Interlude 24: Concerning a certain custom of nobles

– Arthur PoV –

"Hello, I'm glad to meet you. I'm Arthur von Benno Baumeister." (Arthur)

"It is I who should be glad to meet you. I'm Amadeus Freitag von Breithilde." (Breithilde)

Once I recall it, it was a weird greeting. Though I'm currently retired, I served as family head of the Knight Baumeister household for more than 30 years, but it's the first time I have met with Margrave Breithilde who is our patron.

Usually that's highly improbable, but the Great League Mountain Range between the previous Knight Baumeister territory and Breithilde Margraviate made that a reality. Now that I remember, it was the previous Margrave Breithilde whom I greeted while on the way to the capital to appear at the peerage succession ceremony after the sudden death of my father.

Accompanying the merchant group on their return to Breitburg, I greeted the predecessor together with Klaus who was at that time as young as I was and familiar with crossing the mountains. The former Margrave Breithilde had us lodge in his mansion until our departure with the magic airship's flight towards the capital.

The fare for two people for the round trip with the magic airship and the inn costs in the capital were a little expensive.

In reality I wanted to go by myself, but even as a poor Knight I was hesitating to go to the capital alone and thus the expenses got costly. Nevertheless, since father died from sickness previously, I had to take the peerage succession ceremony as soon as possible.

Klaus, who shouldered the heavy-looking box with the armour and sword inside, looked apologetic for me having to be in charge of all our expenses. Usually it's very unlikely for an attendant to worry about such matters. That means that we were poor to such a degree.

However, it's also a fact that I got angry at Klaus for apparently taking me for a fool, once I saw that look from him while instinctively thinking that we don't suit each other.

Klaus is excellent, but he was unable to cooperate with me. This might have been the time when I realized it the strongest for the first time.

Even the chief retainers of the Margrave Breithilde household faced me with a look as if I was an idiot. If one says that it can't be helped, then that's all there is to it, but it was something that made me feel offended after all.

However, that abominable lot was killed in action in the Demon Forest alongside the previous Margrave Breithilde. It was a heavy blow for us as well, but it might be the truth that I felt gratified about just that one thing.

"Unable to restrain his foolish, rampaging heir, he is an incompetent family predecessor." (Arthur)

"Err, well... I guess it would have resulted in a similar outcome even for me at that site... Unless it's Wendelin-san." (Breithilde)

The current generation's Margrave Breithilde doesn't seem to be an arrogant person to the degree of his predecessor even though he is young. It's because he's at least paying attention to such an incompetent, retired old geezer.

"It's unnecessary for you to be considerate. I wasn't able to make the decision for Wendelin to succeed. That's why I'm an incompetent, former family head." (Arthur)

"If you had done that, I have a feeling that there would have been a lot of opposition, but..." (Breithilde)

"The other elder brothers. If possible, Erich? If I made that guy succeed, he might have used Wendelin skilfully. But let's stop the idle complaints." (Arthur)

"I guess so." (Breithilde)

I cease talking about the already impossible choices and possibilities. As a matter of fact, the reason why I was summoned by Margrave Breithilde is because it's wrong as Wendelin's father if I don't decide something important.

If it was until now, it would have been impossible to arrive in Breitburg within merely a day even if I was suddenly summoned by Margrave Breithilde. But nowadays I can arrive immediately if I board the magic airships which are regularly coming to Paul's new territory where I migrated to.

The necessity to cross the Great League Mountain Range, while being ready for the danger of mountain sickness and attacks by wyverns and wild animals, disappeared. Even the development of the territory is advancing well thanks to Wendelin's magic.

Paul has formed a retainer group by calling his former guard colleagues and and their acquaintances. Accepting the fief's residents who couldn't stay in Knight Baumeister territory due to their involvement in the incident with Kurt, the population is exceeding 200 people nowadays.

You might call that an astounding speed considering it's been only two months since Kurt's death.

"The issue is about the 'arranged woman', isn't it?" (Arthur)

"Well, that's how it is." (Breithilde)

You can't call that an overly great custom, but before the heir of a noble or such marries, an "arranged woman" teaches them about women.

Since it would be a disaster if the heir couldn't make children as result of ending up failing due to not being taught, royalty, nobles, merchants and wealthy farmers allocate such a woman to their heirs.

Mostly such women are only allocated to the succeeding eldest son, but there are also households which assign one to their second and third sons if they have economical leeway. You might say it's being handled case-by-case.

However, the selection conditions are severe. Even for Margrave Breithilde, with whom I'm consulting, in front of me, it's a problem to the extent of him being lost in thoughts.

First of, a prostitute is no good. That's because there's the issue of illnesses.

Since there are also women who have problematic characters, there was even the possibility of them using it as material for extortion at worst or announcing their relationship to society on large scale.

Next, women with loose tongues or women with strong desires, even if they are respectable, are useless.

It will be known and become a rumour inside the territory anyway, but since she won't be a formal mistress, it will be painful to watch if she clashes with the married wives later on. If the man's side tries to push her into the position of mistress due to being strangely pleased with her as she was his first woman, it would be a cause for a quarrel due to the inner ranking hierarchy getting disturbed.

The cases where the woman herself harboured ambitions and deceived the man weren't few by no means.

"Aren't there widows or such among the fief's population?" (Breithilde)

"There are, but they are the wives of dependants who were involved in that incident." (Arthur)

Given that they are former wives of the accomplices of Kurt who tried to assassinate Wendelin, there was definitely no way that we could allocate one of them to him.

"I'm taking part in the consultation since I'm a man, but referring one with my household is harsh." (Breithilde)

If it was the heir of the old Knight Baumeister territory, Margrave Breithilde could have recommended one right away.

However, once one considers the influence of the current Wendelin, introducing an "arranged woman" unskillfully will cause criticism towards Margrave Breithilde if that woman does something unnecessary.

He also doesn't want to take too much risk, I guess. Having said that, it's not like I can be relied on in this matter either. That's because the current me is a simple, retired geezer.

"It won't work with passing a book or such?" (Breithilde)

Given that it's not possible to allocate an "arranged woman" to all children, most of those below second son take lessons by reading such books. Even the women who will become wives study by being shown such books by their mothers before their marriages.

"Though I feel ashamed to talk about something very private, how was it in your case, Arthur-san?" (Breithilde)

"There was no special 'arranged woman'." (Arthur)

In my early days the women originating from southern territories had uninhibited natures.

Albeit being married women, they had affairs without batting an eyelid. Moreover, as it was naturally impolite to refuse the invitation from a woman, I kept quite a few of them company. But then, once the priest Meister-dono learned of it, that custom died out right away.

The me in those days, well, had his youthful indiscretions, I guess?

"What a slovenly custom! Can you boldly talk about such deeds to god?!" (Meister)

Meister-dono, who was an old person since those days, was usually gentle, but just at this time he got angry like a raging fire to the degree of scaring the villagers.

That fellow Klaus apparently looked at me with blaming eyes, but at that time I thought that I wanted him to switch with me in that case. In spite of knowing how much the people are striving towards harmony within the territory, he was a truly detestable guy.

"For me it was the usual way." (Breithilde)

With his elder brother, who was the heir, having a weak constitution, it seems that such women were allocated to him who was treated as a spare.

"It was the daughter of a certain retainer in a humble position. She was a widow after having lost her husband in the early days." (Breithilde)

Naturally women, who are experienced, are chosen because they teach about that kind of thing. Furthermore, given that the story will get complicated if there's a husband, it's always a widow.

"Finishing the relationship at the time of my marriage, it came to an end with me paying something like a fee for troubling her." (Breithilde)

It seems that that woman has now become the second wife of a certain elder retainer. Of course she is staying silent as she had been given detailed instructions together with that retainer. I was envious of Margrave Breithilde due to the fact of making her seal her mouth.

"How about Kurt-san?" (Breithilde)

"We didn't have such leeway..." (Arthur)

Since it was a confined, isolated territory, it's easy to cause a problem if one allocated such a woman. Therefore we had him make do by handing a book to him.

Now that I think about it, that part might also be included in the cause for Kurt becoming odd.

He might have asked himself, "even though I'm the heir of a noble's household, why is the treatment of heirs in other households different?" By no means do I believe that, but there is the bitterness that I can't declare that this isn't the reason with 100% probability.

"It's a matter I'd like you to prepare by yourself, Arthur-san. But..." (Breithilde)

"You want me to avoid the surroundings of the Earl Baumeister household..." (Arthur)

Since there's a large quantity of fresh retainers in the rising Earl household, it's possible that I will create troubles if I decide from the side.

If it's a woman linked awkwardly to some noble household, it's very likely that they will meddle in the affairs over there as a partner of the rising Earl Baumeister household. Given that the formation of the retainer group hasn't finished, it's possible that they will rise to chief retainer with that as the reason. With her becoming the favourite mistress and giving birth to a child, they will wield their influence as maternal relatives and try to push for that child to become the heir.

It's a common story, but we should probably avoid that kind of danger.

"It's troublesome, isn't it...?" (Breithilde)

"Yes..." (Arthur)

I wondered whether it would be fine to use the wives of the accomplices of the other day, charging it with the meaning of it being like a punishment, but once I considered it prudently, their age wasn't a good match. Since that lot was in the same generation as Kurt, even if they were young, all their wives are older than 30 years.

Although saying that is impolite, there's no meaning if Wendelin loses his interest in women due to having forced a woman well past her prime with an age above 30 onto him.

"Wendelin-san is still 15 years old." (Breithilde)

There's no point unless we allocate an 'arranged woman' that is at the most in her twenties and has quite the beauty. I end up believing that it's really an annoying custom.

"With the connections of our Burkhart... Let's stop right there..." (Breithilde)

"That employed magician-dono?" (Arthur)

"Since he is an extreme advocate of staying unmarried, he might be unable to introduce anyone but prostitutes, but..." (Arthur)

Certainly, I also think that it's better to have stopped there.

"From among the fief's population...?" (Arthur)

Be that as it may, as Hermann has already become the family head, I can't use my influence in the Knight Baumeister territory. That domain already belongs to Hermann.

"I just came up with it now, but how about that lady?" (Breithilde)

Margrave Breithilde-dono raised the name of a certain person. Certainly, if it's that person, she fits the criteria perfectly.

However, the problem is whether the person herself will accept that. That's because it's just after such an incident happened.

"How about trying to ask the person herself? You might say, 'Giving birth is easier than being anxious.'?" (Breithilde)

"That's true." (Arthur)

In the end we arrived at the conclusion that we would hand him a book if she was no good. I returned to Paul's territory after buying souvenirs and such for the family in Breitburg.

* * *

"You mean me?" (???)

"I do believe it's wrong to request such a thing from you at this time, but..." (Arthur)

Returning to Paul's territory, I secretly called that person to a place with no human presences after handing over the souvenirs to my wife and grandchildren.

My wife had a disgusted expression at that time.

Since I didn't bring along Leila at the time of moving here after my retirement, it seems she's thinking that I'm making a move on her this time. Certainly, I don't hate women, but I still believe to know right from wrong at such parts.

I think there would be side benefits in Leila's case as well, but I decided to judge calmly for the sake of a stable rule of the Knight Baumeister territory. I have no doubt that Leila considered it in such manner as well. Although she properly gave birth to sons who would become Klaus' heirs, that was just a job for her.

Actually at that time she didn't express any kind of dissatisfaction even when she was unable to live in the main house. It might have been just fine for her to meet only for the sake of having children. Even so, she did her job sufficiently. Even if she didn't follow the retired me, I had no particular complaints. The matter of Leila is set with that.

The problem is my wife.

I don't want to make her worry unnecessarily as an old geezer who is past the half of his fifties. The current me teaches my grandchildren archery and swordsmanship, helps in the development in my free time, and secures food by hunting and gathering.

I also took lessons in kanji and calculation in 50 exercises. My wife had the role of teacher, but now that I consider it, it seems it would have also been great if I had given such a task to her. At my time as feudal lord I always didn't notice it with all my might.

Also, there might have been resistance by the conservative residents in the Knight Baumeister household at that time, I guess? Now that kind of group has been intentionally retired by Hermann and they have lost their influence.

Paul is always lacking manpower as he only just began development. Therefore it wouldn’t be seen as too much of a problem even if women such as wives helped with the paperwork. This is also because of the changing times, isn't it?

Returning to the story; it will be wrong for me as father if I don't allocate an "arranged woman" to Wendelin who became Earl Baumeister.

Moreover, it's necessary to carry it out secretly so that my wife and the other women don't get aware of it too much. I can't hide it anyway, but since it will be weird to request it too boldly, I end up calling the candidate in such secretive manner.

If it's a major noble, they can probably have a retainer, they can trust, do it arbitrarily, but unfortunately that was impossible for our current family.

"I think it's inexcusable to request such thing even though you just lost your husband, but..." (Arthur)

The one I asked to become Wendelin's "arranged woman" was Amelie, the wife of Kurt who self-destructed.

She fits the criteria quite well.

First off, she is an experienced person since she has two children as the former wife of Kurt. As a widow there is no husband who will kick up a fuss. She is the wife of Kurt who is the principal offender in the attempted assassination case, but different from the wives of the other accomplices, she is a noble.

Even if the surroundings learned of it, it would be advantageous as people would accept it in the manner of her atoning towards Wendelin instead of her husband who died.

With her age of 27 years she doesn't look like a woman beyond her prime because of her looking young due to her childish face. She isn't that much of a beauty, but Wendelin is on good terms with cute types as well.

Since she's also a person who often reads books, her hobby matches with Wendelin, too. I believer her to be the best option.

"Yes, I will do it." (Amelie)

Unexpectedly she accepted my request readily.

Once she reassures me, she begins to talk about her reason.

"Although I feel sorry towards you, father-in-law-sama, it's naturally in my own interest." (Amelie)

"That's justified." (Arthur)

For her there are the two sons which were left behind from her time with Kurt.

With them being Wendelin's nephews, it was planned to have them succeed the surname Meinbach, which is her parent's home, and distribute territory to them once they become adults.

However, when I was asked whether that promise would be definitely kept, even I couldn't nod right away.

I believe that the wives of Wendelin will increase from now on. No matter how much that guy refuses, it's absolutely impossible for it to be zero. The reason is that he's a part of noble's society.

Of course plenty of children will be born, I guess. And they will create branch families according to the social positions of the wives and the territory, which has still a lot of undeveloped areas, should be distributed to them.

What if the territory allocated to his nephews was disappointing as a result of Wendelin giving priority to his own children?

It's a cruel story, but it would probably be pointless even if they complained to Wendelin who has become a major noble at that point in time.

That's why she wants to definitely secure the future of her grandchildren by offering her own body.

Beyond Wendelin having his social position to consider, the probability of him not taking the wish of a woman, who had that kind of relationship with him, into consideration is low. If you call that selfishness, it's just that, but it also means that she was affectionate as mother.

"Sorry. I'm burdening you with hardships." (Arthur)

With her just having married into our family, it's nothing but troubles for her. Certainly she didn't expect to knit ropes with straw as daughter of a noble.

Our eating habits are skimpy. Even though he was my son, her husband Kurt was a hopeless man.

Even though he had already obtained it, he lost his rightful peerage and territory. He plotted an assassination against his younger brother and got killed in reverse. Even I had no way to cover up for him.

Moreover there's also the issue of me having secretly settled the affairs after his death. Usually that won't turn into a problem, but since that guy did something foolish, it resulted in an excessive drop in evaluation.

"I don't know when Wendelin-sama will be able to come to you, but..." (Arthur)

It's probably no good unless he coordinates his schedule with me.

I can't openly tell my wife too much either. It's necessary to inform Paul, but I don't want to tell his wife in the beginning as much as possible either.

It will leak out if they do it for a while anyway, but at the beginning it's likely better to keep the uproar low.

"Just make sure to brace yourself please." (Arthur)

"Understood." (Amelie)

Once I told that to my non-consanguineous daughter, I began the preparations in a hurry.

* * *

– Wendelin PoV –

『That's how it is.』 (Arthur)

"Haa..." (Wendelin)

When I was working hard at public work today just like the other recent days, the calling alarm of my magic hand-held communication device suddenly rang.

Once I take it out in a hurry, it appears to be a private and absolutely important matter from father.

However, I had no idea about that important matter or whatever.

Father has already retired and is helping in the development of Paul-nii-san's territory.

I didn't hand over magic hand-held communication devices to anyone but a select few, but father didn't actually get one. Given that I have handed Paul-nii-san one, he probably has borrowed that one and is contacting me with it. In that case, does that mean that it's a matter Paul-nii-san is aware of as well?

Once I ask about the concrete details of that important matter, he wants to have a talk after meeting directly.

"Elise, tonight I may not return to the mansion." (Wendelin)

『I understand.』 (Elise)

Thinking that it would be wrong if I didn't hear him out, I finish the public works and leap to Paul-nii-san's territory with magic after contacting Elise with my magic hand-held communication device.

Paul-nii-san's territory is still in the middle of development, but the territory's people are brimming with energy.

Forming a retainer group consisting of people he got to know as a guard, the retainers brought along slum dwellers, whom they got to know during patrols and supervision, and had them cultivate agricultural land.

Continuing with the maintenance of houses and roads, the construction of Paul-nii-san's residence in the heart of the territory is advancing at a quick pace. Currently he is carrying out the governmental affairs and such in an old house which had been relocated by Baron Rembrandt. Once I showed up there, father and Paul-nii-san awaited me.

"I'm glad you came." (Arthur)

"Umm... what kind of business do you have with me?" (Wendelin)

"Err, that is... Paul." (Arthur)

"Haa... Since we don't need tea, leave the room. Make sure that no one is eavesdropping outside the door. You guys do understand what happens if it gets leaked, right?" (Paul)

Paul-nii-san sent the servants out of the study, and ordered them to stand watch so that no one eavesdrops at the entrance. It seems to be quite the important talk.

"Will it become a disaster if revealed to the outside?" (Wendelin)

"That's right. It's better if there's only few people who know about it." (Arthur)

As father's expression is serious, it seems to be quite the crucial talk.

"So, what's it about?" (Wendelin)

"Wendelin, you became an upper noble. In addition, you are an Earl-sama possessing a vast territory." (Arthur)

"Haa..." (Wendelin)

"Once you become an upper noble, there are especially important matters. Do you understand?" (Arthur)

"Is it about governing the territory smoothly?" (Wendelin)

"That's of course important, too. However, before that it's necessary to have the household continue into the next generation and those afterwards by making children." (Arthur)

"I have Elise and the others though." (Wendelin)

Hearing father's statement, I end up wondering whether he is trying to push a concubine onto me.

"No, it looks like I gave you a misunderstanding. It's not a talk about concubines or such. It's for the sake of you being able to safely make children once you marry..." (Arthur)

Once I tilt my head to the side because father's speech isn't to the point in any way, Paul-nii-san, who watches from the side, assists by throwing a lifeline.

"Simply put, Vel, you are unskillful as you are still a virgin. That's what it's about." (Paul)

"Are you telling me to go buy a woman?" (Wendelin)

I'm against buying a woman just because I'm told to do so by my father and elder brother. Burkhart-san and Erw aren't here either. It was something complicated for the current me.

Besides, this body is a virgin, but it's not like I have zero experience, though I can't say it was a great number, from my previous life. I consider it to be unnecessary worrying, but since there's no way that I can inform them of that, I end up being lost in thought how to refuse it.

"As expected, even I know that I can't advise an Earl-sama to buy a woman." (Arthur)

"Then, how about learning it from a book?" (Wendelin)

Which reminds me, there were such books in the library of my parent's home.

They were hidden horizontally in the inner part of the bookshelves so that their covers couldn't be seen, but I remember that I didn't feel like reading them much due to their questionable illustrations, going by my taste. That was the moment I was once again made to realize that Japan is the best in that kind of field.

(Note: Porn Mags)

"No, there are "arranged women" for such times." (Arthur)

It's only vaguely, but I can imagine the general meaning of the word. In short, it's likely about getting experience by associating with such woman before the marriage.

"It's a word I have heard for the first time." (Wendelin)

"That's because we were the lowest rank as nobles." (Paul)

As Paul-nii-san gives an explanation, it seems to be a custom to allocate a widow or such to the heir of a noble household as "arranged women" .

They have an inexperienced man associate with an experienced woman. However, it happens behind the scenes in absolute secrecy until that heir marries.

Keeping it completely secret was impossible, but they try to not reveal her existence to the wives to be married as long as possible. You can call it something like a time-limited mistress.

"Haa... with an experienced woman, you say...?" (Wendelin)

"There are many widows, aren't there?" (Arthur)

It will be troublesome if a husband exists. As there's no point even if they allocate an inexperienced woman, it can be considered as natural that it resulted in widows playing the role most of the times.

However... This place isn't Breitburg or the capital. If the conclusion is an experienced widow, I have to take into account the possibility of an outrageous old lady appearing.

Now that I think of it, there was also a situation where I got taken along to a sex service on my way home from a drinking party with my company's superior during my time as new employee in my previous life.

According to that certain superior, it was apparently a shop with the fame of having many beautiful mature ladies and a very good service.

It's not like I have erectile dysfunction either. When I was waiting for my female partner while being nervous as I had a normal interest. A Pigmon (ultraman monster) which was older than my mother, appeared.

'How to call her!? She was clearly a trap-hole!' I got stuck hurling curses at the superior, who led me to this shop, in my heart.

I tried to somehow swindle my way out of it by doing nothing, but Pigmon was very faithful to her professional duties.

In the end I finished the deed while remembering a beautiful female employee who joined the company at the same time as me, but from that time I lost my trust in anyone.

Attractive mature ladies or widows being wonderful happens only inside literary works to the bitter end.

——Father is saying it out of kindness, I guess...

It's probably because a noble household's heir, who seems to not have an "arranged woman" ends up being regarded one level lower.

To say nothing of the current me who is an Earl. Father prepared such woman in order for me to not lose face.

I'm thankful about that, but he wouldn't be able to get anyone but a Pigmon-like woman with a considerably high probability.

——Will I have an erection, I wonder?

So, what kind of person is that woman?" (Wendelin)

"She is 12 years older than you, Wendelin." (Arthur)

It seems I was able to avoid a grandmother with the pretext of her being an attractive mature lady.

But, I wasn't able to let down my guard at all until I have seen the actual person.

"Speaking age-wise, she's around Amelie-sister-in-law-san?" (Wendelin)

"It's that Amelie." (Arthur)

"Huh?" (Wendelin)

"The one who was most compatible with the conditions is Amelie. The person herself accepted it as well." (Arthur)

The person who will teach me about women, is in fact the widow of my elder brother.

Even though I heard it as partial joke, I ended up lost for words on the spot after being informed that she's indee my "arranged woman".

* * *

"Paul-nii-san." (Wendelin)

"Sorry! Even I can't help you in this case!" (Paul)

Once I went to father's place after being called all of a sudden, I was told that a woman will be allocated to me who will teach me about women and that this woman was my sister-in-law.

There was absolutely no way for me to consult with others about this. Moreover, since there wasn't much time left any more until the marriage, it turned into a talk about having me keep her company from today onwards.

It's something I want to prevent somehow, but as it's impossible to discuss this with Elise, I first ask Roderich whom I have given a magic hand-held communication device.

I end up being splendidly abandoned with, "The options I have in this matter are... It's completely a father's domain.".

In addition there was the follow-up, "I will keep it a secret from the madams", but for some reason I didn't want to thank him for anything.

Next I try to ask Burkhart-san.

"The other side has prepared her for free. Be at least thankful. Well, for free also means that she’s not expensive though. Don't get deceived by that widow." he says.

I completely receive advice from him like it's somebody else's problem.

In other words, he says, "Do it." without caring about it overly much. In a certain sense he seems to have something of an older, fashionable man.

——There's still someone left! For such times!

In troubled times at the crucial moment there's Erich-nii-san.

If it's him, he might be able to come up with a move to successfully dodge the matter somehow. Thinking so, I tried to contact him while putting my last hope on him.

"It's absolutely not allowed to refuse an arranged woman." (Erich)

Due to Erich-nii-san's gentle but forceful warning, I have no ways left to retreat any more.

"Although he retired, father bowed his head to Amelie-sister-in-law-san in his duty as former family head." (Erich)

An "arranged woman" is assumed to be a present with the highest social status which a father provides to his succeeding son before leaving the household.

Though he tries to unexpectedly do that in secret, it apparently results in such treatment since the family's head takes the responsibility for bringing someone in. In addition, it's not something any kind of household can prepare that easily.

Not preparing such woman happens often if it's low-ranking noble family. Merchants and similar can't prepare one unless they operate on large scale. Using assets and connections, they allot such woman to their heirs even though it ends in a débâcle sometimes.

"It looks like he is giving her to you after choosing someone suitable, but I believe that father has struggled quite a bit in the selection of the woman." (Erich)

Refusing that is apparently a very rude conduct.

"Umm... Erich-nii-san, you too?" (Wendelin)

"By father-in-law, to be honest." (Erich)

It appears that such a woman was allocated to him by Rüdiger-san and not father.

It seems to have been a widow through the connections of Viscount Mongérard after all, but the matter of fellow family heads secretly meeting and accommodating such wishes is also a proof that there's mutual trust between both sides.

Both will be aware of the partner for the heir to lose his virginity. For fellow nobles you can usually say that there isn't this much mutual trust.

"Keep it a secret from Miriam." (Erich)

"As fellow man, that's only natural." (Wendelin)

She might be suspecting it vaguely, but it’s wrong to voice it out. There seems to be such a rule.

"I understand your feelings. Especially if I consider the relationship between you, Vel, and Kurt-nii-san. But, the surrounding nobles don't consider it as particularly weird." (Erich)

I feel an ethical problem since she's the former wife of my own elder brother, but there are no people in this world who think of it as especially odd.

I, who have the highest authority in that family, look after my sister-in-law who lost her husband. This was something ordinary. This world isn't that easy-going.

However, it's not only receiving favours either. If she doesn't properly do what she can, she can't complain even if she's driven out after being told, "I won't support you any longer.".

"Amelie-sister-in-law-san is living in Paul-nii-san's territory, but Vel, you are supporting her a lot, aren't you?" (Erich)

"Yes." (Wendelin)

I can't say how much, but it's a fact that I've been adding it to the aid for Paul-nii-san.

"The nephews will be given territory after they become adults. That's right, isn't it?" (Erich)

"Yes." (Wendelin)

"Even if it's Amelie-sister-in-law-san, isn't she just worried? Such a great and selfish story, that doesn't happen in the first place." (Erich)

If it's another upper noble household, a person with a standing like Amelie-sister-in-law-san will apparently lead a mostly unfortunate life.

"Due to the scandal of the eldest son, the heir-ship of the main house changed to the youngest brother, but the young children of the eldest brother are still remaining. From the viewpoint of that youngest brother, the children left of the eldest brother are a nuisance, right?" (Erich)

They are existences that are a hindrance to the succession of my own children. In the worst-case scenario they would be killed by pretending that they died in a accident or to a disease.

"For us this possibility doesn't exist, but whether the territory is safely distributed to our nephews depends on you, Vel. However, it won't particularly become any kind of problem even if you annul that agreement." (Erich)

In the future, at the time when I would revoke that agreement, my authority would have become overwhelmingly large. No matter how much Amelie-sister-in-law-san might complain, no one would probably listen to her, Erich-nii-san declared.

"I am..." (Wendelin)

"I don't think that you would do such a thing, Vel, but that's also a fact in the worst case. As for Amelie-sister-in-law-san, she'd like to have a guarantee, right?" (Erich)

If she has that kind of relationship with me, it will result in her seizing some sort of weakness of me and she hopes that the territory will be safely given to my nephews.

"Amelie-sister-in-law-san does it for the sake of her children. Vel, you have to think of it as her side benefit for having her teach you about women. I believe it's fine for both sides to not overthink a situation of this level." (Erich)

"I see..." (Wendelin)

Once I considered Amelie-sister-in-law-san's situation as woman, at least a bit, after it turns into that kind of relationship, I was honestly depressed.

That might also apply to the other side. In that case, it's fine as matching the selfishness of both sides will make it easier.

Indeed, as expected of Erich-nii-san. He has been an ikemen since the old times, but he demonstrated his talent even as counsellor.

"Also, you don't hate her, do you, Vel?" (Erich)

"Of course not." (Wendelin)

That part seems to be the truth for the entire male community.

"In that case it's okay to enjoy yourself without any reservations." (Erich)

"Got it. Thank you very much." (Wendelin)

Thinking that it's just as I would expect of Erich-nii-san, I cut off the communication, but by no means did I think that even he had such an experience.

When I was thinking, 'Those are the benefits of an ikemen after all, eh?'. Paul-nii-san, who listened to the communication from the side, dropped his shoulders for some reason.

"Paul-nii-san?" (Wendelin)

"I... such woman wasn't allocated to me..." (Paul)

"That's because you became a noble all of a sudden, Paul-nii-san." (Wendelin)

"Before that. Helmut did say it, didn't he? Such a woman was mediated for him by Willem-san." he said.

Since that household has a professional duty which can be inherited, they must avoid the nightmare of no children being born. It seems that kind of woman was allocated to Helmut-nii-san.

"Vel, Erich and Helmut, I'm envious..." (Paul)

"Let's switch then?" (Wendelin)

"What will you do after switching?" (Paul)

Paul-nii-san has an envious-looking expression, but as fellow man I can understand him very well.

"It's not a situation where I can say that I'm jealous or such. However, this hut, you know? Although there's a new building, we still can't use it." (Paul)

Though it's still provisional, there's no way that I can do such thing in the feudal lord's mansion either.

Accordingly it seems I can borrow this hut, which was built at the edge of the territory in order to serve as rest area for those who patrol at night in the future, for a while.

"Though nothing but the minimum of items has been installed. At worst it will be alright as long as there's a bed." (Paul)

This place has been apparently designated as location for the clandestine meetings. Moreover, the ones knowing this information are only father, Paul-nii-san and a part of his retainers.

It will get exposed before long anyway, but currently a gag order has been imposed.

"It has already become dark. I think Amelie-sister-in-law-san will come if you wait for a bit longer. Well then, is it strange to tell you to do your best?" (Paul)

While saying that, Paul-nii-san leaves the hut.

I, who was left behind by myself, waited for her while being nervous.

* * *

– Amelie PoV –

'With Vel-kun, is it...?' (Amelie)

My name is Amelie von Benno Baumeister.

I'm a widow who lost her husband just two months ago.

Be that as it may, my husband didn't die from disease or in an accident. He destroyed himself by trying to kill his real younger brother who is a noble.

I will omit the detailed explanation, but thanks to that I'm the wife of an attempted assassination criminal and my children ended up becoming the children of an attempted assassination criminal.

Usually my children and me should expect to feel ashamed until we die, but luckily we are living without too much discomfort due to the assistance of my husband's younger brother-san.

The younger brother, who was about to be assassinated by the husband, supports the wife and children of an attempted assassination perpetrator.

In society he was considered a person with a large heart and a firm character. Moreover, it seems that my children will be granted a territory in the future. I believe that to be an unbelievable good luck, but at the same time I feel some uneasiness as well.

What if he revokes that promise in the future?

I think that the younger brother of my husband, Wendelin-kun, isn't that kind of person, but I'm also worried in some respects.

However, he really became remarkable.

The time when I met him for the first time was when I married my husband at the age of 18. Even though he was still a small, cute child, he contributed to the dining table of his poor home by hunting and gathering with magic.

Father-in-law-sama and mother-in-law-sama stuck to not interfering in his activities due to the reason that his talent would produce strife in the territory. Once he became 12 years old, he left outside the territory.

His expression at that time looked cheerful.

From the viewpoint of my husband, he might have recognised him as enemy who will steal his inheritance, but from his own viewpoint, that territory was nothing but a burden. I think that's how it was.

And, within not even one year, he subjugated two dragons.

Building a steadfast position as magician, he even acquired a peerage on his own. It seems that made my husband's anxiety revive once again, but I believe that was correct in a certain meaning.

Leaving aside his intentions, it was very unlikely that the upper nobles of the capital wouldn't use his strength. As feared, he returned to his parent's home. He received a request in the Demon Forest, and began the development of the Savage Lands.

The fief's population was delighted due to that accomplishment. It reached the point that they wished for him to become the new feudal lord.

My husband, who was no more than a mediocre heir, was gradually driven into a corner. I considered him pitiful, but this is also the fate of a noble. There were still plenty of means for my husband to survive.

Because it was impossible to develop it anyway, he advised father-in-law-sama to distribute the Savage Lands.

In that situation there wouldn't be any worry that the Knight Baumeister household would be shut down as they would have understood and approved of the idea to entrust the development of the Savage Lands, which was the ulterior motive of the kingdom, to him. It should also have been possible to get support for the Knight Baumeister territory.

However, my husband wasn't able to choose that option.

He was the eldest son and the kingdom approved his rights over the Savage Lands. That's why he said that he would raise our peerage by developing everything, including the Savage Lands, with his own effort.

And in addition he said that it was only natural for Wendelin-kun, who is his younger brother, to cooperate with him. The relationship between both had already become hostile.

If possible I wanted to advise him as well, but a woman advising a man in this territory would just end up being told that she has gone too far and that she's intrusive.

I couldn't do anything but take a distance from my husband who got angry while cursing at Wendelin-kun every day. Did it also come to this because of that?

I wasn't able to consider him as enemy of my husband. To begin with, it was my husband's side which schemed an assassination first.

"I didn't expect it to result in this..." (Wendelin)

"It was unexpected for me as well." (Amelie)

When I went to the newly-built hut as told by father-in-law-sama, he waited for me there.

It hasn't been that long since I last saw him, but the fact, that he officially became an Earl, seems to be big. It reached the point that he seems to have grown up in proportion to the increase in responsibilities.

"Umm... Amelie-sister-in-law-san is..." (Wendelin)

"Let's stop that talk. I believe we will just go around in circles." (Amelie)

Although it was legitimate self-defense, it's the story of the man who killed my husband, but as it's already a matter of the past, it's pointless just to think about it.

"Besides, that person wasn't faithful in this area." (Amelie)

I think that he cherished me as wife at first as newly-wed, but once I gave birth to two children, I think he gradually stopped looking at me as woman. Especially for around these last 2~3 years he was engrossed in a new lover.

"Lover? Such a story is..." (Wendelin)

It seems he heard it for the first time. He couldn't hide his surprised expression.

"There's no way that I can talk about it, right? Father-in-law-sama settled it secretly after the incident." (Amelie)

It's based on the idea of, "Nobles need several wives!"

Did he do this just because he liked the woman? Or did he really think that nobles are such people?

It was a fact that he secretly kept the daughter of a poor farmer, living inside the territory, as a mistress. My husband intended to hide her existence, but of course father-in-law-sama exposed it.

Well, it shouldn't be possible to hide it anyway since this sort of topic will immediately become a rumour. I was told that he apparently promised her to make her his mistress once he officially became the feudal lord.

"It's nothing bad, but..." (Amelie)

"Well..." (Wendelin)

If that's the case, I wanted him to keep such woman with just his own resourcefulness without hiding her from us.

By the way, that woman received a certain extent of solatium and hush money after that incident, and went to marry outside the territory. Father-in-law-sama handled it confidentially.

Given that she fortunately didn't become pregnant with his child, only that might have been the sole salvation, I think.

"Even though I have two children, I'm a bit worried because I'm not that experienced, but please take care of me for the short time we have." (Amelie)

"Haha... Please treat me well." (Wendelin)

After both of us exchanged a stiff greeting, we embraced each other and it resulted in that kind of relationship.

While having a slight feeling of guilt once I think about the fiancées of Wendelin-kun, I was actually able to feel relieved by thinking that I'm still a woman as well.

There's also the matter of my children. I wondered whether it would be fine if I enjoyed this relationship until he marries.

By the way, I feel like a slight gap appeared in my and father-in-law-sama's expectations. He treats me strangely preciously.

* * *

"Amelie-sister-in-law-san, I'm sorry for various things." (Paul)

"Paul-sama, Your consideration is unnecessary." (Amelie)

It's around one month after I entered that kind of relationship with Vel-kun.

When I was cleaning the hut the next morning after the clandestine meeting, the local feudal lord, Paul-sama, showed up by himself and called out to me.

Entering the hut, where the clandestine meetings are held, has been absolutely prohibited by Paul-sama's order and it is usually locked. As the management of cleaning and such is my task, the ones who possess a key are only Paul-sama, Wendelin-sama and me.

Being given a magic hand-held communication device in addition, it has taken the shape of me being contacted about the next meeting in advance by him. I think that it's an expensive magic tool for a time-limited arranged woman, but I'm told that there's no problem as it's planned to give this to my children in the future.

"I'm enjoying myself quite a bit." (Amelie)

"Although he was mediocre, he earnestly listened to the things said by father. I had such kind of impression about Kurt-aniki, but well..." (Paul)

Paul-sama also didn't expect that my husband neglected me and took another young woman as lover.

"That's why I'm glad that I can actually feel as woman after a long time." (Amelie)

"I guess it's fine if you say so, Amelie-sister-in-law-san? But, this hut is amazing..." (Paul)

At first it didn't have anything but a bed, but nowadays it became quite luxurious.

"Let's replace the bed. Also the cushions, bed sheet and pillows. Those are the most important items." (Wendelin)

Even though Wendelin-kun is young, he doesn't make a move on his fiancées until they held the ceremony, even if there are several of them.

Having said that, he has a social standing where it's wrong for him to go to that kind of stores. As result of that, he comes to me quite often. Once it turned out like that, he has begun to add equipment and furniture inside the hut one after the other as he seems unhappy with its state.

"That's an expensive-looking bed." (Amelie)

"Please don't mind since it's a gift." (Wendelin)

"A gift, eh...?" (Amelie)

Such extravagant bed. I never saw one like that.

It's a high-class item at a level that the Baumeister household and my parent's home can't buy it in the first place. As even the bedding such as the cushion and the sheet are all top quality products, I have to take the washing into consideration as well.

"The room is lonesome." (Wendelin)

Next, such things as carpets, wallpapers and curtains were added. Different from its outward appearance, the hut's interior continued to become luxurious.

"Amelie-sister-in-law-san, this hut has more or less a bathroom." (Wendelin)

"Drawing water is troublesome though." (Wendelin)

"The bathtub is narrow and dirty..." (Wendelin)

Having changed the bathtub, which has been provided, with a new, big item, matching tiles are laid out in addition.

"As expected, the interior design of the bathroom is, well... We can at least hang up wall papers though." (Wendelin)

Whereupon Wendelin-sama brought a craftsman to work on the interior of the bathroom, and while at it, the toilet from the capital with magic.

"How many days will it take?" (Wendelin)

"With this size it will be done in two days." (Craftsman)

"Please work stealthily inside the hut after I pick you up in the morning and send you home to the capital in the evening. Your daily wages will be ten times that of the normal market price." (Wendelin)

"Okay. I will show you by completing it beautifully." (Craftsman)

Since he is able to free move with magic, he called a craftsman from the capital and had him remodel the bathroom and toilet.

"Umm, Wendelin-sama?" (Amelie)

"It will be alright if it's this craftsman-san. He is that kind of craftsman-san after all." (Wendelin)

In exchange for nobles and rich people contracting him at high price for remodelling the houses of mistresses whose existence they rather don't want their family to know about, he protects the secrets by keeping his lips sealed. It seems he is that kind of craftsman.

"Therefore, this hut, isn't the interior design wonderful? I feel like the interior is more luxurious than that of our newly built mansion." (Paul)

Paul-sama's expression had a slight cramp due to the interior design of the hut which was remodelled after fully relying on the assets of Wendelin-sama.

"It's a beautiful dresser, isn't it...?" (Amelie)

"Umm..." (Paul)

It reached the point that Wendelin-sama often gave me presents such as accessories and dresses.

"Let's go shopping in the capital." (Wendelin)

"Wendelin-sama, your face is..." (Amelie)

"It will be fine." (Wendelin)

Even underwear, it would be better if I put on pretty ones.

I accepted him bringing me along to the capital with magic to shop in the high-class stores of the capital.

Originally it will be hopeless to go to the capital, which I yearned for since my childhood and which I visited for the first time in my life, if I don't pay the expensive magic airship fare, but in case of Wendelin-sama we end up arriving in an instant with magic.

"Please put on this ring. It's a magic tool for disguising." (Wendelin)

Using the magic tool for disguising which important nobles utilize to go out incognito, I was taken to various places.

"It seems to be wrong towards Elise-sama and the others, doesn't it...?" (Amelie)

"It's because I'm busy with public works." (Wendelin)

Wendelin-sama had clandestine meetings or took me out for a date five times in the week in the time from evening until around the time for going to bed.

"Today I told them that I will finish dinner at the construction site." (Wendelin)

Saying that, he took me to a fancy restaurant in the capital.

"Isn't this underwear a bit too showy?" (Amelie)

"Certainly not." (Wendelin)

I accept him buying me various things to the degree of feeling sorry towards Elise-sama and the others.

If it was a few years back, this would have been an impossible living style, but this is just a time-limited, transient dream, too.

Thinking of it as situation until Wendelin-sama marries, I surrendered myself to this happiness.

"That guy. I wonder whether he has accumulated a large amount of stress." (Paul)

"Maybe." (Amelie)

At the times we are in the hut, we do such things: talking while drinking tea and eating light meals and sweets, he looks happily as I wear the clothes and underwear we bought and taking a baths together.

There were many events where he's behaving like a spoilt child completely as if I were his elders sister or rather mother.

"In his childhood he was a very mature child, but at this point his balance crumbled? However, I wonder whether it won't be exposed to his fiancées with five times a week. Ah, do all the retainers deceive them?" (Paul)

"If it's Roderich-sama, will he be able to successfully deceive them?" (Amelie)

"That guy is excellent after all. But it helps me that Vel is coming here a lot." (Paul)

Since he accelerates the public works within the territory to a frightening speed while also using it as alibi, it was a fact that it was a great help from Paul-sama's viewpoint.

"Also, the territory, which Karl and Oscar will succeed, has already entered the foundation work phase, hasn't it?" (Paul)

The territory which is scheduled to be succeeded by my children, is adjacent to this territory here. Currently it's an uninhibited grassland, but Wendelin-sama has already started land readjustment and soil preparation with magic.

As a matter of fact, the retainers and people of my parent's Meinbach household will get involved starting from next year. The matter of starting the development has been decided. At the same time as my oldest son, Karl, becomes an adult, the development has to be finished to a certain extent, is what Wendelin-sama forethought.

My second son, Oskar, will establish a branch family as Junior Commander. Father-in-law-sama also promised to help as much as he can without sparing any efforts.

"Somehow I feel sorry as we seem to be using you, Amelie-sister-in-law-san. But, that guy. It looks he likes you very much, Amelie-sister-in-law-san." (Paul)

"However, I'm quite happy. Because I'm wanted as woman." (Amelie)

"That guy, he will continue the relationship even after marrying." (Paul)

"That is absolutely not allowed." (Amelie)

To the bitter end it's a relationship until Wendelin-sama marries. There are only unpleasant things awaiting both sides if he drags out the relationship.

"I thought that my life as woman ended with that man's death. However, for this half year I was able to return being a woman again. With these memories as source of encouragement, I will support the Knight Meinbach household from behind the scenes afterwards. If I do it skilfully, they might become at least an Associate Baron household." (Amelie)

"I think it's fine if you don't brood over it that much though." (Paul)

"Besides, It's not good to be despised by Wendelin-sama's fiancées. A woman's intuition is sharp after all. If it's for a limited time, Elise-sama might kindly pretend to not know even if she doesn't feel pleased with it." (Amelie)

"To tell me such stuff is, you know... I often don't know what my wife is thinking. Moreover, I will get a concubine after a while. For me that will be a bit exhausting." (Paul)

"That's no good. Paul-sama, you are a member of the Baumeister faction which is at the peak of its popularity." (Amelie)

"I'm just benefiting from my younger brother though." (Paul)

There's still time left until Wendelin-sama's marriage.

I have decided to try living as woman as much as I can for the time until the time limit. Even though I think it's sinful towards my deceased husband and my children.

* * *

"Hm~~~~m, Amelie-sister-in-law-san is Vel's arranged woman, eeh?" (Helmut)

"She isn't a bad choice for a noble, right, Helmut-nii-san?" (Erich)

Just at that time Helmut and Erich were talking about Wendelin's arranged woman in a bar of the capital.

