The reception proceeded without any issues.
There was no public exchange of vows or ring ceremony or anything like that.
Everyone ate, drank, chatted, and made merry—
then, in small groups, they headed home. That was how receptions around here went.
The lack of formality wasn't a bad thing.
---
The first to leave were Linia and Pursena.
Perhaps it was a Beast Race custom to not overstay one's welcome.
"Nyan. Boss, be happy!"
"Now Boss is the boss of the school in name and title. I'm looking forward to the new semester!"
With those parting words, the two disappeared into the snow.
Nanahoshi had been getting pestered relentlessly by Luke.
It was practically flirting, though Luke wasn't being overtly forward about it.
He kept steering the conversation toward topics Nanahoshi seemed interested in—cooking, clothing—
choosing subjects she liked and delivering them in a tone she'd find appealing.
Well, he was a bit off the mark, but still.
It was educational.
Not that I had any intention of putting it to use.
For her part, Nanahoshi was visibly fed up.
She kept shooting Luke annoyed glances, letting out exasperated sighs—
and finally, she excused herself to the bathroom as though making an escape.
When she returned, she came straight to me.
Her expression was slightly flushed.
"I think I'll head out soon. He's getting on my nerves."
"I see. Thank you for all your help today."
"See you tomorrow, then... and one more thing."
"One more thing?"
"Would it be alright if I came to use your bath sometime?"
Apparently, on her way back from the bathroom, she had checked out our bathing facilities.
As a Japanese person, she'd naturally be nostalgic for a proper bath.
And her name was Shizuka, too.
"Of course. Though, there is the risk of No-○-ta-kun peeking on you."
"I'll pass, then."
"No, I'm just kidding. Please come any time."
Nanahoshi gave a small nod and turned to leave.
The sun hadn't set yet, but would she be alright walking home alone?
She'd made it here on her own, and she had self-defense magic items, so she should be fine—
"Krine. Please escort Lady Silent home."
"Yes, my lady."
While I was still hesitating, Ariel had already given the order to her attendant.
That was true charisma for you—always thinking ahead.
But Nanahoshi politely declined the offer and went home alone.
Badi Gardi, Zanoba, and Ariel were having a lively conversation over drinks.
I'd made sure to stock a reasonable amount of alcohol, knowing Badi's fondness for it.
In the basement, I'd purchased three full barrels of wine.
Those barrels were emptied at a startling pace.
I was thinking we might need to buy more— but before that, Zanoba passed out.
"Fwahaha! For someone who calls himself a圣子, you're rather fragile!"
"Hahaha... urgh, I'm embarrassed. I suppose I got a bit too carried away."
"Mas...ta... are you okay?"
Juli was trying to prop up the swaying Zanoba with her small frame.
"Hehehe... perhaps you should retire to your room and rest?"
Ariel didn't appear to have drunk much.
Was moderation part of a lady's etiquette, or something?
Regardless, Ariel's movements were refined.
Everything from the way she tilted her glass to the way she smiled seemed calculated.
So this was the completed form of Asura Kingdom court etiquette.
"No, getting dead-drunk in my master's home would be a disgrace to my discipleship—
and worse, a humiliation for the proud Siluone royal bloodline. Much as I'd hate to leave, I'll take my leave while I can still walk."
Zanoba said this, then came over to say his final goodbye to me.
I thought he could have just stayed the night, but—oh well, to each his own.
"Then I suppose I'll be heading out as well. Asura's princess, stay well."
"Yes. May Your Majesty remain in good health."
"Fwahaha! I never fall ill or sustain injuries!"
Badi Gardi was leaving too.
I'd expected him to stay until the end of the drinking party, so it was a surprise.
I thanked the two of them and saw them to the door.
The reception was drawing to a close.
Ariel and the others had begun preparing to leave.
In the meantime, I decided to check on Elinariuse.
I went upstairs and peeked into the guest room.
There, Elinariuse was resting her head on Cliff's lap.
The comfort session was over, and it had transitioned to the lovey-dovey session, apparently.
That looked nice.
Later, I'd have Sylphie give me a lap pillow too.
"Um, Cliff. I'd like to talk with granm— Elinariuse, if that's alright?"
Sylphie had appeared behind me and asked timidly.
Cliff looked at me with an expression that silently begged for help.
Elinariuse straightened up and gave me a small nod.
I nodded in return.
Cliff saw this, stood up, and left the room.
"Thanks, Rudeus."
Sylphie smiled softly and went inside.
