Two more months passed by a lot faster than I'd like to admit. It's autumn now, and fallen leaves dance in the air with every gust of wind. As it turns out, I only had two and a half days left before the translation magic ended. It didn't end abruptly, but over the course of about four hours. That sadly left me with only the things I already knew.

I'd like to say that I was actually a lot more fluent in the Vashi Imperial language than I expected, though it was only enough to get my points actoss with frustration. Now my attention was almost solely on learning the language. It's amazing how quickly a person can learn when they're completely surrounded by people who only speak the local language, and they make a strong enough effort to distract themselves.

I still transcribe books for my translation practice, but it's infinitely more tedious now. I don't have magic giving me the answers on what things mean, so I often had to guess, or reference previous works. My desk is more cluttered than ever with over a dozen different books often being referenced regularly in order to help me continue writing.

Thankfully, Astrid is both intelligent and patient. We still talk every day, and the language barrier makes itself known, but it slowly shrinks day by day. There still is the problem of an accent. While I was under the translation effect, it was rather minimal, now it's distinct and thick. That said, Astrid said she enjoys it. I'm missing context, but I vaguely get the hint that people find it attractive here. It's like an American listening to an Australian accent, or something similar.

My problem aside, I am pleased to see that there's a slowly growing change in Astrid's combat style. For reasons related to her aether bowl, she almost never gets to use aether in combat. The simplest analogy is that her bowl is cracked around the halfway point, and can't fill up anymore on its own. It will even slowly drain aether stored beyond the half-way point.

That's where I come in. Up until the day Astrid proposed to me, I wasn't making enough aether to fill her bowl up each day, so it never got a chance to expand in nearly her entire life. It also means that she had to be wary about how much aether she used for one reason or another. I lack the details, especially with the language barrier.

Now, my rate of growth has allowed her bowl to expand just a little bit every day, doubly so because she always empties the bowl. Her growth is still much slower than a normal person's, but it's better than how stagnant it's been her whole life. Granted, the difference is so small that she only noticed because expanding the bowl has a distinct feeling. Each day she can afford to use just a little tiny bit more aether.

This has led to some changes in her combat style over the last two months. Despite the impending wedding, she still trains herself every day without fail. Now, she spends aether to strengthen herself every single time, though she still gets mercilessly thrashed every time. While I can't see or read aether at all, I can see that she makes her somewhat clumsy movements and judgments faster.

By the time Astrid comes to me every day, her bowl is nearly empty, and she has a headache from aether depletion. She's spending more time with me, soaking in the aether from my body while we talk. Just having basic discussions is fairly time consuming, and she often has to correct me, but I'm getting more comfortable with her every day; especially after she learned a few English phrases from me. Just that small touch made me feel a lot less anxious here.

All that is nice, but today is the official day of the wedding. I can't help but be anxious today for a number of reasons. Today is the first time I'm meeting Astrid's family, including her mother, Matriarch Elana Torence Troy Volker, and her father, Nathaniel Cedarcrest Volker. I won't be meeting any of the extended family, thankfully.

It also should be the first time I'll be meeting Astrid's siblings. It's well known that they don't get along well, even if they don't openly contest Astrid as the heir. Astrid is her mother's oldest child, and the child of her favorite husband out of five. Astrid's aether issues are almost enough for siblings to overtake her as the rightful heir, however Astrid's administrative ability is at least tolerable enough to keep her on top, even if it is unsteady.

For the first time since I came to this world, my door has been closed all day. I'm still being kept in my room until it's time for the wedding. I've been dressed in what I'm told is formal wedding attire, though it just feels like pants that are too big, a puffy shirt, and a cloak. I can't even say that I look all that nice. This unfortunately has something to do with the fact that I am a foreigner, and shouldn't wear the standard imperial attire until after I am officially wed to Astrid. That's what I was told by the servant who provided the clothes.

I stood in front of a mirror slowly fixing my hair, despite the fact that it was going to just sit under a cap. Three months of growth and my nornally tightly trimmed hair is unruly and long. Unless I want to shave it, I'm just going to have to endure it. Apparently, only commoners keep short hair in this world, as only nobility can afford to take care of long hair, or so the saying goes.

A knock at the door interrupted me. Maria's neutral voice called out from the other side of the door.

"The Matriarch is here to see you. May we enter?"

"Come in."

It's a little strange that they didn't call me to one of the parlors, but I'll deal with whatever I can. Maria opened the door, and welcomed ushered in two people.

The smallest person, a slightly pink, elf-looking woman with blond hair, sky blue eyes, and a pretty face entered with grace and authority. Her white fur coat flowed behind her, and her slender legs lead each step. I won't comment on the slightly provocative attire underneath her robe that occasionally peaked through. She might have only been 70 or 80 lbs, but she definitely had a commanding presence. This was definitely the Matriarch.

