Chapter 1 – My Friend, Wendelin

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“Guildmaster Isravel died?”

“Yes, Margrave Baumeister-sama. I hear he passed away last night.”

“Burkhart-san, what kind of person was Guildmaster Isravel? I don’t really know anything about him…”

“He was quite old. If I remember correctly, he had already passed his nineties. He was experienced and possessed political clout. Given his advanced age, it wasn’t strange for him at any moment, though…or rather, why don’t you know anything about him, Margrave-sama?”

“Up until now, the magic tool guild visited me to buy all sorts of items from the Ancient Magic Civilization, there would be no reason for such a celebrity to come greet me on such occasions, right?”

“Well, I guess you have a point there. But, you know… You and I have contributed to the magic tool guild a fair deal, so it feels kinda ungrateful for him to not have visited us even once… Considering it like that got me somewhat angry.”

“Isn’t the guild just slow to act because it’s such an old, established institution? I mean, that’s a common thing, no? Besides, aren’t both of you close to the sorcery guild?”

“Hmm, you’re right… All that these people have going for them is their pointlessly high pride, after all.”

“Burkhart, you should say such things too loudly.”

“Ah, excuse me then.”

The guildmaster of the magic tool guild, which had been trying to prevent the import of magic tools from the demon country, suddenly passed away.

“Sudden death, you say…didn’t he just die of old age?”

“You could say so, I suppose. But, the upper ranks of that place and the sorcery guild are gatherings of ghastly pale old crooks anyway. The people out on the streets make jokes about those two guilds being public cemeteries.”

This world has nothing like senior citizen’s homes, so it wouldn’t be odd for a gathering of extremely old people to quickly turn into a mass burial, which resulted in that malicious, sarcastic phrasing.

“Well, at least people, who become too old to use magic, retire at the sorcery guild.”

However, it’s not like the magic tool guild’s productivity has dropped either. Even though the upper management is full of elderly, many of those in charge of the practical work are young people. And because one can gain higher income and status the older they become, most of the lower ranks are aiming to climb into the ranks of the upper management someday. You might say the magic tool guild is close to a company in this regard.

Even if the young people harbor dissatisfaction with the older, conservative higher-ups, they’d never voice it openly. Because of that, the magic tool guild always seemed like one big monolith.

“I don’t know whether it’s the outcome of their organization, but their magic tools haven’t progressed for the last two hundred years.”

“Seriously?”

Not managing to progress at all over a time span of two hundred years is amazing in and by itself…

Technological development through magic might be a lot more of a challenge than development through scientific means as it happened on Earth. To be honest, I don’t know enough to make a fair call here…

“At the very least it’s true that their technology hasn’t advanced much. According to Beckenbauer who has been only focusing on research, the folks at the magic tool guild are being held back by the elderly holding all the powerful positions in the guild.”

If they can keep up the production of magic tools which are always in high demand, that alone already accounts for a rather big achievement. Since it’s much easier to keep going with the usual than building prototypes of new magic tools and setting up new production lines, if those prototypes succeed, the magic tool guild has been making good money, even without the upper management doing anything in particular.

And because they won’t be dismissed as long as they don’t make any mistakes, the elderly have been needlessly sticking to their high positions.

“So no one was telling Guildmaster Isravel to make magic tools, huh…?”

“Guildmaster ISravel himself came to his position on the achievement of having controlled the magic tool production.”

“So he did have some achievements, right?”

“Margrave Baumeister, he wouldn’t have become the guildmaster without any. The same applies to the other higher-ups, too. The issue is them occupying the upper positions for such a long time.”

“Milord, you do sound bitter about this.”

“Anyone would be, if you get pressured by them like that. Many nobles hate this, I think. And I can understand their feelings, but…”

Because of him, the production output of magic tools has increased by 1.3 times without the quality dropping at all. Given his achievements and political influence, he was able to hold the position as guildmaster for a long time.

But in return, it had the bad effect that a lot of the personnel was assigned to increasing the production output and maintaining the quality, leading to a shortage of hand in the research department.

According to Burkhart-san, Beckenbauer was criticizing that part.

“The guildmaster apparently worried about the influx of magic tools made by the demons.”

That must have been worrying for sure. Not only would it lead to them becoming unemployed, but if things went really badly, it could result in the Lingaia Continent losing the ability to produce its own magic tools, which would effectively yield a monopoly in this area to the demons.

After all, it was hard to get back on track with technological development if you cut it off once. I can’t create stuff like generic magic tools, so I thought it’d be fine for the highly-efficient magic tools of the demons to become more available on the market. For me as an individual, this would be a welcome change, but for me as a statesman, you could label my thinking as failure.

The people producing magic tools in the Baumeister Margravate…come to think of it, there were some on Akitsushima Island…but their technological level was lower than that of the Lingaia Continent and they were few in numbers.

Currently they’re busy maintaining, managing, and repairing the second-hand magic tools which the demon queen brought to the island. Those are treated as junk in the demon country and thus those magic tools, which were treated like trash that costs money to be disposed of, are sold almost for nothing as spare parts assembly. For this reason, the craftsmen on Akitsushima Island were earning money while studying the structure of sophisticated magic tools. It’s kind of like killing two birds with one stone, but we cannot afford to create too much publicity about this.

“Not going to the funeral isn’t an option either, I guess.”

“You mean us?”

“Obviously, Earl-sama…err, Margrave-sama.”

Burkhart-san, Doushi, and I belong to the sorcery guild, I worried whether it’d be smart for us to attend the funeral for a guildmaster of a rivaling guild, but I’m Margrave Baumeister, Burkhart-san is the attendant of Margrave Breithilde, and Doushi is the Royal Head Wizard, although one tends to forget about that part. It won’t be strange for us to attend, or rather, it’d be a problem, if we don’t go.

“It’s going to be people whom I’ve never seen before but okay, I’ll go.”

I think I have to handle this in an adult way.

“Elise-dono, too.”

