Side: Yuki
Today, Seraria will arrive.
I got word last night that she'd be here around 10 AM.
Seraria truly seems to be top-class as a military leader. It's normal for marches to be delayed by a day or two, yet bringing immigrants along and still arriving exactly on schedule in 15 days is impressive.
Ah, as for Rurua, she merged with Arshtelle's group, so the car is no longer usable.
It's a 13-day journey to the Rithea Holy Kingdom's capital, and they'll be bouncing along in a carriage.
So my vacation ended after just one day... Well, I could have pushed the work onto Derieu and slacked off, but...
"I've had enough~! I'm not getting out of this futon!! I won't accept this treatment. I'm going on strike!! Ah, Aslin. Could you get me some vanilla ice cream? Thank you."
Since someone was on the verge of becoming a total NEET, I had no choice but to come back.
"Mm-hmm. It feels good when Yuki is around. Is it because we're both immortal?"
She says things like that, but at least she helps out, so it's better than leaving her alone.
Well, Derieu probably has her own thoughts about being the only immortal one. So her attachment to me is about having another immortal companion, not romantic feelings... I think.
But even though she has her own private room, she comes to my room every night to sleep. When I wake up, she's snuck into my futon. Unlike Aslin and the others, she has a distinctly feminine body, so I really wish she'd give me a break.
I understand their feelings, you know? But in the current situation, I can't have them getting pregnant.
There's already pushback because the city's leadership is made up entirely of women. If they become unstable due to pregnancy, the opposition will start screaming that women aren't fit to lead.
Yes, for their sake, I have to remain a "Sage."
Perhaps as a result of this resolve, my "morning partner" has been quiet lately.
...I haven't stopped functioning as a man, have I?
"What's wrong? Looking down like that?"
Derieu tilts her head at my strange behavior.
"...No, I was just thinking about how well I'm enduring. You might not know this, Derieu, but a healthy man faces a certain problem every morning. I've made it this far with an unshakeable spirit."
"Huh? What are you talking about? Yuki's thing is something I see every morni—gh!?"
While I was talking while staring off into the distance, a strange sound came from Derieu.
When I looked at her, for some reason, she was crouching on the floor.
"Are you okay? Does your stomach hurt?"
"...Yuki, don't worry. I just accidentally bumped her with my sword. I'm sorry, Derieu."
Labyris says that and helps Derieu up.
"...Stay quiet... or I won't..."
"...Then! ...let me... okay!?"
"...Then... do as I say..."
I couldn't catch the fulll conversation, but I suppose it's her pride as a Demon King. Even if it hurts from being hit in a vital spot, she's putting on a brave face for Labyris.
"Yuki-san, they should be in sight soon."
While all that was happening, Eris called out to me.
"Alright, everyone's about to get busy."
* * *
In front of us was the direct unit led by Seraria, with the immigrants following behind them.
Before that, I guess I should explain what's outside the dungeon.
After buying up the land rights, we naturally gained control over the exterior as well. However, if the four sides aren't placed under dungeon control, DP absorption efficiency drops even further. Defense also has many weaknesses, which is why we decided against building the town out there.
Well, you could say we left it empty specifically for Seraria's performance.
"Seraria-sama, we have been awaiting your arrival. We are honored by your presence."
Labyris, acting as the public representative, made the declaration, and everyone bowed.
By the way, everyone here is outside the dungeon, so they're all "fakes." We brought doppelgangers of each representative as a safety measure.
"Labyris, I thank you for carrying on Elju's will and maintaining this dungeon. And Yuki. For your merit in stopping the rebellion in Loire, you have been made a noble."
"I am deeply honored."
"Thank you for such grace. I will strive even harder from now on."
Well, I figured they'd do something like that.
It would be very troublesome for me to remain a nobody. From the perspective of the Kingdom of Roshure, who wants to put a collar on me, if they tell people to "Beware of Yuki," most would just say, "Yuki who? Why bother with an unknown?"
If I stay unknown and don't appear publicly, even the king would seem paranoid. So they give me a title and make me a noble.
But that's also problematic. Because officially, I haven't done anything. Well, I have, but Roshure's high officials don't know about it. So making me a noble outright would normally be impossible... but they pushed it through anyway.
"Yuki's rank is Marquis. Furthermore, my marriage to him, as a Duchess, is hereby recognized. From this moment, I shall be your wife. I look forward to our future together... Dear?"
"Wha...!?"
She did the most troublesome thing possible!
