Chapter 153 - Chapter 152: The Engagement Contract
The first day of the first week of the first month of water.
The academy after a month's absence.
Mika and the others, having advanced to the middle school division, are ranking up from quasi-military personnel of the Kingdom Army to full military personnel starting today.
Well, that doesn't mean much will change, though.
At best, the monthly allowance will increase from five silver coins to one large silver coin.
(It goes from five thousand rats to ten thousand rats, but so what? That's how I feel.)
For Mika, who has other sources of income, it is not a significant difference, but for the other children, it is a doubling of their pocket money.
They must be looking forward to the distribution day, as if right now.
Like Cecilia in front of his eyes...
Cecilia, sitting in front of Mika, looked visibly excited.
Honestly, she was too giddy.
"Where are we going on this next distribution day?"
She asked cheerfully to Charl, sitting next to her.
"...I want to buy pens and ink..."
"Really! Again, stationery? You always go there."
Even though their pocket money increased, Cecilia seemed dissatisfied with Charl's request, which remained unchanged from usual.
Mika looked at Rimliche, sitting next to him.
Rimliche was watching the two of them with a happy expression.
Rimliche went out with the two of them, but she didn't seem to say much about wanting to do something herself or buy something.
Basically, Rimliche was a saver.
It seemed she hardly made unnecessary purchases.
Even within the dormitory, holding cash was a bit dangerous.
So, if the full amount was not withdrawn on distribution day, the dormitory managed it for the students.
There was no Guild Card-like item, but the dorm mother possessed a magical tool that could confirm the balance by verifying the person's mana.
They used that to manage deposits and withdrawals.
This magical tool seemed expensive; it wasn't at the academy in the Leventein domain, but in the capital, they managed it this way.
By the way, even after graduating from the academy and becoming a formal soldier, it seemed they would be managed in a similar manner.
Messerite had picked up that rumor from somewhere.
Mika looked toward Cleiria.
Cleiria was watching Cecilia and the others with a smile.
For Cleiria, the monthly allowance was nothing special.
She was likely happier that everyone was pleased with the allowance increase than with her own allowance increasing.
"Oh, right. Cleiria."
"Yes. What is it, Mika?"
When called, Cleiria turned toward Mika while still smiling.
Mika lowered his voice to ensure no one else could hear.
"I'm sorry, but could I get some time soon? I have something to consult... or rather, ask."
Hearing Mika's words, Cleiria made a surprised face.
"It seems better not to do it at lunchtime again. How about after school today? Shall we have tea together?"
Seeing Mika's expression, she invited him to her home.
"Thank you. That would be a great help."
Hearing Mika's reply, Cleiria's surprised expression deepened.
■■■■■■
"Engagement!?"
Hearing Mika's story, Cleiria let out a shocked cry.
Mustajif, standing behind Cleiria, also widened his eyes in surprise.
However, the nanny did not move a single eyebrow.
As expected of someone with years of experience.
She is not surprised by something like this.
After the academy ended, Mika rode in Cleiria's carriage and followed her to the Leventein family's villa.
Invited to Cleiria's private room, they were served tea, and once things settled down, Mika brought up the matter.
Mika had decided to ask Cleiria to take care of Kistil and Nerisfeene in case anything happened to him.
Although it was a somewhat forced situation, Mika himself had decided to accept the two of them.
He could not keep escaping by saying "I am only protecting them."
He had been made to think about this during his life in Rish Village.
"It is not official, but you can think of it as such in substance."
Hearing Mika say this with a serious face, Cleiria stood there with her mouth agape, stunned.
Perhaps sensing this, the nanny cleared her throat lightly with a "khem."
Hearing the sound of the cough, Cleiria rebooted.
"I-I was surprised... when did you meet such a person?"
Cleiria said it as if murmuring.
At that moment, Cleiria's expression suddenly changed.
"So... that is why you left the dormitory, then."
With a look of understanding, Cleiria nodded.
"So, who is Mika's fiancée? Is it Kistil-san? Or is it Nerisfeene-san?"
Cleiria tried to compose herself and asked Mika with a smile.
At that question, Mika instinctively averted his gaze.
"...Both... of them."
"Ah, excuse me. I couldn't hear you well. May I ask again?"
His voice was too hoarse because it was so difficult to say.
Mika swallowed hard and steeled his resolve.
"The both of them."
"The both of them!?"
Hearing Mika's words, Cleiria let out another shocked cry.
Well, of course she was surprised.
Because even the nanny had her eyes wide open.
After that, a somewhat awkward atmosphere flowed for a while.
Unable to bear the discomfort, Mika straightened his posture but kept his head down.
Then, the nanny's coughing sound reset the situation again.
"Um... if it is not troublesome, could you tell us the background? And then, please tell us in detail what Mika-sama wishes..."
Cleiria said this with an awkward expression.
(How much should I tell... In the end, even I haven't decided the lines.)
