Thomas: The Reincarnated Person Who Became the Adopted Child of a Knightly Noble Family
One day, as summer was nearing its end, I was having lunch with my grandmother when a bombshell dropped.
“Toma-chan, it’s about time you decided on a fiancée!”
“Geh—cough! Cough! Cough!”
I had been in the middle of swallowing a piece of meat, so it got caught in my throat, making me choke.
“I’m still—”
“You’ll be an adult next year. It’s only natural to have at least one or two fiancées by then.”
One might be understandable, but two? What am I, a harem protagonist?
“That man married only me because I was a princess, but Toma-chan, you don’t have to worry about such things.”
It’s not that I’m not interested in women, but right now, there are more important things I need to focus on. Bringing down those divine envoys and restoring Deuro-sama as the one true god is my priority.
“Prince Reinhardt, who is the same age as you, is already engaged.”
“Yeah, but Reinhardt is a prince.”
“And you are a marquis. As the head of a noble house, you’re actually behind schedule.”
My grandmother was looking at me with the dreamy eyes of a romantic girl…
Putting me aside for a moment, Reinhardt got engaged three years ago. His fiancée is none other than Rosemarie of the Bayerlein ducal house—my cousin.
Rosemarie is three years older, but the king himself said that an older wife makes for a stable household. He, too, married an older queen.
“I’m still too inexperienced to be thinking about these things.”
“Toma-chan, you undervalue yourself too much!”
“Ehh…”
My grandmother started passionately arguing her point.
I appreciate her concern, but honestly, this is troubling.
“Just leave everything to me! Now, tell me—what kind of girl do you like?”
Her pressure was overwhelming. But—
“I’ll find my own partner—”
“Oh! So you already have someone in mind? What kind of girl is she!?”
“Ah, no, that’s not what I—”
In the end, I got flustered and ended up answering all sorts of questions.
“So, Toma-chan’s ideal woman is fair-skinned, skilled in both academics and combat, responsible, shares interests with you, and if possible, beautiful.”
“Uh, yes…”
“Leave it to me! I’ll find the perfect match for you!”
“…Please do.”
She meant well, so I couldn’t bring myself to refuse.
For now, I decided to just dodge the topic as best as I could.
After returning from the academy, I usually conduct medical check-ups for nobles. I ensure that those I’m close with receive regular exams twice a year.
But today, instead of my usual routine, I had to change into my formal noble attire and head to the castle with my grandfather.
That’s right—the queen had finally granted permission for me to treat the king.
I hadn’t witnessed it myself, but apparently, the queen had thoroughly scolded the king until he shrank back. My grandfather had seen it all. I wonder what he thought as he watched…
“Toma! I’ve been waiting for you!”
The king tried to hug me, but I swiftly dodged. He stood there awkwardly, unsure what to do with his outstretched arms. Let’s just ignore him.
Together with my grandfather, I greeted the queen, who was sitting on the sofa.
Honestly, there’s no need to show respect to the king outside of official settings anymore.
“Welcome. Please, have a seat.”
At the queen’s invitation, my grandfather and I sat down, while the king, after clearing his throat, reluctantly took his seat.
“I won’t have time wasted on nonsense. Get on with diagnosing the king.”
The queen was completely in control of the situation. The king simply shrank into his seat.
Using my information conversion ability, I examined the king’s condition. As expected, his liver was weakened.
“I will prepare the necessary medicine. For the next month, His Majesty must abstain from alcohol.”
“Wha—!?”
“After that, he may drink only one cup every three days.”
“That’s outrageous—!”
“Do you have a problem with that?”
“N-no, nothing at all!”
With just one glare from the queen, the king became as meek as a lamb.
After that, my grandfather and the king moved to a separate room for a private discussion. Meanwhile, the queen led me away somewhere…
▽▽▽ Side: High Priest Macallan ▽▽▽
Damn it! How did it come to this!?
I know everything started going wrong when we failed to kidnap the prince and that so-called apostle brat. But why does nothing ever go as planned!?
I expected resistance from the people of Kuldia. But how did we end up making enemies of every surrounding nation!?
Too many things are out of my control. Lately, I’ve been drinking more to cope. I know it’s becoming a problem, but I can’t stop.
When the mind is heavy, the body follows suit. My vision is deteriorating, my joints ache, and fatigue is settling in.
Alcohol is my only relief. The liquor smuggled in from Kuldia is exquisite.
But I can’t stand how that bastard Goliath is growing bolder! He’s been cutting away at my influence without me even realizing it.
Arthur, that fool, hasn’t even noticed! If I let Goliath continue unchecked, my position will be threatened. That bastard is definitely plotting to overthrow me.
“In that case…”
I have no choice but to eliminate him. He picked a fight with me first, so he has no right to complain if he gets killed.
I’ll kill Goliath and show those Kuldia scum what happens when they cross me. But for that, I need power.
“That’s it. I’ll summon a hero. With a hero on my side, Goliath will be nothing more than an insect beneath my feet! Kuhaha!”
I’ll make them regret underestimating me. I’ll make them all pay!
“But summoning a hero takes time… Will I make it in time? No, I must make it in time! No matter what, I’ll have a hero by my side to crush Goliath!”
