I Already Know My Magic Power Is Ridiculously High! Now I Just Need a Cute Wife... - Episode 83

My father has asked me to take on the role of head of the family.

Maybe I spoke too confidently.

To be honest, I feel like my escape route has been cut off.

—

“You don’t seem too eager…”

“Of course not. This is too much for me to handle…”

“Hmm, I thought you had finally made up your mind to become the head, but as always, your abilities and words don’t match.”

My father looked at me with an exasperated expression.

—

“This and that are separate matters… Besides, since Elmia is motivated, wouldn’t it be fine to leave it to her?”

“It’s true that making Elmia the head would be the easiest solution. But more than that, I value your decision-making skills.”

He must be talking about my first battle and my actions at Bangwall.

It’s true that after everything I’ve accomplished, my reputation is probably at its peak.

—

“Decision-making skills…?”

“That’s right. There are two main types of noble family heads. One type has strong leadership and leads the family in a single direction. The other type uses strategy and takes a broad view to improve the family’s standing. Most people lean towards one or the other, but in Shalka’s case, he is definitely the first type.”

So, the first type is like a charismatic great general, while the second is a calculated strategist.

—

“You might not realize it, but Shalka is highly regarded by his subordinates. That’s because you always decide the path to take and lead them forward. That’s not something someone with a half-hearted resolve can do. Right now, Ortenos is in chaos. The only one who can lead it is someone like you—a guiding light that draws people in and shows them the way.”

My father must have gotten this information from Geraldo.

But since Geraldo is the one most eager to turn me into a conqueror, his reports are probably full of bias.

*(A guiding light…? I’m really not that great, though…)*

I only want to give back to Ortenos, the place that has taken care of me since I was born.

My father’s words don’t quite sit right with me.

—

“No, Father, I think you’re wrong.”

“Hm?”

“I’m a strategist type.”

“…”

For some reason, my father looked away from me.

…Why? I don’t get it.

I see myself as a pretty smart noble. I’m more of an indoor type, after all.

—

“If there’s one good thing about becoming the next head, it’s that you’ll get to marry a high-class lady.”

“A high-class lady?”

I turned my head sharply toward my father.

“That’s right. Just having the title of next head makes noble ladies flock to you. I had a tough time with it in my youth. Many women approached me, but in the end, I couldn’t choose just one. So, I married the most beautiful and compatible ones—Elena from the Ranecki family and Camilla from the Navrim family.”

Apparently, my father was quite the popular guy back in the day.

I envy him.

If I become the next Marquis of Ortenos, I guess I’ll have plenty of options too.

Now I understand why Elmia was so determined to get this position.

—

“T-That’s a very interesting story. But having both a legal wife and a concubine must be tough, right?”

“Right after the wedding, they would spark at each other every time they met, and keeping them happy was a struggle. But once they both got pregnant with you kids, a bond started forming between them. It wasn’t easy, but thanks to you all being born, my choice turned out to be the best one.”

Noblewomen are known for their intense emotions, but having children seems to soften them.

This is a good thing to keep in mind for the future.

—

“I’m starting to think maybe being the head wouldn’t be so bad after all.”

“So, Elmia alone isn’t enough for you? You really are a hopeless one.”

“You’re one to talk.”

“Haha, fair enough.”

My father and I laughed together.

Talking like this, he felt less like my father and more like a supportive boss.

—

“Well, it’s not something you need to decide right away. Just make your choice before you leave for the academy.”

“Understood.”

If I become the next head, I might be able to show off at the academy.

Elmia might cry about it, but oh well.

As long as I make her happy in the end, she’ll forgive me.

—

“I never expected you to choose Elmia. I wonder what Elena would say if she were still alive.”

“Lady Elena would surely be pleased.”

“…You might be right.”

My father spoke with a hint of sadness.

Elmia’s mother, Elena, was a wise and beautiful woman, unusual for someone from the Ranecki family.

She was also skilled in combat and had even taught me the Ranecki fighting style.

The person who assassinated Elena is still unknown.

—

“If I had to give you one piece of advice, it would be this—if you find a woman you like, hold on to her and never let go. In the noble world, many people are passive. Even ladies who seem high-class and difficult to win over will sometimes fall for you if you pursue them boldly.”

My father spoke like a seasoned womanizer.

I wonder who he was thinking about when he said that.

—

After Roa left in the middle of the meal, my father and I continued eating while discussing the Naia royal family and the hero.

Eventually, it was time to wrap up.

—

“By the way, Father, has Grandfather arrived yet?”

“Ah… He’s coming late.”

“I see. That sounds just like him.”

“Hah… Yes, it’s a problem.”

My father let out a deep sigh.

Grandfather is supposed to attend the ceasefire talks.

There’s only one day left before it happens, so we need to coordinate tomorrow.

—

“He wouldn’t have forgotten, right?”

“…I doubt it. At least, I hope not.”

My father’s response became noticeably uncertain.

Grandfather has always been unpredictable, for better or worse.

The ceasefire talks are already tense, and now we have this wild card added into the mix.

Who knows how things will turn out?

—

“Do you think Naia will choose peace? Their delegation looks questionable at best.”

“If anyone is going to cause trouble, it will be Hoshiros. They’ll try to delay the decision somehow.”

Luna supports peace, but Hoshiros is uncertain.

Since the ceasefire talks are meant to discuss the conditions of peace, if Hoshiros stalls, no progress might be made.

—

“That’s why we need to decide our roles in advance.”

“Our roles?”

“Yes. I will join the discussion as a pro-peace advocate. Roa will support me. And you, Shalka, will take the role of an anti-peace advocate and act flexibly.”

My father will officially push for peace.

I, on the other hand, will pretend to oppose it while secretly assisting him.

It’s a difficult role, but my father’s strategy is something I would never have thought of.

As expected of a true wise general.

—

The next day, we continued our detailed planning.

And finally, the day of the ceasefire talks arrived.

However, even on the morning of the meeting, Grandfather had yet to appear.

—