I had predicted they would make me a noble and push some random watchdog wife onto me, but I never imagined Seraria herself would take that role.
Wait... won't Labyris and the others get angry?
Or so I thought, but looking at Labyris and the group behind me...
"Seraria-sama, congratulations on your engagement and marriage."
For some reason, everyone was smiling and congratulating us with happy faces.... Why!?
Even more strangely, Seraria's direct troops were applauding with both hands.
Hey, aren't you supposed to object and say this isn't appropriate!? There's no opening for me to refuse now!!
"Yes, thank you everyone. I think I'll get along quite well with him. However, there is a problem. I have no intention of dying anytime soon, but 'being the only one' to bear his children makes me uneasy. My child must be raised as a Duke, and I cannot leave them in charge of dungeon management forever. Therefore, it would be troublesome if Yuki didn't take several concubines."
Seraria said this with a bright smile.
No way... Don't tell me...
"I have been granted autonomy here. To realize my husband's ideals, education for the next generation is absolutely necessary. And for that, we need good companions to support him. No, I want people who have the resolve to love him and bear his children. Labyris, do you have anyone in mind?"
"Yes. Most of us here, including myself, would be honored to bear Yuki's children. Will you accept us?"
"I have no reason to refuse. I've heard of everything you've done here. If anything, I am the lucky one. Let us support our husband together."
"Yes, Seraria-sama."
...I've been set up!!
They're all in on it together!!
I can see them glancing my way and snickering!!
"...Seraria-sama, I'm sorry to interrupt your pleasant conversation, but there are many immigrants waiting. It's about time..."
"Ara? Dear, you can just call me Seraria, you know? Well, that's fine for now. You're right, we can't keep the people waiting."
Finally, Seraria began acting according to the plan.
"Everyone! Now, I, Seraria, shall prove that I have been entrusted with the control of the dungeon by Elju!!"
As she said that, the houses I had secretly set up outside the dungeon were placed all at once.
Well, the outside isn't that grand. The outside is just for show, so there are about thirty wooden houses and a Lord's Manor for when Seraria works outside.
"""Oooohhh!!"""
With this, Seraria proved to the people that she can properly control the dungeon.
"Half of the unit will be assigned to defense here. Qual, I'm leaving this to you."
"Understood! But what about the rest? There are no other places to live?"
"What are you saying, Qual? The control of the dungeon is mine. That means the safest place is inside the dungeon. The interior is already more developed than this spot. But if there's nothing on the outside, no one will approach, right? That's why I built this place for now. Since no one would believe there's a city inside a dungeon, we'll do the explaining and ensure no suspicious people enter."
"Understood!"
Seemingly convinced by Seraria's explanation, Qual began giving orders to her subordinates on the spot.
"Now then, Labyris, lead the way."
"Yes, this way please."
With that, they led the immigrants into the dungeon.
By the way, the defense of the 1st and 2nd floors can be bypassed by using the teleport traps for transportation. Though only representatives can use them.
* * *
Inside the residential area, those coming for the first time, including Seraria, expressed their shock.
"This is... far beyond what I expected."
Well, they're used to wooden structures. Concrete is beyond their understanding.
"Welcome. You are Seraria-sama, I presume? I am Narjia, the representative of the Fairy Race who were recently taken in by Labyris-sama and the others. And the final touch—the native fairy residents."
And the final touch—the native fairy residents.
"We've met over the call screens, but I will introduce myself again here. I am Seraria, the Second Princess of the Kingdom of Roshure. I offer my deepest condolences for your recent tragedy. And I heartfully welcome your immigration to this dungeon."
"Yes, we look forward to working with you."
"To the members of my unit and the immigrants: from now on, you will live alongside the Fairy Race. However, there is no need to be overly formal. We are living here together."
"Yes, we look forward to meeting everyone."
After the introductions with the Fairies were finished, we moved to the training grounds.
"Alright, everyone! Over here!! There are plenty of seats. Please sit wherever you like. We will now have an explanation of the dungeon and greetings from the representatives!!"
Milly was shouting, guiding the immigrants.
"Milly...? I-Is that you, Milly?"
In the midst of that, someone called out to her.
"Eh, D-Dad? Mom? Sherry too...?"
Milly's eyes went wide as she stood there dazed.
"Go on, go to them. We can handle the rest here."
"Ah, eh, but..."
When Milly looked around...
"Go on, Milly. Leave this to us."
Eris and Ratz urged her.
