第５２０堀：思惑は進まず (Part2)
Throughout the current journey, he has been incredibly earnest, never leaving Taiki’s side, and fulfilling his duties as a knight with a dignified and resolute attitude.
Honestly, I wish I could make Steve drink the water used to wash his hands—maybe then he’d learn a thing or two.
"……You ask how I feel, and while I would like to say that I follow orders, to be perfectly honest, I find this approach quite distasteful."
"But, isn't this common for nobles? You know, political marriages."
"In what way is this a political marriage? It looks to me like nothing more than passing her around because everyone is too lazy to deal with the situation themselves."
"“Guh.”"
We both flinch at Ruth’s sharp retort.
"N-no, that might be one aspect of it, but this is truly a high-level political issue, and—"
"Y-yeah, exactly! You know, right? The second daughter of the Kamishiro house is meant to carry the future of Haiden on her shoulders. If she were to marry someone like us, it would only cause problems down the line!"
"Hah. If that is the case, then it would be even more problematic if it were Eoid-dono. He is a commoner, a civilian, and currently just a student, isn't he? Furthermore, he is from the If Continent. How exactly do you intend to explain that to the Duke?"
"“……W-well, we were hoping they could overcome that with love.”"
"……Your Majesty, Yuki-sama, why are you both so hopeless when it comes to matters of the heart? To begin with, rather than using Kagura-dono as a figurehead, it would be far more effective to use Duke Kamishiro as the face of the movement. His experience is leagues ahead. If Kagura-dono were to marry one of us, people might call Haiden a puppet state. But if the Duke were to offer his daughter to secure cooperation, it would be hailed as a brilliant maneuver. It would easily be framed as a beautiful story—a romantic adventure between the hero who summoned Kagura-dono and ourselves."
"“……”"
Damn it, her logic is so sound I can’t even argue back!
She’s right. Trying to make the young Kagura the centerpiece of this movement is unreasonable. It would be much more cohesive to rally behind Duke Kamishiro—Kagura’s father.
"H-however, if Duke Kamishiro opposes it, Kagura will be the one leading the charge."
"Indeed. In that case, I acknowledge that Kagura-dono marrying one of us should be avoided, as you and His Majesty say, to prevent accusations of a puppet government."
"S-see? You understand, don't you, Ruth?"
"However, considering the current situation—the testimony from that princess, the Count of Baide, and his own daughter—anyone with common sense should be willing to stand up. The only issue is the disparity in military strength, but since we are here, we simply need to convince them. Besides, in terms of sheer power, the difference is like heaven and earth. The results of the Battle of Baide are clear evidence of that, so I don't think there is any room for doubt."
Ruth is right. But, still…!
"I-I don't want to take on any more work, and I don't need any more wives…"
"I imagine that is true for you, Yuki-sama. Your workload is already astronomical. With your wives nearing twenty in number, you wouldn't have enough bodies to go around."
"Exactly. So, doesn't that make Taiki the prime candidate?"
"Ah, Yuki-san!?"
"Personally, I believe it is desirable for His Majesty to marry someone who can serve as a bridge to this continent. He only has two wives at the moment, and neither is currently with child."
"That's true. Man, Taiki, you really need to step it up."
"……I would like to say that, but ultimately, the gateway to this continent is in Weed. Specifically, in Baide, within the Haiden territory. Wouldn't it be highly beneficial to have Kagura-dono as a partner for the inter-continental exchanges that will surely come? Duke Kamishiro would certainly want to forge that connection. But personally, I find it pathetic to be pushing a partner onto someone like this! Both of you, you are now names known across two continents—one, an emissary of the gods! And the other, a hero! I want you to realize that! I am aware that in the places you both lived, monogamy was the norm. And I am well aware of the hardships and mental strain you have faced since coming here. However!! Precisely because of that, for a young girl tossed about by such fate, you should be more…………"
And just like that, Ruth’s lecture began.
Since her arguments were painfully logical, there was no room for rebuttal.
"Hey, Dressa. Why are Yuki and Taiki getting scolded by Ruth?"
"……They’re pathetic, those two. Remember this, Kagura. If you don't act proactively, nothing will move. I’ve learned that from experience."
"Dressa, you’re being too indirect. You should just be more honest with your brother, you know? Right, Ria-san?"
"Isn't that a bit too much for Dressa?"
"U-um, is it really okay to just leave them be? Deryu-sama?"
"Let them be, Catherine. It’ll be good medicine for Yuki and Taiki."
Damn it, it must be nice for the bystanders to have such a good time!
But we won't give up!
If you look at it from the opposite perspective, it also means gaining a connection to the If Continent through Eoid.
Somehow, by any means necessary, I have to protect my ambition!
Call me immature if you want, but there is no way I’m taking on any more work than this!
In the end, you could say this is just Yuki and Taiki being selfish.
Even so, there’s no guarantee Kagura will actually end up with anyone, and this might just be an overreaction.
But it seems most people are convinced it’s going to be Yuki, Taiki, or Eoid.
I wonder why?