I was taken aback, but I couldn’t let it show since Kalias had adopted a cautious expression after hearing Ariana’s words.
Could it be… this actually worked?
“Professor Allen doesn’t seem to think that way. Marriage isn’t something you can decide on your own.”
“Huh…!”
Ariana’s gaze wavered as she was hit where it hurt.
Yeah, man. You should’ve aligned your intentions beforehand if you wanted to do whatever you wanted.
What can I do when you look at me like that?
“Did you lie to get out of the current situation? If so, I’m quite disappointed.”
“It’s not a lie! It’s not!”
“Hmm…”
Kalias carefully examined Ariana’s eyes before turning his head to look at me.
“Definitely worth investing time in if we’re talking about a Master. But…”
He mumbled while lowering his gaze which was directed at my finger adorned with a ring.
“There sure seem to be a lot of people drooling over you. A young man who became a Master at such an early age—I guess that’s understandable…”
His scrutinizing gaze made me feel uneasy, but…
It’s probably because this is the guy his daughter has taken an interest in.
Kalias turned his gaze back up and asked,
“What do you think of my daughter?”
“I consider her an excellent student.”
“As a romantic interest?”
“… Well, I’m not quite sure…”
“Professor…!”
Sorry, Ariana, but making that face won’t change anything. You shouldn’t recklessly tell lies you can’t handle. The Helios Dukedom’s manipulative tactics are being resisted, and Lux has already confessed her feelings. What would happen if you declared you want to marry him?
Back in my previous life, I once dreamed of being popular with women, but now I realize harems aren’t easy either.
“Still, I think giving him a chance wouldn’t be bad. She’s a proud student now, but who knows what might happen later. Isn’t life full of surprises?”
That was the best support I could offer.
Ariana, realizing my resolve despite her confused expression, swallowed hard and looked at Kalias. Under our gazes, Kalias sighed softly and spoke.
“… Hmph. Fine. Since there was a planned engagement after graduation anyway, do as you please until then.”
“…!”
“But.”
Just as Ariana was about to rejoice, Kalias’ next words stopped her.
“If there’s no progress by graduation or if you don’t bring someone I approve of, I won’t tolerate it anymore. Either marry into a family I choose or renounce the Selene name.”
“… Got it. Don’t underestimate me.”
“That’s all I ask. Let’s go.”
With that, Kalias quietly stood up and headed outside.
Click-
The door closed, leaving just the two of us. I asked her,
“Will you be okay? He didn’t seem to be joking around.”
“What choice do I have? Would Professor prefer I marry some random guy I don’t even know?”
“You never know. There might be someone you like.”
“I don’t want to marry anyone weaker than me.”
“Tsk, that’s quite a tough condition. At this rate, you’ll end up alone forever.”
Ariana, who was clearly destined to become a Master soon, would only grow stronger with time. How many men would be able to match up to her?
Even now, there aren’t many who could rival Ariana…
“Oh, Don Quixote’s Carlos…”
“Are you serious?”
“Uh, well… sorry.”
No need to glare at me like that. Carlos would be hurt if he saw it.
It’s not a sin to have presbyopia…
Ariana said sulkily,
“Why do you think it won’t work out with you? Do you dislike me? Am I unattractive?”
“No, it’s not that…”
“Oh~ Is it because of Amy? You prefer Amy over me?”
“What kind of talk is that? And it’s not like that with Amy either. It’s the same with you.”
“Then Senna? Or… Lux?”
“… And why is Lady Selene always wandering alone? Shouldn’t she have subordinates accompanying her?”
“Changing the subject… Tch, fine. I’ll let it slide since you helped me.”
Should I be grateful for that?
As I made an exasperated face, Ariana shrugged.
“Though she usually prefers moving alone, it does seem strange that there’s not even one subordinate. Normally, she’d at least bring the Knight Captain. Our house also serves as a gateway against external threats, so we’re allowed to operate a knight order.”
The eastern border of the Sirius Empire touches several countries. Before the Southern War due to the Heretic crisis, there were frequent military provocations. Now, they’ve entered a temporary ceasefire due to their common enemy, the Heretics.
“They say they occasionally cross the line even with the ceasefire. Though, that’s something for them to handle. Why did you come alone?”
“Well, it could be because of my arranged marriage issues. Family matters, so sending only subordinates wouldn’t be right, would it?”
“If that was all, she wouldn’t have come at all. She rarely leaves her territory unless it’s for the Great Nobles’ Conference. She could’ve just sent someone to tell me to return.”
“That’s…”
“There’s definitely something else. Something that made her high-and-mighty father come here.”
So he still calls him father…
For all his complaints, Ariana was a good kid.
As I watched her fondly, she frowned.
