Side: Yuki

In a secret room inside a certain Academy library.

Here, we're about to decide our future course of action.

Naturally, my wives who weren't enrolled in the academy joined us in real time via Call, and everyone involved in the mana depletion investigation—including Zargis and his research team—was also present.

But before getting into that troublesome main topic, there was something I needed to say first.

"Everyone, first of all, thank you for all your hard work during the summer festival and fireworks display the other day. Thanks to all of you, everything ended safely without any major incidents."

Despite how ridiculously busy we'd been, we'd still managed to hold the fireworks festival—and it had been a complete success.

I have to properly thank them.

『There's no need to thank us. Weed's reputation has risen even further thanks to that festival.』

Seraria said with a warm smile.

Honestly, Seraria had been in the most troublesome position. I had dumped all the diplomatic interactions with foreign royalty onto her, after all.

『She's right, Onii-san. Weed's standing has soared, and those who held ill will toward our nation have likely realized they can't easily meddle with us now. Plus, potential sponsors for the fireworks display are flocking in one after another. At this rate, we might even create a whole new profession called "fireworks artisan".』

Ratz's merchant instincts were as terrifying as ever.

『Yes, just as Ratz-san said, potential donors are pouring in—not just merchants, but noble families from various countries too. Rurua-san and I have received quite a few inquiries.』

『Indeed. Even Arshtelle-sama expressed a desire to sign on as the largest continuous contributor for next year's display... Well, I'm glad to see her developing the awareness of a true leader, though...』

『My father and Brother Teak-oniisama also said the same thing... They both want to become the biggest sponsor...』

『Ara? Yours too? Well, I suppose this festival made them realize how crucial it is to entertain the populace. Our good-for-nothing father and Aria-neesama are aiming for top sponsor status as well.』

Looks like the three great nations would continue sponsoring us.

Of course, making only one nation the biggest sponsor would create unnecessary friction. It would be better if they all contributed the same amount.

Still, without Sheila and Rurua handling diplomatic matters, things would have been vastly more difficult. I was truly blessed to have such capable wives.

"As for security, the staff were pretty exhausted," Riel noted. "I think we need to increase our headcount a bit. There weren't any major incidents, but pickpocketing and brawls happened fairly often."

"Yes. As Riel said, the personnel assigned to security were a bit sparse. We collaborated with the military, but even so... Do you think we could recruit volunteers to help maintain public order on the day of the event?"

『I see. That way we wouldn't need to increase permanent personnel, and it wouldn't hurt Weed's coffers too much. Actually, why don't we create a dedicated budget for hiring event security? Eris, do you think that's doable?』

"I think it is," Eris replied. "There's a risk that security personnel might collude to pull off something bad, but if we post it as a request to the Adventurers Guild and specify the patrol locations ourselves, any worst-case scenario wouldn't be too damaging. Milly, do you think the Adventurers Guild would go for this?"

『I'm sure they'd accept in a heartbeat,』 Milly's voice came through. 『The Guild wants to publicly demonstrate their close relationship with Weed anyway, and they apparently intend to step up as fireworks sponsors next year too. Well, they'll probably need a training period for security duties, though.』

"Then why not make it a licensed system?" Eris suggested. "That way, when they work elsewhere, it serves as proof that they were entrusted with security at a Weed festival and completed it successfully. Since it proves they possess a baseline knowledge of security etiquette, and considering noble or merchant houses hire different guards every time, creating a standardized manual could prevent trouble on both sides, right?"

『Hmm, Eris's idea sounds very viable. I'll discuss it with them later.』

So security had its fair share of issues, huh? Well, it was a pretty rushed event, so that much was unavoidable.

"From the broadcasting side, there were quite a few lost children. A lot of people got separated because they were engrossed in the fireworks. Both adults and kids." (Eris)

"Ah, I found two lost kids myself." (Riel)

"I found one as well. Thanks to the security team, no abductions occurred, but since it happens at night, we can't guarantee that won't change in the future." (Tori)

"Given the situation, we'll just have to use the broadcasts during festivals to remind people to hold hands so they don't get separated." I suggested.

Lost children were a universal problem, it seemed. Aside from setting up massive map boards ahead of time, I couldn't think of many other preventative measures.

