落とし穴３８堀：そこに女湯があるから 祭り始まる (Part2)
"I suppose it's strange for someone like me to have multiple wives, isn't it?"
"Eh? But I have two, you know? Lari is an adventurer, so she’s always with me, but I leave the household matters to the other two."
"Oh, come to think of it, I haven't introduced them to you yet, Yuki-san. Both of them are very capable, and I can leave the house in their hands. They’re great cooks, too."
"..."
Wait.
They’re talking about having other wives so casually.
"Though, it would be nice if they could fight like your Tori and Riel, Yuki-san. That’s probably asking for too much, though."
"Hmm. But still, since those two got pregnant, our party’s attendance has been a bit spotty..."
"Ah, that’s true. Weed is surprisingly safe, so I don't have to worry about the house, but thinking about our combat strength, we really need some combat slaves. Our rank isn't high enough to recruit other adventurers."
"Exactly. Since we need people with actual skill for a dedicated role, it’s tough that we can’t bolster our strength without buying slaves and treating them as our own property."
"Let’s go choose some after this festival ends. We need someone who can keep Ovik entertained at night, too. And of course, they have to have a good personality."
Wait, what? They’re talking about female slaves as a standard option.
Or rather, they aren't negative about increasing the number of women at all.
"Excuse me, if I may ask something rather blunt... Lari-san, are you really okay with Ovik keeping many women?"
"Eh? I think it’s perfectly fine. After all, it’s proof that he’s a good man, isn't it? It’s not like he’s going to harm the women he takes in, and he’ll be providing for them. I think it would be narrow-minded of me or the other two wives not to accept it."
"A-and what about male slaves?"
"Hmm, if Ovik said he wanted a man, that wouldn't be a problem, but everyone else in the household is a woman. It feels like it would just complicate the relationships at home. I mean, with all of Ovik’s wives around, a single man would just be left out, right? Wouldn't that be pitiful?"
Ah, so that’s why there are so many cases of one man with multiple women.
I see, there’s no reason to create an environment where problems are bound to occur.
"And eventually, we’d have to encourage the men to become independent. We couldn't just keep them around without giving them a woman; that would be cruel. If it’s a woman, she can just become one of Ovik’s, so it works out."
When she puts it that way, it makes sense.
"And Ovik, I think a girl like Ratz-san, a Rabbit Beastman, would be nice. I’ve always wanted to touch those ears."
"Ah, you’ve been saying that for a while now. But we’re on the clock, let’s talk about that during our break."
"Oh, sorry. Please overlook that, Yuki-san."
The two of them walk away, getting along well.
Hmm, it seems I was still taking the common sense of this world too lightly.
I knew that having multiple wives was a form of social relief, but Ovik and Lari’s conversation really brought it home.
Up until now, it was only me and the other kings who had multiple wives.
Also, the economy circulates through the purchase of slaves.
While the nation of Weed as a whole buys and frees slaves, there are still combat slaves who fall through the cracks, intended for adventurers.
"Lari-san said some good things, didn't she?"
"Yes, I think it was a truly wonderful conversation."
My two wives, who are currently on guard duty, approach from behind.
"So, that’s how it is. Having many women around is nothing to be ashamed of."
"Even now, we have to leave your side and entrust you to Steve. Following Lari’s advice, why don't you keep some combat slaves by your side?"
"No, I already have plenty of wives."
"…It’s a form of torture that our own pregnancies are still a while away."
"…Besides, if you could increase the number of wives a little more, it would lead to smoother pregnancies, a more active night life, and a better division of labor."
No, wait—if the number of people increases, the night life doesn't necessarily get better... ah, they’re calculating based on the fact that some are already pregnant.
With nearly half of them pregnant right now, I spend most of my time with the wives who aren't.
As for the busyness of work, well, I do realize we are short-handed.
But what can I do? The management of Weed might become easier in the future, but the magic power depletion problem remains our most important secret.
I can’t just bring in untrustworthy outsiders.
Even if I can ensure safety through designated protection, I can’t just add people willy-nilly. It’s impossible.
"…I’m somewhat convinced by Lari’s argument. …I’ll think about the slave matter a little."
"Yes!!"
"We did it!!"
The two of them high-five each other beside me.
Even if they aren't slaves, I do need reliable personnel I can entrust with work...
...Man, this is difficult.
And honestly, isn't the requirement of being able to do various types of work pretty strict?
"Well, more importantly, the issue is what to do about the peeping."
"Can't we just kill time for 30 minutes and call it a day?"
"Is that appropriate?"
"It’d be stupid to go peeping for no reason and invite jealousy."
"So, Steve. What’s your take on Ovik?"
"The world is so unfair!! Damn it!!"
At a table in the corner of the Adventurer’s Guild, a goblin shed tears.
I’m sorry.
Since this seems like it’s going to take longer than expected, I’ll cut the story here and return to the main plot.
Sorry about that.
I’ll make sure to write the continuation properly.
Oh, as you probably gathered from the conversation, this story takes place before Seraria and Rurua gave birth.