Raising the Lowest-Ranked Adventurer, the Heroic Girl – Wasn’t I Just a Substitute Old Man?

Raising the Lowest-Ranked Adventurer, the Heroic Girl – Wasn’t I Just a Substitute Old Man?

Volume 2  Chapter 3   Marriage proposal

“…Well, I guess it’s not completely nonexistent.”

“Huh… What does that mean?”

“Which one?”

“I have a small commitment on the 25th.”

Upon hearing my response, the other members widened their eyes, but it wasn’t that surprising.

“A significant other, perhaps?”

“No… I used to have one, but not anymore.”

Although I do have a commitment, it’s not something sweet like a date with a significant other.

While I haven’t been without a significant other until now… They’re no longer here.

Ah, no, never mind. It’s over. It’s in the past. How long will I keep dwelling on it, seriously?

Stop worrying about it; it’s already a thing of the past. Don’t be so sentimental.

“Y-Yeah.”

“I see. It’s just that I have a commitment on that day. Besides, I was planning to be alone anyway.”

“Well, then how about the New Year’s event?”

Seeing the slightly anxious expression, it’s difficult to decline two consecutive invitations.

Although I’ll be leaving this team by the end of the year, they’re making an effort to include me, so it would be a waste to disregard their consideration…

“Well, I don’t have any plans.”

“Then you should join us too.”

As Asada said that, she looked relieved and took a bite of the parfait in front of her.

“But… Are you serious? Inviting me, a guy, to a gathering of high school girls? I seriously doubt your sanity.”

“It’s just a team year-end party or a social gathering. Adventurers often do things like that, right? Besides, you don’t have any plans, do you?”

Adventurers indeed often have team events and gatherings, and I don’t have any plans, but still…

Well, she really does take care of others. Even if she invites a guy like me to a gathering of girls, she would only be considerate.

“Okay, I understand. But at least let’s make it for the first shrine visit. It’s a bit complicated to stay overnight, even if it’s New Year’s Eve.”

Participating in the gathering itself is… well, it’s not a big deal, but staying overnight is impossible. It’s different from camping overnight in a dungeon.

If I were to stay overnight in a high school girl’s room, it would definitely be a problem.

“Mm, got it.”

“Then, what time should we do it?”

“You can decide on that. Today isn’t necessarily the last day of the year. We still have about a month until the year-end. Just let me know when you decide during that time.”

“Understood.”

And with that, the conversation paused, and Miyano and the others moved on to a different topic.

However, while I silently spooned my food, listening to Miyano and the others, Asada approached me with a slightly nervous expression.

“S-So, you don’t have a significant other?”

“Hm? Ah, yeah, it’s a bit embarrassing to be at this age without a partner, but it’s not that uncommon in this day and age. Well, it might be troublesome for the country though…”

The country seems to support adventurers getting married, as they want to increase the number of adventurers.

Well, it’s natural. We still need more adventurers.

Children of Awakened individuals are often Awakened themselves, and currently, we don’t know of any method to Awaken those who haven’t awakened yet. So, having children with Awakened individuals is the quickest way to replenish our forces.

Therefore, I can understand the support for adventurers getting married.

However, among adventurers, there are those who are enthusiastic about it and those who are not so enthusiastic.

The reason is simple—it’s because their lives are at stake.

Adventurers who are enthusiastic about marriage want to be happy during the time they have, in case they die.

On the other hand, those who are not so enthusiastic think that they might die at any moment and cause their partners to suffer.

If an adventurer dies in a dungeon, their family receives support from the country. However, no matter how generous the country’s support is, it can’t do anything about the feelings for the deceased.

Knowing that, adventurers can have negative emotions toward marriage.

Especially those who have experienced being left behind. Because they know the pain of loss, they don’t want to impose it on someone else.

That’s why they don’t get married and, in the first place, don’t form a specific bond with anyone.

There are quite a few people like that. For example… me.

“What about us?”

“……..”

As we pondered over that question, the conversation, our thoughts, and the atmosphere were abruptly interrupted by Abe’s unchanged voice. In her usual monotone manner, she calmly posed the question.

…What did she just say?

“Huh!?”

Upon Abe’s question, silence fell upon us. However, due to Asada hastily standing up with a loud noise, well, thanks to that, I was able to snap out of my blank state and regain my thoughts.

Since the other customers were looking at us after hearing Asada’s voice, I quickly lowered my head in apology.

As a result of me bowing, the other customers averted their gaze from us, but they’re still watching.

I should be cautious about what I say; otherwise, it might end up being exposed somewhere. Let’s choose my words carefully.

“How about it? …By ‘how about it,’ do you mean… whether I have a girlfriend or not?”

“Yes.”

“Cut it out with those jokes, seriously.”

So, once again, facing Abe and posing the question, the response I received was just a firm nod.

Well, I mean, there’s no mistaking their intention; it’s crystal clear. But I wished for a more thorough conversation.

Perhaps my thoughts got across because Abe showed a slightly contemplative expression before tilting her head lightly and speaking again.

“Here we have four young, close women. Given the circumstances, it’s hard to dismiss it as a joke.”

“I don’t think so. Consider the age difference. If you want a boyfriend, find someone other than a guy like me.”

“…I don’t have any male acquaintances.”

“Well, uh… well, yeah…”

Come to think of it, were we just discussing this right in front of me? I was letting it wash over me.

But this flow doesn’t feel right. I can’t just evade and avoid giving a clear answer.

“Well, um, I mean… I didn’t expect you to be interested in this kind of conversation.”

“I’m not interested.”

“You’re not?”

If that’s the case, then why bring up such a topic? That’s what I was about to ask, but Abe began speaking before I could voice my question.

“But, I get nagged at home… It’s annoying.”

“At home, huh? So, am I the shield to deflect those nagging remarks from your family?”

After joining the team, I briefly researched the backgrounds of my team members, and Abe’s family was unusual.

When I say unusual, I don’t mean dangerous or anything, just slightly different from a typical household.

So I didn’t think it would be a big deal… but now it’s coming up.

“So, what do you think? If it’s what Koosuke wants, I’m okay with getting married.”

“Eh?! What?! Wait! What are you saying!?”

This time, not only Asada but even Kitahara shouted in surprise, and that was to be expected. I think I would have screamed too if it weren’t for this place.

Once again, the gazes from the people around us are directed towards us, and the waiter is approaching.

However, before the waiter arrives, I’ll bow my head deeply. When I raise my head, the waiter also seems puzzled, so hopefully they’ll let it slide.

“You foolish girl. You should think more seriously about these things. If you make decisions based on the flow or run away from them, you’ll regret it someday.”

“Yeah… I got rejected.”

“It’s not like you were serious about it. What are you talking about?”

I have no intention of having a girlfriend. After all, I’m just a third-rate adventurer. I could die at any moment.

Besides, I’m already thirty-five.

As a man, it’s not considered late to get married, but personally, I think it’s already too late. No one would be interested in someone like me, an old man.

And… I still have no intention of getting married or being in a relationship with anyone at the moment. Even if someone like Abe confesses to me like this, I have no interest whatsoever.