Chapter 5
"Ceres, glad you made it."
I’m at Kaito-san’s place right now.
Next, I need to ask Kaito-san to let me have Sayo-san.
Unlike Kazuma-nii-san, Kaito-san’s a burly, rough-around-the-edges guy with bulging muscles.
And he’s got a wild streak… It’d be weirder not to be nervous.
"What’re you doing!? Sit down already, you dimwit!"
"Yes…"
I sat as told.
Something’s off.
I figured I wouldn’t be welcome, but there’s a feast laid out in front of me.
"First, booze! So, can you hold your liquor now!?"
"Yes, a little."
"Good, then I’ll pour for you—here!"
"Thank you!"
He even poured for me.
Naturally, I returned the favor.
Kaito-san’s probably mid-thirties, older than Sayo-san.
You can tell from how he calls himself "washi" (an old-man way of saying "I").
His hands used to be thick like logs, but they’ve slimmed down a bit, it seems.
"You’ve grown up a lot from that little kid, huh? Got the face of a real man now."
"Thanks to you all, I’ve made it this far."
They didn’t take my house after my parents died. They shared food and necessities with me.
This village is kind to the weak.
Sure, there’s the usual jealousy toward successful folks, but I doubt there’s another village in this world as gentle to the vulnerable as this one.
If I’d been born in the next village over, I’d probably have been sold as a slave or kicked out as an orphan.
"No need for thanks. All we taught you was farm work and tending livestock. Your adventurer skills? You earned those yourself."
"That’s not true… Whenever an adventurer stopped by, you and the others said, ‘Teach this kid something.’ That’s why."
"That so? I might’ve forgotten about that…"
"That’s not all. You gave me an old brazier and furniture too…"
"What’re you on about? When a kid’s in trouble, the village helps out. That’s just how it is."
"Even so, I’m grateful—"
"Whoa, whoa, you’re always embarrassing me like this. You’re the only kid who’d get attached to a gruff old geezer like me."
"I never thought you were gruff… You made me bamboo dragonflies and stilts. You were like a dad to me."
"Even my own daughter can’t stand this stubborn old man. But you kept sticking to me, so what choice did I have?"
It’s not that I was really attached.
As an orphan, that was just how I had to survive.
Luckily, I had fragmented memories from my past life. That’s why I lived so shrewdly.
Compared to my old world’s boss, a stubborn old man was downright adorable.
My heart stung a little.
"To me, the villagers were my father and mother."
"You’ve always been like that… I already know why you’re here today. It’s Sayo, right?"
"Yes."
I should brace myself to get hit, at least.
"Why’re you closing your eyes? If you want Sayo, she’s yours. Man, you really only go for hand-me-downs, huh?"
True, I don’t have any memory of buying anything brand-new.
But this is different, isn’t it?
"That’s not—"
"Eh, whatever. Sayo probably doesn’t have any good memories with me. When she married me, my old man was still alive—barely. He’d yell at her all the time, ‘You only gave me a girl? Give me a proper heir!’ She must’ve had it rough since she couldn’t have a son. After he died, I tried to get along with her, but… too late. We couldn’t become man and wife. No fixing that after I spent years calling her gloomy alongside my old man. It’s only natural."
"Even as a kid, I could tell Sayo-san looked like she was suffering."
But now that I think about it, Kaito-san just had a foul mouth—I never saw him get violent.
Maybe he just didn’t know what to do… That’s how it feels.
"Yeah, there’s nothing I can do about it anymore… You’ve been chasing Sayo since you were a kid, so you’ll do. Take her."
"Sorry…"
I tried to pull out some money to offer, but—
"Don’t need that. Mel’s dowry already set me up. No need to apologize either. Honestly, I wanted to give you Mel, but that’s off the table now. So I’m giving you my wife instead. Do your best… Sayo, you can come in now."
The door opened, and Sayo-san stepped inside.
"Honey… I’m sorry…"
"Sayo, why’re you apologizing? I couldn’t shield you from my old man—hell, I joined him in blaming you. I’m the one who should apologize."
"So, Kaito-san, what’ll you do now?"
