A Father's Ultimatum

The bright light from the morning sun seeping through the curtains awoke me, with Merlin deep in sleep next to me. I decided to stay in bed for a while longer. Resting on my bedside table was the book I had discovered in the royal library years ago: "Tome of Techniques." Its cover beckoned me, and I couldn't resist the temptation to delve into its secrets once more.

When I first opened the Tome of Techniques, an interactive guide to mastering efficient skills and techniques, I discovered that only the initial page was readable. This page provided insight into the book's structure and revealed the method for unlocking subsequent chapters. Each chapter contained valuable hints and instructions for acquiring new magical abilities or enhancing existing ones. Completing a chapter would unveil the next one in line. I vividly remember sitting in the library, engrossed in deciphering the means to unlock the initial chapter.

As I delved deeper into the book's instructions, I followed its guidance and placed my hand upon the page while concentrating on my inner mana. It was as if I awakened within my own mind, traversing into a realm reminiscent of outer space. Within this astral plane, an array of incomprehensible words drifted like nebulas and galaxies floating in the void. My task was to locate the sole readable word, using it as a starting point to connect the remaining fragments and form coherent sentences and paragraphs until the chapter was unlocked.

Finally, after what seemed like hours of work, I completed the task and unlocked the first chapter. As I emerged from my inner realm, I noticed an old man's hand resting on my shoulder. Startled, I looked up to meet his curious gaze.

"Young boy, that book you have there is not a toy! Give it to me, and I shall return it to its rightful place," the old man cautioned.

"Old man, I'm well aware of the book's significance. I appreciate your concern, but I intend to read more from it before returning it," I replied firmly, displaying determination and politeness.

The old man appeared taken aback. "Read, you say? Did the first page reveal itself to you?" he inquired; curiosity etched on his face.

"The first page was already readable. I managed to unlock the first chapter by following its instructions. Why do you ask?" I responded, intrigued by his interest.

"I have served as the keeper of this library for over half my life, and only one person, the creator himself, was able to read beyond the instructions page. If you truly possess the ability, I implore you to keep the book," the old man said, his smile radiating a sense of satisfaction.

"If I am indeed permitted, I would be most grateful," I replied, reciprocating his smile.

Lost in thought, I sat on my bed with the unopened book. Suddenly, Merlin jumped up, fixating his gaze on the bedroom door before swiftly retreating under the bed. Moments later, my little sister burst into the room with an urgency in her voice.

"Oonii-Chaan! Wake up! You must wake up," she implored.

"I'm already awake, dear sister. What's going on?" I asked, intrigued by her haste.

"Father has done it again. The maids are on their way," she hurriedly informed me.

Before I could respond, three young maids rushed in, carrying clothes. The head maid shortly behind, she approached me while the others prepared the clothes.

"Young Master, good morning. Your father awaits you at the breakfast table. Please get dressed," the head maid instructed, gesturing toward the three clothing options.

Fully aware of what father wanted I inquired, "These outfits seem more extravagant than everyday wear. What's the reason behind this?"

The head maid walked over to the window without responding, swiftly drawing open the curtains. She turned back to face me, a look that seemed to say, "Why are you still in bed?"

Reluctantly, I rose from the bed and glanced down to find my sister clutching onto my leg, her eyes filled with hope.

"Where is Merlin, Onii-Chan?" she asked, seeking his whereabouts.

"He's hiding under the bed. Could you kindly fetch him for me, little sister?" I replied with a slight grin.

My sister released my leg, promptly crawling under the bed. After a brief moment, she emerged triumphant, holding Merlin in her hands. Telepathically, Merlin expressed his displeasure.

"Why did you have to reveal my hiding spot, Master? I won't forgive you," he complained.

"Just keep her occupied while I deal with Father. And Merlin, remember to maintain the façade of a normal cat," I instructed him.

Before he could respond, my sister dashed out of the room, Merlin in her arms. The head maid gestured for me to hasten. I examined the three garments presented by the maids.

