Mobuseka Volume 13 Chapter 3

This is MTL. So, I cannot guarantee that the translation 100% contextually accurate or appropriate.

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Chapter 3 "Soul Food"

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Part 1

Licorne was moored at the pier in the royal palace.

"Ange and the others are on board?"

The one to whom I ask the question is Creare, who has transported Licorne to the royal capital.

[It seems they don't want to be the only one to remain in the royal capital. Master is loved.]

I let out a sigh as I heard Creare's happy electronic voice.

"To be honest, it's not just Ange, I wish Livia and Noel would stay in the royal capital, though."

I didn't want to bring the three of them to the battlefield.

But circumstances would not allow it.

Creare begins to explain the disadvantages of not having Livia and Noel in the battle.

[Even so, we need Livia-chan's ability. We also need Noel-chan to take control of the Sacred Tree that we loaded into Licorne.]

"Did you really load the Sacred Tree into Licorne?"

[This has greatly improved the energy problem.]

Creare innocently reports that the win rate has increased, but to me, it's like being told that I can't remove Livia and Noel because without them, the win rate would go down.

"Can we at least ask Ange to get off?"

[In terms of strength, she is not needed, but she doesn't want to get off. If you really want her to get off, Master has to persuade her.]

I gave up and entered the ship through the ramp.

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Part 2

When I came to the bridge in Licorne, the view had changed dramatically.

The space was probably expanded in order to transplant the young sacred tree to the bridge.

The sacred tree was planted in a circular flower bed behind the bridge.

I don't know how it was connected from there, but it seems to be supplying energy to Licorne.

"Is Sacred Tree Sapling now the energy source for Licorne?"

[It's a very good battery.]

In the Republic of Arzel, it is revered as a sacred tree and treated as a battery of plants that the hostile artificial intelligence Ideal called hope.

When Ange realized we were on the bridge, she turned around and looked like she was going to cry for a moment, then smiled.

"You're finally back. We had a lot of people screaming about your absence before we went out, it was tough, you know."

Ange and the others were dressed differently than usual.

Perhaps conscious of dressing for ease of movement, Ange was wearing a women's pilot suit.

The body suits cover the body from the neck down, which reveals the lines of the body, but the women's version is designed to be more sensational and eye-catching.

The colors of Ange's pilot suit were red and black, with gold details.

Over it, she wore a red cloak with white fur around the neck.

Unlike Ange, who was standing proudly, Livia was bewildered.

"Heh? Leon-san, it's a bit of a mess right now!"

Dressed in a white and blue pilot suit, Livia sat down, shyly covering her body with her blue cloak.

Laughing at Livia, who is red to the ears, is Noel, dressed in a green and white-based pilot suit.

She wore a dark green cape.

Noel looked at me and made a spin on the spot to show off her pilot suit.

The cloak fluffed up and Noel's costume was clearly visible.

"Creare went out of her way to prepare it for us, so the three of us tried it on together."

I turned my gaze to Creare.

She gave the feeling that she had done a good job.

[What do you think, Master? Don't you think my work is wonderful? It's more high-performance than any other costume, so not wearing it isn't an option.]

The performance was excellent, but even though they were not exposing any skin, they were dressed in embarrassing outfits that showed the lines of their bodies in full.

It's probably a feast for the eyes of those watching, but my point of view now, please give me a break.

"Who are you going to show off to?"

[Of course, I prepared it for you, Master. You won't be able to enjoy it during the war, so please enjoy this moment to the fullest!]

I couldn't help but sigh at the present from Creare.

However, the performance seems to be really excellent.

Luxion scans the three of them and guarantees the performance.

[It has some visual problems, but still possesses very good performance. I strongly recommend wearing this suit, as it will affect your chances of survival.]

I put my right hand on my face and looked at the three of them through the gap between my fingers.

Except for the very sensational point, there is no point in taking this suit off.

Since there was no time to change the design now, so I had no choice but to accept it.

"I don't want the other guys to see the appearance of the three of them now, though."

Noelle was the first to react to my words.

"Is that a possessive thing?"

"Maybe so. ——But the most I want is for the three of you to get off Licorne and stay in the royal capital."

When I expressed my wish for them to remain in the royal capital, Livia, who had been shy, stood up.

Her expression is serious and she stares at me.

"I have no intention of getting off. We will fight together for Leon-san."

