Chapter 336
(Kyle Calendar Year 514: Age 21)
A New Life, Bonds Being Spun
Translator : PolterGlast
Five days after departing Kylar, we had already arrived at Kusanagi. Ordinarily, this
was a pace that could be called a forced march, but there were three reasons
for that.
The first reason was
that I wanted to minimize travel time and avoid leaving the front lines vacant
for any longer than necessary. Given past precedents, and although I heard we
still had leeway, I still couldn't feel at ease. Matching my departure to the Royal
Capital, Raphael had gone out as a second group for espionage on the Imperial
Kingdom's side, and I was also anxious about those results.
The second reason was that I had intentionally split our
formation in two for the return journey this time. We had advanced with only a
small number of cavalry and returned to Kusanagi. The main unit,
departing Kylar 5 days behind us,
should be bringing along the prospective immigrants and others. I also had
about 200 guards accompanying them. The guard unit will likely return to Kusanagi
from the Royal Capital taking about 15 days, protecting the slow-footed
prospective immigrants and the massive number of horse-drawn wagons.
The third reason was thanks to the well-maintained Roadside
Stations. Beyond Burg in Count Cornell's territory, Roadside
Stations are maintained on the highway at regular intervals. Because we could
arrange fresh horses and wouldn't be troubled for resting spots or lodging
places without stopping by cities, we were able to dash through over 50 km at once in a single day.
※
Perhaps because I had sent a herald ahead, the city gates of
Kusanagi were thrown wide open, and the largest drawbridge, which is
normally not used, was lowered over the surrounding moat. Around it, the guards
were lined up in a single row.
「Everyone, I'm back. Thanks for the
greeting!」
I thanked them for their trouble as I dashed past, and
headed straight for the administrative office. Because at a Roadside Station on
the way back, I had encountered a fast horse carrying a report from Miseri.
「Takuhir-sama, welcome back.」
「「「「Welcome back.」」」」
In front of the administrative office, everyone, led by Miseri
who had come out to greet me, stood in a line and welcomed my return to the
territory. Incidentally, Miseri is also originally based in Termina,
but she had entered Kusanagi ahead of me along with the commanders of
various regional armies, and seemed to have arrived a step before me.
I had told them there was no need to greet me up to the city
gate, so they were waiting here... Perhaps I should refrain from making things
too grandiose from now on?
「Miseri, and everyone, I'm back! Straight to the point, I heard Raphael
has returned?」
「Yes, he is waiting to give you that
report... but the Minister of Internal Affairs (Raymond-sama), who went
out to inspect the defense base under construction, is also scheduled to return
shortly. Those overseeing the armies in various regions have also gathered here
in Kusanagi matching your return. However, before that, if I may have a
little of your time to report... would that be alright?」
What is it? It's a way of speaking unlike Miseri, as
if something is stuck in her back teeth? Is there some bad news? Thinking so, I
gave a small nod. Confirming that, Miseri guided me to a room in the
administrative office, then bowed and left the room herself.
There were two people waiting for me there.
「「Takuhir-sama, welcome back.」」
「Hmm? You were here. I'm back! What's
with both of you, acting so formal?」
I wonder what it is. Miseri, and these girls too...
Huh? Before I knew it, Yuka had also left her seat.
「...」
It was only for an instant, but after a heavy silence that
felt like minutes, one of them finally opened her mouth.
「U-Um... even though the Demon
Territory Dukedom is about to enter a difficult period from now on... I...
I...」
「Hmm? Claire, I'm always
grateful to you. Don't push yourself... I mean, did something happen?」
「Um... well... I am terribly sorry!」
『Hmm? Why is she apologizing?』
「Claire-san, do your best.」
『Anne, what is she supposed to do her best at?』
「I-I am terribly sorry. For someone
like me to do such an audacious thing...」
『Claire, did you make some kind of mistake? Anyone makes mistakes.』
「What's wrong? I definitely won't get
angry, you know.」
「Th-Thank you very much. I-I... a
ch-child, Takuhir-sama's child...」
『Wh-What! Seriously! No, this
reaction is bad.』
「Claire, thank you! Truly, thank you. There's nothing that makes me
happier than this.」
I held Claire's hands and conveyed my words of
gratitude. Claire became teary-eyed and gazed back at me.
