1. Kotaro, the Teacher

"… So, this is how it happens. Do you understand?"

The chalk's scraping sound stopped, and the man turned to look at the students below, sitting and taking notes.

"Yes, Kotaro-sensei."

All of them answered in chorus. Satisfied with their response, the teacher—Kotaro—put down the chalk and clapped his hands to remove the white residue.

"This is all for today. Make sure to complete the homework. I will check it in the next class. You can disperse."

On his command, the students happily packed up their bags, and with respectful greetings, left the class.

"Thank you, sensei."

"Hmm."

Soon, all the students were gone, leaving him alone in the classroom. Being all alone, he couldn't help but recall what the small children called him.

"Kotaro-sensei, is it? To think I would become a teacher… The times have changed."

He turned his head outside the window, looking at the bustling town. The people were smiling, thriving, all equipped with their respective work. As peaceful as it looked, there was a sense of dissonance between him and the world.

Why?

Because he, Kotaro Kenshin, isn't an inhabitant of this world. Not that he wasn't born here; rather, he contains another set of memories, containing the tales of another person who lived in a different world than the current one.

It made Kotaro aware that he had been reincarnated in this world, granted another life to live.

"It's good that I have memories of my previous life. Or else it would be hard to make money."

If there is one sole reason he is thankful for the existence of his previous life's memories, then that reason would be money. If not for it, how could he become a bona fide teacher?

He doesn't even have a teaching license, yet he is teaching students here for a certain fee. It's a good thing that the rules and regulations are lax in these aspects. And even if he gets caught by an authority figure by chance, Kotaro has excuses ready.

Sir, I am just tutoring them. Look, there is one classroom, and that too is inside my house. I am not running a school, so how can I be arrested for lacking a teaching license?

Even in modern days, tutoring doesn't demand a teaching license. Why would it in these ancient times?

Heck, even most doctors are not licensed, so forget about teachers.

"I should think of more ways to increase my income."

Everyone wants to live a rich life. And Kotaro is no exception to it. Rather than an exception, he is more enthusiastic than anyone when it comes to money. Don't forget about the existence of past life memories. There is no way he isn't influenced by those.

From the time Kotaro was reincarnated, he had a mission. That is to earn so much money that he can squander it all until his death.

"This life, I will live a fulfilling one."

While he was reminiscing about it all, the door to the classroom was abruptly opened, startling him.

"Who is it--- Why are you here, Aunt Aiko?"

He looked at the aged woman, wrapped in a brown kimono, smiling at him. Looking at her smile, Kotaro understood the purpose of her visit.

"Let me guess, did you find another one?"

"That's right, Kotaro-chan! I am sure that you would like this one."

Aunt Aiko is the matchmaker for almost every single person in this town. Her family has been involved in this world of matchmaking for generations, with her being the matchmaker in this generation.

'If I don't agree to it, I doubt she would let me go.'

"Sigh… Alright; but I am telling you, this is the last one. After that, Aunt Aiko, you better promise not to harass me regarding marriage anymore, alright?"

"Yes, yes. Rather than that, I am sure you would like this girl I found for you."

Twitch!

'She will definitely harass me, won't she?'

Kotaro just placed his palm on his head and wondered why is she hellbent on getting him married. Truth to be told, this is also his fault.

'Damn, why did I mention to her that I wanted to marry in life?'

…

It was a normal day. And Kotaro was wandering the town, familiarizing himself with the townspeople, chatting with them about current affairs. In the midst, he found Aunt Aiko and her clique, talking about the generic marriage stuff as usual.

"Kotaro-chan, aren't you unmarried too?"

"Yes."

"Won't you get married?"

"I will. But not now."

Having a modern mindset, isn't it normal for him to enjoy youth and then get married in his late twenties? He is just sixteen, about to become seventeen. Who would marry at this age?

"What?! Not now? If not now, then when? This won't work! Kotaro-chan, from now I will find a bride for you."

"What! I think that it is not that necessary---"

"What are you talking about? Don't forget that I am the most renowned matchmaker in this town. You don't have to worry. I will find the perfect girl for you."

"I am not worri---"

"What?! You are not worried?! Be a bit worried! You are still unmarried! If late, you won't be able to find a girl for you. This can't go on. I will find one for you."

Twitch!

"Do you want me to be worried or not, just say it clearly! Don't change your words!"

"Why are you angry, Kotaro-chan?"

"I am not angry!"

"See, you are angry."

'Sigh… Control Kotaro, control.'

Kotaro took a couple of deep breaths and calmed down. And soon the talks resumed.

"What do you want, Aunt Aiko?"

"I am just telling you to get married. I will find a match for you. You don't want to be left unmarried for life, right?"

Kotaro isn't against the idea of marriage. After all, his mission is to live a fulfilling life. And how can he live such a life if he doesn't have someone beside him? But there is a time to get married. Isn't marrying now too fast?

He hasn't enjoyed his youth yet!

But he wasn't in the mood to argue with Aunt Aiko. Explaining it to her will take a whole load of time. His mindset stemmed from modern times and his modern ideas couldn't make sense to Aunt Aiko. So, he decided to agree with her.

'And if she brings any girl, I will simply reject her.'

"Alright. I will listen to you."

"Really?"

Aiko was delighted with his answer. One more marriage, and her fame and income as a matchmaker will surely increase with it. For her, who thrives because of marriages, would never disagree with it. The more marriages, the better.

"But remember, I will only marry if I find the girl according to my taste."

…

After that incident, Aiko introduced many girls to Kotaro, who rejected them after meeting them. The number of rejections is now in double digits, yet she hasn't given up.

"Damn, if she was this persistent, then I would have never agreed to it."

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