The city of Jobet, which I visited for the first time in three days, looked lively under the clear blue sky.
Before visiting the Feudal Lord's annex, I walked around the town near the port, and although the number of items was small, I could hear the energetic voices of sellers.
At the port, cargo was being loaded onto large ships, and at the adjacent fish market, ships returning from fishing were unloading their catch.
It had not yet been confirmed that the Krakens had been completely subjugated, but there were people some people out fishing with a bit of a false start feeling.
Perhaps because fishing had been suspended until now, fishing boats were landing large amounts of fish.
The fish were about the size between that of a sardine and a saury, but they bounced around and were extremely fresh, so if Nero saw them, he'd probably jump out.
After finishing my inspection of the city, I headed to the Feudal Lord's annex, where the Lord Arnath Edelich appeared to greet me.
He looked a lot like a certain American president with cat ears, it looked like a shoddy collage.
At the meeting of the Lords in Breichberg, Arnath-san was wearing a very sour face, but today he was smiling from ear to ear.
Maybe it was because the end of the Kraken commotion was in sight, but the cat-eared girl next to him also seemed to be smiling.
"Welcome, Kent Kokubu, the Kraken Slayer Brave."
"It's been a long time, Arnath-san. Calling me a Brave is a bit ..."
"What are you saying. Even in Resenburg's long history, there is no one who has subjugated a Kraken alone. If you don't like being called a Brave, should I call you a Hero, or maybe we should create a new adventurer rank above S-rank ..."(TN:Eiyuu = Brave, Yuusha = Hero, Eiyuu = someone who did a heroic deed, Yuusha is the generic Hero from every novel/rpg. Despite Yuusha literally meaning 'brave man', this is what they usually are translated as. Think of it as Yuusha = someone expected to do great things, while Eiyuu = someone who actually did them.)
"No, no, please don't do something so exaggerated. I can just be Kent, an adventurer from Volzard."
"I heard that you will be marrying the Princess of Barshania soon. Normally, I wouldn't treat such a person as an ordinary adventurer, but ... maa, I guess it's fine, let's talk about the test voyage."
I wanted to be inconspicuous, but Arnath-san gave me a hint of a smile and invited me to the reception room.
The girl who was around ten years old next to Arnath-san followed us to the reception room, glancing at me.
Her shiny gray hair reminiscent of Russian Blue and clear blue eyes were adorable.
I guessed she was a relative of Arnath, but even though they had the same cat ears, I couldn't help but think they were extremely different.
"Let me introduce you to my granddaughter, Katia. She has been begging to see the Brave ..."
It was a relaxed smile that I couldn't even imagine from the previous sour face during the Feudal Lords' meeting.
This person, he seemed to be quite an Idiot Grandparent, so I should be careful.
"Hello, Katia-chan. I'm Kent."
"N, nice to meet you, I am Katia Edelich."
Katia lightly pinched her skirt and greeted me, she looked like a doll.
First of all, I'd like to clarify that I don't have a lolicon hobby, so I just think she's cute.
"Now, Kent Kokubu. I would like to have the test voyage ship set out on the morning of two days from now, is that okay?"
"Regarding the escort system, have you heard about it?"
"Umu, I heard that two of your Kobolds will be accompanying them, and in case of an emergency, they will immediately run to alert you and respond."
"Yes, my genus can travel through the shadow space, so it takes about the same amount of time to go back and forth with the news as from the entrance to here."
"I see. We're planning to double the number of lookouts on the test voyage ship. As long as we notify you as soon as we discover any abnormalities and can deal with them, there won't be any problems."
"I plan to accompany them on that ship as time permits. However, I have one concern ..."
"Hou, what is it?"
"We don't know if the giant fish, which is believed to be a Bahamut, will attack the ship or not."
I talked about the giant fish I encountered during the second Kraken subjugation, and told him that if it attacked not only the Kraken but also the ship, it would be difficult to deal with it.
"I see, if it attacks from the deep sea all at once, keeping watch would be useless."
"That's right. By the time I received the news, there's a high possibility that the ship would have suffered serious damage, and I don't think I will be able to deal with it even if I accompany them."
It was so huge that it could swallow a Kraken whole, and I felt like it would be able to break through even if I deployed multiple shields of darkness.
"Alright. If the ship is damaged by the Bahamut, no penalty will be imposed. In return, please take sufficient measures to not delay when the other party is a Kraken. Do you need living quarters there?"