Elise is my first wife, so she’s expected to accompany me since it’d be strange for us as a couple to not attend together.

“I understand. How about you attend with your wife as well, Burkhart-san?”

“I’m a retainer. Since I’m the attendant of Milord, it’s unnecessary for my wife to be present. Doushi hates funerals, so I’ll probably end up attending by myself, though.”

I suppose he’s got nobody around him who would directly tell him to bring his wife.

 

＊

 

“Very well. I will get everything ready.”

When I got back to Castle Ootsu after finishing my business in the royal capital, Elise accepted her attendance at the funeral. We could only attend as a couple because of my Teleportation, but sometimes it’s also nice to go somewhere with just the two of us.

“Let’s eat a cake in the new store on the way back, okay?”

“Of course. I’m looking forward to it.”

Because we’ve been busy with the birth of the children, the demons, and the unification and rule over Akitsushima Island, a short date should pose no problem.

Elise didn’t go out into the public overly often, but she solidified the support of the Baumeister house on this island by continuously providing healing for free. Her being a healer who exceeds Ryouko, who had been appointed as governor of Akitsushima Island, was a clear exhibition of the Baumeister House’s superiority. She didn’t fight at all, but her achievements were quite big, nonetheless.

“Umm, Milord.”

“Is something the matter, Ryouko?”

“I would like to attend the funeral as governor of the Margrave Baumeister House as well…”

“It’s the funeral of a heretic. Are you okay with that?”

Ryouko was the leader of a religion which was very similar to that of Mizuho. In the recent past, her religion’s influence had declined quite a bit and the Grand Ootsu Temple, which resembled a Shinto shrine, had been abandoned, but now she should be busy as head priestess. As such I thought that her attending a funeral of the church might cause various issues.

“The Akitsushima religion is very tolerant. There won’t be any problems as long as we respect each other.”

If she’s saying all that, I guess I can’t really refuse her attendance. But, since it spoiled our rare date, I felt bad for Elise.

“In that case, it’d be better if you stopped wearing Akitsushima-styled clothing. People of the church are going to attend the funeral.”

The church had people who weren’t as tolerant towards other religions and sects, so her wearing such a heretic, conspicuous outfit might cause unexpected problems. Elise set the condition that Ryouko had to wear a Lingaia-styled mourning dress.

“I don’t have any clothes that I can wear for a funeral…”

“I will borrow you a dress.”

“Thank you, Elise-sama.”

Elise is a truly gentle soul. I’m going to definitely make some time for a date later.

“In that case, I will accompany you as well. It will likely be necessary for me to assist Ryouko-sama,” said Yuki.

“Then I will come as well!”

“Yuki-san, you’re probably busy as vice-governor. I think it’s better for me to go,” Yui-san, the daughter of Matsunaga Hisahide, volunteered.

If I’m not going to attend with Elise alone, I guess I should make sure to keep formality. The other nobles will participate in the funeral while bringing several people as well, so I think it will be necessary for me to bring along the governor of Akitsushima Island at the very least.

“Very well, I will go as well then.”

“Lulu will come too.”

The two five-year-olds also chimed in, but I’m sure they just wanted to go sightseeing in the capital.

“We don’t have any clothes for you, so it’s impossible.”

“Whaaaat───!”

Understanding that I wouldn’t take her with me to the capital, Fujiko suffered a light shock.

“It’s a funeral, so swarming the place with an overly big group would be distasteful. I’ll plan a sightseeing tour of the capital once we have a bit of free time. We will buy you some souvenirs, so be good girls and stay here.”

“I’m looking forward to those.”

“Yaaay, thank you, Wendelin-sama.”

No matter how smart they might be, children are still children. As soon as I told them that I’d make it up to them later, they immediately cheered up. Since I was planning to go for a swim at the southern coast of Akitsushima Island on top of bringing back souvenirs, they readily agreed.

“Okay, the four of us are going to attend the funeral. I feel sorry for everyone else, but please take care of the work over here.”

“I get that part, but still…”

“Do you have a question, Erw?”

“You have been promoted to Margrave, right? Yet, no one is talking about that topic at all. Won’t we have some sort of celebration? Isn’t this the sort of opportunity where you go with a huge bang?”

Won’t Roderich take the initiative for this later on? Though, if I consider all the invitees, I feel like I’ll get a sour stomach…

Besides, even if you call it a promotion, it’s not like my annuity as landed nobility has increased, and even though my territory did grow, I secured it with my own hands…

The Kingdom’s south is still being controlled by Margrave Breithilde and I’m still his vassal. At present, nothing has really changed.

“I imagine it doesn’t feel very real yet, but it is still a promotion from earl to margrave. If we don’t hold a grand feast… Right, Elise-sama?”

“We definitely cannot afford to not do anything,” Elise answered Haruka’s question.

“So we have to do something, eh…?”

“Yes.”

A celebration party where I invite a big number of guests just because my peerage went up in rank, huh…? Just when I thought that this would be such a bother, I got a call from Roderich through the MHCD.

『Milord, I heard about your promotion in peerage. Now that you have become a margrave, you are a high-ranking noble of established reputation. This lowly servant of yours cannot stop the tears of joy and excitement!』

“S-Sure…”

It’s not that I could check, but it seemed like he was really crying. Back when I became an earl, he wasn’t so deeply touched…or wait, was he?

But, with him being a lot more moved by this whole story than me, I was able to collect myself.

『Please do not worry. I shall prepare an unprecedented, wonderful party. I shall immediately start the selection and invitation of attendees, so I would like you to devote all your effort to the ruling of Akitsushima Island, Milord』

I wouldn’t be burdened with the preparation of the party, but attending it actually seemed like a nuisance. Well, I guess it’s a blessing that I don’t have to do troublesome stuff like choosing the invitee or writing invitation letters.

If I had the time for stuff like that, it’d be better used on developing magic for that, though.

“A party, eh…?”

“Umm, Milord…”

“Is something the matter?”

It looked like Ryouko wanted to ask something.”

