Chapter 7

I didn't know that such an exchange was taking place in the room without me, as I followed the finger-cut knight.

The garden was a magnificent one, reminiscent of the splendid European gardens I had seen in the past.

The green carpet was adorned with a riot of colorful flowers, and the paths were neatly paved with stones like granite.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

I couldn't help but murmur. Despite being suddenly dragged into this situation, it was only natural to be moved by the beautiful flowers.

"Aye, this garden is the pride of our border baron family."

The finger-cut knight seemed to be in a good mood.

"By the way, it's a bit awkward to keep calling you 'sir knight.' May I ask your name?"

"...Galef."

"Lord Galef, I understand. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Aye."

As we were having this conversation, we arrived at the mansion. It was a grand white mansion, or rather, it had the air of a grand palace.

We entered and walked a bit, and Galef opened a door.

"Use this room. A maid will come soon. Follow her instructions."

"Thank you for showing me in."

When I entered, Galef was gone.

Unlike before, this was a rather luxurious room. At the very least, it was clear that they had no intention of harming me immediately.

There was a light knock on the door.

"Excuse me."

The person who entered the room was a young woman with red hair in buns, a cute maid who looked good in her uniform. She wasn't particularly beautiful or a beauty, but she wasn't ugly either. Just ordinary, I guess.

"Sir, the bath is ready. This way, please."

Led by the maid, I went to the bath, which was quite spacious and luxurious. It had been days since I had taken a bath... I didn't know when I had arrived in this world, but this was my first bath in a different world. I had intended to soak leisurely, but the maid washed me so thoroughly that I couldn't relax.

Oh, it felt so good. Really, really good.

It was just a normal wash, but it was refreshing and smelled nice. I'm not a clean freak, but I do like to be clean.

It was embarrassing, though.

The maids were saying things like, "What's that? An arm? A leg?" "Wow, it's big," and "That's... going to be tough..." but I didn't hear them... I didn't hear them!

What can I say? I'm an old man! It's inevitable to react when being washed by young women!

"Please wait here."

I thanked the first maid, whose cheeks were slightly flushed, and obediently waited in the room. My body was refreshed, and I was wearing new clothes, which were a bit more luxurious than before.

But, there were no pants... Is this a world without pants...?

While drinking tea and thinking about how to explain the importance of pants, the door opened.

"Did I keep you waiting?"

It was the old man Razatonia.

"No, thank you for the bath. I feel refreshed."

"Aye. Let's have a light meal while we talk. Don't worry about etiquette. The conversation is more important."

With those words, the maids quickly set out sandwiches and pastries. After they finished, they left the room.

Yes, it looks delicious.

It would have been perfect if I could eat alone with this old man...

"So, about the schedule for the hero from now on?"

I put down the sandwich and swallowed hard.

"One year. We will make sure you can use magic proficiently within a year."

"Y-Yes, sir."

"Don't worry. We'll assign you an excellent teacher. With a year, you should become a competent user."

A year... I need to gain strength and learn about this world during that time. Whether I cooperate with this plan or oppose it, I need power. I also need to cram as much wisdom and knowledge as possible. If I don't want to die...

Even this cooperative old man could become an enemy at any time. He's probably being cooperative because there are benefits. If so, I need to increase the benefits of having me as an ally. The more benefits, the less likely I'll be discarded...

"Yes, I will do my best to meet your expectations, sir."

That's right, I don't want to die. If I don't want to die, I need to work hard... with all my might. At the very least, I need to gain enough strength to protect myself, and I'm determined to do so.

But, the response I received was completely unexpected.

"Haha, no need to be so stiff. You're going to be my dear granddaughter's husband, so don't call me 'sir.'"

I'm apparently getting married... to this old fox's granddaughter...

I'm going to die... I'm going to die...