第３２８堀：空いた時間のご褒美とおまけ (Part2)
In exchange, Yuki-san comes over to where I am.
Laraina treats Yuki-san with the respect due to a mercenary captain, doesn't she? She’s so serious, or perhaps I should say, stiff... I wish she had a bit more flexibility.
"What was that about with Laraina-dono? She seemed to be concerned about us in a strange way."
"Ah, I just told her that she’s the weakest one here, that’s all."
"Is that so? She thinks she has a good eye for these things. She said we looked a bit fragile, and since she’s left most of this messenger business to us, she’s probably feeling a bit skeptical about it all."
"I see."
"Personally, I think Laraina herself is quite serious and capable."
"I think so too. But... she’s the one most out of the loop this time, isn't she?"
"...Don't you dare say that to her face."
"I won't. She wouldn't believe me anyway."
If she actually believed it, given her personality, she’d probably try to hang up her magic sword and retire, or demand some sort of punishment—it would be such a hassle.
"Oh, right. I just got word. The group in August is about to make their move."
"I see. If the information is correct, I don't think there will be any issues..."
"It’ll be fine. I told them to run if things get dicey. As for the Lancer Magic Academy, Popuri and the others are already on the inside, and thanks to being able to do pretty much whatever they want, the infiltrators have already been captured."
"Tori and the others are there, after all."
"We’ve located the ones in Zilba, too, but we haven't been able to make a move there yet."
"Why is that?"
"Because, on the surface, only Zargis and Steve are left behind. We can't exactly warn the King about the city’s security without raising suspicion. For now, we’ve just been acting like we’re busy researching and haven't been leaving the house."
"Ah, so you’re worried about being suspected of collusion."
"Exactly. We gained our current standing in Zilba by showing off our strength, but because of that, there are quite a few people who dislike us. Getting involved in this matter head-on would just lead to unnecessary trouble."
"So, what will you do about Zilba?"
"That’s where Milly and the others come in—the ones who weren't there for the Zilba raid. They did great work during the Vetan incident, and that information hasn't reached Zilba yet. I feel bad for Milly and Deryu, but I’d like to ask them to handle Zilba. I’ll have them supported by my subordinate, the Dullahan Assassin."
"So, you mean there will be a commander in charge?"
"That’s right. Can I count on you?"
"Of course, I don't mind at all."
I say this as I wrap my arms around Yuki-san’s arm.
"Ah, sorry. You’re colder than I thought."
"Eh, wah!?"
Perhaps sensing the chill radiating from me, he untangles my embrace, moves behind me, and pulls me into a warm hug.
...Ah, it’s so warm, and Yuki-san smells so good.
"Hah, I guess we can't exactly have a relaxing honeymoon after all."
"I suppose not. But you’re being so attentive, so I’m satisfied, my dear."
I look out at the sky while being held by my husband.
Ah, how happy I am.
"Ah—Milly-san, that’s unfair!!"
"Ria, calm down. We... as guards, we must stay by his side."
"Hmm. Yuki belongs to all his wives. Yuki must hug all of us equally, too. Therefore, I demand a hug."
"Cleena-san is right. Yuki-sama, please give me one next!!"
"...Milly is one thing, but you all have so much energy in this cold weather. Yuki-san will catch a cold, so why don't we all get into the kotatsu?"
Ah, was Eris the type to get cold easily?
As I’m thinking that, everyone gathers around and I get buried in the crowd.
But it’s not a bad feeling.
Just our usual playful bickering.
Mmm, I’m happy.
Now then, I’m going to thoroughly trounce the people who ruined our honeymoon.
"Ria-dono, everyone, let’s play cards together!! I’ll get my revenge for the loss at Hifi!!"
Laraina says this from inside the kotatsu.
"..."
We all look at each other at those words.
Does she want to lose again?
"I won't lose this time!! We should all play together!"
Is this her strategy to avoid a one-on-one with Ria?
"Well, everyone, we still have time. Since Laraina-dono wants to get her revenge, let’s humor her."
"Yes!"
Now, I’ll enjoy this family time while I can.
I’ll let Laraina be the sacrifice.
I’ll teach her that in games where you deal out the entire deck, secret coordination is possible!!
"...I feel like I'm being left out. Airi... it’s cold. Even though I’m in the kotatsu, it’s cold."
...Taiki-san, don't let it get to you!!
And so, having secured Laraina’s weakness, our party heads home.
And the rat-catching in August is about to begin!!
Setting that aside, which card game leaves the biggest impression on you all?
Finally, I’ve realized we’ve hit 70 million PV and 7 million unique visitors!!
Yeah, it’s amazing to think 100 million PV is so close.
It’s strange how it became so popular, especially since I didn't do any advertising at all.
Ah, with that said, the chaotic story of Yuki, also known as Kazuya Torino, and his three wives...
Serialization starts February 1st!!
The first day will be a continuous post of the revamped, expanded first chapter—now 20,000 characters—plus at least three additional chapters totaling over 20,000 characters!!
Wait for the day!!
Your common sense will either collapse, or you’ll be convinced.