“Is the person called Roderich.sama hailing from Mizuho?”

“No, I don’t think so.”

Going by his outward experience, he’s a genuine resident of the Kingdom.

“It’s my first time to hear someone talk like that outside of books.” (T/N: Short reminder: Roderich refers to him like a samurai would do)

“That guy is slightly special…”

According to Ryouko, people who would use the same way of referring to themselves as Roderich, have long died out on Akitsushima Island. I explained to her that he was a very capable man, despite being a bit of an oddball.

 

＊　　　＊　　　＊

 

“It really looks good on you, Ryouko.”

“Thank you. It is thanks to Elise-sama for lending it to me.”

Because we were going to attend the funeral of the magic tool guild master, Elise, Ryouko, and Yui had changed into mourning dresses as they were worn on the Lingaia continent. I remained in my usual robe, though.

Ryouko had adjusted the size of Elise’s spare mourning dress…mostly in the chest area…while Yui wore Lisa’s mourning dress with almost no changes to it. Clothes apparently made her look a lot more slender than expected.

“It’s just common sense for pretty ladies to look good in mourning dresses.”

“Burkhart-san, beauties are beauties, no matter what they wear.”

“Well, you’ve got a point there. Ina, are you not going to attend the funeral?”

“I have plenty of other things to do. Besides, Wend and Burkhart-san, you’ll clearly be uninvited guests over there, won’t you? If I were to join in, it could actually lead to frictions…”

“The other side isn’t stupid, so I expect them to stick to lip service and flattery.”

Certainly, the relationship between the sorcery guild and the magic tool guild is bad, but the top staff of both guilds will be attending the funeral. Since we’re even preparing expensive funeral gifts out of consideration, I’d like them to leave the fighting to the level of a few sarcastic comments.

“It’s good that I don’t need to go. I hate those formal occasions with their suffocating atmosphere,” Luise commented with a sigh of relief.

“Wend-sama, let us all go out to have some fun in the capital later on,” Wilma said, hoping to be taken to the capital on another occasion.

“You’re right. Since I don’t have any relation to the magic tools whatsoever, I’m a member of the sorcery guild. The same applies to you as well, doesn’t it Lisa-san?”

“The creation of magic tools is a special skill even among magicians. I have no idea of it either.”

“I also belong to the sorcery guild, so yeah…or rather, we don’t even have anyone affiliated to the magic tool guild in the Baumeister House, do we?”

Oh, now that she mentions it…

Katharina, Lisa, and Katia also belong to the sorcery guild. We don’t have any magic tool guild members in our family.

“That’s amazing. I don’t belong to any of those guilds.”

“In reality, you don’t have any disadvantages from not belonging to those guilds.”

“Hmm, that sounds logical. In the first place, they won’t recruit someone with a troublesome standing like me anyway.”

She’s the former Duchess Philip and my unofficial lover. So I don’t think you’ll find anyone in the magic tool guild who would try to invite her.

“Wendelin, I’d like to have a cake from Sohrind as a souvenir.”

“Sure, I’ll get you one.”

“I’m looking forward to it.”

 

＊

 

After being seen off by my wives, I leaped to the capital with Teleport. I had heard in advance that the funeral would be held at the church headquarters, so I wasn’t worried about us getting lost.

I teleported to a place a short walk away from the church headquarter. Naturally we quickly arrived in front of it.

“It looks very extravagant.”

Ryouko couldn’t hide her surprise over the luxurious exterior of the church headquarters. But well, if you compare it to the Grand Ootsu Shrine, which had been left unattended for a long time, it only makes sense.

“The church can’t really brag much about its luxury though…”

From Elise’s point of view, it might feel uncomfortable for the church to be more luxurious than necessary. Just as Cardinal Hohenheim said in the past, it looks like it’d be difficult for her to become a key figure in the church.

“Well then, let us go in.”

Once we entered the funeral venue after handing over the funeral offerings at the reception, Burkhart-san and Doushi were already present. Doushi had returned to his mansion in the capital yesterday in order to get ready for the funeral. Burkhart-san said he has some business to attend to and stayed in the mansion of Margrave Breithilde together with the margrave himself since yesterday.

“Well, he peacefully died at an age of 96. This sort of funeral is still the best, I’d say.”

After all, anyone would feel depressed if it was the funeral of a young person, not to mention, a child. Because the guild master died of old age, only a few of the funeral attendees are actually sad, I think.

“Rather, the people in the lower ranks should rejoice over this.”

“””””DOUSHI! Sshh───!”””””

All of us simultaneously blocked Doushi’s mouth. Even so, the age of the attending upper brass of the magic tool guild wasn’t that different from their deceased guild leader, so they should be happy that they get a chance to become guild master before their own death.

Given their advanced age, it wouldn’t be strange for any of them to collapse and die here, but I’d love Doushi to keep time, place, and occasion in mind with such comments. I’m sure those old men are pressuring the Kingdom at the negotiations with the demons, so I suppose it’s only normal for Doushi, the best friend of His Majesty, to not value them much.

“(Are they going to decide the next guild master from among those grandpas?)”

“(That seems to be the case. After all, they’re the upper staff of the guild)”

No matter where you looked, not a single of them seemed to have an age below eighty. Of course, all of them were magicians, but they had already retired as active magic tool makers.

When it comes to managing an organization, old age is no problem as I could clearly see from the example in front of my eyes.

“It’s going to be the same, regardless of which of them becomes the next guild master.”

Burkhart-san seems to have absolutely no interest in who’s going to become the next guild master. The new guild master is going to continue obstructing the import of magic tools from the demon country either way.

Thanks to their assets, their influence is tremendous.

The other nobles, who were attending the funeral, quickly put down their funeral offerings, prayed in front of the coffin, and called out to me, who had become a margrave.

“It’s incredible to advance to the rank of Margrave in such a short period of time. I hear you have conquered the island you discovered and turned it into new land for you.”

“The day of you becoming the most influential noble in the south, even surpassing MArgrave Breithilde, is nigh.”