"No, we basically operate in the shadows, so there's no need to prepare a cabin or anything like that."
"I see, that is helpful. After all, the space on the ship is limited. This time, we will increase the number of lookouts, and we would like to load as many goods as possible."
Trade with the neighboring continent had been completely halted by the Kraken, so people involved in import and export probably wanted to transport as much cargo as possible as quickly as possible and make money doing so.
However, there was no way a Feudal Lord would not provide a proper cabin for an adventurer for whom they put up a nomination request.
If they prepared a high-quality cabin for just me, it would take up some of the limited space.
On the other hand, if the space was reduced by that amount, cargo and personnel could be loaded.
After the meeting was over, tea and fruit were served.
The fruit was what we would call a blood orange on Earth, and the red flesh gave off a refreshing citrus scent.
"This fruit, can it be grown near Jobet?"
"That's right, if you look from the sea, you'll see that the fields are spread out on the slope. This is the type that bears fruit in the winter, and there are also other types that bear fruit in the summer."
"Uwah, sweet. Also, the fruit juice ..."
"That's right. This is also a trade item."
Katia-chan was also enthusiastically eating an orange next to Arnath-san, who was smiling with pride.
Huh, now that I think about it, it's a weekday, but does she have to go to school?
"Fufun, there are things more important than going to school. Katia is also a member of a Feudal Lord's Family, knowing who can handle troubles like the Kraken and how they are resolved will definitely come in handy in the future."
"I see ... When I was around Katia-chan's age, I was just spending my days idly."
"Fuhahahaha, my Katia is usually a normal child. She goes to school normally, plays with friends normally, and dreams of getting married normally ..."
Nn? I don't think she's at the age where she would normally dream of getting married, but ...
Arnath-san smiled broadly and leaned forward to speak to me.
"What do you think, Kent Kokubu."
"No, even if you ask me ..."
"Her mother is beautiful and has a good figure. Katia looks like her mother, so I'm sure she will grow up to be a beautiful woman who will be sought after in the near future."
"As for me, I already have promised my future to four people ..."
"What, earning 80 million Helts in just 10 days, there won't be any problems even if there is one more person."
"No, no, this kind of story should be based on the person's wishes ..."
Arnath-san took advantage of my slip of the tongue and leaned closer.
"Hohou, then if Katia wants it, there's no problem, right?"
"Ueeh, but Katia-chan is still going to school, right?"
"She just turned 12 this year, but you can have the special ceremony after she turns 15, so there won't be any problems."
No, no, after all, in Japan it would be impossible to lay your hands on an elementary school girl.
In particular, I can only see a future where Yuika wearing the expression of a demon is making me sit in seiza and giving me a lecture.
"Kent Kokubu. Do you have any intention of building a friendly relationship with Edelich?"
"O, of course, I have no intentions of being hostile, but ..."
"Kent-sama, do you not like me?"
"Guu ..."
It's against the rules for a little girl with cat ears to approach me with upturned eyes!
However, I can't promise to marry a girl I met for the first time today.
"I, I'll go back and talk it over. I'll give you an answer later ..."
"I see ... In that case, I'll be looking forward to hearing a good answer. Right, Katia."
"Yes, Ojii-sama."
Guu ... This kid, she's scary.
Even though she's four years younger than me, I feel like she's really strong.
"Kent Kokubu. If you accept Katia as your wife, I will give you this villa as a wedding gift."
"No, no, I will refrain from doing so. My Home is under construction in Volzard, so I have no intention of moving here."
"Jobet is a nice town. It's warm even in the winter, and in the summer you can enjoy swimming on the sandy beach at the back of the bay. Young girls are more open-minded on the beach in the summer ..."
Ehh, wait a minute, does that gesture of spreading both hands in front of the chest mean that the chest armor is released.
No, wait, if my brides are with me, no matter how paradisiacal the scene is, there's no way I'll be able to enjoy it.
I'm sure Manon and Seraphima in particular will never forgive me.
If that's the case, then I have no choice but to come by myself and give the reasoning that it's a request.
"I am very grateful for your offer, but I cannot afford to manage a second home, so I will decline the offer."
"You know, the management of the house will be left to the people currently employed ..."
Just as Arnath-san was about to follow up with another blow, I heard the sound of hurried footsteps coming from the entrance.
