Side: Yuki

For now... what am I supposed to say?

...No, wait, calm down.

Let's go through the events in order.

As promised with Seraria and my wives, I confessed—or rather, proposed—to Samantha.

The exact details of how the proposal went have been erased from my memory, so they no longer exist.

And as a result...

"Now then, Yuki-sama!! Ladies!! Allow me to guide you to Rhodei at once!!"

Wait, why are we suddenly talking about going to Rhodei?

I have no idea what's going on.

I haven't heard her answer to my confession yet, right? Did we completely skip past that?

"U-Um... Samantha-ojousan?"

"Please do not address me with such distant formality! Call me Samantha, without any honorofics!"

"Ah, okay... By the way, Samantha, I did confess to you, didn't I?"

For now, let's confirm the facts with the person in question.

It's entirely possible my brain convinced itself it was over because I didn't actually want to confess in the first place.

"Yes!! I shall never forget those words filled with such love for as long as I live!!"

"...Yeah. Okay. I get that I confessed. But I haven't gotten an answer yet, right?"

Exactly, why are we suddenly heading to Rhodei?

We completely skipped a step!

"Milady, I understand your joy, but as Yuki-sama says, heading to Rhodei before giving your answer is far too hasty."

Thanks to the attendant stepping in from the side to back me up, it was proven that I wasn't mistaken.

Phew, okay. I'm still sane.

"Ah, forgive me. I was simply overwhelmed with happiness."

"...Erm, so, could I hear your answer, just to be sure?"

"Yes! I gladly accept!! Now, I must inform my father of this wonderous news!!"

"...I see."

Yep. Everything is supposed to be going according to plan, so why does my heart feel so heavy?

I mean, why was it accepted so easily? Why does Samantha have so much affection for me in the first place?

As I pondered the mysteries of a woman's heart, I overheard Samantha speaking with Eris.

"Eris-sama, I look forward to working with you from now on."

"Yes, I look forward to working with you too. Now, regarding our trip to Rhodei, are your preparations all set?"

"Yes. Yesterday, I sent a letter to my father via carrier pigeon, informing him that we would be traveling by wyvern, so I do not believe there will be any confusion."

"It seems Rhodei won't be in chaos, then. However, if a fight breaks out, please evacuate to the center, Samantha. Even if the enemy is weaker, it will be too heavy a burden for you."

"Yes, I understand. I feel terribly ashamed of my own lack of skill."

"Don't worry about it. You'll definitely get stronger with training. Right now, your safety and Rhodei are what matter most."

"...I will, without fail, obtain power worthy of standing beside Yuki-sama as his guard."

"Don't push yourself too hard."

What a heartwarming conversation.

Well, it's a good thing my wives get along so well.

...Still, are the wives planning to put Samantha on guard duty alongside Cleana...? She's a rear-support magic user, so it balances out the team, which I'm happy about, but...

Wait, hold on a second.

Wasn't there something weird about that conversation just now?

Why are they talking about Samantha becoming my bodyguard? As far as she should know, we've only agreed to get married.

"Nn. Samantha, let's work hard together from now on. I'm still in training too."

"Yes, I look forward to it. However, I will be the one to stand at Yuki-sama's side first!"

"Challenge accepted. I won't lose either."

Overhearing Cleana and Samantha's exchange, I finally pieced it together.

—I was set up.

"Hey, Eris."

"Yes, what is it, Yuki-san?"

"...You set me up regarding Samantha, didn't you?"

For a split second, Eris looked surprised.

Then she smiled brightly.

"Of course. Watching your confession turned me on so much."

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!?"

I screamed. I screamed like a little girl!

What is this public execution?!

"Ugh... Sniff... I'm damaged goods now, no one will take me as a groom..."

To think I'd end up using that trope myself...

"It's alright. You're already married to us, Yuki-san. And if you come to us as a groom, I'll cherish you for the rest of my life, you know? I'll support you! Do you need a collar?"

"I don't need one! That's terrifying!"

Eris had dead-serious eyes.

Why would you keep someone like me as a pet anyway!?

"Ah, putting a collar on Yuki-sama...!? ...That actually sounds kind of nice?"

"Nn, Yuki in a collar... Might actually be pretty good."

This is bad, even the two new additions are imagining weird things.

Damn it. That's right, the two guards definitely wouldn't think about collaring me.

"Ria, Jessica, say something! They're talking about putting a collar on me!"

"Huh? Isn't that fine?"

"Yes. You always wander off on your own anyway."

Dammit. I have no allies here.

Sure, I might run off on a whim sometimes, but I'm easily caught, so what's the big deal?

I have no choice but to change the subject...

