Side: Seraria
Phew... That wraps up today's meeting, more or less.
Good grief, there's never any time to rest.
Then again, if it weren't for the whole situation on the new continent, nothing new would be happening—we'd just be sitting around handling routine diplomacy between Weed and foreign nations.
If that were the case, I would literally die of boredom.
Thinking about Sakura, a safe and peaceful environment is obviously ideal, but this world's delicate balance could collapse at any moment due to the mana depletion.
In that case, my ideal role is to stand behind my husband, support his back, and push us forward.
...Hmm? 'Stand behind my husband and support his back'?
...Ah, there was something I completely forgot.
"...By the way, how are you planning to report everything to the Jilva Empire? More importantly, what happened with that ornamental tomboy princess who came as Enaria's representative? We never heard the details."
That's right.
Because we went wild on the battlefield, that tomboy princess was saved from having to pull off a desperate, life-or-death gamble, but I haven't heard the full specifics of the conversation with her.
According to Jessica, she was supposed to be a great backer on the new continent—or rather, a fine candidate to become a wife.
I was so thrilled about jumping into the fray myself that it completely slipped my mind.
"Come to think of it, we haven't heard that report either. Onii-san tried to prevent our relationship with the princess from deteriorating by claiming he was a descendant of the Jilva Imperial royal family, right?"
"Yes, that's correct. Olive-sama came to Betan in advance to inform us and asked us to match our stories." (Jessica)
"That makes sense~ After all, nobody wants to go out of their way to cause internal friction."
"Ratz, I think you're misunderstanding that part."
"Hm? What do you mean?"
"The King of Jilva likely wanted to avoid picking a fight with us at all costs. While avoiding an internal power struggle might have played a part, the primary reason was ensuring we didn't become their enemies. Because if we turned hostile, they would guaranteed lose the territory they just conquered."
"Yes, I think it's probably as Seraria-sama says."
"From what I've heard, the King of Jilva isn't that stupid. As expected of someone uniting a major power, he thoroughly understands the balance of power. Though having absurd outliers like us show up out of nowhere must give him a massive headache."
Even when I first met Yuki, I was constantly baffled and confused by things far beyond my understanding. Considering that, my old bastard of a father—who properly assessed Yuki's capabilities and sought his cooperation—is actually somewhat competent.
Even if he's still a old bastard in my book, though.
"Anyway, we got off topic. Yuki, you ended up meeting that Jilva princess in person, right?"
"Yeah, I met her. Since my wives went wild on the battlefield, I had to lay down some proper excuses, or things would've devolved into total chaos."
"Ara? You sound rather irritated."
"Well, yeah. I ended up bringing my wives onto a battlefield, after all. Even though everything turned out fine... I was worried sick. Honestly, I was worried sick. Up until now, I'd always been close enough to protect everyone if something happened..."
At those words, every one of us wives blushed.
Since we are his very first family in this world, we completely understand how he feels. This is just the kind of man our husband is.
That's precisely why we want to help him... Actually, I'd rather just pin him down and have my way with him.
...Alright, tonight I'm crawling into the futon and going all night long.
Ah, no no. I need to focus on the conversation.
Hearing about the discussion with Jilva's princess and how Yuki intends to report to Jilva will drastically change how we handle the ceasefire with Enaria.
"Everyone understands how much you care about us, Yuki. More importantly, could you tell us what was said during the meeting and how you plan to handle the report? Our future actions depend on it."
"Right, I should properly explain the meeting with Jilva's princess. Alright, Jessica, why don't you handle this one?"
"Eh, me?"
"We drafted the report together, didn't we? It's much better to hear about the atmosphere and details of a conversation from a third-party perspective rather than the person who actually spoke—though subjective input is useful too, of course. Plus, you have solid knowledge regarding Jilva and the surrounding nations, so you might catch things we missed."
"Yes, my husband makes a very good point. Can we count on you, Jessica?"
"Understood. Well then..."
Saying so, Jessica stood up and began reading the compiled report, weaving in her own personal observations along the way.
* * *
Side: Jessica
To start, it's probably best to begin from the moment we headed out for the conference.
Truth be told, back then, Seraria-sama's declaration forced us to make drastic adjustments to our operational plan.
