「…And you know, today I got to hear all sorts of things. It was really fun.」
「Yes.」
「I am already looking forward to Frea-san’s next lesson. That idiot aniki of mine only ever teaches useless stuff anyway.」
It has become our usual spot lately.
We sit on the bed with Noie in my arms, talking over her shoulder.
I do wish I could see her face, but since it is her normal blank expression anyway, I can manage. Besides, this way it is much easier to stroke her hair.
「I wish the next lesson day would come sooner. I am seriously excited for it already.」
「……」
-0-
「Did you say something to Noie?」
My brother’s sudden words hit me like a shock.
Put yourself in my shoes, I am careful every single day with every word I say to her.
「If Noie is saying something strange, it is because of that leftover woman, not me.」
「It is not about what she says… Lately she has been making a lot of small mistakes, apparently.」
Being suspected of causing her mistakes when they happen is unfair.
「As if the pure, upright, and serious me would ever lead Noie astray.」
「If you could do something like that, you would have graduated from virginity long ago, huh.」
「Thank you for hitting where it hurts!」
It feels like a thick arrow straight to the chest.
Well, it is still… fine. No need to rush. We decided to wait until our new home is ready, after all!
「So, what is Noie doing?」
「Hm? Ah. Lately she has been making tons of tiny mistakes, and it is nearly killing Frea.」
「…What about Mische?」
「Her main job right now is managing the centaurs. Accounting and all that stuff falls to Frea.」
「…There was that girl called Lutte, right?」
「She is just an apprentice. But apparently there are no mistakes when it is Lutte.」
Hmm? Is it not just a coincidence?
「Noie’s strong point is actually how few mistakes she makes. Setting aside the uncontrollable rampages, of course.」
That part is the bigger problem.
「Got it. I will gently bring it up tonight.」
「Appreciate it.」
Well then. Today’s work is….why do I have so many piles of documents every day?
As the one handling them, it is my privilege to check the Noie squad reports first, before my concentration runs out.
「By the way, Arg.」
「Yes.」
「We were a bit short on funds… so I borrowed the money Noie has deposited in the national treasury.」
「Interest is ten percent on the borrowed amount. The term is one year.」
「…You say that so casually, but it is brutal!」
「Since I am managing Noie’s wallet, I will do it properly.」
First of all, do not take it out without asking.
If there were anywhere to sue, I would be in court right now.
「Hear the reason. A little problem came up, and we absolutely have to hold your formal wedding ceremony with her. And soon… on a national scale.」
Hmm? It feels like a door to a memory I had faintly buried in the depths of oblivion just creaked open…
「You mean I have to kiss in front of people again!」
「That is fine, is it not?」
「That kind of thing is… um. You know. That. Uh…」
「Stop blushing like an idiot. It is creepy.」
Guh!
It is fine. Kisses are for those stolen moments, a quick peck when I catch her off guard. That is perfect. Noie does not even understand what a kiss really means anyway.
Yes. It is all for my own satisfaction!
「So, why now all of a sudden?」
「I told you, right? A little problem arose.」
「What is it?」
「The Empire is raising objections.」
The Empire, that is the big military nation to the west, right?
I remember it perfectly from Frea-san’s lesson.
「What exactly did they say?」
「…They want to send a princess from their country to you as your official wife.」
「Wait a second! My official wife is Noie!」
「I know.」
My brother covers his ears like he does not want to hear it.
That is exactly why I established House Draguknight and became its head.
Strictly speaking, I am no longer part of the royal house. I am just one of the royal family now. In this world, that puts my status below the direct royal line.
「According to them, the official documents announcing the establishment of House Draguknight to both domestic and foreign parties… have not reached them yet.」
「Eh?」
「So, inside the Empire, you are still being treated as the third prince of the Univance royal family.」
His snort of laughter says everything.
It is just an excuse.
There is no way for us to confirm whether the documents actually arrived or not.
「We sent a formal envoy, but for various reasons, they will probably be delayed. By the time they reach the imperial capital, the other side will likely have already dispatched their own formal envoy here.」
「Just refuse them! My official wife is already Noie.」
「That is true. But if we do… their pride will be completely crushed. Next, they will probably demand we hand you over as the one who caused it.」
That is utterly ridiculous. It feels like they will use any means necessary…
「…What the Empire really wants, is it me? Or…」
「Noie. They are desperate to have her as a weapon against dragons. If they get Noie, they will probably throw her at dragon extermination and use the leftover power to start wars.」
「…Would they really use Noie only for dragons?」
「Who knows. It is their convenience, after all.」
The world in front of me suddenly goes dark.
The color drains from my face, and for a moment I feel dizzy, but I somehow hold steady.
If things go wrong, the Empire might treat Noie as nothing more than a tool for war.
I will never let that happen.
「What is the best move?」
「Hold your wedding with Noie as the grandest national event possible. We already have the king’s and the prime minister’s approval. Swaying the nobles is my job. Most of the generals are in favor now that Noie will have you as her 『leash』.」
Think. What can I do?
My brother flashes a sly grin, stands up, and claps me on the shoulder.
「Arg. Do not trouble yourself with the hard stuff.」
「But…」
「We will handle the complicated parts. Your job… is to take care of Noie.」
「…….」
「If you are a man, protect the woman you love properly.」
「Yes.」
Sometimes this family gets in trouble because they’re so cool.
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