The Reward for the World's Strongest Explorer's Perfect Dungeon Conquest is apparently Marriage to me, who is known as an S-rank Fraud - Chapter 1.2

“Whaaaat! That actually makes sense!”

My sister stared at me, impressed. I leaned back into the sofa, reveling in my triumph, sipping my victory drink—barley tea.

“My reward… I want to become the wife of Kuma Hayama, also known as ‘Nosferatu the Undying.’”

“PFFFFFFFFFTTTT!!!”

“K-Kuma?! Kuma?! Are you okay?!”

Barley tea sprayed through the air, catching the sunlight and forming a pitifully small rainbow. Ayane stared at the TV, then back at me, pointing frantically, completely panicked.

Calm down, little sister. She just said ‘Nosferatu’ Kuma Hayama. It happens to be the same name and title as mine. But it’s purely coincidental. Because there’s no way she means me.

“YAAAY!! Shia’s gonna be my sister-in-law!! Can I call her ‘big sis’ now?! This is the best day ever!!”

My sister latched onto me in excitement. Whoa, hold on! There’s still a chance she misspoke, or maybe the reporter misheard, or—

“Just to confirm, when you say ‘Nosferatu’ Kuma Hayama, do you mean the 17-year-old S-rank explorer who became the youngest in history to reach that rank just a year ago?”

“Yes.”

Yes?!

Why are you blushing?! I’m seventeen! I’m not even legally allowed to get married! We’re not dating! Hell, I wouldn’t even call us friends—more like distant acquaintances in the same field!

“So, the two of you have been in a relationship for some time and now wish to bypass the legal marriage age through extralegal means in order to make history?”

“We’re not dating. I’ve barely even spoken to him… I was too embarrassed. And since I’m a little older, I was afraid he might not like older women. So, I figured I’d use my reward to make it happen.”

Uhhhhhh… what?

What.

What?!

prrrr. prrrr.

“…Great. Perfect timing.”

“Who is it?”

“Sasaki, the bureau chief… ugh. No way around it. Hello?”

“Kuma, listen. You are now engaged to ‘War Goddess Valkyrie.’ Here’s the story: As an S-rank explorer, you deeply admired her. Over time, admiration turned to love. You had planned to confess after conquering a dungeon yourself, but in a twist of fate, you discovered that her feelings mirrored yours. Now, standing at the peak of happiness, you are immensely grateful to the Japanese government for allowing this extralegal marriage at 17. Though still young and inexperienced, you humbly ask the people to watch over you as you grow together. Got it? Anything you’d like to add?”

…He’s speaking like this is already decided.

“I’d rather remove most of that, actually.”

“Kuma, let me be clear. Right now, the entire Dungeon Bureau and all of Kasumigaseki are holding an emergency meeting. The agenda? How to handle ‘War Goddess’ Shia Kusakabe’s world-changing reward. The moral and ethical issue? Whether forcing a person into a life-altering decision against their will is acceptable. The conclusion? It’s not. Love, marriage—these are deeply personal matters, and overriding them would be a violation of human rights and personal freedom.

“However. The legal age for marriage in Japan is 18, as defined by Civil Code Article 731. Your extralegal wish can override this. This makes it an easy and visible use of the reward, one that benefits the government. But here’s the catch—it’s only extralegal until you turn 18. The moment you do, the law allows it anyway, and the reward becomes meaningless.

“So, here’s the deal, Kuma: If you and Shia marry now, Japan is saved. Please, Kuma. Save this country.”

…He’s dead serious.

“Kuma! What are you going to do? Oh, and by the way—I think that helicopter outside is from the press.”

I glance toward the window. We live on the 35th floor, and yet, hovering right at eye level, is a news helicopter. The camera is locked onto me. And more are coming.

“…Let’s close the curtains for now.”

Even though the windows are fully mirrored from the outside, I don’t like the idea of being watched like a zoo animal.

“Kuma, I’m counting on you.”

“Haah… Fine. But you owe me, government.”

“Thank you! Thank you! You’re a true hero of this country!”

I can hear Sasaki choking up. He must have been negotiating under intense pressure. Honestly? I feel a little sorry for him.

“…This is heavy.”

“Whaaat?! But it’s Shia! This is amazing!”

“Look, if I were watching this happen to someone else, I’d say the same thing. But this is my life. I just skipped right past my first girlfriend, my first date, my first romance—and landed straight into marriage!”

“Well, you can still have those experiences with Shia! Otherwise, what if you never found anyone at all? This is a blessing!”

Sis. Do I really seem that hopeless to you? I’m literally Japan’s fastest S-rank explorer!

“Alright, Kuma! Get dressed!”

“…Fine.”

Resigned, I change into formal attire. As an S-rank explorer, I’ve had to attend official events before, so I’m at least prepared.

“Alright… I’m heading out.”

“Want me to come with you?”

“No way. I don’t want the whole world seeing you.”

“Wait—am I that ugly?”

“No, you’re too cute.”

“Hehehe~ I know~. Alright, go get ’em, Kuma!”

She pushes me forward.

“…Yeah, yeah.”

The elevator descends.

The moment I step into the lobby, dozens of reporters rush toward me.

“Kuma! What are your thoughts on Shia’s reward? Do you have any objections to this extralegal marriage?!”

I grab the mic and shout—

“I LOVE SHIA! PLEASE, MARRY ME!!”

“Yes. I will.”

Everyone turns.

Shia is standing there. Breathless. Flushed. Eyes locked onto me.

…Damn. She’s stunning.

At that moment, I thought, “These guys really go all out for the sake of a story.” I was both astonished and impressed by their journalistic spirit.

“Hey, Kuma!”

Shia grabs the collar of my shirt tightly and looks up at me. Combined with her well-defined features, that flushed expression is──indeed, sexy. It’s not my fault; I’m a 17-year-old high school boy (virgin). What’s wrong with being consumed by lust? Nothing!

Gulp. Swallowing my saliva.

Shia took half a step closer, and there were only a few millimeters left until our bodies touched.

“Kuma, please make me your bride.”

“Ah… let’s get married, Shia.”

And then our lips met──.

SNS went up in flames.