Leave a comment

““”You what…?!””” the voices echoed in surprise.

“Please inform everyone who sent marriage proposals! Anyone who wishes to take me as their wife must first defeat me! Only those who can defeat me will be considered for a future together…!” Inglis declared boldly.

“U-Uwah… this is truly like mother, like daughter…” Aunt Irina exclaimed, holding her forehead.

“It’s because you said all those things, Sister…! Please reconsider, Glis. You are the one who defeated Prisma. If you say that, no one will pursue you…!” Selena pleaded.

“I didn’t defeat Prisma all by myself. It was thanks to the power I borrowed from Miss Eris and Miss Ripple. Besides, I didn’t specify that it had to be a one-on-one battle. They can make use of the knights serving under them, their own armies, or any other means available to them! Personal strength, political influence, connections, or financial resources—are all aspects of a person…! Please let them know they must come to me at full strength!” Inglis explained.

If that was the case, then Inglis could actually enjoy this situation. Elite knights serving noble families, skilled mercenaries wandering the land, even Magic Stone Beasts—she didn’t mind the specifics. If strong opponents came seeking her, she wouldn’t need to go out of her way to find them. She could have all the fun she desired.

And, of course, she would defeat them all and emerge victorious. She could have all the excitement without committing to marriage. It was like having a free coupon—she could have fun, fight, and protect her freedom all at once. It was killing two birds with one stone.

“Well… with those conditions, I suppose, in a way, we are evaluating the overall abilities of potential partners…?” Aunt Irina mused.

“You’re right, Aunt! It’s okay, isn’t it, Mother?! After all, you did the same thing…! So it should be fine for me to have fun with this matchmaking too!” Inglis exclaimed, excitement radiating from her.

“T-There’s no other way, then… I understand. I will convey what you just said…” Selena reluctantly agreed.

“Yay! Thank you so much, Mother!” Inglis clapped her hands happily, feeling a surge of anticipation.

“Hahaha. Matchmaking has a different meaning at this point… It doesn’t involve battle matches, you know…” Aunt Irina chuckled.

“Fufufu. But it sounds fun, doesn’t it? Matchmaking. I didn’t expect it to be this enjoyable ♪” Inglis added with a smile.

“…Wish someone would defeat you. I can’t wait to see your face then,” Rafinha muttered under her breath.

“Eh? What was that, Rani?” Inglis asked curiously.

“Oh, nothing~! As for me, I’m going to have normal matchmaking, okay…! I hope there’s someone dreamy among them…! Some of them look so cool~” Rafinha’s eyes sparkled with excitement before Inglis poured cold water on her parade.

“No!! That’s a completely different discussion! Aunt, can’t you set the same conditions for Rani’s matchmaking? Since I’m Rani’s Squire, if they can’t defeat me, they can’t take care of Rani. So as a safety measure, anyone who loses to me will be rejected!” Inglis proposed.

“Hey! Don’t use your nonsensical logic to mess with my matchmaking! You’re the one who keeps dragging me to the front lines to protect me and fight for your own pleasure! You’ve put me in danger so many times yourself!” Rafinha protested.

“That’s because it’s the safest place! It’s the optimal choice…!” Inglis defended her actions.

“Hehe… It’s been a while since we’ve seen you, but I’m glad to see you two are still as close as ever,” Selena commented, amused.

“Don’t they make quite the pair, Sister? I hope this is one thing that never changes,” Irina remarked, smiling.

Knock! Knock!

A soft knock echoed through the door, prompting Aunt Irina to call out, “Yes, come in!”

Excitement radiated from a girl standing on the other side—her face lit up, her breath slightly rushed. She was a pretty girl with shoulder-length blond hair, about 10 years old.

“Alina!” Inglis and Rafinha exclaimed in unison, recognizing the girl who they had met in the Royal Capital during the incident with the Weissmall Troupe. Alina had lost her relatives, and the two sisters had taken her in and brought her to Ymir.

Alina’s complexion was now healthy, her expression bright, and she appeared to have filled out a bit, enhancing her beauty.

“Waah! I missed you! I’m glad to see you’re doing well,” Rafinha exclaimed, her worry dissipating.

“Are you finished with your study? I’m sorry for calling you over,” Inglis had been eager to check on Alina’s well-being and had wanted to see her as soon as possible. However, it turned out that Alina was in the midst of her studies when Inglis called her over. Apologetically, Inglis mentioned that she should have waited until Alina had finished studying.

To Inglis’ surprise, Alina displayed an impressive ability to manage her time and set aside proper study hours. It was truly remarkable, considering she was only 10 years old. In comparison, Rafinha had not been as diligent at her age.

“It’s okay! I wanted to see both of you too!” Alina replied, her face beaming with a wide smile. The scene warmed their hearts, evoking memories of the old Rafinha. While Alina’s manners seemed to surpass Rafinha’s, it only added to the joyous atmosphere.