The Story Of The Second Son Of The Baron Family [EN]: Chapter 76

I spent busy days juggling the Titan Project and maintaining my physical condition. I couldn’t afford to become half-baked, and I needed to resume researching the Engraving. Each level increase revealed new realms within the Engraving, and I felt I could unlock further insights by delving deeper.

Amidst this hectic schedule, so demanding that I was even sacrificing sleep, my brother, whom I had definitely seen off, unexpectedly arrived with a companion.

“Weren’t you heading back? Without a word? And more importantly, why are you here with *him*?”

“It’s good to see you’re doing well. I’ve been hearing news from afar. But seeing you in person, you seem to be thriving even more than the reports suggest.”

“I was planning to return to the territory, but he presented an offer I couldn’t refuse. It also concerns you, and I knew Mother would be frustrated if things were left unresolved. So, I turned my horse around, figuring I should strike while the iron is hot.”

“My matter?”

“Yes. If your marriage isn’t your matter, then whose is it?”

Marriage? This came out of nowhere. And why did he bring Sigurd, the new head of the Zeke family, into this discussion?

“Why are you so surprised? It’s as if you’re already seeing someone. But as far as I know, you’ve been holed up in your room researching, so I assumed you didn’t have time for anyone.”

“Well, that’s not entirely wrong, but…”

“Then it’s settled. What’s the problem?”

“Everything is a problem, from beginning to end! How can you just spring something like this on me?”

After bickering with my brother for a while, I turned to Sigurd, who was observing our commotion with a relaxed expression.

Ultimately, Sigurd was the instigator. Even if my brother hadn’t mentioned receiving an offer, he had no connection to the Zeke territory. He wouldn’t suddenly bring up marriage. Sigurd, while also lacking a direct connection to my brother, had a connection to me. If anyone initiated this, it would be Sigurd.

“What exactly are you thinking, Mr. Sigurd?”

“Sigurd is fine, drop the ‘Mr.,’ call me brother. And what am I thinking? It’s just as your soon-to-be in-law said. From what I hear, you’re not seeing anyone, and you’re of age. How long are you going to remain unattached? Or is my sister not to your liking? Surely not.”

I didn’t expect him to be so blunt. His next words shattered my composure.

“Or do you only like young girls? Hmm, I wouldn’t be too happy if someone I considered a brother-in-law was that kind of person.”

“I am *not* into young girls!”

*Huff* *Huff* *Huff*

Stay calm. No need to panic. Compared to the crises I’ve faced, my life isn’t on the line, nor is my family. They say marriage is the tomb of life, but that’s just a figure of speech.

‘…Thinking about it, it’s not that strange.’

Calming down, I realized it wasn’t that odd. From Sigurd’s perspective, it was a beneficial proposal, assuming he had his sister’s consent.

“Has there been a discussion with Miss Signy?”

“Does that mean you’re open to the idea?”

“…Please answer my question.”

The purpose of a political marriage, as opposed to a love match, is singular: to unite two families for greater power. In that context, my marriage to Miss Signy could be a sound strategy.

The union of a family at its peak, facing potential decline, with a rising family still finding its footing. That must be Sigurd’s reasoning. My brother… probably doesn’t see it as strategically. He’d be unfit as a lord if he didn’t consider it at all, but he’s likely more concerned with me finding a good partner.

“My father told me to support my sister in whatever she wants to do. Does that answer your question?”

So, she didn’t express any disapproval? That’s fortunate, at least. I couldn’t call it a bad thing.

‘I never thought I’d be thinking like this…’

Signy Zeke. My connection with her dates back to the Scorpion’s demonstration in the capital. We had some clashes, but ultimately, we established a good relationship that continues to this day. If I were to consider my feelings, I’d say I like (好) her.

If I didn’t have positive feelings, I wouldn’t have approached her for help with choosing gifts for my family.

“So, what’s your answer?”

“…Please give me some time. This isn’t a decision I can make lightly.”

