kscans

Chapter 177 - The Twins' Fiancés

"A Vow of Aspiration?"

Come to think of it, there was something like that.

After settling her conflict with the gods, the Little One wandered about aimlessly, occasionally returning to Frontier. Aside from her first few years at the noble academy, she pretty much only attended the entrance ceremony and the New Year's prom. No one could say a word to the twins, who were exempt from all their subjects, and the one person who could scold them, Prince Romel, couldn't care less. And Chihiro's twin brother, Chihaya, stuck to her like glue as she devoted her life to revitalizing the borderlands.

Three years passed in this way, and the twins would be turning thirteen the next autumn. That made them fourteen by the traditional count. The age for the Vow of Aspiration.

If I recall, it's a ceremony where you swear an oath about your ambitions as you head toward adulthood, right? On Earth, it was a custom that came to Japan from China.

From Earth to Heisleyp. From Heisleyp to Arcadia. Many cultures were passed down. Like a game of telephone, they changed in some ways but were more or less preserved. Unlike Earth, civilization in Heisleyp and Arcadia was never interrupted. For that reason, what was passed down remained as it was. Well, Heisleyp ended up being destroyed, though.

"It’s one of our customs. You make a vow for your future as you approach adulthood. Things like wanting to master magic, or live your life solely as a knight. Basically, it’s a ceremony to pray to the gods and show your resolve."

A while ago, the land had no magic, and the ceremony had become a mere formality in other countries. But recently, with the revival of magic, it was apparently being reinstated in many nations.

This was because if you made a vow at the ceremony and fulfilled it, you would be granted a blessing from the gods. There was no punishment for failing. It was all a matter of chance. Life is a storm of setbacks. If the gods punished every little failure, humanity would be covered in wounds. Even the gods wouldn't do something so cruel. So, children eagerly participated in the Vow of Aspiration ceremony, where they had a chance at a blessing just for making a vow. In Frontier, where magic had always remained, it was a ritual that had continued all along.

"A vow, huh. I plan on becoming a knight, so… maybe I’ll state my ambition in the martial arts?"

"It can be fulfilled in Frontier, can it not? I wonder what would be good for me. Dancing? Embroidery? The accomplishments of a lady do not seem particularly inspiring."

Sitting in the Count's living room with a perfectly natural expression was Meg. She had spent most of her time studying abroad at the academy and the count's residence. She rarely returned to her own country even during long vacations. It was a ten day trip one way even with the Honeybee Carriage, so Meg chose to study at the academy instead of going home, and the Little One invited her to the count's house. The Dragos, who were lonely because the twins were always away on their travels, gave Meg a grand welcome. Before they knew it, they were treating her like their own child, and so it remains to this day.

It was probably a good thing that the twins were rarely home. Chihaya paid little mind to Meg bustling about the house when he did occasionally return. The count's residence had always had frequent visitors from the outside anyway. The family accepted their new neighbor without any fuss. Now, she was a good friend, just like Adonis and Zac.

"A vow, huh. I wonder what I should do."

Romel smiled at the Little One, who was tilting her head and humming, and took a sip of warm tea. There were vows that could be used by both men and women, but he hesitated to speak of them here.

His role as a temporary fiancé would be over in a few more years. Who on earth would the Little One choose as her partner?

Closing his eyes to the small ache that passed through his chest, Romel thought of the many young men.

There was Wilfe, and Theodore. They had been a handful in the past, but now they had grown into respectable men. However, he wanted to avoid Wilfe. She could only be a concubine, and if that doting Crown Prince became fixated on his biased love for the Little One, it was plain to see he would neglect his official wife, the former duke's daughter. The Little One was not the kind of person who would approve of that. Theodore would be a perfect match in terms of age. But there was a problem there, too. This wasn't an issue with Theodore himself, but with the current king and public opinion. The King of Frontier, who knew of the Little One’s past life, was incredibly soft on her. If Theodore were to marry the Little One, a drama to replace the Crown Prince could very well unfold. All so he could make his former beloved daughter the queen. And what made his head ache was that public opinion and the nobility would undoubtedly support it.