"Livia, there's no need to force yourself. This time, I can't protect Livia and the others. That's why——"

"That's why you want us to stay? How many times are you going to make fun of us, Leon-san?"

Livia's low voice startled me for a moment, and my body reacted with a jolt.

Aah, I have been with her long enough to realize that she is quite angry about this.

Livia smiles and points out my mistake.

"I want to help Leon-san. So you don't have to protect me."

"But I"

When I refused to back down, Noel put her hands on her hips.

"We've come this far, we're going to have to give it our all. Leon, I'm not getting off either. Besides, as a priestess, you need my power to control the sacred tree, right?"

Noel winked as she showed me the back of her right hand.

I guess she is trying to tell me that I don't need to worry.

My gaze naturally went to Ange.

Of them, Ange is the only one who does not have to board Licorne.

She probably understands my intention, but she doesn't seem to have any intention of getting off.

She turned her gaze to the view from the window.

"I'm not going to stay safely in the rear as I send such a large fleet into a deadly battlefield. Even if there is nothing I can do, I am going to stay here and witness the battle."

"You don't have to force yourself. No one will complain if you get off. Because Ange has done so much for us, we can fight. You've already helped me enough."

Ange was not convinced.

"If we lose, everything is over. Then I want to stay here with you guys."

"Ange"

"I understand it's selfish, but still —— I want to be by your side."

With the three of them staring at me, I gave up, thinking that there was nothing more I could say.

"You must absolutely follow Creare's instructions. When it comes time to retreat, you must ignore me and retreat —— this much you must absolutely accept. Otherwise, I will never let you participate."

The three of them looked at each other and nodded slightly.

"Aa, we'll follow your orders."

Then this time Livia says to me.

"Then, Leon-san, will you make a promise to us?"

"Promise?"

"I want you to promise me right here and now that you will come back alive."

Livia stares at me with somewhat sad eyes, and I speak up, careful not to seem unnatural.

"I can't say absolutely, but I swear I'll keep my promise as much as I can."

It comes almost uncontrollably from my mouth.

The probability of getting back alive is not high.

Perhaps sensing my feelings —— Livia's gaze became stern.

The expression disappears from her face.

"Leon-san——you just lied."

"Eh!?"

I broke out in a cold sweat, impatiently wondering how she could have seen through me.

Livia points out while looking into my eyes.

"You have a certain habit when you tell a lie, Leon-san."

I didn't know I had such a habit, and I was more than a little afraid of Livia, who saw right through it.

"You're lying."

However, Livia's expression suddenly softened.

"Yes, it's a lie. You don't have any habits when lying, Leon-san. ——But you were surprised that I saw through your lie, weren't you?"

"!?"

Surprised that she could see through my inner thoughts and unable to speak, I heard Ange and Noel's voices.

"Livia has become much more firm."

"Not firm, but rather frightening, isn't it?"

Even Luxion and Creare were whispering to each other.

[I'm impressed that she could see through Master's lies.]

[Isn't it easy for her to guess because Master usually lies?]

Ignoring the reactions of those around, Livia reaches up to my face —— and just like that, she puts both hands between my cheeks.

She pinched my mouth so hard that my mouth was pulled out.

"Li, Livia-shan?"

"——Leon-san, there are many people who will be saddened by your death. But most of all, it's me. I have no intention of losing to Ange or even Noel-san on this one."

Livia released me and just pressed her forehead against me.

"So please make sure you come back alive. I don't want a world without Leon-san. It's too painful for me."

As I put my hand around Livia's back, who was probably crying, the bridge door opened.

"Uwah~, so they really did transplant the sacred tree~"

It was Kara, who was taking care of Marie, who came on board with a voice that ruined the atmosphere.

Behind her is Kyle carrying the luggage.

"H-Hello."

They must have seen us and apparently sensed that the timing was inappropriate.

They looked awkward as their eyes wandered around.

Marie, wearing a saint's item, entered from behind the two of them.

"Hey, don't just stand there, go inside. I can't go insi——aha, ahaha, l-looks like we interrupted you."

When Marie sees me hugging Livia, she grabs Kyle and Kara by the back and walks out of the bridge.

Ange, feeling that the atmosphere had been ruined, let out a deep sigh.

"The atmosphere is no longer one for serious talk."

Noel pursed her lips.

