Interlude 10
Surprise Event (Part 2)
Translator : PolterGlast
Time flew by in the blink of an eye after we were told about
the Magic Knights in the Royal Capital last time. Based on the
information received from Yuka-san and Chrisia, I returned to Teigoon
and held several meetings with the Commander.
While sharing information with the leadership, I had Alexis,
who serves as the magistrate of Ishtar, prepare for the reception.
Fortunately, Ishtar had facilities to accept a temporary force of 1,000
people, but we expanded and refurbished them. It was quite a rush job, and we
caused a considerable amount of trouble, though.
After somehow finishing the Fourth Regular Royal Capital
Conference, we returned to Teigoon leading a force of 2,350 plus something
extra.
"Even so, Yuka-san. Isn't the entourage awfully
large this time? I understand Her Highness Clarice is accompanying us,
but Old Raccoon, Knight
Commander Gouras, Margrave Hamish, Count Model, and even
heads of unrelated noble families are tagging along..."
"Umm... well, isn't it just to show respect to Her
Highness?"
"The stay in Teigoon was scheduled for just one
night, but before I knew it, it had changed to three days. It's a bit troubling
when plans change so constantly."
"Y-Yes, you're right."
When our party entered Teigoon, many heads of noble
families were waiting there again.
Father brought Mother, and even the Raymond couple
was there. Count Gorman's goal is surely to see Yuka-san rather
than a courtesy call. Baron and Baroness Cornell, Margrave and Countess Hastburg,
my brother and his wife, Viscount and Viscountess Kyrias, Baron Kreitz,
Baron Bold, Baron Herald, Baron Copper... it was too much
of a full lineup, and I was slightly put off.
Apparently, there is a welcome ceremony for Her Highness Clarice
the next day, and everyone was busy preparing for it. Why go out of their way
to do such a thing? His Majesty the King had strongly said that special
treatment was unnecessary and not to trouble ourselves with excessive
consideration, but...
For some reason, I was removed from these preparations under
the pretext of allowing me to concentrate on the training plan afterwards.
While everyone was moving around busily, I was left with nothing to do.
Hmm... did I cause trouble for everyone again by suddenly
bringing over 2,000 people? Being ignored by everyone who seemed a bit distant
and busy, I had too much time on my hands, so I went to the workshop to see
Workshop Chief Carl.
"Chief Carl, how are the items I ordered coming
along?"
"Yes, the additional 10 sets of light armor are
complete. They look like light gear, but their defensive power far surpasses
the full plate armor used by the Empire's Iron Cavalry. Three of them have been
finished as top-tier products, sparing no expense on materials and considering
defense to the maximum, just as you instructed."
The armor he showed me used plenty of Klimt scales.
Translucent rainbow-colored scales were layered, creating a graceful appearance
that was captivating to look at.
I had previously ordered 50 high-end items and 200 budget
versions with a few scales pasted on necessary spots, distributing them to
relevant parties. Like those, I requested these to have their visual gaudiness
intentionally suppressed, prioritizing refinement and ease of handling.
Of course, these three are for Her Highness Clarice, Yuka-san,
and Chrisia. The remaining seven are to be deployed to Yuka-san's
two guards, Her Highness's three attendants, and Carla and Altena,
whom I appointed as Her Highness's guards.
"Yeah, I think they
turned out great. As expected of you. As for the limited edition crossbows, how
many do you think you can make?"
"Let's see. The deadline is until next spring, and
since additional materials have arrived from the east, 1,000 units are
definitely possible."
"Got it! You don't have to push yourself, but I'd be
happy if you could somehow manage to gather up to 3,000 by before summer.
Within the realm of possibility, of course."
I wanted to equip the 2,000 archers stationed in the east
with the latest crossbows that approach the power and range of the Estol Bow.
Of course, the price is high too.
Furthermore,
there is also an order for deployment to the eastern border at the request of
the Minister of Military Affairs. Given that we have already had them
accommodate us with the materials, I want to manage to produce 1,000 units
somehow.
"Regarding labor costs, you can ignore the budget.
Please don't hesitate to pay overtime wages or increase staff so that the
workers aren't overburdened. We will receive compensation commensurate with
that."
In
particular, since the equipment costs for the Magic
Knights are being covered by the Kingdom, I intend to strengthen them without hesitation. And
naturally, I will be accepting the compensation for it without holding back,
either. When I brought the estimate in
advance, Old Raccoon was
astounded, but when I said it was a set of Klimt armor to protect Her
Highness, he was convinced. After all, it's legendary class armor, something
you can't easily get your hands on no matter how many gold coins you pile up.
