zamir shook his head in exasperation. "You nobles are unhinged."

"I know, right?" she teased.

He narrowed his eyes at her. "Wait a minute. You... actually have no idea how currency works here, do you?"

Katherine coughed. "I am learning, okay?"

Zamir sighed, running a hand down his face. "I take back what I said about nobles in general. You, Katherine, are the true lunatic here."

"Oh, you just realized?" she said cheerfully.

The two laughed before she instructed her chaperone to carry the glasswork to the carriage.

As the laughter faded, Katherine shifted her focus back to her growing list of errands. Right. Next on the list...

She sighed. "Now, I need to buy clothes for the tea party."

Zamir gave her a blank look. "That’s... your biggest problem right now?"

"Sadly, yes."

"...I’d say I pity you, but I don’t."

Formalities were still something she wasn’t used to, but there was no avoiding them. With a quick instruction to the driver, they set off for the salon.

***

Yevon sat by the window, enjoying her afternoon tea as Philemon carefully poured her a fresh cup. The soothing aroma of ginger filled the air. She longed for a stronger brew, but her doctor had advised her to drink tea in moderation.

"Philemon, it’s been a month, hasn’t it?" she murmured, gazing out with a melancholic expression.

"Yes, my lady."

"Katherine reminds me of him so much," Yevon said, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her teacup.

"The similarities are uncanny," Philemon agreed.

"Even the way they surprise me with things I’ve never seen before... it’s just like him."

Her words carried her back to a memory she cherished.

That night, the rain had been relentless, drumming against the carriage roof as they rode home. She remembered how the driver had stopped so abruptly that she had nearly lost her balance. And there, in front of their estate gates, lay a boy—soaked to the bone, battered, barely clinging to life.

She had acted without hesitation, ordering him to be brought inside. Wrapped in warm blankets, he had been placed in a guest room, his breathing shallow, his body feverish. She had sat beside him, watching over the frail child, wondering what fate had led him to their doorstep.

Then, the boy’s eyes had fluttered open—dazed, unfocused, yet shining with something indescribable. And then, in a weak, trembling voice, he had whispered—

"Sister... am I in heaven?"

Yevon’s grip on her teacup tightened as the memory washed over her. She had never forgotten that moment—the fragility in his voice, the raw desperation in his gaze. It was the moment Jonathas had entered her life.

Philemon’s voice gently pulled her back to the present. "Do you suppose the young lady is aware of the master’s whereabouts?"

"I haven’t spoken to Katherine about Jonathas," Yevon admitted. "As he said, she will come and ask when the time is right. We can wait."

Her hand drifted to her belly, a soft, thoughtful gesture. "And as for this little one... I wonder..."

"Would you like to make an announcement about your pregnancy, my lady?"

"I’d rather wait for my husband," she said, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "But he left me a letter... in case he couldn’t return."

Her fingers lightly traced the folded parchment that rested beside her tea tray. It was worn from how often she had opened and read it, yet the ink remained crisp, as if his presence had been etched into every word.

"My love, I am sorry for my selfishness. If I am not to return right away, I leave everything to you. Know that my heart is with you no matter where I am. No matter how long it takes... I will return to you."

She swallowed the lump in her throat, smoothing a hand over her belly. "If that happens, I’ll share the good news. Our child..."

"Do you plan to tell Lady Katherine?"

"Yes, but not yet. She’s still busy familiarizing herself with everything, isn’t she?" Yevon glanced at her loyal butler, a knowing smile in her eyes. "I suppose she’s just as adventurous as Jonathas."

"You seem happy, Your Grace."

Yevon let out a soft laugh. "I thought I would waste away in sorrow, drowning in heartbreak... but surprisingly, I feel calm. Happy, even." She took a careful sip of her tea, savoring the warmth, though she wished she could drink more. "It still feels like he’s here, even though he’s far away."

"I am truly happy for you, my lady."

A thought crossed her mind, bringing a new spark of excitement to her voice. "Have you tried the delicacy Katherine made for me yesterday?"

"The taho, my lady?"

"Yes! I’d love to have some again—it was absolutely delicious!"

"Lady Katherine shared some with me as well," Philemon said approvingly. "It is quite a treat."

"Could you ask her to make some for me again? I’d love to share it with this little one." Yevon rested a hand on her belly once more, her expression tender.

Philemon’s lips curled into a proud smile. "Actually, my lady, the young mistress set aside some in a jar to preserve—just in case you wished to have more."

"Oh? She did?" Yevon’s eyes lit up with pleasant surprise.

"Yes, my lady."

"Perfect! Bring me some at once."

"As you wish, my lady."

As Philemon left to retrieve the dessert, Yevon turned back to the window, her gaze distant but warm.

Her fingers brushed over the letter one last time before she set it aside.

"No matter how long it takes... I will return to you."

A wistful smile touched her lips.

"Oh, Jonathas..." she whispered, a longing sigh escaping her lips. "I miss you dearly."