"I might be in the mood for a little retort about Olivia's "I'm the most of all" statement."

Apparently, Livia's statement that she is the most of all is not acceptable.

Ange smiles and agrees.

"I agree with you on that. Even if it's Livia, I have no intention of giving up the number one position."

Livia raised her face from my chest and as she looked at the two of them with reddened eyes —— she hugged me tightly.

"I was the first one to meet Leon-san, so I should be number one!"

This is unthinkable behavior from Livia, who was shy when she was in first grade.

As I was being hugged, Ange and Noel also hugged me.

"Then let's let Leon decide who's the number one?"

I had my cheeks drawn back as Ange smiled like a child who had come up with a prank.

"No, that's a little. I don't think it's possible to accurately gauge the feelings of the three of you."

Noel also says with a grin.

"I know it's a question that might trouble Leon. But I think I might want you to answer it properly."

At this critical time, I can't give an answer that will frustrate two out of three people.

So I take it seriously and come up with an answer that won't hurt anyone.

"——Fuh, I'd say all three of you tied for first place."

At the escape answer, the strength of the three people hugging me increased.

It seems that the power is increasing due to the function of the suit, and there is a squeaking sound.

"Wait a minute!? Please give me time to think again!!"

As I was about to change my answer, Ange whispered in my ear.

"I knew you would say that. You really are an easy man to read."

When Ange giggled, the three of them released me.

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Part 3

"Marie-sama, Marie-sama! Those four are hugging each other. For a moment, it was like a muddy romantic drama, but it seems like everything has come to an end."

Kara, who is looking in on the bridge, reports back to Marie with details.

Kyle was stunned by Kara.

"Kara-san likes plays where human relationships are complicated. I understand how you feel, but peeping is not good."

Kara is scolded, but it seems like she can't control her curiosity.

"Because it's fun, isn't it? Ah! T-They kissed so intensely——"

"Eh!?"

When Kyle hears the word "kiss," he becomes curious, too, and starts peeking through the door.

A short distance away from them, Marie was standing with her back against the wall.

She grips the saint's staff tightly with both hands.

(I don't want to see aniki's love life because it's too graphic.)

She has no interest in a kiss scene of her big brother from a previous life.

But in her head, she was thinking about Leon.

(He has three fiancées, so aniki should definitely survive. ——Unlike me.)

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Part 4

After getting off Licorne, I headed to Einhorn, which was also moored at the Royal Palace's pier.

When I entered and headed for the hangar, I found the armor of the Five Idiots prepared there.

The armor had been modified according to their previous use, and all of them looked as if they had been designed for the final battle.

The way they are loaded with so much armor and armament is truly dependable.

As I step in, Greg, who has been adjusting his armor, comes out of the cockpit.

"So you're finally back"

"How's the new armor?"

If the specifications were changed before the final battle, it would be a burden on the pilots who would have to deal with it.

But Greg showed off by bulging his biceps.

Apparently, it's not so bad.

"It's the best. Thanks for getting us a secret weapon."

"Secret weapon?"

Tilting my head, Luxion begins to explain the armor.

[I can't say everything is perfect due to the sudden change in specifications, but I've included new features based on the capabilities of each of them.]

It seems that each of the five idiots was given a different function according to their abilities.

Brad approaches me.

"The basic performance has also improved, and with this we can protect you, Leon."

Brad had a fresh smile on his face as he held Rose and Marie, a dove and rabbit, in both arms.

I furrow my eyebrows.

"You guys protect me? Don't tell me that you are going to follow me??"

I made a face of disbelief, and Chris approached me.

In his hand, a piece of cloth is clutched.

"I can't let you go alone recklessly. By the way, is it okay if I make a loincloth out of this cloth?"

What Chris was holding in his hand was a lost item cloth that I had found during a treasure hunt.

"——You’re not planning on getting into the armor wearing just a loincloth, are you?"

"Unfortunately, I'm not that insane. I'll wear a suit, but I can wear whatever underwear I want, can't I?"

So that's the loincloth.

When I was stunned, even Greg started talking about this topic.

"I've given up on wearing a pair of underpants myself."

"Shut up, you idiots."

When I say this coldly, Chris clings onto me.

"Please! This thin and sturdy cloth should not get in the way when fastened under the pilot's suit. I really want to wear a loincloth before the final battle!"

