Chapter 85

I blinked repeatedly, alternating my gaze between Jinoru and Reika.

Reika wasn’t just bowing her head slightly—she was practically face-planting the floor, her ears turning bright red as she trembled all over.

Meanwhile, Jinoru wore an expression that was starkly different from hers: a completely calm and serious look, as if this were no big deal at all.

“That’s my request.”

“Are you asking me to marry Miss Reika?”

“Yes. I believe it’s a good deal for both of us.”

Wait…this is sudden!

Without any prior notice?

Why?

Seeing my utter confusion, Jinoru asked in his usual composed tone:

“Do you dislike the idea?”

“Well, not exactly dislike…but…”

I glanced at Reika.

Has she already heard everything? Is she prepared to marry me just because her stepfather said so?

With her head bowed, it was impossible to read her expression.

“Feel free to speak your mind openly. Say whatever you’re thinking.”

After pondering for a moment, I cautiously opened my mouth.

“Since you’ve given me permission, I’ll be honest. Though I’m unmarried now, I already have someone in mind for marriage.”

“You already have four women lined up?”

“No, it’s just one person.”

“If that’s the case, what’s the problem? You can take Reika as your second wife.”

“…”

While I knew that polygamy was acceptable in this world, coming from a place where monogamy was the norm made this concept hard to digest. Not that I disliked the idea entirely, but how would my other wives feel about it?

“Perhaps you’re concerned about inheriting the family name? If that’s troubling, we can do without it. I won’t force anything disadvantageous to you.”

Listening to Jinoru, it seemed he assumed I was worried about our respective clans’ prestige. He likely thought the woman I intended to marry came from a more influential family than the Nachtard clan. While discussing marriage through such materialistic lenses still felt strange to me…

“Miss Reika.”

“Y-Yes!”

“What do you think?”

“I-I-I…”

Reika broke into a sweat before exhaling deeply. She looked like a drowned rat, which made me feel a bit sorry for her.

“Well, um… Since Mr. Swoen seems like a fine gentleman…”

I subtly checked Jinoru’s reaction. His eyes were closed, and there didn’t seem to be any pressure being exerted on her. Still, Reika appeared to be misinterpreting his silence as oppressive weight.

“Mr. Jinoru, could you excuse us for a moment?”

“Me? Why?”

“This is about marriage. I’d like to discuss it privately with Miss Reika.”

Jinoru nodded silently, stood up, and quietly left the room.

Once Jinoru was gone, I addressed Reika.

“Miss Reika.”

“Ah…”

“You can relax now.”

At my softened tone, Reika finally lifted her head. Her pink eyes, flushed with embarrassment, trembled slightly.

“Is this conversation something you’ve already discussed thoroughly with Miss Reika?”

“Um, well, ‘thorough’ might be…”

“Did you ask for her consent to marry me?”

“Uh… Yes?”

Reika tilted her head in confusion.

“Since Father said so…”

Doesn’t the daughter get a say in this world?

Though marital freedom isn’t exactly a recent development in my original world either…

“Um…”

Just then, Reika hesitantly spoke up.

“Do…do you dislike me?”

She raised her teary, wide-eyed gaze toward me.

…Come to think of it, she’s actually really cute when she acts like this. She has a charm distinct from Iren’s.

“Huh? No, I don’t dislike you.”

“Phew… That’s a relief.”

Another awkward silence filled the air. Feeling pressured by it, I tried to break it gently.

“Miss Reika, I have a question. Please answer honestly.”

“Yes? Oh, yes!”

“Would you be okay becoming my second wife?”

“Second wife? Well…sure?”

Wow. Do women here just accept this without hesitation?

“Um… I also have a question.”

“Yes, go ahead.”

“Is your first wife…the red-haired knight?”

Upon realizing this, I remembered Reika had met Iren before. Thinking of her as my first wife suddenly made my brain go blank, leaving me speechless.

But…

“So it’s true…”

Even though I hadn’t confirmed anything verbally, Reika nodded knowingly.

“But…I didn’t say anything yet!”

“Your expression gave it away. Your face turned red, so you must’ve been embarrassed. Right? So she must be your first wife.”

Am I really that transparent?

My cheeks burned, confirming her observation. Realizing this, I couldn’t deny it.

Thinking of her as my first wife made me feel inexplicably warm inside, as if I were floating on air.

I’m starting to realize how much I care for Iren.

“Or is there another woman involved?”

“No, no…Miss Reika, please be careful with your word choice. Saying ‘another woman’ makes me sound like a playboy.”

“Playboy?”

