We live at the foothills of Dragon Peak.
Watched over by the spring breeze.
Our journey thus far. An encounter with transcendent beings who seemed to survey the world from above. And then, recognized for our potential, we were granted lives of eternal youth and longevity.
I explain the circumstances, carefully and as thoroughly as possible.
Linze-sama listened, initially appearing very surprised, but gradually, as if coming to some understanding, she absorbed my and Madrine-sama’s story.
“I wish for Madrine-sama and Sefina-san, whom I will welcome as my family, to also obtain a similar life,” I said.
It is a very difficult trial.
After all, we ourselves did not initially desire or seek to be granted eternal youth and longevity. We met Micheila-chan, and through the encounters and future possibilities that unfolded, it can be said we were fortunate to receive it.
It is such a special trial that we have imposed upon Madrine-sama and Sefina-san.
Upon hearing my words, Linze-sama gazed intently at Madrine-sama.
“Madrine, you are prepared, are you not?”
“Yes, of course. Sefina and I will surely overcome this trial and marry Elnea-kun.”
Madrine-sama met Linze-sama’s gaze with equally unwavering eyes.
A moment of quiet filled the room.
I had already discussed this matter with Madrine-sama over a long period. We had repeated conversations, questioning her resolve, numerous times.
Therefore, Madrine-sama’s heart would not waver now.
Linze-sama, too, knew Madrine-sama’s personality inside and out.
Thus, no further questions or unnecessary inquiries were needed.
Simply, they looked into each other’s eyes, confirming their resolve, determination, and trust.
All I could do was wait patiently until Madrine-sama and Linze-sama reached an understanding.
A pleasant spring breeze blew into the living room, adorned with many plants.
Colorful flowers swayed gently, as if watching over the two.
The houseplants, illuminated by the sunshine from the slightly descending sun, shone with lush greenery.
I wish to feel the breath of the world like this with my wives, not just ten years from now, or a hundred years, but forever.
Of course, I hope that Madrine-sama and Sefina-san will join the ranks of those “wives.”
And to overcome the trial, we will cooperate with all our might.
A strange period of time flowed by, feeling both long and short.
Madrine-sama and Linze-sama remained in each other’s gaze.
I continued to silently observe the proceedings.
Nimia and Ares-chan, too, silently witnessed the communication between the two.
And then. The first to break the silence, filled only by the sound of the wind and the whispers of the plants, was Linze-sama.
“I understand. I shall acknowledge your resolve. Overcome it splendidly, and support the Dragon King as his wife.”
“Yes, absolutely!”
Linze-sama offered a smile filled with affection. Seeing this, Madrine-sama’s eyes welled up with tears.
Being acknowledged by her master must have been the greatest joy.
Madrine-sama wiped away her tears and then looked at me, who was sitting beside her and watching.
“Elnea-kun, I look forward to our future together.”
“Yes, likewise. I will cooperate fully, so let’s overcome this together.”
“I will help, nyan.”
“Cooperation, cooperation.”
The flowers and plants decorating the mansion swayed busily in the wind, as if cheering on Madrine-sama.
“Now then, Master. Regarding my marriage to Elnea-kun, what kind of trial must I undergo as a Miko?”
When a member of the clergy intends to marry someone with multiple spouses, they must undergo a rigorous trial.
No, “rigorous” is an understatement. It could be called an impossible task.
The prospective spouse and the clergy member must search for and obtain a legendary flower called the “Full Moon Flower,” which does not exist in this world. If this is impossible, the marriage will not be permitted, and once they depart, they are not even allowed to return until they find the Full Moon Flower.
However, when I married Ruiseine, I did find that “Full Moon Flower.”
With the brave hero Listea and Cerise-chan, who adventured with me, we had experience overcoming the temple’s trials.
However, even with that experience of overcoming trials, is it permissible for me, who has multiple wives, to marry yet another Miko without limit? This is what I and Madrine-sama are thinking.
If we are to follow the temple’s customs, then I, with my five wives, believe I must undergo a new trial when marrying Madrine-sama, who is a Miko.
However, a trial like finding the “Full Moon Flower” again would be meaningless.
After all, I am confident that I can find it immediately after being told to search for it!
Especially within Linze-sama’s mansion.
For these reasons, Madrine-sama and I sought advice from Linze-sama.
In response, Linze-sama looked at us with a slightly puzzled expression, then laughed as if amused.
“Fufufu, why are you asking that now?”
“Master…?”
Confused by the reason for Linze-sama’s laughter, Madrine-sama and I tilted our heads. Then, Linze-sama said something unexpected.
“You and Elnea-sama have already undergone the Goddess’s trial.”
We have already undergone a trial? Both Madrine-sama and I?
What does that mean…?
