“Did you just say marriage? You want to marry Nadeshiko?”
Rindo’s voice was full of wrath. He spoke in Yamatoan on reflex, but the boy seemed to have understood what he meant.
“Yes. I want your Autumn.”
The boy who couldn’t know the first thing about romance spoke proficiently.
“Are you mad?”
They’re actually doing this?
Rindo had feared this since before departing for Kyokoku.
Here in public?
Why had Kyokoku brought up the mutual aid system out of the blue?
This whole thing had been fishy from the very beginning.
Liam was seven. Nadeshiko was eight. They were a boy and a girl of similar age.
The formula wasn’t too hard to figure out.
“I am serious. I’ve been looking for a partner my age. Kashu’s Agents are required to be engaged, so I figured I would rather have someone around my age.”
An engagement between Yamato’s Agent of Autumn and Kyokoku’s Agent of Autumn.
Liam continued.
“And we can support each other, since we’re the same season.”
Even a slight endorsement could pull it forward smoothly.
There were many reasons for this.
One was how descendants of the Four Seasons fixated on maintaining the bloodlines through marriage.
Like Kikka said, the boy had been discovered to be the Agent of Autumn through a report from his Town. The way succession worked here, discovery by a third party was inevitable.
It was only then that a person learned they were a descendant of the Four Seasons.
Liam’s father or mother—perhaps grandfather or grandmother—must have led their lives not knowing of their origin. Like the stories of wandering nobles, the offspring of someone who had long ago left their clan.
It was only natural to conclude that someone would want the Agent of Autumn to be deeply tied to the Four Seasons community once again. Hence Sanekazura’s evasive comments during their flower viewing.
“Many of them are expecting to get something to put on their résumé… And there is also the possibility that the Agency would like to have a meeting with them for other reasons as well. They must want a face-to-face meeting more than anything.”
“Ms. Sanekazura, that’s enough… You’re only speculating. And even if you’re right, it’s nothing but adult nonsense.”
“Sorry, you’re right, there was no need to explain that much…”
It was already a fear among the guards of Autumn by then.
Nationality isn’t important when it comes to marriage within the Four Seasons.
It was more important for them to be descendants of the bloodline. Marriage with commoners was allowed, but a “good marriage” was only between those within the bloodline.
The most infuriating thing is that it’s not that strange for them to want a Yamatoan bride.
Hence Rindo’s apprehension.
The descendants of the Four Seasons in Yamato were supervised to a degree that was uncommon in the rest of the world.
Put simply, they had a good “pedigree.”
If a person couldn’t find a marriage partner in Yamato, they had a good chance finding one internationally by going through the Agency.
The commonfolk might have found the whole thing incomprehensible, but an easy comparison was how animals of certain breeds went for higher prices.
Certified purebreds were thought to be of high value, and the buyer gained honor alongside their purchase. This was why people often went to pet shops in search of a specific breed of dog or cat.
Setting aside any emotional issues, there was no denying that such values existed in society, and it reached even the clans of the Four Seasons.
But the mystery still remains as to why he wants Nadeshiko.
Bloodline marriages were considered antiquated in modern society, and one wrong step could lead to discrimination. It was not a matter to bring up in public, much less in the middle of an international meeting. It was outright baffling.
Anyone who knew their circumstances would understand right away that Liam wanted a Yamatoan bride.
But what if there was another reason for the proposal?
A second reason could be the political implications of such a marriage.
Specifically, ones concerning the mutual aid system.
Even if the system wasn’t reestablished, the couple would become symbols of the relationship between Yamato and Kyokoku and would lead to a stronger connection between their respective Four Seasons agencies.
In fact, this alliance could even go beyond the framework of the Agency and the Tower.
Marriage between Agents is rare, but not entirely unheard-of.
Rindo had heard from his father that sometimes Agents from neighboring countries were engaged to be married. This in and of itself was nothing concerning. It was their right and freedom to love each other, even despite the obstacles.
I could’ve agreed if he was an Agent in Yamato…
Rindo was dense, but not so dense that he’d miss the romance between Yamato’s Spring and Winter.
