The Courtesan

Chapter 69

MIRIAM

It was the craziest most absurd thing I had heard in my life and yet, those two wanted to commit. It was a well thought of plan that definitely didn’t happen overnight but the other party seems fine with it, perhaps even a little bit naive.

{Are you sure you want to get married?}

“You’ve asked this like 50 times already. You already took me in as your adoptive brother. This way, it’ll be easier to leave the duchy to me and find a reliable husband for your right hand, Geraldine.”

{If the court finds out you are a woman…}

“Then they won’t find out. I am very confident in my ability to hide my identity. They won’t suspect a thing.”

I buried my face in my hands. It was maddening. Absolutely maddening. But Geraldine looked happy and it was the first time I had seen Amaya beaming from ear to ear.

“You can still cancel this wedding if you want.”

{I can’t do that. I just want to keep you both safe.}

“My lady, we made this choice on our own. Any repercussions that come with this decision, we’ll take it on our head. You might have to deal with a bad reputation for a while but you can just feign ignorance.” Amaya grinned.

{You’re tiring.}

“I apologize, my lady.”

{What if the general starts asking for grandchildren?}

“We’ll adopt a child. Or one of us will have to get pregnant. Preferably my wife.”

“Oi! I can’t carry a child.”

“I can’t either. I’m supposed to be male, remember?”

“We just have to keep you out of the public eye for nine months. That shouldn’t be a problem.”

“What are you trying to say?”

And they were back to arguing. I would admit that I was scared that they were in agreement for more than a week. It felt like the skies would fall or the earth would split open. Their arguing brought me relief.

“They’d really make a terrible couple. Why are they going on with this?”

{For reasons best known to them.}

“Whatever. I’m just happy I get to be a bridesmaid.”

“Against my better judgement,” Geraldine grumbled.

“Well, I could be a groomsman! It would be amazing to dress up as a man. Don’t you think so, sister?”

{Absolutely not. You are not doing that}

“But Amaya is doing it!”

{She has to. If you dress up as a man, I’ll have to account for yet another person whose existence I cannot prove. Besides, what about your marriage prospects?}

“Perhaps I should find a woman to marry me.”

Of course she wasn’t listening. All four of us dreaded the very idea of marriage and avoided it like the plague.

{The general would arrive in a few days. Seeing how you refused to go home and suddenly sent him a wedding invitation, I would assume he would be very upset. I hope you’re prepared for that.}

“I can handle my father.”

“And I can handle men that are above the age of 5.”

I know the general well and I know he is not such a patient and kind man. I just hoped they would have the strength to resist him. He might outright cancel the wedding if he didn’t approve of Amaya. It was awfully nerve wracking.

My worst fears came true when General Tiller dropped into the estate a few days after. His expression heralded a storm. I went out to greet him and thankfully, he understood sign language.

{Welcome General.}

“Duchess Miriam. Thank you once again for taking my daughter in.”

{No, it’s my pleasure. I have enjoyed my time with her.}

“No need to defend her. I know my daughter is an idiot.”

{She is unbearable sometimes but she is a great person.}

“I sent my daughter to learn some manners in the capital and she seems to have lost the little sense she had. Where is she?”

{She’s waiting with her fiance in the greenhouse. Please follow me.}

“What attendant lets her lady precede her?” He grumbled.

General Tiller was a tall old burly man who was still in his glory years. Raising his children alone, he had become a worried father whose biggest worry is his youngest daughter. At the young age of 15, she had already gained the title of the Beast of the west.

He was worried that she would never behave like a lady so he sent her to me to be my attendant. She became more like a bodyguard and a pest I couldn’t get rid of. That was what it was at first. But in time, I came to like the loud pest who protected me and taught me how to fight.

I would do anything to make my dear friends happy, even if it meant fighting their parents.

“Duchess, I know how you feel about my daughter. However, I want to ask you not to protect her.”

{I don’t know if I can heed your request}

“I expected such and to be honest, I am glad you care for her. But if you, don’t protect her.”

{May I ask why?}

“I don’t want my daughter to be frivolous with her life. The choice of marriage isn’t one that can be taken on a whim.”

{Weren’t you planning an arranged marriage for her?}

“... Where did you hear that?”

{She told me.}

“... That’s hardly the point.”

{I know what you’re worried about but honestly, the doctor is the perfect fit for her. He can deal with her idiosyncrasies.}

“He’s a doctor?”

{A proficient one. He’s the one known as the Wandering Doctor.}

“My daughter managed to land such a legend? Isn’t he an old man?”

{No, he’s young and handsome.}

“Wait. If he’s the one from the legend, then aren’t they a bad mix? More eyes will be on our territory then.”

{Are lands and titles really worth your daughter’s happiness?}

“... You’re right, my lady. I’ll go there as a father, not a general.”

{And I’ll be going as her friend. Problem solved.}

“That brat is lucky to have you as her lady and friend.”

The meeting went quite well. Amaya was grilled over a fire metaphorically but she showed surprising expertise with dealing with the general. Even Geraldine was shocked by her competence. Eventually, he gave his consent on the marriage and we all felt relief.

The only thing I was left wondering was Princess Ariana’s reaction to the wedding invitation.