第２６１堀：勝敗は決した。色んな意味で。 (Part3)
That is a remarkably convincing reason.
Since my husband is only hopeless when it comes to women, but handles everything else flawlessly, it’s only natural for a wife who wants to support him to feel dissatisfied.
If we feel a bit of dissatisfaction, it certainly wouldn’t suit Sasari, who openly declares that she prefers a "hopeless man."
"As a master to serve, I have absolutely no complaints. Therefore, um, when we relocate our base to Weed, if I could have your permission to search for a boyfriend..."
"That’s fine. But you mustn't get tangled up with a man who would cause trouble for my husband or us, understood?"
"Yes. That I can handle. It’s not that I have a preference for men with bad personalities, it’s more that they are... worth polishing, or perhaps, worth raising..."
"...I see. You’re the type who wants to raise a man to your own specifications, aren't you?"
"Yes!!"
"Actually, that topic is incredibly interesting. Would you mind telling me all about it once you’ve started?"
"Of course. I’m so happy to have such an understanding mistress."
With that, Sasari and I share a firm handshake.
Wow, Sasari might be even more interesting than Samantha.
"U-um. Then, does this mean I should wait for Yuki-sama’s confession from here on out?"
"Hm? Yes, that’s right. I’ll keep an eye out for the timing and let you know, so you just make sure you’re looking your absolute best. Having the man you love confess to you is something that happens maybe once in a lifetime."
"Yes, thank you so much!!"
Now, all that’s left is to confirm things with my husband.
Seeing the expectant look on Samantha’s face, I should probably help her think of a way to be confessed to, just to make sure her dreams aren't shattered.
***
Side: Yuki
When I told Seraria about my plan to scrap the confession and go see Roday instead, I was met with a fist to the head.
To make matters worse, everyone, including Cleena, gave me a cold, icy stare.
What gives?
Taiki-kun, who helped me come up with the plan, is also being glared at by Airi-san. What exactly was wrong with it?
It was supposed to be the perfect plan where no one gets hurt!!
"Haa. I was a fool to leave this matter to you. I’m really glad I checked beforehand."
"W-why? Even if we don't get married..."
"Don't you dare say you don't need to get married. You’re planning to use that girl as a stepping stone for various things, aren't you?"
"Well, yeah."
"If you toy with her halfway and then just leave her be, she won't be able to find anyone else to marry! Is that okay with you? For the sake of your goals, are you going to let a young girl spend her whole life in loneliness? Are you planning to use her up and discard her, like you did with Jessica at the beginning?"
"...Ah, geez. Fine, I get it!! I’ll confess!! But if Samantha turns me down, that’s the end of it, okay!! And after she turns me down, I’m just going to have her cooperate with us. I’ll make sure to follow up so that Samantha can get married properly. Got it?"
When I said that, all my wives broke into smiles.
What is this?
Do they think the confession is actually going to succeed?
No, wait. Is the act of confessing itself what’s important? Well, it is true that I was trying to break my promise to my wives and take the safe route.
I suppose it can't be helped.
If Samantha gets hurt, I’ll just have all my wives help her recover.
"So, about this 'confession'... what kind of confession would be good for a young lady like her?"
As I muttered that...
"How about, 'I want you'?"
"What about a sudden, passionate kiss, followed by 'I love you'?"
"How about this: pick her up princess-style and whisper your love to her?"
"Gently embrace her, push her down onto the futon, and say, 'I love you so much.' How’s that?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
They just kept coming.
Requests for confessions that I could never pull off, the kind you only see in plays.
Oh no, I’m starting to feel faint.
Why do I have to say such cheesy lines?
And wait, isn't this already at the level of "please marry me" rather than just a confession?
Wait a minute? This is a confession for the sake of dating, right?
It’s not a marriage proposal, is it?
That’s it. Taiki-kun is here.
I’ll plead with him right here.
We’ll think of a confession together again!!
Clinging to a sliver of hope, I cast a glance at Taiki-kun.
Taiki-kun noticed, but reality was cruel.
The exchange of eye contact went as follows:
*I require reinforcements.*
*No surplus combat power available. Pray for your safe return.*
What... the... hell?
While I was stunned by Taiki-kun’s reply, Airi grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, and he vanished like a shark in a movie.
What a disaster. What am I supposed to do!?
"Now then, dear? We don't have much time left, so let’s make it a confession—no, a proposal—tomorrow, shall we?"
"Wait a second, it’s just a confession, right? Just asking her to go out with me?"
"Huh? You do realize that in noble society, asking someone to 'go out with you' is the same as asking them to marry you, right? You can't possibly be unaware that love marriages are incredibly rare? You don't actually think you can get away with just using Samantha as a negotiator, do you? If you do that, her family will think they’ve gained even more favor with her, and they’ll push her even harder. Then Samantha will be our diplomatic trump card, destined to be alone forever. What? Are you planning to do the same thing you did to Jessica at the start?"
"...Yes. I will propose."
I couldn't win against my wives.
Haa, I guess this is just a difference in eras.
I’m still not used to it, but as Seraria says, in noble society, Samantha’s position is precarious unless we get married.
Ah, wait. I could just marry her, bring her to Weed, and if there’s someone suitable, I could have her be with them instead?
I can always find a way to fudge the details.
But why are my wives so convinced that the confession will succeed?
Ugh, my stomach is starting to hurt.
...Dealing with the Holy Sword users would be easier than this. Definitely.
***
Side: Nina, Holy Sword User
In the dim forest as the sun began to set, we were still in the same spot.
"Hey, Leader. Are we still not heading to Roday?"
"Be patient. This is all according to plan. I told you before, didn't I?"
"Ugh. I know, but it’s still boring. Hey, Kaya, let me touch your fox ears."
I was bored to death, so I decided to touch my companion’s fox ears to soothe my frayed nerves.
"Geez. You’re hopeless, aren't you?"
"Nufufufu. Ah, Kaya’s ears feel as good as ever."
"Thanks."