The Price of a Wife

Ashen was contemplating whether he should drag Lapis to the farm to take a look at his plants when a pair of twins came to their shared room.

And so, after following them, he found himself face-to-face with his parents. Ashen did not have to wonder what this was about; his father did not beat around the bush.

“Ashen, it seems Cain finds you inadequate to be Lapis’s husband after your choice of Thema.”

‘So? Who cares what kids think either way?’

That was Ashen’s thought, but he kept silent for now.

“He came to me and said that he would go as far as to challenge you to a duel over her. Do you understand?”

“…Kind of?”

‘Am I supposed to bully kids now? Father… aren’t you being a bit too sadistic?’

Ashen knew for a fact that Cain wouldn’t withstand a single strike from him, and so did his father.

“Don’t be vague. Is it a yes or a no?”

“No, I understand the words individually, but their meaning is going over my head…”

Ashen scratched the back of his little head.

“My sisters aren’t merchandise that can be exchanged through a duel, right? Why do this over Cain’s tantrums? He’ll settle down with time; there’s no need to indulge him, Father.”

Cain’s expression changed in real time with every word Ashen spoke, but the latter didn’t stop there. He went on to deliver the coup de grâce.

“But if he dislikes Misty that much, how about I make her my wife too?”

He tilted his head toward Adam.

“I don’t mind having two, you know?”

Adam began massaging the bridge of his nose at the shameless words coming from his son, while Anastasia let out a cute snort as she tried to hold back her laughter.

“Damn these kids…”

He grumbled something under his breath before shaking his head and looking back at the four children.

That was when he noticed Misty’s red eyes and realized that Ashen’s remark had been a silent dose of confidence for the girl, rather than him simply talking nonsense.

So when he spoke, his voice was unexpectedly gentle.

“I’ll forget about that second part for now. And you’re right. Your sisters are not merchandise, indeed. But that also depends on your own power, my son.”

“If you are weak, not only will your wife become merchandise, but your own life won’t be any different. Remember that well.”

“But that’s only when it comes to my enemies,” Ashen retorted. Then, his voice lowered, and so did his eyes. “Should I treat Cain as my enemy…?”

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“…”

“…”

Silence reigned until it was broken by the other girl, who had been listening without interrupting until now.

“Dad, I’m very satisfied with your choice of my husband. No need to change it, please?”

She probably knew that coming on too strong was the wrong move here. They were just children, and authority rested solely in their parents’ hands. So, she attempted to play cute.

That had never failed when it came to her poor father.

“Lapis, the boys are speaking now… let’s wait for their conversation to end, hm?”

Sadly, she had miscalculated. The presence of her mother had thrown her plan out the window, and she could only look at her brother with a pleading expression.

‘Do something! I’m not marrying a snot-nosed brat!’

Ashen’s serious demeanor melted away when he saw her, and he could only nod with a helpless look.

“So, Dad, I just have to win against Cain, right? Let’s do it now. I’m ready.”

Adam wanted to simply nod and be done with it, but he knew Cain would be beaten with a single strike, and he would never accept a defeat like that.

So he chose another solution: drag things out.

‘If he grows more mature, perhaps he’ll come to understand me and cease this foolishness.’

Adam thought Cain could eventually overcome his stubbornness with maturity over time.

“No, Ashen. You are all my precious children. I can’t bear to see you fight each other seriously over something like this. It will only deteriorate the bond between you.”

“So? What would it be then?”

“Something less bloody. An offering.”

“An offering?”

“Yes.” Adam nodded seriously. “You will be married when you reach eighteen. So you have until then; a full twelve years. In that time, you have to come up with an offering to the house.”

“The one who presents the thing most useful to our survival, whether it is a display of their own strength, a magnificent hunt, or even the discovery of a precious resource…”

The man let out a long sigh before finally saying it.

“…He will be the one to marry Lapis.”

Ashen stayed silent. This whole thing was rubbing him the wrong way. He hated the way his sisters were being treated. Especially Misty. That girl was really six years old, unlike his indifferent sister.

‘Perhaps this would leave a bad mark on her as she grows up… I should pay more attention to her from now on.’

The only thing holding him back from speaking up was his father’s helpless look. It was clear that he did not want to do this either.

And with that, he turned to the most likely culprit behind this whole debacle…

“I agree!! Lapis, just wait for me; I’ll present the best offering possible and win you over!”

“Ah, just shut up, you messy brat…”

“No, why are you calling me a brat? You’re also a brat!”

“A fu—... oh God…”

Ashen kept watching, his thoughts unknown, before letting out a frustrated sigh and shaking his head.

‘He’s just a child. He’s also your brother… just be patient… patience…’

He finally looked back at his father.

“Alright, I agree. I’ll present you with a suitable offering in twelve years.”

Adam nodded with a relieved look before turning to the four of them.

“Since both of you accept the terms, the rules are now in effect. Ashen will remain Lapis’s future husband until Cain comes out victorious. If he loses, then he shall be punished by not being allowed to marry, and Misty will be free to choose her own husband. Understood?”

“Hah?! We did not agree on the last part!”

Cain had been nodding along until he heard the bit about him being punished.

“What? Did you think life was that easy? Whenever you want to gain something, be prepared for the possibility of losing something in return. This is the way of life, son.”

“Yes…”

“Good. Now go away; your mother and I have an important duty to attend to.”

The moment he finished speaking, he was met with a blushing Anastasia and four deadpan looks.

It seemed no one believed his statement about having an “important duty” after all…

“Brats… you dare look at your father in such a manner?! Now go!”

““Yes, Dad…””

“Have fun, Dad~”

The last one came from the mischievous Lapis, making Adam’s lips twitch on their own.

“Really… no respect for their elders.”

Reaching for his wife’s waist, he pulled her onto his lap.

“Can you believe them, Anastasia?”

“Hmm… they’re just energetic. That’s how kids are~ Don’t worry, dear… I’ll give you all the respect you deserve now… and much more~”

“Hmph. Come to think of it, is this not your fault for their lack of education? I shall punish you in their place!”

“Oh no~ Kyaa~”