Side: Sheila
"Honestly!! Onii-sama, what on earth are you thinking!? Even if it's you, Brother, this is simply unforgivable!!"
I was angrier than I had ever been in my life.
Well, Kaya-san and I intercepted them easily, so no harm was done... But the mere thought of what might have happened if this weren't a Doppelganger, but the real Yuki-sama... it makes my spine go cold.
"U-Um, Sheila. C-Can't you let it go at that? Higil was just worried about you..."
"Onee-sama, you too!! Even though Seraria-sama stepped in to stop you, you started competing!! You should bow your head and apologize first!!"
"Ugh..."
By the way, my foolish sister and foolish brother—who attempted to attack Yuki-sama—are now sitting in the reception room in seiza. Naturally, under my strict instructions.
"Sheila, calm down. I enjoyed myself, and my husband is unharmed. We can just treat it as a bit of entertainment."
"Seraria-sama, but...!!"
"S-See? Seraria says so too, right?"
"Onee-sama, be quiet!! You have no right to speak right now!!"
"Eek!?"
"Dear Father, Onii-sama, what do you intend to do about this?!"
I turned my questioning gaze toward the King—my father—and my eldest brother, who will lead the future of Gartz. Both wore expressions that were hard to describe.
Nearby, Seraria-sama was whispering to Lowelle-neesama.
"Lowelle, your younger sister is quite something."
"Uuugh, Seraria, help me—aren't we childhood friends?"
"That's true, but this time, by normal standards, you're the one at fault. At most I can pass along a request to lessen the punishment."
"P-Punishment... what kind...?"
"Well, your head won't roll, but you did try to assault your brother-in-law. You won't get off scot-free. I'd guess... about three months of 'Princess duties' with no combat training?"
"Wha—if you take away my shield and sword, what's left of me?!"
"That's the problem. Use this chance to train your brain for once."
"I-Impossible. You're the same, aren't you, Seraria? It's much easier to just swing a sword."
"It is. But I'm in charge of the military now, and unlike you, I don't have a... strategist. I have to process everything myself."
"Uwaaaaahhh..."
Serves her right. She can stay crushed for a while.
"Well? Do you have nothing to say for yourselves?"
"C-Calm down. Let's just talk this out."
Father backed away, clearly sensing that I was truly furious.
"Talk it out? My sister and brother there attacked without a single word of conversation."
"B-But, he was grabbing Sheila's head and assaulting her...!!"
"He was merely patting my head, Onii-sama. How dare you ruin a tender moment between husband and wife with such violence?"
Higil-niisama, making such pathetic excuses, started to look like a very ugly creature to me.
"You... piece of trash brother."
The moment I said those words, a heavy silence filled the room.
"Waaaaahhhhhh...!! I can't go on living anymore!!"
Before I knew it, Higil-niisama had pulled out a knife and aimed it at his own throat...
"Hey, calm down!! She's just joking! Right? Right!?"
Sharl-neesama desperately held back his hand while pleading with me.
Oh, did I say something a bit too harsh?
"Y-Yes. It was a joke. But I want you to reflect on your actions that deeply."
"I'm sorry!! I'm reflecting!! Please don't hate me!!"
Higil-niisama bowed his head so many times and with such desperation that it was almost off-putting.
"...This was our fault. Sheila, I'm sorry. And Sheila's husband, Seraria-dono, Rurua-dono, and your attendants, I deeply apologize."
Our Eldest brother—Teak-niisama says, bowing deeply.
"Father wishes to bow as well, but his status as King prevents it. Please, let my bow suffice as the King's apology as well. As for the punishments, we will consider them carefully, confirm them with you, and then carry them out."
...Teak-niisama, you look a bit gaunt. Did I go too far? Well, maybe just with Teak-niisama. The others don't matter.
"I'm sorry. It's a bit awkward to do introductions like this, so we'll prepare rooms for you. We can talk slowly over dinner later. Would that be acceptable?"
Sharl-neesama spoke, sweat beading on her forehead as she tried to salvage the situation.
"I don't mind." Seraria said.
"I don't mind either. What about you, Sheila-sama?" Rurua asked.
"...Complaining further won't change anything. Let's do as Sharl-neesama says."
"Thank you, Sheila. You know where the guest rooms are, right? Given the... state of things, please feel free to handle the room assignments and use the maids as you like."
"...Yes, I understand."
* * *
Side: Yuki
"I am truly, truly sorry."
Once Sheila had guided us to one of the rooms, she bowed her head as low as it would go. Well, after a scene like that, I'd be pale too.
"I know telling you not to worry won't stop you, but I'm really fine. Think of it this way—won't this make the negotiations easier?"
"...Is that really all it takes for you to forgive them?"
"Of course. They're important family to you. It would make you sad if I caused a rift over something like this, wouldn't it?"
"T-Thank you so much!!"
"There, there."