"Kurt-aniki's misconduct is atoned for by his wife, huh?" (Helmut)

"Although it hasn't been made official overly much, it seems that such choice happened often in the past." (Erich)

"I understand that it's aristocratic, but how about the emotional aspect? Though it's fine if that chap, Vel, can do it properly, I think?" (Helmut)

"Ah, regarding that there's no need to worry." (Erich)

"How come, Erich?" (Helmut)

"She's an arranged woman, isn't she? It was like that for you, Helmut-nii-san, and me as well, right? It's a secret job, but there's the fact that she will be rewarded for it." (Erich)

"It was like that at my time, too. It's been a widow of a noble's retainer who works as a forest guard like me and who is a friend of my father-in-law." (Helmut)

Since her husband died from a battle wound at the time of capturing poachers and because her child is still very young and can't do official work, she became Helmut's arranged woman under the condition that he will supplement her living expenses during that time.

Helmut heard it in such style from his father-in-law.

"It's been for you like that as well, right, Erich?" (Helmut)

"It was a similar relationship in my case, too." (Erich)

There was a person who ended up dying young to diseases among the retainers of Viscount Mongérard, and thus his young widow, whom he left behind, became Erich's partner.

Given that her child was very young after all, she was promised that he would take care of her family's finances until that child becomes an adult.

"It's also a kind of aid system." (Erich)

If they can protect the secret, they will be paid an according amount of money as hush money. Since they are widows, almost 100% of them keep the promise for the sake of the children left behind.

"Saying it like this, it decreases the man's feelings of guilt." (Helmut)

"For everyone it's something like that, I guess. In the beginning they consider it as wrong towards the married wife." (Erich)

"I certainly thought that." (Helmut)

Since both of them already had fiancées, they were reminded of that first.

"Then, hearing that person's circumstances, they end up thinking that it's even worse to refuse it." (Erich)

"Right, right." (Helmut)

If they refuse at that point, it's because it has to do with the lives of that woman and her children.

"However, all of them are men after all. If they think that they can do that kind of thing with a woman, they are instinctively very delighted. Vel is a man, too." (Erich)

Therefore he will accept it, but it also means that there's no man who hates that kind of thing.

"You can say that again. It was the same for me, too." (Helmut)

"For me as well." (Erich)

Helmut burst into laughter due to the truth mentioned by Erich. The two continued to happily chat for quite a time while drinking sake.

Interlude 25: Erwin von Armin's Campaign Diary?

– Erwin’s PoV –

'She's an angel! There is an angel!' (Erwin)

"Troops of Earl Baumeister-sama? We will surrender here." (???)

——She's a beautiful person...' (Erwin)

"If you have surrendered, we will guarantee you treatment according to our usual customs." (Erwin)

"I accept. I will make all hands discard their weapons." (???)

Heading in the direction of the headquarters of Margrave Browig's army leading an army as ordered by Vel who is our lord, I fell in love for the first time in my life on this day.

* * *

The Browig household, which held dissatisfaction towards the presented arbitration draft, made the most prohibited move in this prolonged dispute.

Changing their equipment and weapons towards actual combat ones, they attempted a night attack with their entire army. This night attack has been prevented with an [Area Stun] by Vel who is my lord and best friend.

"Isn't it fine if we blow them away with large-scaled magic?" (Wendelin)

"Isn't it better to keep the losses among the enemy as little as possible while preventing damage to our allies as much as possible?" (Wendelin)

As usual, Vel is fussing about weird things.

Since the situation has already deteriorated this far, I feel like there won't be any complaints even if the Browig household's troops are annihilated, but he chose a method to decrease the losses at the expense of exposing himself to danger.

"If that's no good, take us and run away, okay?"

"I leave that part to Eru." (Wendelin)

After I met with Vel, it has been a bone dragon, an old dragon, a dragon golem, nobles and their troops and finally it's an army of 10.000 soldiers. Even though Burkhart-san and Katharina would help him, their contribution amounts to a third of the total.

If you go by military definition, military forces, which have 70% of their soldiers incapable of fighting, don't function. The achievement of these two might be seen as something like an extra for adding a complete victory to Vel's victory.

"A request to send out soldiers came from Margrave Breithilde-sama. Our Lord is resting, but even then we won't be able to send them out in this situation. It will turn into a post-approval by our Lord, but I think that we should send out soldiers from our side as well." (Moritz)

Once we put down the three who fainted, Moritz-san makes an appearance.

With the night attack by the Browig household ending in failure, the few troops remaining in the rear capitulated immediately. The majority of their allies, who were at the front, got paralysed all of a sudden and couldn't move anymore.

The few remaining soldiers, who have no commander, shouldn't choose an honourable death by fighting against 5.000 soldiers either.

"Apparently it resulted in the enemy headquarters in the rear being occupied in a hurry."

Vel and the others used up their mana and fainted, but even during that time the situation keeps moving.

Including a punishment-like meaning for the night attack, Margrave Breithilde-sama has invaded the eastern territories and is deciding the occupation points including things like the troop headquarters and the places where supplies were stored.

Together with Moritz-san, I'm leading a few soldiers towards occupying the enemy's headquarters.

Once we headed towards the headquarters alongside assisting soldiers of Margrave Breithilde's army, there weren't any decent military forces left there. It seems that the Browig army made use of almost its entire numbers in order to make the night attack a success.

"We are the allied forces of the Margrave Breithilde household and the Earl Baumeister household! Tell the Margrave Browig army to surrender!"

Although we are hastening with the capture and relief of the paralysed Browig army, pretty much around 500 soldiers of the allied forces are facing against around 100 people on the Browig household's side.

The Browig camp has no chance of winning in the first place if they fight us from the front.

"Do you think that we will surrender!? Tomorrow reinforcements will arrive and the situation will turn around once more!" (Browig Army)

A middle-aged man, who might be considered the one in charge, shows up from within the Browig army's headquarters and raises his voice that they definitely won't capitulate. I didn't know whether he's aware of the news about his allies getting annihilated, but the enemy army is closing in on the troop headquarters.

He should understand that they lost, but I guess he's thinking that he will pile shame on top of shame if he surrenders here without doing anything.

"Erwin-san, I leave it to you." (Retainer)

"Got it." (Erwin)

The retainer who is leading Margrave Breithilde's army, asks me to persuade him.

I don't have such a skill, but since I'm Vel's retainer, he apparently plans to prompt him into surrender by recounting what my lord accomplished.

'I wonder whether it will go smoothly?'

"Let me tell you in advance, but the entire Browig army was utterly defeated." (Erwin)

"Don't spout such lies!" (Browig Army)

"Isn't it possible to recommend your surrender in order to spare the low-numbered military forces inside unless you wish to get annihilated? The Browig army has been destroyed by Earl Baumeister-sama's magic." (Erwin)

Since there's not much of a point even if I decorate my words, I decide to tell him everything in honesty.

It seems unrest is gradually spreading inside the Browig household's headquarters after hearing my words.

"I believe it to be best for you to surrender quickly. Our lord's mana will likely recover until your reinforcements arrive." (Erwin)

"Kuhh... I will consult with Karla-sama..." (Browig Army)

Karla-sama; that's probably about the female proxy supreme commander of the Browig army Vel talked about.

As she seems to be nothing more but a decoration, she wouldn't be taken along on a night attack after all. If there was some mistake and she got killed in action, it would likely become a problem.

'Which reminds me, Vel mentioned that she's a beauty, didn't he?' (Erwin)

Be that as it may, "A sheltered noble daughter who is only beautiful is, well..." I think.

I understood after being taken along to such establishments by Burkhart-san once I became an adult. There's a constant number of beautiful women, but there are only few women who I want to spend my life with.

Because Vel has his position, it's probably difficult for him, but I thought that I'd like to be pardoned from marrying for a while. But then again there's the compulsory marriage interview meeting once this dispute ends.

Will there really be a good woman there, I wonder?

When I was pondering about such stupid things, it was decided that we will receive the capitulation from Karla-jou whom I considered to be a decoration of Browig's camp. It seems she's a woman who has more heart than I thought.

'Vel, is she really a beautiful woman?' (Erwin)

As I'm thinking that, Karla-jou shows up.

As expected of the daughter of a high-ranking noble; she seems to be tinged with a nimbus by dressing her body with mithril-made equipment.

"I'm the Proxy Supreme Commander of the Browig army, Karla von Browig. Since we are going to surrender, I'd like to request a lenient treatment of the soldiers. By the way..." (Karla)

"!?" (Erwin)

Seeing her face, I receive a shock.

I fell in love in an instant with the beauty of Karla-jou who came out of the headquarters.

* * *

"It has been decided that we will take care of Karla-san." (Wendelin)

"Because there are women among us?" (Erwin)

"That's correct... Haa... War is really troublesome, you know?" (Wendelin)

Once we sent back Karla-jou's group and return after obtaining military gains by capturing goods storages of the Browig household's side in addition, Vel sighed.

He seems to be thinking that our troubles increased by taking care of Karla-jou with the end of the situation that turned from a dispute into a war not in sight.

'However, that's convenient for me!' (Erwin)

Since I also serve as Vel's bodyguard, there's nothing strange about me getting in contact with her.

Karla-jou's care is bound to be taken care of by Elise and the other girls. In that case the chances for her to get in touch with Vel will increase and that also means that the opportunities for her to get in contact with me as his guard will increase as well.

"I will serve as Vel-sama's personal bodyguard. Eru, you will be in charge of guarding the vicinity and interior including Elise and the others since we are short on hands." (Wilma)

"Eh?" (Erwin)

Just when I was looking forward to it, I'm immediately informed about a change in my work schedule by Wilma.

"My elder brother is busy with administration and supervision of the encampment." (Wilma)

"That's right, isn't it...?" (Erwin)

Since a messenger still hasn't been sent by the Browig household's side, Margrave Breithilde decided to enlarge the size of the protective occupation.

Though additional reinforcements have arrived as well, it seems that Moritz-san is busy after being assigned too many tasks. Even I was placed as a person in charge of the troop guarding headquarters.

'It's fine. I will still be able to stay at Karla-san's side. I can talk with her in my free time.' (Erwin)

"Eru, why are you grinning?" (Wilma)

"No particular reason..." (Erwin)

Wilma has a somehow sharp intuition.

Since it would be embarrassing if my feelings towards Karla-san were noticed at this point in time, I reset my expression right away and started to devote myself to my guard work.

* * *

'What was thaaaaat~~~!? Karla-san as a wife of Veeel~~~!?' (Erwin)

I never received such a shock in my entire life.

"Erwin-san, you are quite skilled at archery, aren't you?" (Karla)

"Same as my lord, it's the experience of a rural noble." (Erwin)

A few days after Karla-jou came to us, I was at the peak of happiness.

Although I had my job as guard, I was able to receive coaching from Karla-san who is an expert in archery in my free time.

I have her teach me archery while chatting about various things with her. Moreover, she is very skilled at teaching as well. She is giving me advice how to prepare and nock an arrow into the bow as well as how to support it with my hands, but she has a very floral scent.

It was the joy of a slightly perverted fetish, but it seems it's the same for Vel as well.

"I'm envious of you, Erwin-san, since I'm completely hopeless in swordsmanship." (Karla)

"Though I'm jealous of you, Karla-sama, who is a master in one art." (Erwin)

"Erwin-san, there's no need to attach -sama to my name. Although I'm a daughter of the Browig household, I was simply the daughter of a poor noble until one year ago." (Karla)

She, who was a forgotten daughter, was summoned due to Margrave Browig's one-sided convenience. That's why her attachment to the Browig household is weak. And yet her handling of their headquarters was splendid.

She's not only beautiful. Another beauty existed in her as well.

"Today's meal was prepared by me." (Karla)

"You are good at cooking." (Wendelin)

"Since I was a freeloader at my mother's home in the capital, I know a bit of cooking." (Karla)

"No, not at all. It's delicious." (Wendelin)

The meal prepared by Karla-san was tasty.

Since even that picky eater Vel said that it was delicious, I think that's quite the achievement. She should be almost equal to Elise.

"Erwin-san, I fixed the part that became loose on these clothes." (Karla)

Even though it would have been fine even if she didn't do such things as she was a guest of honour, albeit as prisoner, Karla-san gallantly worked together with Elise and the others.

"I enjoy working while chatting with Elise-san and the others." (Karla)

'She's an angel! Seriously, an angel!' (Erwin)

Undoubtedly she will be the best wife once she becomes one, I think.

However, the wall of social status exists for the current me and Karla-san. I'm Vel's retainer and Karla-san is the youngest daughter of Margrave Browig.

Moreover, at the location of the arbitration negotiations, which finally resumed, both of the two successor candidates of the Browig household schemed to push Karla-san into becoming Vel's wife.

That actually throws my heart in great turmoil.

"Heey... Vel?"

"Will you accept her? Even after Margrave Breithilde, Roderich and the retainers below heard about it; none of them supported it!"

It was obvious that the nobles and the newly hired retainers, who economically profit from the development of the Savage Lands as well, were targeting a share of the enticing cake.

"This pointless troop dispatch happened because of the instigation of a rebellion at my native home. It would be the best to get financially in the black by charging them with as much ransom as possible."

It looks like Vel never wants to get involved with the Browig household again.

"That's certainly true, isn't it? Even the numbers we are providing now are probably a hard blow to the Baumeister Earldom." (Klaus)

"After all the rebellion's mastermind says so." (Wendelin)

"No, no, Wendelin-sama. It's appropriate to describe me as the one in charge of executing it." (Klaus)

Vel, who became a noble, shouldn't want to take Karla-san as his wife going by his personal feelings. He is saying so himself as well. There shouldn't be any mistake in that.

"If it didn't include any ties of obligation, she would be the ideal woman though." (Wendelin)

That was his evaluation. I feel slightly uneasy though.

However, that old man Klaus, who can easily ward off Vel's sarcasm, is terrifying. Such a demon-like geezer didn't exist in my parent's home. He definitely made a mistake in the place he was born at.

"Erwin-dono, are you worried about something?" (Klaus)

Moreover, this old geezer.

It seems he noticed my feelings about Karla-san. He immediately sounds me out.

"There are no worries here." (Erwin)

"Depending on the progress of the arbitration negotiations, the condition that Wendelin-sama marries Karla-sama might once again..." (Klaus)

"Eeh!?" (Erwin)

I end up raising my voice in surprise due to Klaus' sudden revelation.

"You are young. Erwin-dono, I think it would be better if you kept in mind to hide your emotions a bit. Though there's no need to hurry with it as such things come with experience..." (Klaus)

This geezer is a demon after all.

As it was exposed anyway, I honestly talked about my feelings while thinking that I might as well inform Vel about it, too.

"A love across social standings? Unfortunately, as I don't have any experience in such matters..." (Klaus)

"Now that you mention it, I haven't heard you talk about your wife, have I, Klaus?"

"She died young from disease. As a former second son, I wasn't in the position to allow me succeeding the village headship. I believe that you've heard that, but..." (Klaus)

It seems that even Klaus-san had a fiancée.

"She was the second daughter of a nearby farm family, my childhood friend. Since both of us were fine with being poor, we wanted to start a family no matter what..." (Klaus)

However, with the sudden death of his father and elder brother, it was decided that Klaus-san would become the village headman.

"Once that became a reality, the surroundings started sayin, 'It's necessary to get an adequate wife for the new village headman Klaus-san' or such. I didn't want to give up on Marta at any cost." (Klaus)

It seems that he couldn't yield on just that, faced down the opposition of the surroundings and took his childhood friend as wife.

"However, that put a burden on her..." (Klaus)

Receiving pressure in the form of, "Is the second daughter of an ordinary farm family really suitable as wife of the village headman?" by the surroundings, she ended up dying from illness while their children were still very young.

"I might have wronged her. But, I was told 'I was happy' by Marta on her sickbed. She might have said it out of consideration, but those words were enough for me." (Klaus)

After that he persisted in staying single without following the surrounding's recommendation of taking a second wife.

Usually a village headman will take a second wife right away if his first wife dies. Him not having done that is probably because Klaus-san stuck to his own principles. Because there's no doubt that this damaged the honour of Vel's father who recommended it, I can understand that those two are on bad terms with each other.

"My experience might not be very helpful. A love with a difference in social status between the partners. That will work if you have for example assets or if you become a noble by developing a territory by yourself..." (Klaus)

Although I thought about that as well, I considered it unnecessary after seeing Vel.

Rather than becoming a noble, I feel more at ease with being employed.

"Besides, during that time someone else will probably be chosen as Karla-san's husband."

"That's right, isn't it? In that case, think about it from the other way around."

"The other way around?"

"Karla-san's value has to be lowered."

As youngest daughter of the Browig household, it's normal for Karla-san with her current social standing to be married to the family head or successor of at least a Baron household.

"However, that means it's impossible for her to become the first wife of Wendelin-sama. It would be different if she were the first or second daughter though."

If she marries Vel just like that, she will likely take the fourth rank behind Katharina in the hierarchy.

"There's no point to even talk about Elise-sama. If she demanded the position of first wife, criticism would flood the Browig household. They might even end up making an enemy out of the church. Second rank is impossible too, if you consider the social standing of Wilma-sama's father-in-law-sama. Since Katharina-sama herself holds the title of an honorary Baroness, there would be an absurd amount of reproaches if she suddenly overtake her." (Klaus)

"In that case, it's fourth rank?" (Erwin)

"If that happens, it will anger Margrave Breithilde-sama who sent in Luise-sama and Ina-sama. Having said that, the Browig household won't be able to approve of her becoming the lowest rank or such either." (Klaus)

"It was an impossible arrangement from the beginning, I suppose." (Erwin)

"That's how it is."

The ranking of the wives is a troublesome matter, however, as fellow related parties, we talk about it in a serious manner.

"If they don't understand that, the Browig household is going to have a bitter future ahead, no matter which of the two succeeds the family. I guess the idling state will continue for a while."

Klaus-san had a truthfully pessimistic view of the Browig household's future.

"I understand that, but what can I do in that case?" (Erwin)

"Even at the present time it will be harsh for Karla-sama to become Wendelin-sama's wife. So how about cornering her even more?" (Klaus)

He's saying that since she's the youngest daughter, the hurdle ahead of marrying should lowered.

"You are an unmarried chief retainer who's entrusted with guard duty and who is Wendelin-sama's close friend. Well, I wonder how the Browig household will think about it then." (Klaus)

Even if they can't push her into becoming Vel's wife, it might work if she becomes my wife. Moreover, it should also be difficult to complain about it if she becomes my first wife.

"It will also become possible to form a relationship with the Earl Baumeister household. Well, it actually depends on Wendelin-sama to decide what kind of relationship it will turn out to be though." (Klaus)

Sooner or later there might be people that pop up who think that it will be troublesome if there's yet another sudden outburst by the Browig household after they aren't given any concessions at all.

It will probably be convenient one way or the other if there's a connection at the time of them being given some concessions.

"If she becomes your wife, Erwin-dono, it will become easy to control that part. If it gets inconvenient, it will be possible to hinder their movements with Wendelin-sama's authority." (Klaus)

It means there's also the choice of not giving them anything by him saying, "She's not my wife after all".

"I got that, but will the Browig household get cornered any further, I wonder?" (Erwin)

As of yet they are still resisting pointlessly. Eventually they might become desperate and carry out an assault with their entire army.

"If it's about that matter, you have probably heard from Katharina-sama, haven't you?" (Klaus)

"About Herthania Valley?" (Erwin)

It's a treasure box of resources, but it's a monster domain where it's impossible to mine as it's protected by propagating rock golems.

From the Browig household's point of view, it's a bad property, but it will likely cause a big shock to them, if Vel and the others end up liberating it after receiving that place.

"We should be able to get back something like a slight reduction of the reconciliation money in an instant."

If that happens, the Browig household will be cornered all the more. They will officially transfer it to the Earl Baumeister household at the negotiation and there's also a governmental official, who came from the capital, there as witness.

If they say something like, "Since it was liberated, those terms are void after all", they will get blamed with "Can't the Browig household even keep a set arbitration draft?"

"At the current point in time, the family where Karla-sama will marry into is still uncertain. The circumstances won't shift that easily either." (Klaus)

"What about me then?" (Erwin)

"You have to devote all your power into the liberation of the Herthania Valley." (Klaus)

Right after that the transfer of the Herthania Valley to the Earl Baumeister household was set in stone.

At the same time of a reduction in the reconciliation money, it allowed the Earl Baumeister household to finish the arbitration negotiations first.

I thought that the Browig household wouldn't hand it over that easily, but the losses added up quite a bit for their side after they attempted the liberation of the Herthania Valley several times in the past.

As expected they probably estimated that the liberation would be impossible for Vel as well. In my opinion it's an action equal of having transferred a wonderful concession to Vel for cheap. It might be impossible for just Vel, but that guy has several magician acquaintances.

"Well then, I guess I will get in contact with Doushi." (Wendelin)

"You are going to call Doushi as well?" (Erwin)

"His treatment will be conform to that of an adventurer." (Wendelin)

Since it would be troublesome to split the concessions if he called him as noble, Vel decided to call Doushi as an adventurer.

It seems he will pay all the rewards with the money on hand, if we succeed in the liberation of Herthania Valley.

"It's just because it's you, Vel, that such absurdity is possible."

Watching Vel count the platinum coins he will hand over as reward, I agree with that statement right away.

The raid into Herthania Valley will be carried out by Vel, Doushi, Burkhart-san, Katharina and Luise. If one looks at the line-up, it becomes obvious. He apparently intends to storm in from the sky by making use of [Flight].

"We will ignore the grounded beast-type rock golems from the very beginning. Those will be entrusted to the diversion units. I leave the vanguard of the diversion units to you, Eru." (Wendelin)

"Please do so." (Erwin)

If I do my best here causing the Earl Baumeister household to grow again, the Browig household might lower the requirements to marry Karla-san. I didn't know whether what Klaus has said would actually work out, but currently I have nothing else to depend on.

Moving to the actual site, Herthania Valley, we promptly enter the domain and take on the rock golems which came to intercept. Their strength is slightly less than ordinary wolves, but since they are made out of rock, their defence is high.

I cut down three of them, but ended up having to repair and sharpen my sword. Inducing an exhaustion of their opponents with numbers is probably the aim of these golems.

"Erwin-san, your skill in swordsmanship is magnificent." (Karla)

I was praised by Karla-san for that.

When I was praised by her, I was glad from the bottom of my heart that I seriously trained my swordsmanship.

"Erwin, Karla-san will support you as well." (Moritz)

Moritz told me that after we started the diversion job of the Herthania Valley liberation operation.

Once I look back, Karla-san is waving her hand.

'This is my chance to show my manliness!' (Erwin)

I cut down the golems with the orichalcum-made sword I bought for 20 million cents from the reward for the battle with that dragon golem.

As expected of orichalcum, the rock golems are cut apart like paper. It's something that caused my evaluation to go up as well.

"You have an amazing sword there."

"I bought it with the reward I got as an adventurer." (Erwin)

"Cutting that many golems, there's no a single chip on the blade... I will leave the lead to you, okay?"

"Yes!" (Erwin)

While Vel's group is targeting the boss of Herthania Valley, the Rock Gigant Golem, I continue to wield my sword.

If I do my best here, Karla-san is bound to notice my feelings.

"Finished, huh...?"

At the moment I had cut down many golems, a thunderous roar resounds in Herthania Valley's ground and an earthquake occurs. It seems Vel and the others reached the objective.

Alongside the destruction of the domain's boss, the Rock Gigantic Golem, all the manipulated golems returned to simple piles of rock.

"Erwin-san, even as adventurer you are first-class, aren't you?" (Karla)

As result of moving to the encampment together with Elise after the golems had been annihilated, Karla shows up next to me.

Karla-san called out to me as the very first.

"I'm Vel's extra though." (Erwin)

"Earl Baumeister-sama is quite the special person, thus he counts as an exception. I believe that you are amazing as well, Erwin-san." (Karla)

'I did it! She said that I'm amazing!' (Erwin)

After the liberation of Herthania Valley, we collected the ores and magic stones from the remains of the golems while moving to the troop headquarters and confirmed the veins of ores. We have to try to make them into money swiftly while at the same time taking measures against thieves scheming to steal them.

I was quite busy as well, but I was still able to talk with Karla-san often.

"Though they might get angry if I say such stuff, but I really don't want to stay at the Browig household." (Karla)

"I understand your sentiments. I'm in a state of having mostly broken off relations with my family's home." (Erwin)

Karla-san hates the Browig household that doesn't do anything but toying with her life.

I also had a mountain of things I wanted to tell my family's home. At the time when I became an adventurer, I was treated as being halfway disinherited and discarded by my father and elder brothers.

Being only given the least amount of money to support my independence, I was told "You don't have to return home anymore". Since my home was a slightly bigger Knight household than Vel's, there was no place for me as the fifth son.

Before that, during my childhood, the others had an attitude of it being natural to steal the spoil I had caught myself with troubles. It made me wonder what the others are thinking.

I believed that my father and the others would hinder me even in saving money after becoming independent. Exploiting a minor's fruits of labour; just what were they thinking? However, they received their punishment for that.

Once they learned of the fact that I had become a chief retainer of the Earl Baumeister household as Vel's close friend, my home sent a letter all of a sudden.

"What kind of family status as retainer can you get Stoffel and Wielan?"

When I got this letter, I didn't understand its meaning at first.

Even though they severed the connections, they sent a letter as if it was obvious for me to take care of my elder brothers government service once they knew about me having a connection with my best friend, the family head.

I was unable to do much more than being dumbfounded due to the overwhelming shock.

"I'm only disgusted, I guess."

"These Stoffel and Wielan are?"

"My third and fourth elder brother." (Erwin)

All five of us had the same mother, but our relationship as brothers isn't any good.

Since it was a set-up where the higher elder brother exploited and oppressed those below, my third and fourth elder brothers, who were squeezed dry by my first and second elder brothers, chose me, who was the bottommost, as target.

Hearing it from other guys with the same circumstances at the adventurer prep school, my family seems to nominate for quite the cruel category.

"Because of that, it's fine to ignore them." (Erwin)

"Won't it be bad if you don't consider it somewhat?" (Breithilde)

I was warned to pay attention to their needs by Margrave Breithilde-sama, but once I explained the situation, he could agree with me.

"That's a bit terrible after all. No one is talking about good treatment, but it's at least common sense to not become a nuisance." (Breithilde)

Them hindering me to save money for my independence is because they are believing that it doesn't matter even if I die a dog's death after leaving home.

"The fifth son, whom they didn't mind to die a dog's death, became independent. I think it's plenty with that."

"Yes, it is."

After that talk I decided to not give my family's home any favourable treatment.

Once I told them that, they sent me yet another letter. It contained excuses such as, "We were strict to imitate lions who cast down the children into a ravine." or "It was inevitable since you were excellent.", but I naturally ignored them.

Moreover this matter was apparently leaked to Margrave Holmer who controls the west.

Margrave Holmer apparently thought that he would be able to get a slightly better treatment due to his connection with me. However, actually he wasn't able to get anything but an ordinary correspondence.

It's not like one gets excluded like in the east, but my family's home apparently got treated coldly after he learned of the circumstances with the truth which was contrary to his expectations.

"If my mother was alive, I might have considered it a bit." (Erwin)

"Your mother?"

The only one who covered up for me was mother, but she ended up dying to illness when I was 11 years old.

I don't have any obligation to fulfil for that home anymore.

"Is that so...? My mother is still alive. Only that much might be a blessing."

Reaching the point of talking about such matters, Mine and Karla-san's relationship should have deepened quite a bit.

Vel hurriedly furthers the defence and development of the liberated Herthania Valley. Due to his astounding speed, the Browig household can't do anything with its successor candidates being bound to the location of the arbitration negotiations.

"We captured several guys who seem to be spies of unknown affiliation."

"Unknown affiliation, it's probably impossible for it to be anyone but the Browig household."

"No matter from where those spies have come, the current Herthania Valley is in a semi-wartime state."

It is pitiful, but spies will be executed once caught.

It's a peaceful epoch, but it's normal for fellow nobles, who are on bad terms with each other, to dispatch spies to their opponent. If they are caught, they will be killed.

"It's especially bad if they are caught by the royal army who has come as reinforcement."

There are sometimes cases where they are released secretly after negotiations behind closed doors, but if they are caught by the royal army that operates in accordance with the laws, they are beheaded right away.

Even if it's the Browig household; since they have arbitrarily sent in spies to the Herthania Valley which has become the Earl Baumeister household's possession, there's no way for them to file a complaint. They pointlessly wasted trained spies.

"Because they have no leader, the ranks are probably in disorder." (Karla)

It's likely just as Karla-san said.

If they wanted to obtain intelligence, they should have send in spies in a far more systematic manner.

"After all I have no other choice but to pave my own path by myself..." (Karla)

Several days after the liberation of Herthania Valley, Karla-san revealed that to me.

"Pave your path by yourself?" (Erwin)

"Yes. I want to be omitted from the family register of the Browig household. I want to live by my own strength in a position that has no fetters binding me down." (Karla)

If you consider her archery skill, it's possible going by her ability, but the probability of those two elder brothers of her letting go of her as piece for a political marriage is low. Just how the hell does Karla-san want to accomplish that?

"There's my uncle, who ranks third in the succession order, in the Browig household." (Karla)

She gave Vel information as advice.

There's the youngest brother, who's close to thirty years old, of the Browig household's family head who died just recently. It would be best to aim for an early conclusion of the dispute by making this man succeed the Browig household, is what she says.

"Karla-san, you will get him to remove you from the Browig's family register?" (Erwin)

"There's no other way than that." (Karla)

"I see. That's a good idea." (Erwin)

She will become the daughter of the poor knight household which is her mother's home, and stop being the daughter of the Margrave Browig household. If this happens, the freedom of her actions will spread as well.

'If I consider it from the standpoint of family status, she will match with me. Isn't that a splendid plan?'

"Klaus-san." (Erwin)

"It's not like I told you that with absolute confidence, but Karla-sama is considerably..." (Klaus)

Klaus-san seems to be thinking that Karla-san is much smarter than he expected.

"A beautiful, wise wife. It's a wonderful chance, isn't it?" (Erwin)

"Haa, I guess so..." (Klaus)

I'm slightly worried about Klaus' tone, but currently our first priority is to accomplish the previous plan.

I enter the Browig territory as a guard of Vel.

And then the Browig household inaugurated the third succession candidate as new family head and accepted the arbitration draft because of Vel's retaliation.

The chief retainers, who commanded the night attack, were hung and their households lost their rank as well. In addition there were also many households which collapsed due to the reduction of their wages.

Almost all of the predecessor's family was sent off to the capital. They ended up losing their authority after being given a Knight peerage as a substitute for the dismissal wage.

Although they just reap what they sowed, that's what happens after angering Vel. That guy won't do such a thing unless there's harm to himself.

"It finally came to an end." (Karla)

"Yes."

After the end of the dispute, Karla-san succeeded in getting removed from the Browig's family register.

Once I ask her about her plans from here on out, it appears that she wants to inform her mother, who's living in the capital, first.

"Afterwards I will earn money for living together for a while, I guess." (Karla)

"Earning money for living together?" (Erwin)

"Yes. I'm getting married." (Karla)

"Is there such a person? What kind of person is he?" (Erwin)

I receive a shock as if being hit hard with a blunt weapon due to the impact of reality, but Once she begins to talk about her partners traits next, I'm gradually getting overwhelmed by happiness.

"He is one year younger and our romance started with me teaching him archery..." (Karla)

Even after hearing his other traits, I can't think anything but this being definitely about me.

'In other words, this is...' (Erwin)

It's a pattern that resembles quite well I read about in a romantic story I saw while indifferently flipping through the pages of a book before. It's actually about the woman proposing to the main character after rejecting him once by saying, "I'm getting married" to the main character.

No, it's completely the same situation.

"If it's women, they love such stories." (Erwin)

"Do you have any complaints about that?" (Ina)

I ended up saying something bad to Ina who's the owner of the book. The current me liked such story very much.

"I want to receive permission from my mother in the capital. I also think that I want to live us together after things calm down after the marriage." (Karla)

"That's nice, I think..." (Erwin)

'Victory! I won!'

Yesterday I refused after being asked, "Would it be better for me to order her to marry you?" by Vel, but with this it's alright now.

Since I will get married at long last, it's not good for mutual love for it to be out of compulsion by my lord. After all she has actually chosen me.

"After I finish my preparations in the capital, I will come to Baulburg for greetings." (Karla)

"Got it." (Erwin)

Karla-san went back to the capital and I returned to my normal life while looking forward to her revisit.

* * *

"Erwin, you are in high spirits, aren't you?" (Thomas)

"Really?" (Erwin)

Just as pointed out by Thomas-san, I'm cheerful.

Even so, as I don't make any mistakes in my work, there's shouldn't be any particular problem with that.

"Are you alright?" (Katharina)

"I don't know what you are worried about, Katharina, but I'm in perfect form." (Erwin)

Once we got a message from Karla-san that she will arrive in Baulburg tomorrow, my tension rose right away.

Katharina was worried about me while inclining her head to the side, but something like her misdirected concern has absolutely no influence on the current me.

* * *

And then, on the next day, when I was waiting in front of the port one hour before her arrival while paying attention, Karla-san showed up from the magic airship that landed.

She wore a simple one piece often worn by daughters of low-ranking nobles and not the expensive attire as well as the mithril-made armour she wore at the time when I met her for the first time.

Even so, her beauty doesn't wane at all. She was my angel after all.

"It's been a while, Erwin-san." (Karla)

"Long time no see, Karla-san." (Erwin)

Having our long-awaited reunion, my heart is overflowing with joy.

She came to this place in order to marry me. With only that I welcomed the biggest delight of my life.

"Let me introduce my fiancé." (Karla)

'You are still continuing the story? Karla-san, are you unexpectedly a romanticist?' (Erwin)

That means, after it becomes evident that her partner is me, both of us will hug and then share a kiss. Even though it's something that is a mere few seconds away, I can't help looking forward to it.

Even so, I indulged in the feelings of pleasure without holding back until that moment.

* * *

'... Huh? What's this about?' (Erwin)

Even though that should have happened, I was left standing in front of the port by myself.

I don't know why, but Karla-san introduced the man, who has quite the similar air about him as me, behind her as her fiancé.

Moreover, he appears to be an outstanding talent who won the championship in the archery division of the martial arts tournament.

Being recognised for his skill, he entered governmental service for the Margrave Holmer household as archery instructor. At the same time as having their honeymoon as married couple, they will hunt and gather together in the Demon Forest.

"I was treated very well by Erwin-san." (Karla)

"Congratulations." (Erwin)

Somehow mustering my willpower, I congratulate them, but this was my limit.

I'd like to be praised for being able to say just that.

"Hey, Eru." (Wendelin)

"Vel, leave him alone." (Ina)

"But, Ina..." (Wendelin)

"If you touch him now, he will collapse." (Ina)

Vel and Ina are talking about something, but I can't hear them well.

Rather, why did it turn out like that?

Did I do something wrong? It went very smoothly with Karla-san.

Since Vel held back and didn't talk with her overly much except during work and archery training, I was the closest to her besides the female camp.

'A friend treatment? She was treating me as companion?' (Erwin)

After introducing her fiancé who resembled me well, she left.

"Hey, it's the grand marriage interview meeting, however..."

What is Vel saying? I don't understand.

"Eru-boy, you can choose as you like." (Burkhart)

It seems that Burkhart-san is saying something as well, but I don't understand that either.

"You are Erwin-sama, right? I'm called Irene Firien Fähriger."

Some girl-like person has started to talk to me, but I don't comprehend.

"It's no good. That's a serious injury." (Burkhart)

"Burkhart-san, is it better to give up this time?"

"He's young, thus it will probably alright even if he delays it by one or two years." (Burkhart)

"Right..."

The outsiders are talking about various things, but I don't understand the meaning of their words neither do they enter my head.

'But you know... It's the long-awaited grand marriage interview meeting.' (Erwin)

I'm barely able to recognize that much.

Certainly, my first love ended. It ended with me getting completely rejected.

'However, will I give up on everything because of that?' (Erwin)

I'm still young.

There might certainly exist a second Karla-san in this world.

There are many participants in the grand marriage interview meeting organized by Vel. There might even be a woman that fits me perfectly among them.

'Stand up! Erwin! I will find a new love!' (Erwin)

Mustering my willpower, I regain my self which was in a daze due to the shock of a broken heart.

'I will even get several wives just like Vel! Aim for a small harem!' (Erwin)

Having overcome my unrequited love, something like a shock doesn't exist for me anymore.

I will definitely show that by getting a wonderful woman, who surpasses Karla-san, as wife.

"Vel, is there any wonderful woman among the participants?" (Erwin)

"Ehh...? The grand marriage interview meeting has already ended though..." (Wendelin)

Vel thrusts an outrages truth at me who finally woke up.

"Look! The cleaning up has already started."(Wendelin)

The cleaning up of the tables and such had already begun in the mansion's garden. And even before that, there's not a single participant here either.

"Everyone is showing their partner around the city after deciding on one and there also some who have started to prepare living together." (Wendelin)

"Huh?" (Erwin)

"Sorry, Eru. If I helped you more forcefully this time..." (Wendelin)

"No... It's fine..." (Erwin)

My pride wouldn't allow it for Vel to make Karla-san forcefully marry me even though there's a partner she has set her heart on.

Rather than that, when I finally came to my senses, the grand marriage interview meeting had already ended. Isn't that in itself a shock?

"Sooner or later we will have another marriage interview meeting..." (Wendelin)

"No, I will find a wonderful woman by myself!" (Erwin)

Now that it has turned out like this, I will show my backbone. I will definitely find a far more wonderful woman than Karla-san, and marry her.

Swearing that in my heart, I exclaimed it on the spot as if declaring it.

"Such dream-like aim will cause you to stay single for a long time to come." (Katharina)

Katharina says something quite rude.

Although she herself doesn't have a man she gets along with except Vel.

"Nevertheless, Wendelin-san is there for me." (Katharina)

And I was slightly vexed that I couldn't object.

Chapter 75: A noble's wedding ceremony and bridal night are troublesome

"Earl-sama, you are quite stiff, aren't you?" (Burkhart)

"Well, that's my nervousness." (Wendelin)

* * *

It's one month after the chain of events of finishing the dispute with the Browig household, Eru having his heart broken and the opening of the Grand Marriage Interview Meeting.

Finally I have turned 16 years old and at last the marriage ceremony will be carried out in the completed principal residence of the Earl Baumeister household. Of course I don't have any experience in getting married even if my previous life is included. Since it's unusual to be a single with 25 years in my previous world, I had decided to excuse it with, "It can't be helped."

At least I attended the weddings of relatives and the early marriages of friends several times. At those times I asked for the contact addresses of cute girls who were the friends of the bride since I was easygoing as person not concerned or wetted the wick of my candle with water at the time when the bride and groom where going around lighting the candles at the wedding reception. I was a really carefree person on the marriage ceremonies of other people.

However, the current me is a noble. Moreover, an Earl and as such I'm advancing the Savage Lands development with the sponsorship of the royal family.

Of course it's bad if I don't invite plenty of distinguished guests. High-ranking nobles from various places, important appointed nobles from the central government and normal nobles I had relations with.

It seems there are also many patterns where heirs attend as representatives, if the other party is a noble with a slightly lower status, but this time everyone replied that their family heads will attend.

I wonder if it's preferable with only minister-ranked people as I've just got used to seeing them? It's wrong if I don't invite other attendees without revealing that.

"There are also nobles who will get angry if they aren't invited." (Roderich)

Roderich was concentrating on checking the list, but since nobles are creatures with high pride, there's the possibility that they will become enraged, emotional nuisances if only they aren't invited. From his point of view, he probably wants to avoid a second Baron Rückner.

"Since they are free to not come, I think we have to send as many invitations as possible." (Roderich)

"What an annoying idiosyncrasy..." (Wendelin)

"As a matter of fact, the majority of nobles thinks so as well. It's no good if they don't bring a large amount of congratulatory gifts either. Because the return gifts are troublesome too..." (Roderich)

"Isn't it us who will be troubled with the return gifts?" (Wendelin)

"There is the attending of important ceremonial occasions of the other party as well." (Roderich)

"I already don't wanna go from now on." (Wendelin)

"Well, you will definitely be invited." (Roderich)

With the invited guests and their attendants and guards the city of Baulburg was overflowing with people.

Thorsten's group was very busy with their guard duty as it would be bad if something happened.

Of course, Roderich was even busier. Given that he was managing all the small tasks related to the marriage ceremony by himself, he continued in a state where he couldn't take a break at all even though he was a newly-wed.

In the end he has accepted the eight years old granddaughter of Minister Rückner as first wife and in addition the eldest daughter of the Commercial Affairs' Earl Leche, Katia. Since talks about business connections will appear once the development of the Baumeister Earldom proceeds, it took such shape.

As an 8 years old child isn't able to marry yet, she is receiving bridal training at the capital. Her child will succeed the household of that disturbing Baron Rückner while Katia's child will succeed a retainer household. That's how things were settled.

At that point in time Roderich himself hasn't participated much in the discussions. Nobles are bothersome creatures.

Since there are also cases where children aren't born even if it was decided in such manner, it will apparently become once again troublesome in such case. The point is that they want him to properly make children if possible.

"Umm, master, you can't talk about other people either though..." (Roderich)

If Elise doesn't give birth to a boy, it will likewise become troublesome. Even if I'm told that, I won't know until that time comes. Since it won't become that much of a problem in Heisei Japan whether the child is a boy or girl unless it's deep in the sticks, I'm unable to quite understand the sense of impeding danger of such matters.

"At any rate, I'm worn-out from the marriage rush." (Wendelin)

As Roderich said, I think I only left my home for marriage ceremonies in this month.

Due to the marriage ceremonies of couples, who decided right at the Grand Marriage Interview Meeting, everyone ended up bustling about every day.

* * *

"Erich-nii-san, I won't be able to appear at the after-party. Sorry." (Wendelin)

"Are you busy?" (Erich)

"Today there will be two marriage ceremonies of retainers after this..." (Wendelin)

"You have my condolences..." (Erich)

I attended the marriage ceremony of Erich-nii-san, who presented his concubine at the capital, on the way, but I wasn't able to take it slowly overly much.

Given that I can use [Teleportation] without thinking about it, I was tied with a tight schedule by the demon Roderich.

"For a noble to attend three marriage ceremonies in one day, it's the first time I heard of that." (Helmut)

"Helmut-nii-san, won't you attend as my representative?" (Wendelin)

"No, no, that's impossible since those are the ceremonies of your retainers, Vel!" (Helmut)

Helmut-nii-san, who went to a ceremony yesterday in the same manner, looks at me with sympathizing eyes.

Even though it's just a ceremony for receiving a concubine, its scale has become large as it has a connection with me. Because the schedule was unreasonable for them as well, I have brought father, mother, Hermann-nii-san and Paul-nii-san together to the capital with [Teleportation].

As expected, even my parents can't escape this kind of socialising anymore. Having surpassed the age of 50 and greeting important nobles and such for their first time, they apparently have various difficulties.

With me completely playing the role of something like a taxi, I'm introduced to their unmarried daughters and am flooded with nauseating flattery by the attending, distinguished nobles once I appear at the ceremony.

Once that finally stopped and I got to sit down on my seat, I wasn't able to do anything but sigh.

"Vel-sama, this is delicious." (Wilma)

"Wilma, your unchanging manner is lovely..." (Wendelin)

"Feeling good..." (Wilma)

Considering Wilma, who sticks to her usual routine at such times, as adorable, I end up stroking her head instinctively.

Once she attends a party, she will search for delicious food and eat it. Why I had only her accompany me as fiancée was because it was decided that they would take turns with just one of them coming with me at a time as we are too damn busy.

Since Elise and the others, who aren't attending, are hectic with the preparations for their own marriage ceremony it's not like they are particularly playing hooky.

"Earl Baumeister, it would be better if you ate more." (Edgar)

Even Minister Edgar, who is her father-in-law, was the same type as Wilma. Being next to Wilma, he stuffed his cheeks completely like doushi with the meat dish recommended by his daughter-in-law.

"Minster Edgar, you are eating well..." (Wendelin)

"Since I don't have any hobby except eating." (Edgar)

Be that as it may, usually he is putting up with simple food and trains his body so that it doesn't get fat. I have heard this from his son, Thorsten. As it's an event where he eats at a party to which he was invited by another noble, he lets out his appetite.

"You can avoid troublesome invitations to dances and such if you eat!" (Edgar)

"Father-in-law-sama, this is delicious. Will you eat it?" (Wilma)

"Ooh, ma daughter! Please give me a full serving!" (Edgar)

"Got it." (Wilma)

I think it's probably tolerated because he is a noble belonging to the military. However, even though they are not related by blood, they resembled parent and child quite well.

"Paul-nii-san, what's your impression?" (Wendelin)

"Having two wives is bothersome. Vel, you have nicely accepted five people." (Paul)

I call out to Paul-nii-san who is together with Minister Edgar.

