13 Marriage Consummation II

His words kept repeating in Hina's head.

"...we should properly consummate our marriage"

Hina had her poker face on, trying to remain calm and collected despite the explosion happening in her head.

[W-what?! This damned pervert! I knew I couldn't trust you!]

"I've always wanted to have a few more kids, you see"

"Ah, yes..."

[What rubbish is this man spouting right now? Is this the day that I eventually end this man?!]

she held onto the handle of her teacup a bit too violently, struggling to hide how livid she was.

"Maybe two children? A boy and a girl. They would both look like you, of course"

"I-i see"

[I really want to slap this old geezer. Is this the important thing he wanted to discuss?]

Hina couldn't believe the words she was forced to listen to. She realised that her perfect smiling mask was starting to crack as she got more irritated by his words.

"What does my Hina think about studying?"

"What?" His sudden change of topic caught Hina by surprise.

"You said you've been learning how to read and write. The head maid also mentioned to me that you diligently visit the house library. Is my Hina interested in studying?"

"Yes. I enjoy reading a lot. I'd love to learn more" she instantly pulled her face into a smile.

After an awkward moment, he said

"I've been thinking that it may be wise to allow you to study" he picked up his teacup and drank from his tea again.

"What?" Hina was confused

"I could easily appoint some teachers to you. That way you may even get to attend the academy as long as you do well" he wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"You'll need to first learn basic etiquette and proper courtesy and manners. You'll also have to take some basic history lessons alongside", he added.

"Ah, yes"

Hina was listening but she was a bit puzzled. She couldn't understand how his talks about having children had anything to do with her studying.

"You look confused, my Hina" he finally noticed, placing some dorayaki in front of her.

"Sorry, I'm a bit confused indeed"

"I see. I didn't really explain things" he leaned back confidently.

"It's okay "

"I'm saying that I'll allow you to study. Not just by learning on your own but with teachers to guide you"

"R-really?"

[Is this a dream? Is he for real?]

"Of course. If you want to study then I'll ensure that you do. If you do well and go to the academy, you'll become a prominent member of society. We can revisit our marriage consummation and having children later on. What does my Hina think?"

Hina took a breath and processed the thrillingly shocking moment. All this while she had been paranoid about what to do to ensure that the merchant does not find her at night. To think that he would be the one to come up with such a brilliant idea! It was amazing! The best thing she could hope for right now!

"It's great! I love it!" She abruptly clasped his rough hands, unable to contain her contagious smile.

"I'll make sure to study very hard! Thank you!"

"O-oh yes. That's good to know" the merchant was caught off guard as she held onto his hands with her small ones, her golden eyes filled with so much enthusiasm, he couldn't help but smile along with her.

It was indeed a long day for Hina. After her usual evening bath and listening to her maids' chatter about the newly recruited guardsmen while they dressed her up for bed, she finally got the chance to finish up the book she had been reading. She had not been able to sleep well for some days but tonight she felt extremely tired and sleepy.

Her final thought as she inevitably dozed off was that she would no longer need to hide how smart she truly was. Just watch and see.