“Overcoming mortality. Madrine, if you do not overcome this trial, you cannot marry Elnea-sama, can you? Then, is that not precisely the trial bestowed by the Goddess?”
“Ah!”
Madrine-sama’s eyes widened in surprise, realizing the oversight. Seeing her reaction, Linze-sama chuckled again.
“From an outsider’s perspective, it is an insurmountable challenge. Thus, it is a fitting trial for marriage. And if this is the Goddess’s trial, there is no reason you cannot overcome it, is there?”
“Yes, you are absolutely right, Master!”
Madrine-sama, with tears streaming down her face, was deeply moved.
She was touched by Linze-sama’s kindness and trust.
As Madrine-sama’s master, Linze-sama has presented an exceedingly harsh trial. Moreover, she declared it to be the Goddess’s trial.
Surely, a member of the clergy can overcome the Goddess’s trial.
Therefore, Linze-sama believes that Madrine-sama will splendidly overcome the trial and be able to marry me.
“Madrine-sama. Linze-sama has given you a wonderful trial. Alright, I will do my best too, so let’s definitely overcome it!”
“Yes. Together with Sefina, right?”
“And that you can always care about others is Madrine-sama’s wonderful trait.”
“Fufufu, isn’t it?”
This is not a trial for just Madrine-sama and me. This is a special and unique trial from the Goddess. It is a trial for me to marry another Miko. That is for my future spouse, Madrine-sama, and Sefina, to be granted lives of eternal youth and longevity.
However, unlike the trial of searching for the Full Moon Flower, which they would undertake alone, this is different, and it is permissible for the entire family to overcome the trial together.
It is far more difficult than the trial of searching for the Full Moon Flower, but it is not hopeless.
We will surely overcome the trial!
Madrine-sama and I made a firm vow, and Linze-sama watched over us kindly.
“Alright, we need to hurry back to everyone and have a strategy meeting.”
“If we don’t hurry, Sefina and I will become grandmothers!”
“I won’t keep you waiting that long! But even if you become grandmothers, I will still love you?”
“Muki! I don’t want to be older than the twins!”
“Is that truly your heartfelt desire?”
“Good grief. Madrine was so dejected when we left the Dragon Forest, but now she’s so positive.” I murmured.
Upon hearing this, Linze-sama immediately interjected.
“Oh? Madrine was dejected? Elnea-sama, please tell me in detail?”
“With pleasure!”
“Elnea-kun!?”
Our lingering anxieties cleared, we spent our time in lively conversation.
Nimia and Ares-chan were also very satisfied, having been given snacks to eat.
And then, as evening approached.
“We should be going now.”
If we stay too late, the people waiting at the Valitie main residence will worry, so. Reluctantly, we had to leave.
However, if Madrine-sama and I travel together through the town, it will cause another commotion. Thus.
“Madrine-sama, I will call for a carriage later.”
“Yes, please do. From here, it would be faster to arrange a carriage by going to the Great Shrine rather than our home.”
“Understood.”
It is I who will return now.
Then, I will go to the Great Shrine or Madrine-sama’s home, arrange for a carriage, and have them pick us up from Linze-sama’s house. This was the plan we just decided upon.
“Elnea-sama, please visit again!”
“Next time, we’ll come to visit with many more people! Ah, but it might cause quite a stir!?”
“Oh my, I am looking forward to that.”
After exchanging farewells with Linze-sama, we were seen off at the entrance.
And then, I set off on my way home.
Before that.
I turned back to Linze-sama and asked her one question.
“Linze-sama, this may be a bold question, but please answer honestly. Now that you know our secret, how do you feel?”
The average lifespan of a human is said to be about fifty years. However, Linze-sama, already in her sixties, had greatly surpassed that average lifespan.
Hearing about the “eternal youth and longevity” we were granted, how would Linze-sama feel, having lived longer than the human average?
If it were something that her disciples or I could obtain, we would have to bear the responsibility.
Therefore, I had to hear Linze-sama’s true feelings.
However, as if to dismiss my worries, Linze-sama smiled.
“Indeed, it was a fascinating story. However, I have no interest in it. After all, I wish to be able to go to the Goddess’s lap as soon as possible.”
“Ah, I see. That is a wonderful sentiment, befitting a Miko who has served the Goddess!”
Those who live in this world are taken to the Goddess’s lap after death and find peace. That is the teaching of the Temple Religion, and it is the ultimate goal of Linze-sama, who rose to the position of Head Miko.
Therefore, if she were to become immortal and unable to be taken to the Goddess’s lap, she would be in trouble.
“Thank you for making me reconsider and think about many things.”
“No, what I can teach you is very little. Nevertheless, I can be of assistance to you who are treading a difficult path, so please visit again.”
“Yes, I will visit again!”
After saying goodbye once more, I left Linze-sama’s home, adorned with flowers.