We had to explain things to Horst-dono and change the scout routes, after all.
"Well then... I suppose I shall start from the moment we departed the city of Betan."
Recalling those events, I cross-referenced the report and began recounting what transpired.
* * *
"Alright, we're heading to the fortress. I don't expect the enemy to attack, but don't let your guard down."
"Yes, leave it to us."
"I'm leaving the Goblins behind just in case, so let them know if anything comes up. I've already instructed them to cooperate with Horst-dono's team."
"Understood. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration. I am sure this is unnecessary concern on my part, but please take care. Yuki-dono and your companions are now indispensable to Betan."
"That goes for you too, Horst-dono. If the absolute worst happens, abandon the city and run with everyone. As long as you're alive, a city can always be rebuilt."
"Hahaha! Only Yuki-dono would so casually order us to abandon a city we just acquired."
"A city and everyone's lives aren't things you put on opposite sides of a scale, that's all."
"...To have you value us to such an extent... you have my deepest gratitude."
After exchanging those words with Horst-dono, we boarded our vehicle, the Marauder, and set off.
"Hey, Yuki-san."
"Nn? What's up, Riel?"
"We spoke so dramatically with Horst-san and the others just now, but this is a day trip, right?"
"Yeah. What about it?"
"Well~ after having a conversation like that, coming back the same day feels a bit silly, doesn't it?"
Indeed, having such a heavy conversation only to return on the exact same day does feel slightly strange.
"Don't worry about it. The point was making sure we're prepared no matter when a fight breaks out. It means never letting your guard down, no matter the time or place."
Indeed, just as Yuki says, maintaining that mindset is vital.
Whether it takes a single day or a whole month, as long as we hold that level of readiness, we can handle any emergency that arises.
"Yuki-san. Come to think of it, how do you plan to deal with Princess Miffy at the fortress? Olive-san even came all the way to coordinate our stories, so do you have something in mind?"
"Now that you mention it, that is true. We haven't been informed of anything. At this rate, if the subject is brought up to us, we won't know how to respond."
I agreed with Ria's point.
Now that she mentioned it, Princess Miffy takes immense pride in her royal lineage.
If Yuki handles it with his usual casual responses, things could turn quite problematic...
"Ah, that's fine. I'll say I'm the only descendant, and the rest of you don't know anything. Jessica, when you meet Princess Miffy, act as the mediator. That should make things smoother."
"Yes, I don't mind doing that, but..."
"By the way, should we tell them that you and I got married?"
"Fueh!? W-Why are you bringing that up now?!"
"Well, your superior, Marley, is there too. If your stomach starts bulging later without saying anything, that's going to cause a whole different set of problems, right?"
"T-That is certainly true, but..."
Announcing our marriage at the fortress?!
I mean, yes, I have dedicated both my body and soul to Yuki, but I intend to continue supporting Marley-sama.
So there's no reason to hide it, but... how should I put this...
Saying we got married basically implies that... well, that Yuki and I have been making a child... I mean, I love making a child! I welcome it wholeheartedly!
No, wait, that's not the point—my dignity as a knight would be...!
"Hmm, you're being pretty hesitant. Does Princess Miffy have something against married people or something?"
"...Ah!? That's it!! Miffy-sama is the problem!!"
"Hyaa!? Jessica, don't suddenly raise your voice like that."
"Ah, Ria, I'm sorry!"
"Goodness, I already know what was going on~ You were thinking about all those naughty things with Yuki-san and your brain completely short-circuited, right?"
"T-That's not it!! Yuki, it's not like that!! I definitely wasn't thinking anything indecent..."
As a result of messing around with Ria like that...
"Ah! I spilled my apple juice... Waaaaahhh!"
Aslin got caught in the crossfire and burst into tears.
"Come on, you two adults! Why are you dragging Aslin into this!?"
"Are you okay, Aslin!?"
Labyris, who had been sitting on Yuki's lap, and Filia, who was in the passenger seat, immediately rushed over at the sound of Aslin's crying.
On top of that, the vehicle was brought to a stop so we could treat the mess before the spilled juice left a permanent stain on the seat.
"Good grief. You two are supposed to be Yuki-san's escorts, so pull yourselves together."
"...Making Aslin cry is bad too."