"Me? With that gloomy hag gone, I’ll buy myself a young second wife. Got plenty of cash—gonna get a fresh slave girl, hahaha!"
"Honey… We need to have a little talk."
Sayo-san’s face darkened, and the room felt colder.
"Sayo… You’re Ceres’s now, not my wife. You’ve got no say anymore."
"Ughhh… Fine, one last thing then."
"What?"
"I hate you—!"
"And I don’t like a hag like you either!"
This is way too bizarre.
Is this an act to spare me and Sayo-san any awkwardness…?
(I’ll make her happy.)
With that in my heart, I left Kaito-san’s place…
"That gloomy face really kills the mood. Here, Ceres, I’m giving you Sayo—take her quick, she’s too depressing!"
"Hate, hate, hate—I hate you!"
It’s gotta be an act, right?
◆◆◆
I parted ways with Sayo-san outside Kaito-san’s house.
Starting tonight, she’ll live at Shizuko-san’s place.
Same goes for Nee-san.
Next up is Misaki-san’s husband, Shoot-san.
I’m nervous in a different way compared to Kaito-san’s.
Shoot-san’s family is one of the few in the village that isn’t a farming household.
They run a general store and food shop, handling all the village’s daily goods—a small convenience store, in past-life terms.
Of course, it’s not open 24/7; it closes around evening, but village-style, they’ll sell to you even at night if you knock.
Shoot-san’s the opposite of Kaito-san—sharp and intellectual.
"Been a while, Ceres-kun."
"Long time no see, Shoot-san. It’s been a minute."
"You’re so formal. We’re practically buddies, aren’t we? You’re old enough to drink now, right? Let’s have one together, yeah?"
I was ready for a lecture.
But being welcomed here, too? I didn’t expect that.
"Sure, let’s drink."
Shoot-san’s a rare "modern" guy in this village.
He’s got a vibe like Kazuma-nii-san, but the villagers don’t like him much.
Reason being, they say he’s "too logical."
The village doesn’t take kindly to successful or brainy types.
Kazuma-nii-san’s smart but plays it down with, "I don’t get that stuff," letting others shine.
That kind of humility’s key… Without it, the village turns on you.
Even so, Shoot-san’s not hated that badly.
He’s not an outsider—he’s born and raised here, part of the community.
That history protects him, so he’s just “that logical guy.”
"I’ve always wanted to drink with you, Ceres-kun. I’ve got something special saved up."
"Brandy?"
High-end stuff.
"As expected of Ceres-kun—you get it. Besides you, only Kazuma around here would recognize this. You’re really something."
They call him logical, eccentric, but… he’s just genuinely sharp.
"You’ve always been fancy, Shoot-san. Showing me rare stuff and luxury goods since way back."
"You’ve been unreal since you were a kid—hard to believe you were one. Talking with you never wears me out… You’re one of the few."
Shoot-san taught me reading, writing, and math.
Even as a reincarnator, my memories were spotty at first—I had to piece them together.
He praised me, saying I "soaked up his knowledge like a sponge," and we got close.
In a village where few can even read, that probably made him take a liking to me.
"You taught me a ton, Shoot-san."
"Yeah, you were such a studious kid, I couldn’t help doting on you. A five-year-old mastering reading and writing perfectly? Blew my mind. Thanks to you, I could leave you at the counter and read my books. I love reading, so I couldn’t help favoring a kid who helped without getting in the way, right?"
This guy was born in the wrong place and world.
In my old world, he’d have been a researcher. Even here, if he’d been born in the capital, he’d have made it as a scholar for sure.
"You taught me letters and lent me precious books."
"In return, I had you mind the store and stock shelves. Give and take—fair deal. Now drink up—this stuff’s good."
"Cheers."
We chatted over brandy for a while.
Mostly about stories we’d read, a bit of math, and my travels.
I’d talk, he’d talk.
Different ages, but it’s fun.
Yeah, that’s it—I’m a reincarnator. Talking with Shoot-san or Kazuma-nii-san drives that home.
Zect and Maria are impressive for kids.
But I can’t help seeing them as just that—kids. I don’t enjoy talking with them.
