Time passed, and it was the day I prepared to be discharged from the hospital.
Ariana and Senna came for a final visit, offering to help with my discharge.
“Are you really all better?”
“Ahh, yes, I’m fully recovered.”
“I don’t believe it. I have to check myself…!”
“Hey, where are you touching?!”
Does this kid have no sense of embarrassment?
I dodged her hands and smacked her head.
“Ow! That hurts!”
“That’s what you get for trying to undress someone. If you do bad things, you deserve punishment.”
On the other hand, if I had done something like that, I’d probably already be executed by now.
With a small sigh, I gently patted Senna’s head this time.
“It’s fine. This old wound from long ago is more like a tattoo now. Just think of it that way.”
I had an idea why Senna acted this way.
It must’ve been because I inadvertently revealed my upper body while changing clothes and greeted them like that.
Only when their cheerful expressions froze did I realize my mistake.
“It’s healed. Just some scars from not getting treated in time. Sorry if it was unpleasant to look at.”
“No, it’s not!”
“It’s not!”
What a surprise.
Before I could even say “There’s no need to shout like that,” they both clung to me fiercely.
Why are they acting like this today…
“Didn’t it hurt a lot?”
“I’m fine, I said.”
“There’s no such thing as a painless injury in this world.”
“Ariana’s right. You should say when you’re in pain.”
Oh dear, you two… Ah, wait, aren’t you too old to be called kids anymore?
Though I’m not exactly sure how old this body is, it seems we’re about the same age.
It’s inconvenient not remembering my past sometimes.
Still, now isn’t the time for that.
Regardless of my original age, I’m their teacher, aren’t I?
“Got it, got it. Next time I get injured, I’ll definitely say it hurts. So can you let go now? It’s suffocating over here.”
Only after saying that did they finally back off, albeit with rather dejected expressions.
…Am I raising disciples or pets?
“Haa, are you alright there, Ariana?”
“Yeah, I’m good.”
“…”
“Why?”
Even though they usually switch between casual and polite speech, Ariana has completely dropped formalities since the Island of Wisdom incident.
Should I point this out… or not…
Eh, it’s troublesome, so I’ll just leave it.
“Senna, are you okay too? I heard you pushed yourself quite a bit.”
Upon asking Senna, who seemed sulky for some reason, she suddenly grinned widely.
“I’m fine! In fact, my divine power increased, so it’s totally lucky!”
“Where did you learn that phrase… never mind. Anyway, we should head out since I’m being discharged. Let’s go.”
That’s how I barely managed to complete the discharge procedures.
***
After leaving the hospital, thanks to Ariana’s help, I was able to board a carriage.
The destination was the Helios Family mansion.
This schedule was decided immediately after Earl’s request.
“Are you really sure you don’t want to come along? She’s a close friend, after all.”
When I said I’d drop her off and leave, I asked worriedly.
“It’s fine. Amy probably needs Allen’s help more than us.”
“Not once did she show her face despite all the visits! I won’t see her until she apologizes first. A woman’s grudge is terrifying!”
Senna, looking unusually upset, had a sullen expression.
According to Earl, she hasn’t been eating properly… Is she alright, Amy?
Worried, I looked outside the window. The sky was unusually cloudy, as if it would start raining any moment.
“We’ve arrived, Miss!”
At the coachman’s call, Ariana opened the carriage door for me.
“Take care of Amy. I don’t want to see my rival falling apart like this.”
Though her usual expression remained, concern lingered in her eyes.
All I could do was smile faintly and ease her worries a little.
“…Alright. Leave it to me.”
“You owe us time later for today’s favor with Amy!”
“What’s that supposed to…”
“Yeah. It’s unfair for only her to make progress. Visit our mansion next time.”
“And ours too! On a date! As a reward!”
“Ah, alright, see you later!”
Wasn’t the atmosphere just a bit warm a moment ago?
Due to their unexpected clinginess, I had no choice but to hastily disembark.
Behind me, Senna shouted.
“I said I will! Breaking promises invites heavenly punishment!”
Isn’t it dangerous for a Holy Maiden to throw threats around like that…
***
True to its reputation as one of only two Dukedom families in the Empire, the Helios Family mansion was extravagantly grand.
To maintain such a massive scale in Millein, the capital known for its expensive real estate…
For a moment, I considered accepting Earl’s proposal.
Of course, marrying Amy was absurd.
While indulging in silly thoughts, I approached the guards at the mansion gates.
“I’m…”
“We’ve been waiting for you.”
“…Excuse me?”
“Professor Allen, correct? Please come inside.”
Before I could respond, the guard swung the gate wide open and walked straight ahead without hesitation, leaving me no choice but to follow.
What is this? Is this proper?
Before I knew it, I found myself standing before the mansion.
“Oh. Are you Allen? Very pleased to meet you. You’re as tall and handsome as I’ve heard!”
