第２６３堀：精神攻撃は基本である (Part2)

Some of my wives declared themselves as such, others I found had become my wives before I even realized it, and there were some I had to take as wives simply because my position demanded it.

However, in every single case, I held the higher standing, and they were the ones who had come to me asking to be taken. Regardless of their attitude at the time.

"My, why are you staring at me?"

"No, I was just remembering back when you first came to be my bride, Seraria."

"It was quite passionate, wasn't it?"

"..."

And to think, she was in on it with Labyris and the others back then. Even though, at the start, it was only to keep me under surveillance.

"Anyway, I don't know how to go about proposing. What should I do about greeting the parents on this continent? Do I need a dowry or something similar?"

"...Oh, crap. I didn't bring a dowry when I went for Airi."

...Taiki-kun, that’s not good, man. Well, I suppose his head was probably filled with nothing but the greeting itself.

...It can't be helped. I can't just leave it at that.

"It is quite alright, Taiki-sama. After your confession, your subordinates brought over various gifts, including the dowry."

It’s good to have competent subordinates.

"Ah, I wouldn't know about that either. Well, Samantha didn't say anything in particular, did she?"

"I haven't heard a word."

"Then, you can just think of this as a preliminary meeting. You can handle the formal exchange of dowries and such on another day."

Oh, I suppose that’s one way to look at it. We’ll be seeing each other plenty of times anyway; there’s no need to finish everything in one go.

"Well, I understand your anxiety, but since Jessica and Cleena from the New Continent are right there, why not ask them? It might serve as a good reference, don't you think?"

That’s true. They’re right here as guards; I might as well ask.

"So, do you know anything about marriage customs?"

For starters, I asked Jessica, who had served as a knight in Zilba. Well, she’s still a knight of Zilba, but she’s already part of the Weed group.

"...Let’s see. Hmm, I’m sorry. I’ve attended a few wedding ceremonies, but those were just matters of etiquette. I’ve never had to move for the sake of my own marriage, so I’m not really sure."

"Wait, you haven't heard any stories about how your acquaintances went about getting married?"

"I have, but they were commoners. It’s usually just 'Please marry me,' 'Okay,' and that’s it. Dowries are for the nobility. Commoners don't have that kind of leeway. They handle things themselves. Well, they might serve some modest food..."

"That feels a bit different from what I'm looking for."

"Yes. That’s why I don't really know. For me, the marriage proposal was just the one with Yuki, and I was so happy; it was celebrated so grandly. I am completely satisfied."

"I see. I'm glad you were happy, Jessica. Come to think of it, I didn't have the presence of mind to think about those things back then. My apologies."

"No, please don't worry about it. I am plenty happy."

I’m not much different from Taiki-kun, am I? With Jessica, it felt like I just forced my own style onto her.

"Cleena, do you know anything about the customs for wedding ceremonies or greeting parents?"

"...Sorry. I don't."

Well, Cleena has always been focused on her studies, so it can't be helped. She probably hasn't had any interest in marriage until now.

"...B-but."

"Hm?"

For once, Cleena’s lips were trembling. She usually speaks in a detached, calm manner, but right now, she seemed nervous.

"...Like you did for Jessica and Seraria. I want you to hold a wedding ceremony for me, too. I... I want to wear that dress as well."

At Cleena’s words, everyone in the room widened their eyes.

"Of course!! Alright, Cleena, we’re going to get your measurements for a dress as soon as we get back!!"

"Indeed. What kind of dress would you like, Cleena?"

"I think a dress based on red, to match her hair, would be lovely..."

Seraria immediately contacted Narjia-san, and Ria and Jessica pulled wedding dress pamphlets out of their item boxes to show Cleena.

"...Women are so full of energy."

"...Yeah, they are."

Well, it is a wedding dress, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event; I can’t treat it lightly. Cleena is a girl, after all.

In the end, I didn't get any useful information regarding marriage. Just as I was thinking that, the door to the guest room opened, and Samantha walked in.

"Yuki-sama, thank you very much for waiting. Would you be willing to meet with my father now?"

Ah, it’s finally here. The main event...

"My, make sure you greet him properly."

"This is a man's time to shine, Yuki-san."

Damn it, they’re acting like this has nothing to do with them.

"I'll be fine. So, where should I go?"

I can't exactly refuse, so I have no choice but to ask.

"Um, I am terribly sorry, but he is currently handling paperwork, such as gathering troops based on information from Principal Popuri’s letter, so if you could come to the government office..."

"Understood. Please lead the way."

Ah, no wonder I was put on the back burner. In any world, nothing can move forward without handling the paperwork. It’s not just about reading a letter and shouting about it. In this world, paperwork is what truly matters.

Wait, was Samantha even able to talk to him about me in this situation? She didn't just bring me here for a "do-or-die" debut, did she? She must have mentioned me in a letter, but there’s no way the processing of documents that could decide the fate of Roday—let alone the territory—is on the same level as dealing with her daughter's marriage partner.

...The more I think about it, the more anxious I get. Honestly, this is scarier than any battle.

"Samantha, the Duke seems busy, but were you able to talk to him about me?"

It’s never a mistake to get some advance information, so I asked while we were walking. I have to figure out how to greet him based on his mood, after all.

"Yes. Since this is a major life event for me, I spoke with my father properly."

She’s so fearless, Samantha.

...Crap, he looks so busy with government affairs; I want to say "maybe some other time." Damn it, does everyone feel this way when they go to propose?

Even as I struggled with those thoughts, time marched on, and before I knew it, Samantha stopped in front of a large door. She checked to make sure I was standing there, then knocked.

"Father. It is Samantha."

Samantha changed her tone, and a moment later, a reply came back.

"...Samantha, come in."

That was a very stern voice. He must be a rugged, intimidating old man, judging by the sound of it!

"Excuse me."