“No, someone as inexperienced as me has been receiving a lot of help from Margrave Breithilde-dono. I have been relying on him quite a bit.”

People will quickly start to stand in your way, if you achieve too much success. Are they trying to break the relationship between me and Margrave Breithilde to take the margrave’s place?

Many nobles have gathered at this funeral, so it’s kind of like a semi-official occasion. I used this opportunity to boldly declare that I’m relying on Margrave Breithilde. If I hadn’t said that, more nobles with strange ideas would have come out of the bushes. Then again, it’s also a fact that things would have been tough on me without his help.

“(Elise, who is that person?)”

“(Sheesh…how about you finally remember the names and faces of nobles, now that you’ve become a margrave?)”

“(I’ve already told you, but there’s just too many of them)”

Burkhart-san said it as if it’s easy, but I can’t remember all the nobles because there’s such a huge number of them.

Roderich doesn’t say anything as long as I develop the land with my magic and Elise knows all the major nobles in the central government. Since crest officials are around as well, I really don’t think it’s that much of a problem…

“(It’s simply about the right person in the right place)”

“(It’d still be better for you to memorize at least a few of them)”

Burkhart-san remembered the names and faces of most nobles.

“(That person is Viscount Bulow. He is a relative of Earl Platte)”

“(I can tell)”

The viscount wasn’t stupid enough to not realize that I had deliberately sacrificed Earl Platte’s son to free the Lingaia and its crew. Since he couldn’t scold me during an official occasion, he probably started to spread bad rumors about me behind my back.

“(This much won’t pose much of a problem, will it?)”

“(Dear, please be careful)”

Unpreparedness is one’s greatest enemy, huh? I should report this to Roderich later.

“It seems like Cardinal Hohenheim is busy with the funeral as well. I guess we’ll go back home after giving him a short greeting…”

Since I had fulfilled my duty with this, I decided to go back soon. When I greeted Cardinal Hohenheim, he appeared to be extremely busy with managing the funeral.

“Ooh, Earl…no, Margrave Baumeister! Congratulations to your rise in peerage, son-in-law-dono.”

“Thank you kindly.”

“I’d love to talk with you at ease, but the situation is what it is. Won’t you show Friedrich to me on another day?”

Cardinal Hohenheim was bogged down by work as the one in charge of the funeral on the church’s side.

“Understood. Even so, I must say it’s a fairly luxurious funeral service.”

“Well, the magic tool guild has money.”

Seeing how it’s quite possible that their income and power will fall drastically, if magic tools start to be imported from the demon country, I guess it’s only natural for them to fight back against this with all means at their disposal.

“It looks like there’s various circumstances at work here, but the church has no power to intervene with the magic tool guild.”

I could only interpret this as him telling me that the church would hate it to turn the magic tool guild into enemies by provoking them in a silly manner.

“If you come to the party for my promotion to margrave, you will be able to see Friedrich as well.”

“I’m looking forward to that. Time to wrap up this job here, I guess. It’s great to see you in fine health as well, Elise.”

“Yes, but every day is filled with something new or unexpected.”

“Well, it cannot be helped with Margrave Baumeister as your husband. Take care of yourself, okay?”

We left the funeral venue after the conversation between Elise and the cardinal ended. Even if we stayed longer, it’d only become more troublesome as the nobles would swarm me, trying to get closer to me.

“Ryouko-san, what do you think about the church’s funeral service?”

“It was very pompous. Even the funerals at the Greater Miyoshi Shrine weren’t so luxurious.”

Miyoshi who had ruled over the island’s central area, and a guild master who controlled half of the Lingaia Continent. I guess it’s because the latter had money.

“You do not know whether a funeral is extravagant or modest when you are dead anyway!”

“Uncle-sama, that statement is a bit…,” Elise restrained Doushi.

I mean, he’s right, but if possible, I’d like him to keep these things to himself. Outside the venue young priests were still receiving guests.

“Milord, what are you going to do from now on?”

“Let’s see… We finished faster than planned, so we’ll stroll through the capital, get some souvenirs, and head back.”

“I think that’s a smart idea.”

It sure is weird that I feel fully relieved when I’m told this by Yui-san. She’s the daughter of the same family as that convicted mastermind, so she’s still under some surveillance.

“Dear, it’s such a wonderful opportunity, so how about we get some clothes for Ryouko-san and Yui-san? They might need them in the future.”

“I’d say that’s a great idea.”

Ryouko-san is the governor of the entire Akitsushima island, even if it’s just an honorary post. Because the opportunities for interaction with the main Baumeister Margravate will increase as well, she probably needs Lingaia-styled outfits.

“We’ve also got your share, Yui.”

“Milord, please prioritize Ryouko-sama. I will be fine with being next after Yuki-san.”

Yui-san backed away from accepting her own share and said she’d let Yui-san get priority. I think a young lady capable of such considerations is great.

“I will also buy Yuki’s share, but since she’ll accompany you, Ryouko, on many occasions, it’s probably necessary. We should use our rare visit to the capital wisely.”

“I’m in a position similar to being Ryouko-sama’s maid.”

“That’s no way that’s true.”

Yui’s father, Hisahide is one of the best magicians on the island, a soldier who was appointed by the late Miyoshi, a civil official, and an educated man. Treating his daughter as maid might have a bad influence on my future rule of the island.

“You have also been helping Yuki with her work. No need to hold back.”

“If you go this far, I shall take advantage of your kindness, Milord. You are a very generous man, aren’t you?”

“You think so?”

Every man should be happy about being praised by a pretty woman.

“First, we will find you clothes to be worn on official occasions. Then we’ll go to Candy-san’s store, I’d say.”

Ryouko and Yui might get shocked when meeting Candy. After all, I kind of doubt you’ll find his type on Akitsushima Island.

“Yo, fancy meeting you here, Wendeling.”

Just as we were about to go look for Ryouko and Yui’s clothes, someone suddenly called out to me. When I turned around, I saw Peter of all people. Elise and I were surprised by the totally unexpected reunion.

