175: Political marriages are just the fate of the high-ups, huh.

We all froze in shock at Nobuna's bombshell.

Well, except Maina—she seemed oblivious, just lifting her head with a "huh?"

Nobuna either didn't notice the stares around her, or was deliberately ignoring them, pushing forward without reading the room.

"Kanetsugu and Maina would be a good match age-wise. If the kingdom really wants friendly ties, that'd be a solid idea."

Maina finally caught on, her face turning pale, clinging to Persia.

Seeing that, I couldn't help but stand up.

"No way!"

I didn't even know why I shouted, but I just knew it was wrong.

I couldn't stand the sight of Maina shaking her head frantically, terrified.

"Maina can't do it!"

When I denied it, Maina’s eyes widened, then she looked at me with a hint of relief.

I made up my mind. I have to protect her.

But Nobuna looked up at me, puzzled.

“You’re not her parent or sibling, are you? Marriage is decided by parents, isn’t it? Isn’t it different in the kingdom?”

“Ugh!? No, well, that is…”

Even for commoners like us, parents usually decide marriage. For nobles, it’s even more so. Nobuna was right.

But…

Before I could find an answer, Shingen jumped in.

“Hmm! That’s perfect! Kyle-sama! If she’s your sister, Kanetsugu would be getting a far too good match! What say you?”

I reacted without thinking.

“Shingen-sama! I’m sorry, but Maina’s grades are terrible!”

“Huh?”

Kyle’s terrifyingly good! But Maina’s always slacking off in class!

Silence.

The room goes dead quiet.

...uh, wait?

Stunned faces. Hands pressed to foreheads in disbelief. Death glares (Persia).

And a bone-chilling stare straight at me (Maina).

Aaaaaaaah!

I messed up! Aaaaaaaah!

I instinctively grabbed my head and rolled on the floor.

Then Kyle straightened up, a faint smirk on his face.

"Shingen-sama, today Maina is here as my sister, but in terms of standing, she’s the daughter of Lord Bairoroad, the Marquis of the Frontier. So regarding her marriage, it’s my father—the Marquis of the Frontier—who decides. I can’t answer that here."

"Huh? Is that so? Then at least pass on the inquiry."

I’ll pass on the message, but I’ll just say it’s going to be difficult.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, watching the exchange between the two.

Whoever it is, I just hope Maina finds someone she can truly accept.

“Then let’s give Nobuna to Kyle!”

Now Shingen drops a bombshell!

“Hmm. Kyle-sama’s cute, but I’d rather be with a warrior.”

Nobuna speaks her mind, but doesn’t outright reject it.

Still, the final decision rests with the parents, apparently.

“Thank you for the kind offer, Lord Shingen, but the talks are moving forward with someone from the royal family.”

Wait… what!?

First I’ve heard of this!

No, but… yeah, if it’s Kyle, it makes sense Van wouldn’t let go.

But if that’s the case, then they’re going to pair him with a girl around the same age as his father’s wife…?

Said he could only marry off girls who weren’t even adults yet…

“Hmph. Then forcing the matter’s out of the question. Let’s at least bring it up to them.”

“Understood. I’ll inform His Majesty and Father.”

“Hope one of them actually moves on it. Gwahahaha!”

Said that, but already gave up—Shingen went right back to talking about food.

Hanbee looked disappointed, shifting gears to politics with Kyle.

Yeah. Good. Got worried there.

“Anyway, can you show us Raidock’s sword? Must be something special, right?”

Raidock lifted his head from between Solal and Eva, who were both leaning in toward Nobuna, wary.

Guess Nobuna wasn’t as thick as she seemed—caught on to the three of them in an instant.

“It’s fine. Just curious, as a warrior. I won’t take it.”

Soral exhaled, relieved. Eva’s face twisted with suspicion. Reaction’s broad. Interesting.

“Showing it’s fine. But taking a weapon?”

