MTO C96

Chapter 96

“No? Absolutely not!”

“You deny it? Yet the two of you dressed in matched attire today.”

The noble’s eyes narrowed as he pointed to the pendant Michel wore. Only then did Michel realize the gemstone set into his golden gate pendant was the same color as the stone on Kaidan’s coat. That was not all—the brooch on Kaidan’s chest held a violet gem, and the silver vest beneath his coat looked, at a glance, almost grey. It was not difficult to deduce what such coordination implied.

Still… wasn’t this more a ‘friendship outfit’ than a couple’s attire?

“You misunderstand. I am a man.”

“…Pardon?”

Michel kept his tone calm. With such flowy clothing, the man must have confused Michel’s gender. Though honestly—how could one possibly confuse that? If not for that explanation, nothing the noble had said would make sense.

The noble blinked at him, then sighed in sudden realization.

“Ah… so His Holiness prefers only women?”

“…Excuse me?”

“It happens. My aunt likewise loved only men her whole life. It is always tragic when one’s heart is limited in where it may fall.”

The noble’s sincere pity struck Michel like a thunderbolt. The twenty-eight years of common sense he had built back in Korea crumbled in an instant.

Was this in the original novel? He had never seen such couples in Valois. Though… he had seen friends who seemed unusually close…

Wait—were they not friends?

“H-how about those two over there?”

Michel nervously pointed to a pair of noble ladies conversing with hands clasped, looking very affectionate.

“Ah, Countess Garen and Lady Cynthia. They are lovers. After the Count passed away, Lady Cynthia comforted her, and affection blossomed quickly between them.”

“…Then by any chance, those two gentlemen—”

“Oh! They attended after all. The romance between the heirs of House Jesga and House Raymond caused quite the stir in the North. Youth is a beautiful thing.”

Michel felt faint. How many couples had he mistaken for “close friends” all this time? Thankfully he learned this before committing a terrible faux pas.

But how had he never questioned it? After thinking, the answer dawned—he had seen many “friend-like lovers,” but never a “friend-like married couple.” All married couples he had met were male-female, whether nobles at the banquet or parents with children in town.

So romantic relationships were open… but marriage was not?

“You truly are not lovers with Duke Eglence?”

The noble pressed gently, as if urging honesty. Michel shook his head firmly.

“We are simply good friends.”

“That is fortunate—no heartbreak then. In that case, might I introduce someone to you?”

Even as Michel repeatedly refused, the noble insisted. So same-sex couples existed naturally here, and clergymen could date? This world really was progressive in many ways.

Michel had been startled at first, but soon accepted it. Back in Korea, pastors could marry, and in some countries same-sex marriage was legal. A world where everyone could love freely was far better for children than one that barred love because of gender or profession.

But—being mistaken as Kaidan’s partner was… troublesome. He would need to keep a bit more distance, it seemed.

There were limits to misunderstandings, after all.

Michel glanced at Kaidan. He did think Kaidan would make an ideal husband—but obviously for someone else. Since arriving in this world, he had not once thought about dating anyone, male or female—he already had seven children to care for…

“Ah?”

“Yes? Have I piqued your interest after all?”

“N-no. Not at all.”

Fortunately, before the noble could summon his cousin for an introduction, Kaidan returned. Michel quickly seized his arm.

“Ah yes—Duke Eglence and I must speak privately for a moment.”

“I see. Then may the two of you enjoy your time together.”

The noble’s sly smile suggested his misunderstanding was far from resolved, but that was the least of Michel’s worries. He dragged the bewildered Kaidan aside.

“What is it?”

Kaidan looked at him with concern, thinking something had happened. Michel waved it off and asked bluntly:

“Are same-sex couples common in the Kingdom of Formene?”

“…What?”

“I mean—are they as common as opposite-sex couples?”

Kaidan stared like Michel had grown another head. But when Michel urged him, he answered with mild reluctance.

“Roughly similar in number.”

“Then same-sex marriage is allowed?”

“…What are you trying to say?”

“If same-sex couples are common, why are all the noble couples here tonight opposite-sex?”

Understanding dawned; Kaidan tilted his head lightly.

“Nobles usually marry the opposite sex for their first marriage. They need heirs.”

“And if someone’s beloved is the same sex?”

“Then they take a lover. It often leads to… complications.”

“…What?”

The open-minded paradise Michel had imagined slammed shut in an instant. Seeing his expression, Kaidan scoffed coldly.

“To sacrifice one’s life and love for mere succession—laughable.”

There was bitterness beneath his voice. Michel almost asked what had caused such disdain for nobility—but his thoughts swiftly shifted to the children.

So nobles stayed in loveless marriages for the sake of children. Then why not simply adopt?

In that moment, Michel felt a spark of excitement. If same-sex couples were common, that meant more people who might want to adopt!

“I need to bring the children in immediately.”

He grinned. The atmosphere was perfect—time to astonish the nobles.

Music suddenly cut off, leaving nobles mid-conversation and dancers mid-step, exchanging puzzled looks.

Kaidan tapped his fork against his glass. All attention turned to him.

“On this lovely spring night, I thank you for visiting Eglence Palace. This banquet celebrates the advent of a new divine light upon our land and seeks to strengthen the bonds among northern brethren. May divine grace rest upon you all.”

“And on the noble Duke and his honorable house.”

After tasting his wine, Kaidan gestured toward Michel.

“Before festivities continue, the Saint wishes to speak.”

Dozens of gazes converged on Michel. All waited breathlessly for holy revelation.

Michel stepped forward, raising his glass.

“Hello, everyone. I hold this mic—ah, glass—because I have something I wish to say. Thank you deeply for the immense support you’ve shown to the Valois Orphanage. On behalf of all its children and caretakers, I offer my heartfelt gratitude.”

Since his sainthood became known, nobles had flooded the orphanage with donations. Even if their goal was to curry favor, Michel was genuinely grateful. Their funds allowed the children to eat well—something once unimaginable.

“Tonight, the children and I have prepared a small gift for you. Please enjoy it with warm hearts. Everyone, look to the back—presenting the Valois Orphanage Taekwondo Squad!”

At his cry, servants flung open the great hall doors. The children, dressed in matching uniforms, marched in like a tiny army and took over the center of the hall.

“Oh my—are those the Saint’s orphanage children?”

“And yellow ribbons around their waists… what could those signify?”

The nobles whispered curiously. Seeing all eyes on the children, Michel raised his fist. The musicians resumed playing—somber, haunting notes filling the hall.