When Mika decided to ask Cleiria, who held the power of the Marquis Leventein family, he thought he would need to tell them to some extent.
However, aside from Kistil, Nerisfeene involved the Church.
It was a somewhat dangerous topic regarding the bishop's corruption.
Feeling guilty about dragging them into it, he had been struggling with how to explain it.
Seeing Mika hesitate, Cleiria turned around.
"You two, step back."
"Huh!? Th-that is not possible---."
"Stop your nonsense, young lady."
Mustajif panicked at Cleiria's command, but the nanny calmly retorted.
Mustajif, who got flustered every time, should learn from the nanny.
The nanny had the strength to stubbornly reject commands she could not accept.
Seeing the nanny's attitude, Cleiria puffed her cheeks a little.
"Then, step back to the door. Or, does the nanny also have an interest in Mika's secrets?"
When Cleiria said that, the nanny let out a light sigh.
Even if she couldn't be left alone, there was no need to listen to the story, Cleiria said.
Hearing those words, the nanny reluctantly bowed and stepped back to the door.
Mustajif watched Cleiria and the nanny, and soon followed the nanny, standing by the door.
Cleiria sat next to Mika and lowered her voice.
"Alright, now no one can hear us. ...If possible, could you tell me all the circumstances, Mika?"
Her expression was serious.
She must be prepared to accept anything.
(...Perhaps it would be better not to know, as it might cause trouble instead.)
Knowing allows them to avoid danger.
Mika had no intention of having the Church and the Marquis Leventein family fight head-on.
He just wanted them to protect the two of them and send them to Rish Village in case anything happened to Mika, who was an adventurer.
A journey lasting over ten days with just two girls was too dangerous.
If the two of them, who had been accepted by the villagers during this recent visit, could just reach Rish Village, he thought things would work out somehow.
Of course, there were still many things to consider, such as giving the two of them some money.
But as a first step, he decided to borrow the great power of Cleiria's cooperation.
"...Um, I should apologize first. It involves quite dangerous circumstances."
"Is it that bad? Since it is for Mika's sake, if necessary, we will use the Leventein family name?"
Cleiria said that, but Mika's expression still did not brighten.
"...Is it really that bad?"
"Because it involves the Church."
When Mika said that, Cleiria's expression also darkened.
Noble power did not work easily on the Church.
If necessary, it might be possible to force things through, but it would become very troublesome in the long run.
After all, almost one hundred percent of the citizens of the Kingdom of Ektrem were followers of the Church of Light.
If they turned even their vassals against the Church, not just the subjects, they might become restless.
And if they drew a bow at the Church, lords of other domains might also get involved.
"To avoid that, I think it is better to know. So, I will tell you. But do not tell anyone else, and please choose a way to avoid it with all your might."
"Understood."
With serious faces, Mika and Cleiria nodded to each other.
Thus, Mika told the story of how he protected Nerisfeene.
On that premise, he also told them that he became an adventurer called "Dispeller."
That Nerisfeene was a Saintess.
That she was nearly murdered after learning of the bishop's corruption in Runesarm.
That she received a strong curse at that time.
That Mika dispelled that curse and sheltered her at his home.
And he also explained the background of protecting Kistil.
That she was about to be sold by her father.
That Mika gave her money and then left, and so on.
After hearing the whole story, Cleiria made a difficult face.
And she let out a deep sigh.
"...You are being too reckless, Mika."
This was Cleiria's first reaction after hearing Mika's story.
Mika could only shrink and say "I'm sorry..."
Ignoring such Mika, Cleiria placed her hand on her cheek and pondered.
"...It won't do... First, solidifying our position is the top priority. But... isn't this actually convenient? If that's the case..."
She muttered to herself while organizing her thoughts.
After thinking for a while, it seemed her thoughts had gathered.
"Mika. You said the engagement was not official, right?"
"Y-yes."
"That won't do. If you truly want to protect the two of them, you should make a formal contract."
"A contract...?"
Engagement, and a contract?
Well, it was indeed like a contract, but in my image, it felt closer to a promise.
"Even among nobles, formal contracts are not always made, but among commoners, large shops and families often make contracts. This is a formal contract with legal binding force."
By making this contract, it seemed possible for Mika to protect the two of them in a form close to family as their fiancés.
"Do you have that kind of resolve, Mika?"
Cleiria looked straight at Mika with her purplish eyes.
Cleiria, who had thought of the best method for Mika's sake and for Mika's wish.
(...Is this the time to pay the tribute?)
Since he had no experience of marriage, he didn't know, but did everyone prepare for marriage like this, shouldering great responsibility?
Mika took a deep breath.
And straightening his posture, he looked straight at Cleiria.
"Yes."
Looking into Cleiria's eyes, he declared firmly.
That serious gaze was so intense it seemed to intimidate Cleiria.
"But sorry. Wait a moment."
