"Hmm... today is as peaceful as ever."
"It's not very convincing when you say that while standing over a pile of villains you just cut down first thing in the morning..."
"If they chose to cross my path and offend my eyes so early in the day, that is their sin to bear."
"Honestly, you never change, Husband."
"Should a man change too suddenly... it is rarely a sign of good fortune."
I continued the conversation while stepping away from the group of villains I had just incapacitated with a light sweep of Kyokuseibo. My fiancée, despite her constant nagging about my tendency to slice those who annoy me—even if I only use the back of my blade or strike non-fatally—is someone I can't stay annoyed with. After all, she is my precious fiancée and my favorite character from this world.
It had only been thirty minutes since I woke up.
After preparing for school with my usual morning routine, I changed into my uniform and hurried out. Someone was waiting for me, and at our usual meeting spot, there she was.
The girl I admired most in the world of Heroes: Momo Yaoyorozu. With her black hair tied in a signature ponytail, she possessed a maturity and poise far beyond an average middle schooler. She was brilliant, kind, and carried herself like a proper young lady, yet she had a passionate, fiery side when the situation called for it.
"Um... Husband..."
"What is it, Momo?"
She and I are in an arranged engagement. In this modern era, it's a rare custom, but it was a promise made back in our grandfathers' generation.
Our family, the Tsugikuni line, is a samurai house that clings to tradition and old-world etiquette. The Yaoyorozu family, though now a modern mega-conglomerate, traces its roots back to an old merchant lineage and still respects certain classical customs. The arrangement was made when my grandfather saved hers, leading to a pact to join our houses through their grandchildren.
Initially, neither Momo nor I were fond of the idea. However, following a certain incident, we began to see each other with genuine sincerity.
Now, as middle schoolers, we have promised to marry once we reach adulthood.
When we were first introduced, Momo was horrified by my appearance and did everything in her power to break the engagement. Being rejected by my favorite character was a piercing pain, but when I looked at my reflection, I couldn't blame her. I had accepted the annulment. We had no contact for a while, until the day I rescued her from a group of villains who had kidnapped her. After that day, her attitude shifted completely.
She rescinded the annulment and became the most vocal proponent of our marriage, even starting to call me "Husband."
At first, I pushed her away. I felt that if she wanted out because of my looks but wanted back in only after I showed strength, it made me look like a fool. I refused her. But she persisted—apologizing sincerely, admitting she was foolish for judging me solely on my appearance, and expressing her heartfelt gratitude for saving her. Eventually, I was moved by her sincerity and devotion, and we officially became a couple.
Though our relationship started on rocky, awkward ground, we have long since moved past that. Simply put, we can't imagine life without each other.
"Hehe... nothing. I just... wanted to tell you I love you!"
"...How frivolous."
For the record, Momo considers her initial reaction during our first meeting to be the greatest "dark history" of her life.
"Anyway... let us hurry to school, Momo. If we are late, we shall face the teacher's reprimand."
"Honestly, you really do speak like an ancient nobleman. I still haven't fully adjusted to hearing it."
"I ask for your patience. It has become a habit I cannot shake."
I can't help it; my speech is automatically filtered into this archaic style. Dammit.
After dealing with the unconscious villains, we arrived at school. As we walked through the halls, people—young and old—flinched and kept their distance. I'm used to it; looking at this face and sensing the aura I project makes people stay away. It doesn't bother me anymore.
Momo, however, seemed far from okay with it. She interlaced her fingers with mine, squeezing tightly. Her expression was one of clear discomfort and suppressed anger.
"Momo? What is it? Is something weighing on your mind?"
"...It's just too much. Taking one look at your face and acting like that... they don't even know you..."
Seeing my future wife worry for me and show such affection was truly touching.
"My thanks, Momo... but do not let it trouble you. I am accustomed to this. Besides... those of you staring at my fiancée with such impure eyes had best cease immediately. Unless, of course, you harbor a desire for death..."
"""Eek!!!"""
I turned my six eyes toward the group of boys who were leering at her chest and hips, muttering my warning with a trace of killing intent. I felt the urge to draw Kyokuseibo and take their heads then and there, but I restrained myself for Momo's sake, sensing her grip on my hand.
"Thank you, Husband."
"...I simply could not tolerate my betrothed being treated with such disrespect."
I almost drew my sword for a second there...
Despite that minor trouble, the morning went by. During a break before moving to a different classroom for the next lesson, my homeroom teacher called me over. I figured it was just another misunderstanding; because of my appearance, I'm summoned to the faculty office for the most bizarre reasons on a weekly basis.
"Tsugikuni-kun, the reason I called you today..."
"Pray, be brief. My next class begins soon. Should I be late, I shall assume the fault lies with you."
"Could you at least try to use polite speech with your teacher?"
"I am unaccustomed to it. I ask for your understanding."
I swear, my mouth automatically filters polite speech into this formal, commanding tone. It's maddening.
"Anyway, the other teachers have filed a complaint. They're asking that you use a pencil or a ballpoint pen during class."
"I am certain I have been using proper writing implements. Is there a problem?"
"Please use a regular pen instead of a brush and an inkstone!"
"Those are proper writing implements... I am not using anything untoward."
Since my reincarnation, I've been grinding ink and writing with a brush since childhood. It's a habit so deeply ingrained that normal pens feel awkward and uncomfortable to use. My family still insists on tradition, even in such trivial matters.
"But still!"
"If that is all, I shall take my leave... I must attend my next lecture."
"Tsugikuni-kuuun!!!"
Ignoring the teacher's desperate cry behind me, I quickly gathered my textbooks and moved on.