Konbini Ossan Volume 5 Chapter 15 — The Proposal’s Merits and Problems
The marquis’ sudden statement froze my thoughts for a moment.
Arisa, taken in as a concubine.
In this world’s logic, that would absolutely be considered a benefit.
A commoner becoming the concubine of a noble — and not just any noble, but a high-ranking marquis — was something that essentially never happened.
High nobles guarded their bloodlines fiercely. A marquis taking a commoner woman was almost unheard of.
And in this world, a concubine’s children were granted noble status.
If Arisa and the marquis had a child, that child would belong to the nobility — which would place a noble relative in my family line.
That would mean I’d effectively be accepted within the special class myself.
Not officially, but socially. My influence would skyrocket. Depending on how things unfolded, I could even be granted a lower-rank noble title through that connection.
In short, the marquis was offering a future packed with privileges.
A ridiculous prize.
But it was one I could never accept.
“Forgive me, but I cannot accept that condition.”
“…What?”
The marquis’ eyes widened.
He had not expected refusal.
“Is there some dissatisfaction?”
“Arisa is my niece. I have no intention of using her as a bargaining chip for my business.”
“…I see.”
He touched his chin again, deep in thought.
This actually worked in my favor.
By offering Arisa as a reward, he had made a misstep.
Since the fault lay on his side, withdrawing from today’s negotiation wouldn’t damage my position. I could safely delay my answer.
“I’m sorry, but may I give my official response at a later date? I still need time to organize the information you’ve provided.”
“Very well. It can’t be helped. Let us leave it here for today. I will look forward to a favorable answer.”
“I will give it serious consideration.”
We shook hands, ending the discussion.
Since I didn’t commit to anything, the marquis didn’t extend any special hospitality that night. Instead, Arisa and I left the residence and searched for an inn in the city.
As we walked, Arisa suddenly spoke.
“Hey, old man. Thanks.”
“For what?”
“You turned him down. That noble geezer wanted me as a concubine, and you refused right away.”
She smiled softly.
“You protected me. And you didn’t wait for me to answer — you said no before I even had to. Kinda made me happy.”
“Of course. You’re my precious niece.”
“Heh. Yeah.”
Her smile carried a nuance that made me uneasy, as if she’d seen straight through me.
Because in truth, the moment the marquis made that offer, I hadn’t simply thought, I don’t want her used.
Something else had stirred in me — something much more selfish.
I didn’t want the marquis to take her.
That whisper of possessiveness was something I didn’t want anyone to notice.
But Arisa had the «Calculator» skill. Insight was practically baked into her reasoning. She may well have sensed it.
If that smile was the result of seeing my true feelings… that would be a problem.
“What’s with that face, old man?”
Arisa wrapped her arm around mine, smirking like she was teasing me.
“It’s nothing at all.”
I answered as calmly as I could, doing everything in my power to keep my expression steady.
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E/N:
Your poker face ain't gonna help you no more, Ossan! You lost, the battle as as the war! Ya sick bastard, Arisa-chan is your niece ffs! But…
Though I say all that, why do I feel happy for them?! My single ahh ain't smiling, definitely not! Stay tuned!
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