Since Minister Edgar is his patron as intermediary from his time as guard, even Paul-nii-san's concubine is related to Minister Edgar. That means even today's attendance is an important job for him.

"Some time ago it was on the verge of becoming six people." (Wendelin)

"The youngest daughter of the Browig household, was it?" (Edgar)

"Now it's 'former daughter' of the Browig household though..." (Wendelin)

"How admirable to reject her! I have to praise you!" (Edgar)

Once Minister Edgar hits my back with all his strength, I end up choking for a moment.

From his point of view it's probably praising, but with his strength being too powerful, the damage to my body is far too high.

"I heard the story about your friend, Erwin, having his heart broken. Is he alright?" (Paul)

If it was a genuine noble, they would likely have criticized Eru, but since Paul-nii-san doesn't seem to be much of a noble, he is purely sympathizing with Eru, who had his heart broken, as a man.

"Even I, since it was in my time as guard... Even when I wanted to call out to her, that was impossible as our social positions were too different. If I consider that, we are now poles apart though." (Paul)

"Was that so?" (Wendelin)

If you think about it logically, the chances for Paul-nii-san to become a noble were slim. Therefore, if the woman he fancied was a noble's daughter, there was probably nothing that could be done about it.

"I believe that Eru will be alright." (Wendelin)

"Certainly, he is strong-willed..." (Paul)

"Hello, young lady. I'm called Erwin von Armin and am serving the Earl Baumeister household." (Erwin)

Eru put his effort into searching for an ideal wife and called out to a woman who looks beautiful and unmarried.

He has a level of toughness where you wouldn't believe that he had his heart broken just recently.

"If he isn't at least this strong-willed, he won't be able to work as adventurer." (Wilma)

"Indeed..." (Paul)

Paul-nii-san deeply nodded towards Wilma's opinion.

"By the way, how did it go at Hermann-nii-san's place?' (Wendelin)

He searched for a concubine after taking into consideration Minister Rückner since he leads the former Baumeister main family, but there was actually one problem.

Marlene-sister-in-law-san, who is Hermann-nii-san's first wife, has a low social standing because she is the daughter of a retainer, albeit a relative. As Hermann-nii-san, who is the second son, was expected as heir of the originally retainer household, he didn't usher in a wife from outside.

"If I unskilfully bring in a concubine from outside, the social standing of the concubine will end up becoming high." (Hermann)

No matter how poor the Knight household is, its daughter has a higher social standing than the daughter of a retainer.

"Uwah! It's that kind of difficult story!?" (Paul)

As Paul-nii-san had his stomach apparently filled with such kind of stories, he openly showed a unpleasant expression.

"Even so, it looks like Minister Rückner's group earnestly searched for one." (Hermann)

"I searched as well! I exerted myself greatly though! Ahaha!" (Edgar)

Minister Edgar joins the conversation while enjoying a second serving of the meat dish with Wilma.

"There are few precedents, but in such situation it's normal to demand an exchange of the wives' rank. Earl Baumeister, your elder brother clearly denied that. It feels like that guy is unexpectedly quite manly.' (Edgar)

It's a fact that the rank of Marlene-sister-in-law-san is low even as daughter of a retainer belonging to a high ranking noble. It looks like it was an unexpectedly hard fight for Minister Rückner's group to search for a concubine.

There were many households which came forward, but apparently all of them started saying, "Well, then our daughter will become the first wife.".

"Rückner that fool broke down there for a moment and asked your elder brother for a temporary, internal exchange of ranks, Earl Baumeister." (Edgar)

"If he tells Hermann-nii-san such a thing..." (Wendelin)

Hermann-nii-san is a parson who calmly opposed even Kurt who was the next family head. It's impossible for him to swallow such demand.

"Just as you thought, he clearly told him, 'Then I won't take a concubine.'" (Edgar)

"If it's Hermann-aniki, he will say that." (Paul)

Currently Marlene-sister-in-law-san seems to be pregnant for the third time. It will be fine if he searches for a concubine within the territory as long as the pace of the retainers and village headmen in advancing the development of the territory doesn't sink.

"So, what happened?" (Wendelin)

"Rückner searched amongst his vassals with teary eyes..." (Edgar)

"That man occasionally goofs up, doesn't he..." (Wendelin)

"His ability to follow-up is amazing though." (Edgar)

Finding a fourth-born daughter of a certain Baron household, he apparently decided to have her marry him as daughter-in-law.

"Daughter-in-law?" (Wendelin)

"She's a daughter who was born between the family head and a commoner from another place..." (Edgar)

Since she was made outside, she isn't able to enter the main family. She will be married to Hermann-nii-san as adopted daughter even though she is a blood-related daughter. As she is an adopted daughter, that means that there won't be any problems with her even as concubine.

"That's a disgusting story..." (Wendelin)

"I know that man, but the legal wife is a terribly harsh woman. Did he want her to feel at ease somewhere else? It was clear that the girl would be tormented by the legal wife even if he let her enter the main family. Thus it was apparently godsend." (Edgar)

There appears to also be the reason that it should finish without that many problems if it's a rural noble household like our home because she lived as commoner albeit receiving support.

"The person herself was delighted. It's because her children can become village headmen and retainers." (Edgar)

"In that case, all that remains is Marlene-sister-in-law-san's mood, huh...?" (Wendelin)

"If it's Hermann-aniki, he will somehow manage." (Paul)

Paul-nii-san and me stop thinking about this topic as the rest is an issue of the people themselves.

By no means we did so because we were scared of Marlene-sister-in-law-san.

"You have to be careful as well, Earl Baumeister." (Edgar)

"I have the duty to make sure that the children of Elise and the others won't have any inconveniences." (Wendelin)

I won't be able to give all of them the rank of Earl, but it will be bad if I can't guarantee them an according livelihood. Being a family head is quite difficult as well.

"Earl Baumeister, you are a dauntless man who gives peerage and territory to the children of your elder brother whom you killed yourself. I won't worry about you." (Edgar)

Minister Edgar's manner of speech was as if something was on his mind.

Maybe the case with Amelie-sister-in-law-san got leaked?

——It shouldn't have been exposed... (Wendelin)

When I'm frantically pondering within my mind, my shoulder is suddenly tapped.

The one who tapped it was Wilma who held a plate filled with a large amount of meat dish.

"It has the tacit consent of Elise-sama." (Wilma)

——It has been exposed!!! (Wendelin)

I raised a scream in my mind while having cold sweat.

If I voiced it out, that would end up being recognised as truth.

Although it has already been exposed, there's no particular necessity to acknowledge it and I will try to gloss it over by acting Earl Baumeister-like.

"I don't know what's it about though." (Wilma)

'... Say, Vel. It's very unlikely that it hasn't been leaked to the surroundings after five days passed.' (Paul)

'No, as that's work...' (Wendelin)

'Our territory's development is too fast.' (Paul)

It seems the method of using the territory's development as excuse for a clandestine meeting wasn't good. When Paul-nii-san pointed it out, I finally noticed my blunder.

I have decided to not decrease the frequency of the clandestine meetings no matter what.

* * *

Lately it was busy with such a feeling:

"I haven't hunted at all for this one month." (Wendelin)

"It's impossible schedule-wise." (Roderich)

With the attendance of marriage meetings or public works, my schedule was filled to 99%.

And, as today's my marriage ceremony, I, who wore an expensive ceremonial dress exclusively for nobles which was ordered for the sake of this day, have been pointed out by Burkhart-san, who came to see how things were going, that I'm stiff due to nervousness.

"One will be nervous if it's that line-up." (Wendelin)

"Certainly, even my master apparently didn't expect that the line-up will be up to this point." (Burkhart)

It's fine that there are many nobles. I don't particularly mind my family either. My family has a weak aura of nobility, except Erich-nii-san, anyway.

The ministers, doushi, Margrave Breithilde and the new Margrave Browig, who's already an acquaintance and thus not a problem.

"His Highness, the Crown Prince, I don't have any memory of having met him overly much." (Wendelin)

"Someone like me hasn't seen his face even once though." (Burkhart)

"Eh? Is that so?" (Wendelin)

His Highness the Crown Prince attends the marriage ceremony of the family head of the Earl Baumeister household, which will become one of the two major noble households controlling the South in the future. Since the Savage Lands development will still take time, there's probably meaning in the future king to attend such event.

However, given that I don't remember having met him often, I'm more nervous than meeting with His Majesty.

"His Highness, Waldo, is famous for not standing out much." (Burkhart)

He seems to be a person who excels at literary and military arts, but for some reason he appears to not be very conspicuous. If you talk about him in modern terms, he should be called His stealthy Highness, I guess?

"His Highness is still fine." (Wendelin)

Since he is His stealthy Highness anyway, I shouldn't be bothered about him once the ceremony begins.

"Why the main priest though?" (Wendelin)

Marriage ceremonies in this world are split into a ceremony in a church, which is limited to no one but carefully selected attendees and family, and a wedding reception that is carried out in a mansion or such. There's no great difference to the marriage ceremonies on earth in that aspect.

However, the one who manages the marriage ceremony all by himself is the most eminent main priest in the church. If talking in earthen terms, it means that the pope is presiding over the marriage ceremony as priest-sama.

I think it would be weird to not be nervous about this.

"Since it's the marriage ceremony of Cardinal Hohenheim's granddaughter, he can't play the role of priest himself here." (Burkhart)

The church has the peculiar rule that a relative can't play the role of priest in such situation.

Originally it wasn't strange even if he had the role of priest since he is the person said to be closest to becoming the next main priest, but today he obediently sat down in a seat of honour on the relatives' side.

The roles to lead the brides to the priest at the time of the ceremony has been decided to be given to Viscount Hohenheim for Elise as her father, Minister Edgar for Wilma, Heinz for Katharina and their respective fathers for Ina and Luise.

Which reminds me, I met with Ina's and Luise's fathers for the first time, but their faces became stiff due to tension because of their important task to walk the bridal aisle with their daughters amongst those attendees.

I can relate to their feelings very well. Even I originally belong to their side as petty bourgeois-like man.

'It's great that you aren't a daughter, Wendelin...' (Father Artur)

My father showed an expression of relief from the bottom of his heart due to feeling at ease that he won't have to do that.

"Welcome to the graveyard of life." (Burkhart)

"... You are saying that as newly-wed, Burkhart-san?" (Wendelin)

"Humph. I'm pretty much your senior as married person." (Burkhart)

"By merely a few weeks, right?" (Wendelin)

"Even so, senior is senior." (Burkhart)

Burkhart-san, who was made to marry forcibly by his master due to the reason that the inheritance after his death mustn't cause problems, seemed to pay attention to his attire and had a more beautiful robe than before.

With him also having a faint scent of perfume, it's clear that men are visited by changes once they get married after all. He might have been worried about having a distinctive body odour pointed out by Elise's group before.

"Leaving that aside, the madams have many difficulties." (Burkhart)

Because it's five people at once, there are apparently many important nobles. But on the other hand, since there are also many people who have low numbers in the beginning and increase afterwards, it's not like it's that many either.

Apparently there are also some who employ dozens of concubines among successful, wealthy merchants. Even the size of those numbers became one parameter to measure how successful their business was.

"Artur-san has actually several dozens as well." (Wendelin)

"It's not that many, Earl Baumeister-sama." (Artur)

"Yo, wealthy merchant." (Burkhart)

"Yo, my friend who finally got married." (Artur)

As we are talking in the waiting room before the ceremony, Artur-san, who has become the head purveyor of my government, comes to give his greetings.

He deployed helpers from his company because of the Earl Baumeister household still being short of hands.

"Although there are many such talks since our recent expansion is quite extreme, I'm too busy for that, Earl-sama." (Artur)

Even so, as the surroundings were apparently noisy because a person, who holds assets at the level of Artur-san, has only one wife, he now has three wives.

"It's not like I don't have any particular interest, but it's also true that the work's side is quite interesting." (Artur)

"I wonder which side applies to me?" (Wendelin)

"Please indulge in love at least during the time of being newly-wed since you are young. That also includes the meaning of the perpetuation of your descendants." (Artur)

Artur-san, who became the purveyor of my government, changed his tone to being polite. However, he probably thought that I will draw back if he abases himself too much all of a sudden. He has kept it slightly half-baked.

Given that Burkhart-san is my master, he stays the same as until now unless it's a formal occasion. I think it's great for that person to be easygoing though.

"Burkhart, you have nicely stopped at only one wife." (Artur)

"Several of them would be harsh at this age. Since Agate is young, she will probably give birth to children normally." (Burkhart)

Agate is the name of Burkhart-san's wife.

She is 20 years old as the eldest daughter of a small Knight household located in an area of small feudal lord territories that touched the Breithilde Margraviate.

Burkhart-san has the experience of having visited there in his time as adventurer and thus she knew his face.

"But then again, that was 15 years ago. The child which restlessly followed me around while saying 'It seems to be a magician~~~' has become a woman. Moreover she has become my wife. The world is a mysterious thing." (Burkhart)

Their age difference is more than 30 years, but in this world he won't particularly be called lolicon for that. It's not an especially rare occurrence either.

"At last it's your marriage, Earl Baumeister, huh? How moving!" (Armstrong)

At the end doushi has come to call me as the female camp's dressing apparently came to an end.

I stand at the front entrance of the church which was constructed next to the feudal lord's mansion. After opening the large door as arranged before, the main priest waits there in his role as priest.

The church's structure wasn't that different from those of Christianity.

The central pathway ends at the communion stand and serves as aisle. Benches have been installed and the invitees sit on those.

It seems that the detailed ornaments haven't yet been completed, but as there's also a jurisdiction head office, which will control the churches that will be constructed in Baumeister Earldom, next to the church, it has an extremely gorgeous structure that matches with the stained glasses covering the ceiling and walls.

——As expected of the church. They do have money. (Wendelin)

There's no difference in that aspect with Earth.

Once I stand in front of the priest who stands in front of the communion stand after walking there by myself, the brides enter next while receiving escorts by their fathers.

The lead is Elise. As first wife she wore the most extravagant wedding dress.

She comes walking up next to me while being led by the hand by her father, Viscount Hohenheim. I take over the duty of leading Elise by the hand from him.

——Even this aspect is the same as it was at church ceremonies during my relatives' weddings. (Wendelin)

My nervousness might have made a comeback if it was a completely different programme, but that point rescued me.

Next Wilma, Katharina, Luise and Ina come entering and it gets quite crowded in front of the communion stand.

Given that it was normally three people if it was alot, you could also say that it was inevitable.

"Well then, in this place I shall declare the purport by reporting to God of the marriage of Wendelin von Benno Baumeister from now on." (Priest)

The close to 80 years old main priest informs us of the ceremony's beginning. Not having mentioned any name but mine can't be explained with anything but that it's a custom.

A male Earl marries. It means that only this fact is plenty. If the feminists of Earth heard of that, there will likely be people who will be indignant by that alone.

"Do thou, Wendelin von Benno Baumeister, swear to love Elise Katharina von Hohenheim, Wilmal Etol von Asgahan, Katharina Linda von Waigel, Luise Jorlande Orphelia Orwin and Ina Susanne Hildbrun for the rest of thou life as wives?"

——To finish all that in one sentence...

"I swear." (Wendelin)

The main priest finished saying the long names of five people in a single breath completely like reciting a spell. He probably eagerly learned them before.

If you want to know why, even I occasionally don't have the confidence that I can say the full names of Luise or Katharina.

At that time I remember them somehow, but it will be uncertain once a week passes. As there's no opportunity to call them by their full names either, I end up deleting them from my brain right away, I guess.

"Next, do thou, Elise Katharina von Hohenheim, swear to forever love Wendelin von Benno Baumeister as thou husband?" (Priest)

"Yes, I swear." (Elise)

Next he asks the other four the same. It was apparently to hear each of my wives.

With everyone saying, "Yes, I swear.", it didn't turn into the development where they are suddenly taken away by another man like in a certain movie.

If you consider the guarding, you can also say that it's only natural for it to not happen though.

'Vel, aren't you thinking about some strange things?' (Luise)

Luise, who has a sharp intuition, asks me in a whisper, but since this atmosphere is heavy for the petty bourgeois me, I was able to distract my feelings by thinking about other things.

"Next is the kiss of oath." (Priest)

Even if it was before the ceremony, it was okay, but kissing in front of everyone in this place has the meaning of telling the surroundings, "Don't make a move on her since she's my wife.".

However, as it's in front of a priest, a too showy kiss is prohibited.

I kiss them in turns by lightly touching their lips.

'Katharina, are you alright?' (Wendelin)

'Even I got used to it.' (Katharina)

I was worried about Katharina who has absolutely no immunity towards such things despite her appearance, but as expected, she became familiar with it.

She kissed me normally.

"Next is the exchange of rings." (Priest)

These were prepared beforehand as well. I put five rings made out of silver with the family crest inscribed on the fingers of Elise and the others.

"In view of the foregoing, the reporting to God finished. God will likely be also pleased by the departure of the new married couples." (Priest)

It was ambiguous whether there's really a god who can be pleased about it, but there might be a fellow who send me into this world.

Because it's a wording that has been decided before, I ignored the main priest's words without feeling anything special about it.

"Well then, it's the end, but..." (Priest)

Leaving the church, the well-known bouquet toss would be carried out in marriage ceremonies on Earth.

The particpant's unmarried daughters, who didn't enter the church, line up at the front row and don't move to catch the bouquet as it's improper to do it themselves if they are daughters of important nobles.

Maids and servants moved instead.

The jinx, that the person, who caught it, will be able to marry next, exists in this world as well. Since there are many cases where they will be able to get a reward if they can catch it safely, the maids were serious as well.

"Won't it be the maid, who caught it, who will be able to marry next?" that question is apparently taboo. As it's wrong to catch it by themselves, they are made catching it by using maids.

"Then, please throw them." (Priest)

While it may be true that they caught this, I don't think that it's really a guarantee that they will be able to marry next either, but they earnestly scrambled for the five bouquets.

No doubt, it's a struggle of predatory women.

Once the bouquets safely landed in the hands of five maids, they brought them to the location of the respective noble daughters whom they are serving.

At once there were people among them who have received something like a bag filled with the reward. And among them there was a single coloured person mixed in.

"You caught the bouquet well. Let me give you a reward." (???)

No matter how you look at it, it was a woman, who wore a luxurious dress, that doesn't seem to be below 40 years, but she gave a reward to the maid who fetched the bouquet.

I see her for the first time, but she seems to be that rumoured Anita-sama.

What might Margrave Breithilde's intention be to bring her along? It was quite the enigma.

——Or rather, she still has the intention to marry...

They don't voice it out, but there should be many people in the surroundings who think like that.

"Since the ceremony finished safely, I think that we want to start the wedding reception." (Priest)

The marriage ceremony finished without even taking one hour, but being restrained by the party and wedding reception after that until the day got dark, we welcomed the night while being completely exhausted.

* * *

"Since a noble's marriage ceremony has the same official function, this is something inevitable!" (Armstrong)

When I'm relaxing with everyone in the living room of the completed mansion after finishing the long hours spent working, doushi calls out to me.

"The marriage ceremony was the easiest part..." (Wendelin)

There isn't that much to do 'during the ceremony' either. The procedure wasn't that different from Earth.

The performance of the main priest was great. It didn't take much time either. In comparison, there were many bothersome things at the wedding reception and party.

"I'm called Alois Hildebrecht von Waltershausen." (Alois)

Proceeding with the greetings of all major guests, what order of greeting to use was even more troublesome.

As that aspect was completely managed by Roderich, he is quite good to remember this many nobles.

"Even I had to take lessons from Yeff of the seal office." (Roderich)

"After all, huh?" (Wendelin)

"Without that, I wouldn't be able to remember them." (Roderich)

The Earl Baumeister household is a rising household, but opportunities to get in touch with many nobles due to the matter of the Savage Lands development are increasing.

Therefore I employed an expert seal official in a hurry.

His name is Yeff. He is the second son of Mr. Breier who is serving as seal official of the Margrave Breithilde household. Since he was able to work as go-between in that dispute, I employed his child.

"The greetings were still fine." (Wendelin)

If it's just about giving greetings, that's alright. Although it caused mental fatigue, you could also say that it didn't cause any more than that.

"Coming to the marriage ceremony of someone and asking 'How do you feel about accepting a sixth wife?' or such, you mean?"

There were countless nobles who tired to hand over marriage interview photographs or appeal their own unmarried daughter whom they brought along.

"Given that you increased your concessions with the mines of Herthania Valley adding them on top of the Savage Lands, everyone is desperate."

Even if it means presenting their daughters, they want a piece of the cake.

At any rate, me and Elise's group, who encountered those, are dead tired. Judging by Elise entrusting the brewing of tea to Dominique which she usually does always by herself right away, she must be quite worn out.

"But, isn't tonight the bridal night?" (Burkhart)

"Buh-!" (Wendelin)

Because Burkhart-san mentions something strange all of a sudden, I spit out the maté tea I had in my mouth.

"How dirty, Earl-sama." (Burkhart)

"It's because you said something strange, Burkhart-san." (Wendelin)

"There's nothing particularly strange about it. Dominique's duty is to observe it. Do your best so that you don't mess up." (Burkhart)

"That's the hardest part." (Wendelin)

Which reminds me, There was something I saw in some book in my previous life.

People, whose role is to confirm whether the bridal night was properly carried out, will be appointed.

That meant that there's a custom to check whether nobles had proper sex after they got married in this world as well.

"Elise-sama will finally become a madam." (Dominique)

As there's no way to allow a male to peep at them, married women take on this role.

Last month Dominique married with a 20 year old youth who is working as gardener and is called Kasper. With him being the second son of Viscount Hohenheim household's gardener, Dominique was acquainted with him since her childhood.

"Having Dominique watch is embarrassing." (Elise)

"Sorry, Elise-sama. This is a custom as well." (Dominique)

Just like Elise, a normal person shouldn't want to be peeped at in such situation. Even I didn't have the characteristic of getting excited by being watched.

"Moreover, it will be five days in a row, won't it?" (Erwin)

"You are hopeless, Erwin-san." (Dominique)

"Although I normally don't want to see such scenes of my friend and lord..." (Erwin)

Somehow recovering from his broken heart, Eru, who is currently holding the embarrassing nickname of 'Love Hunter', questioned Dominique in order to tease her.

"Me neither, but there isn't anyone else here." (Dominique)

As it seems that you can't all of a sudden entrust the observation of the bridal night to a maid who was just employed, ((she will observe)) beginning with Elise, then Wilma, Katharina, Luise and Ina.

It was decided that Dominique will carry out the confirmation for all of them.

——That's quite the shame play...

"Well, it can't be helped." (Wendelin)

While saying this, I begin to turn the pages of the magic book left behind by master.

It was a book I inherited from master when I was still 6 years old, but as a matter of fact, this book had sealed-page printing like a magazine.

As work by master, he instructed me with "Open the sealed pages once you got married." at the time of handing it over to me.

There isn't any appendix of a weekly publication. However, you can say that it was an appropriate way of doing it by master. That person had unexpectedly many playful parts to him.

"You were told to open it after getting married by Alf?" (Burkhart)

"Yes." (Wendelin)

"Mmmmh. Maybe." (Armstrong)

"That spell, huh...? It isn't very difficult. It will be alright if it's you, Earl-sama." (Burkhart)

Burkhart-san and doushi were able to imagine what kind of spell it was. Matching their sights, they showed bitter smiles.

"Anyway, I will open it." (Wendelin)

Once I cleanly cut the sealed page with a paper knife, an explanation of the adult spell [Vitality Recovery] of the 'Water'* attribute was noted down there.

(T/N: Usually the author doesn't use such brackets in this situation. It's probably a hint towards the word play that mizu '水' is usually "water" but can also be translated as "fluid" or "liquid" in certain context.)

"Such a spell. It existed, eh...?" (Wendelin)

Indeed, even if it was taught to me when I was still a child at that time, it probably could be considered meaningless to do so.

"Such spells or medicines are indispensable for nobles, right?"

For the perpetuation of one's descendants? Or for making many wives satisfied?

No, the majority wasn't able to think anything but using it with the goal of 'Even when grown old, with my ((vitality)) as it used to be'.

It seems to be a priceless treasure for someone like a young lover.

I wonder if Burkhart-san actually uses it habitually as well?

'A magic ○iagra version?' (Wendelin)

"Using that spell, you can strive to secure having descendants with your five wives."

"But, if there's too many children..."

There was the possibility that those below second son will be treated miserably like in my family. Even now I sometimes think that it hopefully won't happen.

"Your fortune is something completely different. It fine if you ponder about such things later on! If you are unable to make a child, that will become troublesome as well!" (Armstrong)

Giving an unusually aristocratic advice, doushi forcibly pushes Elise and me into the bedroom.

"Umm... My best regards from here on out." (Wendelin)

"Yes, the same to you." (Elise)

If it was Erich-nii-san, he would probably be able to say something smart at such time, but I don't possess such skill. Even Elise, who usually exhibits a perfect superwoman style, is apparently unable to cope with something where she has no experience.

The two of us end up silent after we exchanged greetings on top of the bed.

"There are ears outside, but the policy is to not mind them." (Wendelin)

"Yes, that's right, isn't it?" (Elise)

I was really saved by my experience from my previous life and having recently done secret training. Without that, I should have run into quite the difficulties.

"I believe that you will experience hardships from now on as well." (Wendelin)

"Those close-to 4 years, I spent with you, were very enjoyable, Wendelin-sama. I haven't considered them as hardship. It will be definitely the same from now on as well." (Elise)

"Thank you." (Wendelin)

"But..." (Elise)

"But?" (Wendelin)

"Please make sure to not ignore us while going just to her place." (Elise)

"..." (Wendelin)

As I was told by Wilma before, Elise was perceptive.

Since she's the daughter of a big noble, she probably knew of the custom of a 'convenient woman'.

Also, since I wasn't able to go for a while due to the dispute with the Browig household, it might not have been a good idea to have gone visiting once I had time due to the good excuse that I'm able to use [Teleportation].

I erased things like the scent with magic. Since I almost never spend the night somewhere else, I thought that I was able to deceive them.

"Wendelin-sama, looking only at me now, please become engrossed with just me." (Elise)

Instead of a reply, I plug Elise's lips with my own lips and continue doing so while falling onto the bed.

Close to four years after meeting her in the capital, Elise and I finally became a real married couple.

* * *

"Wendelin-sama." (Elise)

And then early next morning, the two of us, who are accustomed to it for a long time, awaken at the usual time.

We are nude together on top of the bed, but as expected, Elise's breasts are amazing. Even when lying down, they keep their shape as is.

By the way, my girlfriend of my previous life didn't have large breasts up to this point.

"Good morning, Elise. Are you alright?" (Wendelin)

"I'm fine, but..." (Elise)

Both of us being young, I had the great justification of practising the [Vitality Recovery] spell as it was instructed on the special sealed page from master.

Well, I was just faithful to my own lust.

Even Elise, although she said in the beginning that it hurts a bit or that she's tired, she's able to use healing magic. As result, we piled up many trials and errors until both of us got sleepy.

"Shall we enter the morning bath?" (Wendelin)

"Yes." (Elise)

With Dominique pricking up her ears outside to listen and the overly disastrous scene on top of the bed, the two of us quickly move to the bathroom trying to escape while wearing gowns.

"Even though you are a newly-wed as well, we did something bad to you, Dominique." (Elise)

"No... As it means that Elise-sama safely turned into a madam..." (Dominique)

Elise apologized to Dominique who was outside the room, but her face became stiff due to the disastrous scene on the bed.

"Perhaps, this for five days in a row..." (Dominique)

There's also no one but her here as she's a maid who's worth to be trusted. After that Dominique followed her job of attentively listening at the bedroom according to the custom for four days.

"Even the other wives, everyone is amazing..." (Dominique)

* * *

"You have satisfied me, Vel-sama." (Wilma)

"Do you understand the meaning of that, Wilma?" (Wendelin)

"I learned it from a book." (Wilma)

Wilma, who possesses an inaccessible power because of the hero syndrome, had inaccessible stamina, too.

* * *

"'Vitality Recovery', is it? It's a spell that can't be used by women." (Katharina)

"Before that, I'm worried whether your head won't start to boil over, Katharina." (Wendelin)

"Wendelin-san, as I'm the oldest among us, I'm an adult woman." (Katharina)

——No, I'm worried because it doesn't look very much like that...

"I will assist you in you learning the new spell, Wendelin-san." (Katharina)

Katharina can use healing magic as well. She did her best while healing herself in the same manner as Elise.

* * *

"In other words, it's a trial of strength?" (Luise)

"It's not martial arts training though..." (Wendelin)

"Ohohoho. This is also something like practise between man and woman with Vel and me." (Luise)

Being able to use healing with [Meditation], Luise, who possesses excelling physical strength herself, did her best until close to dawn as if opposing Elise and the others.

* * *

"It looks like I'm not as amazing as the other four." (Ina)

"Even I think that it's normal though." (Wendelin)

I said to clear her misunderstanding, but it's not like [Vitality Recovery] increases one's vitality. It merely returns it to its original state.

"I think it's plenty amazing with just that much though. I'm unable to use recovery or such after all." (Ina)

"Yeah, yeah, I got it. However, I can use it." (Wendelin)

In mere physical ability, Ina isn't that different from Luise.

In addition, since she was healed by me, it resulted in her keeping at it until morning.

Once we opened the door of the bedroom to go to the bathroom at early morning, Dominique showed a relieved expression from the bottom of her heart while shedding tears.

"At last you finished... However, the top of the bed is horrible... If I don't ask Roderich to increase the number of maids..." (Dominique)

Given that Dominique, who was worn out by the night shifts for five days in a row, was pitiful, I have directly conveyed her appeal for an increase in maid numbers to Roderich.

In addition she got paid a special bonus and received a special three-days break.

Chapter 76: The secrets increase in a newly-married life

"Don't use that [Vitality Recovery] with me, okay?" (Amelie)

"Of course." (Wendelin)

"Since you have five wives as well, they have to be the main cast." (Amelie)

It's around one month after safely marrying Elise and the others.

The time was evening, but I continued my secret meetings with Amelie-sister-in-law-san without change.

"Before that, an 'convenient woman' like me should have been discarded at the time of your wedding, Vel-kun..." (Amelie)

"That part is a selfish strategy of a high-ranking noble-sama." (Wendelin)

The relationship between me and Amelie-sister-in-law-san didn't stop even after my marriage. I'm continuing it forcefully. Being an Earl-sama, the surroundings won't say anything since it's currently the wilfulness of the greatly powerful me.

At least on the surface.

Even if I'm told something behind the scenes, I'm a high-ranking noble that doesn't have to care about such things. It seems that's how it is. Roderich said so before.

"There won't even be any fellows who will complain about a matter of such degree, but..." (Roderich)

It might turn into a big problem on Earth, but it wasn't deemed to be odd in this world.

Rather, there seem to be many people who think, "Supporting the wife of his elder brother whom he killed himself and even promising to bestow peerage and land to her children, Earl Baumeister has a firm character.".

I was surprised by the difference in values, but for that reason I'm continuing my tryst with her once a week.

Entertaining my five wives in order during five days of the week, the remaining two days are my free days. On one day of those two free days I enjoy a tryst with her for a few hours.

Of course Elise and the other have noticed that, but this time they have given me their tacit consent. However, since it's wrong if I don't return to the mansion, I don't do something like devouring her that greedily.

There were also time when we had dates after moving to the capital with magic, but this was also for the sake of a temporary peace of mind for me. Well, it's something we do once every two times though.

"Vel-kun, you are quite peculiar as well. Even though you have five young and beautiful wives, you keep such old lady company." (Amelie)

Although it's the person herself saying that, Amelie-sister-in-law-san isn't an old lady either. Considering that she has conceived twice with 27 years, she looks rather young.

Her figure isn't bad and her skin is fair as well. It can be said that she simply looked a bit sooty thanks to living in the poor Baumeister household until now.

And, at the time when there was only the two of us, she managed to call me 'Vel-kun' like in the old times. This is something I asked her to do.

Recently the people who only call me 'Lord-sama' or 'Earl Baumeister-sama' are increasing and that is somewhat unpleasant. You can also say that I have Amelie-sister-in-law-san deliberately call me like that for the sake of keeping my heart in balance.

"I, who is a lover whom you are keeping to yourself, have the privilege of keeping you company until you get tired of me, Vel-kun." (Amelie)

"The one's called nobles are troublesome, aren't they?" (Wendelin)

"Even my father is someone like that. That's only natural." (Amelie)

I somehow came to understand the reason for nobles having many wives or living in luxury to some extent.

Since there are usually various difficulties, they likely do it to release stress. There were also fellows whose reputation fell too much or who lost their heads in debts though.

"In other words, you can also say that I'm taking a breather here." (Wendelin)

"I can consent with it if that's the case. Umm, is something sticking to my face?" (Amelie)

We talked while lying naked on the bed, but Amelie-sister-in-law-san noticed my line of sight.

"No. I'm measuring your mana." (Wendelin)

"Mine's the same as normal people." (Amelie)

I have confirmed it many times over, but Amelie-sister-in-law-san's mana was certainly the same as that of normal people. An extremely small amount; that seems to be the case for the majority of the people in this world.

"That's right, isn't it...?" (Wendelin)

"Did something happen?" (Amelie)

"Yes, it's an important secret that will turn into a disaster if it's leaked. However, it will be soon exposed anyway, I think?" (Wendelin)

"It's fine without me hearing about it..." (Amelie)

Given that Amelie-sister-in-law-san is able to keep a secret, I reveal something I can't tell other people overly much in fairly large parts. It's something like the story of a detestable noble, a parasite-like noble and good-for-nothing noble.

Also, as it's not like there aren't any misgivings at all although it's going smoothly, I have her occasionally listen to idle complaints towards my wives. I need Amelie-sister-in-law-san for such aspects as well.

"As a matter of fact..." (Wendelin)

I begin to speak about a fact that came to light directly after being newly-wed.

* * *

It's about the next morning after Elise's bridal night finished.

When we headed towards the dining room to take a breakfast after stepping out of the bath, Burkhart-san, who stayed the night in the mansion, Armstrong and Katharina drew near Elise all at once.

"Hey, hasn't your mana increased a bit?" (Burkhart)

"I think so as well, but..." (Armstrong)

"I noticed it as well." (Katharina)

Even I, who was completely in high spirits since last night, begin to measure Elise's mana in a hurry and certainly, the mana rose to a detectable extent.

Elise, who possesses mana above intermediate level, apparently stopped increasing her mana at the time of being 11 years old as she continuously practised [Heal] and [Purification] since her childhood.

Busy with the act of healing with magic as 'Saint', she ended up reaching the limit of mana growth earlier than usual. Despite that her mana capacity grew again after getting close to becoming 16 years old.

If you consider it normally, that was something very improbable. It's disregarding the definition of a matching vessel quite a bit.

"'What did you do?' means that you did 'something'." (Burkhart)

"Umm... That is..." (Elise)

(T/N: The pun here is probably that it can also be read as ""What did you do?" means that you licked "something"", though not 100% sure on that one)

It was a vulgar pun appropriate for Burkhart-san's age.

Elise blushes out of embarrassment, but I might be the same kind as well as I'm actually grinning after seeing her her state.

"Master-sama, you are indecent." (Katharina)

"Sorry, but that's very likely the cause." (Burkhart)

While reining in Katharina's criticism, Burkhart-san presented one possibility.

"In other words, it means that your mana increases if you do such thing with Earl-sama. I don't understand why or the finer details to it though. I haven't heard about such principle either. Such things are subjects investigated in the curio-like Sorcery Guild in the capital." (Burkhart)

Due to the very likeliness of Burkhart-san's deduction, it scauses an shock among us.

* * *

"So, you looked at my mana? But..." (Amelie)

We are continuing this kind of relationship for several months already, but there has been no change in Amelie-sister-in-law-san's magic capacity.

That means the mana won't increase unless one has talent in magic, even if it's a minuscule amount.

"How disappointing. Even though it would have been amusing if I could make something after becoming a magician. So, how about the other wives?" (Amelie)

After asking me, Amelie-sister-in-law-san pushes out both her hands like a magician and does something like, 'Eiya~'.

I end up considering her appearance like that as a bit cute.

"It was terrible, wasn't it?" (Amelie)

"Well, accordingly..." (Wendelin)

And, after that possibility was suggested, I became strangely occupied.

"Wendelin-san, please indulge in me without reservations." (Katharina)

"I want to be a magician." (Wilma)

"If my mana increases, I will also be able to use fire ball." (Luise)

"Even I, that possibility..." (Ina)

With that as cause, it was terrible as partner of the four, who completely changed into carnivores, I told Amelie-sister-in-law-san.

The crucial effect was there, but the four's mana increased more than Burkhart-san expected.

"Wendelin-sama, please don't do the unreasonable too much." (Elise)

Only Elise, who's the first wife, was gentle, but since her breasts are big, I succumbed to their temptations after all.

I have no doubt, I think breasts are no good.

"Wendelin-sama, are you tired?" (Elise)

"Recovery magic exists for that reason." (Wendelin)

Due to such reason, I was busy at night on five days in the week.

"Having lost to your desires, you are to blame here, Vel-kun. Or rather, since Elise-san is the first wife, you have to make a child with her quickly." (Amelie)

"That's right, isn't it?" (Wendelin)

"So, it's the same for Ina-san, too?" (Amelie)

"Ina unconsciously used mana to enhance her physical abilities and spearmanship." (Wendelin)

Even normal people do that unconsciously, however Ina made use of her large mana a bit more than that. With it not being wrong to barely call her a magician according to Burkhart-san, her mana raised greatly on the next morning.

* * *

"Ina-chan's increase is large." (Luise)

"Does the increase grow even if it's done the same number of times albeit being a person with a low amount of mana?" (Katharina)

Katharina's conjecture should be mostly correct.

Even if they gain the same amount of experience points, the people, who have low levels (mana), will likely have it easier to increase their levels (mana). As it's unknown whether the amount of experience plays into such acts, there's no problem with such way of thinking since it's actually happening, I believe.

"Vel-sama, my mana went up considerably as well. I want to raise it even more." (Wilma)

Given that there wasn't such a difference in mana quantity between Wilma and Ina, it increased quite a bit after the first time.

"It's advanced level I'm aiming for. Of course I have to do my best in various ways since we are newly-weds." (Luise)

Even Luise looks at me completely like a carnivore.

"Wilma-san, Luise-san, if you don't take Wendelin-sama's stamina into consideration..." (Elise)

Elise, who has a position like a semi-doctor with her mastery in healing magic, gave a warning to the two who are full of vigour. It's probably because it will become terrible if I die during sexual intercourse.

"Ina-san, as well." (Elise)

"Huh~? I wonder why you are putting me together with them~?" (Ina)

"Ina-chan, you look very happy about your mana increasing." (Luise)

It's not like that's because it actually showed an effect, but Roderich has been absent a lot in the newly-wed period this month.

While hunting in the Demon Forest, doing public works though less than usual and training magic, scenes making Dominique speechless were created once again.

"Elise. That is?" (Wendelin)

"Taking your physical condition into account, I made a concrete schedule, Wendelin-sama." (Elise)

Elise gave me, who shook due to the threshold of sexual appetite, freedom and being preyed upon, a night schedule while floating a smile. At such times the fruits of Elise's labours as wife stand out after all.

"Of course I want a baby soon. But, it's fine to go with the feeling of newly-weds for a while." (Elise)

Although that was the main objective, there aren't many people who dislike their mana growing. Thanks to that, I feel like there were various difficulties.

I think that it was a month that wasn't bad, but...

* * *

"That means you were plastered with love, Vel-kun." (Amelie)

"Ha ha ha~~~. A man is a creature that will somehow ruin himself with money, booze or women." (Wendelin)

That one month was painted by my own lust and difficulties. Moreover, since I'm having secret meetings with Amelie-sister-in-law-san, I believe that a human's greed might be endless.

"So, what did happen?" (Amelie)

"That is, you know..." (Wendelin)

In this one month the mana capacity of all my wives grew.

Elise's up to the middle of advanced level. The spells she can use didn't increase, but you can call it plenty amazing since the frequency and the power of the spells, she can use, has risen.

"It would be great if I could use offensive magic, but..." (Elise)

"You can leave that to others. That's because your best ability is recovery magic." (Wendelin)

"That's also true, isn't it?" (Elise)

Elise agrees with my words. Next, Wilma's mana amount grew up to intermediate level.

"Magic. I can't use it..." (Wilma)

"You can't use it?" (Wendelin)

Being taught basic mana control by Burkhart-san, she reached the point of being able to use [Physical Ability Boost] and [Weapon Bestowal].

Without aptitude in any magic attribute influenced by her talent, she strengthens her body with void magic and enhances the strength of weapons by cladding them with mana. You could say that it reinforced her way of fighting until now.

"Wendelin-sama, the magic, which Wilma-san is talking about, is something like fire ball?" (Elise)

"I think so as well, but..." (Wendelin)

It's probably as Elise says, but only this can't be helped due to the aptitude she possessed since her birth.

I feel like that's fine since she became plenty powerful, but the magic, Wilma harbours in her heart, is probably something like releasing flashy flames. In the world in general such image is strong and importance is attached to its appearance.

"My mana increased, but..." (Luise)

Luise's mana increased to a level of being almost the same as Burkhart-san's.

"However, the usable spells didn't increase." (Luise)

"Mana capacity and talent in available spells are different matters. Isn't it great as you became stronger? Your mana capacity has even caught up with mine.' (Burkhart)

Burkhart-san, who was almost overtaken in mana capacity, comforted Luise while smiling bitterly.

"Isn't Katharina's mana incredible?" (Wendelin)

"It's equal to doushi from a bit ago." (Burkhart)

"However, the usable spells didn't increase. I'm thankful for the increase in magic capacity though." (Katharina)

Katharina's mana grew quite a bit, too.

The amount will probably increase if there's mana capacity to begin with? However, with her having a genius talent in magic she can use, new magic, that she can use, hasn't appeared and the amount of mana, Katharina has, has been large to begin with.

If one has mana to a degree as her, there won't be any spells she can't use due to insufficiency in mana.

"And, Ina, huh?" (Wendelin)

And the last one was Ina, but she might have had the most dramatic change.

"Burkhart-san, this [Blazing Spear] is amazing." (Ina)

"Please raise your proficiency level by practising it repeatedly." (Burkhart-san)

Ina, whose mana raised up to intermediate level, learned the spells [Body Enhancement] and [Attribute Spearmanship]. The latter is as its name suggests. It's something that increases the power by cladding the spearhead with a magic attribute.

She had aptitude in [Fire] and [Wind], however she wasn't able to learn any emission-types of spells. Having the spear clad in magic was also a last resort.

Striking the techniques [Blazing Spear] and [Beheading Wind Spear] at a boulder in the garden, the boulder has been already broken apart and sordidly melted.

"Those have great power. I have to train them more." (Ina)

"Ina-chan, you seem to have fun..." (Luise)

"Magic is fun!" (Ina)

Due to Ina being delighted by destroying countless boulders, even Luise, who's her best friend, drew back a bit.

"However, the spear's decrease in durability is intense." (Ina)

"If you use it a number of times, iron-made and bronze-made spears will end up deteriorating. It will be alright if it's a spear purely made out of mithril." (Burkhart)

"I will buy one immediately." (Ina)

Burkhart-san advices Ina to change her weapon.

With such feeling the newly-wed period was also a "Wife Power-up Month".

I became a master in the spells [Stamina Recovery] and [Vitality Recovery] though.

* * *

"That's not terrible though, now is it?" (Amelie)

"Actually it's very terrible." (Wendelin)

According to doushi's and Burkhart-san's analysis, it's very likely that the mana of women, who have elementary foundations for being a magician even if to a minuscule degree, will increase if they have sex with me.

The kinds of usable spells depend on the talent of the person herself. If you look at Ina, who used magic she couldn't invoke until now due to deficiency in mana, that was very very clear.

How much it grows likely also depends on the talent of the person herself. Even people, whose increase in mana capacity stopped due to the vessel limitation, will increase their mana if there's leeway.

The growth of mana capacity of the five stopped after the one month for now, but there's also the possibility that it will increase again.

It was the continuation of a required investigation, but this was simple to observe as long as marital relationships continue.

"Won't it be a disaster if it gets leaked outside?" (Amelie)

"Yes... Please keep it a secret." (Wendelin)

"I can't even tell my father-in-law-sama..." (Amelie)

"Please not father. He will faint." (Wendelin)

Since mother and him are commoner-like nobles, they will probably be unable to endure the weight of that story.

"Rather, it raised this much in one month...? It will definitely be exposed once you are seen by other magicians." (Burkhart)

Moreover, it's as Burkhart-san says, if people, for whom it's visible, have a look, it will be exposed since everyone's mana increased quite a bit. Before that, Burkhart-san has reported it to his master, Margrave Breithilde, and doushi to His Majesty.