Everyone else also looked at Milly and nodded.
"Ah..."
Milly unconsciously took a step forward.
I gently pushed her back to give her one last push.
"O-Onee-chan!! Onee-chan!!"
"Milly, I'm so glad... You got separated from us..."
"We thought we'd never see you again!!"
No one tried to interrupt the family reunion.
Everyone quietly watched over them with warm smiles.
"Ah, sorry. If Milly is guiding people here, does that mean she is Seraria-sama's subordinate? I'm sorry for interrupting the work..."
"I'm just glad to see Milly safe. Milly, you can work with a peace of mind now."
"Onee-chan, we can meet again, right?"
"Yeah, I understand. Dad, Mom. Sherry too—it's okay. We can meet easily anytime."
Milly's father, noticing the surroundings, urged her to get back to it.
I better finish the explanation quickly so they can relax.
"Just seeing this scene makes building this place completely worth it."
Derieu said, looking at the scene with a mix of loneliness and joy.
Because for her, that kind of moment will never return...
"Well then, dear, I suppose it's my turn?"
"...Yeah, but Seraria, how long are you going to keep calling me that?"
"Did you prefer being called Yuki?"
"Sigh, do whatever you want."
"Then, I'm off. D-e-a-r."
After that, she gave a speech and explanation similar to when we welcomed the Fairies.
Due to the numbers, the living quarters in the training grounds were divided. ID issuance was pushed to tomorrow. For now, the priority was letting them rest as soon as possible.
* * *
After the speeches and greetings were over and the room assignments were done, a small welcoming banquet was held in the cafeteria
Even so, the immigrants were moved to tears of joy.
"Well, immigrants usually have no shelter and must fend for themselves. I told them that beforehand, but they didn't believe me about you. This food may be normal for you, but it's better than castle life. Ah, can we send some to Qual and the others on guard outside?"
"Of course. But you're coming too."
"Naturally. They're my unit. But dear, you should learn their names too. As my husband, you'll be given secondary command authority."
After that, I delivered food to the external guard unit with Seraria, and then we were free to rest for the day.
As part of the explanation, I had asked for the Fairies to help out. In the meantime, we returned to the inn at the base and held a meeting.
Seraria's guards said they'd follow us, but she convinced them that only Qual would come.
...To be precise, she snapped at them.
"Don't disturb my honeymoon with my husband. And Qual, don't you dare do anything stupid either."
"Of course!!"
With those words and a glare, Seraria's unit was silenced.
Qual was also saluting, with beads of sweat on her forehead.
* * *
"—So, about 30 children have been added. That makes 355 in total, excluding my unit."
Seraria is used to Japanese-style rooms, so she adapted to the current environment without issue.
When I explained the open-air bath, she said something about it being more luxurious than when she was at the castle.
"Fumufumu, just as we heard from you, Seraria-sama. Thank you very much."
"It's fine. By the way, Ratz, you don't need to use 'sama' in this place."
"Ah, sorry. I was actually nervous to meet you in person. Looking forward to working with you, Seraria."
"Yes, same here. Everyone, don't be so stiff. In this inn, I have the lowest standing. Well, I won't back down when it comes to my husband, though. Tell me when you're going to 'swing your hips.' If you don't, I'll basically monopolize him every day."
"Hahaha. You must be joking. I'll be the one swinging my hips every day."
How should I put it... when women are being this blunt with each other, it's hard for a man to interject.
"Hey, Onii-chan. Milly-neechan isn't here?"
Aslin, sitting on Seraria's lap, asked me a question.
"Milly is with her family. They're having a good talk at the training center today."
"I see. Milly-neechan met her family. That's good."
"Yeah, it is."
"Hey, Aslin, do you feel lonely because you can't meet your family?"
"I don't remember my family."
"...I see. I'm sorry."
"But I'm not lonely."
"?"
"Because I have Onii-chan, and Elju-neechan, and everyone, and now Seraria-neechan too!! Everyone is my family!! Is that not okay?"
Aslin looked up at Seraria.
"Of course it's okay!! Even without a blood connection, we are family!! That's right, I'll kill anyone who bullies Aslin!! You're cute, way too cute!! You're on a whole different level than on the call screen!!"
"Fuwaaaa!?"
Seraria rolled around on the tatami while hugging Aslin tightly.
And so, the day passed by quite livelily.
"...Um, Seraria-sama. Aren't you going to introduce me?"
Qual's introduction happened right before bedtime.