「Claire, this is not something to say you're sorry for. And take
care of your body. Because you're not alone in your body anymore. Anne, Karin
will have a little brother or sister too. With this, the two of them won't be
lonely anymore.」
「Ah... that's right. But please allow
me to correct one point. I think it won't be two, but three...」
「Wh-, could it be... Anne too?」
When I said that, Anne looked down slightly shyly. I
immediately took Anne's hand with one hand, while still holding Claire's
hand with the other.
「Hahaha, this is amazing! Two at
once. It's going to be fun.」
「However, right now is an important
time for the country, at a time like this...」
「Claire, you don't have to worry about that. Someone just needs to
follow up while you're on maternity leave.」
「But... causing trouble for everyone,
starting with Yuka-san...」
「Ah!」
So that's what it was... It was only at this time that I
finally realized. The reason why Yuka was desperately working hard on
reception desk-related jobs.
I see... she was being considerate in her own way... or
rather, she was making everyone worry. I really am a hopeless man. Focusing
only on what’s right in front of me and failing to notice the things that truly
matter...
「It's alright. I hear Yuka-san
made her work in the Royal Capital a success and was of use to Takuhir-sama.
Besides, the girls you found, Aira-san, Krola-san, and Laila-san,
have also grown and are already fully capable of fulfilling the duties as
reception desk supervisors, aren't they?」
「That's right. Just as Anne
says, with Yuka at the core and those three together, it's reassuring, isn't it.」
「Takuhir-sama, please forgive my rudeness in daring to speak. It is
presumptuous of me to mention this, but I think probably no one other than me
will speak up out of hesitation. Since I also have experience with this, I feel
like I understand Claire and the others' feelings.」
「Right. I can be quite careless, so
I’m sure there are many things I overlook. Please, Anne, I want to hear your unreserved opinion.」
「Thank you very much. Miseri-san
and Yoltia-san, who are also active as pillars supporting the Dukedom...
I feel like they too are holding back, considering the threat right before our
eyes.」
Certainly... I was only thinking about the threat right
before our eyes. It wouldn't be strange at all for them to have children
already either. I was spoiling their feelings, their goodwill...
「It is still fine for us. However, if
the one standing at the top act in such a way, the subordinates will naturally
follow suit. Everyone truly loves the country you are building, Takuhir-sama. They have sworn to take
the lead in protecting it and are working themselves to the bone without regard
for their own happiness, but...」
「That's true. I really am careless... It’s embarrassing
to claim I'm building a country where women can thrive while I simply take
everyone's goodwill for granted. Anne,
thank you so much for opening my eyes to this.」
That's right. Normally in this world, women often marry and
give birth in their teens. My mother also married at 15, gave birth to my
brother at 16, and to me at 19.
I was careless. Especially the early comrades, each of them
is already of marriageable age. No, there are some who have already passed the
marriageable age in this world.
「Yeah, that's right. Precisely
because there is a crisis right before our eyes, I must have them grasp
happiness before that. I didn't even notice such a thing...」
「That is unavoidable. Until now, our strength was
insufficient, and we were desperate. We were in a situation where even
defending ourselves was a struggle... Regarding this matter, would you mind if
I took some action on my part?」
「Of course not! They are the comrades who have cast
aside their personal lives to support me until now. I want the entire nation to
celebrate. When I report the auspicious news regarding you and Claire, I intend to specifically
mention that sentiment myself.」
As expected of Anne. Claire's demeanor just
now is a mirror reflecting the feelings of the Mages I call comrades and have walked alongside. I must not let them hesitate.
Even for myself, I don't know when my own future will be
closed off. I always face things with such a sense of crisis, but conversely,
that means I was binding my comrades with invisible chains.
「Anne, thank you. It really helped that you brought this up when
everyone is gathered, before we hold the general meeting after this.」
「Ah... this is not my opinion.
Because this was something Madam (Chris) mentioned at the 'girls'
gathering' hosted by her when she visited during the previous harvest
festival...」
「Wha...」
I had no choice but to be speechless. Even at this age, I'm
still a child; I'm no match for my mother. And, I offer my gratitude to my
mother anew...