Reika tilted her head again, clearly confused.

“It’s not strange to share love equally among wives, right?”

“…”

Alright, fine. There’s no need to cling to my old-world mentality. When in Rome…

“In any case, are you okay with this, Miss Reika?”

“Yes. Even as a second wife, I’m perfectly fine…”

“Not quite what I meant.”

I adopted a more serious tone.

“About marrying me.”

“Mr. Swoen…?”

“Yes. Forget about Jinoru’s orders or anything else. Just consider it from a man-to-woman perspective.”

“Um…well…”

Reika hesitated, deep in thought. I nodded encouragingly.

“You don’t have to answer right now. Take some time to seriously reflect on how you feel about me. I’ll give you my response once you’ve decided.”

“But…but…”

“Why not?”

“Um…it’s just…”

Reika struggled to articulate herself, which was my main concern.

She always finds it difficult to express her opinions clearly. This marriage proposal might have just been pushed onto her by Jinoru without her truly wanting it.

From my perspective, having her as my second wife would only bring benefits. She’s destined to become an exceptional mage, and forming a bond with her would undoubtedly strengthen the Lunarien Army.

Not to mention, she’s quite attractive too. Sure, I’ve been exposed daily to Iren’s unmatched bustline, making others seem less noticeable, but Reika is definitely curvy and adorable.

However…

I don’t want her decision to be forced.

Especially since choosing a lifelong partner should never be rushed. Even if it goes against the norms of this world, entering into a marriage with someone who doesn’t truly desire it would hurt both of us.

“Sorry…my words aren’t coming out right…so…ugh.”

“Don’t worry. It’s nothing to apologize for.”

“Aren’t you frustrated?”

“Not at all. Struggling to find the right words shows how important they are to you.”

“…”

Reika bowed her head again after hearing my words.

“Just take your time. Think carefully and let me know when you’re ready. Whether or not you truly wish to marry me.”

She slowly nodded in agreement.

Let’s leave it at that for now.

“Well then.”

I stood up and suggested,

“Shall we practice today?”

“Ah? Ah…yes, yes!”

Reika followed me nervously, looking like a timid hamster. Adorably so.

*

That evening…

“Iren.”

“What is it?”

If you were married…

Iren choked on her tea, spilling it everywhere, then began coughing uncontrollably.

“Are you alright?”

After wiping her mouth with the handkerchief I offered…

“Sorry…didn’t mean to show you that…”

“No, it’s my fault for surprising you like that.”

“So…hypothetically speaking?”

“If you were married and brought home a second wife, how would you react?”

“Second wife?”

“Yes.”

Iren paused for a moment, then replied nonchalantly,

“She’d probably need help adjusting to our home, so I’d assist her.”

“You wouldn’t mind having a second wife?”

“Of course not. It’s just expanding the family, isn’t it?”

Hearing her words reminded me once again that I’m in a very different world.

“I see…”

“Bu-but…why are you suddenly bringing up marriage?”

“Just curious about your thoughts.”

“Th-that’s not all, is it?”

I smiled at her suspicious expression.

“It’s a secret.”

“…”

She sighed softly after lowering her head.

“You’re such an enigma, Swoen. I’ve never met anyone as unpredictable as you.”

“Do you dislike it?”

“Not particularly.”

She smiled faintly at me.

Anyway…

If Iren doesn’t object to multiple wives…

Depending on Reika’s response, I’ll have to decide how to proceed.

With that thought in mind, I spent a peaceful evening with her.

* * *

After seizing Raclaine Castle, the Aishias Army turned their attention to the nearby Charan territory, swiftly invading with overwhelming force.

Led by Erhandorf, the occupying forces easily conquered Charan’s domain, eliminating its ruler and erasing him from history.

Now possessing four castles, including Raclaine, the Aishias Army had grown far beyond being a minor power—they were now considered a mid-sized nation.

Not long after…

News arrived that the Serpina Army had captured Hisfil Castle, located northwest of Raclaine, which had previously belonged to the Brance Army.

This marked the moment their borders finally touched.

And soon after…

“A messenger from the Serpina Army?”

“Yes.”

Yuuri nodded thoughtfully upon hearing the courier’s report.

“Hmm…What could they possibly want? I can’t think of any diplomatic reasons to interact with them.”

“Jinoru, what do you think?”

“There’s nothing immediately obvious. But shouldn’t we meet them regardless?”

Though it was concerning, Jinoru was right. We’d find out during the audience.

Having mentally prepared himself, Yuuri addressed the courier kindly.

“Alright. Summon them to the Audience Chamber.”