第２５５堀：奥様は本の森の魔女、そして答え。 (Part3)
Airi said this as she dragged Taiki-kun out of the room.
As I watched my comrade-in-arms disappear while shouting "Help me!" until the very end, I was reminded of those shark movies.
"Hmm, Eoid and Amanda had the same reaction. Do you know the cause?"
*Wait, you don't know!?*
More importantly, what am I supposed to do with this underwear!?
Someone, please tell me how to get rid of this garment without it being my fault!!
...I feel like I’m about to fall into a classic trope myself.
"I see. I understand now."
"Really?"
No, Ria-san. Please, help *me* instead!
"First, I must ask: why did you give Eoid-san your freshly removed underwear?"
"That is because the book titled *Nighttime Activities for Entering This Room* stated that inexperienced men are happiest when given a woman's freshly removed underwear."
*D-don't make fun of virgins!!*
But, since it’s technically true, I can't even argue.
Well, only if it’s the underwear of a beautiful girl, anyway.
"Hmm, Cleena, do you wish to spend the rest of your life with Eoid?"
"…Does spending the rest of one's life mean getting married?"
"Yes. It means marrying, having children, and growing old together. Do you have the desire to be with him for the rest of your life?"
"…I don't really know."
"Then that is the cause."
"What do you mean?"
"Cleena, listen. Giving someone your freshly removed underwear is, in a sense, a declaration that you want them to hold you. To 'hold' you, of course, implies having children. In other words, it is a proposal of marriage. Do you understand?"
"…I see. It does have that meaning. Understood."
"Your lack of social experience has worked against you. Furthermore, doing that right in front of Amanda-san was the real problem. No, if you truly intended to spend your life with Eoid-san, it wouldn't have been an issue, but you didn't have those feelings; you simply gave it to him as a token of gratitude, correct?"
"Affirmative."
"However, to Amanda-san, who loves Eoid-san dearly, it did not look like gratitude. She likely thought you were trying to steal him away."
…Ah, so that’s what it was.
Well, if someone did that the moment they met, it would look exactly like a declaration of romantic conquest.
"I see… I have done a terrible thing to Amanda."
"Well, it was a misunderstanding, so we will explain it to her. Next time you meet, if you apologize properly and talk it out, you can become friends."
"Hmm, thank you. I will apologize to Amanda. But, there is a strange point. Polygamy is common. Why did Amanda think he would be stolen? I think it would be fine to just share him between the two of us."
"Ah, that is only for those who have the means to support such a lifestyle. And it assumes that the people involved accept polygamy. Most ordinary people practice monogamy, and Eoid-san comes from an ordinary family. Therefore…"
"I understand. If that is the case, it is only natural that Amanda would feel the fear of having Eoid stolen."
Phew, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief.
First, I should return this dangerous item in my hand to Cleena.
Ria hasn't misunderstood, and I’m lucky to have such an understanding wife.
Now then… how do I return this underwear casually?
…No matter what choice I make, it seems I won't be able to escape the stigma of being a pervert.
I mean, I’m currently clutching Cleena’s freshly removed underwear, staring at it intensely while agonizing over this!!
"So, in the future, do not give away your freshly removed underwear as a token of gratitude."
"Understood. I will use something else."
"Well, I will teach you what those 'other things' are later."
"That helps. Ria is my best friend."
"I am happy to hear you say that."
"But, I am a little sad."
"Why is that?"
"If monogamy is the norm, then someday I will have to part ways with both you and Amanda. If polygamy were the norm, we could always be together."
…She’s never had a friend before, so I suppose the reality that a parting might come someday is painful for her.
"Ah, in that case, it is not a problem for me. The rest depends on whether Cleena likes it."
Hm? Isn't the flow of this conversation getting weird?
"What do you mean?"
"I am already married. And I know the loneliness of being separated from a friend all too well. So, I can make a suggestion, though it is a bit bold. My husband is a man who truly embodies polygamy, and he is quite capable. In fact, it is no exaggeration to say he is the best in the world."
"In other words, if I marry Ria’s husband, I won't have to be separated from Ria?"
"Yes, that is exactly right."
"…I am a little conflicted."
No, don't be conflicted! Refuse her!
Ria, what are you putting into the head of this pure, naive girl who knows nothing but magic and theory!?
"Hmm. Then I shall share this information as well. Eris-san is also married to the same husband. In fact, most of us Zilba members are his wives."
"That means I could also become friends with Eris, who defeated the principal?"
"Yes. In fact, everyone else will accept you, Cleena. You will make friends, and you will be fellow wives."
"…That is attractive."
No, it is not attractive!!
Value yourself more! You’re going to get scammed!!
"…But, it is scary to marry someone I have never even seen. I believe he is not a bad person because Ria says so, but…"
Exactly! Exactly!!
Good, keep refusing just like that!
"Ah, you don't know who Eris-san's husband is, do you?"
"Affirmative. During the duel, I heard Eris was married, but I do not know who the partner is."
"Well, the person currently holding Cleena-san's underwear is our husband, Yuki-san."
"Eh!?"
At those words, Cleena immediately turns to look at me.
…What am I supposed to say?
For now, I’ll just return the underwear.
"Um, here is your underwear back."
I offer the garment to her.
…I look like a pervert no matter how you slice it.
"You don't have to return it."
"Huh?"
"Ria, I have decided. I will marry Yuki. That way, we can always be together."
"…Cleena, I am happy for your feelings, but I will not allow you to marry Yuki-san just to stay with me."
"Hmm, I understand. I wouldn't marry a man I don't like just to be with you, Ria. I have only just met Yuki, but I can tell he is definitely not a bad person. And my friend Ria praises him this much. Therefore, I believe Yuki is a person who will surely make me, and my children, happy."