I learned that not all Dark Elves were hostile.
I walked down the long hallway, following the confident Azura. The stone temple had a timeless atmosphere. Still, what drove her to such lengths? Did she truly fall for me? Or perhaps, I’ve become quite the catch myself? A twenty-two-year-old freeter, transferred to another world, and caught the eye of a non-human girl… just kidding.
“Alright, we’re here. Behave yourself.”
Huh, this wasn’t the time for silly thoughts. Opening another solemn door, I found people who looked like her parents standing across a large table. Guards watched us with keen eyes.
I couldn’t help but gasp. As expected of a King and Queen, their aura was different from other Dragonkin.
“Father, Mother, I’ve brought him.”
“Ah, well, hello, I’m Hiroaki.”
The Dragonkin King touched his chin and grunted.
“Is this the one? Please, have a seat.”
I pulled out a chair as instructed. The scraping sound against the floor echoed unnervingly loudly. I never imagined experiencing a formal introduction to parents in another world. So many things have happened, but I never dreamed this would occur.
As soon as I sat down, a servant immediately came to pour water.
“You are Hiroaki? I’ll ask directly. Do you wish to be engaged to my daughter?”
Ugh, how should I answer? Saying no honestly here could be perceived as rude. But I couldn’t just say yes. If I countered with a question, that would also be impolite.
Her green eyes stared intently at me.
“Um, well, I’m a traveler. I just happened to end up here…”
All eyes in the room were on me. The tension was different from combat, and my stomach ached. One wrong word could mean death.
“I apologize, but I cannot marry Azura.”
I bowed so deeply my forehead nearly touched the table. Please, don’t kill me!
“So it is. Azura, release him.”
“Ah, Azura, you shouldn’t bother our traveler guest.”
These were the words of the King and Queen. I did it, telling the truth was the right choice! However, the princess obviously wasn’t convinced.
“Why? I chose him.”
“Azura, you cannot choose a fiancé so carelessly. Marriage requires mutual consent. Furthermore, you are to become the Queen of our tribe.”
“I know that! That’s precisely why. Mother, you know it too!”
Azura huffed, turned away, and stormed out of the room. The heavy door slammed shut. Watching her go, the King sighed.
“Haa, I apologize, traveler. Please forgive Azura. She is desperate.”
“Is there… a reason why she must get married?”
“Indeed. You see, we only have her as our child. In contrast, my brother and his wife have had a son.”
Ah, I see. So it’s a conflict over succession to the throne. That unpleasant cousin of mine has male siblings.
“The throne has always been passed down to men.”
“Excuse me, but then couldn’t you have another… perhaps a daughter?”
At my words, the two exchanged glances.
“We’ve considered that many times. But we concluded that we are different.”
Well, no matter how many children they had, there was no guarantee it would be a boy.
“Children are not tools for succession. They are born to be loved, and they live to inherit that love. I intend to break this tradition here.”
The Queen nodded deeply to her husband’s words. I see, if they can have such wonderful thoughts, the residents of this country must be happy.
“The problem lies with those around me, and that is something to consider later. For now, I want Azura to study to become Queen… I apologize, traveler, this was not something I should have told you. Come, I will guide you back to your companions.”
Good, my companions were safe. In that case, I should bid Azura farewell and leave. I must convey my parents’ feelings.
“Thank you, but may I say goodbye to Azura as a final farewell?”
“Ah, please do.”
With the parents’ permission, I left the room. A sigh of relief escaped my lungs. Phew, I was nervous, but it’s good they were kind people. I returned to the front of Azura’s room and knocked.
“Hey Azura, are you there? I’m coming in.”
Opening the door, I found her sitting on the sofa with a sullen expression.
“Your parents were nice people.”
“Hmph, you don’t understand. Father and Mother don’t understand anything. It’s not that simple. They want me to be Queen, right? But do you think those around us will allow it?”
What, she knew? But I understood her concern. Her uncle and aunt would surely oppose her fiercely. Unfortunately, there’s nothing I can do about it. Then, Azura clapped her hands and stood up, saying, “That’s it!”