"Okay, don't hug me!"

As we were making noise, this time Jilk came down from the cockpit.

Apparently, he has made the adjustment.

"You all seem quite relaxed before the decisive battle. By the way, why did you prepare five armors?"

The other three apparently had the same questions as Jilk.

There were six armors in the place, including Arroganz.

The white armor, which no one was supposed to be riding in, is present in the hangar, but it had also been upgraded.

I don't know why you bothered to prepare it when you don't even have a pilot for it —— that's the look they have on their faces.

So I decided to tell them who would ride in this white armor.

"Aa, the one who will ride on this thing is Juli——"

Just as I was about to tell them who was going to ride it, the sound of footsteps echoed in the hangar.

Naturally, our eyes turned towards the intruder who had appeared here.

Brad lets Rose and Marie go, while Chris and Greg ready their weapons.

Jilk also held a gun in his hand.

The one who appears in the ominous atmosphere is —— the masked knight.

He wears a cloak over his pilot suit and the upper half of his face is hidden by an ornate eye mask.

The man, who appeared dressed as if he were participating in a costume contest, proudly declared in front of us.

"I'll be the one riding in that armor."

The masked man, who gave off an air of "I've appeared at the best time!" and behaved in a theatrical way.

——Is this also because of Roland's blood?

"It's been a long time, gentlemen. I'd like to join you in this battle."

Greg points the tip of his spear at the masked knight, who makes grand gestures, and says.

"What are you here for, perverted knight!"

"Masked Knight! I've said my name many times, don't make the mistake of saying it wrong!"

A deep sigh naturally comes out of my mouth in front of the sight I've been shown to myself many times.

"How long am I going to have to watch this farce?"

[I sympathize]

Even Luxion seemed to be getting tired of the repetitive farce.

Jilk is pointing the muzzle of his pistol at the masked knight.

"You keep showing up again and again——who are you? If you have no intention of showing us who you really are, I suggest you leave?"

"I'm on your side. We have fought together many times, haven't we?"

Brad was on guard, ready to unleash his magic at any time.

"It's true that you've saved us many times, but it's better to have a few uncertainties before the decisive battle. We can't rule out the possibility that you are from the Empire, can we? I mean, I wouldn't trust a guy who hides his face."

These guys, not knowing the identity of the masked knight, were suspicious of his origins.

Is he actually from the empire, and will he betray us this time? They are worried about it.

——They're all idiots.

With his sword at the ready, Chris was ready to slash at the masked knight at any moment.

"Let's take off that silly mask and see what your face really looks like"

Tired of being part of the farce, I sit down at a nearby crate and order Luxion.

"I'm hungry. Can you get me something to eat?"

[I hope you don't eat too much food that stays in your stomach before the operation, though.]

"This could literally be my last meal. Don't you have anything?"

[It doesn't sound like a joke. ——We have rice in the Einhorn storage, so let's prepare some onigiri now.]

When I heard that it was onigiri, I couldn't help but smile.

"It's great. Couldn't ask for a better last meal."

[I would like to advise you that you should fix your habit of telling jokes that are not funny. Now, I will go and prepare the meal.]

When Luxion left, I turned my gaze back to the farce of the five idiots.

The masked knight, faced with a sword, seems to have given up trying to persuade the four of them.

Or perhaps he thought there was no reason to keep it hidden.

He puts his hand on his mask.

"——Your concerns are justified. So, I shall show my sincerity as well."

Saying that, the Masked Knight took off his mask and shook his head, shaking his hair.

Hidden under the mask —— was the face of Julius.

The four of them gasped.

The first to open his mouth was Julius' foster brother, Jilk.

He seemed to be in disbelief.

"I-It was His Highness?"

Julius smiles gently at Jilk, who cannot hide his surprise.

"Aa, the masked knight's true identity is me."

Feeling awkward, Chris lowered his sword.

"I never imagined that the masked knight's true identity was His Highness."

Did you really not notice? Hey, is that okay?

Or is it a farce to this point? Somebody tell me "yes". Otherwise, I'm going to question you guys' sanity.

As I watched them with tsukkomi in my mind, Brad recalled the actions and words of the masked knight so far.

"If you think about it, the masked knight would always appear when His Highness was not around. No wonder he is well informed about our situation and comes to our rescue at the best time."

