I’m the fifth son of a count’s family, but I became the head of a duke’s house.
“I understand… but just to be sure, let me confirm Arte’s feelings beforehand.”
“If His Grace says so…”
Wolf… or rather, in this world, daughters are often seen as tools for forming blood relations — Leila is like that too. It seems they’re strongly recognized as such. But given the era we live in, I guess it can’t be helped.
Wolf whistled something akin to a tune, and soon after, the sound of light footsteps running could be heard from afar.
Moments later, there was a knock on the door.
“Clan Chief. Did you call for me?”
“Yes, come in.”
I’ve been given a whistle to call Arte or the beastmen when necessary, but I wonder if the slight difference in tone helps distinguish who’s calling. I can’t hear it clearly, though…
Anyway, Arte opened the door and entered the room.
She came in but stood formally near the door.
“Is there something you need?”
“First, come over here.”
I motioned for Arte to come closer with a wave of my hand.
Arte approached… but I couldn’t bring myself to say anything. How could I directly ask her, “Do you like me?” That would make me seem like some creepy guy!
Instead, I signaled Wolf with my eyes to explain the situation, starting with the proposal about taking a concubine.
It seems Wolf understood my intention from my gaze because he nodded once before turning to Arte.
“Arte, do you love His Grace?”
Oh noooooo!
Explain the situation first! Don’t just blurt it out like that!
Arte blinked in surprise, her ears twitching. Gradually, as she began to understand the question, she turned bright red and hid her mouth behind her cloak.
Wolf really isn’t reliable… Sighing, I spoke up for Arte’s sake.
“Sorry, Arte. I think I didn’t explain enough. Wolf brought up a proposal to make you my concubine…”
As I explained, I noticed something.
Arte’s tail… it’s wagging quite intensely, isn’t it?
By the way, I deliberately didn’t mention the context of the concubine proposal or the position of beastmen in society. Wolf skipped explaining it, and I didn’t want to make him feel responsible for it.
“Arte, what do you think about becoming my… uh, concubine?”
When I asked, Arte removed the cloak covering her mouth. Her cheeks appeared slightly flushed. She gave a small bow.
“…I may not be the best, but please take care of me.”
Hey now. I asked about her feelings… Unconsciously, I pressed my hand to my forehead.
Seriously, both Wolf and his daughter dive right into things…
“It’s not like I’m forcing you or anything. I wanted to know how you truly feel about me.”
When I asked, Arte hesitated before answering.
“Um… I think I like you.”
Her voice sounded shy and soft.
But Wolf, standing beside us, looked puzzled.
“You think ? The reports you sent to ‘someone’ said otherwise.”
“Papa!?”
Before Wolf could continue, Arte frantically interrupted him, her face completely red as she looked at me.
Caught in her gaze, I… Well, I already knew.
I averted my eyes, trying to play it off.