『Ah, I almost forgot,』 Ratz interjected. 『We've had tons of requests from the Merchant Association and external vendors asking us to expand the stall area. In fact, stall reservations for next year have already begun. Huge sales are guaranteed, so I suppose it's only natural.』

『Oh, Yuki-san! Why don't you open a stall too? A ramen stall that serves alcohol!』 Milly suggested.

『Ooh, if Onii-san opens a stall, I'll reserve a prime spot for you. Naturally, with me as the hostess of the shop!』

"Hold on just a minute!" Ria protested. "Ratz-san, I can't allow that! It's already been decided that Jessica-san and I will serve as Yuki-san's right-hand hostesses at his stall!"

『Exacty. Ratz must be busy with Association duties, so we will assist Yuki with his stall. There will be no issue.』

"Alright, alright, calm down. I don't plan on opening a stall. Besides, I'll be one of the fireworks technicians during the festival. Anyway... how were the children, Killue?"

Indeed, the ones I had been most worried about—and the ones I had wanted to see the fireworks most—were the children. Though they had designated protection, it was still quite risky. Yet, I had desperately wanted to show them fireworks—that iconic atmosphere from my hometown.

The people I'd wanted most to show the fireworks to were actually the children.

Though they had designated protection, it was still quite risky. Yet, I had desperately wanted to show them fireworks—that iconic atmosphere from my hometown.

...The sheer scale of the fireworks I used to gaze up at as a kid.

So, while I felt guilty toward Killue, Derieu, and Aslin's group, I had assigned them to stay glued to the children's sides as guards.

『Most of the children fell asleep at first. But once the fireworks began, they all woke up and happily watched the flowers blooming across the night sky.』

『What are you being so modest for, Killue? There's no need to hold back for Yuki's sake.』 Derieu interjected. 『Listen here, Yuki. The children cried their hearts out at that explosive thunder! Thanks to that, the five of us were in absolute chaos. Feeding them, soothing them... it was only toward the very end that we actually had room to enjoy the fireworks ourselves. But well, just as Killue said, they were delighted by the end of it.』

I see. Of course the kids would react that way. They're not even one year old yet.

...I suppose the fact that they enjoyed it in the end was a saving grace.

"Onii-chan, it's okay," Aslin said warmly. "All the babies were happy, so please take them every year."

"That's right! It was hard work for us, but something like that is no big deal at all!"

"Indeed. It wouldn't do to leave the children behind out of consideration for us."

『Umu. We simply need to prepare better countermeasures next time. I understand full well your desire to show the children those fireworks, Yuki.』

『Milord. The effort required to show that brilliance to the children is no hardship at all. Please do not pay it any mind, and do your best again next year.』

Yeah... what wonderful wives I have. I need to make sure I pamper them properly.

"And finally—the magical fireworks team..."

I turned my gaze toward the two who had been sitting in total silence.

For some reason, the moment I looked toward the two of them, they glared at me.

Did I do something wrong?

"...Yuki toyed with us." Kaya muttered.

"Nn. Affirmative. Yuki made us into the opening act and humiliated us..." Cleana added.

Eh? What on earth are you talking about?

Don't make me sound like some kind of sadistic bastard... And stop with the fake crying!?

『Ah, those two were raring to outdo Yuki's performance, weren't they?』

『Ahh... I admire the enthusiasm, but you were up against Onii-san, after all.』

Ah, so that was it.

But honestly, there was no way those two could have outdone the display, so I made them the opening act...

『Still, this is partly your fault, Yuki. You should apologize properly.』

『Exactly. Magical fireworks could become a whole new field for mages, but it's true those two were treated as warm-up acts. If anyone else had done that, we'd be storming their house.』

As Ratz said this, everyone nodded in agreement.

But what am I supposed to do?

"...Attack me next time."

"Nn. I want that too. It's my first time, so I'm excited."

So that's the direction we're going!?

And Cleana... why are you so enthusiastic?

『Listen carefully, Cleana.』 Eris instructed. 『Yuki-san is a coward when it comes to these things. Unless you actively pursue him, he'll leave you untouched for over half a year. Approach him with the resolve to pin him down!"

"Nn. Understood, Eris-shishou."

