I Already Know That My Magic Power Is Ridiculously High! Now I Just Need To Get A Lovely Bride - Chapter 7

I once pulled strings to help people who were falsely imprisoned. But since nobles are the highest class in this world, my refusal to grovel to the weak—and to act subserviently—is seen as unbecoming. Instead, it makes me look like a weakling.

(At that time, the backlash was many times greater than I expected. It even made my mild-mannered father scold me.)
In short, right now I’m nothing more than a foolish nobody from Ortenos with no title and plenty of scandals—truly nothing remarkable.

“So what? No matter what anyone says, I will serve Lady Elmia.”

I had decided simply to support Elmia, so it didn’t matter what the heir of the Raanekki family said. Besides, I hate being underestimated.

“Won’t you listen to me? Get a grip on yourself! Know your place already! You are nothing but a hindrance to Raanekki, Ortenos, and even Neivilim!”
“…Ugh.”

Jiruga grabbed me by the collar and lifted me with one hand. His strong noble grip tightened around my neck.

“…Stop it! Lord Jiruga!”

Elmia hesitated for a moment, then stepped in to stop Jiruga. In our family hierarchy, Jiruga ranks higher, so Elmia couldn’t strongly oppose him. Although the Ortenos family holds higher prestige, in practical power the Raanekki family is overwhelmingly superior.

“Don’t stop, Elmia. This is all for your own good. Understand, Elmia: the problem is that you have an unusually strong attachment to Shalka. I won’t stop until you understand. So you should also reconsider what it means to be a noble and learn your lesson.”

“I understand, so please, don’t bully my big brother any further…”

Elmia pleaded with Jiruga, and then, right there, she burst into tears, flustered and helpless. The commanding presence she had shown moments before was gone—she was just a delicate, fragile girl.

(Ah.)

Ever since we were young, Elmia has been very empathetic. Whenever I went through hardships, she always ended up crying, and I would stay by her side until she calmed down.

(With that kind of sensitivity, how can she possibly manage as the next head of the family? I’m worried as her brother.)

“Elmia, you must not cry here. As a noble, you need to be detached. Even though I am your designated fiancé, you must not cast your eyes on any other noble man. That is simply unacceptable—even if that man is your own brother! If you continue to fraternize with Shalka any further, then you’ll have to stay with the Raanekki family… ow!”

I tightened my grip on Jiruga’s arm—which was holding my collar. I didn’t break any bones, but I held him firmly enough to leave a mark, and his strength slowly faded.

“Lady Elmia, are you all right?”

I pulled a handkerchief from my pocket and wiped away her tears. Her eyes were bright red and watery, glowing as if soft, warm light were cast upon pure white snow—they were sacred and beautiful.

“I’m fine. But are you all right, big brother?”

“Yes. By the way, Lady Elmia, the way you address me has reverted to how it used to be.”

“Ah, … Shalka, your collar is crooked.”

She said that and smoothed out the creased collar of my clothes.

“Thank you.”

“It’s all right; ensuring that your subordinate looks proper is also the duty of a ‘superior.'”

Elmia smiled shyly as she spoke. Before I knew it, she had regained her usual composure.

“Ughhhhh!”

Jiruga, still holding my arm, gritted his teeth as his face turned bright red. I don’t know if it’s because he is her fiancé, but his obsession with Elmia is extreme. He seems to regularly engage in that kind of noble harassment.

(If he continues to harm Elmia any further, maybe I should ‘handle’ him somehow.)

As an atmosphere of imminent conflict hung between Jiruga and me, a female noble timidly raised her hand to speak.

“Everyone, is it really alright to continue associating with foolish Shalka? I believe it’s almost time for the meeting.”

This was Carlotta La Eirushen, the next head of the Eirushen family—a girl with long, glossy purple hair cascading down her back. Even over her clothes, her impressive figure—an inheritance from her mother, the current head—was unmistakable. At sixteen, she is one of the eldest among the heirs.

“Y-yes, that’s right. Shall we head to the venue now…?”

Enkante, almost as if swept along by the current, agreed with Carlotta.

“Elmia, if you keep getting involved with that fool any further, then I’ve got plans for you as well…!”

Jiruga barked his parting words like a menacing thug, his steps heavy with irritation as he left the scene.

“Lord Shalka, contrary to the rumors, you seem remarkably calm and wise. I find that admirable.”

Dino-ren said that condescendingly. I did not like it at all.

“Well, thank you.”

“If you don’t mind, please spare some time next time. Let’s have a chat, just the two of us.”

“Yes, if there’s an opportunity.”

I never really got a hold on that orange-haired guy. I’m not sure if I’ll see him again, but I know better than to open up too easily.

“Shalka, you are strong, but you must not get carried away. I’m sure you understand that.”

Elmia said this with a somewhat serious expression. I realized she meant I shouldn’t try to score too many victories in my first battle.

“Of course, Lady Elmia.”

“Hehe, that’s good if you understand. Also, make sure to listen carefully to what Getrard has to say. Shalka, you seem a bit reckless.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“And also… well, may fortune favor you in battle, big brother.”

“……”

Elmia whispered “big brother” near my ear and kissed my cheek. Then, with her attendants in tow, she briskly left the balcony.

“…What was that all about?”

Recalling the soft touch of her lips on my cheek, I felt an indescribable mix of joy and embarrassment. I nearly smiled, but I forced my expression into a rigid line with sheer willpower.

―――At last, I am about to take my first step toward my first battle.