I headed downstairs with Cliff.
He wore a worried expression.
"Are those two... going to be okay?"
"If things go badly, we can help pick up the pieces later."
As I said that, we descended to the ground floor.
---
Downstairs, Ariel and her group had just finished their preparations.
Two attendants were putting a coat on Ariel.
When she noticed me, she gave a slight dip of her chin.
"Rudeus. Thank you for today."
At their mistress's words, the three subordinates bowed deeply.
Being Japanese, I nearly bowed in return.
But was it better not to bow in this situation?
"How is Sylphie doing?"
"She's speaking with Elinariuse right now."
"I see... Still, it's quite surprising that Sylphie, who we thought was all alone in the world, has family."
"Indeed. The world really is a small place."
Elinariuse and Sylphie, of all people.
They couldn't be more different.
Mainly in their sense of propriety.
"Then this is a good opportunity. Rudeus, could I have a moment of your time?"
Ariel's words carried a hidden meaning.
I nodded in agreement.
"Then, this way."
Ariel strode across the room and down the hallway.
She continued from the hallway to the entryway, opened the door, and stepped outside.
Naturally, the other three followed.
Cliff and I trailed behind.
Outside, the sun was sinking, and darkness was creeping in.
In front of the entryway, on a quiet, snow-covered road, Ariel came to a stop.
She turned around and spoke.
"Rudeus, I know this is an imposition, but would you agree to a duel with Luke?
Swords only—no magic."
"...?"
An abrupt proposal.
I was at a loss for words and pressed my lips together.
I glanced at Luke, who was calmly resting his hand on the sword at his hip.
It was clear this wasn't something Ariel had decided on the spur of the moment.
"Might I ask the reason?"
At my question, Ariel smiled gently.
"It's merely a whim."
"A whim?"
But the sword Luke had drawn was no joke.
With a double-edged blade, you couldn't simply use the flat for a sparring match.
"Could we at least use wooden swords? I don't have a real sword on me."
"You may use magic to create a weapon if you like."
"I thought magic was off the table."
"That much is fine."
I conjured a stone sword with earth magic.
I made it fairly sturdy, which meant it was heavier as well.
I did practice my swings every day, so I could wield it well enough.
But even so, a bad hit could kill someone.
At the very least, it wasn't something you could casually smash into an opponent for fun.
"Rest assured. This was Luke's idea. Rudeus, all you need to do is strike him down with everything you have. That will be sufficient."
Without magic, I was essentially an average person.
There was no guarantee I could overpower Luke.
"For reference:
Luke has mastered the intermediate level of the Sword God Style and the beginner level of the Water God Style.
His sword is an enchanted blade that can cleave through an iron shield with ease.
His boots, the same type Sylphie wears, enhance the wearer's speed.
This cloak blocks heat, and the gloves amplify his strength.
Under his uniform, he's wearing cut-resistant clothing as well."
"...That's impressive."
He was geared up like a walking fortress, wasn't he?
Even selling my remodeled house probably wouldn't cover the cost of a full set like that.
"In that case, there's a real possibility Luke could overpower me..."
"I don't think that's likely... but if you feel your life is in danger, you have my permission to use magic at that point."
"I'd rather not be split in two in the instant before that happens, if you don't mind."
But still—why would she propose something like this?
There was no benefit to either of us if one of us died here.
"Before that, I want to know why. Did I do something to offend you?"
"No. It's simply a whim. Of course, you're free to decline."
"Whether I accept or refuse, I need a proper explanation. Even with a stone sword like this, a misplaced strike could be fatal."
"Luke is prepared for that."
*I'm* not prepared.
There was a note of sorrow in Ariel's voice.
What good would a duel like this accomplish?
I had no idea.
And she wasn't about to tell me.
Was this some kind of ritual custom in the Asura Kingdom?
Sauros would probably say something like, "If you want to marry Eris, then defeat me first."
Oh wait—Grandpa Sauros was already gone.
"Rudeus. Please. Accept. If you're a man, you should understand."
Luke's words.
*If you're a man.*
What a cheap shot.
As if not understanding made me less of a man.
...Fine.
This wasn't a fight to the death, surely.
"Understood. Please go easy on me."
But I'd make sure to use my Demon Eyes, at least.
I didn't want to accidentally die or kill anyone.
"I'm grateful that you've accepted my proposal."
I couldn't read her intent, but at Ariel's signal, Luke took his stance.
Seeing this, Cliff called out in a panic from behind.