Yes, that's right.

However, I wish you would have realized the identity of the Masked Knight sooner.

I've even found myself escaping reality, wondering if they're being kind enough to act like they don't know when they're actually noticed.

However, these guys always exceed my expectations.

Greg was so surprised that he dropped the spear he was holding.

"Julius was the masked knight? This is too unexpected."

I wish it had been at least within expectations.

Perhaps happy with Greg's reaction, Julius was in a good mood.

He put on a cool look by sweeping his bangs back with his hand, and made a determined face.

"For this time, I have decided to take off my mask and fight alongside you guys."

Greg rubs his finger under his nose.

"Heh! Do whatever you want. Besides, it won't be a problem for Julius to be here now."

For some reason, it gives off the atmosphere of an emotional scene, but from my point of view, it's just a farce.

However, I was a little concerned about Greg's words.

Indeed, Julius is in a delicate position as a prince because he is not a crown prince after being disinherited, and has problems using him for political purposes.

But if you ask me if it would be a problem for him to be here —— to be honest, it would be a problem.

Even if he is rotten, he is still the prince of Horfalt Kingdom.

In addition, Julius's younger brother, Jake, for one reason or another, is no longer interested in the position of crown prince.

Because he gave up his position as crown prince to prioritize his love for a former man, Aaron.

His Highness Jake, who was full of ambition, is now irresistibly attracted to Aaron-chan.

As a result, there was a possibility that Julius would return to the position of crown prince.

Many people find it troubling that Julius would challenge the Empire to a decisive battle.

And yet, Greg's statement is strange.

Well, Roland, who has been spreading lots of love to many other places, must surely have one or two illegitimate children.

After the war, he will choose the crown prince carefully this time.

Based on the failed cases of Julius and Jake, I hope he makes a serious choice this time.

Just as the farce by the five was coming to an end, Luxion brought in onigiri.

As expected of my partner, he also prepared green tea.

[Master, I brought it to you.]

"Thank you, hmm~, this is it"

It's just salt and seaweed, but for some reason it's delicious.

I naturally reach for the food from my previous life that I can't forget.

When I stuffed my mouth with delicious onigiri, Julius and the others looked at me.

It seems that the farce is over.

"What?"

It's hard to eat when you're being watched, so I furrow my brow and ask them.

"No, I was looking at it thinking it was some kind of strange food——what is it?"

As I eat, I tell the five people who are staring at the onigiri with interest.

"It's onigiri."

"Onigiri? Can I have one?"

Five guys gathered around and started eating my onigiri.

There are many onigiri prepared, and I don't mind if the five of them eat it.

——These guys are so brazen.

After taking a bite of the onigiri, chewing and swallowing, Jilk's eyes narrowed.

"——It feels weird"

He said he had a weird feeling about onigiri.

Although he is rude, others have similar impressions.

Brad frowned, perhaps because he found it unpalatable.

"This is going to be sticky."

"If you don't like it, don't eat it."

Greg swallowed one, then tilted his head.

"It's an unusual food. But for this, regular bread would be fine, right?"

I tell Greg while reaching for my third onigiri.

"It's my soul food. If you mock it, I'll kick you off Einhorn."

Then Chris, whose glasses were fogged up by the steam from the onigiri, suddenly looked happy.

"In other words, these onigiri are soul food for Marie as well. I've heard good information about it."

These guys base everything on Marie's standards.

As I eat in silence, Julius asks, looking at the onigiri.

"Leon, have you finished telling Angelica and the others the important story?"

The important story is that I am a reincarnated person.

Marie told Julius and the others the truth, but I didn't feel like telling it.

No, I don't think I should talk about it at this time.

"Ange and the others are sensitive, unlike you guys. I don't want to cause them unnecessary worry at this critical moment, so I'll keep my mouth shut."

At first Julius was pissed off, but now he looked sad as he looked at me.

"If it were me, I'd want to know the truth about the person I love. I was really happy when Marie told me her story."

Actually, I am a reincarnated person! If someone said that, how many people would believe such a statement?

If it were me, I would never believe it.

"You people who believed Marie's story are crazy. Normally, you wouldn't believe it even if you heard that she was a reincarnated person. But still, I'm surprised you accepted Marie, a reincarnated person."

It worked out in the end, but from my perspective, Marie's coming out was nothing more than a careless remark.

