Start 'Em Young - Raising Your Future Wife

[T/N: Phew! Five chapters done for Today! 😅 Hope you enjoyed the rollercoaster ride! Let me know your thoughts in the comments and give me some Power Stones for that sweet, sweet boost! 💪 Happy Reading!]

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Three long, boring days dragged on. Finally, the warship, looking strong again with its new patches, stood proudly at the docks.

Colonel Rhodes, always thinking about his duty, quickly said goodbye to the Syrup couple. As the head of the 153rd Branch, he couldn't stay away any longer.

Roya and Fullbody were about to leave with the Colonel when Rhodes suddenly stopped them, his face as serious as a judge. "Roya, Fullbody, you two are staying here."

"Huh?"

They looked totally confused, like cartoons with question marks popping over their heads.

Rhodes pulled out a small Den Den Mushi, like a snail-shaped phone, and handed it to Roya. "For the next three months," he said firmly, "your job is to keep Miss Kaya safe. If you run into trouble you can't handle, call the Branch right away!"

"Yes, Colonel Rhodes!"

They snapped to attention, their voices loud and clear, like well-trained soldiers.

As Marines, following orders was their number one job. Questions, no matter how important, had to wait. They could ask later, in private.

They exchanged puzzled glances as Colonel Rhodes walked away, his boots making a solid sound on the wooden dock.

"Hey Fullbody, did we just get turned into babysitters?" Roya asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice.

"Looks like it," Fullbody chuckled, giving Roya a friendly pat on the shoulder, though he sounded a little jealous. "Not bad, kid. The Colonel's definitely looking out for you."

"I guess so."

Roya couldn't help but agree. Why would they pick us for this job? There has to be more to it than meets the eye. East Blue connections didn't interest him , since he was heading to headquarters soon. So, this mission was probably just for Roya - a golden chance to get close to a rich family.

As for why he was chosen…

Not many people in the Branch were better suited for this job. Plus, favorite students always got special treatment, and Roya knew Colonel Rhodes liked him.

Soon, the always-helpful butler, Merry, found Roya and Fullbody and bowed politely, his movements smooth and graceful. "Mr. Roya, Mr. Fullbody, please follow me."

"Okay."

They followed him, their boots echoing softly on the stone path.

Merry took the opportunity to explain their mission in detail, his voice calm and reassuring.

Basically, Miss Kaya had been a sickly child, but now she was feeling better and really wanted to explore the world outside her mansion.

Her kind parents understood how she felt and decided to take a three-month trip to nearby towns.

And Roya and Fullbody's main job was to keep Miss Kaya safe on this trip, protecting her from any danger that might come her way.

The three of them soon arrived at a simple warehouse behind the main house, its wooden walls plain and unadorned.

Merry smiled warmly, opened the door, stepped aside, and gestured for them to enter, his hand sweeping in a welcoming motion. "Please, take whatever you need. If you don't find anything you like, I'll have things made just for you."

"This is…"

The two walked into the warehouse, looking confused. But when they saw all the swords and guns neatly lined up on the walls, their confusion turned into excited surprise.

It was an armory, a treasure trove of weapons!

Roya gently held a rifle, stroking the barrel like it was a precious gem, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Mr. Merry, are you sure we can just take whatever we want?"

"Yes, all for keeping Miss Kaya safe."

Merry nodded, his smile unwavering.

Their current equipment was, to be honest, falling apart. The covers for their swords were practically crumbling. They needed better weapons to protect the Miss.

Soon, Roya and Fullbody emerged, looking like real cowboys, rifles slung over their backs, Lead Bullet Pistols strapped to their hips, and good-quality Fast Swords hanging at their sides.

They looked like they could take on anything, ready for any challenge.

"With us on guard, no one will even think about hurting Miss Kaya!" Fullbody declared, his voice full of confidence.

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Around two o'clock in the afternoon, Kaya woke up from her nap, the sunlight streaming through her window.

Looking out at the world outside, she couldn't resist the urge to go outside. Carefully, she slipped out of bed, her bare feet padding softly on the wooden floor.

"Father already said I could go out. It's okay!" she whispered to herself, trying to reassure herself.

