"Oh. I don't think I can get married.

My father's hand stopped eating for a moment and my mother rolled her eyes in disbelief.

"Why?

"Probably because there won't be any more heart surprises.

I have a feeling. If I don't fall in love with someone other than you, I'll probably never get married. I've never fallen in love with a girl who's already engaged, not even in my previous life, so there's nothing I can do even if I'm aware of it.

Yeah.

Mom didn't seem surprised by my report and just nodded. My father continued to eat.

"Are you sure?

I wonder if parents don't want their children to see their grandchildren. My mother in my previous life was that type of person, and she was very disappointed that I couldn't have a girlfriend when I was Taichi. Her sister, Yuka, assured her that there were no good men in real life, so she had even higher expectations for Taichi.
So I thought my mother would be disappointed, if not despairing. When I wondered, she smiled.

She smiled when I wondered, "Children are a gift.

It's a skill that a gardener inherits.

It seems that for Mom, seeing her grandchild's face is like being lucky. As he finished chewing, my father murmured to me that there was nothing wrong with being a gardener. He thinks that the Baumgartners should continue to be gardeners, and that there is no need to keep their blood in the family.

And you don't regret it, do you, Zak?

No.

He asked me if I could take responsibility for my choice, and I nodded. It would be more regrettable to stop liking the girl. I'm not despairing about the possibility of being single for the rest of my life.
When Mom confirmed my answer, she smiled wryly.

You look like Dennis. ......

It's ...... Rie.

Seeing my mother unable to control her laughter, my father turned sullen. I couldn't understand either of their arguments. I don't know what made him think that they were similar. I mean, I'm their child, so it shouldn't have been strange for me to look like either of them.
My mother's laughter was a common sound at dinner that night.
When I called Erna on the bear phone that night, she shouted as soon as I got through.

"What's going on?

What's going on?

What?" "What?" I asked, holding my ear as if to complain, and Erna ranted.

"Why are you getting along with a rival character?

What?　You mean you and the girl?

No, Belle!

No, Mr. Bell!" Since he was talking about a character, he was probably referring to your star. It's not so much that he wants to blame me, but rather that I'm the only person he can vent his frustrations about Kimiboshi to, so he's calling me out now. But since you say they're rivals, I thought you'd have a problem with the fact that the girl who seems to be a rival daughter and Erna who seems to be a support character are getting along, but it seems you didn't.

"Belle?

What the hell is wrong with red-haired magic nerd Belle? As far as I know, she's just happily talking about magic as usual, business as usual.
Erna knows that I don't know much about your planet, so she explains to me about her so-called rival.

I don't know what to say. I'm not sure what to make of that.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand.

I'm not sure what to make of that. I'm not sure what to make of that.

I don't know, but does this rival fall in love with the heroine?

I thought it would be the same for the young lady, since she would be the heroine's rival as a love interest, but Erna's answer was no.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea. I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

Apparently, she is a typical inferior student who is jealous of the superior ones. If that's the case, it wouldn't be strange if hostility turned to either of them at any time. All they need is a trigger. I guess the heroine is the trigger.

I was planning to explode with jealousy at the school because Bell and Remius don't give a d*mn about their rivals.

"Are you guys so close that you don't have to worry about that?

"Yes. Yes, we fight well together.

I froze, wondering if they were getting along.
But according to Erna, he was a sarcastic rival character, so it's impossible for him to be complaining directly to her in the game. Also, Leo, who was watching the discussion with Erna, said that it was just an argument over different directions, so Erna decided that it was okay.
It was a topic about magicians, so it was no wonder that Belle was so passionate. It was probably similar to the argument between Bel and Remius, though of a different kind.

"So, what's wrong with you?

No, I'm happy about it too!　But then again, Brother Roy will solve it before you know it.

It's hard not to be able to support your guess, Erna said in a sad voice. I don't think he'll ever recover from his brother's stupidity.

Leo's marriage partner is going to be difficult if he doesn't get your approval like your daughter.