"Sigh... Please drop the collar talk. So, if you've already talked to Samantha, most of the preparations are complete, right?"

"Yes, of course."

"I see. Then all that's left is to depart. How are things on Poppuri's end?"

"She's summoning Amanda right now. It seems Eoid will be accompanying us as part of his training."

"...Amanda is one thing, but Eoid... won't he just get in the way?"

"No, Eoid's role is to hand over the official letter. Amanda can't leave the wyvern's side, after all."

"Ah, right. It's not like the animals Aslin keeps in the yard."

With a single command, nearly a hundred flying dragons would take to the skies—or rather, the dungeon—under Aslin's direct command. Because the dungeon ceiling was low, they could even fight at low altitude and engage in ground combat... That scene is completely abnormal.

Those flying dragons even use firearms... At this rate, they're easier to use than combat helicopters... Well, whatever.

So Eoid really was necessary. After all, I'd have to meet Samantha's father face-to-face.

Well, officially speaking, my wives and I are going as a mercenary group, so we aren't exactly qualified to carry an official letter from the Academy.

Officially, both my wives and I were going as a mercenary group. Naturally, the academy couldn't entrust such an important diplomatic letter to us.

"In this continent, we'd just be a source of uproar, huh?"

"Yes. While you and Eoid are meeting with Duke Hughes, we'll stay with Amanda and protect the wyvern—Wy-chan."

"I see. No matter how you look at it, we'd cause a scene. Even if we sent word in advance. So, you heard Nina's report, right? They intend to attack us along the way. Plus, there are two individuals whose whereabouts are unknown. Are preparations for that ready?"

When I asked Eris, the answer came from a different direction.

"There is no need to worry. I shall blow away any enemies that dare approach!"

"Yes. We will not lose to those childish fools who do not understand what it means to rule a country, forcing their ideals onto others and ultimately choosing to destroy people."

Derieu slammed her fists together, while Rurua stood there, tapping her staff against the ground.

Setting that aside, both of you have pretty substantial busts—especially Rurua, hers are the biggest, so they really bounce.

"Kirika and the others are handling scouting and vigilance. As long as it's within our movement range, there shouldn't be any major issues."

"...I see. The real problem is if they move in places we can't touch, like other nations."

"Yes. Geographically speaking, Cleana's homeland on the opposite side is the most dangerous. After that, the demi-human nation. Since there are no formal diplomatic relations with them, they are isolated."

"'No formal', huh. So as expected, they have normal relations behind the scenes."

"I heard from Samantha that Rhodei and Cleana's neighboring homeland have standard diplomatic ties. It's an open secret, so to speak."

"So it's been like that for a long time... We'll need to look into that thoroughly too. I'll have to ask Samantha's father about those matters as well."

"...Aren't you glad Samantha is here?"

"...Well, yeah. So, the issue is them making moves in places where we can't intervene, right?"

"For that, we should capture the Holy Sword Wielder ambushing us and make them spill everything."

"That's the fastest way."

While discussing this with everyone, Amanda and Eoid approached us.

Trailing behind them was the wyvern, Wy-chan.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, everyone!"

"Please treat us well regarding the escort duty along the way."

The two bowed to us as they spoke.

Wy-chan went so far as to prostrate itself, pressing its entire long neck against the ground in what looked like a full five-point dogeza.

"Yeah, leave the escorting to us. Though, it's air travel, so I don't think there'll be any issues along the way. If there's trouble, it'll be after we reach the Duke's city."

"...That's just it. Eris-san, please help me. The Headmaster warned me that half-baked nobles and the like might try to snatch the wyvern away from me."

"Ah, I see. That does sound plausible. Don't worry, leave it to us. Escorting you against things like that is part of our job too."

"Thank you so much!! Ever since I tamed the wyvern, I've suddenly had to meet with so many high-ranking people. It's exhausting every single time... and this time it's outside the Academy ground..."

Amanda has it rough too.

This is a historic first on this continent, so she'll probably have to deal with these kinds of hardships for a while.

Actually, on this continent, it'll probably be a lifelong issue.

Maybe I should casually ask Eoid about it.

"Hey, Eoid-kun. Amanda-san seems to be in quite a tough position, doesn't she?"

"Yes. People are calling her the reincarnation of the Dragon Knights who were said to exist in the distant past."

"...That really is tough. So, as her childhood friend, how do you feel about it?"

"Feel about what?"

"Obviously, with Amanda-san being elevated like that, people will have all sorts of motives. There'll be marriage proposals, and more guys falling in love with her at first sight. What are you going to do then, Eoid-kun?"

"...If that is what Amanda desires..."

...What a typical dense protagonist.

