「That place isn’t suitable for people to live in」

It was the first thing I heard from Jeneha. The Kurumfar territory was filled with problems.

The first problem is the salty sea breeze.

The ground still had patches of snow from the bird’s eye view. When they thought about saturating their thirst with this snow, it turned out to be salty. In other words, it wasn’t snow, it was salt. Most of the farmlands were covered by it, this region was expected to have trouble feeding itself.

The second problem is the public order.

The bandits were roaming around the territory in great numbers, they even recently attacked the neighboring port. The harpies thought about rescuing the citizens, but the bandit’s numbers exceeded one hundred. Almost like a little army. Even with Jeneha, they didn’t feel confident going against such numbers. She decided to give up on them and returned in dejection.

The third problem is the condition of the fishing industry.

When the port town is under attack, the fishermen are often killed in the process. That produces a negative impact on the industry. The Kurumfar territory won’t be able to prosper by relying on salt without agriculture and the fishing industry.

「What are the soldiers doing?」

Rico raised her voice but immediately remembered. Most of them fell during the fight with the imperial army. As a result, the security became worse and the bandits went out of control.

「They aren’t able to deter the bandits as they are now」

「We should head for the Kurumfar territory immediately!」

On the next day, I went to the imperial palace, spoke with the prime minister, and expressed my desire to head for the Kurumfar territory as soon as possible.

「I see. However, it is not appropriate for you to head out now. The amnesty is about to begin. Who can receive them apart from you? 」

In the end, he agreed to dispatch some officials to stabilize the situation, while I stayed in the capital.

Soon enough, the first batch of Rico’s vassals has been released. It consisted of 10 people who attacked my mansion previously. [¹] As a matter of course, they lost their rights of succession and were banished from their respective houses. I want to the prime minister’s mansion to pick them up.

「Yo, long time no see. How have you been? 」

……Everyone simultaneously glared at me. What’s up with you guys? Are you trying to pick a fight?

「Bius! Paltan! Popia! Are you fine? Is Niz injured? Pario….lost his weight. Ah, Nokyu, Nokita, Jakun, Tsujin, and Aga are fine too! 」

「Ricolette-sama!!」

The men surrounded Rico and cried. A boy named Aga was about to jump into her chest. This chest is mine. You won’t be able to leave unscathed if you touch it! More than that, it is slightly hot here so they are all smelly. If you leave your scent on Rico, I won’t forgive you.

Noticing my glare, the ******** moved towards me.

「Could you be Ricolette-sama’s husband? My name is Bius. I guarded Ricolette-sama since my childhood」

Since his childhood, he put some emphasis on these words. Is he jealous of me?

「We are grateful to you for saving Ricolette-sama」

「Don’t thank me, thank His Majesty. Rico’s treatment together with your amnesty were all decided by His Majesty. I just followed his orders」

You could read「Rico? Don’t carelessly address Ricolette-sama like that! 」from their eyes. Well, Rico is mine, I can address her however I want.

「Well, let’s not talk while standing. You are finally free again. Let’s grab something to eat and discuss the future」

I dragged them to the nearest restaurant. I generously suggested them to order whatever they wanted, and they actually did it. Do they even know about restraint or are they trying to harm my finances?

We talked as we had a meal. Apparently, they were released earlier but were confined in the prime minister’s mansion. They were fed timely, but received no meat. Everyone is a young growing man. Everyone ordered meat and ate with a vigor. Do they really serve the princess? As for Rico, she looked at them with a grin.

「All right then, you can listen as you eat. I’m entrusted with managing the Kurumfar territory. That being said, you shouldn’t misunderstand. The official lord is Prince Viras. I’m just acting on behalf of the lord. Madam Kurumfar was yours and Rico’s tutor, right? You teacher’s territory is currently in peril. I’m going to fix it. If someone amongst you wishes to go to the Kurumfar territory, I could use your help in reconstruction. I won’t force anyone」

Everyone stopped eating and looked down.

「Is Ricolette-sama going?」

The youngest of them, Aga, asked Rico.

「Of course, I am!」

Rico gave a powerful answer. Following that, several people agreed to participate.

「I am renting the rooms for you in the inn nearby. It was prepaid for a week. Those who want to participate are to gather before Rinos’ mansion in a week. Those who do not want to participate should prioritize their own matters. I won’t blame you for that」

Rico handed every one of them a bag filled with money. In this way, she wanted to thank them for their hard work up until now and for taking care of her, the money came from the emperor’s gift for our wedding. She gave everyone about one million in Japanese yen equivalent. It was rather generous from her. Of course, they cried.

After the meal, they headed for the designated inn.

And a week after we returned to the mansion those guys arrived at our doors. Every one of them.

「We are prepared to serve Ricolette-sama for our whole lives! Please allow us to accompany you! 」

「Thank you. Thank you very much…….」

Rico cried, and the guys who saw it cried too. When I put my hand on her shoulder, she buried her faced in my chest and continued crying. The men instantly directed their bloodlust at me. After that, Mei, Peris, and Gon counterattacked with their own bloodlust until those guys were forced to avert their eyes.

Since we couldn’t leave without the prime minister’s orders, we extended their stay at the inn and ordered them to wait for further instructions. In the meantime, they prepared the equipment and food with all necessary seriousness.

Sometime after they left my mansion, a woman came to visit our mansion.

「Kuena? Isn’t it Kuena? 」

This woman was Rico’s attendant and raised her instead of her mother.

