第871堀:私が来た!! (Part1)
**Chapter 871: I Have Arrived!!**
**Side: Milly**
"Milly, are you really okay with me taking on even more wives?"
Yuki-san looked at me with a worried expression as he asked. He was likely referring to our earlier conversation about accepting Princess Stasia.
Normally, I’d want to scream "No!" From a maiden’s perspective, it’s an absolute "No!!" However, I understood that this was partly to keep all the various nations in step. I’d known from the start that if we accepted Kagura and the others, other countries would naturally expect the same treatment.
...Actually, from a professional standpoint, we desperately need more reinforcements.
In all seriousness, Weed is currently suffering from an overwhelming labor shortage. The lack of personnel capable of moving at Yuki-san’s pace isn't just a problem; it’s a crisis. Being sent to the New Continent really drove that point home for me.
I mean, it’s a good thing that Dressa, Vilia, and Hiiro have begun to distinguish themselves and learn how to manage subordinates despite their youth. But even so, the workforce isn't keeping up with the sheer scale of our expansion. If our workload increases any further, staying overnight at the office just to finish tasks will become the norm.
If that happens, I won't be able to flirt and be lovey-dovey with Yuki-san. That is the one thing I must prevent at all costs.
So, I will swallow my tears and permit the number of wives to increase. To be honest, for us wives, the prospect of gaining more talented people to help with the work is something we desire more than anything. Though, I would never acknowledge someone as Yuki-san’s wife if they were incompetent.
Because of that, having the diplomatic team from the New Continent join Yuki-san’s household is actually a huge relief. Right now, diplomacy in the New Continent is being barely managed by just two people: Catherine, the Lord of Baide, and Shera, who is also handling Gartz’s diplomacy.
To put it simply, the current official information route goes: King Hyden > Kagura > Catherine > Shera > Queen of Weed.
With this new arrangement, the path becomes: King Hyden > Kagura > Queen of Weed.
Normally, you’d expect things to go through the proper stages via a Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but a "hotline" like this is essential. Other countries send women to Yuki-san precisely because they want this direct line.
Well, rather than overthinking all that, I need to answer him.
"Of course I am. If we were a normal couple, it might be different, but we aren't exactly 'normal.' I believe Princess Stasia will be a good comrade and a wonderful wife."
Besides, Princess Stasia is a member of royalty, something we haven't added in a while. Furthermore, she’s someone who has held the rank of General. Considering our future developments—and I feel a bit bad for Kagura and the others saying this—she might be the person we need most in the New Continent.
"I see... thank you. But I can't help but feel like a man who keeps laying a hand on so many women is a bit of a failure."
"It’s only a failure if the man doesn't take responsibility. You have no problems on that front, Yuki-san. You have the means to provide, and you cherish every single one of us. The rest is our problem. We’ve said it’s okay, so you don't need to worry about a thing. Besides, it’s not like you’re the one going out and hitting on them."
In reality, it’s the women who are reaching out to Yuki-san. Oh, but exclude us from that—we’re bound by true love.
That’s exactly why we protect him, to make sure no strange women cling to him. Every once in a while, you get some foolish woman thinking, *'Maybe I'll marry Yuki-san so I can live a life of luxury.'* I don't think Yuki-san would ever be deceived by someone like that, but I won't have him bothered by such nonsense.
"...I see. If you say so, Milly, then it must be true. I guess I’m not a total loser of a man."
"Yes. You are a magnificent person, Yuki-san. You’re a husband we can be proud of."
For us, there is no better husband in the world than Yuki-san. I can say that with absolute certainty. Therefore...
"Now then, next is Enola-san’s place."
"...Right."
Let’s hurry up and get the obvious out of the way. I can't imagine anyone refusing the chance to become Yuki-san’s wife... well, there was Sasari, but I don't think Enola will decline. No matter how you look at it, she’s clearly conscious of him.
Even so, Yuki-san seems completely oblivious to Enola’s feelings.
"Hey, Milly. Is Enola really in love with me like everyone was saying yesterday? If I’ve got this wrong, isn't it going to be incredibly embarrassing? Right, Taiki-kun?"
"Well, it would be pretty awkward. Walking up with a straight face and saying, 'You're in love with me, aren't you?' and then being wrong... that’s the kind of thing that becomes a legend at school."
"Right?"
"There’s no need to worry. Enola is blunt when she’s in front of you, Yuki-san, but in other places, her love for you is practically overflowing."
Kagura and the others have consulted me about it, and her choice of swimsuit during the sea monster combat training was clearly a high-effort move. She’s that conscious of him; there’s no way she hates him.
"Hmm... Taiki-kun, did you notice?"
"Well, I could tell with Kagura and the others, but Enola is... hard to read."
It seems Taiki-san also hasn't realized that Enola likes Yuki-san. Perhaps it’s just difficult for men to see.
"Anyway, let’s just go, Yuki-san. With things like this, it’s best to just confirm it."
"Ah, well, I guess so?"
"Exactly. You have to talk to her regardless, and in the off-chance you get rejected, that’s fine too, isn't it?"
"I suppose you're right. If that happens, I’m the only one who loses face, and if Enola gets to choose the path she wants, then that’s for the best."
In the end, this is just how Yuki-san is. He prioritizes the people around him over his own hardships or embarrassment. He’s merciless to his enemies, but truly kind to his allies. If we don't support him properly, he’ll just keep pushing himself too hard.
That’s why he needs many people who can care for him. Though, Enola has a bit of a dishonest streak, so if she takes it too far, Yuki-san will end up worrying too much. We can't have that.
"Oh? What’s going on? Yuki, Milly-san, and Taiki too."
When we arrived at the Church of Haile in Weed, Enola was just outside, playing with some children.
"I came because I wanted to talk to you for a bit, Enola. Right, Yuki-san?"
"Yeah. Do you have a moment?"
"Sure, I don't mind. Okay everyone, I have to talk with Yuki and the others, so I'll see you later."
"Ehh? But it's Yuki-sensei! The Hero is here too!"
"It's Milly-san!"
"Hey there. I have some important business with Bishop Enola. Here, I'll give you some juice money, so go play at the park for a bit."
"If Yuki-sensei says so, I guess we have to. Come on, let's go to the park!"
"""Yay!"""
Children are easily swayed to leave with a little pocket money. So simple.
"Pocket money is the best thing for kids. Though, you have to be careful not to overdo it."
"If you know that, then think about it more. They'll start thinking they can get money every time they ask," Enola chided.
"They aren't that stupid. Neither are the kids nor the teachers. But anyway, why is a Bishop of the Church of Haile gathering children to play?"
Indeed, as the Bishop of the Church of Haile in Weed, Enola is the liaison between the faith and the city. Normally, she should be buried in paperwork at a desk.
"What are you talking about? It’s because Haile-sama always took the lead in doing exactly this."
"""..."""
...That was a very convincing reason.