The person who violently opened the door and appeared was Arnath-san's second son, Vajardi-san.
"Father, and Katia too, what exactly is the meaning of this?"
"Fuun, what does it mean, I'm just trying to fulfill my duties as a Feudal Lord."
"By any chance, Kent-san, have you already agreed?"
"Aahh, of course he was happy to agree."
Yes? Even if I agreed, which one is he talking about.
I have agreed to the escort schedule for the test voyage, but I have not agreed to the marriage proposal.
"It's too early. Katia is only twelve years old. It's too early to get married. Kent-san, you can't put your hands on even such a small girl ..."
"No, no, I haven't put my hand on anything, and I haven't agreed to marry her."
"Ehh, what do you mean ... ?"
When I told him that what I had agreed to was the escort schedule, Vadi-san gave Arnath-san a stern look.
"Father, it is true that Kent-san has a rare talent, but there is no need to use force like that."
"What are you talking about, your thinking is too naive. It is my duty as a Lord to prepare for emergencies during peacetime."
Arnath-san started talking about why he was trying to have me seduced.
"Just as Volzard is connected to Resenburg across the Devil's Forest, Edelich is connected to the neighboring continent across the ocean. We have a friendly relationship now, but once we start to clash, we will be the ones who bear the brunt. If we have the strength that can defeat the Kraken alone, we would be able to repel the enemy while minimizing damage to our allies. It is natural for a Feudal Lord Family to try to establish a reliable connection for that purpose."
"But, Katia is still ..."
"Foolishness! Once a girl reaches the age of 12, she will understand the rules of being born into a Feudal clan."
Katia-chan, who was looking at Arnath-san, nodded with a tense expression on her face.
"What's more, the person she is marrying is not some lecherous old man, but a young and talented young man. Katia won't have any complaints."
In response to Arnath-san's question, Katia-chan nodded again vigorously, then suddenly smiled.
If she was acting naturally, she would be truly frightening, as she showed off an innocent smile that befit her age after having a sharp expression that didn't suit her age.
Vadi-san rushed in to stop him, but he was completely taken in.
No, no, I think you have to work a little harder here.
[ Buhahaha, Kent-sama, it would be wiser to retreat to Volzard for now and seek advice from Klaus-dono. ]
[ That's right ... I will do that. ]
Following Reinhardt's advice, I will make a strategic retreat to Volzard.
"F, for the time being, could you please put this discussion on hold until the test voyage is over. I would also like to concentrate on my duties as an escort ..."
"Th, that's right, Father. Right now, we should not put any unnecessary burden on Kent-san and let him concentrate on his escort work."
"Fuun, I get it, I get it. It's fine to answer after the voyage is completed safely."
Katia-chan's gaze towards Vadi-san, who was in a cold sweat, was cold.
Vadi-san seemed unreliable, so let's go back to Volzard and talk to Klaus-san as soon as possible.
When I got up from my seat to go back to Volzard, Katia-chan walked up to me and wrapped her arms around me.
I felt like a kitten was playing with me, but then I felt a soft touch on my arm ... Mumuu, her future is richer than Manon's ... Munya munya ...
"Kent-sama, please call me Tia."
"Is Katia-chan no good?"
"It's no good, please call me Tia."
Katia-chan's slightly puffed out cheeks reminded me of Beatriche when I met her.
Katia-chan was probably popular at school, and if she were seen like this, there would probably be boys who would gnash their teeth like the rich kid Nazario from the Orlando Store.
Rather, Vadi-san was gnashing his teeth, but I'm sure I would get yelled at if I called him father-in-law.
"Then, Arnath-san, Vadi-san, please excuse me."
"Umu, I'm hoping for a good answer."
"Father ... Kent-san, I would appreciate your assistance regarding the escort."
"Yes, please leave it to me. Then ... Tia, too, see you later."
"Yes, Kent-sama!"
Katia-chan stretched as far as she could and kissed me on the cheek.
Yup, it reminded me of Beatriche even more.
Rather, I wonder if I can escape, this ...
I dived into the shadows and headed back to Volzard, heading towards the Guild.
Fortunately, there were no visitors in the office, and Klaus-san was sitting at his desk looking bored.
Once I went out into the hallway and knocked on the door, I received an answer right away.
"Who is it?"
"It's Kent, may I have a moment?"
"Ou, come in!"