Moreover, its defensive power is guaranteed.
Well, just between us, I secretly slipped the costs for Yuka-san
and my sister into the bill too... They belong to the Magic Knights as
well, so that's that.
In this way, I killed time doing various things. The archers
who accompanied the Magic Knights were split up into their assigned
accommodations and seemed to be enjoying a bit of sightseeing.
From the
evening, I took advantage of this opportunity to hold a meeting with Margrave Hastburg and the other key figures
responsible for the defense of the south. Naturally, the strategy-loving
Princess had shrewdly secured herself a seat at the table, though...
And at night, a banquet was held at the guest house. Here,
the red carpet from the Fearalt Principality surprised everyone, and
everyone smacked their lips at the Paella and Curry Rice.
I smiled wryly to myself that what is commoner food in Japan
becomes a noble's dinner in this world.
At this time, Baron Weiss, Associate Baron Bauner
(Alexis), and the Mages who had been scattered in their posted
areas also gathered, making it a very magnificent banquet.
But... somehow, I felt like everyone was a little distant;
was it just my imagination? Did I do something wrong?
Only my brother, wearing a faint smile, paid attention to me
from beginning to end...
I heard the welcome ceremony would take place the next day.
However, Anne, Miseri, Claire, and even Yoltia were
all out since morning, and I was all alone.
Somehow... it's lonely. The Mages were all absent
too, having gone somewhere. Even though the main members were gathered, for
some reason, I was alone.
It couldn't be helped. I thought I'd practice swordsmanship
with my brother for a bit, so I visited him, but he was also absent. Why?
Left with no choice, I wandered around the town alone.
While Takuhir was at a loss, there were those
gathering at a certain place.
"Now then, we have entered the final stage of the plan.
Are preparations in each location ready?"
"Yes, Chrisia-sama. Regarding the guests, they
have gathered at the guest house, and preparations are complete."
"Carleen-san, thank you. How about the
church?"
"Rosa-san has entered the church and is
proceeding with preparations. We have received a report that it will be
completed shortly."
"Marianne-san, thank you. Then... how is the Target's movement?"
"Raphael-san is concealing himself and tracking
secretly. There was a report earlier that he is sitting alone in a daze at the
central plaza. I think now is a good opportunity to move."
"Kira-san, thank you. Then... let's begin moving
the guests and attendees now. Just in case, Commander, can I ask you to secure
the Target and provide the final guidance?"
"Understood. I will wait in the Third District from now
on and begin guidance as soon as the red flag signal is raised."
"Now then, let us also adjust our attire and stand by.
We shall move the headquarters the moment the red flag is hoisted. Commander,
your outfit has been arranged at the garrison station, just like the Target's.
However, if we are discovered here, everything will be for naught. I ask that
you be extremely careful regarding that matter."
"Roger that. I will pay maximum attention and make
every effort."
"I said that, but most likely, Brother is oblivious
about that sort of thing, so I think it will be fine. He is a person who
doesn't see much about himself... Now then, let us commence the arrangements
for the final stage."
Along with spirited replies, everyone scattered to their
assigned duties.
Somehow... even a precious honey pie tastes dull when eaten
alone. Apparently, Chrisia and the others invited Her Highness and went
to eat it yesterday.
Come to think of it, why were they selling it today?
Yesterday, I pushed through via Miseri to have them conduct a special
sale, but there are no events or festivals today, right?
Her Highness's welcome ceremony is a secret to the
territory's citizens, and today isn't a pre-scheduled sales day either...
"Takuhir-sama! I've been looking for you. Due to
Her Highness's circumstances, the welcome ceremony is likely to be moved up.
Please, hurry and come with us."
"Huh? Commander... I thought I hadn't seen you since
this morning."
"Come now, let's move quickly. Suddenly, Her Highness
decided to perform a prayer at the church before attending the ceremony, so the
attendees are also moving to the church."
"Geh! Going back to the lord's manor to change and then
to the church again... just moving and the round trip will take time. This is
bad! I'll be late."
"Please rest assured. We have had your outfit
transported to the garrison station near the church."
"Commander, as expected of you. Thank you! Then let's
hurry back!"
The Commander and I hurried to the garrison station. On the
way, we passed in front of the church, but many soldiers were already securing
the perimeter. It seemed Her Highness Clarice had already entered the
church, and I panicked greatly.
The clothes prepared at the station felt a bit too flashy,
but this wasn't the time to worry about such things.
