第７５８堀：いつもより騒がしい朝 (Part1)
Chapter 758: A Morning Noisier Than Usual
**Side: Yuki**
"You two sure are lively."
"No, it’s not exactly like that..."
"My apologies. I simply got a bit too heated..."
When I returned, Seraria was being lectured by Eris on Weed’s economic situation.
It was already close to midnight. The other wives had long since finished their baths and retreated—or rather, gone to sleep. Tomorrow was going to be another busy day, after all.
The Intercontinental Conference had only just begun.
Despite that, these two were still up late. That was why I commented on their energy. Well, I could pretty much guess the circumstances, so it was time to wrap this up.
"Eris, leave it at that. Seraria didn't mean any harm."
"...Yes. I'm sorry, Seraria."
"It's fine. I'm sorry too for saying something so thoughtless."
The two of them apologized to each other, and that was the end of it. However, both looked exhausted and drained. I didn't think they’d actually fall out over this, but I needed to provide some follow-up support...
"Come on, we have a big day tomorrow. Let's all take a bath together and get some sleep."
The moment I said that, their weary expressions vanished, replaced by smiles.
"You're right. We should wash up quickly and sleep together to recharge for tomorrow."
"I agree. Let's sleep together so we can do our best tomorrow."
And so, I ended up "devouring" the two of them... I mean, I ended up having a nice bath with them and heading to bed.
***
"And before I knew it, it’s already morning."
When you're exhausted, sleep passes in the blink of an eye. I was surprised by my own internal clock; despite the fatigue, I woke up at my usual time.
"Is it that thing where you wake up early precisely because it's a busy day?"
I muttered to myself as I sat up, reminding myself that today was a workday regardless.
"Nn..."
"Zzz..."
On either side of me, Seraria and Eris were sleeping soundly, looking quite radiant. Well, the plan was to reward Seraria for her hard work, and Eris was exhausted too, so I suppose it couldn't be helped. Call it "family service."
The thought that providing family service to these two meant I’d eventually have to do the same for all my other wives was a little intimidating, though.
"Well, time to get breakfast started."
Busy as we were, we almost never skipped breakfast. It was just part of my daily routine. I climbed out of bed and headed toward the kitchen, where I ran into Kirue.
"Good morning, Master."
"Morning, Kirue."
"Thank you for mediating between Lady Seraria and Lady Eris last night."
"I wouldn't really call it mediation."
"No. If you hadn't put yourself on the line, Master, there would have likely been some lingering resentment between them, however slight."
"You think so?"
"I do. It is because you are here that we are able to remain united. Please do not forget that."
"I don't know about that... I'd hope you all could stay together even if I wasn't around."
My wives didn't seem so fragile that they’d fall apart without me. In fact, when I was summoned to Kagura, Seraria had kept everyone perfectly in line.
"We understand that, but it remains true regardless. You are our most precious person, Master."
"I suppose so. Everyone being healthy and happy together is what matters most."
"Yes. Nothing surpasses that."
Kirue had a point. You never want to see the people you care about suffering or going through a hard time.
"Right, for the sake of that health, let's get breakfast ready. Since everyone's tired from yesterday, should we go with something easy on the stomach, or something hearty to boost their energy? What do you think, Kirue?"
"Well, since today will involve both meetings and banquets, they will likely eat quite a bit later. They'll also be expected to accept drinks, so I believe something light for now would be best."
"Ah, good point. Let's keep it refreshing. Some of them probably ate or drank too much last night anyway."
"Lady Eris and Lady Ratz were attending the grand conference and the dinner parties yesterday, so they received a great deal of hospitality."
"That goes for me too. During the introductions with the high-ranking officials from various countries, Eris and Ratz were particularly targeted."
They are the key figures in Weed’s financial and resource management, after all. The foreign officials likely realized these were the people they’d be competing with from now on.
Technically, the official representatives are Tepha and Non. But while those two have gained experience, they aren't my wives, so they weren't viewed with as much importance by the outsiders. However, since they are the ones who will carry Weed’s future, how much respect they are shown will be a vital part of future diplomatic strategies. I wonder how many people will actually realize that?
Anyway, enough of that. Focus on the breakfast menu.
"It’s natural they’d be targeted. For a refreshing morning menu... how about a Japanese style? White rice, tamagoyaki, miso soup, pickles, and dried seaweed?"
"That sounds excellent. One bowl, one soup, one side. And one egg. It is heartier than ascetic cuisine but still very healthy."
"Alright, let's whip it up for everyone."
"Yes, Master."
I set to work preparing a home-cooked meal for my wives before they headed back to the battlefield of diplomacy. Oh, and I should prepare portions for the representatives too. If they’ve already eaten, they can take it with them; it’ll just become emergency rations in their Item Boxes. Those things are so convenient. It’s wonderful how food never spoils in there.
While I was lost in thought cooking the light meal, Labyris and the others arrived to help as usual, and we soon reached our customary breakfast time.
"There's not much food today~"
"There's going to be another banquet later anyway. I consulted with Kirue and decided to keep breakfast light."
As expected, Riel—who usually eats a massive breakfast—looked a bit disappointed at the spread before her.
"Ah, I see."
"It’s perfect for you, Riel, since you ate way too much at the banquet yesterday."
"You'll get fat."
"Ugh... fine, I get it..."
Riel, Tori, and Kaya chatted as they ate. This group was participating in the conference as the heads of security and as generals. Among the delegates from the If Continent, there were those who scowled at the sight of demi-humans, but no one dared to complain openly.
The people from the New Continent, on the other hand, were absolutely thrilled. It wasn't just Tori, Riel, and Kaya; there were Spirit Priestesses all over the place. In both senses, the three of them were drawing quite a lot of attention.
"This is just right for me."
"That's because you drank too much, Milly."
"Well, the booze was free. I can understand not being able to help yourself."
"Eris, you're looking awfully... radiant today. I thought you'd be haggard after talking economics with Seraria all night."
"Money matters are important, after all. Right, Ratz?"
"Hmm? Oh, yes, I suppose so."
Milly seemed to find the light breakfast perfect for her hangover. Ratz and Eris were eating without complaint as well. In fact, Eris was practically glowing because of last night.
I, on the other hand, felt like I’d been squeezed dry. I really wonder where Eris gets all that energy from.
"Let's head straight home once the trash pickup is done today."
"Exactly. We left things to big sister Kirue yesterday, but we can't do that two days in a row."
"You're right. After the cleanup, let's spend time with Sakura and the others."
"In that case, why don't we buy some souvenirs for Akiten and the rest on the way back?"
"I agree with big sister Dore! There are lots of stalls out, so they'll be happy if we bring something back."
"Yes, that sounds like a great idea. Shera, do you want anything?"
"Let's see... I think I'd like some candy apples."