When I opened the door, Klaus-san had already gotten up from his desk.
I guess he really hates desk work.
"Did you find Volent's secret ledgers?"
"Yes, I found them last night and have copied some of them. I plan to copy the rest by the day of the negotiation."
"Okay, good job! It's the right time, so let's go have lunch."
"Umm, before that, a consultation for a moment ..."
"Nn? Is something bothering you?"
"Yes, just a bit ..."
Klaus-san asked me to sit on the sofa, and Beatriche started preparing tea.
"Sorry, Riche please sit down too."
"Me too, is it?"
"Kent, you, no way, you got another woman, right?"
"I, I haven't done so. Yet ..."
"Haa ... Arnath-jii, huh?"
I had told Klaus-san that I was going to a meeting about the test voyage, so I suppose he guessed it from there.
When I told them about Katia, both father and daughter were shocked.
"Seriously, I was expecting Arnath-jii to try something, but to mess around with a twelve year old kid."
"Kent-sama, you have too many gaps."
"I'm sorry. But, how should I refuse?"
"There's no need to worry about that. If he pushes for a forced marriage, just say that you'll cut ties with Edelich."
"I see ... If a connection can't be kept if there's no bride, I just have to do the opposite."
"Kent, if you don't clearly refuse this time, you'll have to get a wife from the relatives of the Feudal Lords other than Edelich."
"Th, that's outrageous. If that happens, I'll end up getting ten wives."
"In that case, just say no."
"Understood."
"Okay, let's go to lunch!"
On the way to the bar attached to the Guild, Beatriche wrapped her arms around mine.
This 'Funi~yun' feeling, it looks like it's growing a bit again ... No, I guess it's because I compared it to Katia.
"Kent-sama, I'm glad you weren't pushed around trying to decide on your own, but I won't forgive you if you decide to get more wives without permission."
"Ouchh, I'm sorry."
"It's fine as long as you understand."
I felt a pinch in my side, but the 'Funi~yun' feeling was even better.
But, a cat-eared little girl ... If Seraphima weren't a similar Character ...
"Kent-sama ... ?"
"No, it's nothing."
Let's say no to Arnath-san and be docile for a while.
The city of Jobet, which I visited for the first time in three days, looked lively under the clear blue sky.
Before visiting the Feudal Lord's annex, I walked around the town near the port, and although the number of items was small, I could hear the energetic voices of sellers.
At the port, cargo was being loaded onto large ships, and at the adjacent fish market, ships returning from fishing were unloading their catch.
It had not yet been confirmed that the Krakens had been completely subjugated, but there were people some people out fishing with a bit of a false start feeling.
Perhaps because fishing had been suspended until now, fishing boats were landing large amounts of fish.
The fish were about the size between that of a sardine and a saury, but they bounced around and were extremely fresh, so if Nero saw them, he'd probably jump out.
After finishing my inspection of the city, I headed to the Feudal Lord's annex, where the Lord Arnath Edelich appeared to greet me.
He looked a lot like a certain American president with cat ears, it looked like a shoddy collage.
At the meeting of the Lords in Breichberg, Arnath-san was wearing a very sour face, but today he was smiling from ear to ear.
Maybe it was because the end of the Kraken commotion was in sight, but the cat-eared girl next to him also seemed to be smiling.
"Welcome, Kent Kokubu, the Kraken Slayer Brave."
"It's been a long time, Arnath-san. Calling me a Brave is a bit ..."
"What are you saying. Even in Resenburg's long history, there is no one who has subjugated a Kraken alone. If you don't like being called a Brave, should I call you a Hero, or maybe we should create a new adventurer rank above S-rank ..."(TN:Eiyuu = Brave, Yuusha = Hero, Eiyuu = someone who did a heroic deed, Yuusha is the generic Hero from every novel/rpg. Despite Yuusha literally meaning 'brave man', this is what they usually are translated as. Think of it as Yuusha = someone expected to do great things, while Eiyuu = someone who actually did them.)
"No, no, please don't do something so exaggerated. I can just be Kent, an adventurer from Volzard."
"I heard that you will be marrying the Princess of Barshania soon. Normally, I wouldn't treat such a person as an ordinary adventurer, but ... maa, I guess it's fine, let's talk about the test voyage."
I wanted to be inconspicuous, but Arnath-san gave me a hint of a smile and invited me to the reception room.
