Fall in Love with Him at First Sight

After a grueling half-month journey, the towering city walls of Landon finally loomed before us.

I wondered how Joshua was doing academically this lifetime and whether he'd manage to secure a government position.

Anyway, I'd never been the wife of an official before.

"What's on your mind?" Joshua asked, catching my longing gaze.

I was munching on a candied apple, its sugary coating dissolving into a tangy sweetness in my mouth. "Just wondering if you'll do well on the imperial test and become an official," I said as I chewed. "Then I could have all the candied apples I could ever want."

Joshua gave a soft laugh, which sounded like music to me. "For your candied apples, Miss Stewart, I'll do my very best."

On the day of the exam, I packed a lot for Joshua, including snacks, a cushion, a blanket, and even pots and pans.

I didn't forget a good luck charm because I knew how much mortals valued such things.

Another woman, who was there to see her husband off, looked at Joshua and said enviously, "You're so lucky. Your husband is incredibly handsome."

Normally Joshua would blush at such comments, but this time, I was the one who turned red.

The place was packed, so it wasn't the time to argue with the woman.

Joshua caught my hand, his deep eyes locking onto mine. "No, I'm the lucky one, having married such a good wife."

Joshua had already disappeared inside the exam hall, and I stood there, still processing his words.

I mused, "What did he just say?"

It was just like him, keeping me on edge no matter the lifetime. He'd always enjoyed making me wait.

A few words from him once had me waiting for centuries.

This time, his offhand comment had me distracted for nine days.

"Joshua, you're such a rascal!" I grumbled as I poked at an anthill with a stick.

While crouching under a tree destroying another anthill, a pair of feet stopped in front of me.

I looked up to see none other than a smiling Joshua.

"Seriously, Joshua!" I exclaimed as I jumped up, my head spinning and stars in my eyes. Joshua quickly steadied me.

"Why am I always the one waiting?" I blurted out, annoyed.

Joshua looked a bit puzzled. I realized he didn't quite understand the full weight of my "always."

I cleared my throat and turned slightly away. "So, how did the exam go?"

He pondered for a moment, chin in hand. "Well, getting you endless candied apples won't be a problem, darling."

"I'm not your darling," I retorted.

"You haven't proposed yet, and I haven't agreed. How did I suddenly become your darling?" I mused silently.

"We're together, sure. But this lifetime's dating and marriage rituals still apply. How could I just marry him without that?" I reasoned.