The reason we’ve ended up with such a large group, like a wife all-star team, is as follows.
First, Roxyth was sent over by Emperor Kuroie in a single leap.
Up to that point, everything was fine.
However, it seems Emperor Kuroie had never even tried swimming in the sea before, and showed great interest.
Then, Latrie chimed in, “Why don’t all of you come along then?” and with swimsuits already on hand, we decided to all go swimming in the sea!
As for Selma, she declared that it was unfair for only Latrie to have her Husband with her and joined us without question, while Listis stated she wanted to keep a close eye to ensure Latrie didn’t do anything improper, and also joined.
Well, I generally consider these three as a set anyway, so it was “Everyone, come along!”
This is truly my motto.
After all, I had all the swimsuits ready!
In other words, we were fully prepared with no oversights!
By the way, regarding their status as wives, Listis was convinced to be the seventh wife, Selma the eighth, and Latrie the ninth.
Among the three, Listis is the most composed, and she proved to be top-tier in combat ability.
In the recent robbery incident, she led as the overall commander and, despite some complications, resolved it safely. This achievement earned her the position, and no one objected.
She herself earnestly stated she would do her best as my and Emperor Kuroie’s direct escort, and didn’t seem to mind it much. However, her mouth was subtly twitching into a smile, so she seemed quite pleased.
As for the “wife” and “conquest” matters… well, they’re on hold. But it seems she somewhat understood the manliness I displayed in that battle, and has become a little softer.
She’s fundamentally just awkward, but a genuinely good child, so I don’t dislike her myself.
Selma too… she was the one who sent me to the hospital, so she accepted the ranking.
Aage, on the other hand, was quite angry.
I told her, “I’ll forgive her, so please forgive her too,” so it was dropped.
Actually, I later heard that the ultimate technique Listis unleashed then had enough destructive power to easily cleave a large boulder in two. If I had taken it head-on, I probably would have been split in half and died instantly…
Considering she only sent me to the hospital, I think that’s more than enough reason to forgive her.
A man… a man has times when he can’t back down…!
I wish she had used a softer touch, but at that timing, she was charging with full force and it was a close call, so one could say it was a fine play.
This too… well, it’s my own fault for misjudging my opportunity…!
Honestly, it seems there was a lot of back-and-forth behind my back about forgiveness, but thanks to Emperor Kuroie and the Manager both saying they’d forgive her, it was settled by majority vote.
According to the Three Girls, with Monjirou’s advice, they seemed to have “smoothly” bribed the Manager…
Since that would be the most effective way to appease the Manager, I thought, “As expected of Monjirou!”
Behind my back, he’s been handling a lot of things and even designed wonderful swimsuits… I really can’t express how much I owe Monjirou.
Latrie… she was originally positioned a step below the three great aristocratic families, so this ranking was considered appropriate, and she accepted it.
Though she was gritting her teeth with a “gigi gi” sound while looking down…
She’s a bit of a dangerous girl who snaps while smiling…
Monjirou also warned that she’s a “handle with care” type, so I’d rather get along with her!
Well, to make up for those matters, she agreed to go to Roxyth.
After staying in Roxyth for about three to four days, we are scheduled to head to Selma’s hometown in the north.
This is also due to Selma’s blunder, as Duke Shattern requested to offer an apology in person.
I was intending to let it go, but she wasn’t satisfied with that, so we decided to proceed.
According to Aage.
When one has caused trouble, it is a matter of clarifying the hierarchy for aristocrats to receive an apology. Refusing an offered apology is considered a grave insult.
If the apology is refused, the person offering it loses face, and it is guaranteed to leave lingering resentment. My saying I don’t mind wouldn’t resolve such an issue, so after being lectured, I relented.
There were also other things to do, like training the Imperial Guard and preparing for peace negotiations, but I left those matters to Radcliff, the vice-captains of each unit, and the newly arrived captains of the Fourth and Fifth Platoons.
Selma… I wondered if she’d be alright coming alone, but Latrie also seemed to understand that she wasn’t someone who could manage on her own. It seems the Roxyth family’s maids are providing support, so there shouldn’t be any problems.
Even though they usually call each other rivals, they still provide support… I think this aspect of Latrie is a good trait.
In fact, when it came time to change into swimsuits, a whole troop of maids appeared, set up a tent-like changing room, and efficiently helped not only Selma but all the women change.
Honestly, I wish Selma could manage to dress herself at this point…
By the way, the remaining Fourth and Fifth Platoons of the Imperial Guard arrived almost simultaneously with my discharge from the hospital.
We chartered a stagecoach operated by Anna’s Orswad Merchant Guild, and they apparently had a comfortable journey without any trouble along the way.
When I casually consulted Anna, she was enthusiastic and prepared it immediately, even offering the first trip as a service.
Moreover, she arranged for experienced guards and drivers from their regular transport service, which was incredibly thoughtful.
I even thought we should have done this from the start…
I really must show some favoritism to Anna’s company. But when I thanked her and unintentionally patted her head, her face turned red…
I had a feeling I might have created an unnecessary flag.
The captain of the Fourth Platoon is Freya, the daughter of Count Rondeum, the lord of Raxom.
The captain of the Fifth Platoon was unexpectedly Seylam, the younger sister of Param.
Param’s family is a baronetcy, a so-called lower aristocracy.
The current patriarch, Param, is very famous as the sub-master of the Merchant Guild.
He is also one of my trusted aides, well-known within the Romeo Empire. His younger sister, naturally, would be someone held in high regard at the academy, and it seems she was appointed captain of the Fifth Platoon after being somewhat elevated by those around her.
She has the same fluffy blonde hair and long hair as her brother, a gentle and elegant young lady…
In contrast to Freya, who is an energetic tomboy, Seylam possessed a calm and lovely demeanor.
Param told me, “If you find her to your liking, I will gladly give her to you as a wife?” but I put it on hold for now!
Freya and Seylam don’t seem to be vying to compete with the daughters of Romeo’s three great families, so they haven’t been actively approaching me.
Although I haven’t heard it directly from them, both seem to be very positive about the prospect if it were to be permitted.
I lack any political backing in this world, so I greatly desire allies bound by familial ties…
But then again… it’s probably too much to take them all at once…
And frankly, all the captains of the Imperial Guard becoming my wives… that sounds a bit much, even though they are all lovely!
Regarding Emperor Kuroie’s absence, the bureaucrats and ministers actually wished for him to take a break sometimes. They told him to leave the guardianship to them and that they would contact him if anything came up, so that matter is also on autopilot.
Emperor Kuroie’s retainers are all loyal and capable individuals; they are truly dependable.
And so, we are currently enjoying a brief respite!
In short… though the preamble was long, this chapter is, as everyone has been waiting for, a swimsuit episode!