The girl who was around ten years old next to Arnath-san followed us to the reception room, glancing at me.
Her shiny gray hair reminiscent of Russian Blue and clear blue eyes were adorable.
I guessed she was a relative of Arnath, but even though they had the same cat ears, I couldn't help but think they were extremely different.
"Let me introduce you to my granddaughter, Katia. She has been begging to see the Brave ..."
It was a relaxed smile that I couldn't even imagine from the previous sour face during the Feudal Lords' meeting.
This person, he seemed to be quite an Idiot Grandparent, so I should be careful.
"Hello, Katia-chan. I'm Kent."
"N, nice to meet you, I am Katia Edelich."
Katia lightly pinched her skirt and greeted me, she looked like a doll.
First of all, I'd like to clarify that I don't have a lolicon hobby, so I just think she's cute.
"Now, Kent Kokubu. I would like to have the test voyage ship set out on the morning of two days from now, is that okay?"
"Regarding the escort system, have you heard about it?"
"Umu, I heard that two of your Kobolds will be accompanying them, and in case of an emergency, they will immediately run to alert you and respond."
"Yes, my genus can travel through the shadow space, so it takes about the same amount of time to go back and forth with the news as from the entrance to here."
"I see. We're planning to double the number of lookouts on the test voyage ship. As long as we notify you as soon as we discover any abnormalities and can deal with them, there won't be any problems."
"I plan to accompany them on that ship as time permits. However, I have one concern ..."
"Hou, what is it?"
"We don't know if the giant fish, which is believed to be a Bahamut, will attack the ship or not."
I talked about the giant fish I encountered during the second Kraken subjugation, and told him that if it attacked not only the Kraken but also the ship, it would be difficult to deal with it.
"I see, if it attacks from the deep sea all at once, keeping watch would be useless."
"That's right. By the time I received the news, there's a high possibility that the ship would have suffered serious damage, and I don't think I will be able to deal with it even if I accompany them."
It was so huge that it could swallow a Kraken whole, and I felt like it would be able to break through even if I deployed multiple shields of darkness.
"Alright. If the ship is damaged by the Bahamut, no penalty will be imposed. In return, please take sufficient measures to not delay when the other party is a Kraken. Do you need living quarters there?"
"No, we basically operate in the shadows, so there's no need to prepare a cabin or anything like that."
"I see, that is helpful. After all, the space on the ship is limited. This time, we will increase the number of lookouts, and we would like to load as many goods as possible."
Trade with the neighboring continent had been completely halted by the Kraken, so people involved in import and export probably wanted to transport as much cargo as possible as quickly as possible and make money doing so.
However, there was no way a Feudal Lord would not provide a proper cabin for an adventurer for whom they put up a nomination request.
If they prepared a high-quality cabin for just me, it would take up some of the limited space.
On the other hand, if the space was reduced by that amount, cargo and personnel could be loaded.
After the meeting was over, tea and fruit were served.
The fruit was what we would call a blood orange on Earth, and the red flesh gave off a refreshing citrus scent.
"This fruit, can it be grown near Jobet?"
"That's right, if you look from the sea, you'll see that the fields are spread out on the slope. This is the type that bears fruit in the winter, and there are also other types that bear fruit in the summer."
"Uwah, sweet. Also, the fruit juice ..."
"That's right. This is also a trade item."
Katia-chan was also enthusiastically eating an orange next to Arnath-san, who was smiling with pride.
Huh, now that I think about it, it's a weekday, but does she have to go to school?
"Fufun, there are things more important than going to school. Katia is also a member of a Feudal Lord's Family, knowing who can handle troubles like the Kraken and how they are resolved will definitely come in handy in the future."
"I see ... When I was around Katia-chan's age, I was just spending my days idly."
"Fuhahahaha, my Katia is usually a normal child. She goes to school normally, plays with friends normally, and dreams of getting married normally ..."
Nn? I don't think she's at the age where she would normally dream of getting married, but ...
Arnath-san smiled broadly and leaned forward to speak to me.
"What do you think, Kent Kokubu."
"No, even if you ask me ..."
"Her mother is beautiful and has a good figure. Katia looks like her mother, so I'm sure she will grow up to be a beautiful woman who will be sought after in the near future."
"As for me, I already have promised my future to four people ..."
"What, earning 80 million Helts in just 10 days, there won't be any problems even if there is one more person."
