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The Maiden Yearns for the Hero

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The magic academy had a day off. Only once a week. That meant I also had the day off from taking Rinalee to and from school, so I was feeling the cool breeze and the warm sun, basking in the blessings of nature, and napping in the shade of a tree in Soltaire’s plaza. Under the radiant sunlight, in this peaceful landscape of Soltaire, the “storm” suddenly appeared. A rattling, ominous noise was approaching from afar. The sound of hooves. The sound of wheels sinking into the dirt.

A carriage. A carriage was approaching Soltaire’s plaza. A plump woman hanging laundry in her yard let out an “Ah!” and widened her eyes at the sight of the carriage. A shopkeeper inviting customers with enthusiasm to sell groceries exclaimed in surprise. I sat up and listened to that unsettling sound, narrowing my eyes. That carriage did not suit Soltaire at all. Its decorations clearly marked it as belonging to a noble. It was made of iron and looked sturdy, and had been neatly painted black. Even the horses had fine coats. There was no mistaking it, this was something expensive.

“Whoa there.” (Coachwoman)

The coachman appeared to be a woman. She wore a hood pulled deep over her face, so it was hard to tell, but she seemed petite. In a gentle voice, she brought the high-class horse to a halt and pulled the carriage over to the side of the plaza. Then she immediately jumped down from the coachman’s seat, opened the iron door, and set up the steps for boarding and exiting. From inside, the young lady clumsily stepped down.

Her outfit was extravagant. A long, flared skirt. However it was made, it flared out so dramatically it was almost absurd. Her waist was tightly cinched, possibly with a corset, creating a defined curve. The dress itself was somewhat decorated with satin, ribbons, and lace. The epitome of “young noble lady”. It was strange for such a young lady to come to a countryside town like Soltaire. No wonder the townspeople were staring in curiosity.

“…Haa, that was exhausting…” (Irene)

“Milady, have you perhaps gained some weight recently?” (Liona)

“How dare you say something so rude! I’ve been training, so it’s muscle!” (Irene)

The young lady snapped shrilly at the coachwoman. Apparently, the one who had driven the carriage was the noble young lady’s attendant, her servant. I had seen that pair before. A true noble daughter and her maid. That was Irene Stride and her maid Liona-san.

“…S-she’s here…” (Jack)

What should I do?

For now, I hid behind the tree.

Back when we parted ways in Dali Amor, she had said she would be busy learning “the refinements of nobility”. Compared to the last time I saw her, she looked far more like a proper young lady. She really must have undergone some kind of training. Her voluminous, long black hair was curled at the ends and draped over her shoulders. That curly style was something I hadn’t seen on her before.

Glamorous. And even from a distance, she looked beautiful. Anyone would admit it without complaint.

“By the way, why are the townspeople staring at us?” (Irene)

“Most likely, it is because someone of your standing rarely visits places like this, milady.” (Liona)

“Hmm… I had arranged for a discreet carriage and outfit, but… do I really stand out that much?” (Irene)

You’re standing out way too much! I can’t sense even the slightest effort to blend in!

“Indeed, there are too many eyes on us here. Come, let’s head to Jack’s place quickly.” (Irene)

“Understood.” (Riona)

So, it’s me after all. They came for me.

I instinctively pulled myself back, trying not to be seen.

The two of them got back into the carriage and set off down the road. It was on an incline, but the fine horses galloped ahead with ease.

I managed to get through that for now… but what should I do next? Lindsay had told me something recently.

—“If you keep acting like that, you’re being rude to girls, you know!” (Lindsay)

My indecisive attitude was making those close to me unhappy. I had Shia, a weirdo but kind-hearted half-elf. I needed to put things into words and say them properly. I decided to follow the carriage and head back to Liberta’s hideout.

 

—

 

I chased after the carriage from behind. The carriage was parked in front of Liberta’s hideout.

