TMiL Alterverse
Pride and Survival (part 12)
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"I hope you're enjoying the meal." Ainoko's aunt told Tantei A.

"Immensely." Tantei A replied. "I can see where she gets her 
cooking skills."

Ainoko blushed a little, then saw Tantei A's smile and blushed a 
little more.

"She'll make a fine wife for somebody some day." Tantei A noted, 
casually. "She's kind, gentle, a good cook and a good listener. 
And she's very helpful."

"Indeed she is." Ainoko's uncle nodded. "Pity no one seems 
interested. I guess she'll just have to live out life as an old 
maid."

"Guess so." Tantei A nodded. "Unless..."

"Hmmm?" Ainoko's aunt raised an eyebrow and her little sister 
drew closer.

"I don't know if I can do this. I'm kinda rusty. It's been a 
while since I did a rescue mission. Still," he began to speak 
int the exaggerated tones of a comic-book superhero,  "I must. I 
must save this poor young woman from becoming an old maid." 

His voice took on a more subdued quality, as he spoke on. "If 
she'll have me, that is. And with your permission."

"What are your intentions toward her?" Her uncle asked.

"I wish to court her and, eventually, to marry her." Tantei A 
replied.

Ainoko was blushing so deeply, everyone thought her fur was 
going to turn pink.

"You have our blessings." Ainoko's uncle nodded.