When encountering a typical otaku scene, such situations often unfold.

For instance, a mother may appear, gazing at her daughter’s boyfriend who gets along well with her, making remarks about him potentially being a future son-in-law or wondering when her grandchild will be born. Such absurd scenarios are hardly uncommon.

To be honest, I used to think these kinds of situations and portrayals were complete nonsense—pure wishful fantasies.

I mean, really, how could any rational parent entertain the thought of a boy hanging around their precious daughter as a potential son-in-law?

Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that he was a childhood friend or perhaps they were bound by an  engagement between their families; then it wouldn’t be entirely incomprehensible.

At least if he was a childhood acquaintance, the parents would know what kind of person he is and might consider entrusting their daughter to him. In the case of a familial engagement, they would have to prioritize the interests of their houses over any personal sentiments.

But if we turn that around, it would mean that if the boy isn’t a childhood friend or  engaged by family ties, parents should not merely accept but at the very least be wary of every male who’s suddenly drawn close to their daughter.

In fact, hadn’t Seryas Count looked at me disdainfully upon hearing that I spent many afternoons training with Altina, sharing countless hours together?

Of course, he later asked me if I had any thoughts of marrying Altina, but I was well aware that it was because he mistook me for a master and not because he personally found me favorable.

…And that’s precisely why I couldn’t comprehend Claire’s mother’s obvious affection for me.

What kind of mother, after meeting someone for the first time, could casually refer to him as her “son-in-law,” without even knowing what ulterior motives he might have?

“Hoho, I’ve heard so much about you while communicating with my daughter. And it seems you’ve spent quite a bit of time together with her as well.”

Claire’s mother spoke, her face blooming with joy, clearly pleased that I was close to Claire.

“Um… If you are Claire’s mother, why not just speak to me casually?”

While I didn’t want to be regarded disdainfully like Count Seryas, being addressed with honorifics by a friend’s mother was feeling awkward for me.

“Well, if our prospective son-in-law actually becomes a real son-in-law, I might consider it.”

“…..”

Claire’s mother seemed quite intent on referring to me as a son-in-law, showing no signs of letting it go.

“In fact, Claire isn’t particularly affectionate at home. I worried a lot about whether she would fit in well with the other kids in Nineveh, but recently, I’ve been able to drop my concerns quite a bit.”

“It was the first time I saw her so joyfully talk about another boy over the phone, spending so much time together with him. And that there’s someone with whom she has daily meals—it’s all new to me.”

“Well… Claire has always been quite warm and friendly towards those around her, so I don’t believe I’m treated as someone special.”

Unlike Kaya, who barely makes friends, or Altina, who keeps certain boundaries with others, it’s clear that Claire has a vibrant social nature; I don’t think I’m singled out as someone exceptional.
– How shameless. You think Claire Delphine Mascarena treats you as anything special after you’ve been indulging every day with her homemade lunches? Or do you assume that Claire is the kind of girl who casually shares her lunch with just any guy?

‘…No, that’s not it.’

Looking back, while Claire is indeed a sociable person who gets along well with those around her, it does seem like she maintains a certain distance from other boys except for me.

Moreover, I could almost say that I’m the only one who has had one-on-one meals with Claire.

So now, is her mother misinterpreting this fragmentary information and mistakenly believing I hold the position of Claire’s boyfriend?

“No, I’ve heard everything from Claire. For instance, there was that time during practice when she accidentally hurt our prospective son-in-law with excessive magic, and how she felt guilty about it and took care of him afterward, which apparently brought them closer together. Stories like these, you know.”

“…..”

“Oh, and during midterms, they studied together in her room, and I heard that our prospective son-in-law often orders certain dishes that my daughter prepares, liking them so much.”

Claire… so you’ve shared even the smallest details about me with your family.

In Nineveh, while I appeared to have a more mature demeanor than other students, it turns out you’re someone who shares everything with your family.

I now understand why Claire’s mother is temporarily designating me as a potential son-in-law.