"H-hey, Rudeus, are you sure about this?"
"Oh, Senior Cliff. If things look seriously bad, please be ready to use Healing Magic immediately."
"O-okay, I got that part..."
I, too, slowly raised my stone sword.
The distance between us was roughly three paces.
One step and one blade length.
Close to the range I typically envisioned.
"Then—are you ready?"
"Yes."
At my response, Ariel issued a sharp command.
"Begin!"
"Hraaaaaaah!"
Luke roared and kicked off the ground.
*Snow scattered as Luke's body shot straight toward me.*
Slow.
No—not slow, exactly.
He was about on par with Linia.
But he wasn't anywhere near the speed I was used to dealing with.
Not even close to Orsted, and far behind Ruijerd or Eris.
All that gear, and this was the extent?
"Hah!"
*Closing in, Luke swung his blade in a downward diagonal.*
The sword stroke was sluggish.
No—not sluggish, really.
He wasn't relying on his equipment as much as I'd thought.
But he was nowhere near the speed I was accustomed to.
"There!"
I aimed for Luke's forearm.
Sword God Style. Initiative: "Arm Breaker."
A technique I'd learned long ago, drilled into me through thousands upon thousands of repetitions.
"Guuh!"
My stone sword bent heavily under impact and shattered Luke's arm in a single blow.
The sword fell from his grip and embedded itself in the snow with a thud.
"Not yet!"
"No—it's over."
Luke immediately tried to grab his sword with his left hand.
I stopped him by kicking him square in the chest.
Luke tumbled across the snow.
As he tried to rise, I pressed the point of the stone sword against him.
"That's enough!"
At Ariel's command, the duel ended.
"...Damn it!"
Luke punched the ground—with his broken arm.
Then he let out a groan and clutched his arm.
"Elmina. Healing Magic."
At Ariel's order, one of the attendants rushed to Luke's side.
She cradled his broken arm against her ample chest and cast Healing Magic.
"That was incredible..."
Cliff's admiration came from behind.
He probably couldn't appreciate it because close combat wasn't his forte.
Honestly, the fight had been low-level.
Any swordsman or warrior better than me could be found littering the countryside.
Soldat and Elinariuse among them.
Without magic and the Demon Eyes, I couldn't beat either of them.
Luke was average.
An average swordsman.
Without the Demon Eyes, we might have exchanged a few more blows—
but as Ariel had said, he wasn't someone I could lose to.
"Senior Luke, are you alright?"
"...I'm fine."
Hearing Luke's calm reply, I tossed the stone sword aside.
It sank into the snow with a muffled thud.
"I'd appreciate it if you could explain the reason in a bit more detail."
"It's nothing major. Luke simply had something he wanted to resolve. A man's pride, you might say."
"A man's pride... Could it be that Luke had feelings for Sylphie too?"
I hadn't meant it as a joke, but Ariel's brow furrowed.
Oops—maybe I'd misspoken.
"We all care for Sylphie. But it's not a romantic relationship. She's a comrade who's faced life and death with us—so each of us has something we need to resolve."
"Yes. I apologize. That was a thoughtless remark."
"As long as you understand."
Ariel's expression returned to its usual composure.
Then she glanced toward the house.
Right about now, Sylphie and Elinariuse were probably having their conversation inside.
Ariel began to speak.
"...Eventually, I will return to the Asura Kingdom.
When I do, I will either become king—or I will die. One or the other.
The odds are overwhelmingly in favor of the latter. The Asura Royal Palace is, for me, a place of death."
"...Can you not simply choose not to return?"
"If I run, I won't know what I've been living for.
At the very least, I must fight to the end. Otherwise, I can't face those who believed in me and gave their lives."
She spoke of something grim, yet the princess's face was without color.
It was the face of someone who never doubted that what she was doing was natural.
Personally, I thought there were other ways to live, but—
"Sylphie is not my vassal. She's my friend.
I don't want to drag her into such a place of death."
Hmm.
But Sylphie intended to remain by the princess's side.
Still, if it was a fight with no chance of winning, I'd want to stop her.
Over the past few years, Sylphie had stood alongside the princess.
They'd shared joy and hardship together.
I could understand the desire to see it through to the end.
For example, if Ruijerd decided to challenge Laplace, I'd probably follow him even as my legs trembled.
Well, that analogy wasn't quite right.
But the feeling of wanting to fight for a friend was the same.
"Sylphie doesn't seem to have thought too deeply about it yet.
If she marries, settles down, and has children, eventually she won't feel compelled to follow me."
