My name is Mikel.
An ordinary man of the Korin Religion.
Yes, truly an ordinary man.
Unfortunately.
-0-
Alfred-kun is popular.
That makes sense.
First, his appearance.
Not bad.
His age.
Young, thirteen.
Younger than me.
His combat ability.
Probably the strongest in Raywhite Kingdom.
He can cross swords with O’Brien-sama, and he commands several remarkable spells.
Probably, as long as he does not strike strange poses during battle…… no, secret poses, he would not lose to anyone.
His wealth.
I do not know the details, but Mother told me that Alfred-kun’s family is wealthy.
Judging from how freely he uses money, that must be true.
His status.
King of the island…… is that correct?
He calls himself the village chief.
Even if we are generous, if he leads the island, would that not make him island chief?
Ah, but perhaps that cannot be made public.
As for a status that can be stated openly……
Nothing?
A guest of the Korin Religion?
No, perhaps a guest of Raywhite Kingdom.
If he held some formal position back in his homeland, he would likely present it……
But when I ask Mother, she responds with strange pressure, asking 「Do you wish to know about his family?」 and makes it clear I should not inquire.
Even when I ask him directly, he says things like 「I am but a man who has accomplished nothing」.
And yet, he is acquainted with the king and princes of Raywhite, and with the chancellors as well.
As for the Korin Religion, if he submits a request, he only has to wait a short while before meeting important figures.
Normally, even after submitting a request, one must wait years.
Even I had never met some of those important figures, and yet I have seen him speak with them as if it were nothing. It still surprises me every time.
The topics are wooden statues of the gods or musical instruments, though.
In any case, he is popular.
Yes, women will not leave him alone.
If I were an unmarried woman, I think I would beg Mother to secure him.
For the record, I am unmarried.
I do not even have a fiancée.
When I consulted Mother about that matter…… she made a very conflicted expression.
She does not want to let her son go.
But she wants to see grandchildren.
That was the look on her face.
So, it seems I will have to find someone on my own.
-0-
Back to the main point.
Alfred-kun is popular.
He has many qualities that attract women.
And there are many women aiming for him.
To explain the marriage customs of Raywhite Kingdom……
There are slight differences between royalty, nobility, and commoners, but men generally marry around the age of twenty.
Some marry before twenty, but that is usually in families with strong influence.
The standard is being able to earn one’s own living, so it is common to marry after turning twenty.
That is why I am not in a hurry.
And as for Alfred-kun…… since his family is likely powerful, it would not be strange for him to marry even now.
-0-
Women marry earlier than men, usually between the ages of thirteen and eighteen.
Unlike men, if they do not marry by twenty at the latest, it becomes difficult for them to marry at all.
However, that does not mean they should marry a worthless man. That would only bring suffering.
Life continues after marriage.
That is why women judge men with strict eyes from a young age.
They also actively exchange information among themselves.
From a man’s perspective, women always seem excited about romance, but in truth, one could say they are staking their lives on these choices.
So how do such women see Alfred-kun?
As a prize catch…… pardon me.
As an exceptional partner.
That is why they invite Alfred-kun to tea parties in various ways, hoping to create some opportunity.
This tea party offensive from the young ladies.
I accompany him as well.
Mother has strictly ordered that Alfred-kun is not to attend alone.
Well, I think he will be fine, but there is always the possibility that a desperate woman might set a trap.
We must remain cautious.
After all, Alfred-kun is thirteen.
Not only is he inexperienced in romantic negotiation, he is also unsure in how to handle women.
At least, that is what I thought……
「Beautiful ojou-samas」
You are conversing with them without any problem.
Huh?
Ah, you were strictly trained by your older and younger sisters.
So, your teachers at home were basically older women?
Furthermore, at the academy you attended, you often had opportunities to speak with older women as well.
I see.
Then have you already thought about marriage?
What?
You have a fiancée?
Your sister?
What?
What does that mean?
Ah, your adopted sister.
I see.
What?
She is stronger than Alfred-kun?
That cannot be true.
Ah, no, it is just hard to believe.
In the village where Alfred-kun lived, there are many people stronger than him.
That is difficult to imagine.
Your younger brother and sister are also stronger than him?
That is why you must continue training.
I see……
Ah, wait.
In that case, um…… what about having multiple wives?
It is not uncommon for those with power and wealth to marry more than one person, so what about you?
You cannot imagine that right now.
Understood.
No, it is just that many people have been asking.
Yes, I will tell them that Alfred-kun has a fiancée.
Just to confirm…… your fiancée, I guess she would hate to receive duel challenges, righ…… ah, she loves them.
Not only one against one, but even one against many is fine.
I see.
If I am asked, I will pass that along.
Leave a Reply