第５３９堀：まだまだ続くよこの仕事は (Part2)
"Now, now, Cleena, calm down. Princess Inis over there is also, in a sense, acting under duress. It’s pressure from the King above, so it can’t be helped. It’s not like they’re after my life, and for our nation, falling behind on this trend would be a loss. So, think of it this way: it’s a chance to show off your daughter, Cleena."
"I see. I shall burn the old geezer along with Autumn Sky."
"Mother Cleena, who is Feigel?"
"He is my foster father, and a wretched old man. I shall burn him."
"?" Autumn Sky tilted her head. "Autumn Sky doesn't quite understand."
"Don't burn him. Autumn Sky, he’s like Seraria’s father."
"…Grandpa?"
"That’s right. So be gentle. It’s just that Mother Cleena isn't very good at talking to her father honestly."
"Understood. Just like Mother Seraria? Always feeling like you're clashing with swords?"
"Exactly."
"Why are you using me and that old man as the example?"
"Well, it’s accurate, isn't it? The only difference is whether the means of communication is a sword or magic."
"“Ugh.”"
Incidentally, the fact that we are raising Autumn Sky ourselves became known to various countries during that Great Ogre subjugation in Ranks. Or rather, was it the Nogosh subjugation? In the end, the Dojigiri was destroyed and taken over, so the Great Ogre subjugation became the more famous event. Under normal circumstances, it wouldn't be accepted, but my true nature is already known to the leaders of the great powers on the Rogari continent. As a lackey sent by that useless goddess, I’m allowed a certain degree of leeway. Besides, there’s no one who would try to cut down a small child like Autumn Sky. The only damage caused was by Nogosh, after all. On the contrary, they dote on Autumn Sky just as much as my wives do. Well, from our perspective, she possesses power that surpasses even the gods of the Rogari continent, so it wouldn't hurt to stay on good terms with her.
With Cleena settled, I turned to Samantha.
"I have also received a letter from my father and His Majesty expressing a desire to arrange a meeting with you, Yuki-sama. In my case, unlike Cleena-san, I haven't made any promises to anyone... but as a daughter of a Duke's house, and wishing for the prosperity of Weed and Roday, it is difficult to refuse..."
"Ah, Samantha, don't worry about it. That’s normal. The problem with August is that they promised Cleena things just to use us easily. Well, I’m sure we can shake August up a bit regarding that promise."
"Mm. You must do at least that much. Breaking a promise ruins a nation's credibility."
Things might get messy with August later. Princess Inis made that promise on her own, so I hope she doesn't end up in trouble with the King.
"So, leaving aside the folks from Noble's Ex, Popuri's Lancer Magic Academy, and Refest's White Forest—since they’re practically family—that leaves Enaria. We don't have any connections there, do we?"
"Ah, I have received a letter from the Holy Kingdom of Enaria."
"To Rurua?"
"To be precise, it was sent to everyone who provided treatment during that incident. But Milly-san is currently pregnant, and Ratz-san and Eris-san are busy here."
"I see. And what’s the content of the letter?"
"Much the same as the others. They are asking to establish a connection with you, Husband, through the power of the Saintess. Though, compared to the other countries, they don't seem able to push as strongly."
"Well, Rurua and the others were my wives from the start. They weren't sent as brides from Enaria."
"Yes, so they are asking, 'Who should we send from Enaria to be your bride?' just like Jessica-san and the others."
"Huh? Well, I can't exactly say that, but I have almost no intention of accepting. Still, from Enaria's perspective, since other countries are sending brides, they’re probably panicking, thinking they’re falling behind."
As we were talking, Comet, who had been eating and listening in, chimed in.
"Then let's take Agil from there! That girl has so much room to grow. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens if we teach her Weed’s technology. Even for Hifie, having Agil recommended and accepted would raise the Holy Kingdom's status."
"No, wait. Agil is a Magic Sword User of Enaria, isn't she? She’s a general and a key figure in their technology development. That’s impossible, right?"
"Haha, the Magic Sword User can just be replaced. It would be a sweet deal for them to have a technical officer sent to adopt Weed’s technology become a member of Weed’s royalty as your wife, Yuki-kun. If they sent a royal directly, the other countries on the If continent would bicker about Weed being taken over or someone getting ahead. Didn't you like Agil, Yuki-kun?"
"That’s only in terms of technology. I don't really need more wives."
My body wouldn't hold up, and I think I’ve reached the limit of how many people I can maintain communication with.
"Yuki-kun, you’re so kind. You could just have your fun and leave them be, couldn't you? It’s not like there’s any need to think about love or anything in a marriage between nations."
"That won't do. Comet, my husband isn't capable of that kind of thing."
"Seraria, you have it rough, don't you?"
"Well, if there’s no love, it becomes a cause for chaos in Weed. This is the way of Weed and my husband."
"Honestly, even if you welcomed Agil, I think you’d be cuddling with her just like everyone else here, Yuki-kun. Oh, and I forgot—I have a message from Hifie, Popuri, Refest, and Noble. They’re worried that one of the six countries might get ahead of the others, so they want to send representatives to Betan in a month to ask for a tour of Weed."
"Are you serious..."
"One month left. I threatened Princess Carrie by saying half a month, but we have less time than I thought. How is it? Do you think the problems will settle down in a month?"
"No, that’s impossible."
No matter how I look at it, the issues with Hayden and the Empire won't be resolved in a month. *Sigh*, is my workload just going to keep increasing?
...Well, I’ve finished eating. I’m going to take a bath and go to sleep. I’ll be busy in Baide tomorrow, too.