That's what's going to happen if things keep going the way they are, and it's going to be a result Erna can live with. For my part, I'm only concerned about the fact that the young lady said she didn't like Leo in that way. It's been a long time since then, but I wonder if she still sees him as a friend. Wouldn't that be hard on her?



I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. ......

I thought she would nod in agreement, but she slurred her words. It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

But if Isak likes your sister, ......

I like her, but so what?

"What about ..................?

After a long pause for comprehension, Erna raised her voice in an absurd manner.

I'm not sure what you mean by that.　I'm not sure what you mean.

I know what you mean.

I know." "Then why is it so easy?

I'm not sure what you mean by that. What's so weird about that?

You're very popular.

'Yeah. Yeah, I guess so.

I said, and Erna, who must have seen how popular the girl is with both men and women at parties, nodded her head in agreement.

I'm not sure why you don't like me then.

I'm sure you'll agree.

You're just as popular with me as I am with you.

The young lady is pretty inside and out and gets prettier every year. It's normal for an unspecified number of noblemen's sons to fall in love with her even if they know she is the prince's fiancée. And as a servant of the Ernst family, I was no exception to the rule, as I watched the young lady closely. It would be strange if I, an unspecified person, didn't fall in love with her.
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the bear phone, and then an incredibly long sigh was let out.

You're right, but you're wrong!

That night, Erna's scream echoed only in my room.
I thought I didn't need the soundproofing update Leo had made to my bear phone, but this time I felt the need for it. It would have been a nuisance to the neighbors if my voice had leaked out.


A few days later, we got our first snowfall of the year.
The amount of snowfall was about 15 to 20 centimeters. Normally, I would give the highest priority to shoveling the snow from the front gate, but today was a different story.
Jan and I put on our snow shoveling gear and waited in front of the main entrance. Soon after, the front door opened.

Hello, Brother Isak, Mr. Yang.

It was Flora who popped out of the door. She was wearing a coat and gloves to protect herself from the cold. Jan and I returned the greeting and then checked on her.

"Flora, are you ready?

"Yeah, here we go.

Flora then points to her feet. Her skirt was about five centimeters below her knees, and her legs were covered with thick, warm boots. The outer layer was made of leather and was expected to be waterproof to some extent.

You look okay. Good.

Flora jumped up and down and landed on the fresh, unshoveled snow. Then, she took a step or two, checking the snow with her feet. He looked back at the footprints he had made and smiled happily.

"Are you sure you're not interfering with my work?

The lady asks me with concern. She's wearing a coat and gloves because she's going out with Flora.

'Not at all. I know how you feel.

Flora had asked me to let her know when there was snow on the ground. She said she'd like to make footprints in the snow where no one has touched before. So I agreed on the condition that I would wear shoes that would be safe to walk in the snow, and my father gave me some time to start shoveling.
Flora's eyes would light up when I told her that it was going to rain or snow the next day because I could sense the signs of rain or snow, and then she would be disappointed when she found out the next day that it was raining or that there was no accumulation. At times like this, I feel sorry for my inability to tell whether it is snowing or not.
When I saw Flora happily jumping and walking on the snow, I was glad that it was snowing. Wearing a white coat with fluffy fur and peach-colored eyes, Flora looks a little like a rabbit when she bounces.
You can't help but smile.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

"Hey ......?

When I looked at her to see if she wanted to play with me, she was already looking at me. So our eyes met. She didn't think I'd turn around, but her pale blue eyes widened and she froze for a moment. Then she quickly restarts and averts her gaze.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm not old enough to get excited about snow. ......

But your daughter is wearing the same boots.

This is because Flora wants to wear the same boots,......, and if she falls, you need to get to her quickly.

When I pointed out that she was wearing the same thermal and waterproof leather boots, the young lady insisted that she didn't mean it. It's true that their coats are the same design, except that they are different colors of light blue. With her pale golden hair, I think she might look like this if there were a snow spirit.

Is there such a thing as a snow genie?

"What's going on?

I'm not sure if there are any.

No, I just thought of that when I saw your daughter.