Three years ago, everyone in the world had watched the Little One's battle through a water mirror.

People had witnessed the moment she stood equal to the gods, right up until she vanished in a flash of lightning. The sound and video cut off there, but when they saw the Little One resurrected and full of life a few days later, anyone would be convinced.

That the Little One had been victorious in her battle against the gods.

She had not yet become an O-saki, but the Little One was now the same as the gods. Tsathoggua had not told people much, but this was the reason he had placed his hopes in her.

The Little One was different from a normal O-saki. She had already received blessings from higher beings in the past, putting her on the same level as the gods created by those beings. That was why she was able to do what Tsathoggua said, to gather the people's prayers into her body and turn them into blessings. It was not something an ordinary O-saki could do. One could only imagine Tsathoggua's excitement when he learned that the Little One had received blessings from higher beings. It was no wonder he couldn't help but think it might be a fixed race, given such incredible fortune. A variety of small miracles had piled up, leading the Little One to victory.

This was a secret story the girl still did not know.

And so, the Little One was already beginning to receive the faith of the people. If she were to marry a prince, a great many voices would surely rise up, wanting her as their queen. Without a doubt. Not just the common folk, but the church, and every nation. Riots on a global scale were not out of the question.

Therefore, marrying her to either of them would be difficult.

Then what about royalty from other countries?

The first name to come up would be Prince Marrow of Donautil. He was a sorcerer who possessed great magic, was skilled in martial arts, and was a key figure in his country. He and King Masahad had said they wouldn't mind if he married into her family, but the nobles of Donautil would be reluctant to let go of a royal who would carry the future of their magical institutions. Well, it wasn't hard to imagine that if she called for him, he'd come flying over with nothing but the clothes on his back.

Romel let a lukewarm smile creep onto the corner of his lips.

As for neighboring countries, there was Prince Louis Charles of Castrato, the so-called mad prince. That gentleman was also an excellent sorcerer skilled with magic, but he was dark. Not figuratively. Both his magic and his heart were pitch black. A pure black, as if pure darkness itself had been made manifest. He was true to his instincts, and if Prince Augfel hadn't thrown himself in the way to act as a stopper, Castrato would likely be mass producing mountains of corpses by now. He could learn when scolded, but he didn't fundamentally understand, so it was all superficial. He operated on a thought process like that of a small child, not doing things because he'd be scolded. The delays in his childhood development could not be so easily overcome.

Well, if Chihiro were by his side, there would probably be no problem, but that would be putting the cart before the horse entirely. It would only increase the Little One's hardships. He could hardly be called a good partner.

The remaining suitors were King Pascal of the Claudia Kingdom and Crown Prince Salim of the Sucaraba Kingdom. These two were neither particularly good nor bad, and could be called excellent prospects. King Pascal, in particular, was a formidable man who had overthrown the previous king with the help of a Lord of the Forest. He saved his starving people, rebuilt his exhausted homeland, and was still suppressing the troublesome royalist faction that continued to smolder. The inquiry hinted at by him was modest and couldn't be called a proposal, but the letter was enough to convey his admiration for the Little One.

'In your visage floating on the moon, I reminisce of days gone by. Days spent drowning in the ephemeral dream of gazing upon the forest's blue with you. If you have a heart, touch my feelings, a beloved thought I wish to sing of.'

"How old-fashioned."

The Little One gave a wry smile at the straightforward content.

In summary, it meant, not a day or night goes by that I do not think of you, and I dream every day that you were by my side. In response to these feelings, could you think of me, even a little? That's what it became.

"How pretentious. A man should just cut to the chase. What a feeble guy."

Meg took the letter from Chihaya, who spat out his words after a single glance, and let out a sigh.

"How wonderful. It is a fine letter."

At Meg’s words, Chihaya’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"What? Is that your type, Meg?"

