落とし穴５掘：弱点 (Part1)
**Pitfall 5: Weakness**
**Side: Ratz**
"No, I can't really drink that much. ...Actually, that's not right. I *can* drink, but I don't want to."
At those words, a lightbulb went off in my head. If I could get him to drink, I could make him lose his senses and expose his hidden desires! After all, that statement—it was clearly a bluff to sound tough despite not being able to handle his liquor!
However, I wasn't prepared to force the issue right then and there. So, for now...
"Is that so? That’s a shame. But let's drink together when the opportunity arises. It’s not like you *can't* drink at all, right?"
"I suppose. Yeah, you're right. If the chance comes, let's have a drink."
Yes! I got him to promise! He’s too stubborn to back down now.
Later that night, after we had finished our nightly "devotion" to Yuki, we gathered in the banquet hall.
"What is it, Ratz? I honestly wanted to have my turn with him..."
"Deryu, that’s a bit much. Even if you are who you are, it’s already been decided that the primary wife goes first."
"Ho? I thought the Princess would dislike such things."
"Oh, if it makes my husband happy, it’s no hardship at all. I actually quite enjoy it. Besides, Deryu, you were royalty once, weren't you?"
"Ah, now that you mention it..."
"Yes, yes, let's skip the report for today. Honestly, I’m already starting to want to go back and pamper him, so please, stop."
"Ratz is right. Please, stop."
"Exactly. I can't hold back anymore, you know?"
Currently, the "Yuki-pampering alliance" consists of Seraria, Deryu, myself (Ratz), Milly, and Riel. Aslin, Firia, and Labyris are also around, but they are the junior group, so they aren't part of our late-night meetings. They need their sleep. Eris and Tori know about it, but they’ve chosen to abstain; they want a proper, face-to-face confession, so we’ll have to goad Yuki into that later.
I forgot to mention, but the whole "pampering" idea was Seraria’s. It started after our first conversation, when we were chatting privately via call, as a way to relieve Yuki’s pent-up frustrations. Seraria is surprisingly easygoing and kind. She treats us concubines as equals.
But that’s beside the point.
"The topic has drifted. The reason I gathered you all today is that I intend to get Yuki-oniisan to drink."
"..."
Everyone tilted their heads in confusion. I suppose I was too abrupt. I had no choice but to explain what happened earlier today.
"...I see. As Ratz says, we should take that as a sign he’s a lightweight."
"Indeed. That line was clearly a bluff."
"Heh, so Yuki-san has a cute side like that, too."
"I agree! When I was an adventurer, the people who bluffed like that were always the ones who couldn't hold their liquor."
The consensus was unanimous.
"So, I made him promise to set a date for us all to drink together."
"!!?"
Everyone’s faces lit up with shock, followed by deep thought, and then, wicked grins.
"Exactly. If he gets drunk and loses his senses, he might spill his true feelings. Or, if we’re lucky, we might just end up in the bedroom."
*Gulp.*
"But, since it would be under the influence, whether that’s acceptable is up to each of you. That’s why I wanted to consult you all."
I looked around at their faces.
"I have no objections! I’ve reached my limit anyway!"
"I’m fine with it too! Long live the 'done deal'!"
"I... well, I wonder if I can still handle guard duty if I get pregnant? But I really want to!"
"What are you saying, Riel! Yuki won't treat you coldly just because you’re pregnant; he’ll be overjoyed!"
"Exactly! The more the merrier! We have a variety of sizes to choose from, and beautiful figures to boot! We’ll blow Yuki-san’s reason away!"
"That’s right! I agree!"
That makes three of them on board.
"Now, the question is Seraria-sama. How do you feel about us going first?"
"..."
The three of them finally remembered who the primary wife was.
"I don't rank our affection. However, I will be joining the banquet, and I’m certain *I* will be the first one he pulls into his embrace."
"Oh?"
I felt a spark of irritation.
"I accept your challenge."
"Good. That makes it more interesting."
"Fufufufu..."
In that moment, we all became rivals. But we would cooperate until the banquet was over.
And so, the day of the banquet arrived. Eris and Tori didn't participate—they were still maidenly, though they were barely holding back their envy. There was also the concern of whether we’d be able to walk the next day, so we had procured some "supplements" to ensure Yuki could handle us all. Seraria-sama just happened to have them on hand.
Labyris wanted to join, but decided to stay with Aslin and the others. For some reason, Narjia-san joined as well; we told her what we were planning, and she promised to leave when things got heated. Milly probably invited her—those two hit it off over baths and booze.
"Alright, everyone’s here. I’ll have to make it up to Eris and the others later."
"Yes, but for now, let's drink."
"Agreed. I’ve already pulled a variety of things from the DP."
On the long table in front of Yuki sat a wide array of spirits. Behind him were mountains of ice and water for diluting the drinks—he’d really gone all out. For snacks, we’d unanimously agreed on a full spread of yakitori.
"In a banquet like this, the rule where I come from is that everyone starts with the same drink."
"It’s the same in our continent."
"I see. Then... let’s toast with Ebisu beer."
"Yippee! Ebisu! Ebisu!"
"Jia, you’re so happy. You really love Ebisu, don't you?"
So Narjia-san and Milly were beer drinkers. They were getting a bit too excited. As the mugs were passed around, Yuki stood up.
"Alright, Yuki, you lead the toast."
"Me? Well, alright. Thanks to all of you, I’ve made it this far. Thank you. And I look forward to the future! To our continued prosperity..."
"CHEERS!"
Everyone downed their mugs in one go. *Heh heh heh.* I wonder just how much he can actually take?
"Ahhh! Delicious!"
"Nothing beats that first glass!"
*Quiet down, you drunks.*
"Oh, what’s wrong, Deryu?"
"...No, it’s just... drinking with so many people who know who I am... it makes me happy."
"It’s okay! We’ll be together forever, you know!"
"......Thank you."