"............"
"But if she still feels that way—if she insists on coming with me—
please, make sure you stop her."
How about that.
Would I be able to stop Sylphie at that point?
Somehow, I doubted it.
More likely, I'd end up going with her to help.
In my own way, I owed the princess a debt of obligation.
"...That said, if you ever fail to treasure Sylphie—if she seems to be suffering—
and if you'd think she'd be better off dying alongside us—
then we will take her back.
We may not be able to beat you in strength, but there are plenty of other ways.
Make absolutely certain that you never give her the impression that she'd be better off with us."
"I'll keep that in mind."
That went without saying.
"Then, Rudeus. I'm entrusting Sylphie's future to you."
The princess turned on her heel.
The two attendants bowed to me, and Luke picked up his sword and gave a silent nod.
The four of them crunched through the snow and vanished into the distance—
before Sylphie even came downstairs.
---
When I went back inside, Elinariuse and Sylphie happened to be coming down the stairs.
Elinariuse's eyes were a bit swollen, but her expression was noticeably more relaxed.
"Oh, Rudeus. Where's Lady Ariel?"
"She just left."
"Oh... Sorry, I left everything to you.
Did Lady Ariel say anything?"
"She asked me to take care of Sylphie."
How should I tell her about the duel?
Just as I was pondering this, Cliff stepped forward.
"Luke suddenly challenged Rudeus to a duel.
But as expected of Rudeus—he countered a single attack and knocked him down.
I would've loved to show that insufferable guy groaning and clutching his arm."
That was Cliff for you.
Completely unable to read the room.
Not that it mattered, but did Cliff not like Luke all that much?
Oh well, let it go.
Sylphie furrowed her brow when she heard this.
"Rudeus, you fought with Luke?"
"It wasn't exactly a fight. Under Ariel's supervision, Luke challenged me to a duel."
"...I see. Luke probably wanted to confirm something."
"Confirm what?"
"Your strength. After all, you've been protecting me and Lady Ariel with your body on the line—Luke, more than anyone, needed to see that for himself."
I couldn't say I didn't understand what she meant.
But had Luke really been thinking something so hot-blooded?
I shouldn't judge people based on preconceptions alone.
I supposed he was a man, after all.
Because men had their pride.
Come to think of it, my own wife wasn't even slightly worried that her husband had just had a duel.
The other party had been using a real sword, too.
"Anyway, thank you, Rudeus."
"For what?"
"For holding back against Luke.
Luke's weak, so if you'd gone all out, he'd have died, right?"
Apparently, she hadn't thought for a moment that I'd be the one to lose.
I wasn't even injured, and after hearing Cliff's explanation, there probably wasn't much for her to worry about.
And poor Luke.
Being called weak by Sylphie of all people.
"Well, that's how things went on my end. How about yours—did you finish talking?"
"Yeah."
Sylphie nodded happily.
---
So it turned out Elinariuse really was Sylphie's grandmother.
In other words, she was Rawls's mother.
This woman, who had been producing half-elves across the land—
had gotten into constant trouble thanks to her curse and her personality.
Elinariuse had only learned to navigate things skillfully over the last decade or so.
Since then, she'd gotten by without any major incidents.
But the consequences of her earlier years still lingered stubbornly.
Among the Long Ear Race, it was apparently particularly bad.
Elinariuse's children were shunned simply for being her children.
They faced persecution, were denied their humanity.
And in the end, they were driven out of their villages.
It was said to have happened more times than one could count.
Elinariuse had even been cursed at on sight by her own children and grandchildren.
So she had continued a policy of never revealing her name to the children she bore, looking after them until they could stand on their own, and then cutting ties.
It was said that Sylphie had recognized her as a grandmother or great-grandmother at a single glance.
But she hadn't planned to make contact.
In the end, seeing Sylphie looking so happy after getting married had overwhelmed her, and she'd broken down in tears.
It was a heavy story.
I nearly teared up myself.
But she told me bluntly that I didn't need to offer any clumsy comfort—this was the result of her own choices.
After that conversation, Cliff pulled me into a corner of the room.
"Rudeus."
"What is it, Senior Cliff?"
"Drop the 'senior' and drop the polite language. From today on, call me Cliff—no honorifics. Got it?"
A senior's orders, huh?
Alright, I'd stop joking around.
"It's about Rize."
"Yes?"
"Honestly, Rize is... not the person I imagined her to be."
"...Oh? And?"