“That’s why I’m just saying, bring out Jack already!” (Irene)

“Please go home. Lost-san isn’t here… probably.” (Lindsay)

“If it’s just ‘probably,’ then at least go check!” (Irene)

“It’s a pretty high-probability ‘probably.'” (Lindsay)

“Then he’s not here, is that it? Where did he go?” (Irene)

“I don’t know.” (Lindsay)

“You don’t know? That just proves how shallow your feelings are!” (Irene)

“Unlike you, Irene-san, I actually live with him, so I don’t need to know where he is all the time.” (Lindsay)

“Living with him? You’re just both freeloading at Alfred-san’s house!” (Irene)

That back-and-forth between the two of them was nostalgic.

When they’re screeching at each other like that, it’s hard to make an entrance afterward. And in front of that overwhelming energy, I lose the nerve to say anything clearly to Irene.

As I crouched in the shadow of the grass, someone smacked me hard on the back from behind.

“O-ni-i-chan!” (Rinalee)

Rinalee called out to me loudly, with no regard for my intention to stay hidden. I turned around and put my finger to her lips.

“Rinalee, shhh! For now, shhh!” (Jack)

“Why not~?” (Rinalee)

“Onii-chan is waiting for the right timing. Everything has a proper timing. If you miss it, bad things happen. For example, say I go back home right now. What happens? I get caught in the middle. Caught between two sides.” (Jack)

“Between two sides?” (Rinalee)

“Being caught between two sides is scary. It hurts at least a hundred times more than getting pinched by a clothespin.” (Jack)

“Ehh! That sounds really painful!” (Rinalee)

Rinalee took my nonsense completely seriously and shrank back.

Wait, does she actually know what it feels like to get pinched by a clothespin?

“Who are you calling an ironing board?” (Shia)

From behind me, I heard the cold voice of Shia Randall. When I turned around, no one was there. Or at least it looked that way. After a moment, she released her air pressure concealment technique and appeared right in front of me. The ability to turn invisible is terrifying. She could eavesdrop on anything she wanted.

Even so, she had just been arguing with Irene until a moment ago, so when had she managed to sneak up on me?

When I looked back toward the hideout, Irene seemed to be chatting with Lindsay. That must mean Shia had left on her own to look for me.

“No, I meant scissors. We were talking about scissors.” (Jack)

“I don’t get it. Do you want to be cut with scissors?” (Shia)

“…No, I do not.” (Jack)

My eyes wandered slightly to Shia’s chest.

So, Shia is sensitive about her flat chest…

I had no idea how to properly entertain a noble, but for now, I let Irene and Liona-san into the house and had them sit on the living room sofa. Lindsay brought out some tea and then took the tray away.

“Your hospitality is appreciated.” (Irene)

“‘Is appreciated?’ What kind of way of speaking is that…?” (Jack)

“I am, after all, the eldest daughter of the Stride family.” (Irene)

Irene’s manner of speaking felt off.

So this is the “refinement of nobility” she picked up at home? Maybe she’s still trying to make it second nature since she only recently learned it. Still, it doesn’t really suit the usually reckless Irene.

“And what business does this noble lady have with us today?” (Shia)

Shia’s sarcastic tone hit the pretentious young lady squarely. Irene furrowed her brows and glared at Shia.

“Hmph… Unfortunately for you, this doesn’t concern you.” (Irene)

At that, Liona-san, who had been quietly standing at her side, took out a tri-folded paper from somewhere and began carefully unfolding it on the table in front of us. She even smoothed out the creases two or three times with utmost care.

“Thank you, Liona. Now Jack, take a look at this.” (Irene)

She looked straight at me, signaling with her eyes for me to look at the document. Peering over it, it appeared to be an invitation. I skimmed over the difficult phrasing, but when I reached the final signature, a chill ran down my spine.

“Your close neighbor in friendship, Isaiah Aldridge.”

That was what was written there. My eyes locked on that name, and my vision began to spin in confusion.

“Isaiah… Aldridge…” (Jack)

“What’s wrong, Jack? Are you okay?” (Irene)

Why. Why is his name suddenly here? I recall the tragic days of my childhood. This is the trauma inside me. Even when I forced myself to go to the mansion thinking it would be a tough treatment, I showed this reaction.

