Chapter 34

"The '♥' symbol represents affection."

"Of course...!?"

That's what I thought.

There's no other way to interpret it.

"Moreover, when affection between a man and a woman is mixed, the '♥' symbol appears more prominently. It can also be called romantic affection."

"Exactly!"

To see five '♥' symbols lined up like that.

Even I can tell it's not just a simple crush.

There's no room for misinterpretation at all!?

"How long has this been going on...!? It hasn't been that many days since we first met and your [Affinity] was blank...!?"

"Perhaps the events on the battlefield were quite shocking, don't you think?"

Is that really the case?

I just helped shoulder the backlash of her skill, hugged her tightly from behind, and while doing so, swept away thirty thousand monsters and reduced the demons to dust?

"Furthermore, I also thoroughly defeated the foolish men who were trying to court you. Isn't that enough to make someone fall in love?"

"Is that really the case!?"

But wait, let's not get into the details of how she fell in love. The important thing is now.

I've always argued that our feelings are what matter most, but considering Reslaser's current state of mind...

"Reslaser, we've been discussing this. Do you have any intention of getting married?"

"Huh?"

Reslaser was initially confused by the question from her father, who is also the king.

"What do you mean, Father... I mean, Your Majesty? Surely you're not going to accept the church's demands!?"

"Of course not! However, the church is persistent. They will continue to pressure us until you are married to someone."

"That... That might be true..."

"In that case, I want to marry you off to a trustworthy man. A man who is truly worthy of you."

"Wait, Father!"

Reslaser resisted.

"Though I appreciate your concern, I have decided to dedicate my life to being a knight! My true calling is to wield my sword for my lord and the weak. Please do not worry about me!"

"Can you at least hear who the person is before you refuse?"

"No need!"

"The person is Ryuya."

"Huh!?"

As soon as my name was mentioned, Reslaser's attitude changed dramatically and she started to fluster.

It was all too obvious.

"Ryuya's proposal also includes the intention to place him under my protection, but he was angry about it."

"Angry!? Huh!?"

"He said we can't proceed with marriage without confirming his own will. I agreed, which is why I called you here to confirm your intentions directly."

"Huh? Huh? Huhhhhhh!?"

Reslaser was at a loss for words.

"If you absolutely refuse, I will respect your decision and start over. What do you think, Reslaser?"

"Wait! Just wait a moment!? That... That...!?"

Her face turned red, her eyes darted around, and she flustered.

This is real... I can only shudder.

"...I'm sorry, but I cannot accept this proposal."

After a while, she finally managed to say this.

I'm being rejected.

"No, it's not that there's anything wrong with Lord Ryuya! He is a true hero! If I could have him as my partner, it would be the greatest happiness of my life!"

"Then why are you refusing?"

"It's because... Lord Noem is here...!"

Noem's name was mentioned in a hesitant tone.

The attention turned to her, who was still standing next to me.

"Why is Noem's name mentioned now?"

"Because she admires Lord Ryuya, doesn't she? For me to stand by his side, leaving her behind, would be morally wrong!"

That's what she said.

Noem, who was suddenly brought up in the conversation.

"I... I don't have that kind of relationship with Ryuya," I was about to say, but a memory came back to me.

The parameters I accidentally saw when sharing Abinion's senses... [Affinity] was at ♥♥♥♥♥♥, wasn't it?

"I don't mind as long as Ryuya is happy!"

Noem said.

"Ryuya is my benefactor. Thanks to him, I've been able to try out various things with my power. I owe him so much and need to thank him properly. I can't get in the way of his happiness!"

"That's not true, Lord Noem! Supporting someone from close by is not the only way to live! You have been the one supporting Lord Ryuya the most! He needs you! I can't do something so shameless as to tear you two apart!"

"No, Lady Reslaser!"

"No, Lord Noem!"

It's turning into a spirit of mutual yielding.

If I were to say, "Then I'll..." here, I'd probably get a "Please, please!" in response.

To break this deadlock...

"Why don't you both marry him?"

Someone suggested.

The king!?

"What are you saying, Your Majesty? It's impossible for two women to marry one man, right?"

"It happens quite often, you know?"

"You!!"

I was certain the direction of the conversation was dramatically changing due to the king's outrageous suggestion.

"It might not happen among commoners, but as one gains more power, it often becomes necessary to have more than one wife. I myself have four wives and have children with all of them."

"You're just a lecher, aren't you!?"

King, you scoundrel!

"Even though Ryuya is a commoner, given his current level of power, marriage proposals will come in droves. It would be wise to start planning your harem now."

"Harem!?"

Are you talking about a harem-like peace!?

Is this permanent!?

The conversation is taking a strange turn from a strange starting point!?

"To reiterate, I believe a man like you can be trusted with my beloved daughter, Reslaser. For her sake and for the sake of my country, will you accept this marriage proposal?"

"Ugh...!?"

"To do so, I would have to make a pure maiden cry, which is not my intention. Alchemist Noem has done a great deal for my country. For her sake, it would be best if Ryuya could take multiple wives..."

"Ugh...!?"

What is this?

Am I being cornered without realizing it?

If I refuse, I'll be seen as a villain, but is this a way to secure my position!?

"I... I understand...!!"

Reslaser and Noem...!

I will take responsibility and make you my wives...!!

"Yay, we did it!!"

My wives simultaneously rejoiced.

How did this happen!?

"Well, well, this is great...! This way, Ryuya becomes my adopted son, which creates a much stronger bond than making him a noble...!"

"Of course, there's some ulterior motive in his tone..."

"By doing this, the bond between Ryuya and my country is now solid! I hope you will continue to use your power for the good of my country. We will reward you sufficiently, so I count on you! My son!"

Shut up!

And so, I ended up getting married, without realizing it.

And to two women at once.

I had a feeling things would end up like this with Noem.

We met by chance, and she saved me from a crisis, and her admiration for me was far from ordinary.

She was already to the point where she couldn't live without me, and now Reslaser is joining in too.

It's definitely going to be a challenge, but I can't hide my excitement.

...Because I'm getting married.

To two women!