"Eh? Any girl would long for a love letter. I have received them before, but none were as masterfully written as this."

Chihaya froze, watching Meg as she giggled and returned the letter to the Little One. Before he knew it, she had become a constant presence in his home. Yet she wasn't annoying, and he had grown used to her comfortable distance. She was already like family. Chihaya had thought of her as a second little sister, but on reflection, she was a princess who would be eighteen next year. Since their heights were the same, he didn't even think of her as older, but she was of an age and status where it wouldn't be surprising if suitors were lining up for her.

Wait a minute. Meg is getting married? She's going to leave?

A chill crept up his spine.

She got along well with his sister, and the Dragos adored her too. Marriage was a joyous occasion, but the loneliness would be immense. This is bad. I don't want to see Hero lonely. Or Father and Mother.

Looking at Meg, who fit so neatly into his family, Chihaya's eyes smoldered suspiciously. At that ruthless atmosphere, Romel couldn't help but look up to the heavens.

Is that all that's in your head?

Romel knew that Chihaya only cared for those close to him. And he knew that it was an incredibly tenacious obsession. The Little One was the standard for everything he did. For his sister's sake, he was so infatuated he wouldn't hesitate to kill. He wouldn't overlook even the smallest thing.

Chihaya, wavering with his dark thoughts, probably doesn't realize it. That his own feelings are mixed into those schemes.

Half the reason he doesn't want to lose Meg is his own attachment. Chihaya himself has grown fond of her, as she is now firmly fixed in the family post. The importance of a missing piece is only understood once it's lost. Romel, who had experienced this more than enough in the past, saw that Chihaya must have imagined it.

What if Meg were lost…?

While making up this and that reason, the very fact that Chihaya himself is noticing it means that Chihaya himself feels that Meg is a precious piece.

How young. Don't let her slip away, Chihaya.

Watching Chihaya brood while glancing at Meg with a lukewarm gaze, Romel lightly bit his lip.

I have to find a good person for Chihiro eventually, too.

The two men in question were to become kings. It would be impossible for them to marry into her family. If the Little One were to be married off, a considerable commotion was to be expected.

There were marriage proposals from the princes of Flowers and other countries, but they all lacked a decisive factor and were put on hold.

I suppose I should let Chihiro choose.

When she reached a suitable age, she would choose for herself. Thinking this, Romel shook off his pointless thoughts.

Little did he know that the Little One was watching him with a wicked smile.

As they went about their days, the day of the Vow of Aspiration ceremony arrived. Many people gathered at the royal palace.

Just like at the baptism, the nobles were lined up, their eyes softening at the sight of the children in their finest attire. The students placed their left hands on the needle crystal held by the priest, poured their magic into it, and prayed earnestly.

"I wish to be bound in a good match."

"I aim to become a strong sorcerer."

"I will endeavor to dance. At least to be on par with others…!"

And so on. They stated various aspirations, from the childlike to the mature. Chihiro stepped forward before the priest, who nodded at each one with the face of a kindly old man.

It's Chihiro's turn. What will she wish for? Strength? Peace? ...Let's just pray it's not food-related.

An involuntary tension ran through those connected to the Little One.

As the people watched, Chihiro declared with a clear and serene face.

"A happy future with Prince Romel. I swear to be with him for my entire life."

Shin... The royal hall fell into a stunned silence. After a moment of quiet, the gazes of everyone present focused on Romel all at once.

"...Huh?"

While gazing at the rare sight of a dumbfounded Romel, the Little One beckoned to him.

"Come on, Romel, you too. This vow isn't valid if only one person makes it, right?"

This was an engagement vow that was seriously subject to divine punishment.

"No! This is a Vow of Aspiration! Chihiro, if you make that vow, you won't be able to break off the engagement!"

"I have no intention of breaking it. In fact, it's pretty obvious you want to break it off, Romel. Look around. Is there a better prospect than you?"