My body trembled and cold sweat started to form.

“Something seems off… Are you okay?” (Irene)
“Ah, ah… I’m fine.” (Jack)

I wiped away the sweat and pretended to be calm.

There’s no point in showing an abnormal reaction here. If I start shaking just from seeing the name, I’ll never be able to have an emotional reunion with my family. Not that I would have any emotions for that anyway.

“I see… That’s right. Jack, you’re worried about the shadow of an engagement falling over me, aren’t you?” (Irene)

Huh!? What does that mean?

“Don’t worry, I’ll always be Jack’s!” (Irene)

“I don’t get it…” (Jack)

“See, it’s written in this invitation!” (Irene)

I hadn’t even looked at the content at all. What is it? I looked over the invitation again, but the wording was so roundabout that I still couldn’t understand what it was saying.

“So, what does it mean?” (Jack)

“Well, that’s…!” (Irene)

Then, Irene quickly summarized what was written in the invitation for me.

This invitation was for the birthday party of the eldest son of the Aldridge Household. In other words, it’s for the celebration of the guy who tormented me so much. He recently returned home after graduating from the Magic University. Apparently, the celebration is also to commemorate that.

According to Irene, the fact that such a formal written invitation was sent out means that they probably invited nobles from everywhere. And what this implies is that they’re probably also looking for a fiancée for the eldest son. Though nothing like that is written on the document, that’s how nobility socializing works. The fact that Irene was invited means she’s being asked to come as a “bride candidate.”

Ah, I see. I’m already 15… soon to be 16. That means my older brothers are quite old now. The oldest is 20, and the one below him is 18. They’re full-fledged adults. The image I have of my older brothers is just of bullies who torment their younger sibling. Even if it’s a family celebration, I can’t feel happy about it at all.

Apparently, the custom among nobles is to hold grand celebrations for birthdays when someone reaches the right age and turn them into a sort of matchmaking event. Wizards tend to marry later, often around 30, but my older brother is doing it pretty early. Was it because he mastered magic quickly, or did he give up on it early? Either way, he used me as an experimental subject to practice magic. His magical prowess must have developed quickly.

I tossed the invitation on the table and acted as if it had nothing to do with me.

“So, what’s the big deal with this noble celebration?” (Jack)

“I want you to come with me, Jack…” (Irene)

Irene muttered that quietly, her cheeks faintly reddening. I leaned forward in surprise.

“Why!?” (Jack)

“Th-That’s… you should understand…” (Irene)

“Understand what!? How!? How should I understand that?” (Jack)

I was flustered beyond belief.

Telling me to come means she’s asking me to step into that house. That’s the same as telling me to overcome my trauma. Even if Irene doesn’t know about the situation, it’s still an unreasonable request.

“Jack-sama, excuse me from behind. Let me speak on her behalf.” (Liona)

It was Liona-san, who came forward to cover for Irene’s vague words. She had been standing quietly beside the sofa, but now stepped forward to speak.

“Irene-ojousama’s ‘understand’ means that she wants you to come with her as her fiancé.” (Liona)

“Huh!?” (Jack)

When did we become engaged?

I stared blankly at Irene, who was looking away with her cheeks flushed. She was acting bashful, even though she used to be so forward.

Why is she acting so innocent now? Is that how nobility behaves? Does she want to show off her maiden heart, claiming that modesty is a virtue?

“If you are alone, there is a possibility that the young master of the Aldridge Household and other noble young men, who are potentially looking for fiancées, will take an interest in you. No matter how muscular and barbaric your body may be compared to other young ladies, as for your beauty, you will surely attract attention.” (Liona)

“That, I don’t know whether it’s a compliment or an insult!” (Irene)

It’s true that Irene has a muscular body, but she’s not exactly barbaric. She’s slender and toned, and from a warrior’s perspective, she has a well-trained, good physique.

“…Ahem. Therefore, what the young lady who loves Jack-sama desires is for you to act as a fiancée and behave in a way that will exclude you as a candidate.” (Liona)

“I see.” (Jack)

So, it’s just “acting” as a fiancée.

