When I became a Commoner, They Broke Off Our Engagement! Chapter 9

 "Clew, isn't it delicious?"

"Yeah, this udon is outstanding. It's smooth and goes down well."

I asked Clew to sample the dishes Sarah had taught me to make. Surprisingly, he seems to be a bit of a gourmet, knowledgeable about cuisines from various countries. I wonder where Sarah's from, since her cooking impresses even him.

"You'll be fourteen soon. It's been a year since then. You know it's almost time, right?"

"Yes, I know. But I just can't say it."

"It's better to tell them before they find out the worst way. You are a victim too, so they'll be understanding."

Am I a victim too? I suppose so, but will they believe me? The story of a changeling fairy is too far-fetched. Swapping a noble's daughter with a commoner's daughter is something a fairy would do.

"If I become a commoner, I won't be able to see Ed anymore."

"They might take you in as their adopted daughter."

Clew doesn't understand. He seriously thinks the Sennet Marquis family would adopt a commoner's daughter. Maybe there are people like that, but I doubt the Sennet family would. Even if they signed away their wealth, they wouldn't adopt a stranger once they knew she was a commoner. They might help me live quietly somewhere, but I won't be able to live with them. Ed would become engaged to Annette. If they found out I was a commoner, he wouldn't meet with me anymore.

"Thanks to the practical magic you taught me, I can stay clean without a bath, start a fire, and cook. I may not have a talent for sewing, but with body enhancement magic, I can carry heavy things. I should be fine as a commoner, right? I won't be a burden to my family?"

"Yes, that's probably enough. If it doesn't work out, you can live alone."

Recently, Clew hasn't been encouraging me to live with my real family as much. He seems to think it might be better for me to stay here.

Does he think my real family won't welcome me? It's possible. Annette is a wonderful daughter, so I'd definitely be compared to her.

Would I be able to live alone? I don't know how long Clew will stay with me. Fairies are fickle creatures and might suddenly disappear one day.

I always think about many things while kneading dough. I find that the bread turns out better if I do.

The fear that Clew might leave.

The need to tell my family everything.

The anxiety about getting along with my real family.

What should I do about Ed? Should I say something? Can I just end it without saying anything, even though we're engaged?

"What's wrong? You look more intense than usual."

"Sarah, it makes the bread better, right?"

"Did something happen? You look like you're about to cry."

Sarah looked at me with concern. I couldn't make her worry. Asking for advice would only trouble her.

"No, it's nothing. It's just that something unpleasant happened."

My appearance and magic have been the subjects of many rumors, so she didn't ask further.

"Your cooking has saved me, Anna."

"What? But I learned everything from you, Sarah. You can make it yourself, so how could it save you?"

"There is a difference between when someone else makes it and when you make it for yourself. I thought I'd never be able to eat again, so I was thrilled. If you ever have any trouble, please tell me. I'll definitely help you."

Sarah's expression was serious. She would definitely try her best for me.

"Thank you, Sarah. I'll never forget your words."

I hugged her out of impulse. I felt I was being too forward, so I tried to pull away, but she hugged me back. My parents had never hugged me. Maybe it's because they're nobles, but I felt lonely. Feeling the warmth of another person for the first time was very comforting.

T.N: Italics show Clew and Anna are communicating telepathically.