That's right. For the Little One, there was no better prospect than Romel. The Little One didn't believe in the feverish passion of romance. A spouse was a best partner with whom one could share their life. Not a flimsy relationship that ends when passion cools, but a deep connection where they need each other. There was no partner better than Romel, who had thought of the Little One with all his being and had always been by her side. The Little One had also worked hard for Romel. She had given back more than what Romel had given her. It wasn't calculation, just a dozen or so years of walking together, truly needing each other. Even if it wasn't romance, it was only natural for affection to grow.

"I love you, Romel. Let’s be together forever, okay?"

Seeing the Little One grin from ear to ear, there was no way Romel could refuse.

I just can't win… In these past ten-odd years, I don't think I've ever won.

Closing his eyes tightly for a moment, Romel raised his face fiercely and started walking toward the altar with large strides.

"You! Things like this are supposed to be done by the man!"

Approaching the Little One with undisguised indignation, Romel touched the needle crystal, pouring his magic into it.

"I, Romel von Regret, take Chihiro La Giorgio as my wife, and vow to make her happy for the rest of my life."

A solemn sound immediately echoed. A resonance from the gods. It was a sign that the vow had been accepted.

Golden light scattered down from the true covenant. While those around them stood dumbfounded by the sudden turn of events, Romel gave a dark, triumphant smile.

"Now you are my wife. I will never let you go."

The words Romel swore were a marriage vow.

"He got me… Oh, well. Nice to be with you, Romel."

"Understood. ...Honestly. You certainly blew away all my worries."

A deep affection welled up from the bottom of his heart. Due to her age and various other things, Romel had continuously admonished himself for being drawn to the Little One. Every time he saw her grow into a young woman, a faint despair would cross his chest. Days spent in anguish, thinking he must entrust the girl, who was about to blossom beautifully, to a suitable young man. As she approached adulthood, he felt sickened by his own wicked feelings. He had thought of her as a daughter, yet his thoughts were so base and vulgar.

But when the lid was lifted, it was nothing of the sort. The Little One herself had wanted Romel.

"Are you sure you want an old man like me?"

"Romel, you're forgetting, aren't you? What's inside me. Sorry, but a boy of twenty or so is too much of a child to be reliable, nyo."

The girl’s face broke into a grin.

Ah, that's right. She was a woman who had passed her prime. It was foolish of him to have considered the age difference a problem. Inside, she was a woman older than him. Of course she would choose practical benefits over a flimsy, feverish passion.

Letting out a regretful chuckle, Romel pressed his forehead against the Little One’s and whispered innocently.

"You can't take it back now, you know? Let's go make the rings tomorrow. And the wedding dress, too. I can't wait for you to come of age."

"Don't forget the flowers and sweets, nyo. I haven't even been properly proposed to yet."

As the two of them laughed and giggled, time, which had stood still for those around them, began to move again.

"Romel?!"

"Uncle?!"

Screams erupted from the royal seats. They had vaguely sensed that the two's engagement was a temporary arrangement, and now this was the outcome. The shock was immeasurable.

"Chihiro! It's still too early!"

"Oh, what does it matter? If it’s Prince Romel, he can visit our home. Even if you live separately, it would be in Chihiro’s palace at the royal castle, right? It's a stroke of luck that you can be close by. You."

Sakura soothed Drago, who was weeping with his eyes wide as saucers.

From the various nobles, voices of astonishment, disappointment, and jealousy rose up, and the children stole glances at the doting older brother. They knew that Chihaya was merciless when it came to matters concerning the Little One and were trembling with fear. However, Chihaya himself had only widened his eyes slightly and remained motionless.

"Ah, I see."

Chihaya, with a look as if a possession had been lifted, walked toward the priest, placed his hand on the needle crystal, and infused it with his magic.

"I, Chihaya La Giorgio, take Meg de Torzebisont as my wife, and vow to make her happy for the rest of my life."

Ignoring the priest whose face stiffened in shock, Chihaya also beckoned to Meg.

