第２２５掘：お転婆姫とのお話 (Part2)
"...Ah!? That's right!! Princess Miffy is the problem!!"
"Eep!? Jessica, please don't shout so suddenly."
"Oh, Ria, I'm sorry."
"Honestly, I know what's going on. You were thinking about this and that with Yuki-san, and your brain just stopped working, didn't it?"
"Th-that's not it!! It's not about Yuki!! I definitely wasn't thinking about anything improper..."
After playing around with Ria like that...
"I spilled the apple juice... *sniffle* waaaah!"
Aslin got caught in the crossfire and started crying.
"Hey now, you two are grown adults, what are you doing getting Aslin involved in this!?"
"Are you okay, Aslin!?"
Labyris, who had been sitting on Yuki's lap, and Firia, who was in the passenger seat, jumped over at the sound of Aslin's crying.
Consequently, the car came to a stop, and we had to deal with the spill before it could stain the upholstery.
"Honestly. Both of you are Yuki-san's guards, so act like it."
"And making Aslin cry is a no-no."
" "We're sorry." "
While we were cleaning the car, we were being lectured by Riel and Kaya.
"Now, now, they're both reflecting on their actions, so let's forgive them."
Tori tried to shield us, but honestly, we were well aware that we were in the wrong, so I truly felt terrible.
"Ugh, it's all sticky..."
"Let's wipe it with a wet tissue. That should take care of the stickiness."
"Thank you, Shera-chan."
"Aslin, wear this for now."
"Thank you, Labyris-chan."
Aslin, who had been crying, was now helping with the cleanup alongside Shera and Labyris.
"Brother, how are the seats?"
"Hmm, they're fine. It wasn't that much of a spill anyway. While we're at it, let's take a short break. And it looks like Jessica and Ria are getting a good scolding."
" "We're sorry." "
"Well, they seem to be reflecting, so I won't say anything more about it. That aside, didn't you say Princess Miffy was the problem?"
"Ah, yes. It is an honor beyond my station, but Princess Miffy admires me. She sees me as a heroine capable of trading blows with a Magic Sword User."
"Ah, I see. Yeah, saying 'I married Jessica' might cause some trouble."
"Yes, I'm sure she would understand if I explained it, but we can't afford to spend time on things like that right now."
"True. We should postpone the marriage announcement for now."
"I think that's for the best."
"But just how much does she look up to you? Depending on that, it might be better if I don't stay too close to Jessica."
"She isn't the type to mix public and private matters to that extent, so if I state my position, she should treat me normally."
"Hmm, then I guess it's fine."
While discussing this, we took our break and then proceeded with the Marauder to the fortress, arriving safely, but...
"Knight Jessica, I'm so glad you're safe!!"
"Eh?"
Before we could even pass through the fortress gate, Princess Miffy rushed over and hugged me.
"Thank you for your hard work mediating between the mercenary corps and the royalty. Thanks to you, we were able to avoid unnecessary trouble. Thank you."
"N-no. This is also for the sake of Zilba."
...I couldn't exactly say it was because I wanted to be with Yuki, could I?
"However, the current situation is very dire."
"I am aware. That is why we are holding a meeting here at the fortress."
"Yes, but there is something we must do first."
Saying this, Princess Miffy finally pulled away from me.
"Is something the matter?"
"Yes. And, are those the people from the mercenary corps?"
"Yes, this is Yuki, the descendant of the royalty and the leader of that mercenary corps. Yuki, this is Princess Miffy Beiges Zilba, the Fifth Princess of the Zilba Empire."
"Pleasure to meet you. I apologize for my attire."
Yuki bowed politely.
"No, please, don't worry about it. We are in a national crisis. I am grateful to you all for lending us your strength at such a moment."
Princess Miffy returned the greeting just as politely.
"Princess Miffy, is this greeting the thing that had to be done first?"
I was confirming what Princess Miffy had mentioned earlier. However, this didn't seem like the kind of thing one would rush to do right in front of the fortress gate.
"Ah, no, that's not it. Knight Jessica, as of this moment, you are relieved of your duties as a mediator. From now on, you shall be my personal aide."
"Huh?"
What was she saying? I couldn't keep up with the situation at all. In the background, the Princess and Marly were pressing their hands together in apology, but what did that mean?
"The battle to come will not be child's play. I've heard that the mercenary corps lacks a Magic Sword User. If we don't reinforce the defenses at Betan, the line will collapse in an instant. Therefore, I am making Jessica my aide, and I will have Olive head to Betan. Is that acceptable? Yuki-dono, would that be alright with you? I wanted to proceed with the meeting under this premise..."
Yuki was also struggling with how to respond and couldn't answer immediately. Honestly, I absolutely hated the idea of being separated from Yuki right after getting married, so I blurted out...
"I refuse!! I am married to Yuki!!"
" " "Huh!?" " "
"Ah."
I've done it now.
Jessica is quite the maiden.
She has exploded.
In more ways than one.
And, changing the subject,
"Winning Dungeon Management Method 1"
One week until release!!
Man, it doesn't feel real yet.
Everyone, please check it out!!
See you next time.