第８６８堀：覚悟を決めるが抜けている (Part2)
"I think it every time, but you really do have the mindset of an innocent maiden. Even after marrying us, that hasn't changed a bit. I mean, if you look at it from that perspective, weren't Cleena and Samantha essentially political marriages too?"
"Hm? Cleena and Samantha are different, aren't they? The political side of things was just an afterthought."
"Oh, now that you mention it, that's true. That's likely why they didn't put up much resistance."
I see. When put that way, it makes sense. As for the two in question...
"Mm. Love is what matters. If politics are involved, it's only natural to be cautious," Cleena murmured.
"Well, I can certainly understand Yuki-sama's point of view. Without love, one must always be on guard against political exploitation," Samantha added.
Both showed understanding of their husband's perspective, but at the same time, they looked incredibly happy. However...
"Then tell me this. Why haven't you made a move on Dressa and the others yet?"
"Exactly. As Riel says, there's no political angle with Dressa and her group, is there?"
"Ah, well... wouldn't it be the absolute worst if I took in orphans and then immediately laid hands on them? Besides, Dressa is the princess of a fallen kingdom. If I moved too carelessly, it could have been used as fuel for a restoration movement. Think about it. What if I'd gone after them from the very start?"
"""Ah..."""
...It's true. If he had tried to make a move before building up the foundation they have now, we definitely would have stopped him. It was a surprisingly convincing argument. Especially back when Dressa first arrived; she was nothing but a bundle of grudges against the Kingdom of Ex. If he had touched her then, we would have stepped in for sure.
"So, the reason you're saying you'll make your move now is because those concerns have vanished?"
"That's right. Also, because I truly love them and intend to stay with them until the very end. That's my resolve."
My husband answered my question clearly. That confession was made with the same look in his eyes as when he once asked us to marry him.
"You really are quite upright, Master. But I'm sure Lady Dressa and Lady Kagura's group will be overjoyed," Sarsari said.
"Sarsari is right. I believe Lady Dressa and the others will be very happy. Thank you for making this decision. It is precisely because of that sincerity that everyone is drawn to you," Kirue added.
"I appreciate the praise, Sarsari, Kirue, but to me, this is just ordinary Japanese sensibility. Honestly, I still wonder why it wasn't Taiki-kun they fell for..."
"""..."""
Well, saying it's simply because he's better than Lord Taiki wouldn't be quite right. That would just be favoritism. But what exactly is the difference? I mean, my husband is the best, but still.
"Well, it's simply that to us and Kagura's group, Yuki-san is number one. Right, Latz?"
"Yes, exactly. However, Brother... saying something like that—the same thing you said when you proposed to us—means your mind is made up. But what about the timing?"
Latz's words reminded me; it's true that we can't exactly do this right this second. Today, we only just managed to resolve the issue with the Seasifo, and the intercontinental exchange hasn't even been finalized yet.
"She's right. Dressa's group aside, marriages with Kagura, Mikos, and Enola will have to be handled grandly for the sake of external appearances. And if we're doing that, we have to include Agil too," Eris pointed out.
Eris was right. If we welcomed Kagura and the others but ignored Agil, it would put Enaria in a very awkward position. We have to think those details through carefully.
"...Right. My plan was to tell the kings of the New Continent about the Seasifo, get their permission to join the Intercontinental Alliance, and... wait, what do you mean, Enola and Agil?"
"""Huh?"""
At such an utterly ridiculous statement, everyone—myself included—let out a collective voice of disbelief, as if to say, *What on earth are you talking about?*
"What? Why the 'what are you talking about' looks?"
I take it back. My husband isn't sensitive to romance at all. He's a complete blockhead.
"I see. At tomorrow's New Continent conference in Heiden, while you're mentioning your plans to marry Kagura and Mikos, why don't you try asking them?"
"Yes, that would be for the best. Princess Carrie will likely be in attendance as well."
"Master. Please face reality."
Now then, having made him aware of the facts, it was time to prepare the follow-up.
And so, after my husband returned to his room while tilting his head in confusion, we began our preparations for tomorrow.
Finally, it's time for the big confession! Where will Kagura and the others' love lead?
It'll be quite a sight to see how Yuki tries to squirm out of this. You think I have bad taste? Well, of course—because this is going to be fun!!