"Is that alright?" (Amelie)

"On the contrary, it probably won't be leaked readily with that." (Wendelin)

Chaos will be inevitable if it's leaked.

Therefore, the only ones from the kingdom knowing about it are doushi and His Majesty. Even in the Margrave Breithilde household, only Burkhart-san and Margrave Breithilde himself knew about it.

"You will be flooded by female magicians telling you 'Have sex with me', won't you?" (Amelie)

Only imagining that makes me tremble.

Although it might make me laugh if seen in a literary work, being actually pushed to do so myself will be unbearable. As half of the magicians are women, there's also many old ladies and grandmothers among them.

As expected, even I probably won't be able to have an erection to begin with.

"There are a lot more troublesome matters." (Wendelin)

If looking at the example of Ina, even the people, who haven't been treated as magicians until now, will have the possibility to raise their mana if they have the elementary foundation as mere magician.

There was the possibility that I would get flooded by female magician candidates. Of course, old ladies and grandmothers will be mixed in there as well.

Also there's the pattern for nobles. who sent their daughters, "Take responsibility since you hurt her." if their mana can't be raised. It was a fraud-like method, but it's not an odd opinion if they can actually get involved with me like that.

"Even so, it's still fine if it's a woman!" (Wendelin)

It's not only women who want to raise their mana.

* * *

"Eru became the weakest. That's since before though." (Wilma)

"Well said, Wilma! Vel, my butt-hole!" (Erwin)

"That's too much of a joke even while jesting!" (Wendelin)

It was mainly Wilma's abusive language, but even as joke I pass on something like anal sex with a man.

"My current mana is fine..." (Burkhart)

"There's no problem since I'm raising my mana by training every day!" (Armstrong)

In the first place, even if I do such a thing with a man as partner, it's still unknown whether their mana will grow.

Or rather, even before that, I don't want to test it.

"Eru-san, homosexual love is a heresy. Even if there's only such rumours about Wendelin-sama, it's possible that he might become a target for punishment.' (Elise)

"Sorry..." (Erwin)

Elise, who is related with the church, harshly rebutted Eru's statement even as a joke.

In this world homosexual love is denunciated to a degree that's not funny. Even for nobles it will become a reason for change in rank or change of family head if they are unlucky.

Also, the church with its freedom of marriage, with the exception of one part of the denominations, had problems in the past with homosexual love between fellow male priests.

"It's not allowed for you as well, Wilma-san." (Elise)

"Eru, I'm sorry." (Wilma)

"That's fine, but what will we do?" (Erwin)

"There's no other choice but to hide it." (Wendelin)

What raised the mana was a matching of vessels, though the reason is unknown.

If we don't do such a thing, even male magicians wouldn't hesitate to push me with, "Have anal sex with me!". By just imagining that, I can't call that anything but a nightmare...

"It would really have been better if I didn't hear about it." (Amelie)

"Please don't reveal it." (Wendelin)

"I won't carelessly leak that. Also, there's one more problem." (Amelie)

"Yes..." (Wendelin)

That is, if children are born between my wives, who have an elementary foundation in magic, and me, who was confirmed to have such strange ability, won't those children possess mana?

"Troublesome, isn't it..." (Amelie)

"That's why I come here like this occasionally." (Wendelin)

"I can agree with that." (Amelie)

Yes, Amelie-sister-in-law-san is soothing.

In order to forget the once again increased difficult problems for now, I bent over Amelie-sister-in-law-san.

Even if I forgot it for a while, it's not something I should be able to run from though.

Chapter 77: I try to go out for leisure

One and a half months passed since I married Elise and the others.

The marriage ceremony and the wedding reception were troublesome, but fortunately my newly-married life is going well.

The surroundings, especially Roderich, are muttering, "Lord, there must be an heir soon..." like an incantation, but we are still 16 years old.

Since someone like Wilma is 14 years old, there’s no need to hurry that much either, I believe.

'Although you think that, you end up hurrying as much as possible to get it done as soon as possible.'

For convenience the right of succession has been set to the children of my elder brothers, but it’s planned that they will be lowered in precedence once my children are born.

Even though my elder brothers will take over in the worst case, there seem to be already retarded nobles who are asking stuff like, "Does Earl Baumeister have some chronic disease or such?".

Perhaps they are harbouring the foolish dream of grasping the power of the Baumeister Earldom themselves by manipulating my elder brothers, who are deemed to be estranged from politics, and my young nephews.

"Vel, your strong presence promotes the development. There are plenty of stupid nobles." (Erich)

Since Erich-nii-san, who participated in the marriage ceremony, usually resides in the capital, he has apparently many opportunities to get in touch with such stupid nobles. He whined to me while sighing.

"I want you to make children fast." (Erich)

"Are even you saying that, Erich-nii-san?' (Wendelin)

"Yes, I am. It also has to do with the future of my and your other elder brothers' children." (Erich)

Since their succession rank is high, they will be dragged into the disputes and struggles over the Savage Lands concessions if something happens to me. As father he likely can't approve of that.

"Keep at it, you must have children." (Erich)

"Haa..." (Wendelin)

It was a questionable topic for a talk between siblings, but nobles might be such creatures.

If there are no children, the troublesome matters in the succession will multiply.

If one considers the ugliness of that dispute and the scandals as well as incidents created with that as reason, decent nobles likely won't want to participate.

"Ahahaha. I'm doing my best. There's also master's spell." (Wendelin)

Thus it's my belief that I kept at it for this one and a half months.

Opening the sealed page of the magic book left behind by master, I've been made to recover my vitality while fulfilling my duty as husband and noble every day.

* * *

Currently the nude Ina was lying next to me on top of the bed.

"Children, eh..." (Wendelin)

"Do you want one, Vel?" (Ina)

When I'm remembering my conversation with Erich-nii-san, Ina asks while look apologetic.

However, there's probably no necessity to hurry that much since we are still one and a half months old newly-weds. It seems that the wife will feel ashamed if no children are born, but that's something far down the road.

"That will happen in due time. Or rather, isn't it fine if you are able to get pregnant until around 20 years in age?" (Wendelin)

"As expected, if I can't get pregnant with your child in four years, you will be advised to get a new concubine." (Ina)

"I see, that's how it is, huh? But..." (Wendelin)

It's a vulgar way of talking, but she should get pregnant naturally sooner or later since we are doing what has to be done.

Even so, Ina's expression doesn't look good.

"Are you worried about something?" (Wendelin)

"Look, these days our mana grew, right? At the beginning I was in high spirits, but isn't there some side effect to it...?" (Ina)

The rise of mana obstructs the conception. Certainly, I couldn't say with 100% that there isn't such side effect.

"However, the growth of mana stopped, didn't it?" (Wendelin)

"It stopped indeed. However I'm completely satisfied since my mana reached intermediate level in one month." (Ina)

Among magicians there's around one person in ten at intermediate level.

Even if the spells, she can use, are few, Ina appears to be happy since it contributes to an increase in fighting strength. Come to think of it, she recently beat Roderich in a match with spears.

'As expected of Lady-sama.' (Roderich)

Roderich smiled, but I was are of it.

When he has even a little time to spare, he will restart his spearmanship training again. Roderich was actually a sore loser.

"Seeing that the rise of mana stopped, you will definitely get pregnant normally." (Wendelin)

"Yea, it will surely be as you say." (Ina)

"For that reason, let's have sex once more." (Wendelin)

"Vel, isn't there a way to express it a bit better, I wonder?" (Ina)

I'm not so sure that there isn't, but I can't talk like the protagonists of the books Ina is usually reading. I wasn't able to say such embarrassing whispers of love as I would die out of shame as originally Japanese.

"Hmm, what shall I do?" (Ina)

"Wait a minute! It's not that, right?" (Wendelin)

I think that's not typical for the age of my body. My body is still 16 years old after all.

"Just kidding. It's a lie. I will also be troubled if you go more than scheduled to Amelie-san's place." (Ina)

"Amelie-sister-in-law-san? What about her?" (Wendelin)

"Did Amelie-san's mana grow, I wonder?" (Ina)

"Not at all." (Wendelin)

"Vel, you have no intention to hide it, right?" (Ina)

Although I realized that it's a bait, I pretend to be caught in it purposely. Ina noticed that right away though.

"So, it was exposed, eh?" (Wendelin)

"Good grief. Since the time I met you for the first time I thought that you were the ultimate softie." (Ina)

"Even now it's mostly like that, I believe." (Wendelin)

"That's true as well. It's fortunate that you took someone like me as your wife." (Ina)

Right after that we try going at it since the night's still young, but now that we have started, it might be the rule of the world that we won't be done with just once.

And once again we are greeted by morning like always.

It has become a custom to enter the morning bath together after causing a disastrous scene on the bed as usual.

'Something like a mixed bath with women. Vel, your dick should be plucked off!' (Erwin)

Eru hurled cursing words at me when it was only us, but as expected he had the discernment to not mention it when there were other retainers present as well.

From their point of view, it's desirable for me to have skinship with my wives so that children are born quickly.

"Ina, your hair is beautiful." (Wendelin)

"Thank you. It might be my only pride as woman." (Ina)

Usually she ties them up in a bundle, but Ina's blazing-like red hair is free-flowing without any curls.

"Occasionally Katharina's hair explodes." (Wendelin)

(T/N: Probably meaning that it curls up like mad if the knot is undone )

"She spends time every morning to put it in order." (Ina)

Her ojou-sama drill hair is actually very frizzy. Such is the reason.

Every morning she forcibly arranges it into her usual hair style. Her way of arranging her hair by releasing heat with magic makes me think that she can open a beauty parlour, if it's on Earth, without even needing perm machines.

"The hair adjustment agent, you created, is very nice, Vel." (Ina)

Shampoo existed in this world, however conditioner didn't. Noble children and their-likes arranged their hair after shampooing it with something like perfumed oil.

Accordingly I produced a natural conditioner with vinegar as ingredient and gave it to my wives. As its popularity is great, Artur-san has sniffed it out before I noticed and is making plans to sell it after improving it. He had a keen scent of smell as ever.

"That's great. Then, let me wash that hair." (Wendelin)

"I can do that myself." (Ina)

"At least once per week is fine, isn't it?" (Wendelin)

"Thanks." (Ina)

In addition, when we are passing in front of the bedroom on our way to the living room once we left the bathroom after washing out bodies together, Dominique was coaching a new maid how to make the bed.

"Got it? In the current Earl Baumeister household there are many concerns which are kept secret like that." (Dominique)

"In short, master is peerless!" (New Maid)

"Your voice is too loud." (Dominique)

Once Ina and me listen attentively, Dominique lists the important points to the young maid.

"Master is peerless... In other words, there's a chance for me and Dominique-nee-san though!" (New Maid)

"I'm a married person, but..." (Dominique)

"However, master is craving for your beauty, Dominique-nee-san!" (New Maid)

"Humph!" (Dominique)

Dominique drops her fist on the head of the young maid who made an imprudent remark.

We felt like we saw an unexpected side of her.

"Do you get it? Master won't do such immoral act." (Dominique)

I have the discretion to at least not make a move on someone else's wife.

It looked like I was very highly assessed by Dominique, but if I consider the matter with Amelie-sister-in-law-san, I end up thinking that she shouldn't appreciate me that much either.

"Vel?" (Ina)

"Being overestimated by Elise's childhood friend and maid is painful." (Wendelin)

"Isn't it alright if it's about Amelie-san? That person is currently single." (Ina)

"Uuh... Thank you." (Wendelin)

"Don't cry..." (Ina)

I'm slightly moved to tears due to Ina's kindness.

"Got it, Rhea? You were recommended because you are my cousin. If you receive punishment for unnecessarily spreading rumours, my evaluation will end up falling as well." (Dominique)

There are many situations where one will be criticized in Japan if they got their job through connections, but if they fail in those, the honour of the people, who recommended them, will be sullied as well. It's not simply easy or enviable in the least.

"Besides, if there are rumours going around about master being peerless, it will increase the high-pressure approaches unnecessarily." (Dominique)

"There's also a possibility that the number of merchants and nobles, who offer their daughters for strengthening their relations with him or due to their desire of concessions, will grow." Dominique explained to the new maid who's her cousin.

"That means, it might actually make Elise-sama's position difficult." (Dominique)

A noble's concubine, who has entered the harem later, will slight the legal wife by receiving affection. That throws the harmony within the household out of order. It was a story that often occurred in noble society.

"Me and you, Rhea, are receiving such blessed treatment because Elise-sama became the first wife of master." (Dominique)

"Certainly, the pay is decent, isn't it?" (Rhea)

Given that the work location is in the Savage Lands at the kingdom's southern tip, they were paid larger wages than average. If one makes me name it, it's a bonus for being in a remote location.

"Uh hum, therefore make the bed quietly and learn the other tasks quickly as well, please." (Dominique)

"Got it. After looking at the disastrous scene on top of the bed, the special bonus must be hush money." (Rhea)

"Humph!" (Dominique)

Dominique lowers her fist on Rhea's head again.

"The contents of the job, I was taught, seem to be flying around my happy memories of childhood or such." (Rhea)

"Then don't say anything unnecessary!" (Dominique)

"Dominique-nee-san, you are strict..." (Rhea)

She has been just scolded by Dominique, but the skill of the maid called Rhea is good albeit her mouth's bad. Just as instructed, she quickly completed the bed making.

"The sheets are amazing, Dominique-ane-sama. However, if they are this amazing, I can maybe become master's concubine as well." (Rhea)

"Humph!" (Dominique)

Dominique drops her fist on Rhea's head for the third time.

"It hurts, Dominique-nee-san. It seems like my memory of going for a swim at the Lehmann Lake when I was five years old has vanished." (Rhea)

"It hasn't vanished, now has it? We are going to the next room." (Dominique)

Ina and me immediately moved from in front of the bedroom to the living room, but our topic on the way was entirely about the new maid.

"That girl, I wonder if it'll be alright with her?" (Ina)

"There's the part of her loose tongue, but her work skills were good. Dominique will likely train her well." (Wendelin)

"I guess that's true as well." (Ina)

Once the two of us move to the living room, the breakfast preparations are carried out by other maids.

However the life of having various things in the mansion taken care of by maids is something I can't get readily used to. Due to my original poor person's mentality, I'm somewhat not able to settle down.

"Master, what do you prefer today?" (Maid)

"Rice." (Wendelin)

"For me a large serving of rice!" (Armstrong)

It reached the point that we can freely choose between rice or bread for the meals in the mansion.

I'm mostly going with rice, but even doushi, who recently has spent less time in returning to the capital, requested rice from the maid while holding out his own large rice bowl.

However, doesn't this person need to be at attendance in the royal palace?

"Doushi, is there no official business in the capital?" (Wendelin)

"Actually there is, but it's not particularly necessary for me to appear there!" (Armstrong)

Doushi, who is also the kingdom's [Ultimate Weapon], seems to basically have free time as long as it doesn't reach the last stage.

"Me not having anything to do is a proof that this county is peaceful! By the way, where's Burkhart-dono today?" (Armstrong)

"On holidays." (Wendelin)

Burkhart-san can't come here immediately if I don't go fetching him with [Teleportation].

Without any such plans for today, he is enjoying a holiday with his newly-wed wife for a while since he has recently been working non-stop.

"What are your plans, Earl Baumeister?" (Armstrong)

"Today is a full rest day." (Wendelin)

"In that case we will go hunting in the Demon Forest!" (Armstrong)

"No, I won't go. It's my vacation after all." (Wendelin)

Certainly, although it's also my hobby, hunting in the Demon Forest is my job as well. If I'm on vacation, there's no need for me to go there.

"What are you saying! How boring!" (Armstrong)

"Instead we will go to take a dip in the ocean though." (Wendelin)

"Dip in the ocean?" (Elise)

Since it's actually a leisure declaration without any prior notice, I didn't tell Elise and the others about it either.

They appear to be slightly surprised after hearing today's plan from me all of a sudden.

"Wendelin-sama, taking a dip in the ocean is about going swimming at the hot season, isn't it?" (Elise)

"Yes, it is." (Wendelin)

Even in this world the custom of swimming in the ocean exists.

However, given that it's far from Breitburg and the capital, the majority of people make do with nearby rivers and lakes. It seems that events, where rich people go out to the ocean after deliberately taking a vacation, exist as well.

"I went to the eastern ocean before when I was around 7 years old." (Elise)

"As expected of Elise's home." (Ina)

Ina admired Elise for having the experience of swimming in the ocean.

If you consider the expenses and time to deliberately move to the ocean from the capital, which is located inland, there weren't that many people of the capital who have experienced swimming in the ocean.

"How about you, Ina?" (Wendelin)

"I swam in a river close to Breitburg." (Ina)

"Same for me as well. I can't easily go to something like an ocean." (Luise)

It seems Ina and Luise have no experience with the ocean.

"And you, Wilma?" (Wendelin)

"I have caught fishes at a lake close to the capital." (Wilma)

Playing in the water for Wilma has apparently to include catching fishes as well. It's probably because she becomes hungry if she swims around.

"How about you, Katharina?" (Wendelin)

"I was there once since I was close to the ocean in the West. However, is it something that enjoyable?" (Katharina)

"That's probably because you went there by yourself, Katharina" (Wendelin)

"W-Wh-Why d-do you k-know that!?" (Katharina)

If I'm asked why, it's because I was originally a loner. A loner recognises another loner.

In my thoughts of the Katharina before she met with me, I can't imagine her going to the ocean with a group of friends. And swimming in the ocean for me was about making salt at the beach of the Savage Land's southern tip or eating seafood after catching it.

'Going by yourself to swim in the ocean has a high level...' (Wendelin)

I can't talk about other people, but I admire it for being something significant in a certain meaning. Katharina's loneliness power was high.

"The Earl Baumeister household has a private beach after all." (Wendelin)

"There was such a thing?" (Armstrong)

"I created it. Let's enjoy our holidays by also having barbecue for lunch." (Wendelin)

"That appears to be interesting." (Armstrong)

Given that doushi promptly supported it, we departed to the private beach,which is located at the southern tip of Baumeister Earldom with [Teleportation] right after breakfast.

* * *

"It's the best weather for taking a swim in the ocean!" (Armstrong)

Once we transferred to the private beach with [Teleportation].

When we finished preparing after breakfast, doushi was very delighted by the white sand beach and the ocean with its high degree of blue clearness. Although he is the oldest among us, he frolicked around like a child the most for some reason.

Currently it was winter, however the Savage Lands are only slightly cool in the early morning even at the northern part following the major northern mountain range. The coast-lands of the South were hot to a degree where it's possible to swim in the sea throughout the entire year. Even so it's not as humid as Japan. The felt temperature crosses only a bit over 30 degree ((Celsius)).

It's refreshing if you enter the shade of trees since it's not as sultry as Japan. You can even call it a southern area where it's easy to spend some time.

"By the way, what's the matter with the Erwin-lad?" (Armstrong)

"He is in training." (Wendelin)

Usually he has the duty of guarding me, but since I want to leave the leading of the feudal army to him in the future after all, he continued to train under Thorsten regularly.

(T/N: Not the martial one but administrative)

"He is quite enthusiastic. For me something like commanding military forces is impossible though." (Armstrong)

That can't be helped.

It's because doushi exhibits his fighting prowess the best by fighting alone or joining up with high-ranking magicians. Since His Majesty is aware of that as well, he usually lets him act freely, I guess.

"Well then, if you are talking about swimming in the ocean, there's the matter of bathing suits." (Armstrong)

"Uncle-sama, we prepared for it properly." (Elise)

"As expected of my niece!" (Armstrong)

Elise and the other women have brought along their own swimsuits. Even doushi's swimsuit was arranged for by Elise.

Everyone started to immediately change their clothes after using the shade of trees as partition screen, however doushi suddenly took off his robe in front of me and began to change.

Although muscles of steel, which were tempered by training and were truly those of a body builder, enter my field of vision whether I want this or not, I don't want to see something like a nude man.

Turning around to the back, I take off my own robe as well and start to change my clothes.

"That's a peculiar swimsuit..." (Armstrong)

I expected it to some degree, but doushi wore an old style bathing suit that covered his body up to the elbows and knees like it was worn by the men on Earth in the past.

Mine are trunk swimsuits which were previously made by a shop in the capital.

"I finished changing clothes." (Luise)

"That's disqualified!" (Wendelin)

"Vel, already!" (Luise)

And since even Elise and the other girls wore swimsuits that covered them with a thick cloth up to their knees and elbows while possessing not even a speck of sex appeal, I immediately find fault with that.

Luise, who finished changing first, seems to be surprised by my swift negative judgement.

"No good, you say... Swimsuits are like this though." (Luise)

"There's no sensuality in those." (Wendelin)

"I'm able to understand what you are trying to say, Vel, but if you are thinking like that, you must have prepared new swimsuits, haven't you?" (Luise)

"Hoho, you said it, Luise." (Wendelin)

"Gah! Did you really prepare them by chance?" (Luise)

"That's correct, Luise-san." (Wendelin)

I was an amateur in regards to clothes, but I'm at least remembering the general design.

Therefore I had a first-class tailor in the capital create swimsuits which are usually worn by woman in modern Japan.

"Change into those over there. It's an order by the family head." (Wendelin)

"Uwah~~~. There's so little cloth. I will wear it since it's the order by the family head, but how shall I feel about this being the first order of the family head towards me?" (Luise)

"I haven't made a mistake. That's because I'm family head-sama." (Wendelin)

"I don't particularly mind though. As this place is a private beach, there's no one else here anyway. But, what about the size?" (Luise)

"Luise, it's already more than one month since we married. I have at least grasped the sizes of my wives' bodies." (Wendelin)

"Vel, you pervert." (Luise)

Even while saying that, Luise returns behind the partition screen for changing clothes while holding the swimsuits for the other wives with a highly-spirited expression.

"Luise-san, Wendelin-sama has told us to wear these...?" (Elise)

"Even as family head order." (Luise)

"A family head order in this place... My belly button and such are completely visible..." (Ina)

"Isn't it fine since the important parts are hidden? Ina-chan, it suits you." (Luise)

"Luise, you..." (Ina)

"It might actually be fine as it's easy to move in." (Wilma)

"I'm jealous that you are able to adopt such way of thinking, Wilma-san." (Katharina)

"I'm envious because your style is nice, Katharina." (Wilma)

"As I'm a noble, I pay attention since I'm constantly watched by the surroundings." (Katharina)

Noisy talking voices are audible from behind the partition screen, but finishing to change their clothes in a few minutes, they showed their appearances to doushi and me.

"I see, Earl Baumeister, you are going to popularize new fashionable swimsuits?" (Armstrong)

"No, it's purely my hobby." (Wendelin)

This is a private beach anyway. I don't care whether the swimsuits, I created, are fashionable or not.

It's merely because I wanted to dress Elise and the others. There exists no other reason besides that.

"Umm... Wendelin-sama, uncle-sama... It's slightly embarrassing, but..." (Elise)

"You might think so in the beginning, but I feel like it will become a fashion sooner or later." (Armstrong)

Elise looked shy in her yellow bikini-type swimsuit. While slouching a bit, she hid her breasts which are often ogled.

However, Elise chest is amazing, I believe. Despite that, her waist and such are normally slender making her appear to be a gravure idol.

"Elise, you are magnificent." (Wendelin)

"Really?" (Elise)

"There's no one else here anyway. You can be more brazen. You are beautiful after all." (Wendelin)

"Yes!" (Elise)

Once praised by me, Elise was very happy.

"Ina, you are lovely, too." (Wendelin)

"Thank you." (Ina)

Ina had an average chest, but her slender style was great since she is training her body well. Matching that with her red hair, she looks slightly cool.

And, although she was unwilling to wear the new swimsuit at start, she's actually wearing it unexpectedly boldly.

"Ina-san, you are enviable since you don't have overly much useless fat." (Katharina)

"Is that so, I wonder?" (Ina)

Katharina, who is the incarnation of petit-dieting, looked enviously at the slenderness of Ina's body.

"Katharina, I'm even more slender." (Luise)

"Err..." (Katharina)

"The new swimsuit fits me well, too, right? It's directly appealing my adult charm." (Luise)

"That's right..." (Katharina)

Luise, who is wearing a light blue bikini, is lovely, but she's quite obviously a different type of Elise and Ina. It might be adequate to call her cute, but that was also her charm.

"I think you are cute." (Wendelin)

"I'm following a different route from Elise and Ina-chan. But, Wilma, that's nice..." (Luise)

Even though Wilma's body belongs to the same small body type category, Wilma's breasts are unexpectedly big. It looks like Luise considers that aspect to be very enviable.

"If they become any bigger, it will be difficult to move." (Wilma)

"Uuh... I'd like to say such nice thing at least once..." (Luise)

Luise sent a powerful gaze at Wilma's breasts.

"Wilma, you are cute as well. How do you like the new swimsuit?" (Wendelin)

"It's easy to move in. Slightly embarrassing though." (Wilma)

Wilma, who wore a pink-coloured bikini, exhibited her swimsuit appearance in front of me by twirling around.

"As it's easy to move in, I will catch plenty of shrimps and shell-fishes." (Wilma)

"True..." (Wendelin)

However, Wilma appears to put priority on her appetite after all.

This private beach had abundance in seafood as it's also the actual site where we defeated the sea dragon before.

"Umm... Wendelin-san." (Katharina)

"What's wrong? Katharina, you are a shy person, so I changed it to an one-piece type." (Wendelin)

"Isn't this embarrassing even as one-piece type!?" (Katharina)

As Katharina is the shyest among them, I prepared a violet one-piece swimsuit for her, but she still seems to have complaints.

"It suits you, doesn't it?" (Wendelin)

"Frankly, as wife I'm happy about that, but why is this swimsuit strongly cutting into my crotch part?" (Katharina)

"Because I designed it like that." (Wendelin)

As Katharina's swimsuit was the type of high-leg leotard, which was popular in the old Japan, and moreover as the cloth at the chest part was designed to be thin, it reached the point that one can tell the rough shape of her breasts.

If you ask why I made it like that, that's because it's my hobby. There shouldn't be any other reasons besides that.

"I believe it suits you though." (Wendelin)

Since Katharina looks like a domineering S going by her appearance, this kind of swimsuit fits her very well.

"Is it no good?" (Wendelin)

"I won't say it's no good, but..." (Katharina)

"Then, it's the family head's order." (Wendelin)

"Why do you continuously stress that part?" (Katharina)

Once I try to play at once since everyone safely changed into their swimsuits, there's a person who is tapping my shoulder.

That person was doushi.

"I have a problem with just me being left out!" (Armstrong)

"In other words, you want to wear a new swimsuit, you say, doushi?" (Wendelin)

"Don't you have something for me?" (Armstrong)

"More or less, I do..." (Wendelin)

Once I passed several of those to him since I had them make male swimsuits just for caution's sake, doushi chose the most improbable design from among those. I had it created as joke. Those were minuscule black swim briefs like those worn by competitive swimming racers.

"This is appropriate for me!" (Armstrong)

Since he immediately began to change by taking off his first swimsuit before our eyes, all of us averted our looks.

Doushi, who finished changing in the blink of an eye, took a pose completely like a body builder while confirming the feel of the swimsuit.

'I remember Elise's and the other wives' beautiful swimsuit appearance, but it looks like it's being overwritten by the swimsuit appearance of doushi...' (Wendelin)

He had an atmosphere of taking the championship if he took part in a body builder tournament on Earth, but unfortunately for him I had absolutely no interest in that direction.

"Well then, now that we changed, let's play, but..." (Wendelin)

Next doushi took out some jar with some fluid in it.

"If I don't apply sunscreen, it will likely be terrible later." (Armstrong)

Sunscreen exists in this world. They likely can't get hold of stuff like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide like on Earth, but there are articles with high efficiency made out of plants. As the price is considerable instead, you won't obtain it unless you are quite rich. Noble women go to the beach while also ((putting on)) airs, but they want to avoid having their skin damaged.

"Earl Baumeister, can't you apply it on my body?" (Armstrong)

Since I got an impossible request from doushi, I turn my look towards Elise who is his niece.

"Umm... Elise..." (Wendelin)

"Let's apply it on each other?" (Elise)

"I approve of Elise's opinion!" (Luise)

"I agree as well." (Ina)

"I will apply it on you, Katharina." (Wilma)

"Then, I will handle it for you, Wilma-san." (Katharina)

However, even Elise, who is doushi's niece, feels unpleasant to apply the sunscreen on his body. With the skilful strategy of applying the sunscreen among themselves, the female camp escaped its pinch.

Naturally I have been abandoned.

'I wanted to blend in with them as well...' (Wendelin)

Having the plan of applying sunscreen on each other with Elise's group crushed, I'm in reverse plunged into the distress of having to apply sunscreen on doushi's body.

Doushi has no disposition towards "that", but what's wrong about being sad about having to apply suntan lotion on the body of a muscled, 40-years old man?

"I will apply it on you as well, Earl Baumeister." (Armstrong)

'That, I absolutely don't want either...' (Wendelin)

I'm forced into an even worse pinch.

Normally even I want Elise and the others to apply sunscreen on me.

'Think! The method to escape from this pinch...' (Wendelin)

In my brain, that ponders about somehow avoiding the worst-case scenario, a certain idea surfaces. It's a heartless method, but it's also for the sake of getting out of my pinch.

After I harden my heart, I immediately put my robe on top of the swimsuit and leap to the guards' garrison, which is located in Baulburg, with [Teleportation].

"Lord-sama?" (Gatekeeper)

"I have business with Eru." (Wendelin)

Once I enter the training room after slipping through the gatekeeper's examination due to my free admission for being well known, I discover Eru, who is taking lessons from Thorsten, there.

"Lord-sama?" (Thorsten)

"Thorsten, I'm going to borrow Eru for a bit." (Wendelin)

"Eh? What?" (Erwin)

When I grab the hand of Eru, who hasn't quite grasped the situation, I once again return to the sandy beach with [Teleportation].

"Hey, what kind of business...? Wow~~~, what incredible swimsuits." (Erwin)

As Eru had a lewd look on his face after seeing Elise's and the other's swimsuit appearances, the girls chided Eru.

That's because they realized my heinous plan.

"Doushi, it looks like Eru wants to apply the sunscreen on you no matter what." (Wendelin)

"Is that so? Then I shall leave it to him." (Armstrong)

"Huh? I, what?" (Erwin)

When Eru turned in the direction of the voice, doushi, who was wearing swim briefs, stood there. Furthermore he was handed a jar with sunscreen by him.

"Erwin-lad. Please apply sunscreen on me. I ask you to put it on every nook of my entire body." (Armstrong)

"Oi, Vel..." (Erwin)

Eru, who finally realized my intention, turned a very unpleasant expression towards me.

"Eru, it's the order of the family head." (Wendelin)

"You are a demon, Vel..." (Erwin)

Due to the fact of his first family head order being the application of sunscreen on doushi's body, Eru seems to be stricken in his mind.

"As a matter of fact, I get a rash if I touch a man's skin for more than a minute." (Wendelin)

"I know that it's just a lie!" (Erwin)

Of course it's a lie just as Eru says.

"At any rate, it's an order. Let's have sunscreen applied on me by Elise, I guess?" (Wendelin)

"Fall into hell." (Erwin)

Without a doubt I would have said the same thing in Eru's situation.

If it was other retainers, it would be an extreme lese majeste, but I directly head to the place of Elise's group while lightly ignoring him.

"Please all over, Erwin-lad." (Armstrong)

"Yes..." (Erwin)

Eru applied the sunscreen on doushi while being half vacant eyes. And I start applying sunscreen on Katharina who still hasn't finished with that.

Having quickly decided to leave it to Eru, is my victory.

"How is it? Does it feel nice?" (Wendelin)

"Your way of asking seems somewhat obscene..." (Katharina)

"There's nothing obscene between a married couple, now is there... Let me apply it on your butt as well." (Wendelin)

"Wendelin-san, I don't particularly mind, but you have to consider the gazes in the surroundings, you know..." (Katharina)

In contrast to her appearance, Katharina becomes obedient once pushed by me in my hands' direction.

Even so, without disliking it particularly, I applied sunscreen on her. After putting sunscreen on Katharina's entire body, I have sunscreen applied on me by everyone of Elise's group.

"Vel, smear it on my butt as well." (Luise)

"I shall gladly undertake that task." (Wendelin)

"Haa... What a nice feeling..." (Luise)

I applied sunscreen on Luise, who looked like she's feeling good, as well.

"Such stuff is great, too." (Luise)

Is this called depravity? Or should it be called happiness?

When I'm brooding over such stuff, doushi, who had sunscreen put on his entire body by Eru, took a pose like a body builder. As it looks like Eru properly applied the sunscreen on him, he looks very satisfied.

"With this it's alright. If I'm burnt too much by the sun, my skin gets scalded." (Armstrong)

"Though I believe that you won't have a single burn even if you are roasted by the flames of hell, if it's you, doushi..." (Erwin)

"Erwin-lad, I'm not that sturdy." (Armstrong)

Doushi seems to be thinking that Eru has made a joke, but there's no doubt that it's an expression of Eru's real feelings. The reason is that me and Elise's group ended up agreeing with Eru's muttering.

"So, what's my job?" (Erwin)

"It's finished with this." (Wendelin)

"Oi..." (Erwin)

Before he can complain, I grab Eru once again and leap to to the guards' garrison located in Baulburg with [Teleportation]. And then, after handing over Eru to Thorsten, I returned to the sandy beach.

I think that it's pitiful, but I was able to become an Earl at great pains. I wanted to leave the penance of something like applying sunscreen on doushi's body to other people.

"Isn't Eru slightly pitiable?" (Ina)

"Eru has tomorrow free after all. Or did you wish to swap with him in exchange, Ina?" (Wendelin)

"Then, let's quickly go playing." (Ina)

Even Ina, no matter how much she pities Eru, she apparently doesn't want to apply sunscreen on doushi herself. She immediately dodged it by changing the topic.

"We will play! Before that..." (Wendelin)

After leaping with [Teleportation] to the mansion this time, I summoned Dominique and the new maid, Rhea, who were on standby after finishing their morning tasks. I decided to leave the preparation of lunch and beverage to them.

"It's amazing, Dominique-nee-san, something like a private beach." (Rhea)

If it's about nobles possessing a territory with coast-lands, there are many even if it's just a small portion, but if they aren't fairly important nobles, as nobles who don't possess the ocean in their territory, it's not something they will own.

From the view of Rhea who was raised in the capital, it's probably a staggering luxury.

"Rhea, prepare the food and drinks without saying anything unnecessary." (Dominique)

Since there's little male help, they set up a parasols, line up reclining chairs and install the stove since we will be doing a barbecue party. All the items were taken out from mine and doushi's magic bags.

Preparing the ingredients, Dominique and Rhea cut the vegetables and meat, processed the fish, made cold maté tea and created things like fruits sherbets and juices.

"Not sparing on expensive magic tools for an outdoor party, master is amazing." (Rhea)

Rhea seems to be admiring it, but all of the items were obtained from the underground warehouse in the Demon Forest.

The magic tools from that place have a nice and compact user-friendliness like the home appliances of Japan. Them being usable by supplying your own mana without having a cord attached is what makes them great. Given that there's a wide gap in mana consumption to the existing articles as well, it doesn't take overly much work to replenish the mana.

Which reminds me, I wonder whether the Magic Tool Guild, which bought these, produced some results?

"It's something we picked up though. It's fine for you to eat and drink suitably in-between work. Today there are no other maids here." (Wendelin)

I can't say that as there are other maids and servants if it's within the mansion itself, but since there's no one but us in this place, I won't mind today, I guess.

"Thank you very much, master." (Dominique)

"Today's a lucky day, isn't it, Dominique-nee-san?" (Rhea)

"Give your thanks to master first!" (Dominique)

"Gaahh... Thank you very muchhh..." (Rhea)

Once again Dominique lowered her fist on Rhea's head.

"Ah... This time my memory of having gone on a picnic with my family when I was six years old has..." (Rhea)

"You are remembering it, aren't you?" (Dominique)

"How to say it, Dominique, you have it difficult." (Wendelin)

"Her learning of the job and her skills are good, but the way she talks is problematic..." (Dominique)

Dominique seems to have troubles with training her younger cousin maid.

"Well then, I leave it to you." (Wendelin)

When we head to the sea after entrusting the food preparations to Dominique and Rhea, we start to play around by entering the ocean with everyone and swimming around or diving.

Swimming in the ocean after a long while is pleasant. Someone like Wilma began to catch shrimps and shell-fishes by diving deeply.

"The one who can swim the best among us is Wilma." (Wendelin)

"It looks so. Umm, Wendelin-sama, please don't separate your hand." (Elise)

"For you to be unable to swim was unexpected, Elise..." (Wendelin)

I led Elise by the hands while teaching her starting with flutter kick swimming.

"I have the experience of swimming in the ocean, but since women only play in the vicinity of sandy beaches..." (Elise)

It looks like she has no experience of the act of swimming itself.

"You will immediately learn it if I teach you after building a pool in the mansion." (Wendelin)

"Thank you very much, Wendelin-sama." (Elise)

"Vel, if it's this crawl, she will be able to swim smoothly..." (Luise)

"Breaststroke is comfortable as well." (Ina)

Next to me teaching Elise swimming, Luise, who immediately learned crawling, swam smoothly. Ina is swimming with breaststroke while looking happy and carefree.

In this world there's nothing but obsolete swimming styles. In order to be able to swim while wearing heavy armour, swimming was recognised as something for just males.

"Vel, you did well to come up with such swimming styles." (Ina)

"It's because I had free time in my childhood." (Wendelin)

In reality I was part of the swimming club in middle and high school. Of course, without having any talent, I fell to being an all-round-reserve due to being able to use the basic swimming styles.

Rather than that, I believe Ina and Luise are amazing. With just one lecture how to swim, they have immediately reached a point where they can swim faster than me. The two seem to be superior in their reflexes.

"And, Katharina is..." (Wendelin)

"The movement of the hands and legs is difficult..." (Katharina)

She is able to swim normally as well, but she has troubles learning the new swimming styles.

"After building a pool in the mansion, I will teach you there." (Wendelin)

"Umm, the hands' movement is like this... And the legs' this way..." (Katharina)

Katharina's reflexes don't seems to be that different from mine.

Stopping the movement of her legs if she moves her hands while crawling or concentrating on the legs' movement while neglecting the hands' motions. I repeated similar mistakes in my childhood.

"Even if I'm unable to swim, there's no problem since a magician has magic." (Katharina)

"Once you say that, that's how far you will go." (Wendelin)

Since there's a spell to move underwater within a created bubble of air, you can say that there's no problem if you can't swim unless you aren't able to use your mana.

"Given that I have it especially taught to me by you, Wendelin-san, I will gratefully accept it though." (Katharina)

"Uncle-sama is fast in picking it up as well." (Elise)

"Doushi is, well..." (Wendelin)

Elise looked enviously at doushi swimming while causing grand sprays in a slightly separated place. However ignoring crawl, breaststroke and backstroke, he only learned butterfly quickly.

"It looks like the swimming of a large monster." (Luise)

The person himself seems to enjoy it, but if you look at it from the side, it seems as if an aquatic monster is drawing close, just as Luise has said.

"Now that you mentioned it, he's coming over here..." (Wendelin)

Doushi, who came swimming in our direction at a frightening speed, stopped at a place just in front of us, but we were assaulted by a large amount of water sprays. All of us end up being submersed.

"This swimming style is handy!" (Armstrong)

Doushi was pleased with the butterfly he chose.

"By the way, where's Wilma?" (Wendelin)

"If I remember correctly, she should be diving freely to catch shrimps and shell-fishes..." (Luise)

Immediately following Luise's reply, the ocean's surface swells greatly and Wilma makes an appearance there. In her hands she held a net bag with prey inside.

"I caught plenty." (Wilma)

"I see, that's great." (Wendelin)

For Wilma, rather than taking lessons in new swimming styles or playing around, it's enjoyable above all else with just the fruits of her gathering seafood.

Although she headed towards the sandy beach as is, the insides of her bag had an uncommon amount of shrimps, shells and fishes.

"She has filled it up quite a bit, but will she be able to eat all of them?" (Luise)

"As the freshness won't deteriorate once those are put into a magic bag, she will be able to enjoy them for a while." (Wendelin)

"She's steadily going for it..." (Ina)

With it just becoming noon in this place, we decide to take our lunch that was prepared by Dominique and Rhea.

The menu has mostly become barbecue. We ate it after putting dipping sauce on stuff like meat, seafood and vegetables that were grilled on top of a net.

"The soy sauce, miso and salt dips are delicious."

As all of them were dips which I completed by individually mixing them, doushi ate large quantities of grilled meat and fish while trying to gulp them down.

"Uncle-sama, how about some vegetables?" (Elise)

"Let's not care about those as vegetables are for later. Currently I prefer meat and seafood." (Armstrong)

"That's not overly good for your health." (Elise)

Doushi said something completely child-like and Elise was just like a mother in reverse.

"Wendelin-sama is eating vegetables as well." (Elise)

"There are dips for those after all." (Wendelin)

I ripped them off articles by makers who have created dips to be used with high-class ingredients in my previous life, but the mixture of flavours was harder than expected.

I couldn't obtain the same ingredients, the taste was different even after putting them in or I had troubles with the mixing ratio although I knew the main ingredients.

These three kinds of dips are the crystallization of my hardships.

'Does the taste change with such detailed mixing ratio?' (Erwin)

Even though someone was troubled with the mixture of the dips, Eru frequently teased me from the side.

He is an outrageous person to find fault with my dip mixtures. That's why you can also say that I executed a penalty by having him apply sunscreen on doushi.

"Certainly, those dips are well made." (Elise)

"Artur-san even wants me to sell him the recipes." (Wendelin)

"That man is good at business." (Elise)

"He's probably quick-witted since he's a former adventurer." (Wendelin)

"Vel-sama." (Wilma)

When I'm chatting with Elise, Wilma comes calling out to me next.

"What is it, Wilma?" (Wendelin)

"My stomach is empty." (Wilma)

"Mine as well." (Armstrong)

It seems, matching with doushi, she probably felt an insufficiency of carbohydrates since she has been only eating meat and seafood.

"You want to eat more after eating that much?" (Ina)

Ina looks astonished after seeing the mountain of husks of shell-fishes and shrimps which were eaten after being grilled by those two.

"Well, then I guess I will try to make some?" (Wendelin)

"Vel, you are making something?" (Luise)

"Now that we came to the ocean, we have to eat something slightly different." (Wendelin)

Once I take out an iron plate from my magic bag, I begin to apply heat to it by exchanging it with the freed-up grilling net.

Putting oil on it next, I fry minced meat as well as vegetables and put in steamed noodles, which I had prepared, as well. Using a sauce, I created myself same as the dips, as seasoning, I complete it by sprinkling green dried seaweed and red pickled ginger on the dish once I placed it on the plates after it stir-fried to a decent degree.

I created sauce yakisoba which reminds me of summer at the ocean. The reproduction of this was hard as well, but it helped me that the cooks in the mansion are excellent. Once I gave them an extent of explanation, they prepared steamed noodles, red pickled ginger and green dried seaweed.

"I have also completed a salt yakisoba which uses seafood as main ingredient in a different version." (Wendelin)

"It looks delicious." (Katharina)

Katharina apparently was sucked in by the aroma of the green dried seaweed and the fried sauce.

"It's a not-noble-like dish though." (Wendelin)

"Wendelin-san, how often are nobles boasting about having eaten some unusual dishes at parties?" (Katharina)

Katharina swiftly started to eat after her plate was filled with yakisoba.

It's an awfully large serving, but will that be alright with your diet you are always worrying about?

"It's tasty." (Ina)

"The saltiness is delicious as well." (Luise)

"It's a noodle dish I'm eating for the first time." (Elise)

Ina, Luise and Elise were apparently pleased with the yakisoba, too.

"It's great, but since there's isn't enough, make more." (Wilma)

"Let me have a go at it, too, since I saw the way of making it." (Armstrong)

After all those two seem to be unsatisfied with the amount.

Wilma and doushi begin to fry yakisoba as if competing with each other. I prepared a somewhat larger portion of the ingredients like the noodles, but those were completely fried on top of the iron plate. Speaking of that amount, it's the total of what's used at stalls at temple festivals.

Frying all of the prepared ingredients on the iron plate, they are making sizzling sounds. The two looked with quiet expressions at the frying state while stirring with the curling tongues.

"Doushi, will you be able to eat all of it?" (Wendelin)

"At least it won't be insufficient." (Armstrong)

"Doushi-sama, you were previously told by father-in-law to eat moderately." (Wilma)

"It's Minister Edgar, huh? That's not a wise saying." (Armstrong)

Although stuff like that has been said to doushi, he wasn't persuaded, even after being told by people who have tried to compete with Wilma, after several tens of yakisoba balls.