「I grew up in Kurumfar. If the princess wishes to go there, please let me accompany you」

「If you truly wish for that…….」

According to Kuena, Kurumfar used to sell salt to purchase the necessary food, due to lack of the local production. However, because of the lord’s unexpected death, the salt deals came to a stop and the territory experienced a shortage of food. The imperial army tries to help out, but their help has its limits. The territory is in need of immediate revitalization.

While we were waiting for our departure, we decided to procure the supplies. While at it, I also selected the members who will go with me to the Kurumfar territory. It was me, Rico, Gon, Ferris, ten guys, and Kuena. I will also bring 50 harpies as escorts. Jeneha is staying home. However, after we settle down to a certain extent, I plan to construct a teleport to visit this place whenever I want.

After a month, we finally received the prime minister’s permission to depart. It was nearly the summer.

In the morning, before the departure, the guys gathered before my mansion. Everyone, except for Rico and Kuena who rode in the carriage, prepared their horses. Using this preparation time, I introduced the guys to the harpies.

「A harpy! That dream wasn’t a dream after all! 」

Towards the shuddering men, I said.

「They are my subordinates, they won’t attack you. You can be at ease」

Their shuddering quickly subsided. I told the guys to head to the stables and help out with the carriage. I made a final check with Gon before our departure. After a while, a harpy arrived at my side and reported.

「Master, everything has been completed」

When I praised her for good work, she left my side.

The summer’s sunlight was dazzling. When I gazed towards the horizon, I saw air being distorted because of the heat. While feeling the approaching summer with my skin, I looked at the stables.

Inside the stables, I could see 10 men in adventurer’s outfits. I silently stood before these men.

「All right, let’s go!」

I mounted Irimo and rode for the distant horizon. Behind me were 10 men and one carriage. It was the beginning of the「Miracle of Kurumfar」.

• Episode 65 Negligence of Duty
• Episode 66 Bandit Extermination
• Episode 67 Bandit Extermination ②
• Episode 68 Listening to the Circumstances and Administering Punishment
• Episode 69 Confirming the Circumstances or Interrogation
• Episode 70 One Grand Plan, 「Big Haul」
• Episode 71 The Second Coming
• Episode 72 Everyday Life and the Kurumfar From Now On
• Episode 73 The Fall of the Throne
• Episode 74 Mud Games
• Episode 75 I Turned 18 Before I Noticed
• Episode 76 A New Slave
• Episode 77 Reunion
• Episode 78 The Enemy Awaits in Honnoji
• Episode 79 Going against the Country is a「Rebellion」. But When the Country Goes against You?
• Episode 80 Post-War Treatment is Troublesome
• Episode 81 Splendid Ability
• Episode 82 Harvest and Mei’s Awakening
• Episode 83 Fairy Dragon
• Episode 84 Let’s Make Her Our Pet!
• Episode 85 Peris’ Human Transformation
• Episode 86 A New Beginning

Disregarding the issue with the arm pillow, we ended up having a meal first.

Today’s menu consisted of the fried rice, tempura, and tamagoyaki. And for dessert, I brought out my masterpiece of a pudding.

「T-Tasty! It is the first time I ate something so delicious. Lars wasn’t lying! 」

Ferris had a bigger appetite than I anticipated. She didn’t eat anything since she left her mountains, the mountain of rice disappeared in no time. At this pace, she would finish everything, so I ended up making karaage.

She wasn’t satisfied even after finishing the dessert. She was finally full after I brought out 20 portions of ohagi from my infinite storage.

After the meal, I managed to ask her about Lars. The Crybaby was as always, but he did work hard in his own way. He hunted on his own initiative, it was expected from him to become an accomplished warrior. When it is time for his journey, I would be nice to meet him once.

Apparently, Ferris heard about us from Lars on the daily basis. We were together for just one week, but the events became increasingly exaggerated as they came out of his mouth. Coupled with Ferris’ delusions and convenient interpretation, my image turned into something close to a god.

Today, I had her stay in Peris’ room. When she saw me preparing a bath, her eyes glittered.

「This bath is really great. Let’s go in together later」

After I saw Peris acting as a big sister, I decided to leave everything to her.

I distanced myself from them and entered the bath.

「What should I do with Ferris?」

「Didn’t husband already decide?」

「Un, she is Lars’ big sister, I can’t just disregard her」

「However, with her appetite, Peris-san and Rico-sama might be in trouble」

「Un. Should I teach her how to cook? 」

「That might be the best choice」[¹]

When we left the bath, Gon came into our room. It is rare for him to visit in the night.

「Depending on the circumstances, this dragon girl, Ferris might be quite useful to us」

「Oh, we discussed it just a while ago. Are you talking about her appetite? I’m thinking about making her cook for herself. Also, we might ask her to hunt too」

「There is something more important than this. With her, we can secure a safe passage through the Juka Mountain Range」

「I see!」

I didn’t try to return to the Juka Kingdom simply because I couldn’t. It is a matter of the distance from the Hideta Empire. It takes about two months to circle around the Juka Mountain Range and reach the Juka Kingdom. The round trip would take 4 months. I can’t leave my mansion for that long and the prime minister won’t be happy either. However, if you go through the Juka Mountain Range it would only take a few days. With Irimo, I could arrive in two days. The difference is substantial.

We decided to postpone it to the morning and climbed on the bed.