『But don't force yourself. Your first time can hurt. If you overdo it, Yuki will hesitate to sleep with you again.』

"I'll study hard. But I can't imagine Yuki's hurting. It should feel good."

『Yes. Yuki-san's is meant for loving us, so ultimately it will definitely feel wonderful. That's why you shouldn't rush—do your best.』

"My goal and ideal is to stay connected all night, just like Eris-shishou."

She was watching!?

Wait... that happened just yesterday, didn't it!?

"...A-Anyway! I understand what you two want! So let's move on to the mana depletion issue! That's our main topic, after all!"

If we kept on this topic, I'd end up having to do a live demonstration right here and now. Let's hurry up and get to the core matter.

『Very well. Kaya, Cleana, make sure you report back on whether Yuki did it properly for you. For some reason, this man is unbelievably passive when it comes to these things.』

"...He's shy."

"Nn. Understood, Seraria."

Tch, I've been given a warning.

At this rate, if I don't do it within a few days I'll get hung up and the quota will double...

『So, regarding the conclusion you and Taiki reached... according to Narjia-san, it's theoretically possible. However, constructing and activating a magic circle that covers nearly the entire continent is impossible unless done deliberately.』

Right. Behind the scenes of the festival, we had used the event as cover to secretly mobilize knowledgeable figures like Narjia-san without giving away that we were investigating something. When it came to the magic depletion issue, we had to strictly enforce an information blackout, or the entire world might turn into our enemy.

『I have something to add to that topic,』 Zargis interjected.

『What is it, Zargis?』

『Seraria-sama, Narjia-san's assessment is both correct and incorrect. It is true that a magic circle will malfunction or fail to work properly if not drawn precisely, but that does not mean it won't function at all. Well, by Narjia-san's standards, functioning as a proper enchantment is the condition for a "completed" circle.』

『What do you mean? Keep it concise.』

『In short, since no clearly functional results have manifested so far, it is highly probable that it is operating accidentally. You see, even on our continent, the demon race was surrounded in a layout mirroring what Taiki-dono called the "Four Gods Pattern". While the effects aren't blatantly obvious, the closer one gets to our demon nation—the Kingdom of Rust—the more powerful the monsters that appear, correct?』

『...I see. So we were unconsciously activating a magic circle as well?』

『Exactly. The magical effect is extremely weak. However, there is also a physical effect. This applies to both this continent's Six Major Nations and our continent's Five Major Nations: with large nations coexisting like this, there is inevitably traffic between them. Consequently, monsters along the roads connecting each country are eradicated, forcing the survivors to either gather toward the center or flee outward.』

『That is precisely true... Physically speaking, we've also been creating conditions that naturally concentrate mana.』

That was the conclusion reached by both Narjia-san and Zargis.

It wasn't merely a magical phenomenon. There was also a geographical effect.

And the same could be said for Earth. Even without magic circles, when roads are built everywhere, animal habitats become restricted. On Earth, human expansion unintentionally creates an encirclement, forcing animals to descend into human settlements and cause issues.

If you compare the past to the present, there's no need to ask when wild animals were seen more often. In fact, wild animals are hardly ever seen in urban areas anymore... Or rather, cities are environments where most wild animals can no longer survive.

Everyone listened intently, seemingly understanding the gravity of the situation.

『And that situation has continued for over 400 years. As Taiki-dono says, even though it is a mana-depleted region. No—if the cause of the mana depletion is this magic circle, then it wouldn't be strange for there to be outrageous monsters. In fact, experiments show that the mana consumption near the academy is not 20 times, but the same one-to-one ratio as our continent. In other words, it's evidence that the magic circle is functioning and gathering mana. As for the problem of mana storage volume, even a minuscule accumulation of mana, considering 400 years, should become enormous. We're still investigating, but considering the passage of time, it wouldn't be strange for the mana accumulation to be released at any time, producing an ultimate monster, or for a group of considerable monsters to be born and ravage the various countries.』

That possibility had to be taken into account. The people gathered here were not stupid enough to naively dismiss it.

『...A grave issue indeed,』 Seraria murmured. 『So, dear, you sent Kirika and the others to investigate the Forest of Monsters, correct? What's the status?』

"I've sent them, but it's only Kirika and the others' detection skills. It hasn't dungeonized, so the investigation hasn't progressed that far. However, the monsters deep in the forest are all rare specimens for this continent."

