Thomas: The Reincarnated Person Who Became the Adopted Child of a Knightly Noble Family
The final exam of the academy was over, and the results were announced.
In the final exam, Reinhardt was at the top by a narrow margin. Lene was in second place, just two points behind him.
I scored perfect marks in all three subjects. The teachers repeatedly recommended that I transfer to the advanced studies department, but I declined each time. While it might be better for a noble to be in the advanced studies department, I didn’t feel particularly drawn to it.
“Now, everyone. Today marks the end of your five years at the academy. As for your future—”
Today is our last day as fifth-year students. Our homeroom teacher is giving a speech to close the final day.
“—With that, as graduates of this academy, go out into society with pride. Congratulations on your graduation!”
“Thank you very much!”
Though there’s no formal graduation ceremony, we receive our diplomas from our homeroom teacher.
Top students like Reinhardt and Lene were awarded the Chrysanthemum Five Commendation Medal. This is a symbol of having achieved outstanding academic performance at the academy and is something you are allowed to wear at official events.
Of course, I didn’t receive it.
“Everyone, thank you until now. And let’s continue to get along from here on.”
The usual group gathered in the lounge, and Reinhardt said a few words.
“Our country will likely go to war soon. I’ve already been assigned to the front lines.”
It has been publicly announced that the attack on the Kingdom of Katorias will take place next summer. Each noble family is preparing accordingly.
“I too intend to go to the battlefield, but before that, there’s Claudia’s wedding.”
As Lene mentioned, Ben and Claudia’s wedding will take place after the new year. Ben has been busy every day preparing both for the war and the wedding.
“I’ll be getting married too, you haven’t forgotten, right?”
Reinhardt looks slightly sulky.
“Oh, right, I completely forgot about that.”
“You’re being mean, Lene. Hey, Thomas.”
“Eh? Really? I forgot about it too.”
“How could you forget!?”
Knowing it’s a joke, laughter rings out in the spacious lounge.
“Anyway, what about you two, Thomas and Lene?”
“Eh!?”
“I know, the engagement talks between you two are progressing.”
Reinhardt smiles with a smug expression, and it’s really annoying.
“My grandmother is very enthusiastic about it. She says she doesn’t want to cause trouble for Lene, but—”
“Huh? Lene finds it troublesome? I think you two would make a perfect couple, Thomas and Lene. Right, Claudia?”
“Yes, I agree. Both are handsome and beautiful, and with excellent grades, you’ll surely have smart children.”
It’s embarrassing, so I wish they wouldn’t say such things. Lene seems to feel the same, as her face is red and she’s looking down.
“Anyway, congratulations. Be sure to invite us to your wedding, Thomas, Lene.”
“I told you, we’re not even there yet!?”
Reinhardt and the others laugh lightly, and both Lene and I are overcome with the kind of embarrassment that makes us feel like our faces are on fire.
After returning home to the mansion, my grandmother brought up the topic of my engagement with Lene.
“They’re very eager. We’ll proceed with it now.”
“There’s no need to rush…”
“What are you talking about? You’re about to come of age, Thomas, it’s a good opportunity.”
“That may be true, but…”
I end up giving in to my grandmother’s insistence. But I wonder what Lene thinks. Could she really be happy marrying someone like me?
I prioritize Deuro-sama and my family. Would Lene be willing to accept that?
Sitting in my room, I sigh deeply while gazing at the ceiling.
“I can’t let Lene be unhappy. I should turn down this proposal.”
“Is that so? I think it’s fine.”
“Eh!? …Ben? When did you get here?”
“When else, I entered the room with you.”
“Ehh… since when did you develop such stealthy skills?”
“What are you talking about? You were so distracted, you didn’t notice me.”
“Is that… so?”
“Anyway, I think Lene is in love with you.”
“Why do you think that!?”
“Claudia said so.”
“Eh?”
“I don’t really understand, but if Claudia says so, then it’s definitely true!”
Does he have to say it with such confidence?
