The days afterward unfolded just like this for Laurent Moreau and the girl Jeanne d'Arc.
As for marriage and such—he'd merely asked permission from his future father-in-law; he hadn't thought through when he'd actually propose or set a wedding date.
Honestly, even Laurent himself felt it was somewhat strange.
Ever since arriving in this world, he'd grown accustomed to its ways of survival. Even though life was dull without his smartphone, at least Jeanne was there by his side, helping him pass the days.
Now, he even felt marrying at fifteen or sixteen was perfectly natural.
Sure enough, without noticing, he'd become one of them.
But, why wasn't he looking forward to proposing at all?
As usual, after finishing his chores, Laurent sat atop a haystack, staring blankly at the sky, feeling somewhat puzzled.
Clearly, it was the first major milestone in his life, yet there was no excitement, no sense of anticipation. Rather, it felt more like something he was obligated to do.
Was he… afraid Jeanne would inevitably follow that path? Was he afraid of losing her?
Right—historically, she was France's Holy Maiden. If things went according to script, he, Laurent, would ultimately be left with nothing.
Could this still count as love, then?
He'd never truly liked anyone before, nor had he ever truly strived for anything.
Reflecting upon his past, Laurent suddenly felt a sense of confusion.
"Laurent."
The girl's voice interrupted his thoughts. Laurent shifted aside, making room for her to sit next to him.
"You've started spacing out right after finishing your chores."
"I've been burning through brain cells lately. Ah, how I'd love my dear Jeanne to give me a nice massage right now."
"Ha! Bad Laurent. Today, I'm in a good mood, so out of the kindness of my heart, I'll grant your wish!"
"Then I absolutely demand your knees as my pillow. This haystack's about to stab a hole in my head."
The girl didn't refuse, instead patting her thighs gently.
"Come here."
Laurent wasn't shy, quickly lying down. The girl's hands rested on his temples, gently massaging them.
Her gaze drifted into the distance, as if she carried heavy thoughts.
Laurent glanced up at her, then comfortably closed his eyes.
One and a half years left.
"Laurent, what do you think about our current life?"
"What about it? If the merchant team we sent out succeeds, naturally life will be great."
"Have you thought about changing things?"
The girl's words held hesitation.
She had a nightmare last night, dreaming that she'd set out on a campaign.
The dream felt so real, similar to that night's revelation, as if it warned her clearly—this journey must succeed. Should it fail, neither she, Laurent, nor this country would meet a good end.
The girl wanted to change this fate, whether it was the war, or her current life with Laurent.
She wished happiness upon him, upon everyone.
This wish was selfless, noble.
She knew if she didn't embark on this campaign, the eventual outcome for her, Laurent, and their homeland would be miserable.
The English would invade their village. Due to the ravages of war, their slowly prospering village would collapse. Both she and Laurent would end up on a desperate path—a dark road with no future, no happiness.
She wouldn't tell Laurent this, because she knew clearly that if he knew, he would absolutely try to fight against it.
The girl understood the only road left for her now—the only path truly leading to happiness for both of them—was to embark on this journey and achieve victory.
In the end, amidst the cheers of triumph, she'd greet her rightful prince on his white horse with a smile.
Yes, all of the responsibility, all the pressure—let her alone bear it now. Laurent had already sacrificed enough, already struggled enough. The rest was hers to carry.
But for the little time they still had, Laurent—
Just let me continue being the carefree girl Jeanne in your heart.
Laurent, resting peacefully on her knees, feeling the sunlight, knew none of these thoughts.
"Change what? Aren't we already changing things? Besides, we're just ordinary people, not ones who can change the world. Jeanne, those enormous matters—they're beyond us."
"Mm."
Clearly trusting each other deeply, yet both hid the true thoughts within their hearts.
The Gift of the Magi?
Perhaps sometimes, precisely because of this, misunderstandings—both amusing and heartbreaking—came about.
"They're back! The people who left have returned!"
Just as the two enjoyed their rare moment of warmth, shouts erupted from outside, unclear whether they heralded good news or bad.
At once, Jeanne d'Arc and Laurent snapped to attention. Laurent swiftly sat up from her knees, meeting the girl's eyes. Both saw anticipation reflected there.
It had been half a year. After half a year, news had finally returned.
"This must be good news, Laurent!"
"Calm down. We haven't even seen anyone yet. Celebrate after we confirm it's good news."
Though his words were casual, Laurent's footsteps didn't slow at all—in fact, he was eager too.
Hurrying towards the village gate, from afar they spotted a group pushing carts, loaded with numerous goods.
Just seeing this, many faces already lit up with joy. The sight alone practically guaranteed their success.
Even Laurent couldn't help but smile.
"Laurent! They did it, look—they've returned!"
The girl's excitement overflowed as she shouted happily by his ear.
"I'm not blind yet, Jeanne."
Though he spoke dismissively, Laurent's heart finally relaxed.
Finally, they could breathe easy. It seemed his careful guidance during that period had indeed borne fruit.
But now, he felt the girl's excitement next to him, grabbing his arm and shaking it repeatedly…
As the crowd approached closer, Laurent and Jeanne could finally see clearly.
Several carts full of food—every cart was filled to the brim.
Jeanne d'Arc leaned in for a closer look, when someone called out enthusiastically:
"Everyone, let's distribute these supplies! They're all for you—we succeeded! A noble took notice of our food and ordered us to produce them in bulk, offering generous payment!"
"It's ten or twenty times—even more—than the cost of the ingredients we started with!"
This answer was somewhat beyond Laurent's expectations.
He'd thought earning double was already excellent, unaware that those nobles considered their food fit only for the highest ranks, generously raising the prices on their own.
"That's wonderful!"
"Our village has hope!"