However, Rico’s behavior was unusual since a while ago. She didn’t say a word. Maybe because she understood the reason, Mei quietly returned to her room.

「…..Rico? 」

「…..」

「Rico-chan? Do you want the arm pillow? 」

「…..」

She turned her back to me and didn’t speak. I put my arm under her neck and gave her the arm pillow. Following that, Rico turned around to face me.

「Why did you let that dragon girl stay in the mansion?」

「Are you against it?」

「Somehow, I can’t forgive her. She assumed such an impudent attitude. She ate everything and troubled you, even though it was our first meeting」

「She is still a kid, can’t help it」

「Besides, why did she ask for the arm pillow………」 [²]

「Ah, when I was on my way to deliver her little brother home, I let him do it」

「Did you do it to someone else besides me?」

「To the small male dragon that is. He didn’t fall asleep otherwise. It is only Rico and Mei amongst the women」

「Leaving this little girl in the mansion……ah」

I silently embraced her and stole her lips.

「Fuh, hah, hah, I, I………」

「I know. My arm pillow is only for Rico. Or you still aren’t satisfied? 」

「Then…..all right」

「Thanks, Rico」

Teary-eyed, red-faced Rico was truly beautiful. I embraced Rico once again.

In the morning, when I entered the dining room, Ferris was already there waiting for me. Peris was skillfully preparing breakfast and Rico went to help her out. Mei seemed to be taking care of Irimo. Gon and I sat before Ferris. Following that, Ferris stood up

「I’m sorry for my rude behavior yesterday. I will do anything to be useful, please let me stay here」

and lowered her head.

「All right. You can sit. In this house「If a person doesn’t work, he doesn’t eat」. Therefore, those who can do nothing can’t stay here. I have two conditions you have to agree to before you can stay」

Ferris swallowed with a sound.

「First condition, I want you to help Rico and Peris when you are here. In other words, I want you to learn how to cook. If you want to eat more, you have to hunt for ingredients in the forest. Since I left the hunting to the harpies, you can just cooperate with them. This is about it for the first condition. The second one, it would be fine even if you can’t achieve this. Can you somehow arrange a safe passage through the Juka Mountain Range? That place is the dragon’s den, they will attack if you approach carelessly. Can you arrange the passage at least through the lands of your own tribe? This is the second condition」

Ferris stared at my face and nodded.

「I’m good at hunting. That’s why I left on a journey in the first place. Besides, it should be fine with the passage too. No one would touch us as long as you bring me with you」

「All right, I understand. You can stay here for as long as you want! 」

「T-Thank you very mush ~uuueeeee」

She started crying. She does indeed resemble her brother.

「Everyone, please gather! This is our new friend from now on, Ferris. Take care of her, everyone!」

「Best regards」
「Best regards」
「Best regards」
「Best regards」

「Ev, evirione, besd regars ~uuuu」

Ferris greeted everyone through her tears. Yet, she still devoured breakfast in a moment.

「All right, I’m off to work. Let’s throw a welcoming party for Ferris tonight. I will shop for ingredients in the capital」

「Please buy some sugar!」
「Buy fish today. Also, kelps, squids, and prawns would be nice too」
「We are almost out of bittern too」

「All right, I will try to close the store sooner. Mei, let’s go」

Mei and I mounted Irimo.

Today, after I finished a few of the orders right after the opening, I didn’t have anything else to do in the store. We decided to use this opportunity to make a cake.

I took out the harpies’ eggs, sugar butter, and bought the strawberries from the market. In the process, I failed to adjust the heat and nearly burned everything, but, nonetheless, it was a success.

Today’s dinner ended up being quite grand. Everyone smacked their lips seeing the amount of meat, fish, and salads. It seems that Ferris went out to hunt while I was away and brought 8 cow-like monsters home. Gon worked hard to dismantle them all, their meat was truly delicious.

As for dessert, I brought out our masterpiece of a cake. It was a gigantic cake with a lot of strawberries on top. Everyone ate with a gusto. That taste of the harpies’ eggs was truly delicious, it had a nice touch to it. When I asked later, I learned that the harpies’ eggs are considered luxury goods and even royalty rarely has a chance to taste them. No wonder.

Regarding Ferris’ room, I delegated her a room next to Peris’. This was the room that I used previously. It seems that she spends most of her time in the human form as a part of her training. With that as it is, we couldn’t let her wear the same clothes every day, so on the next day, we went on a shopping spree to buy some new clothes, armor and weapons for hunting, and daily necessities.

In the first place, her baggage was mostly filled with food and little to no personal things. I wonder what she would have done if she didn’t find me. It took us several days of shopping to completely arrange her room.

A week after Ferris’ arrival, our life has finally calmed down. And as if aiming for that time, Jeneha came back. I received a shock after hearing her report.

I noticed the abnormality in the morning.

The harpies delivered their eggs as usual. Usually, Peris or Gon was in charge of accepting them, but that day, Rico was coincidentally in the garden.

「Pyipipipi」

「Ara, did you bring some eggs? Thanks」

「Pyipipyi」

「Hee~ Did you bring it by yourself? How great of you」

「…….Rico can converse with the harpies?? 」

「No, I can just vaguely understand what they mean」

She didn’t understand them at all a while ago. I hurriedly activated my appraisal skill.

Hideta Shua Ricolette (Princess, 23 years old) LV32
HP: 69
MP: 188
Water Magic LV2
Pole Arts LV2
MP Recovery LV3
Education LV4 [¹] Etiquette LV4

Education and Etiquette skills have leveled up. Above that, her level also increased substantially. What is happening?