Saying that, I sent the list of monsters identified in our investigation to everyone via Call.

"...Whoa, three Orc encampments? Over 400 in total? That would be a major crisis even on Weed's continent. There's definitely a King or Queen among them." (Riel)

"The Wyverns were just for show, then. There are even Rock Golems." (Tori)

"Yuki-san, is it true there's a basilisk? If so, that's the level where the Adventurer's Guild would form a subjugation force." (Milly)

The members affiliated with the Adventurers Guild raised voices of disbelief.

Well, if Orcs were gathering in such numbers, there was a high chance that higher species like a King or Queen had been born. Rock Golems were a type of magical construct with no way to defeat them other than smashing them to pieces. If a Wyvern fought a Rock Golem, the Wyvern would stand little chance against its brute strength and weight. As for the Basilisk, it was a massive venom-spouting serpent—a classic, nasty enemy in games known for petrifying targets.

『...And this is only the result of a preliminary survey.』 Seraria noted grimly. 『At this level, Roshure would immediately declare a state of emergency and dispatch a large-scale extermination force. If a commander-type monster capable of organizing the others appeared, the damage would be catastrophic. Why hasn't the academy dealt with them?』

"I'd have to ask the Headmaster for details to be sure, but Subjugation quests are indeed being issued." I explained. "They're probably placing restrictions on how deep people can go. Since they know Wyverns appear, anyone with a brain wouldn't poke the hornet's nest unnecessarily."

『...I see. Ah, but even if you subjugate them the mana disperses and becomes monsters again, so in a sense not subjugating might be the correct choice? There was an experiment report like that, right?』

"Yeah, rare species or mutant species. Looking at reports of major monster outbreaks, after excessive culling, powerful individuals are born or large numbers of monsters appear."

『Too little culling is bad, but too much is also bad. How troublesome.』

"That's just how nature works."

Mana circulation was much like nature. You can't force nature to comply with human convenience. You just have to find a way to coexist with it smoothly.

"So, Peace, did my theory ring any bells?"

『No, my deepest apologies,』 Peace answered. 『My Master said it was fine, I didn't pry any further...』

"Figures..."

I had shared my theory regarding why the predecessor was struck down with Peace, but she didn't seem to possess any relevant memories.

Well, Peace had only been one of that person's subordinate monsters. She'd had no reason—or authority—to pry into her master's affairs.

"Should I ask Sia and Kishua after all?"

『You should refrain from doing that,』 Seraria advised strongly. 『If they overheard things incompletely and ended up striking down their predecessor due to a misunderstanding... they would commit suicide. Because everything they've steeled themselves for—all their feelings—would become meaningless. The lives of the predecessor they took, and the many lives sacrificed along the way... saying 'Sorry, it was a mistake' wouldn't cut it. If I had struck you down for the sake of my own justice, only to find out it was all a mistake... I wouldn't be able to stay sane either. I would probably stab myself to death.』

"Don't say that. If they commit suicide, I'll be in trouble. They're prime candidates to manage the New Continent, after all."

『That is for the best. Even if you do tell them, do so only after setting the stage. From my perspective, those two aren't fit to be rulers at the top—they're far too naive. They've lived until now relying solely on the Holy Sword's power and their own ideals. Re-educating them will be a massive headache.』

Damn it... as I thought, getting definitive proof is going to be tough.

『Well, the Headmaster seems to have connections to the Holy Sword wielders. We'll just have to investigate through her.』

"I've already got people watching her. If she makes a move, We'll stop her. Now, the remaining issue is..."

『How we're supposed to intervene if trouble breaks out in another country?』

"Yeah."

『As of now, we are hired mercenaries directly under the King of Jilva. While we don't particularly care, to other nations, that title is both a blessing and a nuisance.』

Indeed. We could visit friendly nations openly, but we couldn't approach hostile ones. In other words, if trouble broke out in a hostile nation, we'd have no choice but to abandon them.

Now that magic accumulation had been confirmed, we had to avoid carelessly taking over land and consuming magic power. Thus, we couldn't just play the hero, show up out of nowhere, and solve everything in a flash. Nor could we act openly in those countries while hiding our identities.

