Chapter 5: Invitation to the Martial Ball

I presented a single sheet of paper to my fiancée, Gertrude.

We were in the salon of her house, spending time leisurely until dinner.

[To the gentlemen who have stepped forward as candidates for Lady Katarina’s new fiancé,

It seems that, perhaps due to recent events, she is not particularly enthusiastic about marriage proposals.

Therefore, I am considering arranging an occasion where you may display your gallant figures before her. What do you think?

From her usual behavior, she appears to favor strong men.

If three or more participants express interest, I intend to hold a martial ball.

If you are interested, I would be delighted to hear your intentions.]

“Trude, what do you think of this? I believe it would make for a fine event.”

“Trude” is Gertrude’s nickname.

“That child isn’t particularly depressed, you know? If anything, she’s delighted to have cast aside proper etiquette.”

Gertrude said, “She’s such a troublesome child,” but her expression was gentle.

“If things continue like this, she’ll end up becoming a monkey who can’t marry anywhere in the future.

I think it would be best to find her a match before she forgets all the manners that have been drilled into her.”

“You’re as sharp-tongued as ever. That’s awful. Calling such a cute girl a monkey.”

Gertrude lightly smacked my arm.

That familiar gesture, something she only does with those close to her, made my cheeks relax.

“No, a proper young lady doesn’t perform a roundhouse kick on her fiancé.”

Punishing an unfaithful man is fine.

But lifting her skirt in public and delivering a powerful kick from the thigh… that is unbecoming.

It is not something a lady should do.

“Even monkeys don’t do roundhouse kicks.

Now then, what animal would… perhaps a horse?”

Gertrude did not seem particularly bothered by her sister’s outrageous behavior.

“We’re getting off track.”

Taking advantage of the moment, I gently took both of her hands and turned her toward me.

“Oh my, I’m sorry.

You’re concerned about this event, aren’t you?

Let’s see… just make sure you don’t treat her like a trophy awarded to the winner.”

Her tone became slightly sharper.

“In that case, I will add that ‘this is merely an opportunity to appeal to her, and the winner will not automatically become her fiancé.’”

“Yes, please do that.

So, what will they compete in? Swordsmanship, jousting, hand-to-hand combat?”

“Ah, I see.

Since they are nobles, I had imagined something like a knight’s tournament, but Katarina would probably find that boring.

Perhaps it would be better if each participant fought using their own specialty? Something like… no restrictions on style.”

“—What do you mean?”

“We’ll prepare a stage, and they will fight within it.

If they fall, surrender, or step outside, they lose.

Weapons will be limited to wooden ones.”

Gertrude thought for a moment.

“That would make sense, normally.”

She left behind those meaningful words.

That night, the family dinner began.

I look forward to the day, not too far in the future, when I can join as a true member of this family.

When I told Katarina about the match, she replied,

“One-on-one? Or a free-for-all?”

“Naturally, one-on-one. …Wait, a free-for-all? Not a team battle, but a chaotic melee?”

I couldn’t help but imagine a scene of men brawling in the backstreets.

“I don’t think true strength can be determined in such refined competitions.”

That was not something one would expect from the mouth of such a cute young lady.

Isn’t this straying far from duels or the aesthetics of manhood…?

What a savage woman.

“Then what kind of event would you prefer?”

“Let’s see.

Start at the mountain peak, pass through the forest, and reach the goal.

Along the way, they must hunt something and bring it back.

It might also be interesting to set up obstacles or assassins.”

That is no longer a tournament, but survival training.

Not a search for a noble lady’s husband, but training for soldiers or mercenaries.

“Kati, this is a hastily arranged event, so we don’t have that kind of budget.

We can only afford to rent a venue, arrange for doctors in case of injuries, and prepare light refreshments.”

Their mother spoke with practical reasoning.

I was glad I had informed their parents in advance.

But still—

Is the only problem really the budget?

Am I the only one who thinks Katarina’s proposal is full of absurd points?

“In that case, we could cancel making a dress for the next ball…”

Katarina said brightly, as if she had come up with a brilliant idea.

“Goodness, that has already been ordered.

Families of lower rank like ours must act in advance.

If those of higher rank make unreasonable demands and push us back in priority, it would be troublesome.

Canceling at this stage would be a nuisance to the shop.”

Gertrude even considers the shop and the craftsmen.

Her wording is a bit strict, but she is kind.

“That’s not quite the issue…”

I forced a troubled smile and gently pointed out Katarina’s attempt to reallocate the budget.

My future sister-in-law.

Do you intend to attend the ball wearing last year’s dress?

That would be quite disgraceful.

People might assume financial difficulties and take advantage of us in negotiations… nothing good would come of it.

“In that case, I’ll cancel the tournament. It was just a spontaneous idea anyway.”

As someone who will marry into this family, I cannot damage their standing.

I had only hoped that Katarina would marry off sooner.

“No, let’s do it! Even with a low budget!”

Katarina eagerly supported the idea.

Gertrude and her parents were smiling warmly.

If Katarina is this enthusiastic, it seems the event can proceed.

Though I do feel a bit uneasy about whether she will actually choose a fiancé properly…

I glanced at the head of the household, who was calmly listening to the conversation without interrupting, even as Katarina nearly canceled her dress.

“Even if their reasoning along the way is strange, they will ultimately settle on something sensible.

Rather than worrying, you should simply enjoy listening to them.”

The sisters’ father drank his wine with satisfaction.

Is he a man of great composure, or simply carefree…?

I wonder if I will one day be able to enjoy this family’s rhythm.

At this rate, it feels like my stomach will develop a hole first.