"They are lucky for not getting a sour stomach." (Ina)

It was just as Ina said, but as expected after the meal of those two, they began napping after lying down on the reclining chairs which were placed on the sandy beach.

Hearing an explosive-like snoring from doushi, it can be even used to ward off monsters going by its volume. I wonder how his wives are able to sleep at the same time?

"Wilma-san's appearance is cute." (Katharina)

As mentioned by Katharina, possesses a cuteness that incites the desire to protect her as she sleeps while being rolled into a ball like a small squirrel. It doesn't look like she ate more than doushi at all.

"Will we also take a little nap?"

"Yes, I became a bit sleepy with my stomach being full." (Elise)

"Being able to leisurely sleep at such times is also the true charm of vacations." (Wendelin)

"That's true." (Elise)

Given that we were worn-out from various things happening since the marriage ceremony, we start to doze despite drinking chilled juice and tea after lying down on the reclining chairs as well.

"It's an extravagant time." (Wendelin)

"Yes, it is." (Elise)

With the various hectic events occurring at the same time as becoming 16 years old, my conversation with Elise ends up becoming completely like that of an elderly couple.

Even though it's an age where you have a good time as senior high school student if it's on Earth, I have a feeling that there are many people who are living a fast life among the people of this world.

"Elise, that you are here really saves me. I don't quite understand about the capital's nobles." (Wendelin)

"I'm happy to be told that by you, Wendelin-sama." (Elise)

Elise, who smiles sweetly at me, was adorable.

And, after all her breasts, which don't lose their shape even after lying down, are the best.

"That's true. As I'm the daughter of a retainer, I can't advice you at this part, Vel." (Ina)

"It's the same for me. It's different from my world up until now. Katharina, you are only about outward appearance." (Luise)

"It couldn't be helped since I was a fallen noble. It was necessary to advertise myself even if only as outward appearance, Luise-san." (Katharina)

"You can certainly say that." (Luise)

Ina, Luise and Katharina acknowledge Elise's superiority.

At the time when I reaffirmed that, Elise had already departed into the world of dreams.

"She's tired, I guess." (Wendelin)

I cover Elise with a towel blanket and enjoy a brief myself as well.

And, after a few hours, the sandy beach was dyed red by the evening sun and the beauty of that stood out.

"It's wonderful." (Wendelin)

Me and Elise's group were deeply moved by the beautiful evening sun as we watched it from the sandy beach.

"It's really beautiful, Wendelin-sama." (Elise)

"Let's come here again, Vel." (Ina)

"Well~~~. Today we rested, right~~~." (Luise)

"We were able to eat plenty of delicious dishes." (Wilma)

"Private beach, it was enjoyable." (Katharina)

Once we are planning to return to the mansion after watching the setting sun for quite the long time, I call out to Dominique and Rhea who are cleaning up.

After lunch, once they finished tidying up until evening, I told them that it's fine to cook the remaining ingredients and to eat them.

I thought it would be improbable for it to go haywire if it's Dominique, but that new maid, Rhea, sat down at the location of the luggage which were put in order.

"What's wrong with this girl?" (Wendelin)

"While it's embarrassing, she genuinely overate." (Dominique)

"Eh! Is that so?" (Wendelin)

"She stuffed herself with large quantities of seafood which she can't eat often." (Dominique)

She properly cleaned up, but she apparently sat down there after reaching her limit.

"There are limits though!" (Dominique)

How many times is it with this? Dominique dropped her fist on Rhea's head.

"Ah, the memory of going to a high-class restaurant with my family at the age of 7 has..." (Rhea)

"As I said, it hasn't vanished, now has it?" (Dominique)

The combination of the serious Dominique and the funny character of Rhea was completely like a two-person comedy act.

"How about taking some stomach medicine if you overate?" (Wendelin)

Taking out a stomach medicine made out of herbs from my magic bag, I hand it over to Rhea.

"Ah, master's benevolence is piercing the heart of this one..." (Rhea)

'This girl is funny...' (Wendelin)

Once making Rhea take the medicine, we immediately return to the mansion with [Teleportation] after changing our clothes.

When I entered the living room to take my dinner after enjoying a shower to wash off the salt sticking to my body, I found Eru's figure there as he's reading a thick bundle of papers by turning the pages over.

"What are you reading?" (Wendelin)

"Guidelines of commanding military forces. In the beginning it will be classroom study." (Erwin)

"I see." (Wendelin)

He apparently received the documents which handled only the necessary parts from within the books about military science from Thorsten.

He zealously read those.

"At any rate, today was cruel, wasn't it?" (Erwin)

"That was, you know..." (Wendelin)

As result of no one wanting to apply sunscreen on the brawny doushi, I simply ended up remembering the existence of Eru in my head all of a sudden which was an unfortunate accident, I explain to Eru.

"Tomorrow you have off, haven't you?" (Wendelin)

"Even without particularly applying sunscreen on doushi's body, I will have off tomorrow." (Erwin)

"You realized it after all, huh?" (Wendelin)

"I rather want to know someone that wouldn't realize that!" (Erwin)

Certainly, it's as Eru says.

"Let me introduce you to one girl instead." (Wendelin)

"You real?" (Erwin)

"Yea, she is quite the cute girl." (Wendelin)

I'm not telling a lie.

The new maid Rhea seems to be two years younger than Dominique, but her style doesn't lose to Dominique either. She has a lovely appearance with her flaxen hair.

If I let Dominique speak out, she would says something to the extent of, "If I somehow do something about her way of talking...", but as maid she was actually excellent.

"Is it true? Who is it?" (Erwin)

Since he's asking too delightfully, I tell him Rhea's name. Thereupon, Eru's expression begins to get clouded at once.

"Eh! That girl?" (Erwin)

"You knew her?" (Wendelin)

"Well, yea..." (Erwin)

He has actually witnessed the fist of Dominique, who is in charge of her education, dropped on her.

"That person, is she alright?" (Erwin)

"Her way of talking is a bit questionable, but she's an unexpectedly nice girl, I think." (Wendelin)

Her ability as maid shouldn't lose out to even Dominique. I believe it to be good for taking her as wife.

"How about trying to invite her for a date as test?" (Wendelin)

"Y~~~ea, let met think it over." (Erwin)

* * *

The next day Eru ended up leaving to the down-town of Baulburg by himself for his day off, but in reality it was also the first holiday for Rhea after coming to us.

"Dominique-nee-san, what if I'm called out by a man down-town?" (Rhea)

"Call the guards if he's persistent. They will help you if you tell them that you are serving in the mansion of master." (Dominique)

She is always dropping her fist on her, but Dominique apparently loves Rhea. She saw off Rhea, who left to the city for her first vacation, in front of the mansion.

"Got it. Then it's at once the start of hunting for sweets." (Rhea)

"Make sure to not waste your money." (Dominique)

"I know that. I will buy some presents." (Rhea)

At the moment the figure of Rhea, who ran off in full spirits, couldn't be seen any more, I tell Dominique about the matter of me having recommended Rhea to Eru.

"Huh? Rhea, you mean?" (Dominique)

"As best friend of Eru I don't want to forcibly push a girlfriend of him, but it's so that he can choose her as one of the options." (Wendelin)

"Will that be alright?" (Dominique)

Once letting Dominique speak out, it's probably inevitable for her to worry about that questionable way of talking. She has to correct it a bit more.

"Maybe it's possible." (Wendelin)

"Understood. For the time being I shall keep it in mind." (Dominique)

Will those two get ever married?

Currently that was a future only Heaven knows.

Chapter 78: Friendship Visit Group

"Friendship Visit Group?" (Wendelin)

"Yea, I participated ten years ago as well, but this time you have been nominated too, Earl Baumeister." (Armstrong)

Around two months after holding the marriage ceremony, I heard the story about the Friendship Visit Group which will be dispatched to the neighbouring country, Holy Empire Urquhart, from doushi in my mansion in Baulburg.

"I will join, too?" (Wendelin)

"Earl Baumeister, you are a celebrity, thus there's the order from His Majesty to have you participate by all means. Also, it seems that extends to Katharina-dono, too." (Armstrong)

"Me too? I shall do my best to meet your expectations." (Katharina)

It seems the Friendship Visit Groups are dispatched by both countries with a scale of around 200 people each once every 10 years. The previous time of Helmut Kingdom is 10 years ago and for Holy Empire Urquhart it's 5 years ago.

Although it's 10 years for both, it has apparently adapted a visiting system of either side visiting either side every 5 years like summer and winter Olympics. I heard about such event existing, but it didn't become even a topic of talks in my parent's family's home.

Since it was unlikely that we would be called, it finished with saying that we are unrelated. Most likely father and mother should have been aware of it in a corner of their minds.

"Is it something like 'Let's get along with each other as there's no war anymore'?" (Wendelin)

"There's that as well, but in a certain sense you can also say that there is a war." (Armstrong)

Each side brings along great products and new technologies, both sides are apparently aiming for comments like, "Those have been developed by us. Are you jealous? Look!".

It seems to be some kind of event to enhance national prestige.

Given that there are things like revisions of trade negotiations, this could also be called a war with the name political negotiations.

"Of course there's also the announcement of excellent magicians!" (Armstrong)

As understandable after seeing the dispute with the Margrave Browig household, a magician, who can use wide-area advanced level spells, is able to overturn a war situation at times.

Actually, if both armies clash into each other, it won't be possible for one side to be that easily dominating since there is almost the same number of magicians with the same ranks on both sides, but if one side has many excellent magicians, it will turn into an advantage during the progress of the battle.

Announcing those abilities apparently serves the purpose of preventing a war by being militarily pressured by the other side.

"The last time I led the magicians!" (Armstrong)

It's only natural if you consider doushi's strength, or rather, one might think that they will hesitate to start a war once they see it. At any rate, he is the biggest deterrence on this continent.

"Did Burkhart-san ever attend there?" (Wendelin)

"Of course I was invited. If Alf was still alive, he would have been invited though." (Burkhart)

Burkhart-san, who came to the mansion together with doushi, answers my question.

Basically a magician is apparently not invited if they are a noble themselves or if it's unacceptable as employee of a noble. Since Burkhart-san was employed by Margrave Breithilde instead of master, he was together with doushi for around three weeks after being invited to it.

"Now that I think about it, I'm an acquaintance of Burkhart-dono since that time." (Armstrong)

'I at least knew his face since before that. It seemed that he was a friend of Alf...' (Burkhart)

"And, actually meeting him at the Friendship Visit Group, I became speechless at that time due to the strong character of doushi." Burkhart-san explained to me the circumstances in a whisper.

"This time the employed me was called as well." (Burkhart)

"Is it alright for so many magicians to leave?" (Wendelin)

"Until now it was fine. Besides, stuff like this shows the backbone of a country." (Burkhart)

Even the brief announcements of special spells and magic battles will be carried out at a welcome party venue.

Military authorities of both sides at that venue measure the abilities and numbers of the magicians who are affiliated to their currently imaginary enemy.

Since magicians, who earn their income in the private economy, won't attend due to it being a bother for them, it's mostly an obligation for magicians who are employed by the kingdom and nobles. Serving at the court promises stability, but being unable to oppose such order might be a shortcoming.

"That means you can also call it a kind of war." (Burkhart)

"That sounds serious." (Wendelin)

"Be that as it may, until now there weren't any troubles. Right, doushi?" (Burkhart)

"That's right. After appropriately revealing the spells, sightseeing is the main." (Armstrong)

Given that we are magicians, we have more free time than the group of nobles and government officials of other commerces and industries. For them there are things like technology exchanges and renewals of import/export agreements, but it's fine if a magician simply presents their magic.

As the rest is sightseeing, doushi explained that the main will mostly be playing around.

"You can say that there are some kinds of sightseeing tours. Earl Baumeister, it's fine for you to go with the feeling of going on a trip while taking your wives along." (Armstrong)

"Is it alright to take the family along?" (Wendelin)

"If you are a noble, there's absolutely no problem!" (Armstrong)

Although there will be around 200 members in the entourage, the participating numbers will increase because everyone takes their subordinates, secretaries and guards along. Especially the important nobles increase the numbers since they take even their wives and retainers along.

"Anticipating that, there will be two large magic airships chartered. Thus there's no problem!" (Armstrong)

As it's a national event, they won't make an oversight in such matters.

It was decided that the Friendship Visit Group will be transported by mobilizing reserve magic airships.

"Just right for the honeymoon, isn't it? Everyone thinks that as well, right?" (Wendelin)

"True. A travel to Holy Empire Urquhart is a precious occasion." (Elise)

Elise, who poured maté tea in everyone's empty teacups, replies to my question.

There's also the matter of it still being a ceasefire. The personnel from both sides isn't allowed to leave either capital city, but since it's a travel to the sole existing foreign country, the Friendship Visit Group boasted of a secret popularity.

As it's just trade, which unifies a state by exchanging private relations, there are many people who are eager to go with the nobles and merchants. It has already been carried out more than 20 times, but particular troubles haven't occurred. That means we are able to have a safe vacation abroad.

"However, will the entourage be limited or regulated?" (Wendelin)

Since not everyone can take along dozens of people, the numbers of the entourage will be first decided after the requests have been submitted.

It seems that great nobles can bring along many people, but they will be regarded coldly by the surroundings if only they bring along too many.

Since the prescription in that matter is troublesome, I decide to dump it completely on Roderich.

"Someone like me went alone because that's too troublesome." (Armstrong)

'That is because doushi likely wants to enjoy travelling alone though' (Wendelin)

Given that it's travelling to a foreign country, it might have been his wish for a feeling of freedom.

Before that, there's the fundamental question, "Does doushi, who is the ultimate stand-alone combat soldier, require any guards?" though.

"We are fine with the usual line-up, I think." (Wendelin)

Things are advancing favourably, but since we are developing the Savage Lands and Herthania Valley at the same time, it will cause a heavy burden on Roderich, whom I have entrusted with that, if we take too many people along even if it's only as guards.

Me, Eru and my wives are probably enough.

"Yes, if it's at the level of simple housework, we will handle that." (Wendelin)

Since we have even slept outdoors at the times of working as adventurers, there was no necessity to take maids along unreasonably.

As Dominique is newly-wed as well, it would likely be better to increase her free time currently. Lately we have caused her a lot of troubles.

The new maid, Rhea, revealed an expression of wanting to go as well, but if we suddenly took a newcomer to a foreign country, it might cause friction between the other maids. Besides, this time a maid isn't particularly necessary.

"Wilma, what do you think?" (Wendelin)

"I look forward to the meals." (Wilma)

"Those will be there." (Wendelin)

Since it's a slightly cold northern country, it was very likely for us to encounter different dishes and ingredients there.

"The Holy Empire Urquhart is overwhelmingly superior as for the domestically produced seafood of the oceans."

In addition there might also be some good ingredients and recipes. If it suits my palate, I will gladly negotiate for its import.

"How about you, Luise?" (Wendelin)

"It's our honeymoon. There won't be any problems since we will be there as guards." (Luise)

Luise, who most recently matched doushi in power, replies while pushing out her chest of which she doesn't have overly much. Even so, they have become a bit bigger after marrying, but there were many people who didn't notice it even among her close acquaintances.

"You, Katharina?" (Wendelin)

"It's an honour to be chosen for the Friendship Visit Group. I will exhibit my magic to my heart's content." (Katharina)

If it's Katharina, she will doubtlessly say that, I thought.

The family head of the Waigel household, which had fallen once, was chosen as member of the Friendship Visit Group to which a normal noble isn't nominated readily.

"Ina, are there some nice sightseeing spots?" (Wendelin)

"The Köln* Cathedral or the Large Morning Market of Shitamachi*; there are other smaller, passable tourist attractions as well." (Ina)

(T/N: Köln = Cologne .. the author explicitly used the city's name here. The cathedral over there is called "Kölner Dom." Shitamachi is the low-lying area of eastern Tokyo near Tokyo Bay, I could change it into a German name but I'm kind not sure what's good for Urquhart yet)

Ina looked at a book called, [Margrave Breithilde's Bardiche Traveller's Journal] which was brought by Burkhart-san.

Having been chosen as member of the previous Friendship Visit Group, Margrave Breithilde collected his observed information in a private book.

The contents have turned into a sightseeing guide which was made quite well. Margrave Breithilde seems to be a person of the literal arts after all.

"I'm looking forward to it."

"Yea."

"Hey, this is more or less my job, however..."

It was unusual for Burkhart-san to only talk seriously, but he will carry out the necessary public works and serious arrangements together with Roderich since there are matters to handle during my absence as well. Especially the road improvement and mining help in Herthania Valley is a hard struggle. Even this is for an enjoyable honeymoon abroad.

It was decided that the participants will only be the usual members. The matters regarding ourselves can be handled by us. It's also wrong to increase the numbers excessively since it has been decided how many can board the ships.

As we have a shortage of labour, I wanted to avoid taking even a single guard if possible.

"If there's Eru, Luise and Wilma, common guards are unnecessary." (Wendelin)

"That's true, isn't it?"

"Them not being there is honeymoon-like."

Also, there's the matter of us cutting the share of other nobles if we increase our entourage.

If we increase the entourage even though being newcomers, who completely profited from ores with mithril being the main appearing in Herthania Valley, it would be a reason for us being very likely trash-talked with, "The upstarts are impertinent!".

Nobles are truly troublesome creatures.

It was basically a suggestion to go without guards and Roderich approved it while being reluctant.

"Please ignore the other nobles and escape with magic if something happens." (Roderich)

"Does that happen?" (Wendelin)

"It does. That's why there are nobles who increase their guards by even using the quota of other people's entourage." (Roderich)

As a noble is responsible for their own life, the public won't complain or anything at the time when their own lord died while other nobles survived. On the contrary, it will finish with them being blamed with, "Isn't that because you lot's guard arrangement was no good?".

"Even if we increase it somewhat, annihilation will be inevitable if the Holy Empire Urquhart feels like it." (Wendelin)

Since we are going to be isolated in the midst of the enemy, you could say that the difference in guard numbers was meaningless. Besides, so far troubles haven't occurred even once.

"Even so, high-ranking nobles, who have a history, try to increase their attendants because of their pride. Well, neither Lord-sama nor Katharina-sama need that, but..." (Roderich)

We are participating in the name of His Majesty. It can't be expected that Holy Empire Urquhart's side doesn't know of the achievements, I have obtained until now. If the people themselves come, the other side might selfishly kick up a fuss, Roderich explained.

"Such a thing. That means something might happen in worst case, right?" (Wendelin)

"To the bitter end it's in worst case. Both countries are profiting from the ceasefire except a part of the authorities." (Roderich)

No matter which world, there exist people who try to gain profits from war. Except for such people, the current state of ceasefire is desirable ((for the majority)).

By possessing occupied territories crossing over the gigantic crevice, the costs for defence will become too expensive. As it's indispensable to urgently transport soldiers if something happens, they would have to be able to always move large magic airships.

"Even for Holy Empire Urquhart having lost the southern territories, which were across the gigantic crevice, was good in regards to benefits. However, since it was a defeat, it looks like there's a fixed number of emotional expedition advocates among a part of the military authorities."

"After all there are such people in our country as well, right?"

"Such groups are in any country. They are also among the nobles possessing territories in the north. And even among the troops of the central government. They don't have the influence decide a dispatch of troops by the kingdom, but..."

No matter which world, such extremists aren't rare.

We, who considered that there's no other way even if we worry about it, began to prepare for our departure in a hurry.

* * *

"Ooh! It's size isn't inferior to Stadtburg."

One week later, we had an unbroken view on Bardiche, the capital city of Holy Empire Urquhart, from atop the deck of a large magic airship which was prepared by the kingdom's government.

According to documents, Bardiche was only a bit above in size and population compared to Stadtburg.

The visible buildings had mostly only few differences to the properties of the Helmut Kingdom style, but there are some among the visible buildings that had, what is called on Earth, structures of Islam style, India style, Chinese style and Japanese style. It seems Holy Empire Urquhart is a mix of various cultures.

"It's a multi-ethic culture?" (Wendelin)

"Looks like it. It's written in the book that Holy Empire Urquhart was established by unifying many small countries." (Ina)

Ina, who was next to me, informs me of the contents which are written in, [Margrave Breithilde's Bardiche Traveller's Journal].

"Who is chosen as emperor from the seven Duke households, who hold the titles of prince-electors, seems to be a relic of that ((time))."

An Imperial family exists in the capital city as well more or less, but it appears like once in every 3~4 times an emperor is born who is originating from the imperial family.

The rest is chosen from among the prince-electors, who announced their candidacy, at a vote by the members belonging to the Noble's Congress.

That means there is a partial electoral system, however this was also the proof that the power of their central government wasn't as strong as that of Helmut Kingdom.

"They have various circumstances due to the country, huh? Well, I don't care as I have my hands full with the matters concerning my own territory." (Wendelin)

Right after that the large magic airships arrived at a port which is located in the outskirts of Bardiche.

Once we disembark the ship, we receive a welcome from Holy Empire Urquhart.

A military bands performs the national anthem of Helmut Kingdom and many nobles express welcoming words one after the other. This part doesn't seem to be overly different from the nations on Earth.

"It looks like the magicians have been strengthened this time, Armstrong-doushi-dono." (???)

"It might be called as the start of young talents sprouting, Blatson-dono?"

"He's the dragon slaying hero-dono? He's young. Oops, excuse me. I'm called Alley Blatson. For the time being I'm the Head Magician of this country." (Blatson)

A magician of Holy Empire Urquhart calls out to the group of 20 magicians which included me.

A slender elder with an age of around 60 years, who had his silver-grey hair swept back and wore an ashen robe, introduced himself as Imperial Head Magician.

His amount of mana is probably slightly above Burkhart-san's? Going by the visible impression, he looks like he possesses quite the ability. He is likely the same type of a skilful and clever magician like Burkhart-san.

"However, isn't there too many magicians?" (Blatson)

Blatson's line of sight turned towards my wives who are with me.

As my wives' mana increased after they did it with me, there were actually magicians among those travelling on the magic airship who were annoying.

"Who knows? Why is that so? I want to know that as well. We had a normal vessel matching though." (Wendelin)

I deceived them by saying that, but they gained mana to the degree of Elise being in the middle of advanced level, Katharina approaching close to doushi in mana capacity, even Luise being mostly equal to Burkhart-san and Ina as well as Wilma having risen to intermediate level.

That mystery was very interesting for the magicians, but we swindled them by deliberately giving them the slip. They are unable to do something like forcibly examine us anyway.

'I will definitely take it with me to my grave.' (Wendelin)

That's because the majority of the attending magicians is male.

I don't want to have something like anal sex with them either. There's also the aspect of it being a bad joke if there was no effect after doing it by force.

Besides, there's the issue that it's treated as heresy by the church. Once I secretly discussed this matter with Cardinal Hohenheim, I received the appreciated advice, "Evade it adequately. Also, make sure to be careful of women".

As he's also the grandfather of Elise, a situation appearing, where I have no choice but to make a move on women indiscriminately, is likely not desirable for him. He declared that he will, take it with him to his grave as well.

"As a matter of fact, my wives have blended in as well. They are no official group members though." (Wendelin)

"Now that you mention it, Saint-dono and Storm-dono are your esteemed wives, aren't they?" (Blatson)

After all, though they are in the empire, they do at least research the information of famous magicians in advance.

"I have practically become the person in charge of stuff like following-up during your stay and welcoming you magicians." (Blatson)

The busy group members related to trade as well as exchange of technology and culture are handled by nobles and specialised government officials.

As time seemed precious for them, they started to move right away.

"We have free time except for tomorrow's unveiling of magic. There's no necessity to hurry that much."

"Blatson, won't you announce me soon as well?" (???)

(T/N: She uses an archaic way of expressing herself, will try to express it somewhat with my poor English skills)

"Excuse me for this, Therese-sama." (Blatson)

"I cannot use magic, but I'm the chief executive even though just a figurehead. I welcome your tarriance from the bottom of mine own heart." (Therese)

The woman, who showed up from behind Blatson-san, was a person where everyone could immediately see that she has a high-class social standing. There was the manner of her speech itself. And, her attire and appearance give that impression as well.

With a height of around 170 cm, she is a characteristically sensual beauty with a dark brown, smooth skin, which I never saw in Helmut Kingdom, and she seems to be from Holy Empire Urquhart which is a multiracial nation.

Having her dark blonde hair extend down to her shoulders, her breasts don't lose to those of Elise. From my point of view who was painted by lust for a long time after marrying, she was an attractive beauty that makes me think about something indiscreet like, "I absolutely want her to be my partner at least once".

"Mine name is Duchess Therese Sigrid von Philip. I'm quaint much a prince-elector, but I have no heed in becoming the emperor." (Therese)

"A female family head?" (Wendelin)

"Right. She has been recognised by our state." (Blatson)

In Holy Empire Urquhart female emperors and noble family heads were allowed.

This is a fact which is also stated in [Margrave Breithilde's Bardiche Traveller's Journal] brought along by Ina.

"Such difference in culture is for sure enjoyable for a friendship tarriance, right? Or does your taste not permit such custom, Earl Baumeister-dono?" (Therese)

"No, there is no such thing." (Wendelin)

Even at the trading company I worked at in my previous life, there were plenty of female employees.

Or rather, something like distinction by gender is irrelevant. In short, there's no problem if she's suitable as family head.

"As simple concept, it's fine as long as a magician can use magic." (Blatson)

"You mean, it's fine as long a feudal lord can govern their territory?" (Wendelin)

"It has no relation to gender and age, right?" (Blatson)

"That's true as well. Well then, thus it means I became the one in charge here, but..." (Therese)

It seems that only Duchess Philip is a female family head among the prince-electors. If she's in charge of our country's group members, which mostly consist of other men, it might cause an unexpected friction. Considering it like that, Blatson was sent around to be in charge of us.

"It doesn't make any sense if a magician can't use any magic. There is no distinction between women or men in that regard." (Blatson)

"That is so." (Therese)

It is said that there are few magicians who discriminate by gender instinctively. However, that's not the case if they were born with an upper pedigree. As a matter of fact, there are many men who are employed by the kingdom as magicians. The majority of the magicians in this time's Friendship Visit Group were men.

Actually, since women are well-attuned to their honest interests, there's also the other reason that many of them are going ahead with the adventurer occupation, where they can earn money, rather than being employed which only guarantees them a salary and social standing.

Many of the female adventurers took the choice of working at a scale they are capable of while rearing children after earning as much money as possible until they marry.

"Even if we simply talk in this place, it's a waste of time. Since I shall lead you to your lodging house, I want to invite you to a luncheon meeting after resting for a dram while." (Therese)

Following her guidance, we travel by carriage to a guest house close to the Imperial palace which is located in the centre of Bardiche, but for some reason she boarded the same carriage as us.

"Umm... Is there no problem with you not being on the carriage with doushi and Burkhart-san?" (Wendelin)

"Those elder gentlemen are unavoidably probing each other's minds and getting excited in reminiscent discourse. A youth is better situated among fellow youths, right?" (Therese)

'She speaks her mind without holding back anything...' (Luise)

Luise leaked her true opinion in a whisper due to Duchess Philip saying too much.

"Those two did participate last time. Blatson was the Head Magician last time as well. Those gents likely have various things to speak of. Even if the still young me enters there, what's the point of that?" (Therese)

'Still young, huh...?' (Wendelin)

I won't ask as it's bad manners to inquire about a woman's age, but I wonder how old she might be? She looks like at least 20, but in that case it will be weird for her to know about the circumstances of the previous Friendship Visit Group.

"I did succeed the Duke Philip household at the mere age of 10 back then as well. I was just a figurehead as child, but I fulfilled this role the last time, too." (Therese)

Due to the sudden death of her father, it was the time when she, who is an only daughter, just finished succeeding the Duke Philip household.

"Really?" (Wendelin)

"Otherwise it's not that easy to become a Duchess no matter how much one is recognised as family head." (Therese)

In the end even Holy Empire Urquhart seems to prefer male succession.

Female succession being approved appears to be based on the way of thinking that the blood will weaken if it's left to adopted children or those adopted into the family of one's bride. There seem to be some exceptions because of several other households, but that's about it as for the detailed circumstances, Therese-sama explained.

Asking a person I met for the first time is something even I won't do as they will think badly of me.

"However, that doushi is irrevocably the same as ever." (Therese)

"Well, he is that sort of person after all..." (Wendelin)

Everyone's feelings matched for the first time in regards to that topic.

"That gentleman hasn't changed from 10 years ago at all." (Therese)

Moreover, even his appearance is mostly the same, apparently.

As muscled daruma since the old times, I could imagine that he had an appearance that makes even yakuza run away.

"We shall arrive soon." (Therese)

The carriage arrives at the guest house.

The greeting employees and butlers guide us to our respective rooms. Since I was an Earl, I was led to a quite spacious, luxurious room.

However, the single matter that catches my eye is the point of everyone being given a private room albeit Elise's group is next to each other.

"If it's married couples, won't they get the same room, I wonder?" (Wendelin)

"Please, do not mind it and consider that point as expression of our welcome." (Therese)

Once we rested for a bit after placing our luggage in the rooms, Duchess Philip herself picked us up telling us that the luncheon meeting is beginning.

"That's an honour, but personally by you, Duchess Philip-sama?" (Wendelin)

"I have a paramount interest in you. I'm more or less a woman who did miss her chance to get married, but aren't you glad that I keep you company without being that hard-hearted?" (Therese)

"No... Aren't you beautiful, Duchess Philip-sama?" (Wendelin)

"I'm jolly happy to be told that by you. Well, then shall we go?" (Therese)

"Huh!?" (Wendelin)

No sooner than saying that, she starts to head towards the dining hall while pulling my hand. Of course, since that's not an action normally done by a Duchess, Elise and the others became speechless as well.

"Oh, yes, It is fine for you to address me as Therese." (Therese)

"That is, as expected..." (Wendelin)

"Do not mind. It's a wish of mine who possesses the authority to succeed His Majesty the Emperor as princess-elector. There are no boorish people, who shall publicly criticize it, in either country. And there's no merit in minding something like malicious prattle." (Therese)

She, who is amiable if compared to her usual social standing, coerces me into calling her by her name by mentioning her social rank as princess-elector at a time like this.

Without a doubt she should be a capable person as member of the imperial family and as noble, to whom someone like me is no match.

"Understood, Therese-sama." (Wendelin)

"There's no particular need for the -sama though. Well, there are the eyes of the public, thus it can't be helped, I guess?" (Therese)

It seems I'm liked very much by this female Duchess-sama. Even in the seating order at the luncheon meeting I was sitting next to Therese-sama who is located at what is called the birthday seat as organizer.

Doushi sits next to her on the opposite side and Burkhart-san apparently next to him.

"Is that okay? For me to be in this seat?" (Wendelin)

"It's not weird. If one considers your rank, Wendelin-sama." (Elise)

Elise, who sits in the seat next to me on the opposite side of Therese-sama, tells me secretly.

Among the magicians here I, as Earl, have a rank that comes next after doushi. Thus there's no problem even if I sit next to Therese-sama like doushi. Doushi is a viscount, but he is in such seat in his standing as Royal Head Magician which seems to be even equal with a Duchess.

"My treatment is also that of a distinguished healing magician in the church." (Elise)

There's that as well. It means that she is next to me even though she isn't an official member of the Friendship Visit Group. Katharina was sitting next to her. It was because she holds a peerage albeit it has an honorary attached to it.

"Well then, shall we have a toast? Praying for the eternal friendship between both countries, cheers." (Therese)

"Cheers!"

After having a toast upon Therese-sama's instruction, the rest was spending time eating while chatting.

The menu was a full course which used fish. This should come from the northern territories which are abundant in seafood.

"Mine own Philip Principality is located in the north. Thus it's notorious for its dishes which use fish from the northern seas." (Therese)

Because they are used to eating fish, the transport and processing of it is perfect as well. It was delicious without any fish smell at all.

"Was I able to please you, Earl Baumeister?" (Therese)

"Yes, I like fish after all." (Wendelin)

Since I deliberately go to the extent of importing it by paying a high amount of money, that point was nothing but the deed of a Japanese himself.

"That is most wondrous. However, doushi, you don't change." (Therese)

"I have a still immature body, thus something like being beyond my prime doesn't apply." (Armstrong)

Usually he was like that, but as expected of the family head of an appointed Viscount household. While eating the food with perfect table manners, he talked with Therese-sama.

"Therese-sama, you became beautiful." (Burkhart)

"Burkhart, do you intend to court me? As ever of the newly-wed you." (Therese)

"No, not at all. Such an outrageous thing." (Burkhart)

"If I compare it to the shocking metamorphosis called getting married, Burkhart, mine own growth into adulthood is like a providence." (Therese)

"You are the same as ever, Therese-sama." (Burkhart)

Even though it's after 10 years, those three are chatting quite intimately. I wonder if there was some profoundly memorable incident between them?

"10 years ago I was a child. Since I had free time except for the official welcoming event, I had those two play with me." (Therese)

Having those two serve as guards, Therese-sama took them along to tourist attractions she couldn't go to usually.

"We did quite the absurd things." (Therese)

"Let me tell you, but I prevented it in the beginning." (Burkhart)

"Somehow I can imagine it." (Wendelin)

Being in high spirits due to such playing around is clearly doushi's category.

Since Burkhart-san couldn't stop him, I believe it was the truth that he was attached as guard to her to at least try guarantee her safety if possible.

"Thanks to that, I was able to go out playing safely. It's truly the grace of magicians. By the way, is it fine for me to ask one thing?" (Therese)

"What is it?"

"I have heard that Burkhart is likely the most well-informed about magic among this group, but something strange took place before..." (Therese)

That was during the time when Therese-sama set out to her inspection of the territory as usual.

"For several years the seafood of the north enjoys a most wondrous popularity in the whole nation here." (Therese)

Due to the popularization of methods to preserve its freshness, the transportation efficiency has increased as well. The business has gained in quantity including Bardiche, too.

"The export is satisfactory, too. But, if you simply take away, the hauls shall end up decreasing." (Therese)

The restriction of a good fish size for catching, a set period of fishing prohibition, establishment of fish reefs, the development of simple aquaculture and prosecution of poachers. Since they have been putting forth an effort in this, she often inspects the actual sites.

"It happened during the time when I embarked on a ship to scrutinize the fishing grounds at the coast." (Therese)

All of a sudden Therese-sama's underwear ended up disappearing.

'Dangerous...' (Wendelin)

"It is not a problem of me having forgotten that I took them off. I dare say I'm not yet at the age where I start to get senile either." (Therese)

"Strange things do happen..." (Wendelin)

It was perfectly the case of a mysterious underwear which was summoned by the summoning magic square which I experimented with at the Sorcery Guild.

If I remember correctly, Mr. Beckenbauer should have testified that underwear as property of the Duke Philip household by their drawn family crest as it was a high-class item which was custom ordered.

"......"

Once I sent a look in Burkhart-san's direction, he revealed an expression of, "As I thought." for just an instant and reset it right away in a hurry.

However, among the members of the Friendship Visit Group there are also those affiliated to the Sorcery Guild.

They, who aren't accustomed to critical situations like Burkhart-san, remembered that matter and their expressions became hectic.

"(Don't get agitated! It will likely get exposed!)" (Wendelin)

Unable to complain to them by any means, I was frantic to keep my own serenity.

"By no means I had a substitute underwear on top of the ship. The cool tingle of the passing wind was unbearable during the return. What do you think, Burkhart?" (Therese)

"It was some transfer or summoning magic, I guess?" (Burkhart)

Given that there's the possibility of him being doubted if he said, "I don't know at all.", Burkhart-san replied in an obscure manner while on purpose providing the true answer.

"After all. Blatson has said so as well. However, there are some mysterious happenings for sure." (Therese)

"It's truly strange." (Wendelin)

"True, it's as you say, Earl-sama." (Burkhart)

Burkhart-san and me converse in an unnatural manner.

The luncheon ended somehow without the matter being further pursued, but it might have been exposed due to those agitated members of the Sorcery Guild.

If I consider it like this, I become uneasy how things will develop from now on.

* * *

"The underwear from that time, eh..." (Ina)

Once I returned to my room, Ina and Luise, who are aware of the circumstances after having listened to the story from their seats at the edge, waited for me there.

Ina, who had her wearing panties with rabbit embroidery as back print exposed because of my previous summoning magic, showed a bitter expression.

"By the way, it's this." (Wendelin)

"Vel, it's fine even if you don't actually take them out." (Luise)

Luise, who had her wearing a black adult bra despite her very small breasts exposed similarly, criticizes me for taking out the underwear from my magic bag.

"Earl-sama, put away those dangerous stolen goods." (Burkhart)

"Roger." (Wendelin)

After I put away the violet underwear into the magic bag once again upon Burkhart-san's instruction, the four of us bring our faces close to each other and begin a secret talk.

It's for the sake of deciding what to do from now on if the matter was pursued by Therese-sama.

"Anyway, there's no other choice but to cut through by playing dumb. Even the proving underwear can only be taken out by Earl-sama. There won't be no problem if they aren't discovered until we return." (Burkhart)

"Burkhart-san, didn't you notice it at that time?" (Wendelin)

"You know, no matter how much it has the family crest of the Duke Philip household, just how many women do you think are part of that household?" (Burkhart)

"That's also true..." (Wendelin)

Since such underwear is worn by terribly old nobles, I was assaulted by the nonsensical feeling of relief that it was great for them being something belonging to Therese-sama in fact.

"Or rather, in my memories Therese-sama was a child. Her image wouldn't pop up, even if I saw such underwear." (Burkhart)

"Certainly..." (Wendelin)

A 10 year old child wearing violet underwear would be problematic.

Since Therese-sama wouldn't stay a child forever, that part was likely a lack of Burkhart-san's imagination.

"We have been suspected because of the idiots from the Sorcery Guild, but there's no evidence no matter what. We will feign ignorance." (Burkhart)

"It's a serious secret talk, but the contents are stupid..." (Luise)

"Luise-jou-can, everyone knows about that." (Burkhart)

As it's also possible that we will be suspected if it takes too long, we finish the secret talk with this.

The magic presentation is tomorrow morning. As it's tomorrow planned to have a welcome banquet sponsored by the Imperial palace, today became free time until sleep.

Accordingly I decided to dress stylishly for the Bardiche sightseeing while taking Elise and the others along.

"What did you talk about after gathering?" (Katharina)

"It was a trifling talk about tourist attractions." (Wendelin)

Although it was nasty towards Katharina, it's difficult to leak it if there's only few people who know a secret. Therefore it was a secret between only the four of us who knew of the incident at the Sorcery Guild.

"Let's go sightseeing." (Wendelin)

"That's right. I look forward to it." (Katharina)

"Vel-sama, my stomach is empty." (Wilma)

"Wilma-san, didn't you eat that much not long ago?" (Katharina)

"Once my mana capacity increased, my eating gained in quantity a little and I end up losing weight right away if I don't eat anything." (Wilma)

"How enviable..." (Katharina)

Because of her usage of the increased mana, Wilma ended up having a constitution that needs more calories than before. In exchange she reached the point of retaining a combat ability that can even rival Luise in ground battle.

"Katharina, you aren't particularly fat, right?" (Wendelin)

"A slight negligence always gives birth to regret afterwards." (Katharina)

Always saying that, Katharina strives at doing small diets, but it didn't seem like those had much of an effect. Maybe it's because she's only picking chocolate for snacking.

"Won't you burn calories if you use mana?" (Wendelin)

Excluding a part of exceptions, that was the cause of magicians not being fat.

"My waist has to become a little more slim." (Katharina)

"Is that so?" (Wendelin)

"Wendelin-san!" (Katharina)

Currently I'm touching Katharina's waist with both hands, but it appears plenty slender to me.

Katharina, who had her waist touched all of a sudden, raised her voice which was mixed with surprise and protest.

"It's fine, isn't it? I just wanted to touch it." (Wendelin)

"I don't particularly mind you touching it, but tell me in advance..." (Katharina)

After all she was apparently weak to such spontaneous act.

"Wendelin-sama, you will end up surprising Katharina-san if you do it all of a sudden. Apart from that, let's depart quickly." (Elise)

"That's true as well. Well then, where shall we go?" (Wendelin)

With Elise actively leading me by the hand, which is unusual, we leave the guest house and move to down-town. It looks like she was slightly jealous of Therese-sama's proactive action before.

"Shall we first go to the renown gelato shop in this neighbourhood?" (Elise)

"Yes." (Wendelin)

The two of us headed towards the shop, which was recorded in the book, while holding hands, but suddenly our route is blocked by two people.

Once I look again, it was doushi and Therese-sama in a one-piece appearance just as it's worn by merchant daughters.

"Uncle-sama?" (Elise)

"Therese-sama was fulfilling her desire of having a stroll in the city after a long time..." (Armstrong)

Different from usual, doushi's words are weak and his eyes are swimming too. He doesn't want to obstruct the honeymoon of his niece, but he is unable to decline Therese-sama's wish.

I have a feeling that doushi could have easily rejected it if it's him, but from his point of view, who was always the one who accompanied His Majesty on his incognito outings in his early days, he is probably unable to refuse the wish of Therese-sama who is usually a caged bird of the same degree.

Contrary to his appearance, doushi is actually kind to women and children.

'There's still plenty of time.' (Wendelin)

'Got it.' (Elise)

Since the trip of the Friendship Visit Group had lots of time for playing anyway, I persuaded Elise that it couldn't be helped at least for today and we decided to accompany the two on their sightseeing.

"I'm sorry, even though you are newly-wed. If there isn't such fortuity, something like freely leaving to play in the city won't come true for me." (Therese)

Although Therese-sama said that apologetically, Elise, on the side of being told that, had a partially cramped expression with a visible rise in anger.

That was because Therese-sama entwined her arm around my free hand on the opposite side.

'This Duchess-sama, why does she have such keen interest in me?' (Wendelin)

With me being happy due to the sensation of Therese-sama's voluptuous breasts pressing against my arm, I was likewise glad over the sensation of Elise's voluptuous breasts since she pressed those against my arm in opposition on her side, but as both of their looks gave off sparks while clashing violently against each other, I had a feeling of wanting to escape at the same time.

"Well, shall we go then, Wendelin-sama?" (Elise)

"Golly gosh, even though you are a married couple, she calls you formally. That is beyond expectation, isn't it, Wendelin?" (Therese)

'Eh~~~!' (Wendelin)

For some reason Therese-sama changed her way of calling me from "Earl Baumeister" to "Wendelin".

I was simply flustered by the sudden situation, but Elise's side raised a signal of counter-attack as well.

"Therese-sama, I believe you must not call a noble of a foreign country by their name carelessly, even if an Earl is of lower rank. Don't you think so, too, dear?" (Elise)

It looks like Elise has decided to call me "dear" from this moment on.

It seems like I have no say in this, but I think it's better than the previous, formal "Wendelin-sama".

"Well, then shall we go?" (Armstrong)

'Doushi! A part of this is your responsibility as well!' (Wendelin)

'Sorry! I'd like you to endure for just today!' (Armstrong)

I have my patience exhausted by doushi persistence in his petition. The sightseeing of Bardiche began like this, however the group was already split into two.

Elise and Therese-sama, who were linked with my arms, and doushi who joined as support. The rest is...

"Ina-chan, this orange gelato is delicious." (Luise)

"The caramel one is tasty, too." (Ina)

"I'd like another one." (Wilma)

"How enviable to not gain weight even if you eat." (Katharina)

"Gelato, huh? Will it be possible to use it as souvenir for my wife if I put it into my magic bag?" (Burkhart)

"Burkhart-san, she's already dominating you?" (Erwin)

"I don' wanna be told that by you, Eru-boy, who hasn't even married yet." (Burkhart)

"My fated person has shown up. Beautiful onee-san, an apple-flavoured gelato for me." (Erwin)

My other four wives, who excused themselves from getting involved, and Eru as well as Burkhart-san slipped out of my field of vision and enjoyed a simple sightseeing.

Their splendid ability of throwing me to the wolves is the reason why they are first-class adventurers after all.

"Wendelin, this one's strawberry flavour is jolly tasty as well? Want to try? Here, a~~~n." (Therese)

"Dear, melon flavour is tasty, too. Okay, do a~~~~n." (Elise)

I received gelato from both sides to eat.

No, I was made to eat it in this case, I guess?

"Ten servings of the vanilla one." (Armstrong)

"10 servings?"

"Uh huh. The orthodox gelato is the most delicious." (Armstrong)

And doushi ate a large amount of gelato after purchasing it as if escaping the reality of the rivalry between those two gradually heating up.

The sightseeing continues with us viewing such stuff like the Köln Cathedral and the Potomac Waterway, but the two of them are giving off intense sparks while being pressed to my arms as before.