“Elise-dono, forgive me for being somewhat late, but congratulations on the birth of your child.”

“Thank you kindly.”

“Wendelin, I hear you’ve been promoted to Margrave, huh? Congratulations…or I guess not?”

As expected of Peter. He immediately realized my discontent with the promotion. Still, I’d never expected to meet Peter here in the capital. Or rather, it’s the first time in the history between both countries for the emperor of Urqhart to visit the Kingdom.

Even though this should have been a huge piece of news, I didn’t hear anything about it at all.

“When I hurriedly dispatched a diplomatic corps to the negotiations with the demons, fearing that we got a late start, it made the whole situation even more of a mess, right? I can’t apologize officially, but doing it in absolute secrecy behind doors on a personal level is no problem. I’m the younger one, so I’m being considerate of His Majesty Helmut the 37th.”

Peter was visiting the Kingdom with just a few, tight-lipped retainers. He was apparently discussing with His Majesty how to deal with the demons. And he got dragged into the chaos of democracy as it was practiced in the demon country.

“We’re in a similar situation as the Kingdom, you see…but, this place is kind of unsuited for this sort of talk, so how about finding a place where we can also drink some tea?”

“Hey, Peter, Why are you saying this while taking Ryouko’s hand?”

This guy has plenty of talent as a statesman, but normally he’s always pulling his stupid antics. I’m sure he’s using times like this to go back to his real self to release some stress.

In that case, it’s better for me to not treat Peter as emperor during those times.

“It’s because a pretty woman was over there. Going by my information, the inhabitants of Akitsushima Island share the same ancestors with the Mizuho people.”

 

 

“You did well to find that out.”

I was impressed by Peter’s, or rather, the Empire’s ability to gather intelligence.

“Still, the number of your wives has grown, so it must be quite tough on you, Wendelin.”

“She’s not my wife yet.”

Though she probably will be my wife in the future.

“But, sooner or later she will be, right? You must marry that missy over there and have the child between you act as governor to properly rule the island.”

Certainly, it’s just as Peter says. If I look reluctant here, it’ll be rude. Yuki, Yui, and Ryouko are beautiful and gentle women. I should feel honored to have such a relationship with them.

Besides, I’m a former Japanese man, so Japanese-styled women definitely suit my taste.

“Now that you mention it, I don’t hear any such rumors about you at all.”

“…Let us first enter a teahouse, okay?”

We decided to drink tea together with Peter after meeting him for the first time in a good while.

 

＊　　　＊　　　＊

 

“It is an honor to see you again after such a long time, Margrave Baumeister-sama.”

“My deepest congratulations for having been promoted to the rank of Margrave.”

 

It seemed as if Peter had entered a random cafe, but in reality, that place was already reserved for us. As he couldn’t afford to move around with only a few guards like in the past, many guards were pretending to be normal customers while drinking tea and watching over us. The same number of guards seemed to be stationed outside the cafe, too.

Next to Peter were the master swordsman Mark, who had been assigned as captain of the imperial guard, and Emela who had officially become the head wizard of the Empire.

Somehow I feel like she’s become a bit chubbier.

 

 

“Congratulations, Emela-san.”

“You can tell?”

“Yes.”

“Tell what, Elise?”

“Emela-san is pregnant.”

Ah, so she’s a bit chubbier because of that? But, her belly doesn’t seem to stand out as much yet…

Since magicians are wearing robes, it’s simpler to hide a pregnancy.

“Peter, did you have a ceremony with Emela?”

“No, I haven’t even added her to my family register. Nor do I plan to do so in the future.”

He won’t take her as concubine, despite having knocked her up? Isn’t that somewhat heartless?

“I don’t plan to do such things with any woman other than Emela.”

“I understand your feelings on this, but…”

I wonder, can an emperor really stick to having just one real wife? If I was able to do that…no, I don’t have any need to do so, I suppose.

“It’s fine. The rank of emperor isn’t hereditary in the Empire. One of the other prince-elector family’s children will likely become the next emperor. The imperial family has been almost completely wiped out too. It’ll be just fine for my child, who popped out from somewhere, to inherit that family.”

He’s going to acknowledge the child born by Emela and make them the heir of the imperial family. Him not taking Emela as his official wife is because people could plan to assassinate her in the worst case?

From the eyes of the nobles who are hoping to push their daughters onto Peter as wives and have the born child succeed the imperial family, a commoner like Emela poses a hindrance.

“As long as she isn’t registered as a member of the imperial family, Emela is nothing but an excellent head wizard. The idiots will find it hard to meddle with her. Besides…”

“Hmm?”

“My shitty father increased the number of maternal relatives who are butting in on marriage issues.”

After having been put under house arrest during Duke Nürnberg’s coup d’etat, Peter’s father lost most of his authority. Likely those people were supposed to help him when he’d force his way back to become the emperor again.

“My shitty father tried to fill the government with relatives, but that led to him losing power instead. Even if I hadn’t been there, he’d have likely lost to Therese-dono’s faction.”

After the death of his father, Peter chased down and punished all those folks, who tried to link up with Therese’s brothers. Thanks to that, Peter could currently act like a dictator in the imperial family.

Then again, the imperial family was one side of the bureaucratic organization which would manage the Empire’s budget. This also meant that Peter had power as emperor because he originated from the imperial family.

The bureaucratic layers organized by the imperial family were damaged by the Civil War, but Peter revitalized the imperial family by promoting superb, young people and the outstanding personnel, like merchants, commoners, noble sons, etc., who had served him for a long time,

He succeeded in creating a stable imperial family by resetting the complicated relationships within the family, fulfilling his wish of only having Emela as his woman. As such, he achieved his personal and public ambitions at the same time.

This was something I wouldn’t be able to imitate as a former salaryman who would always pay attention to his surroundings.

“No wonder Therese has lost.”

