"Let me introduce myself properly. My name is Hachikuma Yamano, a male bodyguard. I was assigned to you this time—can you confirm that?"
After some lively chatter with Misago, Hachikuma straightens up and formally introduces herself.
She has short hair and wears minimal makeup, but even through her neatly fitted pantsuit, it's clear that she's a woman—a tall and striking beauty, easily around 190 cm.
"I don't think I personally chose you, but I don't see any issue with it."
I respond honestly. It's much better than picking someone based on personal preference and causing unnecessary tension. That's the logic behind my words, but Hachikuma's previously enthusiastic expression instantly clouds over.
"Ahh, you're really dense, aren't you?"
Yata-chan sighs in exasperation.
"You've probably realized it by now, but we went ahead and picked her for you. So, of course, you wouldn't know."
"Right?"
At Yata-chan's explanation, Hachikuma shrugs as if she had known all along, looking slightly dejected.
"To explain properly, a male bodyguard is, as the name suggests, a guard dispatched by the state to protect men. But there's also the aspect of them being part of a harem. And as you can see, Hachikuma here is a big woman. If she's still available for selection, it means she hasn't been chosen yet. So, considering all that—do you see her as within your preferences or not?"
"If we're talking in those terms, then yes, she's within my preferences."
I respond, half exasperated, to this incredibly blunt explanation and question.
Hachikuma instantly bounces back from her earlier disappointment, her eyes sparkling.
Since I'm on the smaller side, I've always liked taller people—in more ways than one.
It's not like I have some narrow-minded rule that my partner must be shorter than me.
Honestly, finding someone shorter than me would just be depressing.
Incidentally, in our current group, the only person shorter than me is Yata-chan.
But I won't cry about being small! Even if the difference in height and perspective creates a slight sense of intimidation!
"Why don't you just say all of that out loud?"
Yata-chan pokes me with an exasperated look, as if she had read my mind.
"As for Hachikuma-san, this is just based on looks for now, but I find athletic women attractive. So, in terms of preference, she's actually right in the center of my strike zone."
Even through her clothes, it's obvious—her large chest, defined waist, and solidly built hips. She's really impressive.
Hachikuma blushes at my words.
"Ah... Th-Thank you very much... I may be inexperienced, but please take care of me."
For some reason, her words of gratitude are followed by a rather unexpected statement.
"Sure, please take care of me as well."
Without thinking too much about it, I respond normally.
"OOOOOOHHHH!!"
The surrounding group erupts into applause, with cheers of "Well done!" "Congratulations!" and "Wishing you happiness!"
What the hell is happening here?
A part of me, still not fully accustomed to this place, silently questions the absurdity of it all.
In my world, saying something like this at a first meeting would be an instant sexual harassment lawsuit leading to social ruin. But here, it's being celebrated.
It's amazing how values can shift in different worlds.
And just like that, Hachikuma-san is naturally about to sign the second slot on the document.
The others are hurriedly passing the papers around, as if to say, "Now's our chance!"
The speed at which things are escalating is intense.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the lively energy of Misago, Hachikuma, and the rest, I take a small step back.
"Just to reiterate, isn't this moving a little too fast?"
I complain to Yata-chan.
"They're mostly past their prime. Moving fast is just right."
"They still look young to me, though?"
"In our society, if you're an adult and still unpaired, you're already past your prime. I don't know how it works in your world, but that's just how it is here."
"...Seriously?"
I'm left speechless by the sheer bluntness of that statement.
"Got a problem with it? They work hard, support their husbands, are reliable in tough times, don't argue with the top wife, and have great childbearing hips."
At this point, Yata-chan seems to be pushing for a full-on marriage arrangement.
And wait—shouldn't that last point not even matter in modern times?
"In our culture, if a man publicly praises a woman's appearance, it's basically the same as a marriage proposal. If you back out now, Misago will cry."
I've been set up. Though, in the end, I suppose I'll be the one doing the "setting up."
"Well... I don't want to make her cry."
With that odd hostage situation in play, this was the only response I could give.
Men from my world generally can't win against women's tears.
"Don't worry about financial burdens. In our society, the husband's role is just to impregnate, comfort, and acknowledge the children. The wives take care of everything else."
That was… an incredibly blunt statement.
"The wives are the ones who provide for the husband. The more wives there are, the lighter the burden for each, so it's actually beneficial for everyone."
After a moment of thought, Yata-chan continues.
"Of course, ideally, you'd make sure to give equal attention to all of them."
"Why are you being so meddlesome about this?"
I ask without thinking. This level of matchmaking feels excessive.
"You see those women over there?" Yata-chan gestures at the group laughing and chatting. "They're all my grandfather's descendants. Not biologically related to me, but they're my grandkids and great-grandkids in a way. Of course, I care about them."
She watches the group with a warm, proud smile.
I see…
Even if she looks like a child, in this moment, she appears radiant—beautiful and dignified.
"You should just marry me too, then."
The words slip out before I even think.
"Huh?"
Yata-chan blinks in surprise.
"Were you even listening?"
"I was. That's exactly why."
I've definitely fallen for her—not just her looks, but her very being.
"I might look like this, but I'm an old woman, you know?"
"That's what I like about you!"
I love wise, long-lived women. If she weren't who she is inside, I wouldn't have fallen for her in the first place.
"…Idiot."
With a blushing face, she suddenly hugs me tightly.
I'll take that as a yes.
Misago's Perspective
"He seems more eager for her than for us, huh?"
Hachikuma mutters.
"Well, all of this was orchestrated by Yata-Grandma, so it's only natural."
Still, I feel a deep sense of relief.
Being the top wife comes with a lot of pressure, but now that I can count on Yata-Grandma's support, I have nothing to worry about.
I'll just pretend not to notice how much closer they are compared to us.
This novel has been lovingly translated by https://www.patreon.com/Jenuinez_translation