Sofia wept in my arms, and I let her release all her pent-up feelings at that moment. With gentle strokes, I comforted her, feeling the flowery fragrance of her hair and the warmth of her body, shielding us from the morning breeze. When I tried to loosen my embrace, she held on tightly, not wanting me to see her tear-streaked face.

"Have you calmed down?" I asked softly.

"Not yet. I must look horrible right now. Please don't look at my face," she insisted.

"That can't be true. I've told you many times, your face is cute," I reassured her.

"Even so, I don't want you to see it."

"Alright, alright. You can use my chest as long as you need," I said, allowing her to continue seeking comfort in my embrace.

"And so?" she asked, her voice filled with anticipation.

"What?"

"What's your answer?"

"My answer?"

"Don't pretend you don't understand! I've poured my heart out to you! It's not fair if I'm the only one crying like this!" she protested, still keeping her face buried in my chest. How endearing.

"I'm an adult after all. I can't cry for that reason," I casually replied.

"Even though you were crying on the first night of our journey..." she pointed out, catching me off guard.

At that moment, a smile crept across my face, realizing that she understood me better than I had anticipated. Her knowledge of my hesitations and concerns made the forthcoming decision all the more critical. With the answer already forming in my mind, perhaps it was indeed the right time.

"You do understand, I'm ten years older than you, right?" I asked cautiously.

"I know," she replied with a steady voice.

"With your beauty you could have many suitors far better than me."

"I'm not interested."

"I still have lingering feelings for Cordelia."

"I know."

"I travel frequently, which means I won't always be near you,"

"I can endure."

"I may even falter and betray you," I confessed, testing her resolve.

"I will be hurt and angry, but I will forgive you," she asserted with remarkable self-assurance.

"I was just kidding," I said, trying to lighten the mood.

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"I was serious," she retorted, determined to stand her ground.

I gave up. She was persistent.

"Sofia, look at me."

She then slowly raised her head and gaze to my eyes. Her teary eyes showed a hint of fear about what my answer might be.

"Let's do it this way," I sighed, trying to steady my emotions.

"Let's wait three years. If your feelings for me remain unchanged during that time, I promise I will take you as my wife."

"Why should we wait that long?" She protested, eager for a more immediate resolution.

"Don't forget, the new law regarding marriage states that a woman must be at least 18 years old to wed," I explained.

"This is the first time I want to protest to the king!" she exclaimed, her frustration evident.

"Don't be ridiculous. You're still in your teenage years. While you've expressed disinterest in other men, you never know what encounters may come your way during this period. I don't want you to rush into a decision now and later regret it," I reasoned.

"You don't believe me?" She looked hurt by the doubt.

"No I don't.." I calmly answered.

"Hey! You should have said you do, even if you must lie in this situation!" she protested.

"I don't like to lie to someone I care about. And besides, these three years are also for me to adjust my feelings," I explained.

"What do you mean?" she inquired, curious about my statement.

"I've always seen you as a sister, and for us to be together, I need to learn to see you differently. I don't know how yet, but I'll make the effort since you don't want to be seen that way," I said, revealing my struggle.

"What if, even after three years, you still see me as your sister?" she asked, voicing her fear.

"I will still marry you, as long as your feelings for me remain the same," I replied, reassuring her.

"Alright, I agree with your terms, Takahiko," she said.

"Should we make a written contract?" I offered.

"No. I believe you. You're a good merchant, your words alone are enough." She expressed her trust, I'm happy.

"So, will you release me now?" I gently urged, hoping she would let go of the firm grip she had on my waist.

"No, let me stay like this for a while," she replied, her voice muffled as she buried her face in my chest once more.

I sighed, giving in to her request and surrendering to her whim.

We spent some time sitting close to each other on the hill watching the morning sun slowly illuminated the golden field. Sofia called my name in a gentle voice.

"Takahiko..."

"Yes? What is it?"

She gently pushed herself away, creating a slight distance between our faces while still maintaining eye contact with me. Her face was a bit blushed after her silent cry on my chest, now her blue eyes were fixed on mine.

"I may know a way for you to see me not as a sister anymore," she said, her words filled with determination.

"What? How do—" Before I could finish my question, she boldly brought her face close to mine, and our lips met in an awkward kiss, reminiscent of my first clumsy kiss with Cordelia.

After a moment, our lips slowly parted. Her blushing face was evident, but she smiled like a champion celebrating her first victory, basking in the warmth of the morning sun.

"Siblings don't kiss like this, right?" she asked, seeking my reaction.

I remained silent, unsure of how to respond to her bold move.

"Hey... say something... Please?" My unexpected silence startled her.

"As expected, it felt like a prank from my younger sister kissing me..." I sighed, trying to find the right words to express my feelings.

"Eh?! Why is your response like that?!" she exclaimed.

"I've said it many times. I'm the adult here. Besides, it's not like I'm inexperienced in kissing," I provocatively teased, finding her reaction amusing.

"Ugh... that was my first kiss!" She cowered, feeling ashamed of her bold action. She shouldn't have done it if she would feel ashamed afterward.

"You want to know how adults kiss?" I joked, amused by the situation.

"Show me.." she closed her eyes, raised her head, and her gesture was asking me to kiss her. I couldn't help but laugh at her request.

"Stop laughing!" she protested and playfully hit me on my chest.

"Someday, okay. Let's head back now. It's getting bright," I suggested, while forcing to stand up and walk slowly to give her enough time to follow me.

"You dummy!" She continued to protest, but I could tell she was still enjoying the playful banter between us.