"The thought... of being hated by Yuki-sama... hic, sob..."
Ah, geez, she started crying.
"Is everyone else okay with this?" I asked.
"You were the victim, so if you're fine, I'm fine," Ratz said.
"...No problem." Kaya added.
"I've already settled things with Lowelle," Seraria said.
"I have no issue with it either," Rurua agreed.
"I have some complaints from a security standpoint, but... fine," Qual muttered.
"I'm just the Guild Master. I don't have the right to say anything," Rock added.
At that, Killue also offered her thanks.
"We are grateful for your generous hearts. Please wait a moment; drinks will be arriving shortly..."
After that, the drinks arrived, and we spent some time listening to Sheila talk about Gartz's specialties and her memories.
* * *
"—And then, that happened."
"Heh, I see."
"Isn't that a nice story?"
"Yes, a very good story."
The room assignments were settled: me, Sheila, Seraria, and Rurua in one room (with Killue attending). Ratz, Kaya, and Qual in another, while Rock-san got his own.
Well, can't be helped. We'd unpacked most of our things, though with my Item Box, it wasn't that inconvenient anyway. I was relaxing, using Sheila, Seraria, and Rurua as pillows while we chatted...
"Thank you for waiting. The King, along with the Princes and Princesses, are waiting. Please, follow me."
Following those words, we headed to the banquet.
* * *
The food served was as excellent as you'd expect, truly delicious. Once everyone had enjoyed their meal and settled down, the King, who had been dining with us, spoke up.
"How was it? The taste of Gartz?"
"It was delicious. Thank you for the meal."
"It was good to have this flavor again after so long. I never imagined we'd end up in a state of war." Seraria added.
"Indeed, I didn't imagine it either," the King replied.
We engaged in some light small talk.
"The meal is finished. Now, allow me to introduce myself once more. I am the King of Gartz, Gartz IX."
The King introduced himself with plenty of dignity. He was human, with a sturdy build—he looked like a super-heavyweight.
"I am the First Prince of Gartz, Teak."
Next was a handsome blonde man.
...But for some reason, he looked like he was suffering through the same kind of hardships I do. Why is that?
"I apologize for the trouble earlier. I am the Second Princess of Gartz, Lowelle. You likely already know, but Princess Seraria and I are old friends. I am glad for this meeting."
This blonde wolf-beastwoman was one of the people who attacked me earlier, the princess Seraria had brushed off. She seems even more of a muscle-brain than Seraria. And yet, her figure is even better than Seraria's.
"Sister, my brother has caused you trouble. I am the Third Princess of Gartz, Sharl."
Also blonde, but a different race... an Elf? But she's a woman with a very ample chest, much like Eris.
"...I am the Fourth Prince, Higil. I am truly sorry."
The handsome, intellectual-looking blonde man with glasses bowed his head.
This was the prince who ordered the magic and arrows to be fired. Well, he looked like he'd been thoroughly scolded. Poor guy...
"I apologize, but the Fifth and Sixth Princes are currently out hunting monsters. I'm not sure if they will make it in time."
"No, we are the ones who should apologize for the sudden visit. Allow me to introduce our group as well."
I stood up and offered a polite bow.
"I am Yuki, the one who became Sheila's husband. I hold the rank of Marquis."
"And he is my husband as well. Sheila is his concubine," Seraria added.
"Wait—!? Seraria, you got married?!" Lowelle exclaimed.
"Yes, I did."
"You traitor!!"
While Lowelle and Seraria were playfully bickering, the King spoke to me.
"I see. If you are a man capable of taking Seraria-sama as a wife, I can rest easy entrusting Sheila to you."
"Yes, Father," Sheila added.
"However... why is Rurua-dono of Rithea here as well?"
"Ah, my apologies. I have also become one of Yuki-san's concubines..." Rurua said.
The air in the room froze.
"W-What!? The Saintess Rurua has married?!"
"No, I have entrusted the role of Saintess to Arshtelle-sama. Now, I am simply one of the wives supporting my husband."
"W-Wait a moment. Seraria-sama, Rurua-sama... are you saying that the husband of these two from Roshure and Rithea is the same man Sheila married?"
"Yes, that is correct."
The older sister, Sharl stared at Rurua's response with her mouth agape. Well, it can't be helped; no matter how you look at me, I don't look like such a grand figure.
"...Ahem. Forgive me. I was a bit surprised. If it's alright, may I ask how Seraria-dono and Rurua-dono came to be married to Marquis Yuki?"
Teak, the eldest son, somehow managed to reboot and asked exactly what we wanted to talk about. This man is impressive. Even in such a chaotic situation, he stays focused on moving forward. I can see why he's the next King.
"Of course. However, I must ask you to clear the room."
Seraria said with a pleasant smile.
"Understood."
The King, sensing the weight behind Seraria's request, dismissed the attendants without hesitation.
Now then, where should I start...