I still think Marie's decision is wrong and I have no intention of following suit.

Jilk was drinking green tea prepared by Luxion.

"We fell in love with Marie-san now. We were surprised to hear that she was a reincarnated person, but so what? That's what I'm really thinking."

Greg nodded as he ate the third onigiri.

"That's right. We fell in love with Marie's inner beauty!"

To all the idiots who say they are in love with what's inside, I'll tell them a truth that is beyond help.

"What's inside her is an old lady with a bad personality. Are you guys sure you're all right?"

When all these guys are saying that Marie is great on the inside, they have a blind eye to other people's personalities.

When I think about it, I start to worry that maybe Marie is deceiving me.

Brad shakes his head as he looks at me with concern.

"Looks and age don't matter. Marie is a good woman."

Marie is a good woman? Are these guys really sane?

When I was shocked to the core, Chris looked embarrassed and said.

"She's got a mysterious air with a lot of secrets, but to know about her previous life is just amazing. Marie is an amazing woman after all."

Would you call it mysterious that she hid her previous life?

Hmm~, these guys are really stupid after all.

Too stupid —— I was deeply relieved.

"I see. Well, please take care of her. ——Don't cause her any trouble."

When I entrusted Marie to their care, Julius was embarrassed.

"Aah, don't worry. We'll protect Marie. Brother-in-law Leon."

"B-Brother-in-law!?"

When I was surprised with my eyes wide open, Julius tilted his head curiously.

"Because that's how it is right. If you're Marie's big brother, then you're our big brother-in-law. Please take care of us from now on, brother-in-law"

"Stop it! I get goosebumps when you guys call me brother-in-law!"

I looked deeply disgusted, the five of them grinned happily.

Brad winks at me.

"I would definitely have to call you that, brother-in-law"

"You're a narcissist and you're mean, that's the worst."

"I'm proud of myself for liking what I like. More importantly, I wouldn't want my brother-in-law Leon to point out how mean I am."

As I was pulling my cheeks, Chris put his hand on my shoulder from behind.

"Brother-in-law——I want you to leave your sister to me."

"Don't call me brother-in-law! Or rather, say such a line after you become independent!"

You want me to trust you with Marie while you're getting your living expenses from me?

Marie is taking care of you guys, so what are you saying!

As I was getting angry, Greg took off his jacket and struck a pose.

"Leon——Brother-in-laaaaw! I'll protect Marie with these muscles!!"

"Don't yell near me! And stop shouting brother-in-law!"

I picked up his jacket, which he had taken off, and threw it at Greg.

Jilk soothes me as my breathing becomes erratic with anger.

"Isn't it a trivial matter what we call you? Please rest assured that I will protect Marie-san."

"It's common sense that you're the first to protect her, don't say calling me "brother-in-law" is a trivial matter. It's a big problem for me!"

It was clearly I was being teased.

Julius put his hand over his mouth and was desperately holding back his laughter.

"Fufu. Siscon is not popular these days. Why don't you show enough grace to congratulate Marie on her new life, brother-in-law?"

"AAAAAaaaAAAaaaAah!!"

He came to his head and slammed his fist into Julius's face.

Julius, who was blown away, slowly stood up and started yelling at me.

"You used violence on me just because I called you brother-in-law! I'm telling you, I'm healthier than you who make a move on my mother!"

Julius jumped at me and we started fighting, thrashing each other.

"Milene-san's case is a completely different matter!"

"It's the same!"

We started fighting, and the other four pulled us apart with stunned looks on their faces.

"I'll never allow you to call me brother-in-law!!"

As I shout loudly, Luxion's voice strangely echoes as he stares at me in dismay from a little distance.

[Marie is a reincarnated person, so I don't think it's appropriate to call him brother-in-law —— Master is really stubborn. I think you should not mind accepting a proposal of this level.]

"I mind! I don't like it when you call me brother-in-law!!"

[Are you saying that they are unqualified to take care of Marie?]

"No, that's fine, isn't it? If the two parties are mutually agreed —— well, yes."

One woman and five men.

From my point of view, I want to tilt my head, but if the people themselves agree, I can't interfere.

Julius, who had been fighting with me earlier, was smiling shyly at my words.

"You're not being honest, brother-in-law"

The other four guys looked at me with grins on their faces.

——As I thought, I hate these guys.