I was just looking at you." "What ......?

When I simply explained the reason, she choked up, her cheeks turning red. I'm not sure if she was offended by the cold impression of the spirit, if there was one. I meant that she looked beautiful.



"Onesama, Isakuni-sama, look...

Just as I was about to give a supplementary explanation, Flora called out to me. When I looked at the area where Flora was pointing, I saw a heart-shaped footprint.

Isn't it cute?

"Yeah.

Yes, it is.

I think Flora is skillful because she can draw curved lines almost symmetrically. It is difficult to draw a simple figure in a large scale.
When we agreed with Flora, who claimed that she did a good job, she smiled very happily. Flora's smile made both me and the girl relax.
I looked over at the girl next to me and she was smiling kindly. You can tell that she really loves her sister.

"......, what is it?

I'm not sure if it's a good thing or not.

I thought you were a good sister.

It's a good idea to take a look at your own personal life in order to make sure you're getting the most out of it. Seeing her happy sister makes up for the cold. Flora has a good sister.
Also, I know it's because of the height difference, but the girl looking up at her is cute.
My face relaxes. Then, for some reason, the young lady's face turned red like it was on fire.

"Stop that face!

"Which cao?

She scolded me, but I don't know what kind of expression I was making. It's not unusual for me to think a girl is pretty, so I guess it's normal. I pinched my cheek, but I couldn't tell.

So, ......, that's your sloppy face. ......!

She pointed out weakly and sluggishly. Did I have such a sloppy look on my face? I didn't think that realizing that I liked her would change anything, but now I feel like I'm realizing how cute she is more often than not. It seems that it was showing on my face more than I thought.

I'll be careful.

Heinz-san, my butler, taught me how to put more energy into my facial expressions, and if I work hard, I should be able to control it a little. I don't want to creep the lady out.
Please do so," the lady said, turning away. I thought she looked a little like a rival girl. And then I wondered.

Is she going to be big too? ......

As I recall, the rival daughter of Kimihoshi had such large breasts that you could see them even in her uniform. I wonder if the girl's appearance, or rather her growth, will be similar to Kimihoshi's. Thinking about this, I lowered my gaze to the bottom of the girl's neck. She was wearing a coat, so I couldn't see how full she was.

"What's wrong?

What's wrong?" The lady looks up at me, worried about my silence.

I'm sorry about the .......

"Sorry for what?

I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you've seen it before. So I'll just apologize honestly. When you're concerned about something like that, it's a sign that you have ulterior motives. If you are aware of it, it seems you are interested in it.

"Come walk with me, sister.

Flora came back and embraced the girl's arm. The young lady was confused when she was asked to play in the snow.

I'm .......

I left some for you, didn't I?

I'm " "I left some for you, didn't I?" Under her sister's wistful gaze, the young lady swallowed her refusal. After a few seconds of hesitation, the words that came out were the opposite of what she had originally intended.

"All right.

Your side!

After confirming that the young lady nodded, Flora's expression (cao) became full of joy. She then took the young lady by the hand and led her to the area where she had not yet left her footprints. The young lady who was following her was a little shy, but not uncomfortable.
The two sisters smiled at each other and decided to wait a little longer for the snow to be shoveled.

Isak-san is a boy too?

Suddenly, someone said that to me. When I turned my head toward the voice, I saw a fluffy pome wearing a coat and scarf. Judging from the layers of his jacket, he seemed to be quite cold.

I'd appreciate it if you'd keep your mouth shut, young lady.

I can't help it.

Pome agreed, saying it would be fun. The smile in her eyes narrowed even more happily. I might as well give her a cookie or something later.
I turned my gaze back to the girls, and saw that they were treading fearfully on the snow. After a few steps, I looked back and saw that the footprints were still there, and my eyes lit up. I can see her like this because I'm the apprentice gardener of this house. Once again, I realize how useful I am.
Seeing her and her sister Flora laughing together, I put off shoveling for a little while longer.


