ch41-ch60 · 045-ch44

Chapter 44: The Marriage Prospect

"Honestly... this is simply too much!"

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It was Sunday night.

I, Mikato Reiya, finally collapsed onto my bed without even bothering to change out of my clothes—quite improper of me, I know. But I had reached my absolute limit from both frustration and exhaustion.

I had received such a kind invitation from Ai-chan to visit her father's food truck, yet I had to ask her to wait until next weekend because I had plans to travel with my family.

Although, in my household, trips usually involve spending several days traveling to distant places, so a one-night, two-day trip was quite unusual. I found it rather curious from the start.

And then, on the day of the trip, when I learned that my adorable younger brother would be staying behind for his lessons while only my parents and I would be going, I grew even more suspicious.

Our destination was Kyoto.

And the purpose of the trip—it was an omiai.

Now, yes, I understand. Being born into the Mikato family, considered local gentry, means I must eventually accept at least one or two arranged marriage meetings. I understand this.

But really... this is far too soon! I am only fifteen years old—a high school freshman in the very prime of my youth!?

Furthermore, I am furious with my parents for taking me there through such underhanded deception. They clearly didn't tell me beforehand because they knew I wouldn't agree, yes? And they were absolutely right! I had never once considered marriage, at least not until after graduating from high school.

...Well, as for the gentleman himself? He was five years my senior, a composed individual, and he left a favorable impression, I suppose?

But that is an entirely separate matter!

Since we were seated across from each other in an elegant restaurant with a magnificent, beautiful garden, I couldn't very well ignore him, so I responded appropriately enough. But on the Shinkansen ride home, I properly ignored Father the entire way! I did forgive Mother since she apologized.

Goodness, whatever am I to do with this irritation!

"Onee-chan?"

"Oh my~~, welcome, Kaoru-kun."

It was my darling, darling younger brother Kaoru-kun who entered after knocking properly.

Still only nine years old, Kaoru-kun toddled over and sat beside me. Ah, how utterly adorable he is!

"Onee-chan, how was Kyoto?"

"Eh? ...Well, let me see, Kyoto's streets certainly have such tranquility and traditional charm..."

"That's not what I mean. Onee-chan, how was your omiai?"

Thud.

I hadn't been told about it, yet Kaoru-kun knew about the omiai all along.

"W-well, he was a reasonably nice person, I suppose. But don't you worry—your Onee-chan has absolutely no intention of getting married anytime soon!"

"Kekkon?"

Kaoru-kun tilted his head broadly and gazed at me with perfectly round eyes. Ah, how adorable—hmm? Does he not connect omiai with marriage?

"Onee-chan, you met Shudo-senshu, right? Lucky~ I wanted to meet him too~"

The gentleman I met was indeed Mr. Shudo Taiyo, but... senshu? An athlete?

Wait, now that he mentions it, the name does sound familiar...

"He's amazing, winning two consecutive championships at the National University Championships. This year they're saying he's a top contender for All-Japan too!"

Kaoru-kun's eyes sparkled.

...A-ah! A-ah! A-ah!! Now I remember!

Shudo Taiyo-san—the ace of the Seisen University Fencing Club!

A prodigy who won the championship his first and second years, remaining undefeated throughout university... A young hopeful also expected to compete in the next Olympics!

As it happens, Kaoru-kun's lessons are in fencing. Shudo-senshu was Kaoru-kun's hero!

I was so focused on my anger toward Father and on getting through the omiai appropriately that I never noticed at all. The videos and photos Kaoru-kun showed me were all from competitions where his face was difficult to see.

"Hey, hey, what did you talk about? Did you talk about fencing too?"

"Ah, um... well... I'm sorry! Onee-chan didn't realize Shudo-san was an athlete, so I talked about completely different things."

Shudo-san is the third son of a sports equipment manufacturer's president—a company I know well. So we did discuss sports quite a bit... but not touching upon fencing was a grave mistake.

"Ehh, really? I thought I'd get to hear something interesting. That's too bad~"

Ah, I've disappointed my precious little brother. Forgive your Onee-chan!

But perhaps this was for the best, as far as the omiai was concerned. Not knowing my prospective partner was one of Japan's top athletes in his sport... that would be quite the fatal flaw, wouldn't it? There's no doubt I would be rejected~

Father, who hid the omiai until the very last moment—your scheme has backfired. Fufu, I do feel sorry for Kaoru-kun, but I feel somewhat relieved.