Raidock pointed to his own sword propped near the entrance.

All weapons except those of the guard Persia were kept in one place.

According to Kyle, practically handing over weapons was just a courtesy. Meaningless, really.

You could still attack with magic, bare hands—plenty of ways.

So strong ones usually just matched their guards’ numbers.

That’s why it surprised Raidock that only Shingen, Hanbee, and Nobuna were present at the earlier meeting.

Given that, Raidock taking his weapon was easily allowed.

Handing over Leifan’s masterpiece—the orichalcum sword—to Nobuna.

She slowly drew it from the scabbard, and the glossy blade emerged with a slick, wet motion.

Ripples danced across its surface, rippling in the flickering candlelight.

She stared at it in silence for a while. Then, finally, Nobuna murmured.

“…Incredible.”

No more words came. Just a slow exhale.

Shingen, who’d been talking to Kyle, noticed and shuffled over.

“Hmph… this…”

Shingen took the sword, examining it closely.

Huh.

A sharp slicing sound through the air, then a clang—the guard ringing.

But the blade had been drawn out moments ago. Now it was back in the sheath.

A beat passed. Then, the nearby candle split into three pieces and tumbled down.

“Huh?”

Staring at us, dumbfounded, Raidock began to explain.

"Outstanding, Lord Shingen. Cutting just one candle from a row without drawing your blade? To slice them all at once would be near impossible."

Must’ve been swinging that sword the whole time—just invisible to me. Damn old coot!

"Gwahahaha! Never thought I’d be dodged like that! Well done, Raidock!"

"Cutting off your bangs means you lose your charm, you know."

Huh? What’s that supposed to mean?

My thoughts must’ve been blaring out loud—Nobuna fills me in.

"Grandpa tried to cut a few of Raidock’s bangs. But he dodged. So he took it out on the candles. Even I couldn’t track it, yet he stayed cool as ever. That guy."

No way. I didn’t even see it.

"Shingen’s something else, huh."

"The one who cut through Grandfather's sword? He's the real deal. Kingdom swordsmen are monsters, huh."

"Hey, don't use Raidock as your benchmark."

The adventurers from Goldendown, the soldiers from Elixir—sure, they've gotten strong, but comparing them to this guy? That’s just pitiful.

"A ninja girl, huh? She’s got serious skill."

"Ah… they’re all exceptions, really."

"You’re hanging around those exceptions, so you’re not exactly ordinary yourself."

Well, what do you think?

Honestly? I don’t even come close to Master Javir’s level.

I can make a lot thanks to my crest, but when it comes to actual alchemy—knowledge, research—my teacher’s light-years ahead. Can’t even dream of catching up.

That’s the real alchemist. Gotta keep grinding.

"Just keeping things light, that’s all. No real reason to stick around."

"Fuuuun?"

Nobuna leaned in sharply, her face pressing close like she was inspecting me.

Uh… a little too close, okay?!

I’m not used to girls, so even if I know she means no harm, I can’t help but think, “Is this guy into me or what?!”

Please! Don’t make me misunderstand you!

I kept inching back, but Nobuna wouldn’t pull away.

Ugh. Long eyelashes.

Wait—no!

I looked away in a fluster, and just happened to catch Eva’s eye. Yeah. She was glaring at me with ice-cold intensity.

Then Maina stood up straight, marched over with sharp steps, and started kicking me—tap, tap, tap.

Persia, following close behind, stared down at me with eyes colder than the Abyssal Ice Hell Prison (Cocytus).

Why do girls always look at guys like they’re filthy just for getting near a girl!?

I’m not lying! I’m serious! Believe me!

Nobuna glanced at Maina’s actions and the stares around her, then smiled with a playful "hmm?"

"Craft, you should just give up already."

Jitarou… you’re seriously misunderstanding something here.

And so, the lunch that dragged on until nightfall finally ended.

I’m not giving it to you (^^)