Considering there was only one Agent per season in Yamato, and the schedules and protection layouts for each of them, partnerships like the one between Rosei and Hinagiku would inevitably face opposition.
Why does Kyokoku want to strengthen their relationship with Yamato specifically?
Rindo pondered all this while Liam recited the speech he had memorized.
This bond didn’t seem necessary in the current political situation.
A third reason, then?
The beginnings of an answer were coming to him, but something stopped his train of thought before he could reach it.
“…”
Nadeshiko’s trembling hand touched his knee.
“Nadeshiko.”
Rindo looked at her.
All color had drained from her face.
She was always so mature, ready to accept everything that befell her, but she was resisting this with her whole body.
Her eyes spoke louder than words.
“Rindo.”
Help me.
The desire to fight this surged within him instantly.
I am not handing her over to you.
He could think about the reason for the proposal later. In this moment, he had to stay firm.
Rindo had to shield his lady.
Sanekazura and Shirahagi gasped as Rindo rapidly stood up.
“If you may excuse me, Lord Autumn of Kashu.”
He spoke in fluent Centrish.
“Don’t you find this proposal rather disrespectful to us? We were not told the reasons for this invitation. The descendants of the Four Seasons of both countries have not interacted since the abolition of the mutual aid system, and this was supposed to be a moment to rebuild that bridge. We were willing to hear you out if you planned to suggest the revival of the system, though whether or not we would accept was not decided. However, not only did you not mention this proposal earlier, but you are asking for Nadeshiko? Is that the real reason you invited us? We came all the way here just to satisfy your selfish search for a bride? If so, this is appalling treatment that does not leave a good impression on us. You say you want our country’s Autumn because she’s close to you in age, but when we first refused your invitation, you asked Summer, Spring, and Winter before asking Autumn again.”
“…”
“So you don’t really want Nadeshiko, do you? You just want whoever could be your Yamatoan bride. Now, after many of us have come here, you’ve decided you find Nadeshiko to be the most convenient choice. That is the way I see it. As her Guard, I find it extremely rude toward my Autumn. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Liam shivered under Rindo’s fierce reply.
The man had only spoken gently to his lady before, but now he was raising his voice and arguing, which was intimidating for a child.
Sorry, but I won’t treat you like a kid.
Rindo couldn’t back down even if they thought he was being immature. His attitude could cause trouble for the other Seasons, but that wasn’t even on his mind right now.
I’m getting rid of you.
After a shiver, Liam looked at his Guard.
Jude kept a stern expression. He remained quiet and did not return Liam’s gaze.
“…”
The boy seemed flustered when he realized he would receive no help from his Guard, but he forged ahead.
“It’s true that we are trying to rebuild that bridge. You’re right. I’m not just after Autumn. I’m honored to have met Summer and Winter, too. But since you came all this way here, I wanted you to give it some thought…”
The seven-year-old made a great effort to give a proper answer.
Rindo pitied him for a moment, but he could not stop his criticism now.
“So it was just a whim. You are only thinking about yourself.”
And Rindo was the only one who could protect Nadeshiko here.
“…I don’t blame you for taking it that way. I’m sorry. It wasn’t the right moment. I just… I became an Agent just recently, and… Well, I don’t know a lot… I haven’t even been to the Season Descent, and I’m still in training… This is my first time meeting other Agents…”
“I see. Then I’ll accept your apology, given your circumstances.”
Liam looked relieved.
“…”
He looked to Jude again for help. Still nothing. Unable to stand it any longer, he shook Jude’s shoulder.
Meanwhile, Rindo continued:
“If you are looking for someone to marry, then you can get in touch with the Four Seasons Agency to look for a girl around your age who can speak Centrish. Why did you call us here and ask for Nadeshiko’s hand in a place that would remain on official records?”
“I… Uh…”
Liam had no idea how to answer.
In normal circumstances, Rindo wouldn’t corner a young child like this, and Liam was a foreign Agent of Autumn, to boot. It was extremely rude for a foreign Guard to attack him like this.
However, Liam wasn’t the one he was really fighting.
They’re just making him say all this.