It’s crystal clear now.
"I love talking with you and Kazuma. Other people? Not so much. You feel the same, don’t you? You looked bored stiff with Zect and Maria."
Can’t deny it.
I never got mad traveling with Zect, Rida, Maria, and Mel.
"Kids will be kids," "Just childish antics, let it slide"—that’s probably what I thought.
Zect once suggested sneaking a peek at the three girls bathing.
I said no. Didn’t feel worth the effort.
Oh… They were totally just kids to me.
Shoot-san’s right—I’m closer to him.
"Yeah, I think I had more fun talking with you or Kazuma-nii-san than playing with Zect."
"See? I’m a failure as a parent and husband. I kept up appearances, but even my own daughter, Maria, feels like a monster to me. So annoying—I hated her as a kid."
"All I ever saw was you being a decent dad."
He seemed to dote on her, from what I remember.
"Was I? I only ever asked you to mind the store or stock shelves. Maybe I don’t trust others much—not even family."
How do I even respond to that?
"… …"
"Haha, yeah, that’s a tough one to answer. I know why you’re here—Misaki, right? I’m fine with it. Take her."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, like I said, I’m a failure as a husband."
Failure?
What’s that mean?
"I don’t see it that way…"
"I’ll tell you ‘cause it’s you—I don’t love Misaki anymore. She had Maria, and that was probably the peak. My feelings faded over time, and now we barely talk at home. It’s better if you take her. You’ve always liked her, haven’t you?"
"You knew?"
"Haha, thought I wouldn’t notice? Remember when you were little, and Misaki bathed you kids? Your face was beet red. You didn’t look at Maria and them like that. Me and Kazuma knew you were into older women since you were a kid."
"Guess I’m sorry about that."
"Didn’t think you’d keep it up this long, though. Losing your mom young, a boy longing for a motherly woman… It’s not perverted. Happens all the time. Don’t sweat it. You’re probably a rare mix of mama’s boy and old-lady lover. You’ll make Misaki happy—I’m sure of it."
"Yeah."
Suddenly, Misaki-san was standing beside us.
"Then it’s settled… Misaki, you’re good with this?"
"Yeah… Thanks for everything."
"Thank you too."
"So, Shoot-san, what’s next for you?"
"Me? Glad you asked! I’m gonna buy a slave. With dull Misaki off my hands and airheaded Maria gone, I’ll get a smart, studious, cute girl. Someone I can talk to without getting bored. High-end slaves come with tons of knowledge—someone like you… smart… Huh!?"
"Sorry I was so dull… Shoot, how about we go stargazing?"
"Misaki… You’re not my wife anymore. You’ve got no right to hit me. Ceres-kun, take her quick!?"
"Misaki-san, let’s head out."
"Sure, Ceres-chan. Guess that’s that."
Shoot-san probably said that so I wouldn’t feel awkward.
No way the sharp-witted Shoot-san would say something that dumb otherwise.
(Thank you.)
I thanked him in my heart and left his shop.
"Now I’ll read all the books I want—!!"
That’s for my sake too… right?
◆◆◆
Talking it out, all three let go of their wives pretty easily.
Village society’s sensibilities are a bit off, but… they played the bad guy for me. Probably good people.
This village really is full of kind folks.
"Ceres, what’s wrong? You look conflicted… Wanna talk it out?"
"Ceres-kun… Thinking about something again?"
"Nah, the past few days have been a whirlwind, but… turns out everyone’s pretty great. That’s all."
The three besides Shizuko-san looked a little cloudy for a moment.
"Ceres, I hate to say it, but I’ve got no lingering feelings for Kazuma-kun. I wanted a clean break, so I stayed quiet—especially since you call him ‘Kazuma-nii-san’—but I’d rather call him ‘Kuzuma.’ I misjudged him… that jerk. Makes me wanna slap him."
"Ceres-san, don’t be fooled. That idiot acts all macho, but he’s a foul-mouthed moron. I went along with it to ditch him fast, but… he’s trash. Don’t fall for it."
