Deep in his thoughts, Francis did not noticed as an old lady approached him.
"So, this is the knight who saved our daughter." The woman said.
His attention was drawn to the woman. He did not know what to say. He helped a little and he don't even know why he leapt out to help someone under such perilous situation. The natural him would have run as fast as he can.
"You seem like my daughters age, would you like to marry her." She added with a sweet smile.
When the sound waves hit his ears he almost leapt out of bed and replied with a firm "No".
The lady on the next bed immediately looked back in shock as well.
"Oh shoot why did I looked back?" Helen almost cried with her instantaneous reflex. She turned her head back to look at her father and plead for help. Who would have thought that her mother in this world would ask a question like that out of nowhere?
Her father who was holding her hand released her and stood up. Her heart eased up, thinking that her father would be logical enough. But to her surprise when her father came in front of the helpless boy, he would not just support her mother he even coerced him into marrying her. [So, it must have been them who allowed me to sleep in the same room with this man]
But, wait marrying her? It wasn't as bad as she thinks. She dreamt of marrying that man for the longest time. Maybe God, sent her here to make her wishes come true. As she was day dreaming, her eardrums almost broke when she heard the boy resolutely said "NO" not just once but 3 times!!
Within 25 years, this is the first time he rejected her. [Not that I asked him before to marry me] but hearing those words now almost ripped her heart apart. He did saw my face did he not. While she was despairing on the opposite bed, the man was too busy making excuses and trying to escape the clutches of the couple.
"My age? No, I'm too old for her, I'm already 29 years old she is practically half of my age." Francis continued to rattle. This was the first time that he said so many words in one go.
The lady paused a little, "If you want you can be her knight, we will especially request the emperor to make you her own knight since you saved her." She said. "That way you could have your own honorable title, money and fame." She added with a grin
The husband tugged his wife and whispered. "what if he came from a prominent family or powerful organization? We will offend that lad, hon"
"Don't worry I got this love." She winked at him. The husband knew his wife's acting ability well. She usually uses this charm to get him on his knees. Even when he is obviously right or reasonable.
"No, I am sorry but there are lots of things that I have to settle before this." Francis said as he started to calm down.
Helen on the other side wanted to burst into tears. Her mood dimmed and she retreated to the bed.
"I'm feeling unwell. I will sleep first." She told the maids.
Her mother noticed the changes in Helen immediately she came to her side and tactlessly comforted her.
"Don't worry honey, I know that it is painful to be rejected by a man, but if you ever need someone please talk to us." Her vulgar announcement filled the entire room.
Helen was in no mood to answer her mother. She wanted to retaliate but she was too weak to argue. She kept the blanket covering her head and allowed the tears to flow in her eyes. It was more painful than waiting for him for 25 years. The truth really hurts. It was obvious that he did not want her since he never asked her to marry him. But she kept fantasizing since he was not taken. His resolute "No" was like a hammer which shattered her dreams.
Francis noticed the girl as well. He did not want to be tied to anyone except his beloved but when he saw the creatures near her with the purest intent to pierce her with sword, he leapt out to help without any reservations. It was weird. He thought it was good if he would explain himself well so she would understand.
"please tell us if you ever change your mind. We will be willing to help you in any way in return for your favour. " The old man told Francis.
"Honey, let us leave our daughter for a while so that she can rest." He said to his wife.
"Helen dear, we will visit you again. We will bring you home once your body can tolerate an hour of travel." The old lady said as he kissed Helen's forehead covered with blanket.
"don't worry if you really like him, mother will make a way for you to be together." The old lady whispered.