Kaya clenched her small fist, trying to be brave. She nervously walked around the room, getting ready, before finally reaching the door, her heart pounding with anticipation.

But as she excitedly swung it open, ready to sneak out, she saw two fully armed cowboys standing guard. They turned around quickly, startled by the noise, and stared at her with fierce, scary looks, their eyes intense and unwavering.

"Eh?"

The girl's mind went blank with fear, and she swayed unsteadily, her face pale.

Who are these strange people?

Thump!

"Oh no, Miss Kaya has fainted!" Merry cried out, his voice filled with panic.

"Press her philtrum! Quickly, press her philtrum!" Fullbody shouted, his brow furrowed with concern.

Half an hour later.

Kaya's eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes, her vision blurry.

The ceiling above was familiar and comforting, the patterns of the wood ingrained in her memory.

She was in her bed, surrounded by soft pillows and blankets.

Strange, what just happened?

Kaya sat up, her head still spinning. And, unless she was imagining it, her lips felt strangely sore.

"Miss, are you alright?"

A familiar, worried voice reached her ears, filled with genuine concern.

Kaya turned to see Merry, his face etched with worry, and gave him a reassuring smile, hoping to ease his fears. "I'm fine, Merry."

Actually, my lips really hurt …

"That's a relief!"

Merry sighed, looking relieved, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

"Eek!"

Kaya's eyes landed on Roya and Fullbody, standing behind Merry. Their over-the-top cowboy outfits brought back unpleasant memories, sending a shiver down her spine.

Was it them …?

Hm, nothing happened. Roya thought.

Kaya stuck her tongue out at Roya, then composed herself, got out of bed, and clasped her hands together, looking hopeful, her eyes shining with anticipation.

"Merry, I want to take a walk in the Village."

"But, Miss, you just…"

Merry hesitated, his face filled with doubt.

Kaya put her hands on her hips, trying to look strong and determined, and insisted, "Look, I really am fine."

"Well, alright then."

Seeing that Kaya was truly feeling better, Merry reluctantly agreed, his concern still lingering in his eyes. "I'll come with you."

"No!"

Kaya puffed out her cheeks in annoyance, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "I just want to walk around the Village by myself. Please don't always follow me."

"But I can't do that!"

Merry's anxiety flared up, his hands wringing nervously.

The outside world was full of dangers. What if something bad happened to the Miss? How would he ever explain it to her parents?

"I don't care, I don't care," Kaya retorted, her voice rising in defiance.

Kaya covered her ears, determined. She really wanted to wander the village alone, to experience the freedom she craved. If Merry followed her everywhere, it would feel no different than being stuck at home, trapped within the walls of the mansion.

"How about I go with Miss Kaya outside?"

Roya stepped forward, suggesting, "The Village is very safe. I can easily keep Miss Kaya safe by myself, so she doesn't feel too watched."

"That…"

Merry was still hesitant, his eyes darting back and forth with indecision.

But remembering how highly Colonel Rhodes had spoken of Roya, and considering they would be within the Village, there really wasn't much to worry about…

"Alright, Roya, please, take good care of the Miss!"

"You have my word," Roya said with confidence.

Roya tossed his weapons to Fullbody, traveling light, and politely invited Miss Kaya to go ahead, his voice respectful and courteous.

"Hmph!"

With a playful huff, Kaya reluctantly led the way, her steps light and quick. She knew this was the most Merry would allow, a compromise she was willing to accept.

The two walked along the main road toward the Village, one leading the way, the other following, making sure she was safe, his presence a silent promise of protection. Everything sparked Kaya's curiosity, her wonder as pure as a child's, her eyes wide with fascination.

"Tsk, not bad," Roya muttered to himself.

Roya admired Kaya's lively spirit, her enthusiasm infectious. Even though she was only twelve years old, he could already see the beautiful woman she would become, her potential shining brightly.

She was the perfect wife and mother in his mind, gentle, kind, and full of life.

Thinking about it, the girls in this world usually grew up quickly. He remembered that Vivi, Shirahoshi, Rebecca, and Pudding were only sixteen and already fully grown, their beauty already blossoming.

If he just waited another three years, Kaya could also…

Yeah, gotta start 'em young - raising your future wife! he thought to himself, a mischievous glint in his eye.