Chapter 75 - Ask about the Engagement
After we finished exploring the dungeon, we returned to the carriage and began our journey back home.
During the ride, I excitedly told Astrid everything that happened inside the dungeon.
From my first battle against the wolves...
To the Goblin Lord...
And finally, the battle against the giant spider.
Amy occasionally interrupted, adding her own comments and pointing out details I had missed.
Of course, that quickly turned into another argument between us.
But Astrid simply watched us with a small smile while listening to everything.
She was happy.
Not because I had defeated a dungeon boss.
But because she could see how much I enjoyed the experience.
After hearing about my battle against the giant spider, she immediately noticed my biggest weaknesses.
"Your control over Gravity is impressive, Gray."
"But you can’t rely on it forever."
"You need to create your own movement art."
I nodded seriously.
She was right.
Gravity Control was useful, but it was only an application of my understanding.
It wasn’t a replacement for proper combat skills.
I needed something that belonged completely to me.
Something that combined my swordsmanship, perception, and control over space.
As I was thinking about it...
A sudden thought crossed my mind.
I immediately stopped talking.
"Hey, Astrid."
"I have something important to ask you."
I looked at her with a serious expression.
The change in my expression immediately caught both of their attention.
Even Amy stopped teasing and looked at me curiously.
Astrid smiled.
"Of course."
"Ask away."
"If it’s something I can answer, I’ll tell you."
I took a deep breath.
Then I asked with complete seriousness.
"Amy told me that I’m already engaged."
"What does that mean?"
For a moment...
Silence filled the carriage.
Then Amy burst into laughter.
"Hahaha!"
I looked at her.
"What are you laughing about?"
She wiped the corner of her eye.
"I thought you were going to ask something important."
"But it’s just that?"
Astrid also looked slightly stunned.
"Ah... Amy told you about that?"
She sighed softly before smiling.
"Yes."
"It’s true."
"You are engaged."
"But not because you personally agreed to it."
"The agreement was made before you were even born."
"Your mother and her friend decided on the engagement between your families."
I listened quietly.
Astrid continued.
"But don’t worry."
"If you don’t like her in the future, or if either of you finds someone else, the engagement is void."
"You are not forced into anything."
I remained silent for a moment.
Then I muttered.
"I’m already engaged...?"
It was definitely surprising.
But after thinking about it, I didn’t feel angry.
From what I knew about Mom...
She would never make a decision that would hurt me.
I hadn’t even met this person yet.
Rejecting everything immediately just because of my own stubbornness would make no sense.
So I nodded.
"Alright."
"I understand."
Then I turned toward Amy.
I lightly hit her on the head.
"What are you laughing for?"
Amy froze in surprise.
Then she narrowed her eyes.
"You brat."
"You dare hit your older sister?"
"Just wait."
"I’ll show you what happens when you challenge me."
Before I could react, she hit me back.
Of course, I didn’t just accept it.
Soon, the two of us were fighting over something completely meaningless.
Astrid could only watch us helplessly.
The two of us had completely forgotten about the engagement already.
Eventually, we arrived back home.
After saying goodbye to Astrid, I returned to my room.
I took a shower, changed into fresh clothes, and rested for a while.
By the time I finished, it was already evening.
I made my way toward the dining room.
As expected, Mom was already sitting in her usual place.
I walked over and greeted her before sitting down.
"Good evening, Mom."
"Good evening, Gray."
She smiled gently.
"So..."
"How was your first dungeon experience?"
"I heard there was a small explosion from Astrid."
"And she also told me you didn’t suffer any serious injuries."
I nodded.
"It was amazing."
"My first battle was a little confusing at first..."
"But after that, it became really fun."
"I enjoyed it a lot."
Mom quietly listened while looking at my expression.
She could probably tell how excited I was just from my face.
I continued explaining.
"The biggest problems I faced were my mana consumption and the boss monster’s poison."
"And I also realized something."
"I don’t have a proper movement art."
"I can’t rely only on Gravity Control."
"So I want to create my own movement technique in the future."
A gentle smile appeared on Mom’s face.
"I’m glad you realized that yourself."
"Understanding your own weaknesses is just as important as knowing your strengths."
At that moment, Amy walked into the dining room.
"Good evening, Mom."
"Good evening, Gray."
She sat down beside us and immediately began telling her own version of the dungeon story.
Of course...
Her version included a lot of unnecessary praise about how amazing her little brother’s big sister was.
I ignored her completely.
Then I remembered something.
There was one thing I wanted to ask.
"Mom."
She looked toward me.
"What is it, Gray?"
I hesitated for a moment before asking.
"Amy told me that I’m already engaged."
"I asked Astrid about it, and she confirmed it."
"Can you tell me who she is?"
Before Mom could answer...
Amy immediately jumped into the conversation.
"Oh?"
"Little brother..."
"Are you already starting to miss your future fiancée before even meeting her?"
She grinned.
I rolled my eyes.
"That’s not what I’m asking."
But seeing my reaction only made her smile wider.
Mom looked slightly surprised by my question.
Then she smiled.
"Hmm..."
"Back when I was still on the battlefield, I made a promise with a friend."
"At that time, we agreed on an engagement between our families."
"Amy knows because her relationship with your fiancée’s older sister allowed her to find out."
I listened carefully.
Mom continued.
"I originally planned to tell you when you two met."
"Then you could decide for yourself whether you wanted to continue the engagement or dissolve it."
"But sorry, Gray."
"I can’t tell you who she is yet."
"You’ll find out when you turn ten."
A small smile appeared on her face.
"You’ll meet her yourself."
I stared at her.
"But Mom..."
"That’s still more than a year away."
Amy immediately placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Oh, little brother."
"That defeated expression on your face is wonderful."
"I can’t wait to see your reaction when you finally meet her."
"And if you two actually get together..."
She gave an evil smile.
"I’ll be able to bully you with my friend too."
I looked at her in disbelief.
"Why do you sound happier about this than anyone else?"
Amy simply laughed.
Mom watched the two of us with a soft smile.
Seeing us argue over something so small seemed to make her happy.
Soon, dinner began.
I ate while still thinking about the mysterious person I would meet in the future.
Meanwhile...
Amy continued planning how she would tease me once that day arrived.
Her evil smile never disappeared.
And Mom could only watch her children with warmth in her eyes.
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A/N:-
Next year of his life like a time skip and then i begin to the main event of the story
And don’t worry i don’t just say time skip and done with it i write different stages of his life within his life
And once again thank for reading i hope you guys like it
B.S