The person behind her followed gracefully, though he clearly had a pompous air about him, with his androgynous and angular chin held high. He was fairly short, only a few inches taller than the 5' woman, and his build felt abnormally thin to me. He also sported golden hair and blue eyes, though his were a slightly darker shade of blue. He wore a similar fur robe, and tight leather clothes underneath, showing his thin stomach off. I'm assuming this was Astrid's father, as he was the only elf that the Matriarch married.

Thankfully, I've been practicing my greeting during my anxious time.

"I greet [the] Matriarch of House Volker, Elana Torrance Troy Volker, and [the] First Husband, Nathaniel Cedarcrest Volker."

Immediately Nathaniel spoke up in dissatisfaction.

"It is rude not to give your name first in a greeting. Out with it."

"Excuse [the] rudeness. I am Johnathan Anthony Romero De'Leon Dirk, youngest of house Dirk."

The Matriarch raised her eyebrow.

"Five names? I was informed by the summoned heroes that nobles aren't a thing in your world, and you have the audacity to have five names?"

Fuck, my language skills are already being taxed.

"A correction is in order. They are… how you say… from [a] different country. Commoners have three names where I am from. Old houses often have more. Is proof of bloodline."

Yeah. It's proof of hispanic heritage to have too many names. Not that I'm complaining right now.

"And what kind of bloodline is it that you have? What is house Dirk known for?"

"Excuse my limited language, but house Dirk is known as [a] martial bloodline. My mother is [an] admiral, my father… dreams weapons?... no… that's not [the] right word. It seems I must study more. Even [the] summoned heroes should know [the] name 'Lockheed Martin'."

"And what about you, Johnathan Anthony Romero De'Leon Dirk? What are you known for?"

"I lack [the] right words, but I am [a] weapons crafter, and administrator."

I'm actually a lead engineer, but I've done a military contract or two, so it's not wrong. Sir. Dickwad- er, Nathaniel spoke up in his haughty tone.

"Those hands have never seen an honest day's work. There's no way that you're a weapons smith!"

"Do you not know my body was… er… remade? Calluses and… time marks(?) are gone. Also, I'm not [a] smith, weapons crafter is different."

"Calluses and scars, not 'time marks'. You've had so long to learn our language and only know so little!"

I merely nodded. That seems to have earned the approval of the Matriarch, as I read her eyes slightly smiling. Despite her age and position, she didn't seem particularly unknowable or unapproachable.

"It can use work, but it's at least passable for a foreigner. Tell me, what do your siblings do? You said that you are the youngest."

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"All five older brothers are in [the] army. How you say… elite forces? Very, very dangerous, very good at job. Oldest sister is [a] Navy admiral, and second sister is… head merchant?"

"Head merchant? Can you tell me more?"

"She started her own… business when she became [an] adult. Very good with money, and has grown into top 100… businesses all on her own. Different, but very proud."

"That is to say that she is within the top 100 merchants in your country?"

"Er… not in country… how you say… world?"

"Top 100 in your world? That's quite a boast. How would anyone ever know for sure?"

"Very good information tracking. Never perfect, but good enough."

"Where was she in the top 100?"

"Her number? She was 100 day before I was summoned."

"She became 100 the day before you were summoned?"

"Yes."

"I'm sure your parents must have been quite delighted."

I scratched my head.

"Er… family relationship is… strained. Mother wanted her to become [an] army general. She only still talks with oldest brother and I."

"Didn't you say your mother was an admiral?"

"Yes."

"Why not become an admiral as well?"

"Oldest sister already is. Laws make it complicated."

"Still. It sounds like you come from quite a prestigious family. Of course, it'll be difficult to confirm any of this. Not that it really matters. We expected you to just be another commoner, as you easily allow people to simply call you John."

"Using full names is generally rude. Also, I'm [the] youngest son. By law, I should be [a] commoner until married."

"Are you not a part of house Dirk before you're married?"

"Is complicated. I lack… important words."

"Very well. We won't press the issue. Regardless of your house, you're here alone, and the only reason you are marrying my daughter is because you produce aether. I would prefer one of the summoned heroes, but they're more trouble than you are. You know your role well, don't you?"

"Be homemaker, be quiet, don't make trouble. Support my wife, and make aether."

"A quaint summary, but correct enough. If you cause trouble, I will end your life personally."

"Everyone causes trouble. Just be worth more than the trouble."

The Matriarch huffed.

"I suppose you have a point. Now then. I've been told that my daughter's lovely appearance isn't to your liking. Is this true?"

"It is. I'll need something to help perform."

It was funny watching Nathaniel twitch with anger at my blatant and blunt remark.

"You're quite bold and blunt. I see why Astrid likes you. Very well, this makes it easier. I have a drug that will give you the energy needed. It's not good for you, however I expect you to take it every night that Astrid is home until you no longer require its effects. I would suggest you figure something out, or else you'll be dead within a year taking it."

I nodded solemnly. I expected something like this. Astrid just looks and sounds too much like a child to me, even if her words, eyes, and actions all belong to an adult. If I didn't know that she was my age, I'd feel impossibly bad about this arrangement. Pedophilia and drugs are bad. I also have a mild hatred for the term 'legal loli'.