“She was a powerful, high-ranking noble who had been acknowledged even by Duke Nürnberg. But, she had the flaw of only being able to move within the Duke Philip family head outline. If not for the civil war, this would have been more than enough, but…”

“Either way, I can’t imitate that.”

So he loves only Emela to such an extent? That’s why he somehow handled the demerits accompanying his exceeding selfishness as emperor…his choice with his own strength. This guy really is a big shot.

“I feel bad for Emela, but…”

“I do not mind.”

“That’s the part where you should honestly say, 『Peter, I love you because you’re so kind!』.”

“Never. That’s too embarrassing,” answered Emela, her face blushing.

Unlike before, she’s now acting lovestruck, just as Peter said.

“We don’t have much time, but we act just like a married couple during our private time. Emela cooks for me and stuff like that.”

I guess the two of them have practically become a married couple. That’s great to hear.

“This secret visit also serves as a honeymoon. The annoying folks have stayed back home after all. And we even got a pretext.”

“The demons, eh…?”

“It’s inevitable for the negotiations to not advance. Until now, both sides haven’t acknowledged each other, so they won’t have any troubles, even if there’s no trade.”

“Still, humans are greedy.”

The folks trying to profit from trade are putting pressure on the nobles and government. On the other hand, there are also people who will lose from a trade agreement coming into power.

 

 

 

“The Empire is no different from the Kingdom, you see. The meddling by our magic tool guild was quite intense. Our magic tool guild is similar to a branch of the sorcery guild, but because they’re one organization, it caused the sorcery guild to object as well. I received various favors from them during the civil war and they’ve put in a lot of effort to rebuild the guilds as many of their members passed away back then.”

Large numbers of imperial magicians were killed on the battlefield during the civil war. And because Duke Nürnberg was especially busy privately recruiting and deploying magicians to the battlefield, using soft and hard means to achieve this, he produced many victims who were killed by us.

“The magicians, who can create magic tools, didn’t go out on the battlefield. Overall, the power and influence of the magic tool guild has come out at top within the sorcery guild.”

After all those losses, the sorcery guild had to count on the funds earned by the magic tool guild to search for and rear new magicians. If the trade with the demons started and the magic tools made by the magic tool guild stopped selling, it’d become a critical problem for the magic tool guild and the sorcery guild.

“So the Empire is the same as the Kingdom, huh?”

“Duke Mizuho, too. His place has been holding the highest technological strength on the continent until now.”

Well, thanks to the demons, they stopped being the best in that field.

The Mizuho-made magic tools, which could be sold for a slightly higher price because of their higher technological level, had become very half-baked products at this point.

“Because of that, the negotiations are dragging on. I wonder how many years it’s going to take until they get to the point of trade restrictions and import tariffs?”

This isn’t a fictional story, so it’s impossible to conclude a treaty both countries can support overnight. Even Japan and America negotiated trade and diplomatic treaties over a period of several decades.

“Alright. Let’s stop with the complicated topics for now. Wendelin, take me somewhere where we can have some fun. The southern sea of the Baumeister Margravate would be great, I think. The Empire is always so cold. Southern countries sure have it nice.”

“I don’t mind doing that, but…”

I reflexively looked at Emela. After all, it’s not good to use Teleport during a pregnancy. In such a case, a magic airship would be the way to go, but it’d take three days to arrive at the southern ocean, if we set out right away.

As such I got worried whether Peter’s schedule would allow for that.

“Since we have this, it’ll be okay. Emela, show it to Wendelin.”

“Yes, take a look at this.”

What Emela took out of her bag after saying so was a magic tool that seemed to closely remember items that have been found in the ruins of the Ancient Magic Civilization. It was a cross-shaped accessory with small magic crystals of various colors. Small magic circles and characters were densely written all over the cross.

“That’s a magic tool, right? I can’t feel much mana from it.”

Because the magic crystals were small, Elise thought that the magic tool couldn’t have much of an effect. On the other hand, I thought it might be a slightly special magic tool.

“It’s a magic tool said to maintain a specific state, if you possess it, I guess? It must have been quite a pain to find out how to use this.”

“Nothing less of you, Burkhart-dono. It’s called Oscillation Control Device in the Empire. It was recently excavated in the former Nürnberg Dukedom. Its effect is to Protect a Pregnant Woman from the Bad Influence of Teleportation. It seems like people used teleportation as a means of travel a lot more frequently.”

If a pregnant woman uses Teleport or a magic circle for transfer, it increases the risk of a miscarriage or the child being born with impairments. This magic tool has the effect of preventing that.

“I guess you can call this quite handy to have.”

It’s not like there would be no demand for this, but I think it’s going to be extremely limited. Transfer magic circles are still being researched and the number of magicians capable of teleportation is low. Hence, when it comes to opportunities for teleporting women, and moreover pregnant women, the number should be close to zero.

“It came in handy this time, though. Because this is a top secret visit, we couldn’t afford to prepare a ship.”

“I see. Allow me to guide you then as soon as we get permission from His Majesty. Tomorrow we’ll set out.”

“This does sound like fun, right Emela?”

“Yes.”

 

＊

 

On that day, all of us ate dinner together. In the meantime, I had a retainer, who was serving at the Baumeister mansion in the capital, go to the palace to get permission from His Majesty.

I bought the mansion here in the capital back when I was permanently staying in the city. Since I obtained it back when I was still Baron Baumeister, it has apparently become necessary to replace it with a big mansion.

If you ask me, who used to live in an apartment during his previous life, my current mansion has more than enough space, but apparently it’d hurt my reputation as Margrave to live in such a small place. I must buy a new residence as soon as possible…meaning, I need to negotiate with Rinnenheim once again, I suppose.

“Milord, His Majesty gave his permission.”

There’s no doubt that some nobles will start running their mouths about a secret meeting between the Emperor and Margrave Breithilde, if I entertain Peter and his entourage on my own volition.

The one spearheading those allegations would likely be Earl Platte. In a certain sense, he’s become someone we should be cautious of the most. After all is said and done, I was the one who sent his son into the police cell of a foreign country.

