第２６０堀：布陣発表 (Part3)
"That’s right. We can take care of the children, so Yuki-san, please go and protect Roday with peace of mind."
Yes, as the saying goes, I may not have the "assets" to boast about, but I can certainly handle childcare. What kind of wife would I be if I didn't strive to ease Yuki-san’s worries?
"Alright, the formation is decided. There might be some minor details, but please discuss and finalize those within your respective teams. I’m placing a restriction on the weapons used during defense, but if things get dire, the use of heavy weaponry is permitted. Actually, we’ll be bringing heavy weaponry to Roday ourselves."
*Naturally. No matter how you look at it, we are at an overwhelming numerical disadvantage, so heavy weapons that are convenient for annihilation are necessary.*
I see. If we use magic to wipe them out, the magical dispersion becomes an issue, so we need to use weapons that don't involve magic.
"Oh, and I almost forgot. During combat, unless it’s an emergency, please use these Drain Swords that Narjia-san created by analyzing the Holy Swords. They utilize the system that accumulates magic power into the Holy Sword's dungeon core, increasing the absorption rate and preventing the magical dispersion of defeated monsters. It’s the most reliable weapon we have right now. They come in various shapes—swords, spears, hammers, and so on. They can instantly absorb a certain amount of magic, so they should be able to defend against the attacks of the Holy Sword users to some extent."
Yuki-san said this while showing us various Drain weapons. Hmm, I wonder if I should go with a katana or a sword? Still, Narjia-san is amazing as always. The way the weapons seem to cling to your hand—creating things like this so easily is a talent unique to her.
After that, we were dismissed to prepare. I went to speak with the Principal regarding the defense of the Academy, and by the time I finished, it was quite late—or rather, the sun was already rising.
*Ah, this is bad for my skin.*
Thinking this, I was walking toward my room at the Academy when I saw Sasari-san, Samantha’s attendant, standing at the end of the hallway. Wait, is that in front of my room? Riel and I share a room, and she probably went back earlier and is fast asleep.
"Sasari-san. Good morning. Do you need something?"
"Ah, Tori-sama. I see, so you were out. It is early morning, so I assumed you were still asleep... but you never cease your training, do you?"
"Ah, yeah. If I slack off on sword practice, my skills get dull."
*Crap.* I still had the Drain Sword out. Well, I suppose it’s fine. It just looks like a sword with a large gemstone embedded in it.
"So, to repeat, did you need something?"
"My apologies. Actually, there is something I would like to ask and consult with you about, Tori-sama..."
What could it be? For some reason, Sasari-san looks incredibly nervous. Did I do something wrong?
"For now, please come inside."
I couldn't really talk here, and there was no reason to refuse. Besides, she’s Samantha’s attendant; maybe this could be a chance to build a good relationship with Yuki-san. However, Sasari-san is still visibly tense, her whole body rigid. Riel, as expected, is curled up on the bed.
"Um, would you like some tea?"
"No, I couldn't possibly trouble you, Tori-sama..."
"Come now, I’m the one who lives here, don't worry about it."
I sat Sasari-san back down as she tried to stand up to prepare it herself. I quickly finished preparing the tea and handed it to her.
"So, what was it you wanted to ask?"
"...Yes. This is something that would be inexcusable even if I were to be cut down for it... but would you please listen?"
"I wouldn't cut down someone who came to consult me so politely. Please, rest easy."
Yeah, I wouldn't do that. Well, if she said, "I intend to kill Yuki-san," I’d make sure she became a corpse right here. Whether I *could* do it or not is irrelevant; anyone who tries to take Yuki-san away from us is guilty.
"Phew... Then, I will trust you, Tori-sama, and speak."
"Yes."
"...It is a very rude thing to say, but my mistress, Samantha-ojou-sama, has fallen in love with Yuki-sama. I am not asking for marriage. Please, I beg you, allow her to confess her feelings."
"Eh?"