Elise's recently increased mana wriggles fervently within her body. As she can't use offensive magic, she shouldn't be able to do anything to Therese-sama, however it was evidence of her emotions being highly strung.

'I see such Elise for the first time.' (Wendelin)

On the other side, Therese-sama also corresponds with a difficult aura that qualifies as antagonistic towards Elise.

Maybe there are many people who are passionate among the people who have "se" at the end of their names.

Since she is a daughter of a household that might become the Emperor, her aura, that subdues the common people, isn't half-baked at all. It was an atmosphere, or rather dignity of a ruler, I, who is originally a commoner, can't emit no matter what.

"Oh, yes, shan't we go shopping?" (Therese)

"Shopping?" (Wendelin)

"That's right. Mine own favourite lingerie shop is close-by. There's also the underwear which did vanish all of a sudden. I'm slightly anxious about the amount in mine own collection." (Therese)

"Really...?" (Wendelin)

It seems Therese-sama has suspicions about me.

Being told to accompany her for buying underwear can be even called blunt probing.

'To the bitter end, calmly...'

"Elise, do you want to buy something as well?" (Wendelin)

"Let's see. If there's something nice." (Elise)

Going to buy the underwear of Therese-sama, who is isn't my lover and unmarried, is harsh, but going to choose the underwear of my wife is safe.

I head towards Therese-sama favourite lingerie shop while hiding my excitement.

The lingerie shop, which is located in a section where high-class stores line up next to each other, had a gorgeous structure and was apparently the purveyor of important nobles and the imperial family.

"Welcome." (Shop owner)

"Good day, I'm here incognito." (Therese)

Once Therese-sama tells that to the owner-like person who came to greet us, the presence of people inside the store vanishes. The training of the employees seems to be thorough to a frightening degree.

"Well then, which might be good...?" (Therese)

While saying that, the underwear, which Therese-sama showed, was violet. Since it's resembling closely the underwear I summoned before, she might be looking for my reaction.

"I think that it suits you." (Wendelin)

I answer her as calmly as possible.

If I get unskilfully agitated here, it will only serve as conviction for Therese-sama.

"Dear, could you have a look since I'm trying on some underwear?" (Elise)

"Wife-dono, although I have asked first..." (Therese)

"Therese-sama, you are still unmarried. It's wrong for you to show your skin to a man who isn't your husband or your fiancé." (Elise)

She isn't wrong, but it's obviously to provoke Therese-sama. Sparks fly between both of them.

Once I survey the vicinity looking for help, Eru and Burkhart-san devoted themselves to their roles as security guards outside the shop.

'If I remember correctly, it's difficult for men to enter a lingerie shop! Which reminds me, where's doushi?' (Wendelin)

As for doushi, he vanished before I noticed. He likely escaped before entering a lingerie shop as his self-defence instinct kicked in.

'Doushi, the one who brought this person along is you, but...'

"Hey..." (Wendelin)

At the end I sent a look at Ina and the others entrusting them with a gleam of hope, but...

"Ina-chan, how about being more sexy?" (Luise)

"Luise, why do you like black so much?" (Ina)

"After all I have to add sex appeal. Isn't yours too simple, Wilma?" (Luise)

"It's fine as it doesn't obstruct my movements. However, recently the area around my breasts is tight." (Wilma)

"That's because you are growing, Wilma. It's different for me. Yea... I had such hunch..." (Luise)

"Katharina, I think this type is good for you." (Ina)

"Ina-san, red is as expected..." (Katharina)

"Is that so, I wonder? It suits you, I believe." (Ina)

For someone, who is a noble, feminine modesty is necessary, too." (Katharina)

"It won't be seen by anyone but Vel." (Ina)

"That's why." (Katharina)

"I don't quite understand, but you are quite particular about it..." (Ina)

Ignoring the situation over here, the four of them had a lively underwear discussion.

Since it's the same even for Wilma who usually clings all over Elise, she's probably sensing by instinct that it's dangerous to approach the current Elise.

"Wendelin, how about this one?" (Therese)

"Dear, I will try on this one next." (Elise)

In the end the two of them continue their rivalry even after we leave the lingerie shop. The first day of our vacation abroad ended in a terrible outcome.

* * *

"You are cruel, you two." (Wendelin)

I complained to doushi and Burkhart-san after dinner, but they dodged it skilfully even while saying "Sorry.".

"Therese-sama suffers hardships as prince-elector usually." (Armstrong)

Is this also their desire to protect the cute little girl with whom they played 10 years ago? I have a feeling like those two are easy-going towards Therese-sama.

"Even if she was a cute little girl 10 years ago, she has now notable characteristics which are plainly alluring as woman, but..." (Wendelin)

"As expected, it might be impossible. Therese-sama thinks that we are just mocking her." (Burkhart)

Something like normal love isn't allowed for her who was inaugurated as family head of a Duke household in order to preserve the family line.

It's necessary for her to take in a husband for the sake of bearing a child, but the selection seems to take enormous labour and time.

"If she takes a groom imprudently, there will be chaos due to her getting involved with her husband's home. That's why she is single even at the age of 20 years." (Burkhart)

There's also the possibility of despotism by her maternal relatives.

"Because we have a somewhat sore sentiment due to that, we overlook things to a slight extent." Burkhart-san says.

"Can you also tell that to Elise?" (Wendelin)

"I will do my best." (Burkhart)

The matter of doing one's best can also be interpreted as it being inevitable even if the outcome's no good after having put effort into it.

I return to my own room while sighing, however because I was tired of today's first day, I decided to not get on with Elise and the others.

Besides, there's also the circumstance that this is someone else's house.

There are many members of the Friendship Visit Group who are enjoying sex with their lovers or wives without minding it, but since my root is that of a petty bourgeois, I refrained from that as I considered the maid who will make the beds the next day.

There was also the view that I will be able to do it any time once we return home.

'I wonder whether Therese-sama will be prudent from tomorrow onwards?' (Wendelin)

When I'm pondering about such stuff, there's a knock at the door of my room.

"Yes?" (Wendelin)

Opening the door once I answered, someone immediately came entering my room.

"Wendelin, won't you drink some sake with me?" (Therese)

'She appeared~!!' (Wendelin)

The one who entered my room was Therese-sama who didn't restrain herself after all.

She, who had a white silken nightgown wrapped around her, sits on top of the room's bed with a sake bottle in her hand.

With her being apparently just out of the bath, her dark brown skin, which is visible from the collar of her nightgown, is sexy.

'She might be seducing me...'

"Therese-sama, This isn't the behaviour of an unmarried woman that I can praise overly much." (Wendelin)

"I guess that's so if seen ordinarily, but currently this guest house is under the control of the Duke Philip household. You can feel relieved since there are no boorish people who shall prattle unnecessarily." (Therese)

"Haa..." (Wendelin)

'That's not the problem here!'

Even while thinking that, I can't say anything as the other party is a Duchess-sama and a princess-elector. It was necessary to get through this skilfully one way or the other.

"This aquavit is a speciality of mine own Philip Principality. It's fine for you to drink it with a peace of mind as there's no poison or such in it." (Therese)

"Itadakimasu." (Wendelin)

As territory possessing a size ranking next to territories directly controlled by the Empire and being located at the northern most tip of Holy Emperor Urquhart, Philip Prinicpality's main produces are wheat, potatoes and seafood. It's also prosperous with many metal processing industries such as mines.

Of course this knowledge was something I acquired from [Margrave Breithilde's Bardiche Traveller's Journal].

If comparing to Earth, it might be resembling to the northern part of Germany or Hokkaido. Actually there exists a shochu* aquavit made with potatoes.

(T/N: Japanese spirit distilled from sweet potatoes, rice, etc.)

"Even though you just became an adult, you seem to be able to drink it normally." (Therese)

"More or less." (Wendelin)

Pouring water into the glasses which are in the room, I blend it with a proper dose of aquavit after heating up the water with magic and drink it.

The taste resembles closely the existing taste of potato shochu in Japan and the imported samples I tried during my time as employee of the trading company.

"It's delicious with its refreshing flavour." (Wendelin)

"Most recently we are also exporting it." (Therese)

I was able to switch-over to a noble-like topic somehow, but I don't know how long I can keep that up. This is a time where it will be bad if I don't focus my mind.

"However, magic is amazing." (Therese)

While drinking the potato shochu distilled with hot water created by me, Therese-sama gave her praises.

I changed it into hot water with magic as there is nothing but simple water in the room, but I don't think it's that amazing. If it's around this much, all of the magicians, who are employed by the Duke Philip household, are likely able to do that.

"Certainly, if it's the magicians employed by mine own family, all of them are capable of this. However, all of them end up making the hot water boil." (Therese)

At the time of drinking shochu diluted by hot water, the worst thing one can do is to mix it with boiling water.

Having been told that the most suitable temperature is 75° C, I regulated the temperature with minute adjustments when I changed the water into hot water. If I'm unable to have that level of control, it's only natural to get scolded by Burkhart-san.

"Next, the hot water was poured into the glass first." (Therese)

This is also something that will cause the mouth to get sour I was told by a person from a shochu brewery I asked in my time as trading company employee. Although it doesn't look very different, it's strange since it ends up this different in taste and fragrance.

"It seems to be piddling, however there isn't anyone who knows that unexpectedly." (Therese)

"I was taught that by Burkhart-san." (Wendelin)

Of course that's a lie, but I decide to deceive her with that since I most certainly can't tell her that I was taught that in my previous life.

"That gentleman is a drinker, but there are also parts which seem agreeable if he can drink. 10 years ago he did pour the hot water afterwards, but that means he made some progress." (Therese)

'That's bad...' (Wendelin)

A great noble by birth seems to be an existence who won't have such negligence either.

She remembers the detailed action of Burkhart-san from her time of being 10 years old.

"That means you aren't a magic-only gentleman either, Wendelin." (Therese)

"Noo, I'm magic-only." (Wendelin)

"Considering that, the development of your territory seems to be advancing favourably." (Therese)

"That's because my retainers are excellent." (Wendelin)

"That is included in your achievement as well. That is the existence called noble. The result is everything." (Therese)

Even if the person himself is an utter fool, their evaluation will rise if the retainers, they have entrusted it with, are successful.

In exchange there are also situations where the retainers and their lord are criticized if the retainers have done something stupid even if the lord is excellent.

That's the creature called noble, Therese-sama explained.

"I must say, Wendelin, you became a noble by completely using your own strength. You are different from me who had her future set after being born. I merely pass by being simply cunning." (Therese)

"Therese-sama." (Wendelin)

"I have been told that I'm an only daughter, but you you know that I actually had elder brothers albeit illegitimate?" (Therese)

"No, I hear that for the first time." (Wendelin)

"The reason wherefore I was chosen is because of this skin colour." (Therese)

The beginning of the Duke Philip household was when military forces, led by Duke Philip, from the central government were dispatched to subjugate a northern country with a different ethnic group.

"The Run race, which is the major ethnic group of the north, has a dark brown skin like me as characteristic." (Therese)

The Philip household, which is the conqueror, has advanced the assimilation by taking more than a millennium while receiving grooms and wives from local, influential people until reaching the present time.

That's also the reason why the condition for the skin colour having to be dark brown exists.

"Mine elder brother's mother is originating from a noble of the capital city. Different from me, their skin colour is white. Even if mine elder brothers went out to scrutinize the territory, they would likely be ignored by the residents." (Therese)

That's why Therese-sama became Duchess Philip.

Whether her children can succeed her also depends on the skin colour of their bodies.

The wives of her elder brothers, who were unable to succeed, are daughters of local influential people and the skins of their children is dark. Maybe one of those children will become the next Duke Philip, she explains.

"From mine own point of view who was chosen simply by the colour of her skin, I do not particularly care who shall be the next feudal lord. Something like Duchess and princess-elector isn't something wonderful to the extent of it being worth to speak of." (Therese)

"I understand that." (Wendelin)

Despite having no hardships in her life might be called extravagant, it was correct that it isn't something that wonderful either.

"Mine own search for a husband has run into troubles. Mostly due to the obstruction by mine own elder brothers though." (Therese)

If Therese-sama picks a husband from the local, influential people, the skin colour of her children will be undoubtedly dark brown. Her elder brothers, who are planning to have their own children succeed, are interfering in various ways.

"Even I want to at least give birth to a child after marrying. I mind not if it isn't particularly a local person either." (Therese)

In addition she apparently doesn't want to burden her children with such responsibilities.

"Well, that's terrible." (Wendelin)

"Indeed, it is terrible." (Therese)

While drinking up the second sake cup diluted with hot water, Therese-sama, whose face is slightly flushed, continues her talk.

The situation feels like an older female superior grumbling while her younger male subordinate has to listen.

"Thus I'm searching for a groom while in mine own role as this time's host, but it isn't going satisfactorily." (Therese)

Therese-sama complains that there are only greenhorns from weak nobility who lust for the authority and money of the Duke Philip household while sighing.

"Isn't that inevitable to some extent as it's a political marriage of convenience?" (Wendelin)

"There isn't even a person I can compromise with accordingly. They aren't suitable or they do not match the conditions even if I find them. Now that it has come to this, there's no other choice but that move." (Therese)

"That move?" (Wendelin)

"Giving birth to a child without marrying." (Therese)

That seems to be a move often used by female noble family heads of Holy Empire Urquhart. They hide the existence and name of the father or give birth to children by receiving only the sperm.

If you ask why they do this, it's apparently to prevent the despotism of their maternal relatives.

'It seems there are guys who were killed after offering only their sperm...' (Wendelin)

It's a horrifying story, but I decide to not care as it's unrelated to me.

Being an Earl, there's no need for me to unreasonably act as something like a breeding horse.

"There are quite a few who are killed after providing just their sperm. Since they shall be treated as simple children of the female family head with the father being unknown, it's only natural if you speak of the obvious." (Therese)

'How scary!' (Wendelin)

However, a feeling of relief rises to the surface as it's unrelated to me, if that's the case.

"Also, there are situations where great men are requested to provide their sperm due to conditions such as reasonable status and money in exchange for secrecy." (Therese)

"Huh?" (Wendelin)

At the same time I think "no way", Therese-sama moved her hand to my shoulder while having moist eyes.

"Although the gift of magic isn't hereditary, if it's the sperm of you who had the guts to raise in the world from being the eighth son of a poor Knight, I believe you to be suitable as father of mine own child. Since I give you permission, you have the right to mate with me without reservation as long as you crave for me. Since I'm the daughter of such kind of household, you have not to worry about sickness as I'm a virgin. It's fine for you to have sex with me whenever you feel like it." (Therese)

"..." (Wendelin)

Due to the statement one can't expect from a merely 20 year old girl, I'm lost for words at that situation.

"That child won't demand something like heir-ship of the Earl Baumeister household as pretext. Your legal wife-dono is rather frightening, but I shall play your secret lover skilfully. Well then, shall I return for today? Although I believe it to be fine to be embraced all of a sudden, I have heard that a sir shall get fired up if such things progress gradually. Well, we don't have overly much time either though." (Therese)

Therese-sama, who drained the third sake cup diluted with hot water, quietly leaves the room.

And, I, who was left behind, imagined the hardships until returning from this country and went to bed as if fainting due to being influenced by the sake.

Chapter 79: The female Family Head of the Duke Philip household

"My certain-kill technique! Burst Rising!" (Doushi)

"Ooh!" (???)

"As amazing as ever." (???)

The next day after I arrived in the Holy Empire Urquhart as member of the Friendship Visit Group, the magic exhibition was carried out by magicians of both countries.

Performing something like a martial arts tournament in the coliseum which is located next to the imperial palace, the venue is crowded by a large number of spectators and even His Majesty, the Emperor, is present as main guest.

The magicians are showing their unique spells in this place one after the other.

As it's a chance to see offensive magic, which one can't usually see quite often, many people are interested even among the commoners. It seems like obtaining tickets has gone as far as ending in distress.

Amongst them there were also those ridiculing it as, "an extension of a sleight of hand show" though.

There are magic shows used privately as entertainment by elementary magicians, but people are curious because they can watch the magic of famous magicians of both countries at the occasion of the Friendship Visit Group's attendance which is usually impossible.

Since the ones at intermediate level are first, they burst stuff like huge rocks and set-up targets with flashy attack spells judging by appearance. For it to not be in the form of duels was because neither side wants casualties amongst their precious magicians even if it's just by chance.

Going ahead with the magic exhibition, doushi melted the entirety of a 10 meter high rock into magma with the fire pillar spell he used against Kurt. The spectators raise loud cheers and applause due to its power.

"From doushi's point of view it's probably a skill at the level of making him yawn."

If doushi really displayed his true power here, there would be large damage to the surroundings.

Thus he made do with rising a 20 meter high pillar of fire. And that spectacle was watched by me who sat in a seat for noble visitors.

"If it's that gentleman, he's likely capable of routing even an army of 10.000 man with ease." (Therese)

"I guess so." (Wendelin)

"That's because he's a gentleman who overturns the principles of common sense in military affairs. Does that apply to you as well, Wendelin?" (Therese)

"......" (Wendelin)

That troublemaking, sensual beauty, Therese-sama, sat on the seat next to me.

For some reason I'm liked by her. And I even have the permission to embrace her to my liking.

Elise, who is sitting in the seat opposite of her due to being my first wife, seems to harbour a large sense of impeding danger towards Therese-sama.

I still haven't told Elise about the matter of having received the right to have sex with Therese-sama, but since Elise would be jealous all the more if I told her, my mind was filled with the worry whether I could pass this period safely somehow while at the same time keeping it a secret from Elise.

'If I make a child with Therese-sama, the troublesome matters will just increase again.' (Wendelin)

Even though I should be a successful man by having five beautiful wives, I can't feel superior for some reason.

What's even more troublesome is that, different from Karla, Therese-sama is a woman who appeals to my male instincts and makes me want to sleep with her. That's what makes it so vicious. I don't want to get close to her in order to not be tempted, but she is the manager of us magicians.

Even if she's at my side, there's nothing strange about it whatsoever. Or rather, that's her job.

"It looks like His Majesty, the Emperor, is pleased as well." (Wendelin)

For the sake of the conversation not drifting towards the matter of having sex, I inquire about His Majesty, the Emperor, who is applauding at doushi's magic.

According to the information I obtained in advance his name is Wilhelm the 14th and he is 78 years old. He is an old man whose reign is now lasting for 38 years.

"His Majesty hails from the Duke Metternich household. He was enthroned through a vote by the Noble's Congress 38 years ago." (Therese)

Because this country's emperor is someone who is a candidate from the seven Duke households, who nominate a prince-elector, and the imperial family in the capital, the emperor is chosen through a vote by the members of the Noble's Congress. For it to have turned into such a system seems to also be a desperate measure in old times to include many different nation-states.

Assigning the imperial throne to the imperial family in the capital and the Duke households appears to be an act to keep the power between them as equal as possible. It can also be regarded as slightly unstable, but because Holy Empire Urquhart, which was quick in unifying since the old days, overpowered the Helmut Kingdom in the south, it wasn't that much of a problem.

Later they lost the southern territories beyond the Giganto Crevice, but Helmut Kingdom didn't advance further north because of the ceasefire agreement.

Splitting labour towards development of backward regions and liberation of monster domains at the same time, there isn't much of a difference in national power between the two now and there's also the risk that it will turn into a big situation if they go to war. In other words, the current peace is supported by the power balance of both countries.

"Since he is and elderly gentleman, he has to consider about retiring soon as well." (Therese)

Another difference, although the crown of Helmut Kingdom can't be abdicated until death, the emperor is allowed to retire due to advanced age and sickness.

Even if he resigns, it's fine as the next emperor will be decided by an election. That method is also convenient for the other candidates.

Furthermore, the retired emperor spends his remaining years while receiving an annuity and being referred to as former emperor. Although the title possesses prestige, he will become a person who doesn't wield any real power.

"Given that there are such tattles, the other Dukes are busy with mediating things like technology exchange and revisions of the trade agreements." (Therese)

Since they intend to become the next emperor, they have likely entrusted the partially play-like practical exhibition of magicians to the old emperor and Therese-sama, who is a woman, and are focusing on the promotion of technologies and trades which yields profits.

You can even call it plainly as earning achievements. It's a story I know very well.

"Therese-sama, you won't run as candidate?" (Wendelin)

"The previous emperor was mine own great-grandfather. By just being too closely related to me, it turns into an issue for becoming empress." (Therese)

Since it will also be a problem if too many emperors appear from only one household, some discussions are carried out at the stage of announcing the candidacies.

"Rather than that, next is your turn, Wendelin." (Therese)

"Seems so." (Wendelin)

I'm in a seat for noble visitors since I'm an Earl-sama, but as I have to present my magic as well, I hurry to move to the grounds while holding a wand.

I don't particularly need a wand, but the action of swinging a wand is necessary as it's an exhibition.

"Dear, please do your best." (Elise)

"Don't make it too flashy though." (Burkhart)

While receiving encouragement from Elise who is restraining Therese that is behaving as if she's my wife, I moved to the centre of the grounds.

There's a rock with the same size as the one, which was changed into magma by doushi's spell, set up. With the rule that it's fine to break it by casting a spell on it, it has been decided to not inquire about the spell's attribute and type.

'Rather than power, with accuracy...' (Wendelin)

Once I focus my mind and prepare the wand, I create a whirlwind after several seconds and hit the rock with it.

Since great power wasn't obviously visible, there was no change to the rock on a first glance.

"A failure?" (???)

"There's no change?" (???)

The spectators are noisy, but the spell has been already activated successfully.

I leave the place after hitting the rock with a pebble I picked up from below my feet by lightly throwing it and the rock crumbles down on the spot after breaking into dices with a length of around one cm on each side.

"Incredible..." (???)

"If this was a war, would all of the soldiers be cut into such dices...?" (???)

Voices of awe and cheering begin to swell up from the spectators who realized the effect of my spell.

"Hee, the results of my coaching are finally appearing a bit." (Burkhart)

Seeing the rock which was cut into equal dices, Burkhart-san, who is scheduled to show his magic next, gave me a more or less passing mark.

"The next one is you, Burkhart-san." (Wendelin)

"I'm also bad at being too flashy..." (Burkhart)

Next was Burkhart-san's turn.

Once he stands in front of the rock and has set up his wand, similar to me, he makes the rock freeze to the utmost limit with coldness, not ice spheres, and hits it with a small ice bullet.

The rock, which was frozen down to almost absolute zero, is shattered into pieces due to the impact of the ice bullet hitting and drops to the ground.

The broken rock displayed a brilliance like diamond dust on its way to the ground and showed a fantastic spectacle to the spectators.

"Have you gotten slightly weaker?" (Therese)

"Therese-sama, I'm still not at that age." (Burkhart)

"It's because you art newly-wed." (Therese)

"You are obsessive about that. Therese-sama is..." (Burkhart)

Therese-sama calls out to Burkhart-san who returned to the seats for nobility, but seeing him, the magicians of Holy Empire Urquhart's side whispered amongst themselves.

Do they consider it as imprudent since he is pretty much a fellow magician of the enemy nation, I wonder?

"Next is Katharina." (Wendelin)

"Is the lady one of your wives? She appears to be a capable magician." (Therese)

Even though she is originally a magician possessing top-class abilities even in the Helmut Kingdom, her mana has grown due to her night activities with me.

Casting a tornado spell that easily wrapped up the rock, the rock was changed into small pieces once the tornado ceased and vanished at the spot.

Since it turned into sand after being cut up to the limit, it ended up getting scattered into the surroundings due to the wind.

"That doesn't even serve as warm-up." (Katharina)

"That can't be helped. There's no way for it to be okay to battle here." (Wendelin)

"It's as Wendelin says. If you freely use your magic in duels, it will likely cause injuries to the spectators. For the time being both countries have a ceasefire agreement. Irresponsibly causing injuries and death shall turn into a main cause for increasing the antagonisms." (Therese)

"That's true, but..." (Katharina)

Even Katharina should understand this much.

However, I believe it's just something she expresses to Therese-sama who is addressing me as Wendelin and nonchalantly monopolizes the seat next to me.

"Next is Holy Empire Urquhart's side, huh? So, how will they do?" (Burkhart)

Burkhart-san, who sensed a delicate atmosphere spreading between Therese-sama and Katharina, changes the topic to the magicians of Holy Empire Urquhart's side who will exhibit their magic after this.

In reality it might be something I had to do, but the current me didn't have such mental composure.

"That's because there was the Armstrong shock 10 years ago." (Therese)

"Because of doushi?" (Wendelin)

"That gentleman's outside-the-norm mana was well-known." (Therese)

Doushi' mana growth pattern has the style of being completely Great talents mature late.

Doushi's mana was at the intermediate level around 20 years ago and moreover he was weak at emission spells. Currently he has more than enough mana to use a snake-emission spell but it seems he was unable to use it back then. He apparently didn't possess the ability to be added to the Friendship Visit Group.

"Such gentleman demonstrated strength of monster-class 10 years later. Furthermore, isn't his mana even now growing? It's only natural for him to cause an uproar." (Therese)

For that reason doushi was the centre of attention at the previous time.

"This time you and 『Storm』-dono are also participating in addition to him. There's 『Saint』-dono who specializes in healing and purification magic as well. Burkhart-san has displayed his true ability as usual, too. The roaster of Helmut Kingdom's magicians is deep." (Therese)

As it's a gathering of big guns, one might feel like that, but Holy Empire Urquhart's side shouldn't be inferior to the degree of one being able to tell either. If they are even, they can't be that different, I think.

"In these 10 years quite the powerful people have appeared amongst us as well. Well, have a good behold at them." (Therese)

As I watched the magic performances after being told so by Therese-sama, there were many great magicians on Holy Empire Urquhart's side, too. Since there's also the dignity of a state, they likely have secured the numbers properly.

Beginning with Blatson-san, who is the Head Wizard, there are many other magicians who possess mana at the upper regions of intermediate level. And once we got into the second half, the venue was wrapped in large cheers.

"It's the four Peachu siblings!"

"The four siblings have appeared!"

"Are they celebrities?" (Wendelin)

"That is so. The four Peachu siblings are the most famous magicians in today's empire." (Therese)

Therese-sama answers while nodding towards my question.

"They are magicians and siblings?" (Wendelin)

"To be exact, they are quadruplets." (Therese)

Since the talent for magic isn't hereditary, a person's relatives being able to use it doesn't necessarily mean that they can use it as well.

However, since the Peachu siblings are quadruplets, they are capable of using magic as they possess the same talent.

'Because their genes are identical? It's probably hopeless if it's fraternal or such.' (Wendelin)

It seems that the four siblings, who showed up on the grounds, are identical and the four people certainly have the same faces.

Black hair and black pupils, but it's not like their faces are Japanese either. It's also not like they are exceeding in appearance that much with their western faces. To put it plainly, they have common faces.

Their ages appear to be around 18. They have a slender build with a height of approximately 175 cm and seem to be normal youths you can find anywhere.

The four of them wore robes, but for some reason all of them were in different colours, namely red, blue, yellow and green. And, because of the conspicuous bright, striking robe colours, I want them to hold back a bit since I would have been embarrassed if it was me there.

'They look like a squadron*...' (Wendelin)

(T/N: The kanji used here is usually used for hero units like Power Rangers or other such groups of cosplaying weirdos. Not sure whether a proper word to express that even exists in English. I sure hope not.)

What I imagined at the very first after seeing them was the TV program about hero squadrons I watched in my childhood. Though there's one thing lacking, I think.

"Each of those quadruplets has a different stout attribute in magic." (Therese)

"Really?" (Wendelin)

It seemed that talent for magic was related to the genes, but they have differences in their own magic attributes even though they have the same genes. Maybe that might vary depending on the cause of acquisition.

"I have heard that the eldest son, Eins, is stout at fire magic." (Therese)

Once the youth, who wore the red robe, swings his wand, the rock melts into magma after being wrapped up by a blaze.

"The second son, Zwei, uses the water attribute." (Therese)

Once the youth with the same face, who wore the blue robe, swings his wand, a rock is cut into pieces with water cutter.

"The third son..." (Therese)

'He's probably named Drei, isn't he?' (Wendelin)

"Drei is strong at earth magic." (Therese)

These four siblings's names are apparently originating from German numbers.

It was unknown whether German existed in this world, however it wouldn't be strange as many of the people's names are German-styled.

The youth, who wore the yellow robe, breaks a rock by hitting it with a great number of high-speed rock bullets.

"And the last is the fourth son, Vier." (Therese)

The youth, who wore the green robe, cuts a rock into pieces with a wind cutter. They are indeed possessors of quite the ability.

"Even our country has assembled quite the seeds." (Therese)

"The fourth's son's robe being green is just because it's wind and since it overlaps with the second son's blue if he performs the blue* attribute?" (Wendelin)

(T/N: Can be either blue or green)

"You are paying attention to trivial matters." (Therese)

Facing the end of the entire magic performance by the four, loud cheers and applause is raised by the spectators.

They probably believe that the peace will last for a long time if the magicians, serving the country, have remarkable abilities.

Alongside our country's doushi being a powerful deterrence, the assembled seeds of magicians, led by those four, are the powerful deterrences of Holy Empire Urquhart.

"......" (Wendelin)

"Dear, what's wrong?" (Elise)

"I don't think those guys are acquaintances, but..." (Wendelin)

Given that the four of them, who finished their performance, met my gaze, I ended up feeling uneasy by just that.

* * *

"It seems that excellent young magicians have appeared in Helmut Kingdom as well."

"Looking at it according to the theory of probability, around the same number will appear in both countries if you consider the population ratio."

"Even though you are young, you say the same thing as our Minister of Home Affairs. You are an interesting child."

* * *

The banquet sponsored by His Majesty, the Emperor, was carried out in the evening that day.

Only select people from among the Friendship Visit Group were invited and me, doushi and Katharina were a part of those.

Elise was invited likewise since she's my first wife, but Eru, Ina, Luise and Wilma weren't allowed to attend the party in the imperial palace which was restricted to invitees only. They are attending a party exclusively for invitees with low social standing held at a palace for welcoming guest below the imperial palace.

"I believe it's necessary to guard you though." (Erwin)

Eru complained, but it seems that it's prohibited to be accompanied by guards to the party in the imperial palace.

It suggests a slightly dangerous atmosphere, however if something happens to the important invitees from inside and outside the country, Holy Empire Urquhart's dignity will hit rock bottom.

Even Helmut Kingdom's side, if we, who are representing our country in this place, don't attend the party due to being scared, we will end up being branded as a cowards. As it seems that there haven't been any particular troubles in these 200 years, I told Erwin and the others to enjoy themselves at the party at the palace for welcoming guests.

"Will there be a fated, cute girl there, I wonder?" (Erwin)

"As for Eru, you are pretty much serving as our guard, however..." (Ina)

"I know that, but that I don't feel like it's necessary with you three." (Erwin)

"Even so, it's your job." (Ina)

Once Ina tells Eru to properly do his job since it's serious, it's inevitable for Eru to heed to that. If you call it the usual scene, it surely is.

"Ina, give Eru with his broken heart a little chance." (Wilma)

"Even if you think that, don't say iiiitt~~~!" (Erwin)

Due to Wilma's remark which contains a bit of poison, Eru shouted with partially teary eyes. It looks like he hasn't recovered from the damage caused by Karla that easily after all.

Even though there were such circumstances too, we split up and participated in the parties, but at the location I received the honour of being directly addressed by His Majesty, Wilhelm the 14th. It's a secret, but I haven't considered it to be a special honour in my mind.

For His Majesty, who is a 78 years old elder, I'm likely still a child. Being called "an interesting child" by His Majesty who grins friendly, we discussed gossip for a few minutes.

The contents are mainly my growth and stories of my dragon exterminations. Even I have gotten used to narrating those considerably well since I have been asked often recently and I was able to give a skilfull summary, I think.

"Your Majesty, I'm very sorry for interrupting your pleasant chat, but..." (???)

"It's already time, isn't it? Even in this place there are many people I have to greet since I'm the emperor. Please enjoy this country, Earl Baumeister. It seems like Therese has taken a liking to you, thus it's fine to have her guide you." (Wilhelm)

Once the four of us see off the leaving emperor, the quadruplet magicians from before draw close next.

They were still in those colour classifying robes, but there's no particular problem because those are the uniforms of magicians. Given that Katharina was a woman she wore a dress, but I changed into a new, clean robe and attended the party just like that.

"Nice to meet you for the first time, Earl Baumeister-dono. My name is Eins Simon Peachu." (Eins)

The eldest of the four brothers, Eins, who wore a red robe, introduced his three younger brothers after himself.

"You are very polite. I'm Wendelin von Benno Baumeister." (Wendelin)

If I remember correctly I heard that employed head wizards wear black, high-ranking magicians wear grey and apprentices as well as lower-ranking magicians wear white robes. Even so, those four have been allowed to wear robes with special colours. It's probably a matter of them being that powerful.

"According to the talks, you have defeated dragons and made an armed forces of 10.000 incapable to battle in an instant or such?" (Eins)

"It seems some parts are exaggerated in the rumours as well." (Wendelin)

Incapacitating 10,000 soldiers was a feat accomplished by me, Burkhart-san and Katharina. Therefore I correct him that he's wrong there.

"It's a magnificent accomplishment. I think I have to do my best as magician as well." (Eins)

Eins and his other brothers praised my achievements with the same expressions.

"However... If it's around this much, we are easily capable of doing the same, too."

However, suddenly the flow of the conversation changed.

The four mentioned that they are able to defeat a dragon with leisure while warping their faces a bit.

'Umm...a sense of rivalry? Jealousy?' (Wendelin)

I don't know which of either, but they don't seem to have overly nice characters.

"Since our childhood we have been referred to as treasured children of the empire."

I don't know what kind of birthplace it was, but being born as quadruplets, all of them are magicians possessing an advanced level of mana. Even the empire probably wanted to shelter them by all means.

"Thanks to that, we weren't allowed to go on something like subjugations." (Zwei)

Even though I don't want to particularly listen to it, the blue-robed second son, Zwei, continues his story.

Since they are young magicians who have talent, it was probably difficult to use them for stuff like liberating monster domains as there's the possibility of them dying in the worst case.

If the rate of magicians born in the population is the same in both countries, it's fine to dispatch high-ranking magicians who are unaffiliated.

"Of course, if we were allowed to do so, we would do it easily though."

"Well, I guess so."

"You admit that?"

"Yes."

Since I haven't heard talks that the rate of magicians being born in both countries is different, it's probably possible for the magicians of Holy Empire Urquhart if the magicians of Helmut Kingdom are able to do it.

Thinking like that, I honestly voiced that opinion.

'Or rather, what do these guys want to say anyway?' (Wendelin)

"We will also make sure to not lose to you from now on, Earl Baumeister-dono."

"We will overtake you right away, too."

"Haa... Is that so...?" (Wendelin)

After that they consistently talked about them being treasured since a lot's expected of them or how excellent their own magic is.

'Is it not allowed as noble to ignore such a long and stupid talk?' (Wendelin)

While yawning in my mind, I listened to the talk of the four brothers with a superficial smile.

Even in my previous life, since there was the scolding by superiors even though their abilities were questionable, I was forced to use the skill I learned for the sake of ignoring the yapping of such people.

"I think it's obvious that we will be able to get achievements surpassing even you, Earl Baumeister-dono, before long. Honestly, I feel a bit sorry, but..."

"Really...?"

It looks like I will offend them if I tell them, "Do your best". Telling them something like, "I won't lose to you" doesn't match my character either though.

I ended up giving them an ambiguous reply, but it doesn't seem like they are expecting the best answer from me.

Talk is just talk in the end. I head towards the place of another guest.

"What are they? Those people?" (Katharina)

"Who knows?" (Wendelin)

"Are they jealous because they are losing in achievements to you, dear, who is younger than them? Saying that they will be able to raise achievements that exceed yours right away if they feel like it." (Elise)

"They have no other choice, do they?" (Wendelin)

"It's a doubtful declaration of war."

When Elise is talking about her conjecture about them and Katharina tilts her head to the side in confusion, Therese-sama shows up.

"Finally the greetings art finished. For the rest of the time I can continuously stay next to thee, Wendelin." (Therese)

I'm fancied by her after all.

I end up having my arm linked with her again right away, but suddenly I sense something similar to thirst for blood from behind.

Once I faced my look there, the four Peachu brothers were stabbing me with their gazes.

"Are they aiming for you, Therese-sama?" (Wendelin)

"That's how it is." (Therese)

The Peachu brothers, who are certain that they will become nobles in the future are apparently scheming various things to successfully be set as husbands of Therese-sama. You can call that the embodiment of frightening self-confidence.

"If it's those gents, they are matching the conditions for becoming mine own husband or the father of mine own child." (Therese)

Although they have talent for magic and are able to become nobles, the authority of a household with a rising noble is next to none.

If you look at it the other way, they can also be called as convenient for the Duke Philip household since it will prevent the high-handedness of the maternal relatives.

"There art whispers that they art competing for me with their identical faces." (Therese)

"Are they good husband candidates?"

"I'm against them. I'd like to have at least the right to choose a bit." (Therese)

According to what Therese-sama says, it seems that them bluntly showing their ulterior motives inspires unpleasant feelings in her.

"Besides, thy visage and ability is surpassing them. Thee hast a honest nature, too." (Therese)

"Do I?" (Wendelin)

No matter how humbly I think about it, I couldn't believe that I, whose contents are close to 40 years old, have a heart like a boy. Even my character should be crooked due to being just surrounded by worthless nobles in the royal capital and such.

"The dispute with the Margrave Browig household was sore for thee as noble, but considering it was thy first time, thee did handle it well. Though thee hast unreachable parts as well, thou art a cute thing." (Therese)

If you look at me as a lady of character who rules the Philip Dukedom with an age of 20 and some, someone like me is at best half of a noble. Moreover, because I'm four years younger, it wasn't evident whether she didn't partially treat me like a little brother.

"Even though they art trying to attract mine own attention, they have lost in achievements as magicians to a greenhorn who is younger than them. They also met with misfortune, but..." (Therese)

As for the situation of the quadruplet brothers who possess an advanced level of mana, they passed everyday with training while being sheltered by the empire since their childhood.

For the empire it would be troublesome if they die trying the impossible while having half-baked abilities. Until now they don't have much experience in hunting high-ranking monsters.

'A sheltered upbringing, eh...?' (Wendelin)

"So, why do they feel rivalry towards me?" (Wendelin)

"That's because thee have played an active role since being 12 years old." (Therese)

On the one hand I, who was early in becoming independent due to my family being like that, have defeated a dragon at the age of 12 years although the element of coincidence was strong. From their point of view, they felt quite impatient due to me.

"There art also voices critical of the method of carefully rearing the four Peachu brothers. Those people hath said in sarcasm, 'Helmut Kingdom's Wendelin Benno von Baumeister has exterminated two dragons at the age of 12'." (Therese)

It's fine to be cautious to not lose them, but it seems the army circles and others have the opinion of it being overprotective.

'What a nuisance to other people...' (Wendelin)

Even so, it's not like the other side can publicly do anything to me who is an Earl anyway. Once our stay here ends, it will merely result in us not meeting for at least ten years. There shouldn't be any problems if it's handled properly.

"Though it's fine for them to go defeat a dragon right away if they have the time to make hateful remarks about others." (Wendelin)

"Even so, if there's no order or permission from the government, those guys won't be able to make a move." (Therese)

* * *

Finishing the party which wasn't even particularly interesting since we made an appearance out of duty, we return to the guest house.

Before I realized, Therese-sama disappeared, but thinking that she's probably busy, I opened the door of my room.

"Thou art late, Wendelin." (Therese)

"Therese-sama?" (Wendelin)

Therese-sama, who put on a silken nightgown was lying in wait on top of my bed. She has a sake bottle just like yesterday.

"It's not bad to pass the boring time of night together with me. Or..." (Therese)

Once she takes off the nightgown she had worn, all of a sudden a see-through negligee appears below. With it being violet, it had the same colour as her bra and panties.

Even while thinking that it's wrong to look, I end up watching her against my better judgement. I was completely overwhelmed by her sex appeal.

"Even nobility and the imperial family need private time sometimes." (Therese)

"I guess so..." (Wendelin)

"No matter what happens in this room, mine own subordinates art tight-lipped. We can indulge in passion with a peace of mind." (Therese)

'Eeh~~~~! I have been seduced openly?!' (Wendelin)

"Isn't that still foolish from the standpoint of our positions...?" (Wendelin)

"Be relieved. Even if we make a child, I shall raise it as mine own child." (Therese)

I don't know about what I should be relieved, but my heart is pounding once I'm approached by her while being told that.

It's wrong if I don't resist the temptation, but her sexy erotic allure is the real thing. It's to the degree that I can't believe at all that she's a virgin.

'I'm foolish... I might succumb to the temptation...' (Wendelin)

At the same time I think that, the room's door is abruptly opened and several people rush in.

"Therese-sama, as expected, I can't shut my eyes to that." (Elise)

The ones who entered the room were Elise and the others who put on nightgowns just like Therese-sama.

"You might be a Duke-sama, but that's shameless." (Ina)

"I don't feel any admiration toward thieving cats." (Luise)

"No matter how much the other party is a lower-ranking Earl, he's from a different country. There's no problem even if you reject her more powerfully, Vel-sama." (Wilma)

"Therese-sama, you don't have an appearance one wouldn't expect of your high class social rank." (Katharina)

Being successively blamed by Ina, Luise, Wilma and Katharina, Therese-sama revealed an expression of, "Nuisances have barged in." for just an instant.

"Thy unity is more solid than I thought." (Therese)

"If it's not at least at this level, it will be endless if he makes each and every woman into his wife." (Wilma)

As Wilma says, even now there's a never ending flow of women trying to push themselves onto me saying that it's fine being just a mistress.

Even from my point of view, I'm a person who lived in a world where monogamy was common to begin with. I was just the usual commoner who longed for a harem, but actually five people is the limit.

And yet, since my stress is piling up, I have clandestine meetings with Amelie-sister-in-law-san behind the scenes in absolute secrecy.

Those are quite contradicting words though.

"For that reason, we will look after him tonight. Even after this there will be no free time in Wendelin-sama's night." (Elise)

Once Elise declares it bluntly, Therese-sama ends up being forcefully pushed outside of the room.

"It will be alright if we bring in beds from other rooms and connect them. Dear, let's all six of us sleep together starting tonight." (Elise)

"Yes..." (Wendelin)

It appears to be her usual smile, but due to the intensity oozing out from Elise, I understand the meaninglessness of disobeying her.

Besides, there's also the matter of me being unusually excited thanks to Therese-sama's sex appeal. That night we connected the beds and plunged into our "night time" just like that.

And then, the next day...

"This is terrible..." (Maid)

Seeing the disastrous scene on the beds, the maid, who came to make the bed, stands stock still while being lost for words.

"Maid-san." (Wendelin)

"Yees! I will clean it right away!"

"Umm, do your best." (Wendelin)

I quietly bribed the maid with several silver coins.

* * *

"My lover was a stud not matching his appearance? That is convenient." (Therese)

Without even mentioning how she was driven out of my room last night, Therese-sama talked about me while looking happy at breakfast.

"If it's male magicians, there are many who can use [Vitality Recovery]."

As a matter of fact there are plenty of magicians who can use this spell as it doesn't need more than an elementary level of mana. There will be differences in its effect, but it has been considered to be a spell with low difficulty since the majority of magicians can't use it on anyone but themselves to begin with.

However it has been made into a partial taboo to teach it to minors with its effect being what it is. Even I opened the closed page of the book of master for the first time after I got married.

Yet, me having thought, "There are also sealed bags of nude gravure pictures in weekly magazines" is my very own secret.

"Are you still scheming something?" (Elise)

"Please don't get so angry. I'm wishing for a compromise with thee, Elise-dono and the others." (Therese)

"A compromise, is it?" (Elise)

"Indeed. Even thee, Elise-dono, likely understands mine own difficulty in choosing a husband from the empire's nobles." (Therese)

Her husband's family will meddle with the government of the Philip Dukedom.

"However, that's the same for the Baumeister household, too." (Katharina)

"Katharina-dono, if it's the new Earl Baumeister household, the circumstances art different in regards to the Duke Philip household with its long history." (Therese)

Given that the Earl Baumeister household has been formed just recently, it will be necessary to build a group of retainers with blood relatives and successive generations from now on.

A large amount of relatives of central and southern nobles are flowing in, but as the pie is big, there's currently no shortage in positions.

Also, the bonds to their parents' homes will weaken once the next generation takes over and priority will be given to the Earl Baumeister household.

Not being the heirs from the start, they were sent away since they were left over. Of course there are also a few people who give maximum priority to their family's home. But even if there are, such people will be gradually removed.

