People of the Willrose Main House

"Ara, you were just a cute little girl when you first came here, but look at

you now. You've grown into such a fine lady."

"She's become a gallant-looking beauty, hasn't she?"

"So that person is Elma's one true love huh?"

"Found it. Take a look, everyone. This is the holo we took when Elmachan first came here."

"Wai- No, stop. Please don't show them that."

When we, or rather, Elma arrived at the residence of the Willrose main

house, she was immediately surrounded from all sides by her aunts and

cousins and became just like a meek housecat in their company. She

tried to resist at first, but her efforts proved futile, and her figure

seemed quite pitiful.

"Wow. You're amazing."

"I can't help but remember the time when I was still a strapping young

lad and the envy of all other men my age..."

"You have my respect."

I, however, got surrounded by the male members of the Willrose head

family. Right across from us were Mimi and the mechanic sisters who

were eating the snacks that were brought out one after another while

watching holo-videos of a young Elma, with Mei watching over them

from behind.

"Flying around freely in space as a mercenary is truly a man's dream."

"And it's even better in the company of such beautiful women."

"You elves have fairly long lives, so it's not really too late for you, right?"

When I made such a remark, the elven men exchanged looks and shook

their heads helplessly.

"It's true that we yearn for adventure, romance, thrills, and beauties.

But honestly, I doubt any of us here truly have the resolve to leave

behind everything in order to pursue such a dream."

"Yeah. You'll need to abandon your hometown, family, and a stable life

after all..."

"That's why we really do respect guys like you who made it as

successful mercenaries."

"I see. But why do you guys keep checking out my girls like a bunch of

horny teens?"

"How rude. We're certified gentlemen, I'll have you know."

"I already have a wife."

"...Should I really just go ahead and become a mercenary?"

The youngest elven male muttered under his breath. I'm not sure how

much trouble you'd have to face if you go ahead with that plan but do

your best, man. But just make sure you don't haunt me if you end up

dying out there, alright? I wash my hands of all responsibility.

"But, um, please pardon me for asking... but isn't it tough having so

many?"

"Well, a bit, I suppose…? I just make sure to train myself regularly so I

can handle anything thrown at me."

You don't just need to train your lower body. You also have to build up

your stamina. Well, I ended up training my lower body plenty as a result

anyway.

"You do look like you've put in quite some work."

"Like I thought, the key is stamina..."

"What in blazes are you all harping about in front of my son-in-law?"

Just as our discussion about lewd stuff was about to escalate even

further, an authoritative baritone voice called out from behind us. It

sounded like we were getting admonished, but it wasn't that harsh. It

was more akin to exasperation.

"You're quite late aren't you, family head?"

"I just had to say a word or two to Nazaris regarding what happened

today. I'm sorry, my dear son-in-law. Actually, I was opposed to having

such a meeting, but it was already too late when I realized what was

happening. Honestly. Just how did they get wind of your visit...?"

This nice middle-aged elven man who calls me son-in-law is probably

the current head of the Willrose main house. Come to think of it, I think

I saw him among those gathered inside the clan assembly hall during

the meeting.

"I'm Neush. I'm the current head of the Willrose main house… But I

suppose you don't really need to mind such a thing, son-in-law. In any

case, since you are going to marry a daughter of the Willrose house, you

are also part of the family. Please feel free to treat me as your father or

uncle-in-law, my good lad."

"Thank you very much. We'll only be staying for a short while, but we'll

be in your care."

My first impression of the family head was that he was quite a broadminded person. In any case, I sincerely offered my thanks and bowed

my head in respect. It was my personal creed to repay kindness with

kindness and offer thanks when it's due. Of course, that also goes for

the opposite.

"Umu. You truly seem like a good man, son-in-law. I want you all to feel

at home and relax while you're here. Please do stay the night."

"I'm truly grateful for the offer, but they've already booked an inn for us,

you see."

"Don't worry about that. You can just ignore the place prepared by that

damned money-grubber. I'm sure he prepared a room in a hotel under

his ownership after all. We don't know what lengths he'll go to in order

to make sure he gets on your good side, son-in-law."

Neush-san spat out while making a disgusted expression.

"Your mood sure is sour today, family head."

"Of course, it is. Son-in-law and Elma-chan went out of their way to pay

a visit to us specifically, you know? And they forcibly made a big deal

out of it and involved the entire clan instead. They might be the head of

the Rose clan, but meddling in our private affairs like this is a gross

misuse of authority."

Neush-san grew angrier and angrier as he talked, and a vein popped up

on his forehead. I, however, couldn't get over him calling Elma "Elmachan". Elma-chan… So she's still Elma-chan around here huh.

"Hiro-sama, Hiro-sama! Look! Isn't the young Elma-san just adorable!?"

"Hey-!"

"Come take a look at this stuff too, Boss. Nee-san's really cute."

"She looks just like a doll. So cute."

I was invited by the girls, so I left the men behind and went over to

check out Elma's childhood videos and pictures together with them.

"W-Wait! Stop right there! You absolutely can't look, Hiro!"

"Arara, just look how shy she's being."

"L-Let go of me!"

Elma tried to stop me from coming over, but she was captured and held

down by the Willrose family women. Now's the chance...!

"Here, Hiro-sama. Look at these."

"Uwah, she really is damn cute."

The childhood photos and videos of Elma that Mimi showed me using

her tablet terminal was a collection of fluffy adorableness. The young

Elma's fine silver hair went all the way to her back, and her big, bright

eyes enhanced her cuteness even further. She was truly a beautiful

child. She was wearing a frilly princess dress.

"Don't ya guys think nee-san would still totally rock a princess dress

like this even now?"

"Elma-san has this elegance and grace about her, after all."

"You know what? That actually sounds pretty good. Yosh, I'll make sure

to buy a few nice dresses just like this one next time."

"Do you want to check out the store chain we bought my clothes from

previously, Hiro-sama?"

Hm? Speaking of which, I did visit a store that seemed like they would

have clothes like what's shown in the video recording when I went on a

date with Mimi a while back. Mimi doesn't really wear the lolita-style

dresses I bought for her all that much though. What a waste. Well, I

suppose it's not good to force her into wearing them if she doesn't like

it.

"Hey, here's an idea. Why not buy dresses like this for all you girls?"

"Eh? Us too, Boss?"

"But I don't think they'll look good on midgets like us, big brother..."

"I beg to differ. Do you want to wear one too, Mei?"

"If that is your wish, Master."

"I'm definitely not gonna wear one, you hear!?"

Elma screamed in protest, but it would be pretty easy to achieve my

aim if I enlist the help of the Willrose ladies. Fufu, I'm a man who won't

hesitate to use such means in order to achieve my goals. If it comes to it,

I'm prepared to bribe the Willrose ladies if it leads to success.

Anyway, I guess we'll stay in the estate of the Willrose family for now

and talk about our plans for tomorrow later. And in order to play the

hand I thought of previously against those guys, going about things nice

and slow is also a good option. The more time we spend out here, the

more advantageous it would be for them. At least, that's what they'd

think. But surprisingly, that might not actually be the case.