***

Duke Briseo and his wife, Princess Floresca, were visiting King Linceo for an afternoon tea with Princess Laura. The setting was refined yet warm, the air filled with the soothing aroma of freshly brewed tea and delicate pastries adorning the table.

"I wish Florante could’ve joined us today," King Linceo remarked, his tone wistful.

"He’s doing well with his studies in Athens, Your Majesty," Princess Floresca replied with a proud smile. "I receive letters from him regularly. He is excelling in both his studies and training."

"Perhaps we could announce your engagement to him once he finishes his studies, Laura," King Linceo suggested, turning his attention to his daughter.

"But I’m only 14, Father," Laura protested, her brow furrowing slightly.

"Yes, you are now 14, and eligible for marriage. I married your mother when I was 18," King Linceo said, nodding as if it were a simple fact.

Duke Briseo chuckled lightly. "They should enjoy their youth first, Your Majesty. I married Floresca at 20."

"Yes, but I’m not getting any younger," King Linceo teased, his tone lighthearted. "I want grandchildren."

The elderly nobles laughed together, the sound echoing warmly in the room.

Laura listened quietly, her thoughts drifting. Though she didn’t resent the prospect of marrying Florante, she understood it was her duty as the princess to consider the best match for the throne. She wondered, though, about the whispers she had overheard in court regarding Count Adolfo.

"But aren’t some of the nobles pushing for Count Adolfo as a potential match for Laura?" Duke Briseo asked, an eyebrow raised.

King Linceo sighed, setting his teacup down with a slight clink. "That young man... While I acknowledge his abilities, he is ambitious to a fault. I would much prefer Florante for the role, to be honest."

Princess Floresca, ever composed, spoke carefully. "I understand why some nobles favor Adolfo. He is charismatic and highly intelligent, but his ambitions can be... concerning. Florante, on the other hand, has always shown great integrity and wisdom. He understands duty and leadership beyond personal gain."

King Linceo nodded. "And that is precisely why I trust Florante more. Briseo, I have known you for many years, and I have always admired how you have raised your son. He will make a fine leader."

Duke Briseo inclined his head respectfully. "That is an honor to hear, Your Majesty."

"Perhaps it’s better to first appease the nobles before making any announcements," Floresca suggested. "The aristocrats’ feedback can be tricky if not handled properly."

"Indeed," King Linceo agreed. "But the upcoming Summer Symposium might be an excellent opportunity to showcase Florante’s suitability to the public."

Laura’s eyes brightened at the thought. She would get to see Florante again, and it would be a chance to strengthen her relationship with him. She felt a flutter of excitement in her chest.

"What do you think, Laura?" King Linceo asked, his eyes softening with affection.

"Of course, Father," Laura replied, her smile warm and genuine. "I would be happy to participate this year."

The Summer Symposium was a yearly tradition that allowed young women to visit Athens for a month, giving them the rare opportunity to attend the academy’s classes and socialize with the students. While men studied in Athens year-round, women were typically home-schooled, making this brief window of time a special occasion for them to broaden their social circles and potential alliances.

Laura, though often busy with her royal duties and studies, made it a point to participate every two years, as the program was a valuable chance for her to connect with others beyond the palace walls. This year, however, it felt even more exciting. She would not only get to see Florante again but also spend time with her new friend, Katherine.

"Oh, and Father," she added with a gleam in her eye, "I made a friend."

"Really?" King Linceo leaned forward with interest.

"Her name is Katherine, the niece of Marchioness Yevon."

The King raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I recall seeing her briefly at the ball. I have heard good things about her."

Laura nodded enthusiastically. "She’s very elegant, just like her aunt. But beyond that, she’s intelligent, kind, and full of ideas. She’s different from most noble ladies I know."

"I see," King Linceo mused. "Marchioness Yevon is a remarkable woman. It is no surprise that her niece would carry similar qualities. And you say she is a friend of yours?"

"Yes! I’ve invited her to the upcoming tea party. Can I recommend her for the Summer Symposium?" Laura asked eagerly.

King Linceo chuckled, shaking his head in amusement at his daughter’s enthusiasm. "Of course, my dear. A niece of Marchioness Yevon is more than qualified."

Laura’s face lit up with happiness. "Thank you, Father! I will tell her about it right away!"

As the tea party continued, Laura felt a growing sense of excitement. She had been exchanging letters with Katherine, who had expressed interest in bringing some of her new creations to the event. Laura was thrilled to find a kindred spirit in Katherine—someone who could provide a distraction from the ongoing discussions about her marriage.

Though she respected Florante and knew they were meant to marry, Laura couldn’t shake the uncomfortable feeling whenever Count Adolfo’s name came up. She’d felt his piercing gaze the first time they met in Athens. Unlike Florante, who treated her with genuine warmth, Adolfo’s ambition always seemed to overshadow his charm.

This year’s Summer Symposium promised to be different. Not only would she see Florante again, but Katherine would be there as well. Laura couldn’t help but feel excited. This school trip would be more than just a duty—it would be a chance for friendship and perhaps even a little fun.

She couldn’t wait to write to Katherine after the tea party was over.

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