"Since this matter is settled, Mitsunobu, let us discuss another thing."
A faint, inscrutable smile reappeared on the old man's face.
"What is it?"
Kudo Mitsunobu's mouth twitched; he had a bad premonition.
"My sources are quite reliable, so you cannot brush me off this time like you did before regarding your relationship with the eldest daughter of the Saegusa Family."
"I mean, Grandfather, what kind of grandfather arranges for people at school to monitor his own grandson's romantic life?"
The moment Retsu Kudou finished speaking, Mitsunobu knew he must have bribed a student at the school to watch him every day.
If this had been earlier, before Saegusa Mayumi had become so open, she naturally wouldn't have been discovered.
But now, Saegusa Mayumi cared less and less about the eyes of others, often displaying intimate gestures in public.
Trying to hide it was naturally impossible.
"As a grandfather wanting to care about his grandson's romantic status, I don't see anything wrong with that."
"I, however, think you are wrong to an extreme degree, Grandfather."
Kudo Mitsunobu now felt that the old man's values must have gone awry.
"Young Master, the Master has his reasons for doing this."
Kuki Ken, standing to the side, interjected.
"That is correct. Mitsunobu, although you are not yet of age, if you are to inherit the Kudo Family soon, you must become engaged."
Hearing Retsu Kudou's words, Kudo Mitsunobu frowned.
"Grandfather, isn't your health still quite good? There is no need to be in such a rush to pass on the position!"
Indeed, while the current head of the Kudo Family on paper was Kudo Shingen, in reality, the Kudo Family had always been controlled by Retsu Kudou.
Because he did not approve of Kudo Shingen's strength or his usual conduct, Retsu Kudou had never relinquished power to him.
To this day, Kudo Shingen was merely a puppet placed on the stage by Retsu Kudou.
"Magicians are, after all, a young profession; at my age, I can no longer maintain a high level of combat power."
"Therefore, I intend to pass the position to you in the near future."
"I see."
Kudo Mitsunobu understood how much mental strain it took for a ninety-year-old man to labor over the affairs of the nation and the family every day.
Especially since his father was such a troublesome individual, and his grandfather always had to clean up his messes.
Moreover, there was no issue with him taking on the role of family head; when he traveled between worlds, the flow of time in this world remained static, so it wouldn't delay anything.
Seeing Kudo Mitsunobu accept it so easily, Retsu Kudou nodded with satisfaction, then shifted the topic.
"So, let us continue discussing the matter between you and the eldest daughter of the Saegusa Family!"
"Although she is two years your senior, it is within an acceptable range."
"According to the information I have gathered, her aptitude as a magician and her interpersonal skills are both top-tier; she is quite an excellent girl."
Retsu Kudou was happy that his grandson had found someone he liked; previously, his grandson had always seemed indifferent toward such matters.
Yet, as the next head of the Kudo Family, it was impossible for Kudo Mitsunobu not to marry; in the end, even if he were unwilling, he would have been forced to accept a wife designated for him.
Although most magicians married in this way, he still hoped his grandson could spend his life with someone he loved.
Because in great families like theirs, unless there is an accidental death, there is no such thing as divorce for a primary spouse.
If two people are not compatible, they will not be happy for the rest of their lives.
"Yes, it is her."
Kudo Mitsunobu admitted frankly; the atmosphere between him and Saegusa Mayumi during this time had been quite good.
To say he was deeply in love after such a short time would be a lie, but as a marriage partner, it was sufficient.
At the very least, it was better than a complete stranger he didn't know at all.
"That is good. I will find the head of the Saegusa Family to discuss this matter in the near future. After all, their daughter is not young anymore; if he decides on another family during this time, it will be troublesome."
Though he said "in the near future," Retsu Kudou actually intended to call Saegusa Koichi tomorrow.
During his investigation, he had heard that the Gorin Family had been requesting a marriage alliance from the Saegusa Family, and at the same time, Saegusa Koichi was considering Jumonji Katsuto of the Jumonji House.
It was better to act sooner rather than later.
"Is there a need to be so hurried?"
Kudo Mitsunobu felt his grandfather was a bit too decisive.
He even suspected that within two or three days, Saegusa Mayumi would be asking him with a blushing face exactly what was going on.
ps: The humble author has come to beg for your votes again.
At the same time, thank you to the family members who voted and added to their collections yesterday.
Your presence is the motivation for me to come home from work and write.
Chapter 40: Departing for the Nine Schools Competition
Several days had passed since returning to Tokyo from Nara. The pep rally for the Nine Schools Competition had concluded two days ago, and today was the day of departure. Everyone was required to gather at the school in the morning to board the buses together.
Kudo Mitsunobu naturally did not ride his motorcycle today, choosing instead to head there on foot.
However, his route today deviated ever so slightly.
Why did Mayumi suddenly ask me to wait for her at the bus stop today!
Kudo Mitsunobu stood in front of the bus stop under the scorching sun. Although he could use magic to regulate his body temperature, he still loathed the blinding glare of the sun.
"Do you have some sort of complaint about me asking you to wait here for me!"
Saegusa Mayumi pressed one hand lightly against the brim of her hat, her other hand resting firmly on her hip.