第３３５堀：人によっては拷問になる (Part1)
### Chapter 335: For Some, It’s Torture
**Side: Samantha**
Honestly, the world has absolutely no sense of atmosphere. It just has to go and pour cold water on our honeymoon with Yuki-sama. We ran around trying to avert a war, and just when I thought we’d finally returned to the Academy, we ended up having to head to the White Forest via Roday.
I understand Hifi-sama’s situation, of course. It’s partly the fault of our incompetent ancestors. But as Yuki-sama said, destroying our current happiness is absolutely out of the question! Anyone who interferes with our newlywed life deserves to be kicked by a horse and meet an immediate end!
Just when I thought we’d cleared up the business with Hifi-sama, I realized there were other fools moving in the shadows, leading to these busy, busy days...
"Samantha-sama, please hold still. It’s difficult to style your hair when you’re fidgeting. I understand how you feel, but still."
"Ah, I’m sorry."
Without realizing it, I must have been moving in small, restless bursts due to my irritation. I don’t mean to get in Sasari’s way, so I force myself to stay perfectly still.
"Come to think of it, has Yuki-sama gone to sleep yet?"
"No. He apparently still has work to do at the Academy, so his consciousness is focused over there for the time being."
"Haa... my husband is working himself to the bone, and here I am, relaxing while getting my hair done. Is this really alright...?"
"It is perfectly fine. Tomorrow, you are visiting your parents' home again. And you are carrying a very important personal letter. Since Yuki-sama is a man, his primary work is on the battlefield or out in the field, so his appearance can be a bit rugged. But as his wife, Samantha-sama, you must embody your husband’s wealth and connections. If you show up with rough skin or a disheveled look, people will point fingers and say you’re making your wife work too hard."
"I think such old-fashioned customs are unnecessary. I am a mage. I believe I should be active on the battlefield or in the field, shouldn't I?"
"That is true. If you were single, or if your husband’s status were low, it would be fine to take the lead. But in this case, it would cause your husband to lose face."
"...That won't do. I can't do that to Yuki-sama, who is a messenger of the gods or an equivalent existence."
"I don't think Yuki-sama would mind all that much, though."
"I mind!"
"Then please, endure it. How many times have we had this conversation now?"
"Muu..."
I certainly do remember having this exact conversation before.
"Do not worry about your husband. If he is truly in danger, I will cooperate with Kirue-senpai and capture him securely. Instead, Ojou-sama, please think about how to convey the matter of tomorrow’s letter to the center smoothly, and consider the content of your discussion with your father, Duke Huge. The possession of a large number of magic swords whose locations are unconfirmed... that alone could tilt the nation. Roday is in a crisis of survival. Yuki-sama’s reach has already extended to August, Enaria, and the Lancer Magic Academy, so there are no issues there, but the capital of Roday remains untouched."
"I am aware. I must speak to my father immediately and head to the capital. I also need to obtain permission from His Majesty for passage to the White Forest."
"Yes. To ensure Yuki-sama’s plans proceed smoothly, it would be troublesome if you, as the connection to Roday, were to be looked down upon in any way. It is fine to be lovey-dovey, but if that ends up dragging Yuki-sama down, I will force you to sleep."
Something cold presses against the nape of my neck. Looking through the mirror at Sasari, I see the hilt of a sword pressed against me. Sasari is smiling as usual, but this is a signal that she’s had enough.
"...Sasari, are you serious?"
"Of course. If you get dumped by Yuki-sama for being too lovey-dovey, what will you do, Ojou-sama?"
"...I would die."
"Exactly. And I will never let that happen. So, please get to sleep quickly."
"Fine, I get it..."
Since it looks like I’ll be forced to sleep if I don't, I climb into bed of my own accord.
"I have no choice, so I will sleep. Sasari..."
"I am aware. It is unthinkable for me to rest before my master. Please, rest easy."
*Thud...*
Fufu, Sasari has left.
She’s naive, far too naive. Unmarried women wouldn't understand, but there is no wife who would go to sleep while leaving her beloved husband behind. Unless we were far apart, it’s impossible for me to just fall into a deep sleep while my husband is coming home.
But I must not be impatient. Knowing Sasari, she doesn't think I’ll fall asleep right away. She’s likely keeping her attention focused on this room for a while. When I was a child, she always used to stop me from sneaking out at night like this. Recently, thanks to Yuki-sama’s special training, my ability to sense things has reached an incredible level.
However!! I have also been improving my skills. I learned stealth and presence concealment during my training with Yuki-sama. It is a logical skill for a mage to have so they can attack without being noticed!
So, at the moment when Sasari’s attention drifts...
Wait? Why am I... so sleepy?
"I am well aware of what you are thinking, Ojou-sama. Please, sleep soundly with this sleeping incense."
Sasari’s voice drifts from the other side of the door. Sleeping incense? I’ve never heard of such a thing... wait, did she get that from Yuki-sama!?
"...Sasa...ri."
You plotted against me...
"Huh? If Sasari is outside, does that mean Samantha is already asleep?"
"Ah, oh? H-husband!? Y-you’ve returned early."
Ah, Yuki-sama... your beloved Samantha is right here!!
"No, it’s plenty late. Well, if she’s asleep, that’s fine. I’ll be relying on Samantha tomorrow, so I should let her rest."
"T-that’s right!! As expected of you, Husband!! Now, now, we mustn't disturb Samantha-sama’s sleep, let’s go have some tea over there."
"I suppose so. It’s a bit much to just take a bath and sleep right away, so let’s have some tea."
"Yes!"
"Indeed."
"Ria-sama, Jessica-sama, please come this way as well."
...Sasari, I am definitely going to make you cry tomorrow.
*Zzz...*
"Hmm. I understand the situation. I’ve read the letter addressed to me, and there is a personal letter for His Majesty. As for the video camera, I have the footage of the Duel Festival, so that should be enough to convey the message. There shouldn't be any problems."
"Then, Father?"
"The matter is of extreme urgency. We leave immediately. Ordinarily, it would be my duty to arrange the travel, but your carriage, son-in-law, is faster, and the iron carriage offers high security. Would you allow us to use it?"
"Yes, that is fine. It will also be easy to review the contents of the Duel Festival along the way."
"Oh, then I shall go too, dear. It would be unfair to watch our son’s success all by myself."
"That’s true. Let us all witness our son’s heroic figure!"
"Oh, Yuki-sama was just so incredibly cool!"
"P-please, stop... J-just the... c-confirmation of the footage is enough..."
"What is there to hide? Rumors of our son’s success have even reached us here!!"