"It's a new household and thus it's flexible in reverse." (Therese)

However the Duke Philip household has already completely established its group of retainers. With the percentage of interests and such being set, there's not much surplus.

"Assuming I did accept a husband, they would ask for a collateral from mine own husband's family with that as pretext. If I did agree to such terms, there shall be some who shall be ostracised due to that." (Therese)

Since the number of retainers and restrictions of the budget are set, one can predict that people, who were part of the group until now, will be driven out once new people join in.

"There shall likely appear among the relatives and successive generations people who get the short end of the stick. As a matter of fact, there were bloodshed incidents in the past with such as the cause." (Therese)

Their positions and concessions were stolen by people who suddenly came from the family head's husband's family.

I can also understand the feelings of those who took such action after being driven into a corner.

"As there art such circumstances, I haven't decided on a husband until an age where I get worried by having missed mine own chance to marry at an age of 20. That's where thee come in, Wendelin." (Therese)

From the start I won't be her official husband. Even if a child is born, it won't be officially announced that it's mine. Once they declare that it's simply Therese-sama's child, the surroundings will probably agree with that.

"Being a female family head is really troublesome. Since mine own elder brothers shall likely appeal towards having their own children succeed anyway, it wonneth be any particular trouble to make the child of me, who has nay supporters, into a branch family's head." (Therese)

"Regarding that, is there any merit for me in there?" (Wendelin)

"There is. Thee shall be blessed with me." (Therese)

"..." (Wendelin)

Everyone has become speechless due to the unexpected reply.

"Thee art probably capable of travelling by magic, aren't thee? I'm also busy as feudal lord. It shall be plenty if thee come visiting around once a week. I won't mind if thee come more often when thee misses me too much either. Nights art long after all." (Therese)

"Therese-sama, you are..." (Elise)

"It also shall not disturb the hierarchy of Elise-dono and the other wives. Since even I'm a noble, I understand at least this much. So, how about it?" (Therese)

Unusually Elise was troubled how to deal with Therese-sama who attacks with a force of surging waves.

Even Elise, as daughter of a high-ranking noble, has quite the wit, but Therese-sama exceeds that as she's a high-ranking noble herself.

"Luise, what do you think?" (Wilma)

"It depends on Vel, doesn't it, Wilma?" (Luise)

"I'm originally the daughter of a low-ranking noble. How about you, Katharina?" (Ina)

"It's a difficult problem for me who became a noble just the other day..." (Katharina)

The bill for leaving such problems completely to Elise has appeared. The four seem to be troubled with replying as well.

'How will it turn out if I accept her here?' (Wendelin)

For me, who is actually wavering due to Therese-sama's sex appeal even while openly saying that it will be troublesome or such, it was a very troubling issue.

'Her negligee appearance yesterday was amazing-- Oouch!' (Wendelin)

"Vel, I wonder what you are thinking?" (Luise)

When I was indulging in my lewd delusions and such, I'm swiftly kicked by Luise.

"... The matter is that it will become a de facto married sexual intercourse with a noble from a foreign country, right?" (Elise)

"That's fits best, doesn't it?" (Therese)

"Even if you are approved by Wendelin and us, I wonder whether His Majesty would allow it." (Elise)

"That is true." (Therese)

Before that, even if myself, Elise and the others don't approve of her, it's also a fact that Therese-sama and me will have to enter such relationship if His Majesty orders us to do so. That's because it will be our lord's decree.

"Then doth thee assume I shall receive permission somehow?" (Therese)

"I believe it will be difficult." (Wendelin)

"I think I shall make an effort for the time being. If I get permission, I'd like thee to accept me." (Therese)

Once breakfast and chatting finished, Therese-sama quickly leaves the guest house saying that she has plans today.

What confirmed the reason for her elated expression of, "I made a commitment" was the events several hours later from now on.

* * *

"Elise-dono, thou got outwitted." (Therese)

* * *

The biggest program during the 3-days stay in Holy Empire Urquhart was the meeting to inform the Friendship Visit Group members of our own country about the midway progress. The main is the midway progress report about the negotiations and exchange meetings by the nobles and government officials who are responsible for things like trade and technology exchanges.

The reports about personal information and special magic, which were obtained during the skill exhibition gathering of the magicians, of Holy Empire Urquhart's strong magicians is a freebie at the very end. This report is intelligence that is especially important to the military authorities and such.

Sitting in their seats, the military officers and army bureaucrats diligently took notes.

Moreover, the one giving the report is me for some reason. In reality it should have been done by doushi, but he pushed it on me since it's too troublesome for him.

"Please do it, Burkhart-san." (Wendelin)

"Me, who is a retainer, passes on that." (Burkhart)

With Burkhart-san being able to get away from it as well. I ssafely finish the report somehow by referencing to the notes Katharina took.

Once the reporting finished, I thank Katharina who sat in the seat next to me.

"Your notes saved me." (Wendelin)

"It would be better if you became a bit more sensible towards other magicians, Wendelin-san." (Katharina)

It's a fair argument, but since I like learning while testing what kind of spells I'm able to use, I didn't have much interest in what magic others use.

"The gratitude for the notes will be returned physically later on." (Wendelin)

"Your way of talking is vulgar." (Katharina)

"You don't want to?" (Wendelin)

"I haven't said that much. Rather, I'm happy...?! Hey! Forget what I said just now!" (Katharina)

Once all of the serious reports came to an end, gossip-like, informal talking became the main event next.

What turned into the main topic among the nobles in the beginning was me getting approached by Therese-sama with her going as far as doing it openly.

"To get approached by a beauty of such degree, Earl Baumeister is well liked by women." (???)

"I'm very envious." (???)

"That's right. If I were 10 years younger, I might have been able to look forward towards being called out by her." (???)

With the good excuse of it being somebody else's problem, I get mocked terribly by the middle-aged and elder nobles.

Given that she was asked "What will you do?" successively after being questioned through-and-through, Earl Schultz, who is in charge of trade with Holy Empire Urquhart in the commercial affairs faction, faces Elise with a pitying look once Elise tells him that she declined by using His Majesty's name.

He was a handsome man with thinly lined blonde hair and at an age around the middle of his twenties. With his gentle expression, his appearance is the very definition of an ikemen of the liberal arts.

"I was outwitted?" (Elise)

"The possibility of His Majesty giving his permission is not nil." (Schultz)

"By no means..." (Elise)

"To tell you the truth, an expansion of trade is planned behind closed doors." (Schultz)

Since there's been a ceasefire for 200 years already, there are apparently opinions appearing to somehow expand the stream of items and people by tying an anti-war treaty at long last.

"It's because warmongers are preserving a considerable influence in military circles. We have advanced the talks carefully for the time being, but it's not like they are particularly against it either." (Schultz)

Once it reaches the point that people, who can't currently go anywhere but each other's country's capital, are able to enter and leave cities and other noble's territories, it will be useful for gathering intelligence for the time when both countries go to war. Since a war costs money, there's support to expand trading to increase the revenue.

"Besides, even if there is an anti-war treaty, there will be a time when a war will start." (Schultz)

It's a quite frank opinion, but certainly a treaty is no argument for preventing a war. Something like violating a treaty, if they feel like it, is common in the history of mankind.

"Even if there are die-hards saying that, there are few who are too extreme. Okay, there are people pretending as well." (Schultz)

In order to be ready no matter when a war starts, they aren't negligent in preparing for war by always preaching a sense of danger to the neighbouring country. Due to a pretence like that, there seem to be many people recently who are lobbying to guarantee a budget for the army which keeps decreasing.

"If we restrict the talks to trading, there's almost no one opposing it." (Schultz)

They carry out foreign trade by flying with magic airships at a set frequency to just the capitals of both countries.

As there are only a few people who obtained special permissions even among the merchants related to this, it won't contribute to the expansion of business. It looks like there are especially petitions by nobles whose territories are close to the Giganto Crevice .

"They probably want to do business on the other side of the Giganto Crevice. Well, they actually do it in secret anyway." (Schultz)

It's apparently carried out using the occasional coming and going refugees and by smuggling with a rope during the dead of the night, albeit it's a small quantity.

"In the beginning we cracked down on everything, but now we tolerate small quantities." (Schultz)

They were targets for punishment if they helped illegal immigrants and such, but now they are given a tacit consent to small scale smuggling.

However, with them apparently considering this kind of situation not being good, they increased the ports capable of carrying out trading and want to officially enlarge the area of activity for the merchants who are restricted to the capital.

"After that it's the permission to marry with a noble from a foreign country, I guess?" (Schultz)

Will it be a link of friendship? Or will it turn into the cause of foreign threat? The discussions take place behind closed doors about this as well and it appears that it's possible that the ban will be lifted.

"There's the possibility of a de facto marriage with Earl Baumeister as husband of Duchess Philip being approved as a test. That's because there's the possibility that it will garner the support of the trade acceleration faction." (Schultz)

From the standpoint of the opposing faction, the Earl Baumeister household uses the support of Helmut Kingdom's royal family to meddle in the succession of the Duke Philip household? Or you can expect them to object by saying it's the other way around.

However, if even that's cleared, there's the possibility of the marriage being allowed.

"Her Excellency, Duchess Philip, probably anticipated you using the name of His Majesty, Elise-sama. Thus, being told that, she made her commitment. If His Majesty approves, Earl Baumeister will be able to be her husband in a de facto marriage." (Schultz)

This will be also true for Elise. She likely considered that someone like me can be easily cast away from Therese-sama's viewpoint.

"That person was a puppet directly after her succession. However, around five years ago she finished bringing most of the Duke Philip household under her reins. According to my information, even her elder brothers are in a state where they can't defy her publicly. That lady is a fierce woman." (Schultz)

Listening to the information from Earl Schultz, we become aware about the strength of Therese-sama once again.

When I'm pondering how to get away from her until our return to our country then, a young government official, who is a member of the Friendship Visit Group, barged in with a changed facial colour.

"What's wrong?" (Schultz)

Once Earl Schultz, who has been chosen as leader of the Friendship Visit Group because the trade objectives are the most important, calls out to him, the government official reports while using a shrill and nervous voice.

"It's a disaster! Just now Wilhelm the 14th died without medical treatment having any effect after he had collapsed at work!" (???)

"That's an incident without precedent..." (Schultz)

It seems there hasn't been any death during the visit of a Friendship Visit Group of either His Majesty the Emperor, or His Majesty, the King, in these 200 years.

Even though Earl Schultz talked in a government official-like way, his face revealed an expression of surprise.

"This is troublesome. There won't be any trade negotiations anymore." (Schultz)

At the moment of settling the talks at great pains, His Majesty, the Emperor, who acknowledged them, ended up passing away. If a new emperor is chosen and that person doesn't give their permission, the talks will stop at that point.

From the point of view of Earl Schultz, who is in charge of the trade negotiations, this should be a troublesome issue.

"If we don't get permission to extend the stay after communicating with His Majesty..." (Schultz)

In addition, there is the intelligence gathering about the new emperor and the participation in the enthronement ceremony according to diplomatic etiquette.

However, with the detailed schedule being undecided yet, we were absorbed in our deliberations what to do from now on due to the unexpected incident.

Chapter 80: A story of sleepy politics I heard somewhere before

"I'm back." (Wendelin)

"It looks like something serious happened."

The meeting for the sake of exchanging information came to an abrupt end upon the momentous news of His Majesty Wilhelm the 14th's death.

Something like a person, who was that lively until yesterday, suddenly dying is really unbelievable even for an old person, albeit he had an advanced age.

Once I returned to the guest house after the meeting finished, I was greeted by Ina and the others, but even the servants and maids of the guest house seem to be quite shaken by the death of their own country's emperor.

The scenery of several of them gathering and whispering to each other catches my attention. They would probably get scolded by their superiors right away under normal circumstances, but since even the higher-ups, who are supposed to scold them, are gathering and whispering amongst each other, it means that this is quite the major incident.

"So, what will we do from now on?"

"It seems that the events of the Friendship Visit Group will be postponed to next year." (Wendelin)

The work of the magicians has been finished, however the work of the other commerce and technology exchange departments hasn't ended yet.

The other side's people in charge will be busy with the funeral of His Majesty the Emperor, too. Originally Bardiche should be lively at the time when the Friendship Visit Group arrives, but currently they ought to wear mourning clothes and grieve for the deceased emperor.

The majority of the Friendship Visit Group's personnel had announced their decision to return to their country due to this.

"There's that as well. It would be discourteous of us to make merry with sightseeing and shopping." (Luise)

Luise, who realized that she won't be able to play around in the streets of Bardiche until the country decides on a new emperor, seems disappointed.

However, that doesn't mean that everyone will return to Helmut Kingdom.

Since both countries have been mutually dispatching condolence delegations if the emperor or the king died, it was decided that a part of the Friendship Visit Group will stay behind and form a condolence delegation.

Given that we are in Bardiche already anyway, the delegation will be chosen from among the members of the Friendship Visit Group in order to save time and expenses.

"In addition there will also be personnel who are going to appear at the enthronement ceremony of the new emperor, right?"

"It looks like it will take time." (Ina)

Ina showed an expression meaning, "I wonder how long we are going to be restrained?"

"Even if it takes a long time, I hear it will only be for around 2~3 weeks." (Wendelin)

"If they take too much time with choosing a successor, they will give Helmut Kingdom an opportunity after all." (Wilma)

"Right. It's as Wilma says." (Wendelin)

As Wilma says, if they create a vacuum in political authority with the absence of an emperor due to unskilfully taking too much time, it will result in them creating a gap for Helmut Kingdom who is their current hypothetical enemy.

Once the funeral service for His Majesty the Emperor ends, a special Noble's Congress will be held and the election of a new emperor will be carried out.

"They choose the emperor by a vote, don't they?"

"Since normal commoners or such are not able to announce their candidacy, it's not that different from the kingdom."

90% of the members forming the Noble's Congress are aristocrats.

Because the remaining 10% are wealthy merchants with political ties and great craftsmen, who run large-scaled workshops, there are many items which are decided without any particular issues.

"No one but the central's imperial family's head and the seven prince-elector lords are allowed to announce their candidacy."

"That means, Therese-sama as well?"

"She said it before, didn't she? She has turned it down this time."

As it will become unfair if the emperor hails from the same household in continuous short intervals, the Duke Philip household won't come forward as a candidate this time, Therese-sama said.

Since the person herself said that, it's a safe bet. Also, because she is a female family head, that might become yet another problem if she announced her candidacy.

"Balancing the households the emperor hails from..."

"That's a perfect collusion."

"You are right there..."

It's just as Wilma has pointed out, but I decide to not particularly care about it since it's not my country either. Sharing the minister positions and such is common in our country as well.

"So, can we stay behind?"

Since the situation is as it is, a part of the personnel have already gone ahead with their preparations for returning home.

Especially since there's no way for the wives and children, who were made to attend by high-ranking nobles, to enjoy themselves care-freely in Bardiche which is in mourning, and on top of that busy with the preparations for the funeral service, all of them were allowed to advance their preparations for returning home.

"You can stay since you are my guards." (Wendelin)

Apart from Eru who is a genuine guard, Elise's group can also stay behind while being treated as semi-guards as they are adventurers.

Although their families and attendants would be sent back, the other nobles had the justified right to have approximately the same numbers of butlers and guards stay behind.

"I wanted to enjoy the vacation abroad, but by now it has been replaced by a funeral and an enthronement ceremony for the new emperor which won't be anything but mentally straining..." (Erwin)

Eru leaks idle complaints while sighing, but I feel the same.

A funeral wherever one goes has a nastier character than a rain-bringer. At least I had no other choice but to pray that I'm not a man bringing about funerals.

"It saves trouble that we have brought along dresses that can be used at the funeral service." (Luise)

"Certainly..." (Wendelin)

As Luise says, being told to do so by Roderich who prepared the departure, I stored everyone's share of dresses that can be used at funeral services in my magic bag.

Given that I'm a magician, it's no particular problem even if I wear a robe, but I was told by the nobles remaining behind that they want me to match our attires with theirs and change into those if possible.

"Roderich-san is just like a mother." (Ina)

"You can say that again." (Wendelin)

Certainly, it's just as Ina says.

Which reminds me, when I tried to go out during my childhood in my previous life, my mother often said, "Take a folding umbrella since it might rain according to the weather report". If you say it resembles that, well, so be it.

"Vel-sama, Therese-sama hasn't come back." (Wilma)

"As expected, she might not come back."

That's inevitable.

Since she's a duchess who has been granted authority as a prince elector, she has to spearhead the preparations for the funeral service. She is definitely running about all night for the arrangements.

"When will the funeral service be?" (Elise)

"I think that it's not far off. It's the funeral service for His Majesty after all." (Wendelin)

Elise appears to be worried about the funeral service's schedule.

Be that as it may, just like the funerals in Japan, it's not something that will happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. Given that it would be really wrong of us to go outside for playing, we will spend our time training our magic and swordsmanship in the garden of the guest house, but the funeral service's schedule was decided one week later.

An official messenger came and gave us a written invitation.

And Therese-sama still hasn't returned to the guest house. I think that she's very busy with the preparations for the funeral service.

"Will the provincial nobles be in time?" (Katharina)

"Probably not all of them." (Wendelin)

Since there's also the meeting of the Noble's Congress that will decide the next emperor right after the funeral service, the nobles, who are members of that, should be in time for the meeting.

Well, those who aren't in time can't be regarded as appropriate for being a member. That's why it's probably no problem for the funeral service to be after one week.

I mention my own view to Katharina.

"If they were chosen as members of the Noble's Congress, they have set up magic communication devices in their mansion!" (Armstrong)

"Doushi, where have you been until now?" (Wendelin)

"I bought sweets!" (Armstrong)

"Really...?" (Wendelin)

If it was another noble, it would be possible to consider him having gone to gather news by pretending to play around, but for doushi, who went even as far as pushing the duty of reporting at the meeting onto me, the possibility of that is low.

Usually he really devotes himself to clowning around, but that's the worldly wisdom of doushi who is the favourite retainer of His Majesty. However, since the person himself is enjoying that from the bottom of his heart, there was absolutely no need to to fuss about it.

"I heard that they are communicating with the magic communication devices, which were excavated in large amounts from underground ruins in the past, and not the small handheld ones!" (Armstrong)

It's difficult to move with something like the big transceivers which were changed into magic tools, but it seems those have been installed in mansions by loaning them once a noble is chosen as a member of the Noble's Congress.

As they can receive urgent messages with those, it means that they will be in time for the funeral service and the meeting to elect the next emperor.

"If they are late, apparently in a worst case scenario, they will be deprived of their membership as they don't fit the requirements of a member." (Burkhart)

Next Burkhart-san shows up as well.

He was nominated to stay behind in the country as representative of Margrave Breithilde.

"The empire holds the ownership rights for the magic communication devices. Once a person becomes a congress member, they are lent those and when they are removed from being a congress member, they have to return it." (Burkhart)

Every year, a change of several congress members at a time is carried out.

There are those who will be appointed freshly as their households are thriving and in reverse there are those who will be removed as congress members due to their decline.

The spectacle of imperial officials retrieving the magic communication device from the mansion of a retired congress member seems to be a sad scene to the degree that it's written about in books in the empire.

On the other hand, there seem to be some who hold parties and festivals when the magic communication device arrives at their mansion after they were designated as a congress member. It's truly what can be called the ups and downs of life.

"As the news travels fast, the group of congress members will be in time to the main funeral service. The appointed nobles of the central government and the nobles, whose territory is close to Bardiche, will be there as well."

Since a preliminary funeral service and a post-funeral service will be held as well, those who are not in time will apparently go to offer their prayers by attending either of those.

"Then it's split into those above and below, isn't it?"

Given that we have been invited to the main funeral service, we will go to that one.

"So, there will be a meeting to elect the next emperor, won't there?"

"It will be decided with a vote by the congress members."

The fixed number of congress members is 500.

Candidates from the imperial family and the seven Duke households, who are congress members as well, will be announced and give an advertisement speech within a set time.

They will talk about their domestic affairs and foreign affairs policies within that set time and the congress members, who listened to those, will vote for the person they consider the best.

"They win by getting the majority."

In the case of a divided vote, the lowest-ranking candidate will be excluded and they will vote once more. This kind of rule was something often used on Earth as well.

"Be that as it may, since this time there won't be any more than four candidates, it probably won't take much time."

I heard that the deceased emperor hailed from the Duke Metternich household.

Since his predecessor is Therese-sama's great-grandfather, it's been said that the Duke Philip household won't put up a candidate.

If it turns out like this, it feels purposeless if at least six candidates won't make an appearance.

"Two of them refused because of their advanced age."

Only the present family head can become a candidate. It appears to be a custom to refuse the candidacy if a family head exceeds the age of 60.

"If they were to die right away, a new election would take time and labour. The common way of thinking is that a rule will be stable if the reign of a single emperor lasts for a long time."

There's also the possibility of the country declining if a no-good-person maintains their political power for an extended period of time, but the vote is likely for the sake of avoiding that. It not always being absolute is probably the same in any society.

"Will that finish in one day?"

"It will still take three days."

A single candidate has around half a day for their campaign speech and questions & answers session. As there's four of them, it will take two days. Since it will be decided after performing the vote on the last day, it seems to be a schedule of three days.

"That's long. Though it doesn't matter, as it's not like we are going to participate."

The result is that we will be caged in the guest house until a new emperor has been decided anyway.

Because Holy Empire Urquhart is in mourning until the enthronement of a new emperor, outings with the goal of playing around have to be voluntarily restrained regardless of upper or lower social standing. Theatres, pleasure quarters and such are closed, too.

"Well, we will go to the place of assembly as well though." (Burkhart)

"Why!?" (Wendelin)

"As it will be the election of the emperor of our neighbouring country, it's common to gather information, right? It's an important task for you, Earl-sama." (Burkhart)

Burkhart-san shows an expression saying, "Why are you asking about such an obvious matter...?"

Since the Friendship Visit Group consists of people dispatched by the kingdom, its members who are staying behind, have the duty to investigate the new emperor's policies as well as what kind of person they are and report that.

"In this country the authority of the emperor has been strong until now. Even the other candidates, who dropped out from the election, will have political influence that can't be ignored depending on the number of votes they obtain."

It's something like a strong political opposition, thus it's likely necessary to gather information about them.

"I do understand that, but why do we have have to attend to that?" (Wendelin)

"It's because you are members of the Friendship Visit Group." (Burkhart)

Due to Burkhart-san's reasonable opinion, we drop our shoulders in a crestfallen manner.

I, who was originally an unaffiliated voter who never even went to an election in my previous life, expected continuous boredom for over half a month from now on and eagerly wished that I would be able to go back home quickly.

* * *

"Yawn~~~" (Wendelin)

"Don't sleep, Earl-sama." (Burkhart)

Eight days after the sudden death of His Majesty the Emperor, I listened to long speeches while yawning in my spectator's seat in the venue of the Noble's Congress which is located close to the imperial palace.

The funeral service, which was held yesterday, finished safely thanks to Therese-sama and the other's preparations.

Many attendees, from nobility to commoner, visited the funeral service. We got stuck with listening to the preaching of a priest at quite the seat of honour as representatives of Helmut Kingdom. At such occasions it's common for the preaching of priests to be long no matter which country or world it is.

Not hearing anything but the incantation of a sleep spell, we, who came here after sweating at morning training, entering the bath and eating breakfast, were close to nodding off many times.

I wondered whether we will be scolded, but once I looked properly, Earl Schultz's group was slightly sleepy as well. Different from us who are just there for decoration, they were probably very tired since they were busy with stuff like gathering intelligence.

And it's the same for today's special emperor selection congress. With it still being the time of the first person, Duke Brandenburg, everyone seemed sleepy.

Once I check properly, there are some fellows who are sleeping nonchalantly despite being congress members, different from us who are simple visitors. They were probably busy at the funeral service, but I wonder what to think about a related party sleeping.

I end up worrying a bit about the politics of the empire.

"Congress members are sleeping." (Wendelin)

"They are a bad example of adults." (Burkhart)

"Burkhart-san, even next to you there's a bad example though." (Luise)

As Luise has pointed out, once I thought he was awfully quiet, doushi was sleeping while snoring lightly.

"Doushi is fine." (Burkhart)

"Why?" (Wendelin)

"His eyes are open, aren't they?" (Burkhart)

"I think it's impolite to say such thing, but he's truly eerie." (Ina)

Certainly, doushi had been dozing off, but his eyes were open. I consider that to be quite skilful, but according to what Ina said, it's simply eerie. Alongside his outer appearance, he might make children cry if seen by them.

Earl Schultz's group listened to the speech without sending even a glance to doushi while fighting their drowsiness. They probably avoided the risk of confronting doushi to blame him for nodding off.

"Even if I don't listen to it, I will be able to get the manuscript of the speech."

Together with the question and answer session afterwards, the details, which will be summarized on a paper after the stenography official recorded them, will be distributed to the congress members and authorized personnel.

As it seems like our side will be able to obtain those as well, I decided that even dozing for the time being will be no problem.

"However, it's just the important facts."

"Even if you say that, there won't be that much of a change in the policies no matter who becomes emperor."

Given that it's an emperor election in a time of stable peace, there won't be such change in political measures as long as it's someone who leans towards a mid-stream conservative approach.

If they continue the ceasefire and gradually conclude anti-war treaties, the expansion of trade will gradually advance. Let's lift the ban of free coming and going of people a bit more too?

The liberation of monster domains, the advancement of undeveloped area development and the effort to make the national power grow, will continue. Let's advance the development of magic technology in the same manner as before, too.

Starting from afternoon the campaign speech and Q&A session of Duke Baden was held, but there wasn't much of a difference between his and the former's policies.

What's different are the areas emphasized for development, but that's because they are prioritizing areas which are located in their own territories. This is something that can be called the same for any candidate. Otherwise they won't be able to gain the vote of the congress members hailing from the same region. People won't move if there are no benefits to be gained.

At any rate, I was sleepy to the degree of dying since it was after I ate lunch.

Diet members, who were dozing in my previous life, were told something like "Outrageous!", but this is certainly sleep-inducing. Even the congress members in the assembly hall, almost all of them were apparently fighting their drowsiness.

* * *

"There's still tomorrow as well~~~!?" (Erwin)

Since Eru stood as my guard all day long, he got pointlessly tired.

Even though he listened to the incantation-like speeches while standing, he got more exhausted than the times when he's moving.

"Just listening to talking for the whole day is painful for an adventurer." (Katharina)

Even Katharina walked the road to the guest house while rubbing her sleepy eyes.

"I'm sleepy and my stomach is empty." (Wilma)

"Let's return quickly and eat something." (Elise)

"Yes, Elise-sama." (Wilma)

Wilma was dozing off on the way back as well, but as Elise is a perfect superwoman, she diligently listened to the speeches until the end while taking notes. It's a great achievement that can't be imitated by an ordinary person.

"You aren't sleepy, Elise?" (Wendelin)

"There is a spell to awaken from sleepiness among [Holy] Healing magic." (Elise)

"I didn't know that..." (Wendelin)

This spell was apparently developed so that priest won't fall asleep during the sermons of their superiors and similar.

I see, for me, who doesn't approach the church except for donating, it's a spell I never got in touch with. And, priests are humans too after all.

"Tomorrow there will be one speech that is bothering me." (Elise)

"Bothering you?" (Wendelin)

"It looks like a slightly different policy will be presented." (Elise)

"You are well aware about such news, aren't you?"

"Since it's from ojiji-sama, he obtained the information through the church." (Elise)

With Helmut Kingdom's state religion being Catholic, it was different to the Protestantism which is the state religion of Holy Empire Urquhart, but in reality 30% of Holy Empire Urquhart's people are Catholics. It seems the church is acquiring independent information from them.

"Oh hoo! Thee have heard of Duke Nürnberg?" (???)

Suddenly a voice was audible from behind and at the same time someone linked arms with me.

The wonderfully soft sensation of this arm belongs without a doubt to that person.

"It's been a while, since His Majesty's death." (Wendelin)

"I lodged at the Imperial palace owing to the readying of the funeral service. It's been a long time, Wendelin." (Therese)

Having her breasts pressed even further against my arm, I felt a sensation of supreme bliss due to their softness.

'Completely like dope...'

"S-so, what kind of person is Duke Nürnberg?" (Wendelin)

"A tad radical gentleman." (Therese)

The other emperor candidates altogether are around the middle of their thirties to the middle of their forties. Their policies are no more than a follow-up on the political measures of the deceased Wilhelm the 14th.

However, Duke Nürnberg turns 22 years old this year. I hear that he is a young and ambitious person with sharp, eagle-like, blue eyes, shortly trimmed blonde hair and a forged large body.

"That gent hails from a household that flourished as a military family for generations with their territory being adjacent to the territory directly controlled by the imperial family. There were many family heads who were a tad too lively, but the present family head Max-dono is a rigid ultra-nationalist with a pure patriotism." (Therese)

If he wishes for Holy Empire Urquhart's further growth, he should be currently straightening his preparations as that requires a southern campaign. He apparently doesn't have any scruples to propose this to his surroundings.

"He is dangerous, isn't he?" (Wendelin)

"It bears a possibility of peril. However, there's also the possibility of it being a bluff." (Therese)

Given that the candidate won't say only the same thing as everyone else in his speech, he might be mentioning extreme points to stand out. However, since war is difficult in the current situation, isn't the probability of a war starting low, even if he actually becomes the emperor?

Therese-sama predicted something like that.

"For the sake of obtaining the support of the military, he will increase their budget?"

"Usually, that's likely, isn't it?"

Because we will know about it tomorrow, it's probably pointless to guess any further with just us.

We close the topic and return to the guest house.

* * *

Once I entered my own room after enjoying a dinner and a bath, Therese-sama sama once again awaited me there while wearing her negligee.

"Therese-sama?" (Wendelin)

"This room calms me. I wasn't able to return as I had also been assiduous with the funeral service after His Majesty passed away." (Therese)

Therese-sama talks with me while drinking aquavit diluted with warm water.

"I'm much obliged to the deceased emperor." (Therese)

With her just succeeding the Duke Philip household at a mere age of 10, he was apparently able to help her greatly as a guardian of Therese-sama who didn't know left from right.

"Otherwise someone like me would even now be a puppet, I suppose." (Therese)

"Moreover, he might have ended up shortening his life span by accumulating needless anxiety over the matter of marrying off his own daughter." Therese-sama's expression becomes gloomy.

'Continuing from Karla, are distressed beauties lovely...?'

"Since I have heard that the official business of His Majesty the Emperor is an exhausting task, none of it is just your fault, Therese-sama. Besides, His Majesty favoured you, didn't he? His Majesty will be unable to ascend to heaven in peace if you have such depressed expression." (Wendelin)

"Wendelin, thou are gentle." (Therese)

Due to the sensation of Therese-sama snuggling up to me after saying that, I'm deprived of my reasoning.

"Therese-sama, isn't this indiscreet at the current time?" (Wendelin)

I try to intersect somehow, but Therese-sama releases an outrageous statement,

"His Majesty was also worried about the matter of my husband. For the sake of making him feel relieved, I shall bestow thee the privilege to mate with me to thy heart's content." (Therese)

'This again!?' (Wendelin)

It was an extreme remark which she fired off once again, but today as well it was stopped by intruders.

Opposing Therese-sama, Elise and the others entered the room while wearing silken nightgowns and started to take them off all at once.

"Thou did well to own such see-through nightgowns."

"We bought them in the lingerie shop last time."

For the purpose of facing off against Therese-sama, Elise presented a black, Ina a blue, Luise a red, Wilma a green and Katharina a yellow see-through negligee to us.

"Therese-sama, from now on it's the time of husband and wives."

"How regrettable." (Therese)

"Sorry, but spouses have priority."

"True. Spouses have antecedence. Thy colours look like those of the quadruplets who attended the previous dinner party..." (Therese)

"Interrupting is strictly prohibited... Everyone, aren't you embarrassed by this?" (Wilma)

Therese-sama was overwhelmed by the negligee appearance of the 5 girls, but she was immediately lifted up by Wilma, who boasts of superhuman strength, and taken outside the room.

"Dear, please feel safe as you will be guarded by everyone from now on." (Elise)

"That helps, but is that alright?" (Wendelin)

There's a lot of doubt in regards to my attitude towards Therese-sama.

As I'm not accustomed to being continuously around women since my previous life, I end up feeling bad if I reject them too strongly. At the same time I end up thinking that it might become the reason for a quarrel between both countries since she's a major noble.

I'm aware that the other party is using that, but I'm troubled because she is attractive as a woman and that's something I have difficulty dealing with. As a matter of fact I noticed it most recently, but I might have more of a fondness towards elder women than I thought.

"Given that you think that it's bad to deny meeting face-to-face with Therese-sama due to your position, she was rejected by us, dear. That makes others believe that it's not a dispute between fellow nobles but a genuine quarrel between women." (Elise)

If I reject Therese-sama directly, people, who will take it as relationship between fellow nobles, will appear. However, if it's Elise's group that does the rejection, it will be possible to give others the impression that it's the result of a conflict between women.

Elise explained it to me like that.

"In exchange you have to love us plentifully, dear." (Elise)

"It's as Elise says. Rumours of discord between us will offer a gap which Therese-sama will take advantage of." (Ina)

"In short, it's about you not looking at anyone but us." (Luise)

"Therese-sama is persistent. It's no good if you don't deny her thoroughly." (Wilma)

"Just as Wilma-san has said. Since that person is more determined than you think, Wendelin-san, it will be alright even if you tell her off a bit more strongly." (Katharina)

Elise and the others were able to help me who has many hesitations, but it's of course wrong if I don't reply with gratitude to that.

Forgetting even the mourning on that day, I ended up getting completely squeezed dry by the five of them.

* * *

"Vel, you are also stuck in the prison called marriage, aren't you? With this you won't be able to go to the pleasure quarter even if the new emperor gets decided." (Erwin)

"Erwin-san, I told you before, but it's wrong for Wendelin-san to play around with women." (Elise)

"It's the usual Eru." (Ina)

"If you say such things, you will be given a cold shoulder by your desired woman." (Luise)

"Eru has no sincerity." (Wilma)

"That's right, isn't it? Even if I met you in the next world, I wouldn't marry you." (Katharina)

The next morning I was teased about last night by Eru, who finished his early morning training, once I stepped out of the bath, but in reverse he ended up knocked-out after suffering a counter-attack by the words of Elise and the other girls.

"Everyone, your mercilessness is too much. Once I heal from the shock of having my heart broken..." (Erwin)

Once I enter the spectator part at the Noble's Congress venue after preparing to go out once again, the third candidate starts his speech right away.

With him being well-bred, he wore luxurious clothes albeit they weren't too flashy. It was a young man, around his mid thirties, with a calm demeanour. His age is approximately the same as that of Margrave Breithilde, I guess.

"It's Walter-dono who has become the candidate of the central's imperial family."

Holy Empire Urquhart decides its emperor with a vote, but there is an imperial family which directly governs the central territory. With their peerage being titled as Archduke household which is above a regular Duke, they are treated as a bureaucratic organization that supports the emperor if the emperor doesn't hail from their family.

It was possible for them to employ personnel, that can be used by them, within the budget set by the emperor, but even so it's not like all their costs are covered by the empire.

For the reign of the empire the cooperation of the imperial family was indispensable. That part might be an advantageous aspect for the imperial family.

"An emperor who came from another household, has to pay attention to the imperial family. This is what it means."

Since they are an existence that manages to raise a budget by controlling the area under their direct control, an emperor has to take them into quite the consideration.

I see, even if someone from another household becomes emperor in the vote, it's not that much of a problem from the imperial family's point of view.

"Overly progressive policies are impossible." (Wendelin)

"That's how it is."

It's no wonder that all the candidates mention things in their speeches which seem to resemble everyone else.

"Even so, since it's about His Majesty the Emperor, the imperial family will try to get the position back. Those of other households also announce their candidacy because the title holds benefits and prestige."

"I see." (Wendelin)

The speech of Archduke Walter, who is an elite of the central government, didn't have that much difference to the two from the previous day. It's probably complicated to go for novel political measures in the current political situation.

"If he is elected, he will become His Majesty, Urquhart the 17th."

That would be the name of him as emperor. If someone from the central's imperial family is elected, it's the empire's name Urquhart. If someone from another household becomes emperor, they will choose a name from several choices.

The previous emperor has chosen Wilhelm as there were many emperors, who were free from fault and had a high evaluation, with that name. In reverse there also seem to be several emperor names which weren't chosen ever again due to the bad reputation of a former name holder.

"Finally it's the last candidate, Duke Nürnberg-dono."

I have heard that he is quite the hardliner, but what kind of speech will he really hold?

I listened attentively as I was slightly curious, but his speech was radical.

"Our Holy Empire Urquhart is currently facing a grave crisis!" (Nürnberg)

Due to the sudden remark, Therese-sama who sits in the seat of the chief congress member, the other candidates, moreover Duke Hohenzollen, who didn't become a candidate, and Duke Maisen opened their eyes widely in surprise.

"At present our neighbouring country, Helmut Kingdom, is experiencing a steep growth! Why is that!? It because a hero appeared!" (Nürnberg)

At the end of Duke Nürnberg's hawk-like, sharp gaze was me who is sitting in the spectator section.

It might also be doushi, but he snored lightly with his eyes open even in this situation. It can be called emotional strength of threatening.......

'Eh!? Me!?' (Wendelin)

"That hero defeated a legendary ancient dragon and liberated the Palkenia Grasslands by defeating an elder dragon at the age of 10. At present Palkenia Grasslands is advancing the development into a huge grain-producing region." (Nürnberg)

Certainly, the Palkenia Grasslands, which were liberated by us, is advancing its development as a large-scale grain-producing region.

Duke Nürnberg seems to have gathered information without leaving any gaps.

"Furthermore! Due to the workshop of the ancient craftsman Earl Ishrubark, the number of magic airships, that can be operated immediately, has increased! The difference between both countries has already reached a difference of more than two to one. In addition, they are carrying out training and trial runs of a super magic airship that was crowned with the name of this continent! It's probably just a matter of time until it's officially deployed!" (Nürnberg)

Both countries have a number of large magic airships that won't move even after being excavated due to lacking huge magic crystal gems which corresponds to those ships.

It was a fact that this balance has broken down thanks to me.

"They have also started the development of the Savage Lands at the southern tip! Moreover, they succeeded in the liberation of the great mine belt Herthania Valley! If we don't fill this gap, our country will be in a situation where it won't be possible to avoid a northern campaign by the Helmut Kingdom in the future!" (Nürnberg)

Due to the Helmut Kingdom Threat doctrine without mincing matters, Earl Schultz' group, who was in the spectator section, has become speechless.

It appears that even in the past nobles of Helmut Kingdom have occasionally watched the congress, but there wasn't anyone who discussed the threat of our country this boldly at this location.

"It's probably because it's a diplomatic affront or rather sstrangely provocative." (Wendelin)

"That's how it is."

With more than 200 years of ceasefire, there isn't anyone who has actually experienced real combat.

"Once it's past the throat, one forgets the heat", or rather both countries have raised marginal groups and a young generation whose opinion of desiring war can't be ignored, and they are putting effort into extinguishing that motion.

"The old people and those of the main faction approve the current state of affairs."

On the other hand, there are those who want to rise to the top one way or another among the marginal factions and those who yearn for beginning a career in the military. There are many people who consider war as profitable, even among merchants and such.

It's pointless to tell them, "Think about the entire profits."

Since they can't rise in the world in the current system, they are wishing for the destruction of the current state through war.

Actually, many of those stubbornly stating their opinion within the military are secluding themselves within the main faction.

"It's only natural for them to enlarge their commerce due to the acceleration of domestic development! However, at the same time they consider strengthening their army as necessary! In reality there is a tendency to marginally raise the budget of Helmut Kingdom's army!" (Nürnberg)

With the liberation of the Palkenia Grasslands, the defense jurisdiction increased and the number of soldiers as well as posts increased in proportion.

The Royal Air Force has added personnel in order to change the magic airship dock, which was hidden in the underground ruins, into a base. The posts and work for guards increased in Herthania Valley as well. Since it's something necessary, the military budget has increased although it's just by a bit.

"In order to oppose this, it won't do unless our Holy Empire Urquhart doesn't replenish the amount and quality of our armaments!" (Nürnberg)

Among those listening to the speech, the congress members, who have deep relations with the army, burst into applause and cheering.

From the viewpoint of those, who are engaged in military affairs, an increase of the budget is warmly welcomed. Accordingly, since they want to go to war no matter what, they don't harbour much reasoning.

From the standpoint of the group who is at the top of the army, an increase in budget is splendid, but once they considered the risk of losing, there were many people who took a stance of being against war itself.

'They wish to increase the army's budget with the pretext of it being a threat towards the neighbouring country which is increasing its national power. That's what it means, I guess...' (Wendelin)

It's an agitating speech, but the method of increasing the support is quite severe.

Even if it doesn't result in him becoming the emperor, this Duke Nürnberg of a young ambitious household is probably a person that has to be carefully watched by Helmut Kingdom.

"While it may be true that it was peaceful until now, resting on our laurels due to that will lead to our ruin! The next emperor has to make a huge change in the dealing with the relationship between the both countries. At times it's necessary to carry out reforms that are painful! I, Max Erhart Armin von Nürnberg, shall promise you to guide us towards the empire's true prosperity!" (Nürnberg)

Quite the percentage of the congress members gave applause towards Duke Nürnberg's speech.

Compared to the harmless and inoffensive speeches of the previous three, he was a person who was worth to be listened to.

Even at the Q&A session afterwards, Duke Nürnberg answers the questions promptly.

His sharp look and gaze catch one's eye, but even so, those stand out as his characteristic features. His young face isn't bad either. Above all, his speech was skilfull. Even looking at the way he answers the questions, it was obvious that he was a very intelligent person.

'However...' (Wendelin)

On Earth there were dictators who were skilfull at speeches as well in the past, like Hitler or Mussolini. And, the people, who chose them, have later on met with disaster.

'It might be my own imagination. Since it's not about Helmut Kingdom...' (Wendelin)

Even while feeling a bit of discomfort, we returned to the guest house since the campaign speeches of the four candidates had finished.

* * *

"Duke Nürnberg's reputation, thee ask? It's not bad." (Therese)

After dinner, since it's troublesome to be intruded upon with a negligee every day as expected, I decide to have a talk after gathering everyone in the living room. Therese-sama, doushi and Burkhart-san join us as well.

While Therese-sama, Doushi, Burkhart-san and I drank alcohol and Elise's group drank tea, we chatted about the campaign speeches over the past two days.

"That way of making radical propaganda for a doctrine of expanding towards the south is one from the old days. However, in his own territory, the Nürnberg Dukedom, there hasn't been any augmentation of the armaments which makes his financial regulations suspicious." (Therese)

Instead he actively strives to stand at the head of his own elite army.

"Monster hunting is a part of this gent's army's training regiment." (Therese)

They go hunting in a group after employing adventurers to act as guides and they skilfully withdraw before stimulating monster groups.

In addition, they help in cultivating new land and maintaining the roads in the name of training the construction of encampments. They hire unemployed civilians into military service and make them participate in that training.

Thanks to that, the number of unemployed people in Nürnberg Dukedom is lower than at other places. Since his army is moving all over the territory due to the training, the public order isn't bad either.

His government is basically a good one and his popularity among the fief's population is high, Therese affirms.

"It seems His army is powerful as a group." (Therese)

"There's no mistake in that."

Since there's rarely an existence like doushi, an army will be strong if it goes to war by becoming skilled in group actions. Though it's not like they are particularly negligent in training their own martial arts. Duke Nürnberg's feudal army is apparently known as the most powerful in Holy Empire Urquhart.

"How about their magicians?"

"There isn't much of a difference to other Duke households." (Therese)

Given that the central government has the tendency of sheltering excellent magicians at any costs, even Duke households can't employ advanced magicians with considerable magic capacity. I hear that they skilfully make use of the limited magicians.

"So, it seems that Duke Nürnberg will become the next emperor, doesn't it?"

"That's probably difficult."

There were many people who harbour expectations towards the young, capable Duke Nürnberg, but that doesn't mean that the government of Holy Empire Urquhart was extremely bad until now.

Even regarding the political measures, there are many who wonder whether it isn't alright to bring about changes little-by-little following the flow so far. There appear to be rumours that the name of the emperor will become Urquhart after a long time after the Archduke wins according to the forecast of the majority.

"Certainly, the Archduke is the most popular in bets." (Armstrong)

"You do something like betting on it?" (Wendelin)

"I heard that a special event always takes place at the moment of the emperor's election!" (Armstrong)

While saying that, doushi shows a wooden credit ticket to us.

Once I look at it, it had unexpectedly the name of the sound and most popular Archduke written on it.

