第８７０堀：顔に傷がある女はダメ？ (Part1)
**Chapter 870: Is a Woman with a Facial Scar No Good?**
**Side: Taiki**
Yes. This is Taiki.
Since Yuki-san’s confession was about to begin, I’ve been present since the meeting started, as the wives instructed me to report on the situation.
Well, I do wonder what I’m doing as the king of a nation, but since this is vital information gathering to divine the future of our countries, there’s no problem. Besides, even on the New Continent, forming connections through marriage is an excellent way to gain trust within the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance.
Moreover, when the partner is Yuki-san, the people of the Rogali and If Continents can’t really complain. After all, every major power has been trying to wedge a wife into Yuki-san’s household. That’s how vital a connection with Weed is considered, and Yuki-san’s name value is simply staggering.
In the If Continent specifically, Yuki-san has rampaged around so much that, despite being a mere Prince Consort, he arguably has more influence there than Queen Seraria herself. Having a woman who can speak directly to a man like that is a resource more valuable than any diplomat.
Naturally, every country wants to push a woman onto Yuki-san. Therefore, this report of his marriage to Kagura and the others was something the Kingdom of Haiden welcomed with open arms. And, riding that momentum, it’s only natural for other countries to seek marriage ties as well. If he’s taking a daughter of Haiden, they want him to take theirs too.
Unless something truly extraordinary happens, if Yuki-san asks for marriage, it’s unthinkable for the woman or the nation to refuse... and yet...
"A-Alright. L-Let’s start by meeting Princess Stacia. I mean, King Findar is just talking about marriage on his own whim. I-I have to properly confirm her own intentions."
Yuki-san is so completely flustered that he isn't thinking about national policy or ulterior motives at all. Usually, princesses are just tools for political maneuvering. Well, as Yuki-san says, if Princess Stacia says no, I’m sure he could make something happen with his ingenuity and authority, but...
"No. If it is a marriage with Yuki-sama, I accept gladly. I am a boorish woman, but I look forward to being in your care."
"..."
With her military temperament—having served as a general—there was no way the Princess would disobey an order from her King. More importantly, her evaluation of Yuki-san was already high, so there was no reason for her to say no.
Honestly, Yuki-san’s stunned expression at her answer is so hilarious I can hardly stand it. Is it okay to laugh now?
"That is wonderful, Sister. He is the best possible partner. I offer my heartfelt congratulations as well," Arge said.
"Thank you, Arge. I’ll be living in Weed, so we’ll be able to spend more time together now."
"Oh? My feelings are secondary to your relationship with Yuki-sama. If you maintain that attitude, he might lose interest in you."
"No, I find it hard to believe Yuki-sama would lose interest over something like that. I see with my own eyes every day how he loves his wives regardless of their social standing. That said, I suppose it is not good to grow complacent in his generosity."
"Exactly. My sister is a soldier through and through, but please, take good care of her."
With that, Princess Arge bowed deeply. Now even the sister has given her blessing. There are no obstacles left, Yuki-san!!
"A-Ah, likewise. I look forward to... wait, no!"
"Yes? Is there a problem?"
"Wasn't Princess Stacia supposed to find a new path here in Weed? To eliminate the unfairness of women not being able to become knights?"
Yuki-san has a point. Princess Stacia was sent to Weed as a diplomat, but the background was that her presence in the Findar Empire was awkward. The New Continent generally has a strong trend of male dominance, and the status of women is low across the board.
Princess Stacia was amazing for working her way up to General in that environment, but fighting against the common sense of the world was exhausting. King Findar sent her here thinking that if she made a name for herself in a foreign land like Weed, it might change perceptions back home.
But Yuki-san is worried this marriage will crush that possibility. It would look like Princess Stacia ultimately had no choice but to submit to a man. The world is a complicated place. I suppose King Findar chose national stability and development over the advancement of women’s status...
"Yes. That is correct. I came to Weed to show that women can work properly. To prove that female knights are not powerless!"
"As expected of my sister!"
"No, no, isn't getting married contradictory to that?"
"You're right. Being a wife and a knight or general at the same time... ah."
I realized it. I realized it just now.
Normally, once you marry, you have no choice but to enter the home, bear children, and become a mother. That’s if things are "normal."
However, for better or worse, this man—Yuki-san—is not normal. Given his position, his wives couldn't possibly just stay home and do nothing but housework and childcare. There are too many secrets and too much to do.
In fact, his current wives are all Queens, Generals, or hold key positions. He has gathered an incredible pool of talent. Or rather, he raised them.
In the beginning, he was all alone. He started by gathering slaves to build a village or town. Therefore, his wives were originally brought in as the personnel necessary to run the place. It’s only natural for them to raise children while handling their jobs.
Achieving Princess Stacia’s goal of being a knight or general while being a wife is perfectly possible—provided she is *Yuki-san’s* wife.
I summarized these thoughts in an instant.
"Yuki-san. Can't she just do both normally?"
"...She can."
"Yes. If Yuki-sama tells me to stop, I will have no choice but to do so, but..."
"Sister, it’s alright. There’s no way Yuki-sama would tell you not to hold a sword or not to fight. If he did, what would that make Jessica or Ria? Right, Yuki-sama?"
"A-Ah. Yeah. That’s right. Doing what you want to do is important."
Ah, he’s digging his own grave. He has no choice but to say that. Now, the best place for Princess Stacia to prove that women can work is right by Yuki-san’s side.
Princess Stacia looked delighted by Yuki-san’s answer.
"I am glad to hear you say that. Since I am a woman with a scar on my face, I was worried about what I would do if I were rejected."
"Oh, come to think of it, you did have a scar."
Hearing that, I finally remembered the other hurdle. Now that she mentioned it, there was indeed a scar running between her brows, but perhaps because I’d grown so used to seeing her, I’d stopped consciously recognizing it as a blemish.