第９２掘：ガルツの反応 (Part2)
"……Elju does not desire conflict. Even during that turmoil, she spent her time traveling from place to place, constantly providing healing. If we were to spread this conflict simply out of hatred… Elju would be saddened."
"…So that is the case. Even her own sister, though not entirely convinced, is enduring it. What will you do, Lowel?"
"……I understand. If that is what Elju wished for… I am sorry, Seraria."
"It is fine. I am truly happy to hear your feelings, Lowel."
Seeing Lowel wipe away her tears with a handkerchief and lift her head, I continued the conversation.
"That is the situation. If this truth were to spread recklessly…"
"……We would be plunged into total war with Litea. I would not be able to restrain my citizens. I swear that this will never be spoken of outside these walls. Are we all in agreement?"
"Yes."
Everyone understood the gravity of the situation and nodded solemnly.
"Thanks to Shera, we avoided poking a hornet's nest. I am grateful."
"Not at all. This, too, is the duty of the royal family."
"Indeed."
Though King Rocksten’s praise of Shera brought a moment of relief, it did not last long.
"…And so, why is it that the Saint of Litea, who orchestrated this scheme, is now married to the same husband as Seraria?"
Higil stared at Rurua with a look of pure disdain. It was perhaps inevitable; while she was not solely responsible, there was no denying she had been the leader of Litea.
"If you would allow it, I would like to explain that myself."
"I don't mind."
"……Hmm. If Seraria says so, then very well."
"I am grateful."
Rurua offered her thanks and began to speak.
"First, I must state that everything I am about to say is the truth. I will not make excuses for myself. There is no doubt that I bear a portion of the responsibility for this incident. I am sure there are those who wish to condemn me, but I ask that you please hear me out until the end."
As expected of the former leader of Litea. While she lacked the presence of the old man or King Rocksten, she still managed to command the atmosphere with a palpable authority.
From here on, we recounted the events exactly as we had heard them from Rurua.
She had learned of the plot to assassinate Elju and rushed to stop it, but arrived too late, only to return home. On her way back, she was nearly assassinated herself, finding refuge and saving her life in the dungeon where I reside. After that, she left the dungeon and returned to Litea to rebuild the nation.
In the end, the clandestine movements of Litea were the result of a hardline faction seeking to seize control of the government. As an apology, the Litea side transferred all the hardline faction's funds to Seraria. Rurua stepped down from her position as Saint and effectively entered the harem as a hostage.
Yes, it was a masterful explanation that conveniently omitted the key player, Yuki.
It is a strange feeling to be able to explain everything while being unable to brag about the one who made it all possible. A dilemma, indeed.
"……Rurua, you have been through much. As a national leader, you may have had your shortcomings, but I respect the stance you have taken to the very end—and indeed, the efforts you continue to make even now."
"……I apologize for my previous rude behavior. I am truly sorry."
King Rocksten offered his praise, and Higil apologized for his earlier conduct.
"Lowel, are you alright with this?"
"……I, too, knew that Rurua was Elju’s mentor. Her name was always written in the letters I received. She is exactly the person those letters described. I have nothing more to say."
"…I see."
With that, everyone let out a collective sigh. It had been a long story, after all; it was only natural to want a breather.
"And, forgive me. I understand the reparations and the truth behind the turmoil. However… why is it that Yuki-dono is the husband of both Seraria and Rurua?"
Teague asked the question. He always did have an eye for the details. But this was exactly what I had been waiting for!
"That is simple. It is precisely because of my husband’s efforts that this conflict was contained within these borders."
"Oh? Is that the truth?"
"Yes. While it was my father who made the final, decisive call to end the conflict, it was my husband who proposed it. Furthermore, with Litea pulling the strings, the interior of Roschur was crawling with enemies. It was my husband who saved me from being poisoned, and it was he who saved my father and sister from being assassinated."
"That is, without a doubt, the mark of a hero."
"Indeed. But my husband’s achievements do not stop there. Isn't that right, Rurua?"
"Yes. My husband healed my wounds. He gave me the resolve to return to Litea when I was at my lowest, and he even acted as my escort to help restore Litea’s authority. It is thanks to him that the hardline faction was suppressed."
"Pfft, hahahaha!! What a hero, what an incredible hero! Magnificent, truly magnificent! However, it is strange that his name is not more widely known for such deeds…"
"Yes, it is not an incident that can be made public. As far as the world knows, he merely saved my father, my sister, and me from the clutches of the Demon Lord."
"I suppose so. But it is fitting. He is a husband more suitable than any other. Seraria, Rurua."
"Yes."
"Yes."
We answered without a moment's hesitation. There is no husband more suitable for us than Yuki.
We shall make sure to teach them that even further from here on out. After all, the real show is only just beginning.