"No, no, this kind of story should be based on the person's wishes ..."
Arnath-san took advantage of my slip of the tongue and leaned closer.
"Hohou, then if Katia wants it, there's no problem, right?"
"Ueeh, but Katia-chan is still going to school, right?"
"She just turned 12 this year, but you can have the special ceremony after she turns 15, so there won't be any problems."
No, no, after all, in Japan it would be impossible to lay your hands on an elementary school girl.
In particular, I can only see a future where Yuika wearing the expression of a demon is making me sit in seiza and giving me a lecture.
"Kent Kokubu. Do you have any intention of building a friendly relationship with Edelich?"
"O, of course, I have no intentions of being hostile, but ..."
"Kent-sama, do you not like me?"
"Guu ..."
It's against the rules for a little girl with cat ears to approach me with upturned eyes!
However, I can't promise to marry a girl I met for the first time today.
"I, I'll go back and talk it over. I'll give you an answer later ..."
"I see ... In that case, I'll be looking forward to hearing a good answer. Right, Katia."
"Yes, Ojii-sama."
Guu ... This kid, she's scary.
Even though she's four years younger than me, I feel like she's really strong.
"Kent Kokubu. If you accept Katia as your wife, I will give you this villa as a wedding gift."
"No, no, I will refrain from doing so. My Home is under construction in Volzard, so I have no intention of moving here."
"Jobet is a nice town. It's warm even in the winter, and in the summer you can enjoy swimming on the sandy beach at the back of the bay. Young girls are more open-minded on the beach in the summer ..."
Ehh, wait a minute, does that gesture of spreading both hands in front of the chest mean that the chest armor is released.
No, wait, if my brides are with me, no matter how paradisiacal the scene is, there's no way I'll be able to enjoy it.
I'm sure Manon and Seraphima in particular will never forgive me.
If that's the case, then I have no choice but to come by myself and give the reasoning that it's a request.
"I am very grateful for your offer, but I cannot afford to manage a second home, so I will decline the offer."
"You know, the management of the house will be left to the people currently employed ..."
Just as Arnath-san was about to follow up with another blow, I heard the sound of hurried footsteps coming from the entrance.
The person who violently opened the door and appeared was Arnath-san's second son, Vajardi-san.
"Father, and Katia too, what exactly is the meaning of this?"
"Fuun, what does it mean, I'm just trying to fulfill my duties as a Feudal Lord."
"By any chance, Kent-san, have you already agreed?"
"Aahh, of course he was happy to agree."
Yes? Even if I agreed, which one is he talking about.
I have agreed to the escort schedule for the test voyage, but I have not agreed to the marriage proposal.
"It's too early. Katia is only twelve years old. It's too early to get married. Kent-san, you can't put your hands on even such a small girl ..."
"No, no, I haven't put my hand on anything, and I haven't agreed to marry her."
"Ehh, what do you mean ... ?"
When I told him that what I had agreed to was the escort schedule, Vadi-san gave Arnath-san a stern look.
"Father, it is true that Kent-san has a rare talent, but there is no need to use force like that."
"What are you talking about, your thinking is too naive. It is my duty as a Lord to prepare for emergencies during peacetime."
Arnath-san started talking about why he was trying to have me seduced.
"Just as Volzard is connected to Resenburg across the Devil's Forest, Edelich is connected to the neighboring continent across the ocean. We have a friendly relationship now, but once we start to clash, we will be the ones who bear the brunt. If we have the strength that can defeat the Kraken alone, we would be able to repel the enemy while minimizing damage to our allies. It is natural for a Feudal Lord Family to try to establish a reliable connection for that purpose."
"But, Katia is still ..."
"Foolishness! Once a girl reaches the age of 12, she will understand the rules of being born into a Feudal clan."
Katia-chan, who was looking at Arnath-san, nodded with a tense expression on her face.
"What's more, the person she is marrying is not some lecherous old man, but a young and talented young man. Katia won't have any complaints."
In response to Arnath-san's question, Katia-chan nodded again vigorously, then suddenly smiled.
If she was acting naturally, she would be truly frightening, as she showed off an innocent smile that befit her age after having a sharp expression that didn't suit her age.
Vadi-san rushed in to stop him, but he was completely taken in.
No, no, I think you have to work a little harder here.