“It’s not just acting! You can actually show up as my fiancée if you want!” (Irene)

It seems she has that intention as well.

I exchanged glances with Shia, who was sitting next to me. She also seemed unable to keep up with such an unexpected proposal. Her eyes blinked in confusion, wondering what was going on. In the dining room, Rinalee was playing with toys, with Lindsay watching over her. I glanced toward Lindsay and sought her opinion. Lindsay shook her head in disbelief.

“Well, I—” (Jack)

“—What I’m saying is, as the personal maid of the young lady, it’s my duty to respect her opinion. However, to be honest, I would like Jack-kun to refuse this.” (Liona)

“Liona! What are you saying!” (Irene)

Just as I was about to respond, Liona-san spoke over me. The moment she switched out of maid mode, her tone completely changed, and she started giving her opinion like an older sister.

“Irene-ojousama, just as the head of the family has said, your engagement with Jack-kun is not approved.” (Liona)

“Why?” (Irene)

“Hm… It’s not that it’s absolutely impossible, but the head of the family also hopes that you’ll marry into another noble family.” (Liona)

So, it’s the idea of keeping things within the noble class. The class system isn’t absolute, but such tendencies are undeniable.

“Rather, it seems that your father hopes you’ll use this as an opportunity to become engaged to the young master of the Aldridge Household. I also think that would be better…” (Liona)

“No!” (Irene)

Irene was adamant. All I could do was suggest possible solutions. I decided to offer one myself.

“If you don’t want to, you could just skip it by saying you’re unwell.” (Jack)

“That’s no good. If you skip such an important social event, the Stride family’s name will be tarnished!” (Irene)

Is that so? Nobles sure are troublesome.

“It might also be interesting if Irene-san stays home, and Liona-san and I go together.” (Shia)

“I don’t understand what you mean!” (Irene)

It seemed Shia also thought it was a trivial suggestion, so she made her own. However, Irene, in contrast to our lightheartedness, looked deeply troubled. She was gripping the hem of her puffy skirt. Her eyes were trembling slightly. She was on the verge of tears.

Is she really that opposed to connecting with the Aldridge Household? Well, I am technically part of the Aldridge Household, but…

“Irene, what do you dislike about the Aldridge Household?” (Jack)

I asked, half-amused.

From my perspective, this would also give me insight into the Aldridge Household’s reputation, from a viewpoint separate from my own personal grudges. It would also give me a clue as to how they are viewed by other nobles. Although, to be fair, it could also be a criticism of me…

“Because magic families are full of nerds, right?!” (Irene)

“N-Nerds…” (Jack)

Her words struck me harder than I had imagined.

“They just read books from morning till night every day,” (Irene)

Thrust.

“They collect suspicious magical tools and stare at them in their rooms,” (Irene)

Thrust, thrust.

“And in the end, they don’t talk to anyone, so they’re socially awkward!” (Irene)

Thrust, thrust, thrust.

“Anyone who ends up with someone like that is bound to be bored!” (Irene)

Bored, huh? Bored, huh? Bored, huh?

Irene’s last words echoed three times in my head.

“W-well… well, well…” (Jack)

“Hm? What’s wrong, Jack?” (Irene)

That’s me! Is it bad to like books?!  Is it bad to like magical tools?! Is it bad to have no social skills?!

“That’s referring to Lost-san, isn’t it?” (Shia)

“What are you talking about? Jack is a hero. He protects me.” (Irene)

Shia understands well. And Irene, that’s called favoritism. No matter how excellent my combat skills are, in daily life, I do fit the three things I just mentioned. I’m categorized as a boring man. Overall, I feel like I don’t get along with Irene.

Right now, her dreamy love for me, with the back-and-forth chase, works, but once we’re together, those boring aspects of mine will surely become noticeable, and she’ll be disappointed. …So, I think it’s best to politely decline this request, including the one from before. For Irene’s sake, too. Yes, this is for Irene’s sake as well.