"Please, I beg of you. I understand the sentiment that my mistress may not be worthy of Yuki-sama. But please, just give her a chance. My mistress has said she will absolutely become a lady worthy of Yuki-sama. I know this is an incredibly rude request to all of you, his wives. But I do not want my mistress's love to end with her just harboring these feelings in silence."
"W-wait a second."
...Um, what does this mean? I’m confused, so I decide to organize my thoughts by speaking them aloud.
"To summarize, Samantha likes Yuki-san, so you came to ask us, his wives, for permission to confess?"
"Yes, that is correct. My mistress knows this is a forbidden love. And she dislikes the idea of disrupting the relationship between Yuki-sama and his wives. Therefore..."
"You came to talk to me first to make sure no problems arise?"
"Yes."
Hmm, hmm. Isn't this actually convenient? Oh, but there is one thing I have to ask. It’s unlikely given Samantha’s personality, but...
"I understand the situation. However, I have one question."
"And what would that be?"
"...If you are after Yuki-san’s power, wealth, or influence, leave immediately."
That’s right. I don't need trash who sees Yuki-san as a tool. I directed a fair amount of killing intent at Sasari-san, waiting for her reaction, but she answered immediately.
"That is absolutely not the case!! My mistress has fallen in love with Yuki-sama’s character and the depth of his heart!! It is not such a base motive!!"
"Fueh!? Tori, I’m not asleep!?"
...I see Sasari-san is serious, but Riel woke up because of the killing intent. Still, Riel, you were clearly sleeping. Well, I’ll leave Riel aside for a moment...
"I see. In that case, I welcome it. I welcome anyone who truly loves Yuki-san from the bottom of their heart."
"Th-then, may she confess?"
"Yes. In fact, let’s have everyone cooperate to make her confession a success. Of course, you’re welcome to get married, too."
"R-really!?"
"Really."
"Th-thank you so much!! Then, I will tell my mistress immediately, and she will confess to Yuki-sama..."
Wait, hold on. I definitely need to tell everyone else about this...
"Please wait. We’ll have everyone help, so bring Samantha here for a moment. Yuki-san is quite stubborn, you know. We need to prepare accordingly."
"I see... Understood. Would it be alright after today’s classes?"
"Yes, that’s fine. I’ll talk to everyone else in the meantime."
"Thank you. ...I’m so relieved. I will make sure my mistress’s love bears fruit."
"With that attitude, you’ll be fine."
With that, Sasari-san and I shook hands and parted ways. Now, this is getting fun. Things are busy, but you need entertainment like this. First, I’ll talk to everyone, confirm how Yuki-san wants to confess, talk to Samantha and Sasari-san, and then photograph the scene of Yuki-san’s confession.
Yes, I’m looking forward to it!
"...Yaaawn, huh? Was someone in the room just now?"
"...You’re as bad at waking up as ever, Riel."
For now, I’ll start by making sure Riel is properly awake.
***
**side: Yuki**
"Hey, Taiki-kun. Do you know what kind of confession makes a woman’s heart flutter?"
"I have no idea. Well, for now, as long as you aren't hated, it’s enough to have an excuse to head to the Duchy. Instead of risking failure with a confession, why not just go with the flow of 'I want to see the Duke’s land'?"
"I see. My wives are telling me to confess, but in reality, the confession itself might be a landmine..."
"Exactly. It would be bad if that happened. This isn't being a coward; it’s a safety measure. A reliable strategy."
"That’s right. This isn't cowardice. It’s a strategy that considers safety. Yup, yup."
I consulted with Taiki-kun about how to handle Samantha and became convinced. Let’s go with the safety measure. A confession is a gamble I shouldn't take. This is by no means because I don't want to confess, but a conclusion reached after thinking about the overall balance. No matter how you look at it, I am not being a coward.
Now, with a perfect formation, we shall face the Holy Sword user.
Eh? That’s not the issue? Yuki is the problem? Don't say stupid things; looking at it from any angle, Yuki and Taiki’s way of thinking is the correct one, right? Right?