"Why didn't you aim for a lucky break with another person?" (Wendelin)

"Earl Baumeister, it's meaningless if you don't win in gambling!" (Armstrong)

"A comment I can agree with, but..." (Wendelin)

"Before that, there are various problems with that..."

Is it fine for doushi to bet in his position? Is the act of betting itself illegal? Ina and Luise seem to feel quite uneasy.

"As for the gambling on its own, there's no problem since it's an imperial bookmaker." (Therese)

"It's organized by the empire?" (Wendelin)

"Quite so. There are the costs for His Majesty's funeral service and the establishments related to amusement are holding back on business until the enthronement of the new emperor. Some amusement is necessary for the the common people as well, right?" (Therese)

Katharina can't hide her surprise due to Therese's explanation.

"I'm truly unable to understand that." (Katharina)

"That's because the bookmakers make the highest profits from the bets." (Wilma)

"Wilma, you say acrimonious things while absent-minded. You are an interesting one. In contrary, Storm-dono, you are too serious." (Therese)

As a matter of fact, poison towards the authorities is mixed into Wilma's comment, but Therese-sama, who noticed that, praised Wilma while laughing.

"No matter what one does, money is necessary. That's because the budget is limited." (Therese)

"What if Duke Nürnberg becomes the next emperor by some mistake?" (Elise)

"Elise-dono, are you vigilant of Duke Nürnberg?" (Therese)

It seems that Elise, just like me, is cautious of Duke Nürnberg. She based it on the information through her grandfather.

I had no more than my intuition and knowledge from my previous life though.

"If that gent's fortunate, he will become third in the number of votes obtained? I believe that there won't be such ups and downs this time." (Therese)

No matter how popular a person he is, the one doing the voting are the congress members.

That means there are many people who are obliged to cast their vote for other people due to regional bonds, blood relations, factions and concessions.

"Well then, will we go sleep ahead of time in preparation for tomorrow?"

Since there wasn't a night visit by Therese-sama on that day, I slept normally.

* * *

The next day, the poll which decides the next emperor, finally started.

"The vote will apparently be repeated until someone obtains the votes of the majority, but..."

First, the starting vote has been carried out.

The congress members hold one voting note, write their candidate onto it with with a quill and throw it into a ballot box.

Once the voting of all the congress members finishes, the votes are tallied immediately and they start totalizing the numbers. This task is performed in front of all congress members in order to prevent fraud.

"The result is yet another vote!"

Due to the announcement of the government official who was in charge of adding up the numbers, they enter a second vote.

The first result was: 221 votes for the Archduke who is the favourite, 111 votes for Duke Nürnberg, 97 votes for Duke Brandenburg and 71 votes for Duke Baden.

Therese's prediction was off and Duke Nürnberg was second place in the number of votes obtained. He seems to be more popular than expected.

First, Duke Baden, who is on the last place, is removed from the vote and a revote with the remaining three is carried out.

"Will it be decided once the Archduke gets the majority in the next run?" (Wendelin)

"Therese-sama seems to have predicted it like that." (Burkhart)

Pretending to not see doushi, who sleeps even today with his eyes open, I continued to talk with Burkhart-san.

"Even if we go by the percentage of obtained votes, it feels like it will go down like this." (Wendelin)

However, at the next vote troubles crop up.

"The result is yet another vote!"

Probably because their predictions were off, there were many congress members talking noisily in the assembly hall.

With 249 votes, the Archduke didn't get the majority. The rest turns into 154 votes for Duke Nürnberg and 97 votes for Duke Brandenburg. This settles the dropping out of Duke Brandenburg at this point.

Duke Brandenburg is surprised, but he apparently didn't believe that he can become emperor himself. Rather, he looks surprised at the situation of Duke Nürnberg becoming second place.

"Ye~~~~a, I think the Archduke's victory is certain, but..." (Wendelin)

What's problematic is that even Therese-sama wasn't able to read the course of the votes.

The 71 votes of Duke Baden who was fourth at the first vote. More than half of these wandered to Duke Nürnberg.

They might have thought that they likely wouldn't get any favourable treatment even if they had voted for the Archduke who was rumoured to decide it with a victory according to the predictions of the majority.

"Also, did the votes of the merchants go to him?"

The limit of non-nobles is set to 10% of the congress' seats.

The majority of those was occupied by large craftsmen of the carpenter section, major merchants who possess overwhelming assets and poor nobles, but they might have judged that they want to place their expectations into the new economic policies of Duke Nürnberg.

"With this it's the last vote!"

The third vote begins.

Once again the tallying of the votes and the totalization of the numbers advances swiftly, but sighs were leaked inside the assembly hall due to its outcome.

267 votes for the Archduke and 233 votes for Duke Nürnberg.

The result turned out as initially anticipated, but it was a result where you couldn't take Duke Nürnberg's popularity lightly.

"This makes it necessary to consider Duke Nürnberg as next emperor to be set in stone."

Due to the unforeseen result, Earl Schultz' group, who was at the spectators seats, entered that in the records of their report drafts.

It's probably about harbouring wariness towards the rise of the still young and radical Duke Nürnberg. At any rate, he is an advocate of an expansion towards the south.

"Since he's still young, there's also the possibility of him running for being elected as next emperor."

"One can't say that it's impossible."

Be that as it may, that threat is likely a matter of a few decades later. The one who has to deal with that is the Helmut Kingdom of that time. Even if we worry about it from now on, it's pointless.

We harboured the heartfelt wish of wanting to quickly return to our territory once the enthronement ceremony finished.

Chapter 81: A turbulent night

"Somehow I'm not fully satisfied." (Wendelin)

"With what?"

Eleven days after the death of Wilhelm the 14th, the enthronement ceremony of the new emperor was carried out.

Therese-sama, once again, didn't return to the guest house the previous day due to being very busy with the preparations, but it seems that the arrangements were completed in time.

We were also invited and a stately ceremony took place. The congress members and influential people of the church participated too, and the new emperor, Urquhart the 17th was enthroned.

With the emperor's seat returning to the central's imperial family after three generations, the citizens of Bardiche were also very delighted. Since there was a parade after the ceremony, many people showed up along the roads.

That doesn't mean that the reign of the previous emperor was bad, but the awareness of the new emperor being a local of this city is probably the same in any world and country.

"No, it's about Duke Nürnberg..." (Wendelin)

The other contender for the throne, Duke Nürnberg, cornered the new emperor into a close contest going as far as a third voting round, might be the expression of a wish for some change in the empire's state which has some kind of hopeless feeling, although its government is stable.

That's why it probably ended up becoming an unexpectedly close competition once there were only two candidates left.

"The emperor's election has such rules. Thus he has no other option but to aim for the next time." (Burkhart)

It's likely just as Burkhart-san says.

Given that it's possible for the emperor of this country to retire, it might barely be possible for Duke Nürnberg to run for becoming the next emperor. However, since there's also the possibility of the next emperor selection being too late, he should bear quite strong feelings of frustration.

However he swore allegiance and cooperation to the new emperor without hesitation and as confidently as usual. As there were opinions that he is hiding ulterior motives in his heart, I also sensed that there are some parts which I'm not fully satisfied with. He should have wanted to become emperor. In addition, he had more supporters than expected.

Just as speculated the emperor had been chosen from among the members of the Archduke household and I felt in reverse a doubt about him pretending that it is not a reason for him to not be mortified.

"Well, since he isn't a child, it would be wrong of him to throw a tantrum." (Burkhart)

"However, in the case of normal people, you can expect them to reveal those emotions through their expressions and behaviour, even if only just a bit." (Wendelin)

"I guess he has an outstanding talent enabling him to hide that." (Burkhart)

I unintentionally reveal my true opinion to Burkhart-san.

This bad premonition comes from no more than my own intuition and might be a wild delusion. And yet I think I would be able to feel relieved if he showed a bit of a bad obstinacy or his frustration.

"At any rate, the new emperor has been decided. The Friendship Visit Group will likely be assembled next year once again. Though it's unknown whether we will be invited to it."

Since the magic exhibition has already ended, it seems that there's actually no necessity to invite us. Nevertheless, we might be invited once again since we have left in a flashy manner.

"We have to stay patient for three more days. Once the enthronement ceremony finishes, the stores related to entertainment will resume business. Let's return home after buying some decent souvenirs."

Three days after the ceremony finished, we spent our time with buying souvenirs and going sightseeing in Bardiche since we don't have anything particular to do. At last we will set out to return to Helmut Kingdom tomorrow.

"Wendelin, can thou mate with me early?" (Therese)

"Wendelin-sama will be busy inseminating us!" (Elise)

Therese-sama's solicitation was as usual, however Elise and the others dodged it skilfully.

Especially last night's words, which were filled with Elise's anger, were something I couldn't imagine from the usual her. Even Ina and the others at least understood that "It's scary if Elise gets really angry...".

* * *

On the night of the last day in the empire we slept normally in our rooms since it's the day before returning home, but I end up opening my eyes due to suddenly hearing a sound I'm not used to hear.

As the time's still in the dead of night it was pitch black outside, but I can hear a sound similar to some metal being scraped with a clattering from outside the window.

Once I look outside after getting up from the bed, I was able to confirm a large number of soldiers rushing into the imperial palace.

At the same time it seems that this guest house is also surrounded by soldiers and knights who wore metal armour.

"What's this about?" (Wendelin)

No way, is it a declaration of war by erasing the Friendship Visit Group?

No, rather than that, I can also predict one more possibility.

"It's a coup d'etat, isn't it?" (Elise)

"With this timing?" (Wendelin)

"Yes." (Elise)

Elise, who entered inside after opening the door, mentions the worst-case scenario which I anticipated as well.

The emperor is chosen by election in this country, therefore the other candidates, who harbour dissatisfaction towards the result, will regularly cause a coup d'etat, won't they?

I don't particularly care about them doing as they like, but I'd like them to hold back on that during the time of the Friendship Visit Group's visit, I end up thinking.

"Get ready." (Wendelin)

"Yes." (Elise)

The enemy soldiers might come rushing in at any time.

Once I swiftly changed my clothes, I tossed all our luggage into my magic bag.

Elise also already changed into her combat outfit for when she's active as an adventurer and tightly grasped her specialized mace.

"Is outside full of enemy soldiers?" (Ina)

"Rather than enemies, it's the forces of the coup d'etat. Will they become our enemies?" (Luise)

"We will counter-attack if they tell us that they will capture us." (Wilma)

Next Ina, Luise and Wilma got ready as well, but as expected, they were used to it or rather they were already completely armed.

"Wendelin-san, if one considers that they are strangely skilled, the imperial army must be in cohort with them as well." (Katharina)

"So, who's the ringleader?" (Wendelin)

"That's likely obvious." (Burkhart)

Continuing, Katharina, in her usual dress-styled equipment, and Burkhart-san, wearing a robe, enter the room as well.

"Duke Nürnberg after all?" (Wendelin)

"There's no one else who has a motive." (Burkhart)

The young, ambitious household which advocates military expansion and an expedition towards the south, Duke Nürnberg.

He, who had piercing eyes like a falcon, set his sight on me. It seems that I'm a hindrance for his southern expedition policy.

Under normal circumstances, they probably wouldn't commit such foolishness like sending soldiers to us who are from another country.

"We can't hope for decent treatment if we are caught."

"It's quite likely that we will be used as hostages for the sake of recognizing the political power of the coup d'etat party."

That's the same for Earl Schultz's group as well, but as we have to currently care about our own situation with all our might, we don't have the leeway to worry about others.

"Let's escape after gathering our luggage." (Wendelin)

"I agree!" (Armstrong)

Lastly Doushi made an appearance, but once we left the room in order to gather everyone, there were several knights and soldiers lying unconscious in the corridor.

It seems they were knocked down by doushi, who fought with a flowerpot, as they tried to secure us.

His strength was powerful as usual, but suppressing us with these numbers would have likely been impossible to begin with.

"Which reminds me, what about Earl Schultz's group?"

"It looks like soldiers also entered the neighbouring inn. Since Earl Schultz's group consists of civil officials, they have been captured, I suppose."

They have guards, but it's probably unreasonable for those to oppose several enemies per person. In that case, they were either caught or killed.

"Certainly you are not planning to rescue them, right?" (Armstrong)

"No, that would be unreasonable." (Wendelin)

I deny Doushi's question right away.

It's obvious if one looks at the number of soldiers surrounding the guest house and the imperial palace. Besides, at the time they joined the Friendship Visit Group, any kind of noble must have the resolve that this might happen.

It's wrong of me to not have rescued them is a completely absurd opinion.

"Well, we can escape with [Teleportation] right away though. Ack!" (Wendelin)

"What's wrong, Earl-sama?" (Burkhart)

Once I try to use the 『Teleportation』 spell on the spot since everyone finished preparing, a sudden pain hits my head.

"Magic is being obstructed?"

I used the [Teleportation] spell once more, but it just caused another stab of pain in my head.

When I chant silently in order to invoke the spell, I receive another stab of pain that cuts it off completely inside my head.

"No way! We can't use magic?"

"Is it really the magic? I can use it though." (Armstrong)

Doushi, who defeated the soldiers who stormed in, was able to normally charge his fist with mana.

"What does that mean?"

"There's Earl Baumeister!"

"I've become a target after all..." (Wendelin)

It's probably because their comrades, who charged in first, haven't come back.

Next several knights and soldiers draw their swords and approach our direction.

"It's legitimate self-defence, thus..."

"Uguuu..."

I steal their consciousness by mercilessly releasing an [Electric Shock] spell and not [Area Stun] at them.

They might have died since I didn't adjust its power output, but I didn't have the flexibility to care about it to such an extent.

"Huh? I can use magic." (Wendelin)

"It seems to be limited to a part of magic." (Burkhart)

"Only a part?" (Wendelin)

As his head apparently suffered pain, Burkhart-san held his head with his hand.

"As a test I tried to float with [Flight], but..." (Burkhart)

It appears that all movement magic gets obstructed.

The magic won't invoke and a stab of pain would hit the caster's head.

"Hm~~~mm. We can't use magic tools for communication either." (Armstrong)

Since it's a state of emergency, Doushi tried to get in touch with His Majesty by using a magic hand-held communication device, but this didn't connect either.

As test I tried to use my own magic hand-held communication device, but it was completely in vain.

"Magic tools which have restricted types of magic get obstructed but not all magic?"

"They have increased the range of the effect to some extent in exchange for restricting it to a few types of magic?" Burkhart-san predicted.

I have a feeling that it's a frightening OOPArt, but there's a great number of the Ancient Magic Civilization heritages sleeping in Helmut Kingdom as well. It was unthinkable that something similar doesn't exist in Holy Empire Urquhart.

"That means, in other words..."

Movement and communication spells and magic tools don't work at all right in the middle of Holy Empire Urquhart's capital.

It would probably be best to expect that even the magic airship, we used before, won't be able to take flight with this.

"Before that, have the coup d'etat forces already seized full control then?" (Elise)

It's probably as Elise says.

I guess it's almost a fact, but the elite Duke Nürnberg feudal army and quite a few forces of the imperial army are suppressing important bases and people of Bardiche by obstructing communication.

As it seems that even soldiers of the imperial army have joined, the whereabouts as well as life and death of the new emperor Urquhart the 17th is uncertain. I'm not very knowledgeable about things like the political and military circumstances of other countries, but such total coup d'etats are things that happened often in the past as well.

Probably, they secretly prepared and made sure they were ready at the time they lost the emperor election.

"Earl-sama, we are foreigners after all." (Burkhart)

As Burkhart-san says, we are from another country.

Rather than their safety, our own safety takes priority.

"There's no other option but to escape."

It's a painful fact that we have no means of transportation, but at any rate, we have to run away.

Since the ringleader will harbour wariness towards me if we are caught like this, there's no doubt that he should make me suffer needlessly.

"I don't want to mention it, but there are women here."

I think it's pointless to demand reason from Duke Nürnberg who has become the mastermind of a coup d'etat just because he couldn't become emperor.

There's the possibility that he won't think anything but sacrificing us for the sake of building a new nation. Even if Duke Nürnberg was rational, there's no guarantee that he will transmit his thinking down to all his soldiers.

"Anyway, let's escape to a place where this strange jamming magic doesn't exist."

I take out bags which were filled with a large amount of a certain something from my magic bag.

I collected it at the time of clearing the Savage Lands. It was something copying a bullet which uses tungsten.

Guns don't exist in this world. In the case of bows, large ballistae existed, but those evolved in the direction of changing them into magic tools as a means to raise their power.

They have been deployed in battles as magic tools which fire large, special arrows with mana, but the thinking hasn't reached guns yet.

There was no gunpowder either. In that case I think it's a better idea to exchange gunpowder with mana.

'It will be dangerous if Elise's group gets caught. Besides, I'm a person from Helmut Kingdom.' (Wendelin)

There were many good-for-nothing nobles there, but the place I belong to is over there. I have to protect my family.

To begin with, the ones who attacked me first is the other side. If they receive such retaliation, it probably won't fit with their predictions.

"Did you get it as well, Elise-jou-chan and the others? Kill them." (Burkhart)

"Elise's healing is the most important component of our escape. Protecting her takes maximum priority. At worst it can't be helped if others have to be sacrificed for her." (Armstrong)

Burkhart-san's and doushi's expressions became sharp.

Both might have experience in killing people from their time as active adventurers.

"Eru, will you be alright?" (Wendelin)

"Vel, will you be alright?" (Erwin)

"Who knows." (Wendelin)

As a matter of fact I have already killed close to 100 people, but since I didn't see their corpses at that time, I didn't feel something like remorse.

"How about you, Ina?" (Wendelin)

"There's no other choice but to do it! We don't know what might happen if we get caught." (Ina)

"Luise?" (Wendelin)

"The magic combat style is originally a martial art to be used on the battlefield. There's no reason for me to hesitate." (Luise)

"Wilma." (Wendelin)

"The reason why I became your wife, Vel-sama, is for a time like this. I will do it." (Wilma)

"How about you, Katharina?" (Wendelin)

"If I ended up dying here, the long-awaited revival of the Waigel household will vanish like a bubble. There's no other way but to get it done." (Katharina)

Everyone seems to have resolved themselves.

At the end I try to ask Elise.

"Currently time is precious. Let's move quickly." (Elise)

"Got it." (Wendelin)

While being cautious of the vicinity, we decide to take refuge in the urban area of Bardiche by leaving through the back-door of the guest house.

Once we went down to the lower floor, the other corridors were already occupied by enemy soldiers.

Several servants and maids had collapsed. They were apparently slain at the time of resisting.

"Taurus! Did you fail!?"

"Well then, let's get to it. Those numbers are insufficient as our opponents." (Burkhart)

No sooner than saying that, Burkhart-san casts several small wind cutters.

The soldiers, which were targeted, got cleaved and beheaded. They fell down while raising fountains of blood.

"It's a horrible scene." (Wendelin)

The lower floor was annihilated.

I try to peek into the rooms for just a bit, but several of the magicians, who came from the Sorcery Guild headquarters and such, were dead.

No matter what powerful magic they can use, they will end up dead unexpectedly quickly if they are taken by surprise.

"Duke Nürnberg may be a seriously crazy fucker."

Normally they would arrest or restrict the movements of the people from Helmut Kingdom, but it would be common sense to not make a move on them.

However, he killed several of our country's precious magicians.

"It's probably because they will become strong game pieces once it turns into a war." (Burkhart)

"Even if he succeeds in the coup d'etat, a sudden war will be impossible..."

It might mostly follow Doushi's thinking, but time is too valuable to go along with such crazy madman.

Giving up on the rescue of our allies, we decide to go outside right away.

"It's Earl Baumeister!"

"It's the prized head."

"I'm very popular, am I not?" (Wendelin)

"Viscount Armstrong is there as well! Kill them!"

"Doushi, you are popular, too."

"I'm a man who is popular among women and children!" (Armstrong)

Is that a joke? Or the truth?

At the same time of saying that, he defeats the soldiers one by one with his fists which were clad in mana.

Once I looked properly, the heads of every soldier was crushed with one blow. They collapsed while having their faces turned in a weird direction away from him.

"Hiii~~~~??!!"

A soldier, who was scared by Doushi's strength, swings his sword recklessly, but that sword ends up completely broken in one blow by Doushi's fist.

Having lost his sword, the soldier tries to run away, but the instant he turned his back on us, Doushi grabs his head and crushes his neck.

"I have family as well. I won't let you off." (Armstrong)

The corpse of the soldier, which was still held by Doushi, dangled down loosely like a marionette since the neck has been broken, but he immediately throws it away to the side of the corridor.

"We have to hurry." (Armstrong)

After that the soldiers get eliminated by Burkhart-san's wind cutter, Doushi's mana-charged fists and my tungsten-made bullets which I send flying with mana.

The bullets, which have a tip similar to dum-dum ammunition and the shape of a chinquapin seed, smash the faces of soldiers, if they hit there, and tear the intestines into pieces if they hit the stomach.

A splatter-like scenery unfolds, but as this is for the sake of survival, I advance while averting my sight.

"Their numbers are unexpectedly high."

"It's probably because we are next to their main target, the imperial palace."

Even the specialised weapons of Ina and Eru, who wielded spear and sword respectively together, are already dyed with the colour of blood.

For the sake of recovering the sharpness of their specialized weapons, both quickly wiped them with the clothes worn by the soldiers they defeated. Surprisingly they aren't disturbed or rather you can say that they are too busy to be disturbed about it.

"We got rid of most of the enemies. Let's go outside."

Once we enter the back yard from the back-door which is used for the sake of carrying in goods and food, there was a person whom we didn't see until now.

Therese-sama alongside five retainers continued a skirmish with enemy soldiers while trying to get away.

Two victims had already appeared on Therese-sama's side and four enemies had been defeated on the enemy's side.

It seems to be a hard fight, but as there are many soldiers on the enemy's side, Therese-sama's side is unable to get outside.

"We will assist them."

All the soldiers, who had gathered at the centre of the back gate, are defeated by Burkhart-san's wind cutters and my [Bullet] spell.

Getting beheaded and having holes drilled into their faces and bodies, there wasn't even one survivor.

"Sorry for having to help us." (Therese)

Therese-sama in her nightgown appearance thanks us while still holding a sword drenched in blood.

"Did you kill soldiers yourself?"

"Originally that's something I won't do, but it would have been a harsh situation if I wasn't included in the numbers. I have received the minimum of swordsmanship practice since my childhood." (Therese)

As there's blood attached to her sword, she should have killed at least one enemy. It seems that I can't win against Therese-sama in sword skills.

"Sorry for troubling thee as well, Elise-dono." (Therese)

"No, I think they will survive." (Elise)

Elise cast healing magic on the retainers of Therese-sama who had collapsed.

"You saved us."

"Therese-sama, I'm sorry for having made an unexpected blunder."

"It's fine. Thou became a shield in order to protect me. That's honourable." (Therese)

After they got up safely, they thank Elise.

They apologized to Therese-sama for getting defeated, but she praised them for being honourable in reverse.

She possesses ability and charisma, one can't take lightly, as a noble after all.

"Well then, shall we try to escape? Wendelin, won't thee escape via magic?" (Therese)

"Therese-sama, actually..." (Wendelin)

Once I tell her that communication and movement magic is sealed off, her expression gets gloomy for just an instant.

For it to be only for an instant is probably because she will cause her retainers to get uneasy if she, who is currently the most distinguished person, shows an anxious expression.

"That's strange... Then we can't count on reinforcement from our allies." (Therese)

At the time when we were isolated due to it being impossible to send messages, the coup d'etat forces have started a surprise attack.

Thanks to this attack, the important military bases, which are located in Bardiche, have been probably completely taken over, Therese-sama predicted.

"Then they distributed soldiers in the many important bases. They have known about the impossibility to communicate in advance. Duke Nürnberg's feudal army has a lot of elites. They are probably flawless in communication through messengers, but..." (Therese)

It's unlikely that they have gained control over all of Bardiche.

If we escape to the northern Philip Dukedom after skilfully taking refuge inside the city, there's a chance for success, Therese-sama stated.

"Well then, we will go to the south."

"Regrettably Nürnberg Dukedom lies in the south. The southern nobles are suspicious as well." (Therese)

There's the possibility that they are participating in this time's coup d'etat. Escaping on foot or by horse will likely be difficult, she explained.

"It will be safe if thee take refuge in my Philip Dukedom. Let's escape after stealing a stagecoach?" (Therese)

A northern highway, that continues from here in Bardiche to Philip Dukedom, has been established. Moreover, as there seem to be large stagecoaches as well, it will probably be possible to run away by using that, she says.

"There's no other choice, huh...?"

"Well, let's go then."

Once we leave the guest house after having decided on the plan, Therese-sama led us to the sewer system.

"Rather than in the city, it will be probably safer in the sewers?"

"You are well acquainted with it."

"Since I'm a noble, I have prepared for the worst-case situation, too." (Therese)

She had likely made the retainer, who is leading us, investigate it regularly. She is a far more excellent noble than me.

"We have nearly arrived at the stagecoach stop."

It was smelly, but as expected even the coup d'etat forces didn't have the leeway to send soldiers into the sewers.

We return to the surface without encountering a single soldier, but above ground enemy soldiers lied in wait after all.

And...

"Oh my, Earl Baumeister-dono is with them as well? Are you imitating a rat?" (Eins)

Eins, the eldest brother of the four magic brothers in his red robe, was waiting for us there.

"Do you approve of the coup d'etat?" (Therese)

Therese-sama revealed an expression full of disgust.

"Duke Nürnberg-sama will make me Head Magician! In that case it's only natural that I turn traitor." (Eins)

Eins' tone changes all of a sudden.

No, probably that's his actual tone.

In spite of living at the imperial palace since his childhood, he has apparently been raised into quite the boorish fellow.

"I believe that Blattson-san is suitable as Head Magician though." (Wendelin)

Eins is probably a bit superior in regards to mana, but if it's knowledge, experience and personality, Blattson-san is superior to an extent that it's pointless to even compare.

In order to provoke him on purpose, I address Eins.

Being told that Blattson-san is more suitable as Head Magician than himself, anger appeared on Eins' face for an instant.

"That's true. Blattson might be suitable. However you can't appoint a dead person to a post any more, right?" (Eins)

While laughing frivolously, Eins throws something in front of us.

"Hii!"

"No way..."

A short scream is raised by Elise's group.

The thing Eins threw was Blattson's head.

"...Did you defeat him?" (Burkhart)

"Yea, I killed him! If the number of magicians decreases, our value will rise by that degree! This means that I'm the Head Magician-sama!" (Eins)

"If it's Blattson, for you to overtake him..." (Burkhart)

Burkhart-san asks Eins a question while having a pale face to a degree I haven't seen until now.

"I had more mana than him, though only a bit. It's not like there was this much difference between us. That's why I used a little scheme." (Eins)

"Yes, we went to report to him with the four of us. We told him that Duke Nürnberg rose in rebellion."

"While he was surprised, I stabbed him with a knife from a blind spot." (Eins)

"If he can't use magic, he's just an old geezer. He isn't an enemy for us. Unless the old geezer retires, he will be plenty of hindrance for us who have a promising future."

Zwei, Drei and Vier, wearing blue, yellow and green robes, show up from behind Eins.

Image-wise they looked like a certain hero squadron, but their words and deeds are no more than that of villains.

Nothing but unpleasant feeling emerged within me in regards to them.

"You bastards!" (Burkhart)

"Geezer, if you get too angry, you will collapse after a cerebral stroke."

"That old geezer was killed because he was weak."

"At any rate, be relieved since you will follow that geezer in death."

"Sip tea in hell together, as fellow geezers."

Vier mocks the enraged Burkhart-san with a slightly ridiculing tone. The other three raised a vulgar laughter in agreement with that.

"Burkhart-san, calm down." (Wendelin)

I call out to Burkhart-san quietly.

"Sorry, I lost myself for a moment there." (Burkhart)

Burkhart-san, who came to his senses after being called by me, returned to a composed expression right away.

"Besides, those are the words of fellows who will be dead soon anyway. Let's at least listen to them while considering it as their last request." (Wendelin)

"Did you say anything, Earl Baumeister?"

"I did. Are you deaf despite still being young? You guys will have an unsightly death very soon." (Wendelin)

They are excellent magicians, that's why even the emotion of it being regrettable to kill them wells up within me.

At any rate, they are magicians of another country and their character is the worst.

If I don't kill them here, I have a premonition that they will become a hindrance in my future life.

Even before that, cutting corners and making them incapable of fighting would be difficult, or rather, I have no other choice but to kill them since it's not unlikely that I suffer an embarrassing defeat otherwise.

"That's a funny joke!"

"You fucker will die!"

"Flirting while being accompanied by women."

"Die with peace of mind since we will rape all the women until they die once you bastard are dead."

"Good grief, did you really receive proper education at the imperial palace?" (Wendelin)

Going beyond anger, I'm just disgusted.

Is it because they have talent? They were probably pampered quite a lot.

"Well, it doesn't really matter. Even if I kill lowlifes, I will have little feelings of guilt." (Wendelin)

"Hah! Do you think that you can win against the four of us?" (Eins)

The instant Eins roared like that, the situation changed.

First, after doushi strengthened his body's function with magic in an instant, he instantly moves in front of the blue-robed Zwei and smashes his head with one blow.

Moreover, at almost the same time, Luise moves in front of the yellow-robed Drei and releases a thrusting technique which was charged with large quantities of mana.

Drei somehow deals with it by defending with a [Magic Barrier], but the [Magic Barrier] of Drei breaks due to the power of Luise's fist breaking through by focussing on one point alongside a sound of *parin* similar to glass breaking.

Crushing both his palms which he pushed out in front to erect the [Magic Barrier], she made a large hole in his abdomen after defeating the anti-magic defence of his expensive robe.

"Hiii!??"

"Monster!"

"I believe that I'm not a monster as I'm this cute." (Luise)

Drei dies instantly while spilling large quantities of blood, fragments of his spine and intestines to the rear.

The strength of Luise's blow is far too powerful.

She had almost no blood splatter on her, but the soldiers, who were behind Drei, screamed in terror while at the same time being sprayed with Drei's blood and pieces of flesh.

However, the time, they could raise their voices, was short.

Several wind cutters, which came flying just like boomerangs, mercilessly cut and tore through them.

"Since I'm a lady, I shall excuse myself from any partner except Wendelin-san." (Katharina)

Before even a second passed, the soldiers under Eins' control got annihilated atrociously.

Becoming panicked, he turns his look towards Vier, as if clinging to him, who's the sole person left alive, but he was not of this world any longer.

He, who wore a green robe, had already no head. A stream of blood rose from the cut end like a water fountain.

And, the one who accomplished that is...

"He got what he deserved." (Burkhart)

It was Burkhart-san who used up the majority of his mana.

"Such a! Even Vier, he has more mana than you!" (Eins)

"That's true. But I won't be troubled even if I use up my mana here. I attacked him with spells using all my power." (Burkhart)

While replenishing his mana a bit with the few remaining prepared magic gems, Burkhart-san showed a triumphal expression to Eins.

"Though you made a surprise attack against Blattson, your confusing and pretentious rambling was long."

No matter how excellent their magic might be, there's no meaning to it if they die before releasing it.

Eins, who made a self-important, impertinent speech while even forgetting the traits of doushi and Luise as magicians, was sure to get defeated from the start.

"Well then, only you are remaining." (Wendelin)

"Hiii~~~~!!??" (Eins)

"Your siblings, with whom you were on good terms, died. You will keep them company in hell." (Wendelin)

"Hiii~~~~!!??" (Eins)

Did Eins' legs cramp out of fear once I made one step forward?

He tries to escape by retreating after having fallen on his backside. However, right after hitting something, he looked back and his face became stiff in horror due to its true identity.

It was the tragic corpses of his killed brothers and soldiers.

Once he continues to back off while trying to escape despite those corpses, his special-made, bright red robe becomes sullied by blood and mud which was created due to the blood.

Furthermore, a stain spread at the part of his nether region and he ended up incontinent due to his excessive fear.

"Even if it's just you, it will be troublesome if I let you get away. And, Eins, I will keep the fact that you got incontinent out of fear on the verge of death a secret. Die with a peace of mind." (Wendelin)

"Don't fuck with me~~~~!" (Eins)

Eins, who mustered some courage, forms a huge fireball with a diameter of around one meter above his head.

"All of you, burn and die~~~~!" (Eins)

"It's futile." (Wendelin)

Even at the last moment he uses magic while scrutinising on the allotment of mana.

If he aims for a recovery from this hopeless situation, it's necessary to immediately fill it with all his mana like Burkhart-san did.

I immediately erase Eins' fireball by offsetting it with a water ball, create a fireball with a diameter of 3 meters in an instant and drop it on Eins from above.

"Why is it more than my fireee~~~!" (Eins)

"Don't ask me. Ask god in the other world." (Wendelin)

Eins extends a [Magic Barrier] as last resistance, but I destroy that with strength by charging the fireball with even more mana.

Having lost what protected him, Eins is swallowed up by the fireball and burnt to death alongside a scream of death agony.

At the same time the other corpses burn and lose their shapes as well. There was nothing left when the fireball vanished.

"Phew... Let's go then?" (Wendelin)

Today is a miserable day.

It's the worst kind of day where I won't be able to survive unless I commit a bloodbath.

Since there's the possibility that I will fall into a very bad mental condition if I reflect on the fact that I killed people, I decided to prioritize escaping for now.

"Everyone, to a free carriage!" (Wendelin)

Since there are ten-odd carriages, which can be called large, and one right next to us, all of us board that one.

A retainer of Therese-sama sits down in the coachman's seat. I sit down next to him in order to remove the enemies in front and it was decided that Katharina will be vigilant of our rear.

Since we have to remove the enemies while travelling, I'm more suited for it than doushi or Luise. Given that Burkhart-san has little mana remaining, he becomes the reserve while recovering his mana.

"Let's go then."

"Before that..." (Wendelin)

Creating a huge fireball with magic, I tossed it at the stable and standby location of the stagecoaches.

Several tens of small and large carriages as well as the horses to pull them are burning.

I feel sorry for the horses, but there's also the possibility of our escape failing due to them being used as means of chasing us.

"Earl Baumeister! You are!"

Even so, the young retainer acting as coachman apparently wasn't pleased with that.

He flared up at me.

"Is there any harm to you?" (Wendelin)

"The carriages and horses are important property of the empire!"

Horses and carriages aren't that cheap either. They are also an important means of transportation for commoners and merchants except the magic airships.

Something like burning all of those, you are a person from an enemy nation after all, he says.

He began to preach in a self-important manner because the other party is a noble from another nation, but I grabbed his collar and quietly interrogated him.

"Is it fine for me to ask you one thing? Although we succeeded in escaping, is it fine for Duchess Philip's party to die here?" (Wendelin)

"How does it reach such point?"

As they noticed that mine and the retainer's mood is odd, Therese-sama and Burkhart-san immediately show their faces from within the carriage.

"What's up?" (Therese)

"Therese-sama! Earl Baumeister has!"

The retainer, who serves as coachman, prompts Therese-sama to look at the spectacle of the horses in the stables and all the carriages, which were left in their standby place, burning.

"As horse-drawn carriages are valuable assets of the empire, it's far too cruel! Is this a scheme of Helmut Kingdom to damage our country?"

I only destroyed them as they are a means of transportation that might be used by pursuit units, but going by what he says, I seem to be an existence that harms Holy Empire Urquhart.

Although he is furious, Therese-sama doesn't say anything.

Rather than that, she has a stance similar to waiting for my way of dealing with it.

'Shall I do it!?' (Wendelin)

As expected, I have ended up losing my temper a bit.

Even though she's a noble from another country, she has made Elise's group angry with her suggestive temptation and has appeared imprudent just because she's a prince-elector as Duchess. Even though they have been rescued thanks to us, now her retainer is nitpicking.

I decide to stop holding back any longer.

No matter how much she's a woman, she's a noble of another country.

"Then die by sacrificing yourself for those pitiful carriages and horses." (Wendelin)

I push the retainer acting as coachman off the carriage.

At the same time I declared to Therese.

"Let's have you get off, Therese-dono." (Wendelin)

"All of a sudden it's an outrageous story." (Therese)

Therese looked at me with great interest without particularly feeling shaken.

"Your group has become a nuisance." (Wendelin)

"I intend to shelter you in Philip Dukedom though." (Therese)

It looks like a good idea on a first glance, but this is also a trap.

If we escape from this predicament, Therese should raise an army to defeat Duke Nürnberg and she should expect us to become a war potential for that.

Many high-ranking magicians, who are employed by the central government, should have joined the coup d'etat forces, after seeing those four brothers.

She is trying to drag us into the Philip Dukedom in order to oppose them.

"Although it's by coincidence, I saved you who are nobles from another country, but it seems there are some who are not pleased with that." (Wendelin)

Once I look at the retainer who was pushed off the carriage, he continues to cast a defiant look at me.

"Even if I don't go that far, it's possible to escape if we normally go south while avoiding Nürnberg Dukedom." (Wendelin)

Duke Nürnberg has made movement and communication magic inaccessible with some kind of magic tool in order to have the coup d'etat succeed.

Since it's immediately after the new emperor was decided, there are many noble family heads staying in Bardiche. If he restrains them, many noble territories should fall into partial functionality as they are at the same time incapable of contacting their absent family heads.

I guess Duchess Philip intends to carry out a swift operation to suppress the whole empire by attacking that blind spot. In that case, just us escaping to the south will raise the probability that we can reach Helmut Kingdom.

If she considers the suppression operation, Duchess Philip can't spare soldiers for just us any longer. It's possible to eliminate them with force if it's just few military forces. Rather, it will likely be a large difficulty for the side Therese-sama's group belongs to.

"I'm sorry but we will return by ourselves. It would be best if you return to your territory with your own strength, Duchess Philip-dono. It will be fine if you consider the removal of the four brothers and the case, where you could leave from the back gate of the guest house, as gratuity." (Wendelin)

Tension travels between me and Therese.

It seems that neither Doushi nor Burkhart-san plan to get in-between us. They waited while keeping their mouths shut.

"Did you hear, Ebbo?" (Therese)

Therese calls out to the retainer who dropped off the carriage.

Ebbo seems to be the name of the retainer who treated me as terrorist.

"In this state of emergency the property of the empire and such is a trifling issue. Look. Thanks to our incompetence, Duke Nürnberg and the idiots, who joined him, are causing a tumult with a coup d'etat game." (Therese)

The coup d'etat forces occupied the important bases by distributing their military forces and seem to be carrying out the capture and killing of nobles. We can confirm that the flames of fires are rising up at various places already.

"With just us, we would have been killed in front of the back gate. It seems that Duke Nürnberg wants to create a large country with his authority as its new emperor." (Therese)

In preparation for the coming expedition to the south, he will start mighty military preparations and create a nation which is commanded by him alone as emperor. Hence it's useless for him to be chosen as emperor in an election.

He wants to further the power of the central government by crushing the prince-electors who possess big authority. That's why he aimed for Therese's life.

"It's a terrible statement, and even a case of barking up the wrong tree, towards our benefactor who rescued us until this point." (Therese)

"Therese-sama! It's wrong to create a debt towards a noble from another country!" (Ebbo)

Creating, or rather it seems to be something that should not be announced. Does it weigh on him just how much interest will be attached later on although it's just one favour?

Although he didn't want to understand, I wonder, does he comprehend the current situation?

"It's different in normal times, but now is a crisis. Got it? We can't return to our territory if we don't rely on Earl Baumeister's group." (Therese)

"We are here!" (Ebbo)

"I can't judge whether it's possible to do it with just fighting spirit and loyalty. What is it that we have to accomplish the most now? It's us running home to our territory while staying alive, no matter how disgraceful or unsightly it might be." (Therese)

"Therese-sama..." (Ebbo)

"If you understand, switch with Barthold. Time is valuable." (Therese)

"No, I will serve as coachman." (Ebbo)

Honestly, I'd like him to switch out, but currently it's about safely escaping from Bardiche.

"Sorry for my retainer's rude speech. Can you take us along until our territory? We will give you as much gratitude as you like." (Therese)

Me thinking that it's difficult to refuse her at this point since she ended up even lowering her head is because of my naivety after all, I guess?

"And if property of the empire blocks the way, it's natural to preserve it?" (Wendelin)

Let's give them a reminder just in case.

Not only will I feel bad to be treated as terrorist for destroying the property and infrastructure of the empire while removing the enemy, it's not unlikely that we will be attacked later with that as pretext.

"We don't have such leeway. On the contrary, it's no good if you don't destroy it completely." (Therese)

"Why?" (Wendelin)

"Once they realize our escape route, the pursuing party will become relentless." (Therese)

The large northern highway doesn't seem to be the only route leading directly to Philip Dukedom. It splits into several branches along the way and continues to the Philip Dukedom through other cities and noble territories.

If you use the central route, the distance is the shortest, but naturally the pursuers will take that one, I guess. Since that's the case, the pursuers will lessen if we enter some branch road.

No matter how smart Duke Nürnberg might be, he won't be able to easily predict which branch road we are using to return to the Philip Dukedom. That means that the number of pursuers will naturally decrease if it's a branch road.

"You heard her, Ebbo. According to your pointless speech, pray that the empire's property, which blocks us in front, doesn't increase." (Wendelin)

"Guuh!" (Ebbo)

"Tell me at any time if you want to betray us due to feeling offended. I will burn you to death on the spot." (Wendelin)

"Don't tease him like this. Ebbo is a man who has a slightly strong sense of justice. However, he got excited because of the actual combat." (Therese)

"You can't kill people unless you bear such tension, right?" (Wendelin)

The me of my previous life wasn't a soldier or mercenary. There's no way for me to take it as ordinary to kill people.

I myself know that I'm getting worked up by losing my temper quite a bit, but currently I didn't have the composure to suppress that. And it seems that I can kill people if I keep my mood like this.

"That's true. Then, this is a prepaid reward if you calm down. Please do your best." (Therese)

The minute she says that, Therese presses her lips on mine.

I was completely unable to react due to the sudden kiss.

Neither Ebbo nor Burkhart-san can say anything due to their excessive surprise.

"Then, go ahead quickly." (Therese)

"I haven't seen anything. I haven't seen anything..." (Ebbo)

They probably thought that they saw something unthinkable.

Ebbo makes the carriage depart while repeatedly whispering a murmur.

Once we advance on the highway for a while, there's a unit who is performing inspections. Discovering our carriage, they immediately engage in obstructive actions.

"Although it's the empire's property, what shall we do?" (Wendelin)

"Therese-sama's order takes precedence over everything!" (Ebbo)

It seems I have teased him too much.

The retainer called Ebbo puts strength into the whip for the horses and increases the speed of the carriage. It looks like he plans to stubbornly break through.

"Stop!"

Completely armed soldiers are standing in the way at front, but I cannot afford to ignore the danger of our escape route being known and remove the opposition.

I raise [Pillar of Fire] with magic covering the entire range where they are standing.

Because I created a temperature and power that is impossible for humans to survive, all soldiers writhe about on the ground while screaming due to their bodies immediately catching fire.

There were some who struggled and tried to take off the metal armours which got heated up, but they became silent right away and the fire increased further, feeding off their bodies which had become pitch black like charcoal.

All of them had been burnt black and died in the fire.

"There are no survivors."

In order for them to not become obstacles for the next carriages passing through, I blow the corpses of the soldiers, who had turned into charcoal, away to the road's side with wind magic.

Our carriage advances while keeping its speed.

Ebbo wanted to say something again, but this time he kept his mouth shut and devoted himself to making the carriage hurry on.

"If you have any complaints, tell them to the mad dog who caused a coup d'etat just because he couldn't become emperor." (Wendelin)

Mad dog is about Duke Nürnberg. I had a bad premonition since the time he turned his glaring look at me. That bad premonition proved to be right. I have truly ended up getting sick of it.

"So, what route will we take?" (Wendelin)

"The one through [Earl Mizuho Country]." (Ebbo)

"[Earl Mizuho Country]?" (Wendelin)

"It's a self-governing dominion which is managed by an ancient ethnic group which has an unique culture. In the past they have opposed invasions by the empire many times and caused heavy losses. The details are that a High Earl peerage was bestowed to their feudal lord since it would be a troublesome matter to turn them into enemies. It's a type of protectorate where only the authority for diplomacy was entrusted to the empire." (Ebbo)

Although Ebbo harboured bad emotions towards me, he gave me a polite explanation about the Earl Mizuho Country. sIf it's work, he gives a clear explanation, I guess.

"After we have a temporary rest there, we will head towards Philip Dukedom. Because that nation is half-independent, Duke Nürnberg shouldn't make a move on them yet." (Ebbo)

We, who escaped from Bardiche, headed straight to the northern Earl Mizuho Country.