第１１９掘：選択肢をくれ (Part2)
"You’re as diligent as ever. You shouldn't be wandering around the city like this; you’ll make your wives worry, you know?"
"I know, I know. So, how is it?"
"Well, it’s the toilets, as expected. It seems a lot of people are playing with them and clogging the pipes..."
"I see. It is something they're seeing for the first time, after all."
"And then there's..."
As I listened to the report, a group of adventurers huddled together and passed by me from the direction of the guest room corridor.
Then, I heard these voices:
"Hey, isn't that white-haired woman over there pretty good?"
"Oh, she’s got a nice rack, too. Looks like we could have some fun."
Good. Thank you, you idiots. I’ll be grateful to you for now.
"Don't do it."
But my hopes were crushed.
"Why not?"
"You don't see a woman that fine very often, do you?"
"If you act like that here, you’ll never be allowed back into Weed again."
"I know that, but I’m just going to talk to her, that's all."
"Look over there."
As he said that, I felt a gaze directed at me for some reason.
"Crap, is that Staff Officer Yuki?"
"Keep your voice down. Yeah, it is."
"Are you serious? Isn't that the guy who supposedly took down Bicks, a Rank 6, in an instant?"
"No, the rumor is that Staff Officer Yuki just made it look that way to protect his wife."
Hey, hey, hey—is that what people are saying now?
"Regardless of the truth, it wouldn't be strange if Staff Officer Yuki had as much ability as Representative Milly. And look at that girl; she’s waiting for someone. I heard she came here yesterday under the guidance of Representative Eris."
"Wait a minute, does that mean..."
"She’s probably waiting for Staff Officer Yuki."
"Seriously? Man, that was a close one. Thanks for the heads-up."
*Gahhh!* The flag was broken!? The flag was broken by the festival's momentum!? You guys are men, aren't you? If you want a woman, put in some effort!
"Still, it’s an enviable life, isn't it? Did you see that wedding?"
"Yeah, they were all stunning beauties."
"And there were over ten of them. As a man, I admire it, but I wonder how it feels from a woman's perspective?"
"I’m not a woman, so I wouldn't know, but it probably doesn't feel too good. Knowing the man you like is messing around with other women."
*Gyaaa!?* The talk about the wedding has now become my biggest obstacle. I get it. I get it—the "I hope the harem dies" sentiment. But did you have to talk about it right here, right now? This is bad. If Ria hears this, she’ll definitely think I’m an unfaithful man.
"Well, look at the time. I should head to work. Thanks for the talk."
"Not at all. Please give my regards to Narjia-san. Tell her Häagen-Dazs vanilla is the supreme flavor."
I have to escape from here. If I stay, Ria’s favorability rating is going to plummet.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Not at all."
"Shall we head to the workplace?"
"Yes."
With that, I successfully escaped the inn. I figured I’d be able to catch my breath once we reached the school. As I was walking, acting as her guide, she suddenly asked...
"Um..."
"What is it?"
"Do you really have that many wives?"
She heard it!? But I shouldn't lie; I have to be sincere and tell her the truth. Let's see... Seraria, Shera, Rurua, Deryu, Eris, Ratz, Milly, Tori, Riel, Kaya, Labyris, Aslin, Firia, and Kirue. That makes fourteen. Should I say it?
"Fourteen of them."
"...That’s amazing."
A silence followed. How am I supposed to react to that?
1. "Amazing, right? I’m super popular!" (Just an idiot)
2. "No, it’s not amazing. They were the ones who said they wanted to be with me." (A coward)
3. ... (Stay silent, proving I know I’m in the wrong)
4. "I'm just joking." (Get yelled at by my wives later)
Which one? No, none of these are the right answer! The options don't even make sense! Aren't these all negative choices!?
Damn it, I have to say something. Even if it’s negative, I need the answer that’s the *least* negative!
"I don't know what you think of it, Ria. But I love them all, and they love me back. And they all cooperate with each other. That’s why I’m proud of my wives."
"...Is that so?"
*Gyaaa!* Not only did I say something embarrassing, but didn't that just sound like I’m saying "I don't need you, Ria, there’s no room for you here"!?
Somebody help me!!
The barrage of four posts. And for the first time, Yuki panics. Everything I do is backfiring, and I’m nowhere near achieving my goal!!