"Now! Takuhir-sama, it seems the prayer has
already begun, so we will enter from the back!"
Following the Commander, we entered from the back of the
church and arrived at the door leading to the side of the chapel.
"Now, I will go inside and check the situation, so
please enter when the door opens next. Takuhir-sama, please pass through
the middle of the lined-up guard unit and proceed to the center of the chapel.
We will secure a seat for you there."
"Yeah, sorry for the trouble. Please make sure my
lateness isn't found out."
A while after the Commander entered, the door opened just as
he said, and grand music resounded from inside. When I entered as instructed...
???
The elites of the Frontier Knights branch had drawn
their swords and crossed them overhead, creating a flower path.
Nnnn? This feels like a scene I've seen somewhere before...
While wondering, I proceeded as the Commander told me, and
the people lined up there were... Aral, Mars, Volk, Brandt,
Danke, Isaac, Walrus, Raphael, Kaul, Astor,
Masrur, Balt, Elan, Gold...
Why are you guys here? At the end closest to the center, Gale
and Christoph were crossing their swords.
"Takuhir-sama, please wait here for a
moment."
Christoph
conveyed that to me in a whisper. What on earth is this? And then, a loud voice
rose from the opposite side.
"The Brides will now enter!"
"Ha? ...??? Haaah!?"
I reflexively raised a loud voice.
I've been had! Looking closely, Her Highness Clarice
was sitting in the front row of the center seats, wearing a beaming smile. To
the left and right, there was also the figure of Karin held by my mother
and sister.
And then... from the opposite side, brides clad in pure
white dresses came forward, being led by the hand.
Yuka-san led
by Count Gorman.
Anne led by
Father.
Claire led by
Brother.
Miseri led by Raymond.
Yoltia led by
the Commander...
The five brides lined up, overwhelming the onlookers.
Damn it! They got me! Is everyone here in on it?
The unexpected entourage members, the sudden change to a
three-day stay, everyone being busy yesterday and today, and the reason they
were somewhat distant—was it all for this?
At the altar were Bishop Grace and Rosa...
"From this moment, the wedding ceremony between Demon
Territory Count Solis and his wives Yuka, Anne, Claire,
Miseri, and Yoltia shall be conducted under the witness of Her
Highness Clarice as the proxy of His Majesty the King."
While listening to the two chanting in unison, I was still
shaken.
"Takuhir-sama, with this, I have finally been
able to join everyone's ranks. I am happy."
"Yuka-san, you
have been one of us for a long time now. I am counting on you from here on out,
too."
"Is it... alright for me, who is already a mother, to
wear a dress like this and be in a place like this?"
"Anne, it suits you very well. The reason I am
who I am now is thanks to Anne, so please don't hold back."
"I am so happy. To think that I would be able to join
everyone in a way like this... it feels like a dream."
"Claire, this is also because Claire has
supported me until now. Because you are one of the people precious to me."
"I... I am... I can no longer put it into words."
"Miseri, I am always causing you trouble, but
thank you truly. Please treat me well from now on too."
"I, for someone like me to be treated like
this..."
"Yoltia is a hero who has established numerous
achievements even on the battlefield, so no hesitation is necessary. Hold your
head high."
Except for Yuka-san who was simply rejoicing, they
were more shaken than I was.
Surely, it must have been Yuka-san who proposed that
these five hold the ceremony equally and together. To me, that was what made me
happiest of all.
And so, the wedding ceremony ended without incident, and
afterwards, instead of a welcome ceremony for Her Highness Clarice, a
wedding celebration party began. Celebratory food and drink were freely served
throughout the town of Teigoon, and the whole town was in a festive uproar throughout our
stay.
It turned out later that this surprise wedding was
meticulously prepared with my brother and sister as the instigators. Effectively,
I had been paid back in full by my brother.
Chrisia, I will
pay this debt back properly. As an older brother... Next time, it will be my
turn to bless my cute little sister's future.
Did you think I wouldn't notice?
-----
Thank you for my Patrons !!
[Platinum]
-
[Gold]
B random
DavidA
Nepheos
ShitaiNoKootoRyuu
[Silver]
Corey Hicks
Creris
Frédéric Bertrand-Hudon
Matthew Fraser
Xavier O'Donoghue
Alan Sharman
Anton Lim
Austin Lorenzo
Ctdela
Curious Panda
Didntpassit
nick nasca
openope
rads
SD Fox
Read Advanced Chapters only on my Patreon
-----
