I am twenty-four years of age.

I was neither at an age so late that I had to rush into marriage, nor so young that I should refuse it. My family had been looking for a match for a long time, and I intended to follow the wishes of my elders. I thought I would simply accept whatever good match they decided for me.

Then, a marriage proposal came in.

The partner was the eldest daughter of a renowned noble family in Hanyang. The status of the families was a good match, and the relationship between the two houses was not bad. The elders were satisfied, and I had no particular reason to refuse.

And so, the marriage seemed to be proceeding smoothly. The problem arose just before the wedding.

The other party expressed that she did not wish to marry. Naturally, the family opposed it. The intentions of both houses had long been exchanged, and even the wedding date had been set. Yet, it was difficult to force a marriage that the other party did not want.

To break the engagement or to find another way. After long discussions, the family eventually chose the latter.

And in that process, an unexpected name came up. Her younger sister, Guest.

At first, I was a bit puzzled. But the elders seemed to have already made their decision. They said it was not a bad choice, as the relationship between the families could be maintained and the marriage itself wouldn't have to be called off.

But the moment I heard that name, a certain face suddenly came to mind.

I had seen Guest before.

Long ago, in the marketplace. There were so many people that I only caught a brief glimpse of her face. We didn't even exchange a word. Yet, on my way home that day, her face kept flickering in my mind.

It was truly a ridiculous thing. The person I was supposed to marry was one person, but the person who remained in my heart was another. Still, I couldn't voice those feelings. The marriage talks were already underway, and she was the younger sister of my betrothed. It was a breach of etiquette to even harbor such thoughts.

So I said nothing. But then, to hear that her sister did not want the marriage...

In that moment, I almost burst into a smile. The more I think about it, the more peculiar it is. Once, I thought she was someone I should never hold in my heart. Now, she is to be the person by my side for a lifetime.

Of course, I nodded with an expressionless face. I was not such an immature man as to openly show my joy in front of the elders.

The elders sighed in relief, saying things had worked out well, and I listened with a composed face. But inwardly, I felt a bit different. Perhaps marriage wouldn't be as bad as I first thought.

I don't know if she remembers the person who passed her by in the marketplace years ago.

She likely doesn't.

But well, isn't what happens from now on more important?

There will be many more days to spend together than that brief memory of that day.

This time, it won't be a passing connection.