※
After this exchange, at the beginning of the general meeting
held after summoning the Minister of Internal Affairs, key Mages, and
even the legion commanders stationed in various regions, Takuhir
apologized to everyone.
「First of all, before talking about
what's ahead, I want to thank everyone anew for everything up to now. Up to
now, to break through desperate situations, everyone has worked desperately
hard. Sacrificing your happiness as humans, casting aside your private lives to
follow me... truly, thank you. And, to all of you, I want to apologize anew for
being a lord lacking in consideration.」
In response to Takuhir's unexpected words, which were
far removed from the content they thought would be discussed from now on,
everyone listened with surprise and a little bewilderment.
「On top of that, I have a report for
everyone. Anne, Claire, come here.」
Saying so, he called his two wives to his side, and after
taking each of their hands with both of his, Takuhir continued his
words.
「I report to everyone anew. In the
new year, our family will be increasing by two.」
「「「「Ooooh!」」」」
「Congratulations!」
「May happiness be with the Prince and
Princess!」
「Long live the Westlights Dukedom!」
「For the future of the Dukedom!」
「Well, this is an auspicious event!」
When the celebratory words that erupted for a while settled
down, Takuhir slowly began to speak anew.
「Everyone, thank you. I'm truly happy
to receive everyone's blessings. Starting with Karin, the children who
will be born from now on are those who will bear the future of this Kingdom we
have built together. But, that's not all.」
Saying so, Takuhir looked around at the faces of
everyone gathered there, one by one.
「Taking this opportunity, I must
apologize to everyone anew. For us to survive, for that sake, everyone has
constantly sacrificed their own happiness and followed me up to now. For that,
I am sincerely grateful. But, I first want to apologize for making you do so.」
Saying so, he bowed his head deeply.
「There is still a great threat before
our eyes, and the battle to protect this country, everyone's happiness, still
continues. Today's meeting is also for that purpose. But, even so, I want you
to stop postponing your happiness. Don't think 『Once this battle is over...』, think 『Right now, at this moment!』」
Other than a few, no one realized what Takuhir was
trying to say.
「To everyone, anew... I want you to
grasp 『happiness
as a human』 right
now. You don't need to hesitate at all; I want you to think that now is the
time. We will celebrate everyone's happiness as a whole country.」
When I said that, Anne and Claire exchanged
glances with each other and stepped forward.
「To all of you who have just offered us your
congratulations, I would like to say a few words of thanks. Please, let us
celebrate your futures as well. 'In such a critical time...'—please cast aside
such thoughts. Fortunately, Takuhir-sama's
ranks have grown to a depth unimaginable in the past. We are now in a position
where we can support one another. That is why I hope that everyone, too... will
spin the future of this country.」
「Claire-san's words just now... this is also the wish of all of us
wives, including Takuhir-sama. Christoph-san, Elan-san, Bart-san,
Raphael-san, I think there are a few others as well. The women have been
waiting for your words all this time. From now on, no holding back, alright?」
「Wha-!」 「Um... I...」 「Eh? Why...」 「Ah, no... I...」
Those who received Anne's words being singled out by
name were uniformly greatly agitated. On the other hand, among those participating
in the meeting, there were also several women who turned red and looked down.
In this way, the bonds between the men who had been given a
push and the women with whom they shared mutual feelings were newly
forged—bonds that would spin the future of the Westlights
Demon Territory Dukedom. It goes
without saying that for some, this became a more important agenda item than the
original purpose of the meeting—sharing information and exchanging opinions
about the Empire and neighboring countries, especially the trends in the Istoria
Imperial Kingdom reported by Raphael.
After the
meeting concluded that day, there were men who, perhaps having been spurred on
by someone, rushed with pale faces into the directly managed store in Kusanagi that sold the Dukedom's local specialties. For some
reason, every single one of them was seeking to purchase a small jar of the
highest-grade honey.
『Let's confess your love to the woman
of your affections with a sweet gift that melts the heart!』
Falling for the promotion they themselves had set up... For Takuhir's
comrades as well, a new future was about to begin.
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