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me for this. It makes my skin crawl, and no parent wants to hear that their child needs something like this. Especially a nymph. My only advice is to do the deed as much as possible this first week. Once you're addicted, it's almost impossible to stop using the drug. Thankfully it takes nearly a full month to become addicted."

"Got it."

"And don't be afraid to use those muscles to force her if necessary. Both of your lives are at stake."

I gulped. I know about my situation, but it bothers me to hear about Astrid's.

"I'll make it happen."

"Most men are quite squeamish at this topic. You don't seem to have any such impediment."

I shrugged.

"I like Astrid, as a woman. I also know that's she'll get her payback."

Nathaniel rolled his eyes, but the Matriarch chuckled.

"I suppose she will. Be warned, since you're a human, it won't be her stamina that runs out first, no matter how good you are. I've almost killed three husbands. There's a reason why Nathaniel is my favorite."

"Noted."

"There is one last thing before I leave you."

"Yes?"

"Nymphs can elect when they want to get pregnant. Don't have any children until the Demon Lord is defeated by the summoned heroes, or until I give you permission. Astrid already knows, and shouldn't do anything foolish. I don't want you pressuring her."

"That's good to know."

The Matriarch left, and only Nathaniel was left in the room. He waited until the door closed before speaking.

"I don't like you."

"Why?"

"Too many reasons to count. Don't think I will forget about what you did to Nicholas. I will make you suffer for it. Just not today. I can afford to wait until you have your own children."

"Noted."

He humphed, but remained in the room with me. He was supposed to be my escort today. I went back to grooming myself in the uncomfortable silence. Eventually he spoke again.

"And I expect you to treat Astrid well."

"I want to do that, even if you didn't ask."

"Hmph. Even you can appreciate a nymph, huh?"

"It has little to do with that. I like her personality greatly, and would be proud to have my parents meet her, even though they never will."

"You can't fool me. Everyone knows about nymphs, and how valuable they are."

"Otherworlder. I am still… how you say… ignorant?"

"Yes, ignorant is the right word. However, I still don't believe you. Telling me you like my daughter for her personality is like saying you like an impossibly delicious feast only for the unusually bland tableware."

"You consider her personality bland?"

"I consider her as the least talented out of all of Elena's children. Even if she has my bloodline, she doesn't slow almost any of it. She also lacks the appropriate pride, even if she doesn't deserve it. I care for my daughter, even if she is my least cherished one."

Fucking ouch. I really don't like this guy. You don't just say that about your own child.

"A harsh evaluation."

"What would you know? If she was any better at anything, I wouldn't dare let her take a barbarian as her first husband. As it is, your sully will make it difficult to find her a second, proper husband."

I want to retort so badly, but I'll just hold it in, and tell Astrid about it later.

"Either way, I will treat her well."

"See to it. You're lucky that I don't flay you for taking that medicine."

"I must have good stars."

"And don't even think you could resist, like with Nicholas. I don't need to deal with someone who can't use aether."

"I have already been informed that I caught Nicholas off guard. I have faith that you are not so careless, should I make the same mistake."

"I hate how lightly you say it. Do you truly understand that I don't even have to move from this spot to end your life?"

"I do. I lack… how you say… nuance?"

"You lack more than nuance. You can't even tell how foolish you are."

"[Such is the folly of man]."

"What did you just say?"

"I agreed. You have said [a] similar phrase to [a] wisdom of my country. I merely said [the] rest. When I learn [the] words, I will tell you."

"A wisdom that transcends worlds. Could you even comprehend that?"

"Perhaps with time and help, but I'm only human."

Time passed with our discussion moving like that. Despite the near constant stream of insults, I realized that Nathaniel was rather easy to handle. He was a narcissist, and isn't aware of it. The only one he wasn't dumb enough to talk poorly about was the Matriarch. He probably had a very healthy fear of her wrath; one that kept him in line.

I was a little surprised about the wedding. It was held in a parlor with a priest, out of sight from the rest of the family who was in the ballroom. I never even saw Astrid's siblings. I noticed that Astrid wasn't exactly in a flattering dress, and vaguely looked like a Victorian era clown. She clearly wasn't happy, especially with everyone else around her in nicer clothes.

It took all of five seconds to figure out that this was Nathaniel's handy work, as he smiled with sadistic glee, and Elana was almost boiling in rage. She kept her cool, but her glare made the hair on my arms and neck stand in end. When it was just Astrid and I facing the priest, Astrid mouthed out [I'm sorry] to me. She's also fairly distraught by the situation.

As for the priest and the ceremony, it felt like a short legal proceeding where we didn't even get to say anything. Only the Matriarch and the priest spoke, basically confirming that I would legally be allowed to join their house in marriage in front of the eyes of god. At the end of it, Astrid and I took off our engagement rings (made from platinum, not silver) and put on two lumpy golden necklaces without any stones. Astrid was also mildly irate about that, but didn't say anything.

Once the deal was done, a small round of cheers went out from the staff. After that, we were all but thrown into Astrid's bedroom, and the door was locked behind us.