“Anyway, you just need to ask Lene’s father for her hand in marriage. As a man, show some spirit.”
“I never thought I’d be lectured by Ben…”
“Alright, I’ll try to make time to talk with Lene.”
“Good! A man’s determination can make anything happen!”
“That’s only true because it worked for you and Baron Balthazar!”
A few days later, I visited the Neuvert Marquis’ mansion where Lene lives. My grandmother and grandfather came along with me.
“It’s been a while, Marquis Neuvert. I’m glad to see that your wife is in good health.”
Marquis Neuvert and his family, including their children, greeted us. Even though my grandfather was there, it felt a little too grand for my taste.
“The former Duke of Bayerlein is as well as ever, and it’s a relief to see that. Welcome, madam.”
“It’s been a while, Lord Bayerlein, Lady Brynhilde.”
After the adults exchanged greetings, it was my turn.
“It’s been a while, Marquis Neuvert. I’m glad to see that your wife is also in good health.”
“Yes. Thank you for coming, Lord Rocksfal.”
“There’s no need for such formalities. From now on, we’ll be relating as family.”
Family recognition!?
It feels a little premature—what should I say? I think my face twitched a bit.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen Lene. I’m glad to see you’re doing well.”
“Yes. I’m relieved to see you’re well too, Thomas-sama.”
Once greetings with the rest of the family were finished, we had a tea party. The participants were me, Lene, my grandparents, and her parents. I sat next to Lene. The adults seemed to be trying to be considerate, but I was too nervous to speak. My throat was dry.
“I’ve brought some sweets. Will you have some?”
My grandfather tried to lighten the mood by offering some sweets.
“Ah, this is much appreciated. I’ve heard that the sweets from the Rocksfal family are unmatched.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Lara laid the sweets out on the table. We had chestnuts, so I made Mont Blanc.
“How lovely. Don’t you think so, Lene?”
“Yes. These are beautiful sweets, Mother.”
“Thomas, explain the sweets.”
“Ah, yes.”
Prompted by my grandfather, I began explaining the Mont Blanc. They were surprised, saying they’d never seen a chestnut dessert like this.
“It’s like threads, isn’t it?”
It seemed like the Marquis’ wife was the most pleased.
The tea party finished without incident. Marquis Neuvert, being considerate, suggested that Lene and I take a stroll through the garden.
We walked in silence for five minutes. I felt like I should say something, but I didn’t know what to say.
I grew frustrated with my own indecisiveness. Thinking I couldn’t let it go on like this, I turned to Lene by the edge of the pond.
“Um!”
“Yes?”
I gathered my courage, took a deep breath, and decided to ask her.
“If you think the engagement with me is troublesome, I will—”
“That’s not it at all.”
“…Huh?”
“I have feelings for you, Thomas-sama. Would you consider making me your wife?”
“…Huh?”
“I know it might seem improper for a woman like me to say this, but I can’t stand the thought of this engagement falling apart without me speaking my mind.”
How manly… Compared to that, I feel so weak.
Now that I think about it, perhaps I was admiring Lene’s manly side all along. Not to mention, she’s beautiful and strikes right in the center of my ideal type.
“Beautiful, dignified, smart, and with a good personality. I’ve admired you, Lene. Regardless of gender, I know you are an amazing person.”
I took a deep breath and let it out.
“I allowed you to confess first because I am too weak. I should have approached you more sincerely. I apologize.”
“……”
She looked a bit troubled, maybe confused.
“That said, let me say this.”
“…Yes?”
“Please go out with me with the intention of marriage. I ask you.”
I bowed my head and extended my right hand.
“Yes, gladly!”
She took my hand, smiling warmly like a sunflower. I found it incredibly beautiful.
“Thank you… Even though I’m not much, please take care of me.”
“I should be the one thanking you. Please take care of me.”
She firmly held my hand. Her hand had calluses from sword training, but to me, it was the most precious feeling.
From now on, we will deepen our love for each other. And when I die, I hope she will be there to see me off.