Right now—or rather, on this continent—since it's a prominent means of transportation, we want to avoid having it taken away by strangers or people backed by foreign powers.

So, if Eoid-kun and Amanda, who already have high affection for each other, just get together, that solves the problem.

Therefore, I refuse to watch a frustrating, wishy-washy romance drama.

"Eoid-kun, I'm pretty sure Amanda-san likes you."

"...But I think there are better people for her than me. The current me isn't..."

"Whether you're worthy or not isn't for you to decide, Eoid-kun. It's up to her. It's no good to make assumptions on your own and give up before even trying."

"......"

"Well, I'm not saying you have to do it right this second. But you don't have forever. If you don't want to lose her, you have to express your feelings, or nothing will ever start."

"...Alright."

If he's troubling himself over it, then he definitely has those feelings.

In that case, we have just the right event coming up, so I'll give him a little push there.

"Ah, it looks like everyone is assembled. Amanda-chan, Eoid-kun, I leave the official letter to you. Please make sure it reaches Duke Huge of Rhodei."

"Yes, understood!"

"Leave it to us."

Before I realized it, Poppuri and Lara had come to see us off.

They were giving detailed instructions to Eoid and Amanda.

...Well, Poppuri is the biggest outsider among us, but on the surface, she's the person in charge.

"Then, Yuki-dono. I entrust the journey to you."

"Yeah, leave it to me."

After that cheerful greeting, Poppuri leaned in close.

"So, how are preparations on your end? Labyris-sama told us there would be an ambush..."

"No problem at all. We're properly prepared. We'll capture every last one of the ambushers and drag them right in front of you, Poppuri-san."

"Thank you very much."

"The real issue is the two who are still missing."

"Yes, I've heard about that. Apparently, they're acting separately."

"Yeah. If those two decide to attack another country, we'll definitely fall behind. So please handle information gathering on the countries we can't cover."

"...Understood. However, is it truly alright for Labyris-sama, a Dungeon Master, to travel in person?"

Poppuri spoke with a worried look, watching Labyris chatter with Aslin and the others.

Ah, right. Doppelgangers don't exist on this new continent, after all. Or maybe they did in the past, I don't know.

"That's completely fine. That Labyris over there is a monster called a Doppelganger. Her real body is in a safe location."

"D-Doppelgangers can be used like that!?"

Guess she didn't know how to use them.

Well, at this civilization level, the importance of information isn't prioritized that much.

The previous master probably never thought of using a Doppelganger as a body double or a decoy.

"Appears so. Honestly, we thought that was their intended use all along. Confusing the enemy only works a few times at best, right? In that case, it's better to integrate them as scouts. Transferring consciousness and controlling them is pretty much the same as using a familiar."

"I-I see. That makes sense."

Poppuri nodded repeatedly, visibly impressed.

Come to think of it, what was written in the letter handed to Eoid-kun?

I should ask, so we know how to respond if the letter comes up in conversation.

"By the way, what did you write in the official letter to Duke Hughes?"

"Ah, I vaguely mentioned the matter regarding the Holy Sword Wielders, stating that monster activity has become more frequent. The rest is an explanation from me to ensure Yuki-dono and Samantha-chan's engagement goes smoothly. Given the matters involving Jilva and Enaria, with my recommendation added, Duke Hughes shouldn't refuse."

"What about Duke Hughes's personality?"

"Let's see. He was a former student of mine, and his skill in magic is among the very best in Rhodei. However, he is not arrogant and dedicated himself to his studies as well. You could say he's the male version of current-day Samantha-chan. I don't believe he is a bad person."

"Then the rest depends on me, huh?"

"Yes. But I believe it will go smoothly."

"I hope so."

I've never heard of an event where asking for a man's daughter's hand in marriage goes completely smoothly without a hitch.

Sigh... Honestly, talking to Samantha's father is going to be way more painful than dealing with the Holy Sword Wielders...

Pondering such thoughts while discussing countermeasures with Eris and Poppuri, we departed from the Academy right on schedule.

* * *

"Aslin, do you know how long it'll take to get there?"

"Umm, let's see... Wy-chan said it'll take about five hours!"

We were having a relaxed conversation inside the basket hanging from Wy-chan's neck.

Ah, by the way, Amanda, as its master, was riding on its neck as the pilot. As a bonus, Eoid was sitting behind her. Well, hopefully he won't trigger some lucky pervert trope and get thrown into midair.

"Indeed. Yuki's plan is pretty much like that, and it's not a range we can easily search anyway."

"We have no choice but to crush them when we run into them."

Derieu and Rurua explained my original plan.

We can narrow down the location to some extent through Nina's field of vision, but since we're traveling on a wyvern, our route is predictable to the enemy.