“It looks like it’s necessary for someone from the Kingdom’s government to accompany us.”

“If it’s just this much…”

Even if the number of people increases somewhat, it doesn’t matter since we’re going to teleport anyway. Rather, having someone from the Kingdom’s government monitoring us should guarantee that Peter and I won’t be suspected for no reason.

“So, who’s going to come with us?”

“I don’t know.”

It seems like the retainer couldn’t learn who would accompany us. He pulled an apologetic expression.

“It is probably going to be one of the royals or a minister with too much time on their hands.”

“Doushi, there are no ministers with too much time on their hands in the Kingdom…”

Even the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who usually should have the most free time, was very busy these days. The other ministers also had to deal with the various impacts the import of goods from the demon country might have on the Kingdom. Being a minister is equivalent to having busy days, regardless of war or peace.

“We are going to know by tomorrow either way!”

“That’s true, but…”

 

＊

 

Thus Peter’s group stayed at the Baumeister mansion in the capital and in the next morning, we would be teleporting to the southern sea from our garden. The destination would be close to the sandy beach where I got all the marine products together with Wilma.

While taking along as many as I could, we planned to swim in the ocean, do simple fishing, and have a barbecue. As we were waiting for the people from the Kingdom, a certain person showed up ahead of time.

“Eh? Your Highness?”

“Margrave Baumeister, congratulations on your rise in peerage. I’m busy with various matters, but this is an important occasion which will be attended by the emperor of Urquhart. Hence, it’s better for me to attend in person.”

If you take Peter’s status into account, it’d be proper for His Majesty to tag along, but since the king has no time for this, the crown prince is going to take his place.

“(Margrave Baumeister, His Highness has been looking forward to this very much, I hear),” Doushi told me in a whisper, but we’re talking about that inconspicuous prince here.

Even if he isn’t present in the palace, it should be no problem. That’s likely the reason why he was chosen, too…

It’s basically a participation in official business, yet His Highness was looking so happy that anyone could tell. It’s fortunate, if it delights him so much, but it seems like it’d be a problem if I point that out…

As might be expected, even Peter was looking rather confused. He seemed to wonder whether we were trying to take him by surprise or something.

“Your Highness, thank you very much for taking some time out of your busy schedule.”

“Don’t mind it. We’re going to soon become relatives, Margrave Baumeister.”

My daughter Anna is going to marry His Highness’s son and His Highness’s daughter will marry Friedrich. Due to this two-layered marriage, His Highness and I will share a deep bond.

“Wendelin, your hardships keep piling up gradually, don’t they? But, the relationship between you and me runs deeper than such a blood relationship. We’re close friends and war buddies who walked the same battlefields. Something like social status doesn’t matter for us while being in private.”

Hey, Peter…don’t provoke His Highness all of a sudden.

His Highness’s expression changed instantly.

“Peter-dono, Wendelin is a precious friend for me as well.”

I was suddenly told this by His Highness, but are we actually friends? We never spent time hanging out together, so would one call this a relationship that’s deeper than acquaintances?

Sure, we’re going to become relatives in the future…anyway, I should leave it at that. I’m a former Japanese who can read the situation.

“The same applies for me as well. If only Wendelin was an imperial noble. Then the chances for us to carefreely spend some fun time together would increase as well.”

“That’s very regrettable then. I have to take care of my children from now on. My father decided on the engagements, but I’d love to see the marriage come true since it’s going to deepen our friendship. Once my children become a bit bigger, I’ll have them play with Wendelin’s children regularly.”

Is this what you commonly call a Papa-friend? At least I’ve heard about Mama-friends frequently in my previous life. Either way, I suppose His Highness has been planning to have out children play together regularly. I must consult with Roderich about this later on.

The times when we head to the palace are fine, but we have to think about guards for all other times.

“Wendelin, I won’t mind if you call me Wald on occasions like this. After all, we’re good friends.”

Peter and Wald were smiling, but their eyes were giving off sparks as they looked at each other.

“(Margrave Baumeister, you sure are popular)”

“(Don’t act like it’s someone else’s problem…)”

“(It is not my problem after all!)”

“(Now you’ve said it!)”

Doushi and I were bantering while whispering.

Wald and Peter began a pointless, hidden contest to see who’s my true, best friend. I don’t want to boast, but is it fun to fight over me who was a loner with no friends until the age of twelve?

“It’s planned for Wendelin to serve me as Royal Head Wizard as soon as I take the throne. Father and Armstrong-doushi are best friends as well. Like father, like son.”

 

 

“Wendelin and I are close friends, regardless of our nationality, status, or work. If you’re in a position like mine, such friends are important.”

“The same applies to me as well, Peter-dono.”

The sparks between those two kept getting stronger, making me feel very worried about how things would turn out today and in the days to come. Or rather, is it really worth it to compete over me so much?

 

＊　　　＊　　　＊

 

“Peter-dono, I hear you’re a war comrade who fought alongside Margrave Baumeister during the civil war in the Empire, but I won’t let you have him. He’s going to become my relative and also my best friend.”

 

I, the next king of the Helmut Kingdom as crown prince, have had a thin presence ever since my birth for some reason. Yet, Father has approved me for having suitable abilities to become the next king.

My younger brother is the same, but he was already married into the Duke Metternich family to avoid a succession struggle. He’s going to serve me as next Duke Metternich, it seems.

My wife is beautiful and a woman of good character, who blessed me with a cute son and daughter.

Even though I should be happy with all that, I realized a certain fact. I don’t have any friends. I’m the crown prince, so I have many acquaintances. But if one asks whether those aren’t my friends, the answer is clearly no.

Father has Armstrong-doushi, but I don’t have anyone like that. As such, I decided to look for a friend. A king lives a life of solitude. That’s why I must find a close friendship that goes beyond status.

The strongest contender for that position is Margrave Baumeister. It’s because he gives off the scent of being the same person as me.