“True. It’s not something you can undo, so you must decide carefully. But I can’t grant you too much time. Unless you plan on leaving my sister single until she’s nearly thirty.”

Now, let’s think. I definitely have positive feelings for her. But marriage? I haven’t even spent much time with her. While love at first sight exists, I’m far from experiencing it.

Refusing is also ambiguous. There’s the issue of approaching thirty, which concerns my parents – though my position mitigates that concern – but sharing my future with someone I barely know is daunting.

If I miss this opportunity, it might be difficult to broach the subject of marriage again. I know so few women, and I’ll be increasingly busy. It would be hard to look elsewhere.

Of course, I don’t have to accept unconditionally. The rationale behind agreeing to a political marriage, dictated by family interests, usually stems from benefiting greatly from the family and thus owing them a sacrifice. But I’m freer than most in that regard.

“There’s little to gain from worrying alone.”

Marriage is a joint decision, and I should at least talk to her.

#

“I’m fine with it.”

Her expression was calm upon hearing the news. Well, she’s had time to process it. I was embarrassed by her composure, as if she were discussing someone else’s story.

“Is that… so?”

“Is the young master not interested?”

“It’s not that, but I wondered if you were truly okay with me.”

“The young master is a better person than you realize. There’s no need to belittle yourself.”

“In case….”

“My father told me to do what I want. He said it wouldn’t matter if the person I chose was an ordinary person with nothing. The young master has no reason to worry, so you shouldn’t either.”

With that, I had nothing to say. I was relieved that she wasn’t opposed to the idea, which made me view the marriage positively. I would refuse to marry someone who didn’t want it. I’d be seeing her almost every day, so it was important.

“Then that’s a relief.”

“Is that all you came to ask?”

“…Let’s talk a little more. Stories from childhood or about magic would be nice. Anything to get to know each other better.”

After that, I took a break from work. Armin rejoiced, saying he could finally get some sleep, and I spent the remaining time visiting Signy and talking to her.

We mainly discussed Duke Zeke and magic. I recounted the events at the Tera Barrier [likely a magical defense system], and she listened attentively. When I finished, she asked about the magic she was interested in, and I answered to the best of my ability. It was a pleasant time.

“So, have you made a decision? Or do you need more time?”

“Please take good care of me, Brother.”

“Huh?”

“Please call me brother-in-law from now on.”

“…Hahaha! Please take good care of me in the future, Brother-in-law!”

#

The story was progressing well, but nothing would happen immediately. First, my parents had to approve – they wanted me to start a family as soon as possible, so they almost certainly would – but the timing was poor.

Suppression forces were still active against the remaining rebels. Judging by the war’s progress, they would soon return victorious, and only then could anything be done in earnest.

“Am I becoming a married man?”

I’ve been distant from women for over fifty years, combining my past and present lives. My past life was spent in all-boys schools and engineering college, followed by the military. My present life offered opportunities my past life lacked, but I remained focused on my goals. I never imagined it would end like this.

But it’s not a bad feeling. It’s natural. She’s beautiful, smart, kind, and we communicate well. In my past life, I would have done anything to say a word to her. So, there’s no reason to feel bad.

“There are a few troublesome things left….”

Not crucial, but important. It could involve changing my last name. If Brother Sigurd weren’t around, I might have become a son-in-law, and if my brother weren’t around, Signy Dragnil would have become me. But neither is the case, creating an ambiguous situation regarding becoming a son-in-law when there’s already an heir, or adopting the last name of a collateral line.

“…What?”

Lost in thought about these minor details, I sensed something strange. How long has it been this quiet? No, the current silence was beyond just quiet.

Swish-

I opened the subspace [presumably a storage dimension] and retrieved [Claw]. The two loaded bullets were reassuring. Sharpening my senses, ready to pull the trigger, the door slowly opened.

Gulp-

“I thought I smelled a familiar scent of the same race somewhere. It’s coming from you.”

I was paralyzed. The unidentified being before me exuded an immense presence, unlike anything I had ever felt.

“Who… are you?”

Baron’s Family Second Son – Episode 76 – End