Well, my intention was to turn that around and bait them out, but...

"Come to think of it, Anii-sama. You mentioned a 'separate unit' and said something to Aslin's monsters."

"Now that you mention it, he did say that. Yuki-san, what did you mean by a separate unit?"

Filia and Sheila brought up the separate unit, having remembered my previous comment.

Right, the separate unit.

Since it seemed possible to pinpoint the distance and location through Nina's vision, I decided to deploy a separate unit that wasn't us.

...Namely, Kuro-chan and the rest.

"I thought if it went well, we could wrap things up without having to lift a finger ourselves. Kuro-chan and the others are monsters, so they're great in places like forests, right?"

"""Ahhh..."""

Everyone except Samantha nodded in understanding.

"Eh? Um... who is Kuro-chan?"

"Ah, Samantha, you know Aslin is a Tamer, right?"

"Ah, yes. I heard from Amanda that Aslin-sama is an excellent Tamer."

"Well, calling her excellent isn't wrong. So, when you guys ran into the wyvern before, there was a huge Black Wolf there, right?"

"Yes. To think such a massive monster was in the forest... Wait, could it be!?"

"Yeah. That one's named Kuro-chan, and he's Aslin's pet. Back then, he came out to protect everyone from this wyvern. It would've been a pain if Tori and the others went all out."

"...I-I see. So that Kuro-chan went ahead, then?"

"Exactly. Even if we get ambushed, we won't flinch, but I hate letting the enemy take the initiative, so I prepared a separate unit on the ground."

The enemy expects us to come from the sky, so it'll make for a great surprise attack.

Taking advantage of an opening is common sense, after all.

"We gave them tools for capture and magic-sealing items, so even if they find them and engage in combat, the mana dispersion will be kept to a minimum. Well, assuming they find them, that is. That doesn't mean we can drop our guard. Cleana, Samantha, absolutely do not leave my side or Ria and Jessica's side."

"Nn, understood."

"Yes!"

"If a fight breaks out, we'll protect Cleana and Samantha. I'll rely on Derieu and Rurua to handle the main counterattack."

"Umu. Leave it to me."

"Please leave the rear support to me."

I was about to go around confirming things with everyone like that, but...

"Ah!"

Aslin made a small noise, drawing everyone's attention.

"What's wrong, Aslin? Did you get contact from Kuro-chan and the others?"

Since Kuro-chan and the rest are under Aslin's direct command, communications go through her.

"Yep. Umm, the holy sword user onee-chans, there were five of them, right? They said they captured all of them."

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

Ah, right, Kuro-chan is a canine type.

Of course he could track them down by scent.

Plus, their level is overwhelmingly higher, not to mention fighting in their preferred forest terrain.

...Well, logically speaking, it makes sense they could capture them, but it still feels kinda wrong.

"What should we do, Onii-chan?"

"R-Right. For now, tell them to wait in the forest near Duke Hughes's city. We'll disembark from Wy-chan there."

"That's a good idea. Landing a wyvern in the city would cause a huge commotion no matter how much advance notice we gave, so we were asked to disembark nearby anyway. Samantha, is there a suitable forest close by?"

Eris asked.

"Yes, there is a perfect forest nearby. Let us have them wait there."

Eris asked Samantha for the location of the nearby forest, and Aslin guided the monsters to that location.

"...Phew. Still, that was anticlimactic. I know Kuro-chan and the others did a great job, but it feels a bit disappointing."

"Indeed. But how did Kuro-chan and the others manage to avoid being spotted with that giant body of theirs?"

"Hmm? It's okay, Rurua-neechan. Before, when he got really big at the Academy and caused trouble, I scolded him and said, 'You can't get big!' so he stayed small."

At Aslin's words, everyone's eyes except Labyris, Filia, and Sheila turned into blank dots.

So what you're saying is, the Holy Sword Wielders got wiped out by Kuro-chan and the gang in puppy mode? It's like thinking Goblins A, B, and C showed up for an easy win, only to get wiped out in a single hit...

Well, just because he shrank doesn't mean his stats dropped. Volume-wise, heavy physical attacks might be less effective, but his speed definitely goes up.

Is it that? Something like the Wolf Fang Fist? ...No, wait, that was a losing move, wasn't it? Well, it landed the first few times, right?

Whatever, it doesn't matter. What's important is that it looks like we can enjoy a peaceful flight through the sky.

"The weather's great today too."

"Yes. It certainly is... I never imagined the view from the sky could be so breathtaking."

"Nn, I'm surprised too."

I'm glad the two newcomers were enjoying themselves.

Ah, maybe I should take a short nap?