For now, let’s examine Gon, Jeneha, Irimo, and Peris. Although they increased their skills in some areas, it wasn’t as exaggerated. Finally, I appraised Merias.

Merias (Slave Sage, 17 years old) LV47
HP: 141
MP: 375
Alchemy LV4
Blacksmith LV4
Pharmacist LV4
MP Recovery LV3
Education LV4
Etiquette LV1

Self-loathing

Her skills have risen as a whole! Did she compress about 20 years’ worth of training into one year? What is going on?

「Maybe, they increased because of your ties as a husband and a wife. Most likely, it is an effect of divine protection」

I immediately departed to see Ohi-sama. Of course, I brought a lot of offering with me.

「You didn’t know? The owner of divine protection skill can passively increase the skills of his marriage partner. Of course, it is only applicable to high-level divine protection. It may show some other effects except increasing the skill level too」

「In other words, the more you do it the more the skills would increase?」 [²]

「No, it should work only during the first time. Because of this characteristic of divine protection, I advise you to be careful in your relationships. If you start spreading skill in every direction, you may become confused. This mistress summons every member of our tribe to check their condition once every three years」

Really. For me to raise the skill of my partners…….It shouldn’t be made public.

Thanks to her increased skills, Merias’ research is progressing well. Apparently, new ideas kept popping inside her head one after another. Because of that, she used all of her free time to shut herself in her workshop.

During this period, she successfully completed the sheath for the Holy Sword. Who would have expected, when the sword is in the sheath, it automatically removes the stains and fixes the nicks, with it, the sword would always be in a perfect condition. Elated, I immediately embraced her.

As Rico’s education rose, she became able to occasionally converse with Jeneha and Peris. I was interested in the content of their conversation, but the result made me flabbergasted. She made the soy sauce. The soy sauce that was well-suited to my tofu. As a result, our menu increased dramatically. Of course, Rico was embraced by me too.

The mourning period for the late emperor has ended and it about time for His Highness Hito to receive the crown. I and one additional person of my choice were invited to attend the ceremony. I put on the unfamiliar clothes and attended the ceremony together with Rico.

Rico in her dress was especially breathtaking. The passing nobles always turned to look back. 「Who is this lady?」「Ricolette-sama」「Eh!?」I could hear such conversations from all sides, as a husband, I became slightly proud.

She stayed most of her life in the palace, yet her dress was exquisite. I was sure that she didn’t lift anything heavier that the chopsticks due to her princess status, but she was easily able to make her own dress, she was indeed good at sewing. She was influenced by the late tutor, Madam Kurumfar. Kurumfar educated her in a way that she would be able to do anything by herself. Her unrestrained heart was also cultivated in that place.

When the ceremony was over, we were summoned by the new emperor.

「First things first, relax」

「As expected of the coronation ceremony, it was splendid」

「Well, I need to put up an appearance. Can’t help it」

「Is this how it works?」

「Still, Ricolette sure has changed」

「Maybe……because I married? 」

「Umu. That might be true. It seems that your marriage wasn’t a mistake. Do you want to thank me for my discerning eyes? 」

「I guess I should」

The two laughed. After a while, His Majesty assumed a serious expression.

「All right then, you were summoned here to discuss the matter of Ricolette’s retainers」

Since the rebellion of the yesteryear, Ricolette’s servants and retainers have been stripped of their power. Needless to say about those, who have been directly involved in the rebellion, those, who have been suspected to be involved in the rebellion, were either jailed or confined in their homes.

「I didn’t consult with the prime minister yet, but I’m thinking about giving the amnesty to the participants of the rebellion of the yesteryear」

「Elder brother…….will you be fine with this? 」

「The instigator of the rebellion, count Kurumfar, is already dead. Most of those, who have been directly involved, were cut down together with him. I do not wish to shed any more blood, spilling the blood right after the coronation will leave a bad aftertaste. The captured people aren’t that influential, while also highly competent. Ricolette reminded me that the current empire wastes too many of its talents. Instead of executing them, we should make use of them」

「However, Your Majesty, does that mean that you found a suitable task for them?」

「That’s exactly right. I’m thinking of leaving the territory of the late count Kurumfar in your care」

「Isn’t it…….impossible? I’m a member of the Juka Kingdom」

「No, officially, my younger brother Viras would be the one in charge. I want you to give them an opportunity to spread their wings in the Kurumfar territory. In the first place, that territory isn’t very prosperous. After all, there is a monster’s forest nearby. Well, it is close to the sea so you can receive some profit from the salt」

「Where is this territory exactly?」

「Northwest from the capital, right across Kazamu Lake」

「If you proceed east through the woods from our mansion, you can eventually reach it」

「How far is it?」

「About one day on the horse, if you start in the imperial capital. It is two days at the longest from our mansion, if you go at full speed, you can reach in one day」

「Un, I’m not that elated about being something as troublesome as a lord. though」

「Please, Rinos. I knew those people for the most of my life, they are like comrades to me. Please, save them」

「At first, it would be fine to leave the troublesome matters to the prime minister. Officially, this territory belongs to the imperial family. Do as you see fit. If you can make something out of this territory and contribute to the empire, it would be fine, if you can’t, it would be fine too. Infusing people’s minds with the ideas that can instigate another rebellion would be rather problematic. Well, I shouldn’t be concerned about it if it’s Rinos-dono」

「I’m not so sure」

「No, you tamed my little sister to such an extent. Winning over the population should be easy for you」

「Is this how it works?」

「Well, the amnesty will be announced at a later date. Most likely, somewhere around the summer. Take your time to think things through until then」

Think it through, he said, but he is still the emperor. The fact that he consulted with the prime minister prior to this meeting had already made this close to an order. And I, as an honorary marquis, don’t have the right to refuse such an order.

