第４０２堀：新大陸の事後処理報告と本当の真実 (Part2)
"Yes. That’s the plan. Balancing the New Continent and Weed was quite taxing, so taking a break shouldn't be a problem. Besides, based on reports from Kirue, Sasari, and my subordinates, there are some rumors I can't just ignore."
"Indeed. It seems various foreign nations dissatisfied with Weed's current state are working in the shadows, so we’ll need to focus on countermeasures for that."
"Well, it’s quite transparent—they’ve been trying bribery and intimidation on Weed’s representatives. Unfortunately for them, they have my husband to deal with. We’ve rejected every single one of their advances, so it seems quite a few of them are rather incensed."
"They look down on us because, aside from Seraria, Rurua, Shera, and Deryu, the rest of us are commoners. It seems the nobility doesn't care for us because we won't do as they say."
"Haa..."
I let out a sigh.
So, foreign intervention is inevitable, then.
"Oh, but it’s only a small minority, you know? We’ve dragged them out into the light a few times already, so the number of incidents is decreasing."
"Yes. However, the backlash seems to be growing in tandem. There are even those who are foolishly approaching the current representatives again, hoping we’ve stepped down from our positions. Well, that’s to be expected. It just goes to show how much influence Weed truly has."
"...What is the likelihood of the current representatives being swayed by such sweet talk?"
"Hmm. I can’t say it’s impossible, but I think it’s highly unlikely."
"Agreed. We’ve worked together for a long time, so they are people we can trust. Besides, there’s no end to it if we start worrying about every little thing. Seraria and Labyris check the documents for any irregularities, and Yuki-san has given strict instructions to monitor and manage things so that we don't fall into mob rule."
"...That’s true. No matter how much knowledge the people have, it doesn't become experience without practice. It means that I, Rurua, and the former royalty and nobility must provide solid support. I heard it from my husband, but it really is difficult. Everything we do is unprecedented, after all."
"Indeed. It’s tough, but the more we do, the more experience and knowledge we gain to apply next time. That’s what my husband says, and I agree."
"Well, yes. But as the Queen of this country, it’s quite a burden. Unlike everyone else, I don't have a term limit."
I suspect I will remain Queen until Sakura is capable of handling the affairs of state properly. Even if I don't age, I find myself envying the others.
"Well, since I have less work now, I’ll have you help me out. Even if you aren't representatives, you’re still my husband's wives."
"Yes. I will help in any way I can, however small."
"Of course!"
"Naturally."
I have everyone's cooperation, and while I lose the strength of having them as representatives, the reduction in my own workload means they can focus on supporting me. It’s a case of there being both pros and cons.
"Oh, that reminds me—changing the subject, does everyone know about Milly’s situation?"
I remembered something regarding Milly, who is still serving as the representative for the Adventurer Guild, and decided to ask the others.
"Yes, I know."
Of course Rurua would know; she runs the hospital in Weed alongside Lilishe.
"I know too! I drink with Milly often, and I heard it directly from her."
Ratz heard it from Milly herself. I was the same. I should tell her to cut back on the drinking, though.
"Naturally. Milly was overjoyed, after all."
Ah, that must have been when they were having their health checkups together.
"The only ones who don't know are Aslin-sama, Firia-sama, and your husband," Kirue noted as she poured a fresh round of tea.
"Well, that’s true. I told her to keep it from my husband. Milly is pregnant."
Yes, Milly was happily pregnant. The news came out during the early stages of the operation on the Royal Capital of Ex. She asked me to keep it quiet, saying that if my husband found out, he would surely overexert himself. It seems everyone else was persuaded in the same way.
"I understand the sentiment. My husband pushes himself too easily if it’s for our sake."
"I agree with that. He loves us far too much."
"That’s the one thing that makes me happy, yet slightly frustrated. Yuki-san’s health should come first..."
"It’s troublesome, isn't it? I know he cherishes us, but to think he would bring an entire nation to its knees in an instant just because... wait?"
I felt a sense of dissonance with my own words. The others seemed to feel it too, their eyes wide as they looked at my face.
He did bring it to its knees in an instant, didn't he? Ex really did fall in the blink of an eye.
Just as I was thinking that, a call arrived from Milly. She had been pretending to work at the Adventurer Guild to keep her pregnancy a secret, but...
"What is it, Milly?"
『It seems Yuki-san found out.』
I knew it.
『He just came to see me, thanked me for the pregnancy, and asked if I was alright... *sniff*. I was so, so happy...』
"I see. That’s wonderful."
After all, keeping a pregnancy a secret from one's husband, even for his sake, is nothing but painful.
"Wait a minute!? My husband stayed up for three days straight, and after he collapsed, I had Ria and the others carry him to bed just a moment ago!?"
『Eh!? I-is that true!? But he just left, saying he was going to go make my favorite dinner!? Come to think of it, Ria and the others weren't there either. I... I have to go after him!?』
"Wait just a second!! Milly, you’re pregnant. Don't do anything strenuous. We’ll go after him."
『Ah, okay. Please.』
"Leave it to us."
We exchanged glances with everyone, nodded, and stood up in unison.
"Everyone, let’s go catch our overworking husband."
"Yes!"
Incidentally, since Ria and the others had also been up for three days, it seems he managed to slip away while they were asleep.
He really is a troublesome husband, isn't he?
Though it was already clear, the reason Ex fell in an instant was for Milly’s sake.
To my husband, family is the most important thing. Love is truly a powerful thing.
With this, the story of the New Continent comes to an end for now.
If the representatives in the New Continent are alive, there is no need for Yuki and the others to step in. We will not spare any effort in exchanging information or cooperating, but it is only natural that the representatives themselves should handle the majority of the work. As the story suggested, they should be able to force open gates to various countries through their connections, leading to further stability, while those who wish to stir up trouble will likely focus on working in the shadows.
Just like Weed is doing now.
Therefore, the future stories will focus on the nations outside the alliance that try to meddle with Weed.
The ones that opposed the gates and didn't ask for them to be set up.
Also, thank you for all your opinions regarding the wedding gift.
Well, since we are friends, 10,000 to 30,000 yen seems appropriate.
I’ve also been asked to give a speech as a friend, which is very stressful, but I’ll do my best.