The sun had begun to melt the snow, and Yan and I were shoveling when the master arrived. The girls had already gone back to practice. So it would be strange if he came to call the girls.
He was looking straight at me, so I guess he wanted to see me.



Master, what's the matter?

"Master Gerald wishes to speak with you.

Oh. I have something to tell the Duke, too.

To my delight, the Master took out his pocket watch and checked his availability. I told him that I would appreciate it if we could finish our work in the evening, and he, who had his eyes fixed on the hands of his watch, quietly agreed. He must have been checking the Duke's schedule in his mind.

I'll also tell him you have something to report.

Thank you.

As he left, Master said that he would inform him of my request as well. I was relieved. I had been wondering how to get the Duke to come to me, so it was a relief to be summoned. I had no idea what the Duke was talking about, but it was enough that he made time for us to meet.
After I finished my work, I told my father that I was being summoned by the Duke, and that depending on how long it would take, I would stay at the cabin with Jan. My father left first and asked Yang to return to the hut.
I was led into the mansion by my master, who opened the door and asked me to enter a room. I said excuse me and went in to find the Duke at the desk in front of me. I remembered that I had been sent to this study when I had asked my master to make it convenient for me.

"Hello, Isak. It's been a long time.

"Long time no see.

It was probably a month ago when the Duke came to talk to me.
The servants of the Ernst family are often called upon by the duke at least once a month. The chef and the kitchen staff told me that the duke also came to the kitchen, asked how he was doing, and gave him a pep talk. We can't forget the Duke's face because he makes time for us when he is busy with his work.
It's quite important to know who your boss is. At least I'm happy to serve this family because the Duke is my boss.
The Duke smiled as he greeted me.

The Duke smiles as he greets me, "My story is going to be a bit long, so let's hear what Isak has to say first.

He asks me to report first, so I straighten up and report.

I've fallen in love with the young lady ......, Master Ludia.

The duke was blindsided when I told him that much.
As I waited for a response, the Duke blinked a few times and then looked at me.

Did you tell Dia?

I didn't tell her.

Why did you report it to me first?

Because the Duke cares for her.

I want to stay in love with her. But as long as I'm a servant of the Ernst family, I can't do that without the Duke's permission. It would be detrimental to the Duke to have a servant who has ulterior motives for his daughter.
The Duke's eyes were scrutinized.

"Will you obey whatever punishment I impose?

"Yes. If it were possible, I would like to stay in the service of the Ernst family forever, but I am prepared to do so.

You can become a gardener even if you work for another family. If you go to the gardener's guild, they can help you find another job. Fortunately, not only me but also Jan is now a pupil of the Baumgartners, so there is no need to worry about an heir. My father also said that it would be good if I could inherit the technology. So I was ready to follow my heart.
A long and short silence fell.
I waited patiently for the Duke's decision.

...... Hahaha!

It was as if I was waiting for the verdict of a court case, and I couldn't swallow the situation right away. I checked the scene in front of me, thought about what the sound was that reached my ears, and finally realized. The duke is laughing. And he's laughing.

"This ...... duke?

I ask him what's going on, and he says, suppressing his smile with his fist.

No, I didn't think you'd bother to declare .......

The Duke laughed and said, "You're too innocent.
No, because it would definitely be obvious. The only way would be to apply for permission at the last minute. I'd be more upset if I didn't.
Yeah. I thought the Duke, who loves his daughter so much, would be angry if he knew. But for some reason he's smiling.

"Well, aren't you going to be mad at ......?

You can't get rid of your feelings just because someone tells you to. That's probably why Isak reported it to me.

Yes, but...

It's great that you can understand my intentions, but I have no idea how the Duke feels about it.

Are you sure I'm not a bad bug?

Are you sure you're not a bad worm?

I have ulterior motives.

When I confirmed that he was not a pest to the Duke, the Duke laughed again. What the hell was the point of that?
After laughing for a while, the Duke said.

The people in my family understand Dia's charms more than enough. It's just that the way they understood it was love in Isak's case.

I pondered for a few seconds what to make of the words, and then I asked.