For now, we decided to leave the room and visit the prime minister to go through the details. The prime minister cried

「My workload would increase once more……」

while holding his head. I could refuse, but it would delegate all the work to the prime minister, please spare me from that, the prime minister almost begged me.

After staying for the night in a high-class hotel, we returned to our mansion. On the way, something black passed above us as we were flying on Irimo. My map didn’t display anything out of the norm, so it didn’t seem to be an enemy.

What I didn’t notice, was the fact that this black entity muttered as it was looking at us.

「Ufufu, found you, I have finally found you」

The glowing red eyes gazed at us from the sky.

Once I returned to the mansion, I told everyone about the emperor’s suggestion.

Everyone’s expressions turned weird. Everyone was worried whether their current lifestyle would have to change in the future. Even I want to maintain our current lifestyle. Besides, no one could predict what Rico’s retainers would do, once they obtain their freedom. But more than this, Rico would be sad. I want to avoid this if I can.

However, since we don’t even know the details about the territory, there is no point in discussing it any further. However, an unexpected person accepted the burden, it was Jeneha.

She suggested leaving the matter of questioning the monsters in the woods and scouting the territory to the harpies. She will also participate herself.

「It is about time for the young ones to have a field training, might as well」

The harpies agreed to this proposal and Jeneha, together with the selected harpies, departed to explore the territory for one week.

「I caused you some trouble. I didn’t expect for Jeneha to volunteer」

「It should work out if it’s Jeneha」

I talked about the future with Rico and Merias as the three of us entered the bath. We used it separately at first, but Rico went out of control in her attempts to stick to me. I didn’t want to leave Merias out, so I occasionally bathed with her too, but lately, Rico intruded even during those times. After that, it became normal for us to bathe at the same time.

Merias’ and Rico’s size wasn’t quite comparable, but I was very happy inside. A beautiful girl and a beautiful woman, a big chest and a flat chest. A sight for the sore eyes. [¹]

As a matter of course, I washed them myself. Rico’s skin was surprisingly fine and delicate, while Merias’ skin is clear too, the texture of her wool is still the best. In return, the two washed my every nook and cranny so the bath time was the most enjoyable time of the day for me.

I was thinking about Jeneha and her harpies as I entered the bath. The possibility of them losing to someone in the forest was close to zero. But it they are spotted in the Kurumfar territory, people might form the subjugation corps to deal with them. That’s why I decided to cast a barrier that granted a certain degree of invisibility on them.

In the morning, before their departure, I cast this barrier. Jeneha and another 10 harpies departed as they expressed their gratitude.

On the same day, close to the evening, my map displayed a presence. It was yellow, so it approached the mansion while being cautious. The number of presences was one. It looked human, but apparently, it was a monster in the human form. This fake human cautiously approached the mansion. When I was thinking about asking the harpies to scout, this fake human increased his speed and headed straight for the mansion. For now, I told everyone about the monster visitor and asked everyone to stay alerted.

After a while, it reached the entrance, opened the gates without saying anything, and started searching for something. It reached the building and curiously looked around. And when it finally opened the door to our dining room, I saw its appearance.

It was a girl of 12~13 years old.

The girl muttered「Black hair…..」as she looked at me and then smiled.

「Are you Rinos-san?」

「I am, so what?」

「I came here to live with you」

「!!!!!!」

Rico released a slight bloodthirst. Merias completely spaced out. Let’s calm down first, you two.

「Your pegasus is too fast. I lost you halfway, it took me a lot of effort to find you. But, fortunately, I did it. Since I decided to live here, I was afraid of what would have happened if I didn’t find it」

Ehehe, laughed the girl. I looked towards Gon, but he too didn’t understand the situation and shrugged his shoulders. While we were spacing out, the girl put her baggage on the ground, fuuu, breathed out and said

「I’m finally here. Are? Who are these people? Who are they to you? 」

Rico’s, Merias’, Gon’s, and Peris’ eyes narrowed. Something burst inside of me.

「First things first, you have three minutes to introduce yourself」

「Eh? Introduce myself? But I always wanted to visit this place……..」

「Are you hoping to be employed in my company? Thank you for your efforts. I’m Rinos, the head of the HR department. This is the head of our general affairs department Gon, the secretary Ricolette, the head of the research department Merias, and the head of the planning department Peris. I will personally conduct the interview」

「I-Interview?」

「Let’s start with some questions. It may be difficult for you to answer, depending on the content. Please, do not hesitate to tell me if I overstep my bounds. All right, you have three minutes to briefly introduce yourself」

「You mean……my name? Etto, my name is Ferris. I descended the Juka Mountain Range…..reached the city…….」

「All right, three minutes have passed. Thank you very much. The next question. What motivated you to choose our company? 」

「Motivation?……Why did I come here? Ano……I decided to be independent…I will be in your care….etto. Etto, I came….I mean, I wish for you to take care of me……」

「I understand, thank you very much. Then let’s get to the last question. In case we do hire you, describe the merits that you will receive from us and the merits that our company will receive from you」

「Merits? Ano…..it will be a good learning experience for me …….The Mansion is large……it looks good too…..」

「All right, thank you. Regardless of the result, we will inform you at a later date. In the worst case, if you didn’t receive any news in one week, you can consider that we declined you. Thank you for coming all the way here today」

「Ano……Can I…..stay here…….? 」

「As I mentioned before, we will notify you later. You have to do with just this for today」

The girl’s eyes turned round from surprise. Maybe because she tried to say something but failed, her mouth kept opening and closing. After a while, she tightly shut her eyes.

