CH 3

“Your parent’s house, wait um, don’t I just need to write my name and signature on the marriage certificate.”

My thoughts went blank as she asked me to come to her parents house. Feeling the cool breeze of the air conditioner on my skin, I tilted my head to the side.

“Eh, because then there will be no evidence.”

“But that’s just like a marriage greeting, isn’t it? When I turn eighteen, I will ask you to marry me.”

“That’s right.”

“I feel like if I do that, there’s no way I can get back what I’ve lost….. Or rather I agreed without thinking about it too much, but I feel this strategy is quite unreasonable. I don’t think Sensei’s parents will give us permission due to issues such as age difference, position and financial power. After all, isn’t this going down to the blind dating route?”

“Well, even if you say I can’t think of any other way. If I don’t do anything I will definitely end up getting married to someone I don’t like.”

The current situation of Sakuramiya-sensei can be summed up in two ways:

-First, she must get married by the time she turns 30.

-Second, if she fails to get married by then her parents will force her to marry someone whom she doesn’t like.

This is far too complicated for a family situation, and taking consideration of the low marriage rate these days, it seems extremely anachronistic.

(TL Notes : Anachronistic = Something which does not follow the usual order/chronological order.)

From my point of view as an outsider, I think it would be a good idea to break off all relations with such a  family.I’m not sure if I’d be able to do that, but that’s just how human nature is.

“I will cooperate with you for the time being, but don’t expect it to go well.”

“Thank you, Segawa-kun!”

Although I gave a negative opinion, I am after all indebted to Sakuramiya-sensei.

I had no choice but to lend her a helping hand in this situation…I don’t want to mess with it.

“I’m not going to take responsibility if anything happens, please keep that in mind sensei.”

“Of course. Well then, please sign the marriage certificate.”

Saying that, Sakuramiya-sensei handed me a ballpoint pen and the marriage certificate.

This is not the kind of thing you say in everyday conversation. Seriously.

I pulled out the cap of the ballpoint pen, and as I was about to sign my name on the marriage certificate, I stopped.

“But, sensei, I’m only seventeen years old and cannot get married, so isn’t it pointless to sign on this marriage certificate?”

“I know, but it makes you feel more serious, doesn’t it? It’s like a declaration of intent to get married.”

“I see, that’s right. You do have a point. But the stamp……..”

“Well, I prepared it in advance, so you can use it.”

“Oh, thank you very much, but……is it really okay if I write this down? You don’t want me to get sent to the government officials without your permission when I turn 18, right?”

“No, no, no, of course not.”

She laughed lightly and waved her hands to the side.

If I remember correctly, then parental consent is required for underage marriages.

Without parental signatures, this marriage certificate has no validity.

When I finished writing as much as I could, Sakuramiya-sensei breathed a sigh of relief.

“Thank you, now let’s go to my parents house.”

“Yes, but are you going to be okay? Do you still have any work left?”

“I’ve told them I’m leaving early this afternoon, so it’ll be fine. Let’s meet at the back gate. My car is parked there, if we go together there is a risk of attracting unwanted attraction.”

“Understood.”

“I think there won’t be anyone probably, but still be careful.”

“I don’t want to be noticed either.”

I don’t know what kind of rumors would start if I was seen riding in the sensei’s car alone with her.　

“Well then, I’ll go ahead.”

“Okay.”

I left the guidance counselor’s office and immediately went to the place where Sensei’s car was parked.