“Why are you looking at me like that? It’s annoying.”
“No reason. More importantly, are you feeling okay after fainting?”
“It’s just exhaustion from using difficult techniques. Nothing to worry about. Senna treated me too.”
“Still, you should rest. You’ve got another match to prepare for.”
While stroking her head, I said that. Ariana stared at me intently.
“What?”
“If you keep doing this, I can’t hold back. I might really take you.”
“What nonsense are you saying? You’re still recovering; go sleep.”
“Hmm, so becoming the main wife is out of the question? Since the other party is too strong. Then—”
“I-I’ll go first. I need to watch the other kids’ matches…”
Suddenly spouting strange things, Ariana tried to leave. Sensing something off, I hurriedly moved to exit the room. But she wouldn’t let me go.
She tightly grabbed my hand and gleamed her eyes.
“I’ve decided. How about being a secondary wife?”
“… What?”
Did I just hear correctly?
Ariana continued nonchalantly.
“Amy or Lux could be the main wife. In exchange, you marry me too. Don’t worry, I won’t demand anything. We’ll just live freely. How’s that? Dad wouldn’t be able to object to this. Sounds like a good plan, right? As expected, I’m a genius… Owch!”
Fed up with her, I shook off her hand and gave her a light slap.
Is she writing novels while listening? Is she some sort of soap opera writer?
“Stop saying useless things. Go to sleep.”
“But it’s a great idea…”
“Tsk!”
“Ow…! Violence is wrong!”
This time, I struck her lightly but with more force to show her what I’m capable of. Ariana cried out with teary eyes.
“Rather than thinking about leaving the family as a Master, stop turning me into some weirdo.”
“Why is it weird? Polygamy is still legal in the Empire, right? Aren’t you glad such a cute girl is offering this compromise? Professor, are you… picky?”
Snap!
That was something I couldn’t tolerate as a man.
But I couldn’t bring myself to hit her.
If I went too far, she might have to forfeit her next match.
Considering her childish remarks, I took a deep breath and coldly replied,
“If you lose your next match, you won’t die by Lady Selene’s hands but mine.”
At my threat, Ariana shrank back and timidly responded,
“… Okay…”
“You should focus on winning instead of useless thoughts.”
“Winning…?”
Oops! Did I say something unnecessary?
“Didn’t you say you’d grant any wish if you win?”
Her dejected demeanor instantly disappeared as Ariana returned to her usual self.
Damn it, why did I say that?
“Look forward to it. When I win… hehe.”
Her ominous laughter sent chills down my spine.
What kind of wish is she planning to make?
Once again, I realized I shouldn’t recklessly say things I can’t handle.
***
Elsewhere, after leaving the arena, Kalias entered the carriage waiting for him.
“Back.”
“… You’re late. Have you been waiting long?”
A woman inside the carriage reading a book looked up.
Dark sea-colored hair.
Bright violet eyes like a larkspur.
Snow-white skin.
The woman, who looked exactly like Ariana, was none other than Ella Selene, the mistress of the Selene Dukedom.
“Ah, sorry. You must’ve been bored waiting.”
“It’s fine. How was Ariana?”
“She reached Expert rank.”
“Wow- An Expert at that age? Looks like she found a good teacher.”
“Indeed…”
Kalias recalled Allen, who had drained all his energy in an instant. How long had it been since he met such a spirited youth? He nodded silently.
“A good teacher.”
“Your expression tells me what kind of person he is. So, what did Ariana say?”
“We postponed it for now. She put up quite a fight.”
“As I thought. Even if you went yourself, it wouldn’t have worked. I told you sending the Knight Captain would be useless, didn’t I?”
“Hmm. I also said there’s no need to rush deciding her future spouse.”
Actually, it was Ella who had pushed for Ariana’s arranged marriage.
“It’s because you don’t care about your child, isn’t it? What if things get worse? You didn’t even return home for four years. If not for this excuse, we might never see her again.”
Ella wasn’t seriously planning to marry Ariana off. It was merely a mother’s desire to see her daughter under the guise of these unreasonable excuses.
Frankly, Kalias had assumed she’d eventually come home, but he couldn’t dare say that in front of his wife, knowing how important family harmony was.
“… Still, it seems we’ve found a decent son-in-law candidate.”
“Oh my. Really? What’s he like?”
“He’ll show you when we get home. Let’s go back for now.”
Tap tap-
After knocking on the wall, the carriage slowly started moving towards the Gate. During the ride, Kalias had to endure Ella’s endless questioning.
“What does he look like? His job? His family?”
“…”
Under the barrage of questions, Kalias quietly closed his eyes. Even the Patriarch of the prestigious Dukedom couldn’t escape being a regular husband.