The first was a pristine white suit with a black undershirt, adorned with a red linen rose on the upper chest. The second was a dark shell pink linen tunic, embellished with intricate gold stitching, featuring a black upper arm and a white wrist. However, my attention was captivated by the third outfit—a brown linen outfit, soft to the touch with a blue reverse side. Completing the look was a patterned black leather belt and black leather shoes.

"I would like to take a closer look at the third outfit," I requested, directing my gaze toward the maid holding it.

"Right away, young Master," she responded, handing me the attire.

I inspected the outfit's attributes using the attributes screen. Even for noble attire, it ranked highly on the rarity scale with gold rarity and boasted superior craftsmanship. Its defensive capabilities were modest, but durability was remarkable.

"This is the outfit I choose," I declared to the maids.

"Excellent choice, Master. We'll see you in the breakfast hall," the three maids chorused before departing.

The head maid approached me, requesting the outfit to assist with dressing. Knowing it was futile to object, I handed it over. While it had been convenient as a child due to my fine motor skills not fully being developed, I wished to dress myself as I had done on Earth, as I am now older. However, the response I always received was, "It is a maid's duty to dress their Master, regardless of their age."

"Here you go, Young Master, all dressed. I shall escort you to the breakfast hall now," the head maid announced.

I walked out of my room, the head maid trailing a short distance behind. We made our way through the main hall, descending the stairs and passing the dining hall. Upon entering the breakfast hall, I spotted my father seated at the far end of the table, with my mother at his right-hand side. I proceeded down the left side of the table, catching sight of plates filled with eggs, bacon, sausages, and bread. Approaching my father, I offered a bow before taking my seat.

"Good morning, Father. Good morning, Mother," I greeted them with a smile, as the maid behind me filled my plate with food.

"Good morning, son. How do you like your new attire?" my father inquired.

"It's comfortable, and I appreciate its aesthetics. Thank you, Father," I replied.

"It's a present in advance of your eighteenth birthday," my mother added.

I sampled some of the food, but the atmosphere grew tense as my father cleared his throat, signaling his intention to address a matter I wished to avoid.

"In two days, you will turn eighteen, Haruki. I have been lenient regarding your aversion to an arranged marriage. Typically, a Duke's son such as yourself becomes engaged at fifteen and marries after turning eighteen. I have introduced you to many noble daughters, hoping you would find interest, but you have rejected all of them. So, tell me, what is a father to do in this predicament?" my father rhetorically asked, adopting a stern tone.

"Haruki, my dear, your father has introduced you to numerous talented and beautiful noble girls, yet you have shown no interest and consistently declined potential unions. If, after you turn eighteen, you fail to fall in love and propose to a girl within a month, we have decided to arrange a marriage for you, regardless of your feelings," my mother interjected, her voice tinged with sadness.

"I have invited an acquaintance of mine, to rekindle an old business venture. My ulterior motive was to introduce you to his daughter. I shared our predicament with him, and he expressed enthusiasm for the venture, agreeing to bring his daughter along as well. You will have an opportunity to meet her. I trust you will treat our guest kindly, but I implore you to consider before your celebration a union with this girl. Otherwise, her father Akimitsu, and I will proceed with arranging your engagement within a month" my father concluded, his voice tinged with desperation.

I pushed my chair back and rose to my feet, meeting my father's gaze as I spoke.

"I will extend the expected courtesies to our guest and accompany her during her stay. However, I cannot agree to marry someone for whom I feel no romantic attachment. I appreciate your leniency, and I apologize for the concerns I have caused. That is all I wish to say on the matter," I stated firmly.

My father wore a disappointed expression, as if he had anticipated my response. I excused myself from breakfast and retreated to my room. Upon entering, I noticed my bed had been tidied, and the Tome of Techniques, previously left on the bed, now rested on my reading desk. I sighed, contemplating my father's words.

"I understand I am in the wrong, technically, since only Merlin knows I retained my memories of Sachie. It is simply impossible for me to develop feelings for any girl other than Sachie. However, Father and Mother remain unaware of this, and I won't disclose it to them. But I can no longer continue like this. I know it," I thought to myself.