So he'd had a disillusioning realization.
I could understand.
The person you'd been in love with turned out to have not just children, but grandchildren.
And from what I'd heard, there was even a possibility of great-grandchildren.
I'd be shaken too, in his place.
That said, if he'd followed that up with "Help me break up with her," even I would've been angry.
Elinariuse hadn't deceived Cliff.
Cliff had fallen for her on his own assumptions.
Learning the truth and being disillusioned was a common story—but it still left a bad taste.
That said, I wouldn't try to stop him.
If he really was that kind of scumbag, I'd cut ties cleanly, and from today Elinariuse could live here too.
In that case, depending on Sylphie's permission, a quasi-parental... no, I wasn't interested in anyone besides Sylphie...
Though, on the other hand, you could argue it would indirectly benefit Sylphie...
"Rize is someone far more pitiable than I imagined. I absolutely want to cure her curse.
I believe that as a genius, I'll eventually be able to—but
to improve the odds, would you help me?"
"............"
*Who's the real scumbag here?*
It's me.
I'm sorry.
"So you weren't disillusioned after hearing all of that?"
"Disillusioned? Don't be ridiculous. What are you talking about?"
His response came without a shred of hesitation.
"B-but the person you love has been with all sorts of people, and she has not just children but grandchildren!"
"And what of it? I am a follower of Milis. Regardless of the other person's circumstances, regardless of whether they match my ideals, I have a duty to make happy the one woman who loves me."
He said it with absolute conviction.
My body trembled.
Oh no.
I think I may have been underestimating Cliff.
From now on, I should probably call him "Cliff-san."
"...Understood. If there's anything I can do, I'll help however I can."
"Yeah. It's reassuring to have your strength."
I shook hands with Cliff.
He gripped back with surprising firmness for such small hands.
"Speaking of which—drop the polite language. We're friends, aren't we?"
"I won't."
What bloomed in my chest was respect for Cliff.
I would do whatever I could, however small, to help.
---
Finally, Elinariuse and Cliff took their leave.
I was left alone with Sylphie.
Together, we tidied up the mess our guests had left behind.
"Mess" was generous—they were all people who knew proper etiquette, so the worst of it was wiping up the occasional spill on the floor.
There was a bit of leftover food, but that was better than running short.
Well, it would do for tonight's dinner.
By the time we finished cleaning, the sun had set and the surroundings had grown dark.
I lit the lamps and returned to the living room.
I sat down on the three-seater sofa, and Sylphie plopped down right next to me.
"A lot happened today, but I'm glad everything worked out."
Sylphie rested her head on my shoulder as she said this, smiling.
I was exhausted after the day's events.
"Yeah..."
I pulled her close, and she leaned her full weight against me.
I buried my face in her hair and sniffed.
Mm—sweet fragrance.
"Rudeus, that tickles."
She said it, but she didn't pull away.
So I kept sniffing.
"Rudeus... I've been thinking. I want to grow out my hair."
Out of nowhere, Sylphie said this.
Growing out her hair.
There had been a time when I'd suggested it repeatedly, only to be turned down.
I'd always thought Sylphie would look great with twin tails or a ponytail, but I'd assumed it would never happen.
"...Would that be alright?"
"Why are you using polite language?"
"Because it's a serious conversation."
"No, no—it's not that serious.
You know, my hair isn't green anymore, right?
Lady Ariel keeps telling me to be more feminine.
But I'm still planning to wear pants at school, so
I figured maybe I should at least grow my hair out."
I see.
So she didn't feel self-conscious about it anymore.
"Won't you wear the female uniform?"
"Come on, that wouldn't suit me at all."
*I think it would, actually.*
Well, I'd buy one for her next time... That was a separate matter.
"But yeah, I'd love to see Sylphie with long hair. I'm sure it'd look adorable. Well, you're adorable now too."
"Hehe, thanks. ...Yeah. I'll grow it out."
So the short-haired Sylphie I knew would soon be a thing of the past.
I needed to burn the current image into my memory while I still could.
Well, if she cut it again, I'd be able to see it whenever—
"I have to try harder too, so that Rudeus will keep loving me forever."
What was that line?
I was going to cry.
Why was I so loved?
...I needed to stop slacking off and aim to be a more perceptive man.
Whether I could pull that off, I had no idea, but—
No, I'd do my best.
"Sylphie, thanks for all your hard work today."
"Yeah. Rudeus, you too."
Still, I was worn out today. I'd take a bath and relax.
And so, I married Sylphie.