""We are deeply sorry...""
While cleaning the car, Riel and Kaya thoroughly scolded us.
"Now, now, both of them are reflecting on it, so let's forgive them."
Tori tried to defend us, but honestly, knowing full well that we were in the wrong, we could only apologize profusely.
"Uuu... it feels all sticky~"
"Let's wipe it with a wet tissue. That should get rid of the stickiness."
"Thank you, Sheila-chan!"
"Aslin, put this on for now."
"Thank you, Labyris-chan!"
Having cried her eyes out, Aslin was being helped with the cleanup by Sheila-sama and Labyris.
"Anii-sama, how is the seat?"
"Hmm, it's totally fine. It wasn't that much juice anyway. Since we stopped, let's take a short break. Looks like Jessica and Ria got thoroughly chewed out, though."
""We're so sorry...""
"Well, you two clearly reflect on it, so I won't say anything more. Setting that aside, didn't you mention Princess Miffy being a problem earlier?"
"Ah, yes. While it is an honor far beyond what I deserve, Princess Miffy admires me deeply... regarding me as a heroine capable of exchanging blows with Magic Sword wielders."
"Ah, I see. So suddenly announcing, 'I got married to Jessica,' might cause some complications, huh."
"Yes. If I explained everything, I am sure she would understand, but we cannot afford to waste time on such matters right now."
"Right. We should postpone reporting the marriage for this trip."
"I believe that would be best."
"Still, just how much does she admire you? Depending on that, maybe I shouldn't stand too close to you, Jessica?"
"She isn't someone who lets personal feelings interfere with official duty to that extent, so as long as I state my official position, she will treat me normally."
"Hmm, fair enough then."
After discussing that and taking our break, we drove the Marauder toward the fortress and arrived safely... however...
"Knight Jessica, I am so relieved you are safe!"
"Eh?"
Before we could even pass through the fortress gates, Princess Miffy rushed forward and hugged me.
"Thank you for your hard work mediating with the mercenary group... no, with the royal descendant. Thanks to you, we avoided unnecessary trouble. Thank you."
"N-No... This was all for the sake of Jilva as well."
...There was no way I could tell her it was actually because I personally wanted to be with Yuki.
"However, our current situation is dire."
"I am aware. That is why we are holding a conference at this fortress, yes?"
"Indeed. But there is something we must address first."
Saying so, Princess Miffy finally stepped back from me.
"Has something happened?"
"Yes. Ah, are the people behind you the ones mentioned?"
"Yes, this is Yuki, representing the mercenary group and descendant of the royal bloodline. Yuki, this is Princess Miffy Pages Zilva, Fifth Princess of the Jilva Empire."
"Pleasure to meet you. My apologies for greeting you in such casual attire."
Yuki bowed smoothly.
"No, please do not pay it any mind. Our nation is in a state of crisis. I express my gratitude to you for extending a helping hand at such a critical moment."
Princess Miffy returned the greeting with polite formality as well.
"Princess Miffy, is this greeting what you referred to as needing to be done first?"
I asked, confirming what she had mentioned a moment ago.
However, hastily exchanging formal introductions in front of the fortress gates didn't seem like something that required such urgent priority.
"Ah, no, that is not it. Knight Jessica, as of this moment, you are relieved of your duties as mediator. Furthermore, you shall become my personal aide, serving directly under me, Miffy Beiges Jilva."
What on earth was she talking about?
My mind completely failed to process her words.
Looking past her, Marley-sama was holding her hands together in an apologetic gesture... what did this mean!?
"The battle ahead will be far from soft. Based on reports, the mercenary group lacks any Magic Sword wielders. If that is the case, unless we reinforce Betan's weak military power, Betan will be overrun in an instant, and our front line will collapse. Therefore, I shall take Jessica as my aide and deploy Olive to Betan in her place. Is that acceptable? Yuki-dono, would you be fine with this arrangement as well? I wish to proceed with our conference on this premise..."
Yuki struggled to find an appropriate response and couldn't answer immediately.
As for me... honestly, the thought of being separated right after getting married was something I absolutely could not accept, and before I could stop myself...
"Allow me to refuse!! Because I am married to Yuki!!"
"""WHAT?!"""
...Ah.
I completely blew it.
