Chapter 18: Imperial Capital – Martial Arts Tournament – 02
The following morning, we arrived at the territory of Zanzagilium and headed to greet Marquis Zanzagir at his residence.
In the reception room, I faced the marquis. He was a samurai-like man with gray hair tied at the back and a well-groomed mustache.
“Ah, Lord Soushi! It seems you have successfully acquired your weapons. I have also heard that you defeated another member of the Kin of Twilight afterward, employing your wits in the process. Truly, you are a person of both intellect and bravery, and I am most impressed.”
“Thank you. To be called clever is a bit embarrassing, as it was merely a stroke of luck that I managed to deal with the Kin of Twilight before they could wreak havoc.”
“Indeed. It has been a while since we last saw the Kin of Twilight, but it seems they are reappearing everywhere, causing damage. Preventing that is something I must be grateful for as the lord of this territory. It seems I owe you more than just the preparation of your weapons.”
“Regarding that, I received exceptional consideration for procuring weapons in the Dwarf Village, so that is more than sufficient. Simply being able to place priority orders at the Village Chief’s workshop is something we could not have done otherwise.”
“Considering the damage that could have been caused by that rockslide and the two Kin of Twilight, it is hardly enough. You need not be so modest, Lord Soushi. However, I do find myself pondering how best to repay your kindness.”
The Marquis Zanzagir showed a troubled expression, glancing at the lady beside him as if seeking her input.
While I understood his sentiments, as the party leader, I also knew I had to accept some form of reward. Yet, being treated with such care every time was becoming a bit of a burden.
After all, the marquis could not simply keep accumulating debts, and it would likely come down to monetary compensation. At this point, my savings were piling up, but I had little use for them, which was a problem. I couldn’t help but recall a phenomenon from a role-playing game in my past life where gold became excessive towards the end, and I found myself chuckling inwardly.
“…By the way, Lord Soushi, I hear you have crafted splendid weapons for my daughter, Sakurahime. Would it be acceptable for her to continue using them in your party from now on?”
“Of course. Lady Sakurahime is an indispensable asset to our team.”
Upon my response, the marquis and his wife exchanged glances and nodded to each other as if they had come to a decision.
Seeing their demeanor, an ominous feeling crept up my spine. Could it be that this was leading to…? I realized it but felt powerless to do anything as the two turned serious expressions toward me.
“If that is the case, would you consider taking my daughter Sakurahime as your wife? Setting aside a parent’s bias, she is a fine young lady, having dedicated herself not only to martial prowess but also to the arts since childhood. I believe she would be of great help to you, Lord Soushi.”
This was not the first time such a proposal had come up, but this time it was clear they were serious.
The idea of receiving a daughter as a form of gratitude felt quite uncomfortable from my past life’s perspective, but I understood that in the world of nobility, such arrangements were commonplace. However, that did not mean I could simply accept it without hesitation. After all, the other party was a marquis of the empire, and such a proposal carried implications beyond mere gratitude.
Moreover, all members of Soul’s Guidance were present in this room, and I initially thought they would be surprised by this sudden turn of events. However, when I glanced at them, they seemed calm, leaving me more astonished.
Only Freinir appeared genuinely surprised, while Larni, Sfenia, Mariane, Shizuna, and Karma wore expressions that suggested, “This is only natural.” Geshura, a member of the Kin of Twilight, seemed to be oblivious to the situation, her face devoid of expression.
As for Sakurahime, she initially looked shocked but soon fixed her gaze on me with a determined expression. As a noblewoman, she likely understood that such situations could arise regardless of her own will. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pity for her.
“Well, that is… um, it is a very flattering offer, but it is all rather sudden, and I cannot provide an immediate answer. As I mentioned before, there is a significant age difference, and more importantly, I am still uncertain of my own identity…”
“I have heard that you already hold the title of Count in the kingdom. If you are to meet with His Majesty the Emperor in the Imperial Capital, you will likely be granted a title within the empire as well. You say you are uncertain of your identity, but surely you are more than worthy of marrying the daughter of a marquis.”
“While I believe you are correct, I must also consider Lady Sakurahime’s feelings…”
“What does Sakurahime think?”
At the lady’s inquiry, Sakurahime blushed and replied earnestly.
“I have no objections. Lord Soushi saved my life, and after traveling together, I have come to find his character exceedingly admirable. If I could join him as his wife, it would bring me no greater joy.”
“It seems that is her answer, Lord Soushi.”
With the lady pressing me further, I found myself holding my head in my hands.
If this were merely a marriage of convenience between nobles as part of a power play, I could have declined outright. However, Sakurahime was a member of my party, and we had developed a bond of understanding.
I was not so naive as to take her words at face value, but I was also aware that I had become a man of some worth.
As I struggled to find a response, the Grand Master, Lady Dorozitte, offered me a lifeline.
“Marquis Zanzagir, it seems Lord Soushi has many ties and obligations. It may be unreasonable to demand an immediate answer, especially considering similar matters arise in various countries.”
“Hmm. It is certainly true that someone of Lord Soushi’s caliber would have such complexities. I have heard from Sakurahime about the esteemed individuals among his party.”
“Exactly. Besides, he is destined to achieve even greater things in the future, so it would be reasonable to allow him some time. Of course, as long as they continue to work together, Lord Soushi would not treat my daughter poorly. Right, Lord Soushi?”
“Y-Yes, of course. I am still on my journey, and I intend to determine my path first. Therefore, I would appreciate your understanding that I cannot consider marriage at this time.”
Now that I think about it, I had said something similar to Marquis Lagantz of Mecalinan, postponing the matter. Moreover, Lady Dorozitte seemed to be aware of that as well, which must be due to the Grand Master’s extensive network of information.
In any case, I wondered if this excuse would satisfy Marquis Zanzagir, but he nodded, indicating that I had managed to navigate the situation.
“I see. Considering Lord Soushi’s potential, it is certain that he will accomplish great things in this empire, no, in this continent. It would not be too late to determine the outcome then.”
“At the very least, I wish to continue my activities as they are until the situation with the Kin of Twilight is resolved.”
“I understand. I recognize that this was a sudden proposal, and it is not something I expect an answer to here and now. However, when the time comes, I hope for a favorable response. Sakurahime, do your best to win Lord Soushi’s favor.”
“Yes, Father. I will strive to be someone Lord Soushi would find appealing.”
As she said this, bowing respectfully while looking at me, I noticed her cheeks were slightly flushed. It seemed she had her own feelings toward me.
At the same time, Freinir wore a worried expression, while Larni and Karma exchanged smirks, whispering to each other. Sfenia and Shizuna showed expressions of determination, while Mariane and Geshura maintained their usual impassive faces.
With such a topic being brought up openly, it felt like changes were about to occur in my relationships with the others, and I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of anxiety. I never imagined I would feel fear over the potential disruption of my current relationships at this age.