"Can I work here at ...... while I'm in love with your daughter?



That's what I'm hoping for, that's what I'm hoping for.

Oh.

And yet, the Duke affirmed me with his usual gorgeous smile. I was relieved that I could still be involved in the Ernst family's garden. I'm very happy to see her smile again.

Thank you.

When I smiled, filled with relief and joy, the duke said simply, "Isak is really Dearest.

"You really like Dia, don't you, Isak?

I wonder why. I'm even more embarrassed than I was when I announced it to myself. I can't stand the gentle look the Duke is giving me. I felt my cheeks heat up.

"Now, about me...

"Oh, yes.

It's not the time to be upset by the Duke's impressions, so I listened attentively.

Do you know what I do for a living, Isak?

"Well, I just know that you're busy. ......

As I recall, I was told that I was the head of one of the three ministries when I was training to be a follower of my master. I don't even remember which ministry it was anymore. So I don't even know what exactly I'm doing. Perhaps it was because I answered honestly, but I felt the gaze of the master who was standing behind me hurting. I'm sorry for being so stupid.

Well, I'm a bridge between several ministries, and each ministry needs to recruit people. That's why my jurisdiction includes educational institutions.

"Really?

I can only nod. In my previous life in Japan, it was the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology that was involved in education. The only thing I could understand was that the person in charge of that kind of place seemed to be a duke.

In other words, the results of Isak's magic measurement will also be reported to me.

What?

By the way, I haven't received the results since Father reported them to the Ministry of Magic. I've been waiting patiently, but I didn't expect the information to reach the Duke.

Did I pass?

When I asked with both anxiety and anticipation if I would be able to attend the school, the Duke did not answer, but only smiled.

But first, let me explain my side of the story. Have you ever heard of the theory that magic power is not inherited?

Yes. So, for ordinary people, measuring magic power is a matter of luck.

But, even with incentives such as tuition exemptions, it's still difficult to find commoners who have more than a certain amount of magic power. We are developing new testing methods and making improvements so that we can measure magic power regardless of attribute. ......

Sighs the Duke.
It's true that there are some common people who don't take the test because they think they don't have much magic power. Or perhaps I wouldn't have taken the test if I hadn't met the lady.
If there is only one type of parchment for measurement, it would be a great help to the church. There would be fewer parchments to store, and inventory management would be easier. Just one less hassle would be a big plus.

On the other hand, the average amount of magic power of the nobility has been gradually decreasing ......, and in fact, the passing value is lowered every year to match.

Some people, like Tobi, have no magic power. It's not strange that the average amount of magic is going to go down if it's not inherited. I don't know if I've ever seen a duke work so hard.

So, Isak has also reached the passing value.

"Eh?

It seems that thanks to the yearly decline in the value, my magic power was just barely enough to pass the test.

Are you sure?

Yeah.

When I heard that I had passed, my face lit up. How could I not be happy? I can study magic. And I'll get to spend a year with your daughter regardless of status. I'm sure it'll be a very important time.

I've heard from Via that you can use the wind attribute, but I didn't realize you were trying to use all the attributes.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. Maybe it's a report on the results of my magic measurement.

"No?

No?　I think it's a good opportunity for us noblemen to notice a perspective we've overlooked.

But," the Duke continued.

But," the Duke continued, "that's my own opinion.

The Duke had implicitly told him that I, a commoner, would look bad if I used multiple attributes. It's not like the world, or most of the nobility, would approve of my existence as positively as the Duke.

You said you would obey my punishment.

Suddenly I felt the pressure of the Duke's smile. I know that what I'm about to say is not as the daughter's father, but as the head of the three ministries.

"Yes.

I nodded my head, feeling a little choked up by the tense atmosphere.

"In exchange for your permission to continue serving the Ernst family, I have one condition.

"What's that, ......?

In contrast to me, the duke smiled gaily as I asked fearfully.

I want to pretend that Isak's magic measurement never happened.

What?

I could not help but be taken aback by the conditions he presented.


I would later learn why the Duke was smiling so happily at this time.