落とし穴２７掘：新人さん歓迎会 (Part2)
"Is it the girls' home cooking? ...Very well, let's use that to regain some composure."
Poor Jessica. The culinary culture of Weed is leagues apart from what she’s used to.
We returned to the inn—or rather, my home.
"Big Brother, welcome back."
"Yuki, welcome back."
"We have plenty of alcohol today, too!"
"Now, now, Milly. You should pace yourself. If you get drunk and cause any trouble for our bellies, you'll be sleeping outside."
"Welcome back. Master, are you uninjured?"
"Welcome back. Shera and the others worked very hard on the cooking. Please, eat while it’s still warm."
Upon returning, the pregnant group and their support, Milly, greeted me as usual.
"Greetings. I am Jessica, who has recently become Yuki's captive. By the way, judging by our conversation, Yuki is..."
"Yes, we are Big Brother's wives. I am Ratz of the Rabbit Beastman tribe."
"And I am currently on standby because I am pregnant. I’ve heard about you, Jessica. To think you’d actually pick a fight with Yuki... My name is Deryu. I am a Human-based Demon Lord, and a counterpart to Ria over there."
"!? My apologies for the rudeness. Had I known the extent of Yuki and his group's power, I never would have challenged you."
Just like that, she was conversing with my wives without any issues.
"By the way, where is Seraria?"
She always says it’s the duty of the primary wife to come out and greet me.
"I’m right here. You didn't think I’d just leave my husband alone, did you?"
Seraria appeared as she said this.
"And why are you holding a sword?"
"I was practicing my swings."
"No, you're pregnant, so please, stay safe..."
"Don't be silly. It was written in the pregnancy guide—moderate exercise is recommended."
No, your version of "practicing swings" usually involves going until you hit your absolute limit.
"Now then, Jessica. I am Seraria, Yuki's primary wife and the Queen of Weed."
"I-I apologize for my insolence!!"
She immediately knelt on the spot and bowed her head.
"Though, since the administration of Weed is centered around the people, I’m essentially just a figurehead. I still have to be active for now, but in a few years, I’ll be a figurehead in the truest sense."
"…?"
Jessica wouldn't understand that. She just arrived in Weed today, and she’s used to the absolute monarchy that is the norm elsewhere.
"Oh, forgive me. Putting the trivial details aside, if you are willing to help Yuki, then I will trust you, Jessica."
"...I am grateful for your kind words, but isn't that a bit reckless for a Queen to say?"
"Pfft, sorry. You sound just like my subordinate, Quar."
"How rude. My apologies for the late introduction; I am Quar, a subordinate of Lady Seraria. I believe Lady Jessica’s point is quite valid."
"Oh, is that so? In that case, wouldn't it be problematic for the royalty and their subordinates to eat the same food?"
"That is out of the question. Our nation's policy is equality. You must not seek disparity."
"Honestly, how convenient for you."
"I return that sentiment to you, Seraria. Pushing yourself by swinging a sword like that..."
Quar’s lecture continued, but Seraria ignored her and turned back to Jessica.
"Well, that’s how it is. It might be confusing because so many things are different here, but do your best."
"Yes, I am grateful for your consideration."
"For now, I’m looking forward to dinner. In more ways than one..."
"?"
After that, Jessica ate dinner until she collapsed. She didn't actually regurgitate it, but she ended up spending the next day bedridden. Truly, food is essential for capturing someone's heart.
This chapter served as an explanation for Jessica, so I treated it as a "pitfall" chapter. For everyone else, consider it a review.
***
**Progress Report:**
* **Pokémon:** Not making any progress at all. I don't feel much motivation. The Stone Maniac is to blame. If only he were a girl... or maybe "Bonjour" would have been fine too.
* **Dynasty Warriors 8: Empires:** When I raise my flag in the center, even though there's no actual "encirclement" strategy in place, the surrounding areas act as if there is, attacking me and keeping me busy with defense. What did I even do?
* **PC Minecraft:** The first day is spent busy adding mods. In the first world I created, the spawn point was in a meadow with tons of horses, but for some reason, enemies were spawning in droves. There were no sheep. I spent all my time frantically building a fence, placing torches, and before I could even build a tofu-style house, I had to build a stable first. I still can't make a bed; it's a very difficult situation. I need to go spider hunting.