Sidestory – 7

“So, where is Mikaela Rickson?”

Everyone was gathered in Alan Hall.

My father and siblings. Vivian and Adelaide, who was running around the hall.

The twins, nestled in my father’s arms.

And even Reginald’s wife and mistress.

When I asked about Mikaela Rickson, Adelaide rushed over from a distance and threw herself at my legs.

“I want to see my uncle too!”

Kayla smiled warmly at her words.

It seemed she liked being called “uncle.”

On the other hand, my face stiffened.

I didn’t even realize it, but I must have been very jealous when it came to Adelaide.

Or maybe I was just becoming strict.

I couldn’t bear the thought of some random guy being with my daughter…

“…Kailo.”

Vivian tightly grabbed my hand.

Like a child, my expression must have turned sour.

Kayla looked down in what seemed like nervousness, perhaps misunderstanding my mood.

“Oh, um… he’ll be here soon. I didn’t know you would arrive so quickly…”

However, Kayla misunderstood.

I truly wasn’t opposed to this marriage.

I just felt like I was being asked for confirmation about everything, probably due to being the eldest son.

Or maybe it was because they respected me so much.

Either way, Kayla had worked hard for a long time as the head of the family.

I knew how tough that was, especially having watched Vivian.

I heard rumors that Reginald, now an adult, might take over the family.

Whatever happens, it’s their decision.

I just wanted to acknowledge Kayla’s hard work.

I wanted to help her live the life she wanted.

That said, I wouldn’t just accept any trash.

I would set some standards and keep an eye on Mikaela, but the bar wouldn’t be too high.

As long as he’s a decent person, there shouldn’t be a problem.

After all, he’s the one Kayla chose.

Seeing how tense Kayla looked, I decided to tell her that I didn’t have strong objections.

“Kayla, I’m not against-“

“I love my uncle so much! I want to meet him soon, aunt!”

But Adelaide climbed up my legs again and tightly hugged my neck as she shouted, almost as if she was showing how she wanted to react when her uncle appeared.

“…Brother, what did you say?”

Without realizing it, I closed my mouth again.

…I guess I should meet this Mikaela person first before deciding.

Mikaela arrived on horseback.

…At least he came alone, which was a plus—he didn’t arrive in a carriage.

Despite the feminine name, his appearance was solid.

A stern expression.

Short hair, sturdy build.

Dressed in white, fitting for a knight.

His appearance was reassuring.

He quickly dismounted and first greeted my father.

He didn’t even look at Kayla.

Kayla, too, waited her turn, gracefully waiting for him.

I found her graceful composure strange, though.

After a short greeting with my father, Mikaela then looked directly at me.

…His manners were acceptable.

He walked straight up to me and extended both his hands.

I shook one of his hands.

“Brother, I’ve heard a lot about you. I am Mikaela Rickson, head of the Rickson family. I am continuing a good relationship with Kayla.”

“…Kailo Alan. Nice to meet you.”

Adelaide, hiding behind my legs, watched Mikaela Rickson.

Her bashful demeanor made me feel a little irritated.

What’s so special about this guy that Adelaide…?

I’ve taken better care of her…

I’m her father…

I used to be just like Mikaela Rickson, running around in my youth…

“I never thought I would see the famous Kailo Alan with my own eyes. Truly, it’s an honor as a knight.”

Mikaela said, his appearance making me think he wasn’t the type to flatter with empty words.

I wasn’t sure if he was trying to make me like him or if he was speaking genuinely.

Either way, it didn’t matter much.

• Tug tug.

At that moment, Adelaide tugged at my clothes a few times.

I looked down at her, and at the same time, Mikaela’s gaze shifted to her.

With a warm smile, Mikaela bent his legs and asked.

“Who is this princess? I’m almost breathless at her cuteness.”

“…Ugh!”

Adelaide’s face turned as red as a beetroot, and she buried her face into my legs again.

Vivian, seeing my expression, couldn’t hold back her laughter.

When she burst into laughter, Mikaela, with a puzzled expression, observed the atmosphere around us.

Kayla seemed to realize the air had turned awkward and tried to stop me.

…But I couldn’t suppress my impulse.

“Rickson.”

I called him with a smile.

“Yes… yes?”

Mikaela quickly stood up and straightened his posture.

“Before you take Kayla away, as her brother, there’s one thing I want to test. Is that alright?”

“Oh, brother…”

Kayla grabbed my arm.

Mikaela, a bit surprised, blinked, but just like how I had shown a bit of jealousy towards Adelaide, Mikaela too seemed to harbor some mild jealousy toward Kayla.

If I back down here, I wouldn’t be a man.

“Yes, of course.”

I turned to Adelaide.

“Adelaide. If I win in a sparring match against your uncle, you’ll only look at me, right?”

