Chapter 18: Imperial Capital – Martial Arts Tournament – 21
After returning to the inn and finishing dinner, I lay down on my bed when I heard a gentle knock on the door.
It was Sakurahime who entered. She seemed to have just taken a bath, wearing a garment reminiscent of a yukata. This style reminded me of her homeland, the Zanzagir Territory, and its connection to the Oz Country.
“I apologize, Soushi-dono, but I would like to have a word with you. Is that alright?”
“Of course. Since it’s a bit cramped here, shall we go to the lobby?”
I suggested this because I felt it might be inappropriate to be alone with a woman in my room, but Sakurahime shook her head.
“No, this is better. It’s a matter I’d rather not discuss in front of others.”
“I see. Well, please have a seat.”
This was a high-class inn, so even a single room was quite spacious. Besides the bed, there was a table set, and I gestured for Sakurahime to sit there.
“Having observed your battles yesterday and today, I can confidently say that you’ve grown significantly stronger, Sakurahime. You seem to possess enough skill to be considered A-Rank.”
“I’m delighted to hear you say that, Soushi-dono. I, too, have felt my strength increasing. I believe I am becoming worthy of wielding ‘Blizzard’.”
“That’s undoubtedly true. Once you conquer the A-Class Dungeon, let’s have you promoted to Grand Master.”
“I would be most grateful for that.”
With a smile, Sakurahime turned her face away and suddenly began to fidget restlessly.
“Um, by the way, Soushi-dono, about the conversation we had the other day…”
“The conversation from the other day? Are you referring to the ‘Kin of Twilight’ or the ‘Candlestick of the Netherworld’?”
“N-no, it’s not that. It’s about what my father mentioned in the Zanzagir Territory…”
As she spoke, Sakurahime covered her flushed cheeks with her hands, trying to hide her embarrassment.
In battle, she was a dignified warrior, but in moments like this, she seemed to revert to a girl her age.
“Oh, you mean the talk about marriage and such…”
“Yes, that’s it. At that time, you mentioned that you were still on your journey, and that we could reconsider when the time came…”
“I did say that, but is there something on your mind? If you want to reconsider, I’m open to discussing it.”
Back then, Sakurahime had implied that marrying me wouldn’t be a problem for her, but it was possible she was just going along with her father’s encouragement.
While it’s a common topic among nobles, I understood that marrying a man significantly older could be a concern—perhaps even a normal one.
However, contrary to my expectations, Sakurahime shook her head vigorously.
“No, that’s not it. I genuinely wish to marry you, Soushi-dono. It’s just that my father brought it up so suddenly, and I couldn’t gauge your feelings on the matter… That’s what’s been troubling me.”
“My feelings? Ah, you want to know how I truly feel about marrying you, right?”
“Y-yes, that’s correct. I don’t even know how you feel about me, and yet my father made such a bold statement…”
I see, she’s at that age where thoughts of marriage would naturally lead her to wonder about her partner’s feelings. I might not have considered that enough. However, discussing such matters openly in front of others felt a bit daunting.
Still, given that Sakurahime was glancing at me with a flushed face, I felt it was best to respond honestly.
“To be frank, because of the age difference, it’s difficult for me to see you as a romantic interest at this moment.”
“I see…”
“However, if it comes to the point of discussing marriage, I believe I could develop feelings for you. But I’ll need a bit more time before that happens. My previous experiences and the norms I grew up with still linger in my mind.”
“So, you mean to say that you see potential in me as a woman… Is that correct?”
“Yeah, that’s about right. From my perspective, you’re an admirable person both as a woman and as an adventurer, and you’re very beautiful, so you definitely have your charms… Sorry, forget I said that.”
I realized how difficult it was to say such things to a girl with a significant age gap. I didn’t recall ever having to say something like this when courting my wife in my previous life. Perhaps that’s why I was left with a bitter taste in my mouth… but that’s a story for another time.
As I wore a troubled expression, Sakurahime blushed and smiled happily.
“Knowing your feelings brings me relief. Now I can wholeheartedly pursue the pinnacle of adventuring alongside you, Soushi-dono.”
“Yeah, I look forward to it.”
While my heart was still tangled in feelings of guilt and embarrassment, it seemed Sakurahime’s worries had been resolved.
After seeing her return to her room, I lay back down on my bed.
It felt like one important aspect of my future had been solidified.
I wondered if this might spark some movement among the other members as well… but since the topic of my marriage with her was already common knowledge, I didn’t expect any drastic changes. If there were, then so be it—whatever happens will happen.
Then, I suddenly realized something.
I had begun to accept the possibility of marrying multiple women without even noticing it. Indeed, the king of the Vermilian Kingdom had hinted at it, and the members of ‘Soul’s Guidance’—even Marquis Lagantz—had alluded to such things.
Of course, when I calmly considered my own abilities, status, and the circumstances surrounding me, it was undeniable that I had to accept this reality. The dynamics of relationships between men and women in this world, especially among the nobility, operated on different principles than those I was familiar with.
Naturally, there was also the possibility that I secretly desired a harem… but that was something I found hard to accept, given my previous values. Still, I understood that such values could easily shift with the right environment.