A burly uncle with a thick beard laughed heartily while hugging me.
Though trapped in his muscular embrace, I endured silently, quickly thinking.
Red hair similar to Amy’s.
Someone in this mansion capable of such behavior.
And the immense mana radiating from his entire body.
Could this guy really be…?!
“Father! You’re embarrassing the Commander.”
Seeing Earl trying to stop him confirmed it.
This man was none other than Duke Valkan Helios, the Patriarch of the Helios Family.
…He doesn’t look like a magician at all.
At Earl’s words, Valkan stepped back and exclaimed,
“Haha, my apologies. Since you’ve been approved by both my sons as a potential son-in-law, I had to properly inspect you as a father, right?”
“Did I… hear that correctly?”
Despite trying to keep my cool, I couldn’t help but exclaim in shock.
“You’re mistaken.”
“Dear, are you alright? Our husband shocked you, didn’t he?”
Turning toward the gentle voice that contrasted starkly with Valkan’s boisterous tone,
I saw a woman who resembled Amy.
Ah, so there’s at least one sane person in this family…
“Call me Leia. I’m the lady of the house. Or feel free to call me Mother, Son-in-law.”
Correction needed.
Everyone in this family is clearly insane.
Watching Leia wink charmingly made my mind go hazy.
“Umm… well…”
Not knowing what to say, I stammered as Valkan put his arm around my shoulder and pushed me into the mansion.
“Come, come, let’s eat first! Hospital food must’ve been terrible. Our chefs will show you their skills, so look forward to it!”
Truly, he’s like a ‘Dwarf’ in every sense.
***
Fortunately, as Valkan promised, the food here was incomparably delicious compared to the hospital’s.
…If only the atmosphere wasn’t so awkward, it would have been perfect.
“How does it taste? Is it to your liking?”
“Yes… it’s delicious. Thank you very much.”
Somehow bowing my head in gratitude satisfied Valkan, who smiled contentedly.
“Now then, tell me. Which aspect of our daughter appeals to you most?”
“Excuse me?”
“Is it her beauty? Thankfully, none of my children inherited my face, so they’re all handsome and beautiful.”
“Eh, what’s wrong with your face? It’s very manly and appealing.”
“Haha! You’re absolutely right!”
Watching their pigeon-like affection made me feel slightly envious.
In my previous life, I wouldn’t know, but Allen was an orphan.
Until now, I was too busy surviving to care…
I wonder what kind of people Allen’s parents were.
Anyway, let’s resolve this issue first.
“Um, there’s something I need to clarify… Amy and I aren’t lovers. We have a simple teacher-student relationship. I have no intention of dating my student.”
As soon as I finished speaking, the couple’s movements froze instantly.
Could they have been serious all along? Was it not a joke?
“Hmm… You don’t find our Amy appealing? You’re rejecting our precious princess now?”
From Valkan’s tone, mana began to ripple faintly.
His posture suggested he might cast magic at any moment if he didn’t like my answer.
I forced a smile.
“How could I possibly do that? Rather, I’m far beneath your daughter in every way.”
“Hmm… What then? Why are you rejecting her?”
“Well, it’s not exactly rejection… Isn’t Amy’s opinion the most important? That’s what I meant.”
What am I even saying?
Somehow blurting it out made Valkan relax.
“Ahaha! I see! Seems our son-in-law still doesn’t understand women.”
Clang!
Setting down his beer mug forcefully, Valkan smirked.
“Let me tell you something about women! When a man decisively… uh? Just decisively pushes forward, that’s the key!”
Hmm, memories of working part-time at a bar in my previous life are coming back…
“When Amy appears strong, remember she’s still a young and delicate girl. So…”
“What are you even saying!!!”
Valkan, who seemed so rough earlier, froze at the shrill cry.
Naturally, it was Amy.
“A-Amy… you’re awake…”
Amy’s face was bright red. Instead of responding to her father, she stormed over and grabbed my hand.
“Come with me.”
Her commanding presence left me no choice but to obediently follow.
Honestly, I wanted to escape this situation anyway.
“D-Daughter… remember contraception…”
“SHUT UP!!!”
Numerous fireballs summoned by Amy’s rage flew toward Valkan.
Instead of being upset, Valkan only teared up happily.
They obviously didn’t affect him…
“To reach this level with Wordless Magic…! As a father, I couldn’t be prouder! People truly grow through love…”
“If you say another word, I’m moving out!”
“Huuuuh…”
Apparently, cute threats worked better on her father than flashy magic.
Turning her head after successfully silencing Valkan, Amy met my gaze then
“…”
turned away and headed upstairs, still firmly holding my hand.
“Was that a bit too much?”
“Way too much.”
“For now, it’s best to avoid talking to Amy.”
“Hmm…”
Though whispers came from behind, ignoring them seemed healthier for my mental state.
