第２６３堀：精神攻撃は基本である (Part4)
"……*Sigh*. Samantha, marry me. Of course, this is a marriage proposal born of calculation and ulterior motives."
"Eh?"
Samantha’s face lit up with joy for a fleeting second, only to twist immediately at the words that followed. After all, I had just told her it was necessary for the sake of using her.
*You really need to choose your words better, me!!*
My silent plea went unheard as the recording continued. Yes, that footage was already a thing of the past.
"But, if you can forgive me, Samantha, I hope that we can come to love each other from here on out. There’s no such thing as a perfect couple from the start, and I hope that we can work hard together and build a home that everyone would envy. ...Well, I realize how strange that sounds when I already have other wives."
*I’m ruining it, I’m ruining it!!*
And then, after that disastrous confession, Samantha shed tears and...
"……I, do."
She whispered something and threw her arms around me, and the video ended.
"..."
Silence descended upon the administrative office.
*Just kill me already!!*
Where? Where in that scene was there anything worth praising? And more importantly, what reason did Samantha have to accept a confession like that? Even if Seraria and the others were pulling strings behind the scenes, that should have ruined everything, right?!
"My, what a magnificent confession."
"Eh? Which part?"
I retorted to the Duke, my father-in-law, with a knee-jerk reaction. However, he just smiled warmly and answered with ease.
"All of it. In marriages between nobles, one cannot hope for love. It is only natural to use one another. You marry for the sake of your parents' interests. Yet, even knowing that, most marriage proposals are nothing but empty, masked declarations of 'I love you' that lack any heart. But you, Yuki-dono, were different. You were prepared to insult your partner by admitting there were interests and motives involved, and yet, you still spoke of finding love within that. Is there any language more considerate of one's partner than that?"
*Ehh?* So, it was the sincerity that was good?
"I, too, had a political marriage with my wife. We traded nothing but hollow, plated words, and the marriage remained a mere formality; for a time, our days were spent only sharing a bed."
*Well, that sounds painful.* If the other party doesn't want it, sharing a bed only leads to awkwardness.
"However, once our son was born, my wife and I were finally able to love one another. It was indeed a political marriage, but I was moved by the sight of my wife, who had desperately borne my children. I felt, 'I am sorry for being such a husband.' Though it was late, I asked her if she would live with me. If she would support me by my side. Finally, I was able to love my wife, including all the motives and calculations. Well, thanks to that, we have four children, including Samantha. My wife even tells me that since my nights are too 'intense,' I should take a mistress."
He scratched his head, looking embarrassed. As he spoke, the door to the office opened, and a beautiful woman who looked like an older version of Samantha stepped in.
"Honestly, what kind of embarrassing things are you saying to Yuki-dono!! Please forgive my husband's lack of decorum."
"Ah, no. Um, if you are his wife..."
"Yes. I am Viyu, Duchess of Huge. ...Please, take care of Samantha."
Viyu-san bowed her head immediately. I see, so this is the Duchess. Still, to think that such a beauty and her husband only shared a bed... noble marriages must be incredibly worn out. I had to give a reply, at least.
"Yes. I intend to do my best with Samantha."
"Yuki-sama……"
Beside me, Samantha was overcome with emotion and started crying again. Seeing this, Viyu-san immediately lifted her head and glared at her daughter.
"What is with that 'Yuki-sama'?! You let the man who has stood tall for your sake do all the talking, and you just get overcome with emotion? In terms of status, it wouldn't be strange for you to marry into the Royal House of Roday!! If you continue to act like this, it is rude to Yuki-dono. Or rather, you are not worthy of him. I shall oppose this marriage! I will find someone more suitable for Yuki-dono."
"Su, such a thing, Mo, Mother!?"
"Then, as a daughter of the House of Huge, show a response and attitude worthy of Yuki-dono."
*Ah, I think I get it now.* This is just how this Duke's family rolls.
"Yes!! I, Samantha Ann Huge, swear to support Yuki-sama and live by his side!"
"Your voice is too small!!"
"I, Samantha……"
*So they’re the hot-blooded, passionate type.* Like, "Come on, get fired up!"?
After the declaration lesson between Samantha and Viyu-san concluded...
"Come to think of it, Samantha, I would like to see that confession one more time, if you don't mind?"
"Yes!! By all means!!"
"Indeed. That confession is a fine thing."
And so, ignoring me, the screening of my confession began once more.
*Stop it!!* Hey, butler, stop them! I sent desperate glances his way, but the butler just offered me tea and shook his head.
*Just kill me!! Someone, kill me!!*
My wish went unheeded, and I ended up watching it a total of five times.
Now then, would you be able to endure watching your own confession scene? I certainly couldn't.