「You mean……I need to return…..? It can’t be…..gusu, gusu…….」 [²]

She burst into crying.

「…..They said that the meals are tasty, they said that everyone here is nice…..That’s why I worked so hard to turn into the human form……I even learned the language…..Lars is an idiot!」

「「Lars???」」

Gon and I have unintentionally looked at each other. Lars, that dragon, 「Crybaby Lars」?

「I’m Lars’ big sister」

「「Eeeeeeeeh!?」」

For now, I decided to let her calm down and listen to her story.

She is Lars’ older sister, a female kukulkan. When kukulkan sheds its scales, they turn red. The kukulkans that shed their scales are sent into the world to gather experience. They mostly linger in the mountains and forests before returning to the tribe only after 50 years have passed. Apparently, she shed her scales about a month ago.

「And you chose this place to start」

「I thought I could spend this time here……He said that the food is good, Rinos-san is quite strong so it should be safe, mama told me to do it……..」

「Ha? What’s up with your parents out there? 」

「Mama and papa are truly grateful to you for saving Lars and delivering him home. Papa though that it is a waste for Rinos to be born as a human. The dragon kind always repays their favors. If you don’t, you are inferior to even the humans……..」

Wasn’t I insulted just now?

「That’s why I came here to return Lars’ debt too」

「Ferris, was it? Do you have any useful skills? 」

「….Nothing in particular」

I’m getting nowhere from talking with her, I silently appraised her.

Ferris (Kukulkan, 21 years old) LV22
HP: 324
MP: 604
Wind Magic LV3
Barrier Magic LV1
MP Recovery LV3
Presence Detection LV3
Mana Detection LV3
Body Strengthening LV3
Dragon Magic LV3
Evasion LV3
Education LV3
Paralysis Resistance LV3
Poison Resistance LV3
Flight LV3
Human Transformation LV3

……..Her skills are ridiculously high.

If we consider her talent to be average amongst the kukulkans. This 12-13-year-old kid won’t go down easily. 50 years are enough for them to reach LV5 for at least one skill. Apparently, they can rejoin the tribe only after they raise any of their skills to the god class.

「Well, your skills seem to be pretty high. By the way, when you cancel your human transformation, does your ability increases? 」

「No, I don’t think it does」

「Can you revert to your original form once?」

Yes, she cheerfully answered and undressed with the speed of lightning.  She used only a moment to become completely naked while I turned my head away. Her body shone with the bright red light and she turned into a small red dragon. Her skills didn’t change.

「Thank you, You can transform back」

She returned to her human appearance once more. At that moment, her stomach released a growling sound.

「Could it be, are you hungry?」

Ferris nodded.

「That’s a good timing, we were about to have a meal. You should eat too. We will decide whether you will be staying here or somewhere else tomorrow. Today, you should stay here」

Ferris made a relieved expression. Let’s start with putting some clothes on. While putting her clothes back, she said that she had a favor to ask of me.

「I want to have an arm pillow from Rinos-san when I go to sleep!」

「Ri-Rinos’ arm pillow is mine! I won’t allow this! 」

Rico became agitated. It seems that Ferris’ employment will be full of issues.

Sometime after the announcement about the marriage between me and Ricolette, the death of the emperor was made public. During the mourning period of one year, all fancy gatherings were suspended. Officially.

Actually, the matter of the marriage wasn’t announced immediately.

When I came to my mansion, there was a need to make the personal space for Ricolette. With a push of His Majesty Hito, my mansion was expanded. It took about half a year to complete, meanwhile, Ricolette stopped by from time to time.

We ate together when I was taking a lunch break in the store, and, sometimes, we went shopping. Of course, Merias was often present during those times. I was slightly worried about the relationship between the two, but it seems that there was no reason to worry. The two readily made fun of me when I did a poor job.

During the day offs, she has been coming directly to my mansion. There, I was worried about her compatibility with Peris, but it was quickly dispelled as she was immediately captivated by her cooking. After that, she strived to learn cooking from me and Peris and considerably raised her skills in this half a year. Something like tempura became easy for her.

As for me, my store was still operating. There was still a great demand across the adventurers, merchants, and soldiers. Although I think that revealing my face isn’t a big deal, following Gon’s advice I changed it with a barrier, while I’m at it, I also change my face when I’m going around with Ricolette.

And after about two months since she started to visit my mansion, I told her the mansion’s secret. [¹]

I was ready to see her panic or run away, but she was way calmer than I expected. With Gon and Peris, she expressed her desire to maintain their relationship, and with Jeneha, she properly introduced herself and asked Jeneha to treat her well from now on. What I didn’t expect was the fact that when she saw Irimo’s true form, she started crying.