"Ceres-chan, that guy’s a deadbeat who abandoned parenting. Sure, he likes you—since he’s a loner, he’s nice to the one kid who ‘respects’ him—but he’s still a jerk."
"Really? I feel like they played the villain on purpose. Plus, none of them took money—seems pretty noble to me."
"Ceres, I got this back from Kazuma-kun. He apologized and returned it!"
"Nee-san, that’s the money I gave Kazuma-nii-san—you didn’t have to do that!"
"Idiot!"
Smack
"Nee-san?"
"Ceres… You’re kind and wonderful! I’m proud of you as a sister… and a wife. I didn’t butt in back then ‘cause I wanted to be with you, but there’s no need to give Kazuma-kun money."
"Ceres-san, no need to thank that idiot of mine—he’s got zero guts."
"Ceres-chan… Same here. No need to thank a selfish jerk."
Why’re they so harsh?
"But… if Kazuma-nii-san gave the money back, that means none of them took it. Isn’t that the point?"
"Ceres-kun, let’s say those three are good people. Then why didn’t you get any money?"
"Shizuko-san, I’m the one taking them, so it’s natural I’d pay."
"Ceres, you idiot! Think harder!"
Smack
"Nee-san, ow… I think the one receiving usually pays…"
"Ceres-san… When Mel became a sage, her family got a huge dowry. Didn’t Shizuko tell you the hero’s party families got money from the kingdom?"
Yeah, she did. Sector burned through it and crashed.
"Sure, I heard that. But what’s that got to do with this?"
"Ceres-chan, that money wasn’t just for one person—it was for the family. For us, it’s cash the couple got. Wouldn’t a decent person split it?"
"Ceres, we were pretty close, so I thought he’d give me half… but Kazuma-kun didn’t. Even that jerk couldn’t kick me out with nothing or take money from you, who sees him as a brother. Returning it was his tiny shred of conscience… but he’s still keeping our joint money to buy a slave!! Total scum!! No respect needed!!"
"Exactly, Ceres-san… Kaito’s trash. Don’t forget that."
"Yep, Ceres-chan. Shoot’s a selfish prick—don’t forget that either."
"Ceres-kun, memories get romanticized. But a big part of that’s you. Even Sector was nice to you, sure. When a kid looks at them with ‘respect,’ even jerks soften up. Still, hogging all the marital wealth and not paying a dime… that’s who they are."
Fair point…
I’m an S-rank adventurer—money’s easy, so I don’t cling to it.
But to a normal person, keeping the house, fields, and cash all to themselves isn’t exactly upright. Maybe they’re bad guys.
Even so…
They raised me when I was a kid, whatever their reasons.
Facing the four angry women, I decided to share my feelings.
"I’ve got something to say. Shizuko-san, Nee-san, Misaki-san, Sayo-san. I ‘probably don’t want anything more than you four.’ Living in a big noble mansion—Zect’s dream, I think—but I don’t see the value. Keeping elf girls or marrying a princess? No interest. That life’s nothing compared to living with you four."
"""Ceres(-kun)(-san)(-chan)!"""
"When I met you all, I was just a kid, so no matter how much I liked you, I could only give up. I tried looking at other girls, but it didn’t work. You were all married. The only ones who could give you to me were those four. Well, one’s different, but three handed you over. They might be jerks, but I can’t help feeling grateful. I don’t care much about money—living happily with you four outshines even ten thousand gold coins. I’m bad with words, but this is how I’ve always felt."
"If Ceres-kun says that, I can’t argue… Hehe, more than ten thousand gold coins, huh… Thank you."
"Ceres felt that strongly about us… Guess there’s no helping it."
"Ceres-san, worth more than money… I can’t say anything to that."
"If Ceres-chan says I’m that valuable… I won’t argue. The dowry feels like pocket change now."
Finally, all four smiled.
It might be extreme, but here’s what I think.
Why do people chase wealth, homes, or status?
To attract the person they love, right?
If the one you love is already by your side… you only need the bare minimum.
I truly believe that from the bottom of my heart.
That’s why… I can’t fully hate those three.
They gave me the greatest treasures I could ask for, after all.
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