Catching Feelings? (TodoDeku x Reader)

Chapter Thirteen

—First Person POV.—

As we strolled through the less affluent part of town, Hagakure pointed out the skilled workers' section "This street," She started with a gesture "Is where you'll find plenty of butcher shops."

The air carried a distinct scent of raw meat, mingling with the sounds of busy tradesmen and I send a glance around—taking notice of the similar expressions on the faces of the ladies accompanying us.

Most of their features had been tainted with looks ranging from boredom to mild resentment.

I guessed they expected to be more entertained, not led through the streets where everyday people lived and worked—completely oblivious to their noble status.

Hagakure's voice shifted into my thoughts, now guiding us down a narrow side street "We're going to leave our horses at the town stable and continue on foot from here!" She cheerfully informed.

The reaction was immediate—mouths fell open, a few scowls emerged, and muted grumbles filled the air.

But despite the detested stares, no one bothered to audibly complain, and we all complied by dismounting—following the Prince, who was simply observing a few feet away.

I couldn't really be weirded out by him for scrutinizing us, apathetic eyes trying to assess the character of his future bride and probably seeking to make the best decision.

Though, the situation was starting to feel as if we were being herded like cattle—lined up and awaiting the farmer's selection for the King's Thanksgiving feast.

A good majority of the ladies wore perpetually passive expressions—most likely accustomed to viewing themselves as mere pawns in their fathers' schemes, destined to be wedded off to powerful or wealthy men for the sole benefit of their own families.

So they were all well aware that they had no control over who they got to marry—they couldn't object to how someone as influential as the soon-to-be King of Oyashima selected his Queen from among them.

Cursed or not, they would deal with it—since in this case, a man with a status as high as his would be viewed as hitting the jackpot of all alliances.

I always dreamed of marrying someone who would fall in love with me first; it was a trend in many of the stories I've gotten lost in—were I imagined all the different ways it could happen for me.

As a servant, the chances of marrying into wealth or power were slim— But, there was a certain freedom in knowing that no one dictated exactly who I would wed.

At least there were a few perks to being poor.

After handing our horses to the stable workers, we set out on foot and I said goodbye to the sweet Gypsy Cob that had trotted without too much of a bounce to hurt my ass.

So a part of me was actually kind of happy about what happened earlier—because if it weren't for my Appaloosa's freak out, the cheek abuse would've probably continued.

"This town's really nice," Itsuka remarked while giving me a light nudge as she walked beside me, slightly craning her head down due to her height.

"Right?" I agreed "I'm in love with the weather." I commented with a smile—discreetly maneuvering her closer to the Prince and hoping he'd take notice of her beauty.

Her brownish-red high ponytail fluttering with her strides and the new silk qipao adorning her figure was a flattering shade of pale verdant.

Sadly, at that moment, Tanaka—as I remember—called out to the Prince, inviting him to walk with her and share his thoughts on the town "These buildings don't even rival Oyshima Castle." She starts off and his head tilts to meet her gaze