第８８２堀：ご挨拶へ (Part2)
"Yes. I'll handle it with moderation."
"Wait, what!? Yuki!!"
"Yuki-sensei!?"
Just like that, the two wives were whisked away by Catherine.
"Um, is this really okay?"
"Catherine isn't actually that angry. Besides, for the sake of the future, they need to learn a little about the dangers of having a loose tongue."
"Well, that is true. So, what shall we do?"
"We'll proceed as planned and go greet Stasia and Enora's parents. They’re currently in the middle of a meeting here in Baide."
Indeed, the leaders of the New Continent's major powers were currently in Baide, discussing the upcoming Intercontinental Exchange Conference. This meant we could get the greetings out of the way all at once.
"And while we're at it, we can discuss the mana depletion phenomenon beforehand."
"Are we dealing with dragons again?"
"No, this land doesn't have any monsters to begin with. I doubt a dragon would show up. Still, I'm looking forward to seeing what does."
As Ria said, I didn't think a dragon would appear, but as Deryu noted, reporting on a mana depletion phenomenon in a land devoid of monsters was an intriguing prospect. We might even get some insights from an unexpected perspective.
With that in mind, we arrived in front of the conference room, but...
"...I have to say, I'm nervous."
"...Yeah. It’s surprisingly nerve-wracking, isn't it?"
Stasia and Enora were saying things quite out of character for them. Since this also served as the formal greeting for their marriage, it was only natural they’d be tense.
Well then, time to act like a man.
"Look, I know you're worried, but don't be. I'll handle it. After all, I'm your husband."
"..."
When I said that, the two of them looked surprised for some reason, but then they immediately broke into smiles.
"Yes. I’m counting on you."
"...That's right. If Yuki is here, I feel safe."
They said that, but from behind me, Deryu and Ria chimed in...
"That's because your first attempt was so pathetic."
"Well, it was just a confirmation, after all."
"E-eh, no. It is a fact that Yuki-sama is reliable."
"Y-yeah. I thought he was a bit dense, but there’s no man more reliable than him."
They stabbed me without hesitation. Moreover, Stasia and Enora’s attempts to follow up only twisted the knife further. Sorry for being dense, okay? It hurts. My heart hurts. But what can I do? I don't exactly think of myself as a lady-killer, and besides, confirming a marriage that was decided without my input is only logical.
Still, reacting poorly here would only give Deryu and the others more ammunition to tease me. So, I ignored them and walked straight into the conference room.
"Hm? Oh, you've come. Yuki-dono."
"You've arrived, Yuki-dono."
"We have been waiting for you, Yuki-sama."
King Haiden, King Findar, and Archbishop Enol greeted me, and sitting at the table with them was...
"It’s been a while. Or perhaps not that long, Yuki-dono."
"Indeed. So you came as well."
It was Emerald, the Queen of Cysypho. I didn't even need to ask why.
"Indeed. I am already making use of the Gate. This is a vital meeting regarding whether or not we can participate in the Intercontinental Exchange Conference."
Right. It was a matter of life and death for Cysypho. With this, the days of stagnant transport were effectively over. As a matter of national security, there was no reason not to participate.
"If there is anything you don't understand, please don't hesitate to ask."
"Ah, I will certainly do so when the time comes. Now then, Yuki-dono, why are you here?"
"Ah, I came to check on the progress of the conference, and to discuss my marriage."
"I understand checking on the conference, but... marriage?"
I see. Queen Emerald didn't know about my marriage. Well, that didn't change what I had to say. If anything, having Queen Emerald present meant I could use her as a witness, making it harder for them to back out.
"That's right. So, King Findar, I'll be taking Stasia."
"Wait, what!? Yuki-sama!!"
"Oh, take her without hesitation. I doubt Yuki-dono would ever make Stasia cry."
"Father!?"
I left Stasia, who was staring blankly, to her own devices and turned to Archbishop Enol and Bishop Enoa, Enora's mother, who was waiting behind him.
"Archbishop, I'll be taking Enora. Is that alright with you as well, Mother?"
"That's a direct approach too!?"
"Yes, please do."
"Indeed. As King Findar said, there is nothing to worry about if it is Yuki-sama."
"The response is also a direct approach!?"
And just like that, the marriage greetings were finished.
"I see why you came, Yuki-dono, but I must say, I am surprised by such a straightforward marriage proposal."
Queen Emerald said with a wry smile, but well, that’s the Weed style. Making the rounds to greet the relevant parties is important. Though, to be honest, it can be a real pain sometimes, can't it? Going around greeting people you might never see again. Oh, I’m not talking about my own marriage, of course. Don't tell my wives I said that.
And so, Yuki and his group finished their greetings. There was no fear of being rejected, so they kept it simple and direct.