At Mika's "wait," Cleiria stumbled.
"Hey, Mika! Be more serious---."
"I am serious! I am very serious! I am serious, but..."
"What is it now!"
Cleiria let out a voice of exasperation.
"This kind of thing, one person's will alone won't do, right?"
"One person?"
Cleiria made a face as if she didn't understand.
But soon she realized.
"You don't mean you haven't confirmed it with the two of them!?"
"They treated me like that in the village, but clearly in words... yes."
Cleiria's expression was one of being speechless with exasperation.
Unable to withstand Cleiria's gaze, Mika shrank further and further.
■■■■■■
"This is Cleiria of the Marquis Leventein family."
Mika briefly introduced Kistil and Nerisfeene, who were kneeling on the floor with their heads down.
It seemed Fee had withdrawn to some room somewhere.
Good, stay hidden and don't come out.
"You two have heard the story from Mika. Please take your seats."
Cleiria called out like that, but the two of them could not move.
Or rather, were they trembling?
Hearing from Mika that he had not confirmed the two of them, Cleiria immediately pulled Mika's hand and ran out of the room.
Even when Mika and Mustajif persuaded them saying "We will bring the two of you," they did not listen, and they barged into Mika's house.
And thus, the lifespans of Kistil and Nerisfeene had shortened due to the sudden visit of nobles.
At the academy, of course, no one knelt, but the general reaction of common people before members of a noble family would be the same as Kistil and Nerisfeene.
To such two, Cleiria spoke gently.
"Do not be so intimidated. We are all companions who have had the same experiences."
Saying that, she squatted in front of Kistil and Nerisfeene.
"We are all people who have been saved by Mika. I cannot tell you the details, though."
Hearing Cleiria's words, the two of them timidly raised their faces.
To such two, Cleiria directed a gentle smile.
"Today, we have come to you and Mika for a very important confirmation."
Cleiria stood up and urged the two of them to stand as well.
Thus, the four of them, Mika, Cleiria, Kistil, and Nerisfeene, took their seats.
No one opened their mouths.
A somewhat awkward atmosphere flowed.
Or rather, I could feel the glances of Kistil and Nerisfeene flickering.
And the gaze from Cleiria, sitting next to me, was painful.
(...Yes, I know. I should be the one to say it.)
But this situation was a bit tough for nervous Mika.
His stomach tightened...
His throat became dry.
"...Khem... um, um..."
He tried to say something, but not a single witty word came to mind.
Or rather, he had lived a life where he cut off things like love, romance, and liking.
(If I could speak smoothly in this situation, I would have been married long ago in my original world!)
He thought Kistil and Nerisfeene were cute girls and liked them.
But honestly, Mika did not know if that was called love.
(I don't intend to be that dry and say "this engagement is just a means"...)
His feelings were not catching up.
But---.
"I want to marry the two of you."
Hearing Mika's words, Kistil and Nerisfeene slowly raised their faces.
Was that expression surprise?
Joy?
The closest thing was probably confusion.
Thinking to myself, I said the worst thing.
Suddenly telling the two of them that I want to marry them.
And doing so to both of them at the same time, right in front of them.
"Thank you for always smiling. Seeing your smiles makes me happy too."
Nerisfeene was trying to make a smile while trembling her lips.
"Thank you for always cooking delicious meals. I like watching you two cook."
A single tear flowed from Kistil's eyes.
"Thank you for always worrying about me."
Mika looked at the two of them with a smile.
"I want to be with the two of you from now on too. So, please marry me."
Saying that, Mika bowed his head.
............
He bowed his head, but no answer came from the two of them no matter how long he waited.
Could this be a failure?
Mika timidly raised his face.
There, Kistil and Nerisfeene were there, scrunching up their beautiful faces and shedding large tears.
"Mika, kun..."
"Mika... sama."
"Kistil. Nerisfeene."
When Mika called their names, they began to cry like children with a "feen."
Seeing such a scene, even Cleiria was moved to tears.
(...Um, is it okay to interpret this as a success?)
He lacked the courage to confirm it right there, so Mika became slightly anxious in his heart.
And when Mika tried to calm them down, they cried even more, falling into a vicious cycle? It took some time for the two of them to calm down.
■■■■■■
In the dining room where the two girls were crying loudly, Cleiria was crying along, and Mika was panicking, Mustajif watched such a scene with a cool heart.
Mustajif, who had come to Mika's home with Cleiria as an escort, had complex feelings in his heart.
(What does the Lord think of Mika's engagement?)
The Marquis Leventein seemed to be paying special attention to Mika, who was blessed with genius talent.
He did not know what means the Marquis intended to use to incorporate him, but this situation would have some influence.
Moreover, it was Cleiria who set this up.
There was a possibility that it would become a quite complicated situation.
(I must report to the Lord urgently...)
Mustajif began to think in his head about his actions and instructions after returning to the villa.