第８７４堀：覚悟を決めてもう一度 (Part1)
**Chapter 874: Steel Your Resolve and Try Again**
Side: Yuki
“…No, I mean, I ended up running away in the heat of the moment, but even if I know it was a mistake, being rejected like that really stings.”
“Well, I suppose so. Wait, you knew it was a mistake?”
“To be honest, I only just realized it now that I’ve calmed down. At the time, there was no way I could have stayed there.”
I really thought I’d crashed and burned.
I mean, I figured Kagura and Mikos were just being dragged along by Hairen’s idiocy, and that if I just proposed, that would be the end of it. I thought that kind of casual approach would be easier for me, too.
But the result was…
*“Kagura, Mikos. Will you marry me?”*
*““No way!!””*
A spectacular, total sinking.
“Looking back, I had this terrifying confidence that my confession wouldn’t be rejected. I thought there was no way Kagura and Mikos would say no. I just assumed they’d be happy. I’m gross. Just some overconfident creep.”
“Well, I can’t say I don’t understand the feeling. Honestly, I don’t think many people could have stayed in that spot after that happened.”
“Right?”
“So, if you understand that it was just a result of their confusion, why don’t you go back? I bet Kagura and the others are bawling their eyes out right now.”
“…You think it’s that bad?”
“Why are you being so suspicious? Oh, right, because of what just happened.”
“…After something like that, it’s hard to trust the opinions of those around me. It’s like… it reminds me of a student I knew who confessed to a girl because everyone told him ‘She definitely likes you,’ only to fail miserably.”
“Whoa… that actually happened?”
“It did. I saw it happen. I mean, there was a bit of a jokey vibe to it, but seeing the guy—who had been reasonably confident—just crumble into pieces was painful to watch. If the atmosphere had been a bit more lighthearted, it might have turned into a funny story later, but it wasn't like that. Even when everyone tried to comfort him and apologize, it just turned into a swamp of misery. The only saving grace was that it didn't turn into a fistfight. And the girl was considerate enough not to tell anyone else.”
If she had gone around blabbing to the whole class, it probably would have turned into full-blown bullying.
Well, putting that aside, we’re talking about Kagura and Mikos now.
“So, remembering that past event has me feeling a bit mentally drained.”
“I see. A bit of past trauma, then?”
“Even as an adult, my mental state isn't strong enough to just go around confessing to people over and over. I mean, even characters in dramas aren't that tough, right?”
Actually, I think anyone who can propose multiple times in a row like that has something wrong with their head. I won’t say people like that don’t exist, though.
“Well, true. But I really think Kagura and Mikos are crying right now. I’m serious. Those two truly, deeply love you, Yuki-san.”
“You’re very certain about that.”
“No, no, anyone who’s seen how they act and says otherwise is the weird one. How many times have you saved them? In a normal romance story or a light novel, you would have reached the goal long ago.”
“That’s because those are romance stories and light novels. Unfortunately, the ‘me’ here is in reality.”
“They say truth is stranger than fiction. Besides, our whole situation is pretty far out there to begin with.”
“True enough.”
It’s a bit late to realize it, but our situation is bizarre. So, I guess things like this happen…
“So, how long do you plan on moping? I’m going to call Kagura and the others soon, okay? I get that you’re still hurting mentally, Yuki-san, but things are much more serious for Kagura and Mikos. I couldn't bear it if they did something drastic like try to kill themselves.”
“I think my wives would stop that from happening, but… yeah, I guess it’s about time I went.”
With that, I slowly pushed myself up from the park bench. However, my heart was still heavy.
“Is it really okay to propose to the same women twice in one day?”
“Normally, no, but this time is different. Come on, let’s go. Or should I contact your wives?”
“Fine. I’ll go quietly.”
If my wives got openly involved, they’d definitely keep a record of it and I’d be dying of embarrassment later.
*Sigh.* I was supposed to lead a life where I wasn't popular with women. Where did I go wrong? Not that I’m saying marrying my wives was a mistake, though.
As I followed Taiki-kun, I happened to glance toward the park exit…
“Seraria, Deryu… actually, everyone except Milly, Riel, and Tori is here. What’s up?”
For some reason, my wives were all lined up waiting for me.
“What do you mean ‘what’s up’? Are you serious? We got a call from Kagura and the others just now and have been looking for you.”
“Indeed. Honestly, do not cut off your magical power and hide from the dungeon’s search. Do you have any idea how much trouble we had finding you? We were moments away from a full-scale mobilization.”
“My Lord. Please reflect on your actions. Everyone gets anxious when you suddenly vanish.”
“No, honestly, I’m sorry.”
I apologized sincerely. I thought I might have gone too far by making myself undetectable, but I just really wanted to be left alone.
“Well, anyone would feel that way after being dumped.”
“Big brother got dumped?”
“He was rejected?”
*Guh.* Aslin’s innocent observation pierced my chest.
“You two, that’s a misunderstanding. Do you really think Kagura and Mikos would refuse to marry Yuki?”
“I don’t get it. There’s no way Big Sister Kagura and Big Sister Mikos would say no.”
“It can only be some kind of mistake.”
As the two of them spoke, the others all nodded in agreement. Is the probability of Kagura and Mikos accepting my proposal really that high?! It actually makes me feel more anxious.
“…Yuki. You mustn't run away. I know it’s scary after being rejected once. But I’m sure Kagura and Mikos are hurting even more.”
“Kaya-sama is right. Even if it was a mistake born of the moment’s confusion, they did refuse my Lord’s offer. I am worried about them.”
“Mm. Yuki. Go to Kagura and the others.”
“Quite right. Yuki-sama. Go to those two.”
…Having my wives tell me to hurry up and go to other women… I mean, how should I feel about that?
“Yuki. I know you have a lot on your mind, but this is what everyone wants.”
“Yes. You are a Hero, Yuki-san. Have confidence.”
I was even being encouraged by the female knight and the Hero’s wife.
*Sigh.* If it’s come to this, I have no choice but to steel my resolve.
“So, where should I go?”
“Well, it seems Kagura and Mikos are running all over the place looking for you… Oh.”
““Oh!!””
“““Oh.”””
Everyone let out a collective exclamation and stared at a single point. I followed their gaze and…
“Oh.”
I ended up saying the same thing. Because standing there…
“Yu… ki…”
“Master… Yuki…”
Kagura and Mikos were standing at the park entrance, completely out of breath.
However, now that they were actually in front of me, my body froze up…
“Right. Let’s get going.”
Taiki-kun said as he pushed me from behind, forcing me forward.
“Then, as your knight…”
“And I, as a Hero…”
This time, Jessica and Ria joined in, pushing my back and forcing me one step, then another, closer to Kagura and Mikos…