第９１掘：まずはご挨拶 (Part2)
Most of our luggage had already been unpacked, though with an Item Box at my disposal, it wasn't exactly inconvenient to keep things stored away. I spent some time lounging around, using Shera, Seraria, and Rurua as human pillows while we chatted, until...
"Pardon the intrusion. The King, along with the Prince and Princesses, are awaiting your presence. Please, follow me."
Following the attendant's lead, we headed to the dining hall. The meal served was, as expected, truly exquisite. Just as everyone was finishing up and settling down, the King, who had been dining with us, spoke up.
"So, how did you find the flavors of Gartz?"
"They were wonderful. We enjoyed every bite."
"It’s been a while since I’ve had the pleasure of tasting this cuisine. I never imagined we’d end up in a state of war, of all things."
"Indeed. I certainly didn't expect it either."
We exchanged some light, casual banter.
"Now that the meal is concluded, let me introduce us properly. I am the King of Gartz, Gartz IX."
He introduced himself with an air of immense dignity. He was a Human, built like a tank—a real heavyweight.
"I am Teague, the First Prince of Gartz."
Next was a handsome blonde man. For some reason, he gave off the same vibe of someone carrying a heavy burden as I did. Why is that?
"I apologize for the earlier trouble. I am the Second Princess of Gartz, Lowell. You likely already know this, but I am an old friend of Princess Seraria. I am delighted by this meeting."
This blonde Wolf Beastman was one of the people who had attacked me earlier, the princess who had been put in her place by Seraria. She seemed even more of a "muscle-brain" than Seraria, though her figure was arguably even better.
"My apologies for my brother's behavior, Elder Sister. I am the Third Princess of Gartz, Charl."
She was also blonde, but a different race—an Elf, perhaps? Like Eris, she was quite... well-endowed.
"...I am the Fourth Prince, Higil. I am truly sorry for my actions."
The bespectacled, intellectual-looking blonde man bowed his head. This was the prince who had ordered the magic and arrows to be fired at me. He looked like he’d been put through the wringer; poor guy.
"My apologies, but the fifth and sixth princes are currently out subjugating monsters. I’m not sure if they’ll make it back in time."
"No, the apology should be mine for the sudden visit. Let me introduce my party as well."
I stood up and offered a polite bow.
"I am Yuki, Shera’s husband. I hold the rank of Marquis."
"And he is my husband as well. Shera is one of his concubines."
"Wait, what!? Seraria, you got married!?"
"Yes, that’s right."
"You traitor!!"
As Lowell and Seraria began playfully bickering, the King spoke up.
"I see. So you are the man who took Princess Seraria as his wife. I can rest easy entrusting Shera to you, then."
"Yes, Father."
"And may I ask why Rurua of Lithea is here?"
"Ah, my apologies. I have also become one of Yuki-san’s concubines..."
The air in the room froze.
"W-what? The Saintess, Rurua, has married?"
"Oh, no. I’ve left the duties of the Saintess to Alstaire-sama. Now, I am simply one of the wives supporting my husband."
"W-wait a moment. Seraria-sama, Rurua-sama... are you saying that the husbands of the two of you—from Roschur and Lithea—are the same man that Shera married?"
"Yes, that is correct."
Charl’s jaw dropped in shock at Rurua’s reply. I couldn't blame her; no matter how you looked at me, I didn't exactly cut the figure of such a high-profile individual.
"...Ah, my apologies. I was just a bit taken aback. If you don't mind, could you explain the circumstances under which Seraria-sama and Rurua-sama came to marry Marquis Yuki?"
Teague, the eldest son, managed to reboot his brain and ask the very question we were all waiting for. This man was impressive; even in such a chaotic situation, he knew how to keep things moving. It was easy to see why he was the next in line for the throne.
"I don't mind. However, could you please clear the room of unnecessary personnel?"
Seraria said this with a pleasant smile.
"Understood."
Perhaps sensing the gravity in Seraria’s tone, the King dismissed the attendants without a second thought.
Now then... where should I even begin?