“…?”

“You said your uncle is cool. I’m cool too, you know.”

“…You’re going to spar with him? With uncle?”

I nodded.

It seemed that every man had the desire to show off in front of his daughter.

“Oh, dad, you’ll die!!”

Adelaide anxiously paced back and forth, shouting.

Vivian burst into laughter again.

-…So, instead of loving Adele, you should love me more? I won’t betray you…

Vivian’s whisper from earlier echoed in my ears.

It’s probably because I haven’t swung a sword in such a long time, that Adele might think of me like this.

I only know how to wield a sword, so what must she have thought of me all this time?

From the way she spoke, it seems like I was probably just a good, well-fed dad, nothing more than that.

I need to show a different side of me.

I looked at Mikaela.

Then, I said my true thoughts.

“The test was just an excuse… I think I need to show my daughter a cool side of me. She really likes you.”

Mikaela also smiled.

“Among the knights of this age, is there any who doesn’t admire Sir Kailo? It’s an honor. And, although it’s a bit embarrassing, I’ve been training hard as well. I need to show Kayla a good example.”

Finally, I felt the respect in Mikaela’s tone, and Adelaide looked at me in surprise.

I could sense curiosity blooming in her eyes, and I spoke to Reginald.

“Get me a wooden sword.”

Reginald nodded.

“OK.”

***

Thud!

The massive Mikaela Rickson collapsed to the ground.

His wooden sword had flown far away, and his breathing was heavy.

He let out a hearty laugh and said,

“…I can’t win. I don’t usually get pushed back like this… The world is vast. You must be past your prime, yet…”

“…I’m still in my prime. I may have gained some weight, but I’m still strong.”

I slowly approached the collapsed Mikaela.

Now, I could speak comfortably.

There was a certain quality about his personality that I could sense through the swordplay.

His sword was straightforward to the point of being rough.

I guessed his personality was probably similar.

Even when he started to be pushed back, he didn’t give up until the very end.

I respected his determination.

He seemed like a man who could handle Kayla well.

Rather than through long conversations, it was easier to understand someone’s nature through a sparring match like this.

It was also quicker to build a friendship this way.

Although the reason for the duel wasn’t to get closer, it felt like we had become better acquainted, and I thought that was a good thing.

I bent down beside Mikaela, who was lying on the ground.

He asked for my understanding.

“Sorry, but… I’ll stay lying down a bit longer. I don’t have any strength left…”

I nodded and said to him,

“…Take good care of Kayla.”

Mikaela’s eyes widened slightly.

He looked surprised, too.

“She’s a hardworking girl.”

Mikaela rolled his eyes, searching for the right words to respond.

Then, with a determined look, he met my gaze and made a promise.

“…I will protect her for life. I will fulfill the duties of both her father and her brother.”

I smiled.

“…We’ve done nothing. She’s always been strong. But… I’m asking you.”

As I stood up, the spectators who had been watching our conversation and duel approached, realizing that it had ended.

It was just Kayla, Adelaide, and Vivian.

Kayla passed me by and threw herself in front of the collapsed Mikaela.

“Are you okay? Oh, did he go too far? Oh, really…”

“No, it’s fine. Don’t worry too much. He actually went easy on me.”

A pleasant atmosphere began to blossom.

I was relieved that Kayla seemed to have found a good match.

“Are you okay?”

Vivian then asked me.

She took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from my face.

“It brings back memories seeing you fight after such a long time.”

Her gaze was full of affection. I enjoyed seeing it.

“…Tonight… really not possible?”

Vivian whispered, moving closer to me.

I felt an impulse surge, but I suppressed it again.

From my memory, this was a time when things with Vivian wouldn’t work.

“Maybe later. When we return to Loctana. This is a foreign place.”

Then, Adelaide spoke up.

She looked at me with surprise and was fumbling for words.

She looked back and forth between me and the collapsed Mikaela before speaking.

“…You were awesome, Dad.”

I grinned broadly.

“Really?”

“…I didn’t know you could fight like that.”

“That’s why your mom fell for me.”

Adelaide looked at Vivian’s reaction, then hugged my leg, saying.

“…I want to marry you when I grow up, Dad.”

Vivian immediately replied,

“Die-”

“-Vivian.”

“It’s a joke, Kailo. Why are you so serious…”

As Vivian quickly relaxed and smiled harmlessly, I couldn’t help but chuckle.

Adelaide also giggled.

Watching her laugh, I quietly realized what she meant.

“…But, Dad, you’re just as childish as Mom. Of course, I love you most, but did you really think I’d like that person more? Silly.”

Well, it seemed like everything had worked out fine.

Kayla and Mikaela seemed to be getting along even better, and I had regained my daughter’s attention.