“I pass.” (Jack)

“Pass?” (Irene)

“I refuse.” (Jack)

“Why?!” (Irene)

“Anyway… I’m not a noble, and someone who isn’t invited wouldn’t be able to easily enter the Aldridge household.” (Jack)

The other day, I was turned away at the gates by an old man with a stern face and sharp eyes. They won’t let in someone like me, who they have no idea about. So, even for a birthday celebration, I won’t be able to get in easily. I won’t be able to get in, no matter how hard I try. Even if I try… Huh?! Wait a minute.

“That’s why, as your fiancée, you can get in! Just say you’re a noble from a foreign country, and it’ll be fine. Besides, Jack, you’ve been mistaken for a demon when seen from afar before, haven’t you?” (Irene)

Irene’s eyes were darting around. She must be flustered because things weren’t going the way she imagined. But, contrary to my previous thoughts, the desire to accept her request started to grow inside me.

I have one reason to accept this request.

—I can get into the Aldridge household.

I wasn’t able to even open those tightly closed gates before, but if I follow Irene and attend her brother’s birthday celebration, I can easily get into the mansion. This is an opportunity I couldn’t have dreamed of. I can also visit my father and mother.

“Please, Jack. I still don’t want to think about marriage, and if I were to marry, it would only be you!” (Irene)

“Milady, Jack-sama has already said he’s refusing, so…” (Liona)

Switching to her maid role, Liona-san was trying to calm Irene down.

“Then, just as a fiancée role! It’s fine if it’s just for the role!” (Irene)

“—Even so, as a noble’s fiancée, you’ll be attending. It would be unnatural if you couldn’t at least dance at a social event. Does Jack-sama know how to dance?” (Liona)

“That kind of thing can be learned in just a few days of practice!” (Irene)

Leaving me and Shia aside, Irene and Liona-san started arguing between themselves. Liona-san was trying to remain calm, but it was clear she was reaching her limit in trying to calm down her stubborn little sister, and anger was about to explode. Irene had finally started crying. She was pleading, tears streaming down her face. I waited for the right moment in the argument and added just one line.

“Let me think about it.” (Jack)

“Eh…!” (Irene)

Irene’s expression lit up brightly. She looked at me with eyes full of hope, sparkling with expectation.

“Wait, Jack!” (Lindsay)

At that moment, Lindsay, who had been sitting at the dining table watching the situation unfold, stood up. She must have been upset by the change in the flow of things. Lindsay probably couldn’t tolerate my indecisiveness. Even though Shia Randall was sitting next to me, she was angry that I hadn’t completely cut ties with the beautiful young lady sitting across from me. She likely felt that by accepting this fiancée role, it would only cause more misunderstandings.

“Jack, you’ll be her fiancée, won’t you?” (Lindsay)

“Let me think about it.” (Jack)

I want to meet my parents. I’ve realized that I’ve been too reserved in many things, and not considering things properly up until now. There’s nothing good that comes from acting just by going with the flow. I won’t accomplish anything like that. If I explain the situation properly to both Shia and Lindsay, they should understand.

“Jack-sama… for now, we will take our leave. We are happy that you are considering the young lady’s request… but I believe it would be best if you think it over thoroughly.” (Liona)

Suddenly, Liona-san cut the conversation short and said, “Then, we’ll be going”. She forcibly pulled Irene and tried to leave the Liberta estate. It seemed like Liona-san was in a hurry after noticing that I had started to think positively about it. From her personal perspective, it was clear that she didn’t think it would be good for Irene and me to have a good relationship.

That’s fine. It’s not like I was hoping for that either.

“I’ll come back to hear your answer! I love you, Jack!” (Irene)

While being dragged by the scruff of her neck, Irene left. I watched her being forced into the carriage at the front door, then I closed the door.

The door slammed shut. It felt unnaturally quiet inside the house.

“…Haa…” (Jack)

I slowly turned to face the living room. There stood Lindsay, her eyes narrowed in anger, and Shia, who stood motionless with a somewhat sad look on her face.

Now, how should I explain this? I should probably explain the situation now. I should tell them that I am the son of Isaiah Aldridge.

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