If her daughter, whom she holds dear, told her everything, even the trivial details about a boy while communicating daily through magic, it’s quite natural for her to assume I’m Claire’s boyfriend.

Um… but Claire’s mother, that’s all a misunderstanding. I’m not actually dating Claire, nor are we even close friends.

It’s merely that we’ve become friendly over time, and my ordering certain menu items was just because Claire’s cooking is delicious…I wonder if it’s possible to make that clear and be forgiven now?

“Well, while I didn’t quite like the fact that our prospective son-in-law has been taking advantage of our daughter behind our backs, let’s just overlook such trivial matters. After all, it’s understandable that you would ask for those arrangements if you had feelings for our daughter.”

With a casual shrug as if it were no big deal, Claire’s mother then leaned in close with a bright smile and whispered softly in my ear.

“If that’s not the case, it only suggests you’ve toyed with my daughter’s feelings. Surely our prospective son-in-law isn’t the type to do such things, right?”

Chills ran down my spine.

At that moment, Claire’s mother looked at me with an intensely unsettling gaze.

Though it was brief, what she projected toward me felt distinctly ominous.

In that instant, I realized the truth: Claire’s mother had been regarding me with favor and treating me as a prospective son-in-law solely because of my closeness to Claire.

And that Claire must have only shared positive stories about me with her mother and the Mascarena family.

But if I were to hurt Claire or make a careless remark about not being in a significant relationship with her…
– It’s nothing much. I can’t help but think that all the mages from the Mascarena house would come rushing here to either chop you up or tear you to shreds.

“…..”

– Although the family has declined in recent years, the Mascarena is still considered one of the top five magical noble houses in the empire. Rumor has it that the combined strength of the mages affiliated with them could rival that of most magic towers.

As if it were none of her concern, Erekaya continued to explain in a cheerful tone, as if she were humming a tune.

– Judging by the lingering aura of magical power surrounding her, Claire’s mother also seems to be a mage of considerable skill. In that sense, it appears that even without other mages from the Mascarena house coming, just her alone would be more than sufficient to deal with you.

Back during Count Seryas’s time, it was quite obvious how much he disliked me, so Altina and I could easily state that we weren’t in that kind of relationship. But in this case, how should I react?

…Wait a moment. Thinking back, did I ever clearly refuse when Count Seryas attempted to arrange a marriage between me and Altina?

If my memory serves me right, the talks about marriage were brushed aside because there were so many incidents involving that dimwit daughter and minor skirmishes with swords, weren’t there?

Then… surely, Count Seryas didn’t just refrain from mentioning it but genuinely believes that Altina and I will eventually marry someday, right?

“…..”

I feel as if my head is spinning. So, if that’s the case, does it mean that while I haven’t made any  engagement yet, I’m actually in a tentative agreement to marry the daughter of two noble families in the empire?

And the Seryas and Mascarena families are completely unaware that I’m precariously balanced between the two houses?

But then, I’m in a position where I have to charm Kaya to make her happy someday.

What happens to me now? Am I not in a situation where I might really die at any moment?

– What do you mean by ‘what happens’? This is all karmic retribution. Just as one suffers in this life due to the deeds accumulated in the past, you are currently receiving the punishment for having simply bumbled around with various women over the past three months. The future may bring even worse circumstances, so why not take this opportunity to strengthen your resolve?

‘…Are you really calling that encouragement?’

But could it be that Erekaya’s words are bearing any fruit?

“Ah, Jin!”

From a distance, someone called my name with a familiar voice. Instinctively, I turned my head toward that voice—

“Altina, please be careful. I’m already worried about losing you with so many people around.”

“Father, that’s not the case! Jin is right over there! Jin!”

“…I know. It seems I cannot get rid of this habit; I can clearly see you wandering around with a girl by your side.”

Coming toward us were none other than Count Seryas and Altina.

“…Hmm? Son-in-law, is there a problem? Did you happen to run into someone you know?”

“…..”

I can’t shake the feeling that a dire and potentially catastrophic crisis is looming over me in this situation.