Chapter 1, Marriage Partner

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

 

After completing their business in the town of Seichun, Kousuke and his companions were relaxing in the Administrative Floor of Amamiya Tower. More than a year had passed since they began their journey across the Western Continent.

 

When they first departed, their Eldest Son, Towa, had already graduated from the academy. Now Mia had graduated as well. Kousuke would have preferred to attend his children’s graduation ceremonies, but Floria had naturally discouraged this. His attendance as their Biological Father would undoubtedly cause a tremendous uproar, so Kousuke had resigned himself to the situation.

 

The other children, aside from Towa and Mia, appeared to be progressing smoothly in their school. When Kousuke said smoothly, he meant they were attracting attention in numerous ways. Both Towa and Mia had graduated with exceptionally excellent grades, and their siblings seemed to be achieving similar academic success. As the saying goes, the apple does not fall far from the tree.

 

According to Kousuke, he had not been particularly outstanding in his previous world, so he attributed their success entirely to their Mother’s influence. However, when Kousuke expressed this sentiment, the others looked at him with such amazement that he mentioned it only once and never brought it up again.

 

Kousuke had learned these details from Peach, who had been discussing her recent activities with him. As he lay on a sofa in the relaxation area, his gaze drifted to a different sofa across the room. There lay Mia, who had recently graduated from the academy.

 

It was difficult to reconcile this relaxed figure with the beautiful, intelligent princess who had graduated at the top of her class. They did not need to share this particular trait, Kousuke thought with a sigh as he observed his Daughter.

 

“Mia, don’t you need to return to the castle? You have been spending a lot of time here lately.”

 

Mia sat up at Kousuke’s words, a response that her upbringing had undoubtedly ingrained in her. She looked at Kousuke with a puzzled expression.

 

“Am I bothering you?”

 

“No. I’m just wondering if you have other responsibilities to deal with.”

 

Kousuke shook his head as he spoke, and Mia shrugged her shoulders with a look of disgust.

 

“Even there, all they ask of me is to discuss about my marriage. When I try to help Big Brother with his duties, his advisors would prevent me at every step.”

 

“Ah, I see.”

 

Kousuke nodded vaguely, understanding the situation all too well.

 

Mia’s current position was indeed delicate. Should anything happen to Towa, she would become the next ruler. However, as the Crown Prince, Towa was in perfect health and possessed all the necessary qualities to be an effective King. Not only were there no concerns about his capabilities, but expectations were already rising among those around him.

 

Towa himself was powerful enough to meet those expectations and genuinely desired the role. Mia, conversely, harbored no real desire to become Queen. Naturally, some who approached her did so with honeyed words and promises. However, even from Mia’s perspective, these individuals were merely seeking personal gain and believed they could easily manipulate her. She could not bring herself to fall for such meaningless flattery and potentially undermine Towa’s position.

 

Furthermore, Mia found managing the Tower far more enjoyable than fulfilling  her Princess duties. She was convinced that in this regard, she had inherited more of her Father’s disposition than her Mother’s.

 

Due to this temperament, Mia was never assigned any meaningful work at the castle. Instead, she was constantly approached with marriage proposals designed to increase Razequa Amamiya’s political power. Fed up with this situation, Mia had taken advantage of Kousuke’s return from his long journey and shelter herself in the Administration Floor.

 

Sensing the circumstances, Kousuke casually asked, “Are you not interested in marriage, Mia?”

 

Towa’s relationship with Daniela was progressing smoothly. Occasionally, people around them made comments about Daniela’s family background, but Towa handled such situations with grace. Some impatient observers even suggested that marriage was imminent.

 

In contrast, Mia was far from marriage and had not even identified a potential partner. It was only natural that not only her meddling advisors but various other parties were approaching her with marriage proposals.

 

But what were the Princess’s own thoughts on the matter?

 

“I have no significant other. The marriage proposals I receive at the castle are all spoiled or foolish sons.”

 

Kousuke could only smile wryly at Mia’s decisive words.

 

However, Mia’s assessment was somewhat exaggerated. There were certainly respectable men among those who had been recommended to her. The problem lay in Mia’s exceptionally high standards, something that neither Kousuke nor Mia herself fully recognized.

 

Naturally, her Mother Floria was well aware of this issue but chose to remain silent. As a former Princess who had struggled with her own marriage decisions, she deliberately refrained from commenting.

 

Shrein, who had been listening to their conversation in the relaxation area, interjected thoughtfully.

 

“Well, with Mia’s beauty, you could easily find a good man anywhere, no?”

 

“Men who are attracted solely to my appearance are… unlikeable.”

 

“I understand.”

 

Shrein seemed convinced by Mia’s response, but she also vaguely comprehended the underlying problem. The men in Mia’s immediate circle were simply too exceptional. Her Father was the living god Kousuke, and her Older Brother was Towa, the future King who clearly possessed abilities superior to most others. It was only natural that her standards would be elevated accordingly.

 

Generally speaking, the management staff had no useful reference points when it came to romantic relationships. After all, they were all devoted to Kousuke, the most extraordinary being in this world. Using such a standard would make finding a partner virtually impossible.

 

Of course, this observation came from Shrein, who possessed a considerably long lifespan and could afford to be patient.

 

“I  think I just need to be patient for the one to appear.”

 

That was the conclusion Mia reached.

 

***

 

That evening, Floria found some free time and joined them in the management office for dinner. During their conversation, the day’s topic arose again, and Mia’s Mother offered her perspective.

 

“I believe we should take our time and consider the matter carefully.”

 

If Razequa Amamiya were in such a precarious position that it needed to maintain balance through strategic marriage alliances with neighboring countries, Floria probably would not have expressed such a sentiment. However, Razequa Amamiya was not currently in such circumstances.

 

In fact, if Mia were to marry abroad, it could potentially disrupt the balance of power across the continent. Floria was acutely aware of this delicate situation and felt there was no need to rush Mia’s marriage.

 

Mia, finding herself in such an awkward position, looked at Kousuke and inexplicably puffed out her cheeks.

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

“Dad, do you want to marry me off so quickly?”

 

Not understanding why Mia had suddenly posed such a question, Kousuke tilted his head slightly before answering.

 

“I can’t really say. But, it will be lonely once you are wedded.”

 

Kousuke answered honestly, and Mia smiled upon hearing his response.

 

“I see.”

 

Kousuke tilted his head, unable to comprehend the meaning behind her smile, but the other members of their dinner party sighed deeply to themselves.