If we're exposed there's the possibility of war with a hostile country. We can't create a situation that would spread mana ourselves.

『If only we had acquaintances in each country... Someone important enough to introduce us...』

"That would only work if the person held a fairly high status, right?"

『Exactly...』

While Seraria and I fell into silence, Cleana raised her voice.

"In that case, I can be of help. My magic teacher is famous in my country. If I'm the one introducing you, we should be able to enter the Kingdom of August without difficulty."

『Cleana, are you sure? We would be leveraging your status, you know?』

"Nn. No problem. It is a wife's duty to aid and support her husband. Besides, if we don't take measures, my homeland might be destroyed... Please, help us."

Saying this, Cleana bowed her head to everyone.

『Wonderful. None of us has any reason to refuse the request of one of our sisters. Right?』

"""Leave it to us!!"""

The wives shouted in unison.

Hearing their response, Cleana whispered a 'thank-you' as tears began to stream down her face.

...I was glad the wives got along so well. I'd worried because Cleana rarely showed any emotion, but she'd truly become one of the family.

『Well then, we'll need to contact Cleana's country and make an official appearance there. That leaves three nations, right?』

"One of them shouldn't be a problem," I noted. "It's a friendly nation to Jilva. Even if something happens, we can go as reinforcements. The issues are Rhodei—which we have strained relations with due to the recent incident... and the demi-human nation."

『Both are difficult. We don't have anyone capable of negotiating with Rhodei.』

"...Sniff. I have an idea regarding Rhodei."

Cleana said while wiping her tears.

『Can you tell us, Cleana?』

"In this Academy, there is a duke's daughter from Rhodei. If I introduce you through me, you should at least be able to become friends."

『I see. That's a good idea.』

...Hmm?

A duke's daughter from Rhodei...?

『A duke's daughter, huh? I'd like to bring her to our side if possible. Currently, we don't have a wife with real political power on the New Continent, so networking is tough. Even governing Betan requires going through Horst to avoid backlash.』

"Hey, Cleana. Is that duke's daughter... Samantha?"

"Nn. Affirmative. Riel, you know her?"

Know her? We're in the exact same class!

In fact, that noble ojou-sama set up a flag with me right from the start!

『Ah, the girl Yuki bullied?』

"Wives, could you please stop phrasing it like that?"

『Ara? I simply sugarcoated what my husband did, didn't I? If things had stayed as they were, that duke's daughter would have been disgraced and expelled, wouldn't she?』

"Guh..."

While the Headmaster was the root cause, it was true that I had used Samantha-ojousan.

『You ruined the poor girl's reputation, so you should take responsibility. She's a good girl, isn't she?』

"I mean, she's not a bad girl, but saying I 'ruined' her is a bit of a stretch..."

『Well, I'm not saying you should force yourself on her, but you need to build a friendly relationship. She's the foothold into Rhodei. Ah, but at least propose to her as a test of courage, okay?』

"Why would I!? That makes no sense!"

『I told you, didn't I? She's a stepping stone. If you confess, even if she rejects you, you'll have an excuse to visit the Duke of Rhodei to present yourself... Besides, given your terrible performance with Ria, I don't trust you to consciously attract a woman's interest anyway.』

"Harsh! ...Oh well, fine."

『Ara? You're surprisingly compliant. I thought you'd throw a tantrum saying, "I have enough wives with just you guys!"』

"Yeah, normally I would. I mean, until now, I was always forced into taking wives! But this time, it's okay even if I fail! In fact, the probability of failure is ridiculously high! So my wives won't increase!"

『...Thank you for that backwardly positive statement. Well, since it's a statement of your love for us, I won't press further. But do confess to that duke's daughter in the near future, alright?』

"Fuhahaha! Leave it to me! I'll set up a situation with a 100% failure rate and confess!"

"""......"""

『『『......』』』

I felt like my wives were looking at me with cold eyes, but I didn't care.

There was no mission that relieved my mind more than this one. After all, all I had to do was fail! A student's confession succeeding only happens in stories!

Nothing scares me anymore... I'm not afraid!

...Wait, why does that line feel like a flag? Well, it's not a death flag, so whatever!