第１１７５堀：仲良くなるには切っ掛けがいる (Part1)
Chapter 1175: It Takes a Spark to Become Friends
Side: Yuki
For the time being, our operations in the Dafaio Kingdom had gone well.
Princess Fiora had been brought back safely, and while there were a few stumbles at the start, the initial activities of Orelia and her group had begun to move along smoothly.
I had been thinking that I could just let them get used to things at a slow and leisurely pace, but…
"And so, at Princess Fiora’s request, let’s hold the 'Weed Family Team Tournament Exchange' that we’ve been meaning to do but never got around to."
When Seraria made that declaration, to my surprise, all my wives seemed to be in favor of it.
"Hmm. A fine opportunity. We’ve gained so many companions now. It is necessary to properly cross fists with one another at least once."
"Ahaha, Deryu, you’re so bloodthirsty. But, as Yuki-san’s wives, I suppose I do want to verify everyone’s true strength. After all, you’re all heroes."
"But, teams of three? That’s quite a dilemma."
"It feels like everyone is going to fight over Rurua for the healer spot, doesn't it?"
"Do you think so? I don't think anyone would even be given the time to heal."
"Ah, true. In our case, we all know each other’s cards to some extent. Naturally, the first thing we’d do is try to crush the healer."
They were already starting to chat and consult with one another, or rather, deciding who to team up with.
As a matter of fact, some members had already finished forming their teams.
"Alright, let’s do our best!"
"We shall do our best!"
"Yes. Let's give it our all!"
A bit unexpectedly, it was an irregular trio consisting of Aslin, Firia, and Vilia.
Well, it wasn't particularly strange, but I had assumed she would team up with Labyris as usual.
"Fufu. This time, I’m on a team with Shera and Dressa."
"Yes. It’s a little lonely not being on the same team as Aslin and the others, but I think this is a good opportunity to see how much the three of them have grown."
"That’s true. Vilia has been working hard on various things lately, but this is the real deal—a chance to show what she’s made of."
I see, so the older group was teaming up together.
However, just as I thought Hiiro was left out, she spoke up.
"Sta-onee, Je-onee, let’s do our best."
"Yes. Let’s do it. Jessica, I’m counting on you."
"Yes. Let’s do our best, Stasia."
I see, Hiiro had teamed up with the older sisters.
Despite her appearance, Hiiro was a power-type who wielded a tower shield, after all.
I was nodding in admiration at the combinations forming when Seraria continued, a sly, calculating look on her face.
"By the way, this team tournament is only one part of the exchange. It’s a bit outdated to decide who’s best based solely on physical prowess, and fortunately, the school has things called tests. We’ll be measuring those for each team as well."
" " " !? " " "
A stir of surprise rippled through everyone at those words.
Indeed. Knowing Seraria, they had assumed it would be purely about physical strength, but it seemed they realized that would be unfair.
So, by measuring knowledge as well, it would make things somewhat more equitable.
"I see, I see. I think we should focus our efforts on things other than physical strength. Agil."
"That’s right. I agree. So, who should we pick as our third?"
"Hmm. In the end, it’s a total score competition. Maybe someone good at combat would be best for the last spot."
The researcher team seemed to be considering the balance.
Well, if those two teamed up, they’d be unstoppable in everything except combat.
That said, as for my side…
"Um, what happened to the matter of me challenging Seraria-sama to a match?"
"…Yuki. S-since when did I end up being included in the mix with your wives?"
"It’s fine, Nailua. Besides, um, Princess Fiora, right? This way you can battle people other than Seraria-sama and learn how everyone stacks up. It’s all good things. I’m going to get my revenge on Deryu-san this time."
"I see. If I look at it that way, I suppose it’s fine. Indeed, even with the tests, it would be a good chance to grasp everyone’s strength and my own. Yes, I’m starting to feel motivated. I’m counting on you both."
"Huh? H-hey, aren't you ignoring me? Hey, aren't you treating me a bit too carelessly?"
"Ah, for now, Nailua. Just do your best. It’s a good opportunity for everyone to get along."
That was all I could say.
Nailua was originally supposed to have come to Weed as a budding researcher, but she had been stuck in a bizarre situation, constantly accompanying Wazfi and Deryu in their training.
Well, it wasn't wrong to build a foundation, so I couldn't really say much about that.
Still, teaming up with the other newcomers would be a good way to learn the true strength of the Weed members.
"That’s right. Take this opportunity to make friends other than me. Right, Nailua? Since you’re in such a good environment here."
"That’s true. I’m still in a state where I don't know my left from my right. So, let’s do our best together. I look forward to it."
"Ugh. It feels like my 'shut-in' persona is being forcibly dismantled, and my character is breaking down…"
"Well, you’ve got the capacity for it, so it’s not a problem. Besides, the moment you got involved with us, you cleaned up your appearance, so you might as well have some fun, student."
That’s right. When we first met, she was a pink-haired ghost girl, but now she was a woman who could easily fit the label of "wanton pink." Well, she hadn't quite reached that point, but her style was decent enough, and she would likely get used to it eventually.
"…I wonder what that look is. It’s not the look of a lecherous old man, but ugh, I feel pity, and it’s terribly infuriating."
"No, Yuki-sama doesn't need to look at you with lecherous eyes. Besides, do you really think you can beat the people around you?"
"Ahaha… I’m going to become a wife among all those people… this is tough, isn't it?"
"…Wazfi. A-anyway, I’m the one who brought this up, but let’s drop this conversation. The princess is getting dragged into this. Regardless, I’ll put all my effort into just surviving today."
Well, as Wazfi said, there were plenty of wives with great figures.
*Sigh.* Well, I know it’s strange for me to say that myself, but everyone around me has already accepted it, so there’s no point in saying anything now.
But, I will take good care of Princess Fiora, so that’s not an issue.
As for Nailua, well, do your best to survive. She probably won't be killed, but she’ll likely have a painful time of it.
Now, leaving the newcomers aside…
"…Why must we be subjected to such an ordeal in a place like this?"
"Honestly, this is a bit too much."
"Ahaha. But, I actually like things like this."
Orelia and Yayui were pale and trembling, but oh, Hoviss seemed to be enjoying it.
Since it was meant to deepen our connections, Hoviss’s attitude was the right one.
Even so, I could well understand the anxiety Orelia and Yayui felt.
After all, the gap in ability was so vast that it was questionable whether they could even enjoy it…