I knew about the abuse she received from the idiotic prince but, apparently, it wasn’t a secret from Ricolette either. He didn’t listen when she asked him to stop and even directed his sword at her once. Ricolette’s bad reputation in the capital in a certain sense rubbed off from the idiotic prince.

She didn’t talk much about her own life, but she mentioned that her life in the palace is rather stifling as of late. All of her subordinates were replaced by the new people. Of course, they were there to watch over Ricolette. She didn’t like it and took every chance to snuck out and come over here to play. Of course, those people also observe me, but since they didn’t do anything malicious, I let them be. On the contrary, once I bribed them with something like ohagi, they have been telling me the movements inside the imperial palace instead. They too are the people working for benefits.

One way or another, the construction was obstructed by the heavy snow, and the original period of half a year was extended by three months. They finished only close to spring.

The new rooms were added to the back of the mansion. The first floor was allocated for Merias’ workshop and the archives, the second floor was reserved for our rooms, a bath, and a toilet. The construction of the bath was filled with hurdles, causing the workers to nearly pull out their hair in frustration. It was all worth it, a wonderful bath was successfully completed. I was greatly satisfied with that.

When the baggage was carried inside and all that was left was to wait for the bride to move in, Ricolette told us an outrageous thing.

「By all means, make Merias your wife too」

Merias was staring at the floor with her face scarlet.

「What a nice idea」

Gon and the other residents of this mansion were in favor of this.

「I don’t really mind but…….are you truly fine with it? 」

「Merias likes you from the bottom of her heart. I was moved by her pure heart. By all means, please do it」

「I didn’t expect to hear something like that from Rico」

「It is fine since it is Merias. The other women are no good」

「What about you, Merias? Will you marry me? 」

「……Yes」

With even her ears bright red, she barely produced an answer. Dangerous, this cuteness is not to be underestimated……

「I’m a slave. That’s why, Ricolette-sama will be the legal wife, while I’m fine with being a side dish…」

I do not permit this! Or so Merias and Rico argued with each other for a while.  I’m still the honorary marquis so Gon advised me to make Rico a legal wife to for appearance’s sake. In the end, it was decided that Rico would be the legal wife, while Merias would be a concubine. Of course, I do not plan to treat them differently, I won’t cheat on them with the other girls either, I probably won’t, even if I do, I’m going to take the responsibility. Still, I never expected to have two wives by the age of 17. Compared to the previous life, I’m much more accomplished here.

I only lament that I wasn’t able to host a grand wedding ceremony, but even still, His Highness Viras and His Highness Hito acted as our witnesses before the high priest. Rico became a bit too emotional and kept crying during the whole ceremony. That being said, the ceremony was rather short, it ended after we recited a short prayer and the high priest confirmed our intentions.

「Yeah, I didn’t perform the ceremony with Merias」

「That is enough for me. I was content with just being able to live after I became a crime slave, but I even managed to marry the man I love. If I still wish for more, I would be struck by lightning」

I hugged Merias without thinking.

One way or another, Rico’s baggage was brought inside and she finally settled down in my mansion. This was a start of our new life.

When we started living together, I discovered some things I didn’t expect.

I was surprised the most at the fact that Rico and Merias seemed like completely different people during the day and during the night. She shows her strong character and intelligence during the daytime, but once we are alone, she becomes extremely obedient. She turns passive and never leaves my side due to her loneliness. She looks incredibly happy when I hug or kiss her. That being said, she is quite sensitive and I end up working hard before I know it. On the other hand, Merias behaves modestly during the day, but when we are alone, she tries to discover the best ways for us to make each other feel good. I don’t know if it was her researcher’s blood going wild, but compared to Rico she was much more aggressive. [²]

I have absolutely no complaints about my wives. The two could always make me relax, and since they recognized each other, there were no family quarrels as of now. It’s just, recently Rico started sneaking inside when I was alone with Merias making me embarrassed. We slept together as they used my arms as pillows. It was a bit hard on my arms, but since it is a rather luxurious problem, I decided to not bring it up. [³]

Gon, Peris, Irimo, Jeneha, and the harpies. Everyone lives in harmony. Including me, everyone felt that they finally reached the peaceful times.

However, shortly afterwards I came to know about the shocking truth and ended up entangled in another problem.

「Eh」
「Eeh!?」
「Ho」
「Ehh」
「That just happened」

I reported everything once I returned to the mansion. In the end, I didn’t refuse the proposal, I had to stomach it. Peris, Merias, Irimo, Jeneha, Gon, everyone’s reaction was different, it looks very amusing from my perspective.

「First thing first, just how much of our secrets should we tell her?」

「Un, most of the time, Peris, Irimo, and Jeneha look normal thank to my efforts. There is a choice of staying silent」

「Well, until her mansion is built nearby, we have an option of maintaining the barrier all day long」

「We may also slowly introduce her to our secrets. We can discuss everything again in case of obvious rejection 」

「You also need to attend the imperial palace tomorrow, you have a tight schedule」

「Apparently, tomorrow they will pass down a title to me. My engagement with the princess should be announced there too」

「Does this mean that you do not require dinner tomorrow?」

「That’s right. Although, Peris’ meal would have been much better. Yes, I will be late tomorrow, so you can lock the mansion early and go to sleep. Merias too should sleep」

「Understood, Master…….」

Merias looked somewhat dejected. When I thought of Peris, she looked just as usual. By the way, Jeneha wanted to give me her blessing and Irimo was in a bad mood due to her memories about the royalty.

