Imperial IX-8

"Rina, Noel. Both of you mean so much to me. I can't choose between you. I'm sorry for making you both suffer because I'm indecisive. If you both would just avoid each other, would you come with me to my country?"

What a terrible confession.

I wouldn't follow someone who says something like that. But I don't know how else to say it.

"Anyway, in moments like this, you should be bold. But since we're at it, I'd also like to hear your thoughts when it's just the two of us."

And Rinna complained happily.

"That's right. This time, speak clearly. I'll go along with you, since there's no choice."

Noel said, clearly overjoyed.

Thanks to the generosity of the two of them, in an instant they had won not only two wives but also a country.

A banquet was held—a celebration to bless their new beginning and their own lord.

While watching the feast, they reflected on the events of the past few days.

If Lina is moving, her younger brother William will come along, as will the knight group.

Since Noel is coming, the merchant group will come too.

The merchant group members are also involved in trade.

Alex will represent them, and several members from the guild will join.

Others who wish to participate in developing the new land will come as well. Though the challenges will be great, the advantage of being pioneers is something everyone desires.

Surprisingly, there are many who agree.

Based on the number of people, several large sailing ships were prepared.

In a few days, we'll be on the ship.

Enjoying the festivities, yet my mind is already full of the next plan.

Then, the captain of the knight order approaches me.

"Hey, Taro, got a minute?"

"Sure, what's up?"

"If the lady marries you, you'll become part of our protection detail. However..."

"I see. No problem. Just protect Lina. As for me, you can take care of me whenever it's convenient."

"We still don't know you or trust you completely. Let's reaffirm our loyalty when time has passed."

"I'll leave it to you then... Ah, right, there's someone I'd like you to support discreetly."

"Hmm?"

"Could you look after Noel too? You don't have to serve her, just lend a helping hand when you can. It's rare to find someone her age and of the same gender as a friend, after all."

"I understand. I already feel a good rapport with her, and I'll do everything I can to assist."

The joyful hours of the banquet passed, and night deepened.

Though I had bought this mansion myself, I would soon be letting it go.

For some reason, it would come under joint management with the Empress, but I would no longer live here.

A sense of loneliness, and yet it had all happened so quickly.

Lost in thought, I heard a knock at the door.

When I opened it, Noelle and Lina stood side by side.

"What's up? You two together?"

"Noelle, please help me."

"Got it, leave it to me!"

I was easily thrown off balance, my leg pinned by Noelle.

"Let's go, Lina."

Lina and Noelle together pushed me onto the bed.

"What are you doing?!"

They both climbed on top of me, pinning me down. This scene was all too familiar. Why do they always want to get on top of people?

I could vaguely sense what was coming.

"Lina and I talked in the bath. From now on, we'll be living together as a trio."

"That's why I think it's better to just lay everything out from the beginning, so we won't feel awkward later."

Lina continued.

In the time I wasn't paying attention, the two of them had already started calling each other by name.

"Then..."

It was a very pleasant morning. I might as well start working on my fitness, I thought.

This won't last much longer every night.

I caught a whiff of the sea—familiar, like a memory from before.

Imposing ships were lined up, as if to show off.

They were loading supplies onto each ship.

It wasn't our first time visiting this island...

In fact, we'd already flown over it earlier to conduct a preliminary survey.

Since we'd heard there were many monsters, I decided to survey the area first, in case we ended up fighting upon landing.

Fortunately, there weren't nearly as many monsters as expected, and we secured the landing site with only minor combat.

According to the survey results, no humans lived there—just a completely wild, uninhabited island populated solely by animals.

It's strange that such a large island has no indigenous people at all, but since there aren't any, we're free to use the land as we please—perfectly convenient.

The ship was about to set sail.

People were boarding one after another.

Just as I was about to get on, Rina and Noel clung to me, wrapping their arms around mine.

"Come on, hurry up, Taro."

"Yes, let's see every corner quickly."

It seemed both of them were experiencing boat rides for the first time, clearly looking forward to the journey.

On the way to the boat, I spotted Alex and Liruka talking.

"What are those two doing?"

"Well... I think it's pretty obvious," Rina explained.

"Liruka should be fine. As for Alex... he's not as dense as Taro, so he should probably be okay. Probably."

Alex appeared perfectly serious, while Liruka seemed to sense something and smiled sweetly.

Alex reached out toward Liruka, and she took his hand.

"......! So that's what it means!"

"Realizing that now?"

"You're too slow, Taro."

They both gave him a look of exasperation.

Feeling their gaze, he hurried inside the ship.

Numerous ships began to move.

Lights shone as if to celebrate the departure.

"Long time no see, Coil. How was your journey with the legendary mage?"

"There's no way I could have enough lives—just look at how I keep sticking my nose into trouble myself."

"Hohohoho, that's just the kind of man you are. Now, shall we get to the real matter at hand?"

"Still as abrupt as ever, Graham. Fine, here's my take after traveling the world with him... It won't revive right away, but it's certainly not far off."

"So be it. As ever, maintain vigilance....Still, do you really think Taro is the only one still chasing the legend of the Hero?"

"That's precisely correct. One should begin to suspect once they've gained enough knowledge to keep up with the story."

"Coil, continue your association with him. We'll reach our destination eventually. At that time, the only one capable of bearing the fate of this world will be the Demon King."

"Hey, hey, don't get your hopes up."