After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 12
Chapter 12: The Position of a Prospective Son-in-law
“Ouch, that hurts. Be a bit gentler, please…”
Thrown into the carriage and returned to the Count’s house, I received diligent care from Sieg and butler Ahim. I had been mercilessly beaten by Grete, who had turned into a demon out of the blue, leaving me with bruises and muscle pain all over. Even without magic, I would never stand a chance against her, but she loaded plenty of light magic body enhancement on me, pounded me, threw me, and even gave me a Yakuza kick.
“Grete is a young heroine who is said to be the reincarnation of a hero. It might be a bit much to rough you up this badly, but from what I heard, it’s all Lutz’s fault today.”
“Why…?”
“Clearly, she has feelings for you, Lutz. When the man she likes sees another woman… especially one she’s been intimate with, and he praises her shamelessly, it’s enough to make anyone turn into a demon.”
Well, that’s not it. While I’m aware that we’re childhood friends, and she likes having me around as a playmate, I don’t think she sees me as the opposite s3x. If there were any romantic feelings, I wouldn’t be suffering this much.
“Her personality is quite severe. If you’re liked by her, consider it the end of your luck and give up.”
While he smirks and laughs on his own, I’m not buying into it. Admittedly, Grete is an impeccable beauty, and her wielding of the magic sword is breathtaking. Despite her challenging personality, imagining myself standing next to her gives me a slightly uplifting feeling. Just a little bit, though.
However, the future where she and I hold hands and live together is unimaginable. Grete is the heiress of the prestigious Hanover Marquis family, and on top of that, she’s hailed as the “reincarnation of a hero.” Regardless of her personal feelings, the head of the marquis family probably believes that she must be paired with the best stallion to produce the highest-quality offspring.
In this world, the prosperity of a lineage depends on how excellent and magically powerful daughters they can produce. Unlike men who can have dozens of children, women, who can’t afford to have that many, need to carefully select the “seed,” which supposedly determines eighty percent of the child’s magical power. The marquis family, with its abundant territory, doesn’t face financial difficulties. Once she reaches adulthood, Grete, blessed with innate talent, will likely be given a choice of stallions from the first to possibly the third page of the studbook. Just like my mother, who was once praised as a “hero.”
As I pondered over such thoughts, my gloomy expression caught the attention of Sieg, who left with a light pat on my back to cheer me up. Though it was a very gentle strike, my back, already beaten by Grete, screamed in agony as I writhed in bed for a while.
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That night, something incredibly rare happened—both my mother and father were present at the dinner table. Sitting side by side, facing them were Sieg, me, and Lise. It’s usual for the two elder brothers to be absent. They probably continue to sell themselves cheaply for a night, flaunting their bloodline as a selling point.
“Oh my, Grete-chan seems to be quite fond of Lutz. I suppose we should visit the marquis’s house to pay our respects soon?”
“No, Mom, it’s not like that…”
Since my brother amusingly exposed the story to everyone, I found myself desperately making excuses.
“Well, I had a feeling it wasn’t like that. Lutz and Grete-chan have been special friends since they were little… Are you aiming to be the marquis’s ‘son-in-law’?”
“I’m not interested in that.”
“Oh, a son-in-law isn’t a bad thing at all. It stabilizes your position, you don’t have to worry about your old age, and you’ll receive some respect. Of course, you have to contribute to the family to some extent…”
Saying that, my mother directed her gaze to my father.
“Our marquis family will be happy with a capable son-in-law, right, Albrecht? You’ve given me such wonderful children, after all.”
“Yes, being told that makes me happy. I am truly blessed to be able to stay by your side, my dear.”
It feels like I’m witnessing a cheesy melodrama unfold before my eyes. It’s good that they get along, but I’d rather not see it happening in front of me.
“So, Lutz, do your best. Grete-chan is cute, but she’s said to be an unruly one. Be sure not to incur her dislike, alright? You do like her, don’t you?”
“Well, I don’t hate her, but… considering her talent, there’s probably no chance for an unknown like me to be chosen as the seed for her first or second child.”
“Well, yes… but she’s a daughter with an exceptionally strong will. If it’s for the sake of having a child with someone she truly loves, she might do anything. Even if it means going against the Marquis’s wishes.”
Please, Mom, stop with these scary prophecies. I’m starting to feel like prey in a hunt. But… I can’t imagine that Grete likes me to that extent.