[ Buhahaha, Kent-sama, it would be wiser to retreat to Volzard for now and seek advice from Klaus-dono. ]
[ That's right ... I will do that. ]
Following Reinhardt's advice, I will make a strategic retreat to Volzard.
"F, for the time being, could you please put this discussion on hold until the test voyage is over. I would also like to concentrate on my duties as an escort ..."
"Th, that's right, Father. Right now, we should not put any unnecessary burden on Kent-san and let him concentrate on his escort work."
"Fuun, I get it, I get it. It's fine to answer after the voyage is completed safely."
Katia-chan's gaze towards Vadi-san, who was in a cold sweat, was cold.
Vadi-san seemed unreliable, so let's go back to Volzard and talk to Klaus-san as soon as possible.
When I got up from my seat to go back to Volzard, Katia-chan walked up to me and wrapped her arms around me.
I felt like a kitten was playing with me, but then I felt a soft touch on my arm ... Mumuu, her future is richer than Manon's ... Munya munya ...
"Kent-sama, please call me Tia."
"Is Katia-chan no good?"
"It's no good, please call me Tia."
Katia-chan's slightly puffed out cheeks reminded me of Beatriche when I met her.
Katia-chan was probably popular at school, and if she were seen like this, there would probably be boys who would gnash their teeth like the rich kid Nazario from the Orlando Store.
Rather, Vadi-san was gnashing his teeth, but I'm sure I would get yelled at if I called him father-in-law.
"Then, Arnath-san, Vadi-san, please excuse me."
"Umu, I'm hoping for a good answer."
"Father ... Kent-san, I would appreciate your assistance regarding the escort."
"Yes, please leave it to me. Then ... Tia, too, see you later."
"Yes, Kent-sama!"
Katia-chan stretched as far as she could and kissed me on the cheek.
Yup, it reminded me of Beatriche even more.
Rather, I wonder if I can escape, this ...
I dived into the shadows and headed back to Volzard, heading towards the Guild.
Fortunately, there were no visitors in the office, and Klaus-san was sitting at his desk looking bored.
Once I went out into the hallway and knocked on the door, I received an answer right away.
"Who is it?"
"It's Kent, may I have a moment?"
"Ou, come in!"
When I opened the door, Klaus-san had already gotten up from his desk.
I guess he really hates desk work.
"Did you find Volent's secret ledgers?"
"Yes, I found them last night and have copied some of them. I plan to copy the rest by the day of the negotiation."
"Okay, good job! It's the right time, so let's go have lunch."
"Umm, before that, a consultation for a moment ..."
"Nn? Is something bothering you?"
"Yes, just a bit ..."
Klaus-san asked me to sit on the sofa, and Beatriche started preparing tea.
"Sorry, Riche please sit down too."
"Me too, is it?"
"Kent, you, no way, you got another woman, right?"
"I, I haven't done so. Yet ..."
"Haa ... Arnath-jii, huh?"
I had told Klaus-san that I was going to a meeting about the test voyage, so I suppose he guessed it from there.
When I told them about Katia, both father and daughter were shocked.
"Seriously, I was expecting Arnath-jii to try something, but to mess around with a twelve year old kid."
"Kent-sama, you have too many gaps."
"I'm sorry. But, how should I refuse?"
"There's no need to worry about that. If he pushes for a forced marriage, just say that you'll cut ties with Edelich."
"I see ... If a connection can't be kept if there's no bride, I just have to do the opposite."
"Kent, if you don't clearly refuse this time, you'll have to get a wife from the relatives of the Feudal Lords other than Edelich."
"Th, that's outrageous. If that happens, I'll end up getting ten wives."
"In that case, just say no."
"Understood."
"Okay, let's go to lunch!"
On the way to the bar attached to the Guild, Beatriche wrapped her arms around mine.
This 'Funi~yun' feeling, it looks like it's growing a bit again ... No, I guess it's because I compared it to Katia.
"Kent-sama, I'm glad you weren't pushed around trying to decide on your own, but I won't forgive you if you decide to get more wives without permission."
"Ouchh, I'm sorry."
"It's fine as long as you understand."
I felt a pinch in my side, but the 'Funi~yun' feeling was even better.
But, a cat-eared little girl ... If Seraphima weren't a similar Character ...
"Kent-sama ... ?"
"No, it's nothing."
Let's say no to Arnath-san and be docile for a while.
