第６０掘：覚醒する聖女 (Part2)
"What are you talking about? I was, for all intents and purposes, the head of the nation that attempted—no, that *did* assassinate Lady Elju. If I were to simply come to the dungeon to act as an observer, it would inevitably create friction. But if I were to marry you—let’s say, even as the lowest-ranking concubine—how would that look to the outside world?"
"…They would take it as an apology from the Holy Kingdom of Litea. And as for the dungeon—or rather, the Kingdom of Roschur—it would be seen as holding a hostage. If it’s the dungeon, they might even interpret it as imprisonment."
"Exactly. And for the Holy Kingdom of Litea, having a former saintess present while Lady Alstaire, the current saintess, is in charge would cause all sorts of complications."
"Ah, I see. By having Rurua go to the dungeon, it serves as an apology for the assassination of Elju—a fact known only to the upper echelons—and acts as a foundation to prevent Litea from falling into political turmoil again."
"Yes. And if I were to go as far as to become pregnant, it would be a clear declaration to both Litea and Roschur that I have no intention of ever returning."
"…Travel across this continent is difficult. If you were to become pregnant, you wouldn't be able to move from that location for quite some time. Naturally, you wouldn't be able to meddle in the country's politics either. And if you were to return after raising the child to a certain age, people would just say, 'Why come back now?' wouldn't they?"
"Yes. That is why the nobles who support the country give birth and raise their children in the capital."
"I understand the logic from that side, but why me…?"
"You are the first person, Yuki-san, to see me in such a state."
She had knelt on the ground, completely unclothed, and thrust her chest forward with both hands as if inviting him to drink from her. She was, quite frankly, a pervert.
"……"
"Of course, it isn't just from a political perspective. I want to resolve the lingering awkwardness with Milly-san and Kaya-san. And I want to see the city you are aiming to build with my own eyes. I have a promise to keep to Lady Elju, after all. Or are you suggesting something else? That for the sake of this plan, I should seduce some random man from the Kingdom of Roschur, come to the dungeon, and… perform for him?"
"……"
"Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't be able to choose my own marriage partner. Especially someone who has stood at the head of a nation like me. But now, there is someone I want to choose. Someone whose child I believe I could love with all my heart. Well? Shall I hear your answer?"
"Haa… do as you like. But as a prerequisite, make sure you protect your belly and come back in one piece. It wouldn't do for you to come here and end up with a body that can't bear children."
"Yes, I must survive at all costs, mustn't I? Fufu… I feel a surge of motivation. Naturally, you will help me, won't you, my husband?"
"Aren't you getting ahead of yourself? I don't even know what you see in me…"
"Love is an unreasonable thing. But if you say that in front of Labyris or Ratz, they will beat you to a pulp, you know?"
"Why?"
"You are quite dense, aren't you? Or are you doing it on purpose? If you ask 'what is there to like about Yuki-san,' they will definitely give you one answer."
"And that is?"
"That every part of you is precious, and they wouldn't even allow *you* to deny that."
Yuki’s eyes darted around in a strangely flustered manner.
"Er… I feel like I’m being painted as a womanizer…"
"What are you saying now? Regardless, I won't allow it either."
"Allow what?"
"That every part of you is precious. I won't even allow *you* to deny that. Don't be so self-deprecating in such a strange way, especially when you were the one who pushed me forward!"
I slapped Yuki-san’s cheek with all my might.
Ah, right. I was in Kiyu’s body. My apologies.
For the first time, Rurua had overwhelmed Yuki with her political acumen.
Well, she had exploited Yuki’s soft-hearted nature, effectively proposing that he use her until the very end.
However, to an outside observer, it was a relentless barrage of marriage declarations!
Though, each had its own reasons.
Of course, in the cases of Rurua and Seraria, there were many political motivations involved.
Many might feel that Rurua’s reason for falling in love is too shallow.
But when you consider the big picture, Yuki had been the one constantly helping and supporting her. Given the choice between a total stranger and Yuki, it was an easy decision for her.
For Rurua, Yuki was the right choice.
Let’s just say that, in this case, love is the kind of thing that follows later.