He just had to tie her down before he lost her. Like Hero, who had captured Romel.

"The Torzebisont royal family sent a marriage proposal before, didn't they? We turned it down, but is it still valid?"

Chihaya tilted his head slightly and asked Meg, who was looking at him as if she were seeing something unbelievable.

"...Of course it is."

With trembling eyes, Meg placed her hand on the crystal and swore the same words. Feeling an allure in her trembling lips, Chihaya’s heart pounded for the first time.

A being that Chihaya did not want to lose, other than his family. A girl who, before he knew it, had taken up residence in his heart. On his journeys, the only people he thought of were his family and Meg. He had bought souvenirs for her as a matter of course and given them to her.

Chihaya, realizing for the first time that he had feelings for Meg, looked at the faintly blushing girl with a beaming smile.

However, it was a charming episode that Chihaya had to make his vow again because the name was wrong. Chihaya had forgotten that Meg was a nickname and her real name was Margaret.

Thus, the Giorgio twins decisively chose their partners, and it goes without saying that they later threw Frontier and the Torzebisont Kingdom into chaos.

"But you don't think ahead either, do you."

"I don't want to hear that from you, Romel. You with a taste for little girls."

"I’m telling Meg."

"Wait, Hero! Stop it! Meg is sensitive about the age difference!"

Romel’s mouth twitched as he shot a dry smile at Chihaya, who hastily grabbed his sister.

Couldn't he spare even a tenth of that consideration for him?

"As if I’m not concerned?"

"You're not concerned at all!"

"Well, not anymore."

The Prince Regent sipped his tea with a triumphant look.

That just irritated Chihaya even more.

But well, even from Chihaya’s perspective, there was no better partner than Romel. He was cunning, black-hearted, and merciless. Chihaya had watched him from the closest vantage point, alongside the Little One. It was infuriating, but when it came to the Little One, the two men were birds of a feather. As an ally, this brother-in-law was more reliable than anyone, and Chihaya reluctantly welcomed him.

And watching the two of them with wry smiles were the young ladies.

"He's like that, but are you sure, nyo? Meg."

"It is quite all right. Because I also love Hero very much. We are of the same kind, you see."

Yes. The Little One had saved Meg from a predicament before.

She wanted to join the fun-loving twins, so she had proposed the marriage arrangement to Chihaya. Her dream had come true. There was nothing that could make her happier.

As Meg giggled, the Little One looked at her as if she were seeing something impossible, and remembered the proverb about how there's no accounting for taste.

Water pepper… I want to eat Hiyajiru.

While the Little One stared into space with a bewildered look, the Giorgio family was abuzz with talk of rings and wedding gowns.

And so, the twins’ engagements were decided, and Romel gave his mistress a large sum of severance pay and let her go. He had heard that the Little One, upon learning of Romel's mistress, had paid her a visit to give her greetings.

"Thank you for taking care of the Prince Regent. I look forward to your continued support."

Informed that his mistress had received greetings along with seasonal fruits and money, Romel practically fell out of his chair. He rushed to the Giorgio residence like a startled rabbit and demanded an explanation from the Little One.

"Heh? She’s your concubine, right? Isn't it natural for the wife to express her gratitude?"

Chihiro and Sakura exchanged a look that said, "Right?"

"Well, it's an old custom, but the nobles in Kilfan used to do it."

Kilfan, how terrifying.

Romel's eyes widened in a daze as cold sweat dripped down his face, but in reality, it was an old Japanese custom.

She had served him for a long time, so Romel informed his mistress of her dismissal and gave her enough money to live a life of leisure until she died.

It is a side note that the Little One seemed a little disappointed when she learned of this.

The Little One had been enjoying things that couldn't be done in modern Japan, like having a concubine and exchanging seasonal greetings.

Imagining a married life with the Little One, who was far too positive in all the wrong directions, Romel found himself with a relentless headache for a different reason.

May fortune smile upon the future of this eccentric pair.