"Oh my~,"
Yuiyui covered her mouth, her eyes brimming with emotion as she looked at Satou Kazuma, kneeling before her.
"Kazuma-san, please stand up. Didn't I just say that we've already decided to choose you?"
"Dear!"
Pious Saburo grabbed Yuiyui's arm, stopping her from helping Kazuma up. He fixed Kazuma with a serious gaze and said,
"That decision was based on Megumin's choice. But now, Kazuma-san, you want to earn our full approval!"
Sitting cross-legged in front of Kazuma, Pious Saburo ordered, "Raise your head!"
With arms crossed, Pious Saburo looked at Kazuma as he straightened up.
"As you can see, I'm a man who has achieved nothing. No job, a rundown house, and I can't even provide enough food for my wife and daughters. But I am still a father. Even if Megumin has chosen to stay with you forever, I still have to ask…"
"Can you protect your family? Can you avoid becoming someone like me?!"
"Please rest assured!"
Kazuma met Pious Saburo's gaze with determination.
"I will protect my family. I will work hard to earn money and ensure they never go hungry!"
"Good~!"
Pious Saburo nodded with satisfaction.
"In that case, I'll truly acknowledge you. Once you and Megumin clear your debts, you can get engaged."
"Debts?"
Kazuma blinked, tilting his head in confusion.
"What debts?"
"Oh, Kazuma-san," Yuiyui chuckled, teasing him lightly.
"You don't need to hide it. We're about to become family. If our family weren't so poor, we would have helped you repay those debts."
"Megumin's letters mentioned that you took out loans and used your team's entire savings to craft equipment for fighting enemies. But after failing the quest, the equipment was destroyed, leaving you in debt."
"Uh, about that…"
Raising his right hand, Kazuma laughed awkwardly.
"That issue is already resolved. Just a few days ago, my companions and I successfully defeated the monsters, and the rewards covered the cost of the damaged equipment."
"Oh~?"
Pious Saburo's eyes widened.
"If I may ask, what was the reward amount?"
Kazuma raised three fingers, scratching his head sheepishly.
"At minimum, 30 million gold. If I manage the funds properly, the total profit should exceed 50 million to 100 million gold."
"Thirty million gold!!!"
Pious Saburo and Yuiyui exchanged a shocked glance, swallowing hard.
Smiling nervously, Yuiyui asked, "Kazuma-san, are you planning to buy a marital home with Megumin?"
"I recommend a modest two-bedroom house. Of course, if you decide to buy something larger or more expensive, you can discuss it with Megumin."
"Ah, a marital home."
Nodding thoughtfully, Kazuma patted Megumin's head with a smile.
"Our house in Axel isn't quite suitable as a marital home. Your suggestion is excellent. I'll take Megumin to look for a house soon."
"Thank you for the reminder, Mother."
"A mansion!!!"
Clutching her chest, Yuiyui glanced at Pious Saburo, who was doing the same. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile and said,
"Kazuma-san, having a mansion is already wonderful. Please don't waste any more money."
"Also, I acknowledge you as my son-in-law. You may call me Mother now."
"Yes, yes!" Pious Saburo chimed in eagerly.
"You can call me Father as well. I'm entrusting Megumin to you!"
"Yes!"
Kazuma bowed deeply, his voice trembling with emotion.
"Father, Mother!"
"Good~."
Pious Saburo nodded in approval, glancing at Yuiyui before turning to the couple.
"Then prepare for tomorrow. We'll hold the engagement ceremony."
"What?!"
Kazuma looked up in shock.
"So soon?"
"Of course!" Yuiyui replied with a smile.
"It's rare to find someone who loves my daughter and whom she loves in return. We must seize this opportunity."
"Oh dear, I said that out loud," she added playfully. Standing up, she continued,
"It's getting late. I'll prepare Kazuma's bathwater. Dear, please get Kazuma's room ready."
"Right away!"
Pious Saburo stood and gave Kazuma a friendly smile before leaving the room.
"Kazuma, Kazuma," Aqua whispered, crawling close to him. Watching Megumin's parents disappear down the hall, she said cautiously,
"I feel like Megumin's parents are a bit strange. Don't you think something's off?"
"It's fine," Kazuma replied gently, brushing Megumin's bangs aside. His voice was filled with happiness.
"I love Megumin, and her parents have already approved of our relationship. I'll handle whatever comes next."
"Ugh~."
Aqua crossed her arms, shuddering as she said,
"Don't say such cheesy things near me! It's giving me goosebumps."
"Even if you genuinely love Megumin, don't you feel embarrassed telling this story yourself?"
"You pervy lolicon Kazuma!"
Thunk!
Kazuma knocked Aqua on the head.
"Don't call me that! I'm not a lolicon. I just happen to love someone who's petite!"
"I'm going to the bathroom. I'll be back soon."
Disappearing into the dark hallway, Kazuma left Aqua behind.
Meanwhile, in the hall, Yuiyui whispered to Pious Saburo,
"Dear, it's wonderful. Megumin's beloved also loves her deeply."
"Yes, I'm satisfied with Kazuma. Now I can finally relax," Pious Saburo replied.
"When Megumin first left home and suddenly claimed she had a boyfriend, I was terrified she'd been deceived."
"It's okay now. Wipe your tears, dear. Megumin's found a great partner. We should be happy."
"Yes, you should wipe your tears too. Tomorrow is an important day for Megumin. Puffy eyes won't do."
"Hush!"
"Megumin's life will surely be happy now. Kazuma loves her deeply and is capable of providing for her. Her hardships are finally over."
"Dear… I'm sorry."
"Smack."
"Don't apologize. I've stayed with you for so long."
"Hehe~."
"Come on, prepare Kazuma's room. Give him the best double futon we have. We'll manage for one night."
"Got it!"
Quietly passing through the hallway, Kazuma murmured to himself,
"They're such wonderful parents."