**Side: Frederica**
I am currently in a state of great confusion.
My mansion was supposed to be a gathering point at 5 o’clock, but Wing Crest has already arrived.
It’s barely past 3 o’clock, and they’re here this early? That’s far too soon.
“So, we’ve brought the meat of an Abyss Taurus.”
I have no idea what “so” refers to, but… well, considering how often Yamato and Primrose have caused trouble lately, they probably brought this as a token of their goodwill, preparing ingredients for my mansion’s gathering.
“Even so, they present us with the meat of a Catastrophe Species out of the blue, leaving us unsure how to react!”
The words just slipped out, but they’re looking at me with that “as expected” expression. It makes me uncomfortable too.
It’s true that an Abyss Taurus is a Catastrophe Species derivative of a Blue Lake Bull, so I understand that its meat is delicious.
I understand, but as far as I know, subduing an Abyss Taurus is unheard of in Amister. I doubt anyone other than royalty has ever eaten it.
They say there have been some successful subjugations in Retisencia, known as the Lakeside Country, but that was through the Alliance. I’ve also heard that even the knights there rarely participated, let alone the hunters of Retisencia.
“I’ve never eaten meat from an Abyss Taurus!”
H.R.H. Yuriana, the third princess of our country, rejoices innocently.
She is staying at Viscount Archlight’s mansion, and this time the Alliance is dispatching the largest force I’ve ever known to handle the situation. She has come to visit with Viscount Archlight.
Count Sofia is also present, and they have repeatedly assessed potential scenarios and worst-case outcomes.
With two Ancient Classes present, I don’t believe we’ll be abandoning Feel unless something truly extraordinary happens. Nevertheless, we cannot afford to be unprepared, and we must consider our responses. It’s a thankless task for a Provincial Governor.
“I hear that with regular Catastrophe Species, one is lucky to even defeat them, let alone have any edible portions left…”
“It’s too early for that.”
Viscount Archlight and Count Sofia have already resigned themselves to their fate.
After all, there hasn’t been a single problem that Yamato and Primrose couldn’t resolve. On the contrary, they continuously create new problems, leaving us with headaches and stomach aches on a daily basis.
During that process, I accidentally let my true feelings slip and proposed to Yamato, and even begged to become a single mother. Even with H.R.H. Yuriana’s permission, I never imagined I would be so direct.
I must truly be exhausted…
“It is undeniably appreciated, and His Highness is also pleased, so it’s fine. Myun, please tell the head chef that this meat will be the main course tonight. If something simple isn’t already prepared, at least have something easy made in addition.”
“Understood.”
It will serve as a morale booster for the High Hunters and High Orders participating in the Alliance, and considering our guests, it’s undoubtedly the finest ingredient we could ask for. I will gratefully make use of it.
“So, why did you come so early? I mean, the souvenir is appreciated, but that can’t be all, can it?”
Count Sofia beat me to the punch, but indeed, the souvenir was appreciated, and above all, I was happy. However, there’s no reason to come this early just for that. While it’s true preparation and cooking take time, I still think I can say that coming nearly two hours early is too soon.
“Ah, well, this is just a gesture of greeting, or perhaps I thought it would be better to inform you in advance…”
Yamato is blushing and stammering, clearly finding it difficult to speak. Could this mean I can have hope?
“Hmm. I have an idea. Count Sofia, perhaps we should excuse ourselves?”
“It seems so. Marquis Frederica, we will borrow a separate room, so please enjoy yourselves. May I have someone guide us?”
“Understood. Right this way.”
Viscount Archlight and Count Sofia, being considerate, have left the room.
“Viscount Archlight and Count Sofia are either very considerate or perhaps *too* considerate…”
“It’s another family’s affair, and more importantly, it concerns them directly. Yamato, about that…”
“I understand. Um, Marquis Frederica, I still have reservations about being a single father. But… but if the child born were to inherit the Marquis Amatista family, I would want to take responsibility.”
For a moment, I thought he would refuse, but that wasn’t the case. Yamato had considered the future beyond that. I was so happy, I felt like I was floating to heaven.
“Then, may I have Yamato’s child?”
“If the Marquis wishes.”
It’s not a matter of wishing; I’ve always desired this, so the answer is obvious.
“Thank you, Yamato. Primrose, Meena, Flam, I want to have Yamato’s child. And if the child inherits the family headship, will you allow his marriage to me?”
“Of course.”
“When the child is born, please let us meet them.”
“A lovely child will surely be born.”
All three of them readily agreed. Although they had agreed in advance, if Yamato hadn’t agreed, this wouldn’t have happened. I am truly delighted. No, I was fully prepared to be a single mother and never considered the possibility of marriage. This must be what it feels like to be filled with happiness.
“Congratulations, Marquis Frederica. With this, the Marquis Amatista family is secure.”
“Thank you, H.R.H. Yuriana. However, Your Highness…”
H.R.H. Yuriana also offered her congratulations, but she too desires marriage with Yamato.
There’s a proposal to have either H.R.H. Yuriana or H.R.H. Manalease marry Yamato as one of the rewards. While H.R.H. Manalease is already an adult, H.R.H. Yuriana is still 13 years old—ah, she turned 14 yesterday. In either case, she is still a minor. Marriage is not permitted until the age of 17, so even if H.R.H. Yuriana were to marry Yamato, we would have to wait another three years. Yet, I will be embraced by him first and bear his child, although the marriage itself will be after the child inherits the family headship. It feels deeply regrettable to be in this position ahead of a princess of the Royal Family.
“There is no need to concern yourself. Yamato is already married, and I am the one intruding later. Therefore, please do not worry about me and give birth to a fine child.”
“H.R.H. Yuriana… Thank you.”
However, H.R.H. Yuriana, as if understanding my concerns, spoke those words to me. I am truly grateful. From now on, as a noble of Amister, I must strive even harder. And I must raise the child who will be born as a capable heir.
At the request of Yamato and Primrose, who are participating in the Alliance, I have decided to stay at Marquis Amatista’s mansion tonight. There, I will be embraced by him. It will be my first time accepting a man, but Primrose has promised to ask Lady Apricot to use the pregnancy acceleration magic, Plasgneicing.
Plasgneicing is pregnancy acceleration magic, but it doesn’t guarantee pregnancy. Women of Helios Orb are originally less fertile. While there is also the contraception magic, Contracepting, it would be problematic if Hunters and Orders in combat roles suddenly became pregnant in large numbers, but such a situation is, frankly, impossible. Moreover, Plasgneicing is said to have been bestowed by the gods to celebrate the establishment of the Healer’s Guild, so it did not exist before the Guild’s founding. In that era, it was common for women to marry shortly after coming of age and still not conceive for nearly ten years, and it was not uncommon for women to remain childless their entire lives. Although there are still a considerable number of women who remain childless, their numbers are said to have decreased.
Therefore, even if I am embraced by Yamato tonight using Plasgneicing, I may not become pregnant. In fact, it’s probably impossible. However, without intimacy, a child cannot be conceived, and some people conceive immediately. This is something I won’t know unless I embrace him. Nevertheless, this is something that makes me truly happy, so after the Alliance’s rousing party, I must take a thorough bath and cleanse myself. As a side note, I also want to hear from Primrose, Meena, and Flam. I am looking forward to tonight.
