第２７５堀：戦いに必要なモノ (Part1)
Chapter 275: What is Needed for Battle
Side: Yuki
"My, you were so cool out there, honey."
The one clinging to me, for some reason wearing a blue jumper as part of the camera crew, was Seraria. She really knows how to get into the spirit of things at the strangest times.
"Thanks. So, where's Amanda?"
"Hmm, let’s see. I believe she’s with Deryu. That girl studied under Eris and Deryu, so she probably feels most at ease over there."
"I see. I’ll go check on her."
"Sigh. You put so much effort into other people’s love lives, but you’re hopeless when it comes to your own."
"Shut it."
"Well, you’re worth loving, so I suppose it’s fine. Oh, that fried chicken was truly delicious. I think Weed would welcome some chicken farming."
"Oh, so you tried it too, Seraria?"
"Yes. He’s such a pleasant gentleman. His inn management is impressive, too. The food, in particular, is marvelous."
"Right?"
"Since he’s such a nice man, he might even be willing to part with some chickens. But that’s a matter for another day. Right now, Amanda’s well-being comes first. Off you go."
"Yeah."
I parted ways with Seraria. She seems to be handling the camera quite naturally. It’s amazing how she picks up things she’s genuinely interested in so quickly.
"Hm? What is it, Yuki? Did you come to be pinned down?"
"No, why would you jump to that conclusion?"
Before I knew it, I had arrived where Deryu was, but for some reason, her opening remark was completely out of left field.
"Honestly, after showing us such a steamy scene, you come here acting like this?"
"Well, it’s Yuki, so it can’t be helped. You can just pounce on him tonight."
"I suppose so."
"No, no. Anyway, what about Amanda?"
"Hm? Amanda is over there, looking pale."
"Pale?"
Following Deryu’s gaze, I saw Amanda literally turning blue and trembling.
"What happened?"
There were no visible external injuries, so did something unpleasant occur?
"No, she was just watching the matches like everyone else. There hasn't been any outside interference or threats, and Amanda hasn't been hurt. Well, you'll understand if you go over and listen to her."
Labyris said this while reaching out her arms, asking to be picked up. I lifted her, and she settled into her usual spot on my shoulders.
"Come on, let’s go to Amanda."
"Are you coming too?"
"Yes."
"What about you, Deryu?"
"Hm? I’ll stay here. I have the camera, after all."
"Right, thanks for handling the filming."
"Yeah, leave it to me. Take care of Amanda; she’s not good with that sort of thing."
Still, Labyris’s chest feels heavy again. Did it get bigger? The weight on my head feels different than it used to.
"That’s right. It’s grown properly thanks to you kneading it, Yuki."
"Doesn't growth stop at some point?"
"Immortality just stops the deterioration caused by aging. Whether a chest is big or small isn't really 'deterioration'—it’s for feeding children, so I suspect it’s different?"
"Ah, I see. Like a change in physical condition?"
"I suppose so. Aren't you glad? If you work hard, even Firia might end up with a chest bigger than mine while staying that size."
"Hmm. Labyris, having a large chest can be a hassle, right? But the possibility of it growing is a good thing, I suppose. Firia will eventually become immortal too, but if it can grow after that, she won't have to worry about holding back for the kids."
"Ah, come to think of it, Aslin and Firia were trying to get the children to nurse, but they just turned away."
"Children nurse for food. If there's nothing there, or if it's too flat, they don't recognize it as 'food.' Actually, it’s not great to try and get a hungry child to nurse on something that isn't producing."
"...That’s harsh on those girls. Besides, Cleena and Samantha try to get them to nurse even though they don't produce milk either. No woman could see those children and not have their maternal instincts stirred."
Yeah, I get that. All the children are constantly trying to nurse from my wives. Whether there's milk or not. They’re so cute that I understand the urge to let them. But it must be bothersome for the kids. Being offered a dry chest and all.
"Well, as you say, Yuki. It might be a nuisance for the children. But they do all the other caretaking, and they do let them nurse. Besides, everyone except the flat-chested ones gets demanded by the kids to let them nurse, you know?"
"Wait, really?"
"Even I, when I hold the children, they pat my chest and demand it. I let them nurse until they get bored every time. Even though nothing comes out."
"Hmm. I wonder if the children vaguely recognize that everyone is their mother?"
"Who knows? Their self-awareness isn't clear yet, so I can't read their hearts. Anyway, shouldn't you talk to Amanda?"
"Ah, right."
Somehow, whenever I'm with my wives, the conversation always turns to family. Especially the children. Well, that’s fine, but right now, it’s about Amanda.
"......Ugh."
She’s groaning. What on earth is wrong?
"Excuse me, Amanda-san."
"Oh, ah. Yuki-san."
She reacted immediately when I called out, so she doesn't seem to be lost in deep thought.
"Are you feeling unwell?"
"N-no. It’s just... I was watching the duel. It was amazing. Congratulations on your victory..."
"Thank you very much."
...Ah. I see. She’s probably worried about Eoid.
"...I suspect that’s it. You overdid the theatrics in a different sense. I’m sure Amanda is anxious about whether Eoid might die."
Labyris thinks so too.
"Are you worried about Eoid?"
I had to start somewhere. I took Labyris down from my shoulders and set her on my lap.
"...Yes. Unlike you, Yuki-san, or Taiki-san, Eoid is, well... he’s not that strong."
Yeah. I understand that feeling well. Both Taiki-kun and I have thought that many times since coming to this world. We received praise that felt unearned, yet we were forced into situations where we had no choice but to act.
"...I’m sorry to say this to you and Taiki-san, who have taught us so much, but Eoid is just an ordinary person."
"An ordinary... person, you say?"
Ordinary, huh? Can I scream that I’m ordinary too?
"Yuki, give it up."
Tch, the busty little girl on my lap said that. Her small voice didn't reach the anxious Amanda, and the conversation continued.