I Already Know That My Magic Power Is Ridiculously High! Now I Just Need To Get A Lovely Bride - Chapter 4:

On the morning of my first battle, I sat on the balcony of Ortenatoris Castle and gazed absentmindedly at the officers and soldiers bustling in front of the castle gate.
They were all soldiers entrusted to me by my father.
I studied each of their faces, steeling myself for the battle ahead.

“My first battle, huh…”

It’s been twelve years since I arrived in this world.
In my previous life, I was an ordinary office worker with hardly any hobbies besides reading science magazines. Then, one day at work, I suddenly collapsed—and when I came to, I found myself a baby, suckling on the breast of a high school girl’s mother.
It was probably an overwork death.
In my later years, I had found joy only in throwing stones into a river, my mind in shambles, and I never imagined I’d be reincarnated in another world after death.
Now, here I am, about to step onto a battlefield—and it fills me with a strange, deep emotion.

“Shalka!”

I may not have been blessed with any extraordinary talent, but it seems I do have a knack for pushing my body to its absolute limit.
Born into a great noble family, I was taught about our tumultuous heritage, learned about magical power, trained in magic with my very body, and even mastered the art of killing—often to the point of vomiting blood.
I was thoroughly indoctrinated by Ortenos’ ways, and they completely instilled in me a sense of belonging.
I suppose I’m just too simple-minded.
I could have refused, but since I always accepted everything without question, my father, my mother, and even my old man must have thought I could handle anything.

“Hey, Shalka!”

That ruthless, exploitative company that stole away the prime of my thirties did something unforgivable.
The sin of forcing upon me such an extreme tolerance for pain and mental strain is a heavy one.
They will likely continue on their brutal path without ever having to bear the burden of my death.
But there’s no use crying over what’s already done.
I can’t change the past, so I must overcome this anger and step up to a new version of myself.

“Shalka, are you listening?”

And so, I resolved to live for love and happiness.
Since I finally got a fresh start in a new world, I decided to achieve what I never could in my previous life:
to be united with a lovely woman who really gets my heart racing, and to live happily ever after with that wonderful bride.
My marriage prospects might not be going well at the moment, but there’s still plenty of time.
My father has even agreed to let me search for a bride at the academy—so my future looks bright.
I just want to get through this first battle quickly and then start planning my moves at the academy.

“Hey, you! Can’t you hear Lady Elmia calling you?”
“Huh?”

I had been spacing out so much that I didn’t notice someone grabbing my shoulder from behind until I heard those words.
When I turned around, I saw a group of nobles in extravagant attire accompanied by their retinues.
(Hmm, there’s someone here I haven’t seen before.)
All of the noble faces were familiar except for one—a young man in his late teens with striking orange hair.
(Well, since he’s allowed in Ortenatoris Castle, he must be connected to some family.)

At the center of the group stood a lovely girl with long, whitish hair, clearly acting as their leader.
She looked a bit annoyed as she addressed me.

“You’re about to head into your first battle—what are you spacing out for?”

Her name was Elmia La Ortenos, my dearest sister.
She had golden eyes just like mine, long, striking lashes inherited from our mother, and a sharply defined jawline unusual for a thirteen-year-old. Her flawless white skin peeked out between her black miniskirt and long socks.
Her white robe, embroidered with gold and falling just below her knees, gave her an air reminiscent of a holy figure.

“Ah, I’m sorry. I was just lost in thought.”

“I see. But more importantly, Shalka, do you have something to say to me?”

Her tone was a bit sharp. It was clear that Elmia wasn’t in a good mood. With her left hand on her hip and her right hand twirling her pure white strands, she glared at me disapprovingly.
I racked my brain trying to figure out what was bothering her, but I just couldn’t understand.

“I’m sorry, Lady Elmia. I really don’t understand what you mean.”

“Think about it properly. Why else am I here all the way? You need to figure it out.”

“Um, Lady Elmia, are you angry?”

“If you think so, then try to figure out why you’re angry.”

Her tone was a little haughty, but since she’s my little sister and so adorable, I can’t help but forgive her.
…No, that can’t be it.
What on earth is making Elmia so angry?
After a moment of thought, my grey cells finally came up with an answer.

“Ah, could it be—why haven’t you come to report to me, even though you’re about to head into your first battle?”

Ah, yes. I had indeed considered telling her, but since I wasn’t about to face a life-or-death battle—or anything significant—I thought it wasn’t necessary, so I didn’t bother.
Besides, this first battle isn’t even a major fight.

“I’m sorry, Lady Elmia. I thought my first battle wasn’t significant enough to trouble you.”

“Oh, why not? I am the next head of the Ortenos Marquis family, you know. You have an obligation to report to me, Shalka.”

“I’m sorry, Lady Elmia—I had no idea I was supposed to do that. I promise I’ll report from now on, so please forgive me.”

I had no idea such an obligation existed.
I bowed my head humbly to her.
Seeing me so apologetic, Elmia’s face flushed and a smile curved her lips.