On the morning of the next day, I ate breakfast and went to the imperial palace after being seen off by everyone. Upon my arrival, I was guided to another room and dressed appropriately. It was a ceremonial attire with a medal attached to it. This is a standard article and the order of every piece was predetermined. While doing all of that, I practiced my greetings. It took more time than I anticipated which in turn caused me to skip my lunch.

Immediately after the preparations were over, we walked in the labyrinth of the corridors that is the imperial palace. And when the soldier guided me to the guarded room, as if it was waiting for me, the door had opened. There were a lot of well-dressed people of various genders inside.

A followed the guide and proceeded forward. When I arrived near the throne, His Highness Hito, His Highness Viras, and the prime minister showed their figures. As expected, since the official coronation ceremony didn’t happen yet, the throne was empty.

「Versam Daquet Rinos-dono, we are glad that you are here」

The prime minister raised his voice.

「Ha」 [¹]

I slightly lowered my head.

「Your path was full of thorns. You had a future of being adopted by the Versam family and eventually succeed the title, yet the calamity destroyed the Juka Kingdom, I express my condolences. However, the fact that you successfully arrived to the empire and told us about the fate of the Juka Kingdom produced a great impact in my heart. Therefore, to honor the late marquis, His Highness decided to formally acknowledge your status as a member of the Versam family」

「Hahah, I can’t be any happier」

「After this, spend your time in our empire however you want」

「Well then, there is something we wish to discuss with the new marquis of the Versam family. I wish to for a marriage between the marquis and my little sister Ricolette, how does it sound to you? 」

The surroundings became noisy. My throat was dry. Something cold was dripping down my back. I said resolutely.

「I’m thankful for this proposal, I will respectfully accept it」

Oh, the surrounding nobles cheered for me. [²]

「I’m glad to hear that. We, the Juka Kingdom and the Hideta Empire, waged wars since the old times and are currently at a ceasefire. Since the calamity, the kingdom is still in chaos, but it is my wish to further improve our relations. It would be a delightful event if my little sister marries a member of the most influential family of the Juka Kingdom. Marquis-dono, as a substitute of the currently ill emperor, allow me the express my gratitude」 [³]

「Since the marquis is staying in the empire, I, Hideta Shua Viras, shall act as his guardian.  Marquis-dono, if this arrangement isn’t up to your liking, please tell」

「I’m grateful」

「Fortunately, all influential people of the empire are gathered here. Let us all give you a blessing! Call Ricolette! 」

After a while, beautifully dressed Ricolette appeared in the room. Her figure in a pure white dress was breathtaking.

「Ricolette is here. I’m looking forward to our future」

She did a perfect greeting. The first princess isn’t just all talk. There, the prime minister opened his mouth,

「As a wedding gift, His Majesty grants you the title of the honorary marquis of the empire」 [⁴]

「I shall gratefully accept」

「Everyone, treat them well from now on!」

Everyone present lowered their heads. After that, there was a celebration, but I and Ricolette took some distance from the noise.

「What kind of a stage play was that? I was sweating bullets」

「Can’t be helped. Even like this, I’m still the first princess. Since I’m married now, I need to avoid getting too close to the nobles from now on」

「How troublesome」

「Even if you are just an honorary marquis, you are still a member of our empire. There will be a lot of similar events in the future」

「……Did I mess up somewhere? 」

「Are you talking about our marriage?」

「No, it’s not that. I was doing whatever I wanted before, I’m wondering whether I would have enough time for this now」

「You just need to attend the events hosted by His Majesty. They don’t happen that often. You are a noble, but you don’t have a territory to call your own. Since you also have me around, you shouldn’t receive too many invitations from other nobles」

「I want it to be true」

「Besides…..father is no more. The imperial family should mourn him for one year and reduce the number of events. Most likely, my older brother will receive the crown after this one year」

「That being said, I never expected from you to accept the marriage. I was certain in your refusal」

「Didn’t you give me the necessary resolve to accept?」

「Did I?」

「Something good will happen if you continue to live, didn’t you say that? Then why shouldn’t I live? When I was choosing between the different options, the answer appeared by itself」

「I’m a former slave, you know?」

「Kurumfar-sensei……..Although she is no more, I don’t think that her ideas were wrong. A person shouldn’t determine another person’s status. A person should attain the status by his own efforts. Your past is not the reason for me to reject you. You didn’t become a slave because you wanted to, right? 」

「This is true, but….」

「Besides, you are the only one, who agreed with my and Kurumfar’s thinking. Besides, I thought that a person, who said to me that I’m ahead of the times, is interesting」

「Is this how it works?」

「On the other hand, are you all right? Every noble knows about the recent events. You received a princess, who dared to go voice her ideas before the emperor, and whose vassal instigated a rebellion. The nobles will look at your with strange eyes, that’s for sure. But you still accepted the marriage. Prepare yourself for the future」

「I’m accustomed to weird gazes, and I’m also accustomed to princesses」

「……Fufufu, how reliable of you. Is she younger than me?…….Although unreliable, treat me well from now on, my husband」

「Rinos is fine, Ricolette-sama」

「Rinos is my husband. Please call me Ricolette」

「All right, best regards, Ricolette」

「Still, my brother’s and Guremont’s acting was truly brilliant. They comprised this performance in just a few days」

「Can’t agree more. We should work harder to not get involved in this kind of farce any longer」

Ufufu, hahaha, we laughed as we gazed at the garden outside the imperial palace through the window.