But, he has retainers and comrades who call him friend or even close friend. It’s very enviable.

Moreover, according to the spies dispatched to various places, Margrave BAumeister seems to have deepened his friendship with Peter-dono who because the new emperor due to the civil war. He has been visiting out nation in absolute secrecy in regards to the trade negotiations with the demons, but I ended up hearing his conversation with an attending retainer.

『I came to the Kingdom at long last, so should I go play with Wendeling somewhere?』

『Your Majesty, Margrave Baumeister-sama appears to be quite busy』

『It’s fine. Wendelin is my friend, so he will make some time for me, even if it’s just one day』

Hearing this caused me to feel very shaken

No good! He’s going to become my best friend! I mean, that’s right isn’t it?

My daughter is going to marry his son in the future and my son is going to take his daughter as wife. We already have a strong connection binding us together. I don’t know about the emperor of another country, but I, Wald, am the real friend of Margrave Baumeister.

In the first place, why is the emperor calling him by name in a familiar manner? I should be the only one having the qualification for that!

Now that it’s come to this, I have no choice but to join the fray as well. This is an issue unrelated to the question whether Peter-dono is Margrave Baumeister’s close friend.

No matter how good the friendship between the Empire’s emperor and one of our margraves might be, even if it’s private, there are justified reservations that nobles, who will come up with groundless, false accusations, might crawl out of the woodwork.

I must protect him from being doubted as his best friend. And as long as I participate in the trip, such rumors won’t come to be.

With that said, I informed Father and took part in today’s outing. I’m sure today is going to be a blast. After all, Margrave Baumeister and I are best friends.

 

＊　　　＊　　　＊

 

“What? A fight over Wend between two grown men? That’s a development to Ina-chan’s liking, but…”

“Luise, could you please stop spreading such rumors about me? You’re inviting misunderstandings by doing that.”

“I didn’t say anything that’s wrong, did I?”

“Certainly, if you only look at reality superficially, you’re not wrong, but…”

 

Today we’re going to a private beach on the southern tip of the Baumeister Margravate with His Highness Prince Wald and his attendants in addition to Peter’s group.

I will transport everyone with my Teleport, so many people are participating. I summoned Elise and my other wives from the mansion. On top of that, the maids under Dominique have been preparing food and drinks, including a barbecue like last time.

Because we had many outsiders with us today, the swimsuits were slated to be the ones with lots of fabric, but everyone still enjoyed the southern seas.

Peter and Prince Wald had a weird competition going, but when Luise got an explanation after asking, she told me, “Even if it seems like ‘that’, it can’t be helped, right?”

“Now lister…I don’t have any such preferences, okay?”

Since such a rumor would be devastating for both parties, I’d love them to stop their bickering.

“Just kidding. It was a joke. Nothing more. But, His Highness Prince Wald is incredible, isn’t he? Wend, you also have few friends, but isn’t he actually beating you to the bottom with this?”

“That’s a rather dangerous and disturbing remark, too.”

As Luise and I were in the middle of such a chat, Peter had been swimming with the butterfly stroke, which Doushi taught him, while wearing one of the traditional swimsuits.

As for Doushi, he alone is wearing black swim briefs without minding the looks of others. When the retainers of Prince Wald saw him like that, they looked quite shocked, but Doushi showed no signs of even caring about it.

Not to sound presumptuous as the one who brought it up, but it was his usual, vainglory style.

“Doushi, that’s one amazing swimsuit.”

“It is easy to swim in those!”

“Sure looks like the water resistance goes down with it.”

Burkhart-san had never seen Doushi wearing swim briefs and looked surprised now. Until earlier, Elise and my wives looked very risqué in their swimsuits, but because of other people being around this time, they wore very modest swimsuits as well.

“Heeeeeeey, Wend! Save meee….”

“What’s the matter?”

Erw, who participated in the outing as a guard, was buried in sand as play friend of Lulu and Fujiko. With his face only peeking out from the sound mountain, huge quantities of sand were slowly but steadily applied on his body.

“You sure are skilled at playing with children, Erw.”

“You think so?”

“No, Wend. They’re only playing with him because he’s at their level.”

“HEY! That’s rude! Luise!”

Being told by Luise that he basically has the same mental level as Lulu and Fujiko, Erw got all angry.

“I do have my duty as guard, but you see…”

“It’s fine, I think.”

There are other guards who are being provided by the Margave Baumeister House. Peter has a few elites with him such as Mark and Emela, and His Highness also has guards with him, so I doubt it’s going to be much of an issue for Erw to play with Lulu and Fujiko.

“That being said, it’s no biggie for you being buried either, Erw.”

“No, no, it’d probably end up becoming a problem…”

“Wendelin-sama, I brought another scoop of sand.”

“Alright. I’m going to help as well. Let’s bury Erw.”

Lulu and Fujiko enjoyed playing in the sand at the beach. Even if they act quite adult at times, they’re children of age right now.

“Should I swim as well?”

“You must not! If something happens to His Highness, I wouldn’t know how to reply to His Majesty!”

“Somehow it sounds bothersome in various ways. I swim normally, though.”

Peter swam to his heart’s content in the southern ocean. Doushi taught him the butterfly, but Prince Wald was stopped from swimming by an elderly attendant. If he ended up drowning, it’d become a matter of responsibility for his attendants, after all.

“Peter-dono is swimming just fine.”

“Your Highness, other nations are other nations. We handle things our way.”

The old retainer sure is saying stuff similar to what my mother (the one in my previous life) used to say. In my childhood, when I told her that I want to go abroad during summer vacation because my classmate was doing so, I was told the same line.

From their point of view, they’d likely be finished as nobles if something happened to the crown prince, but even if Peter drowned, they believe they wouldn’t hold any responsibility whatsoever.

“How inflexible you people are…”

“Your Highness, you have it quite difficult, too.”

“Wendelin, please call me Wald.”

“Umm…I think that’s asking a lot…”

It’d be unbearable to be regarded as disrespectful, if I were to address His Highness without any titles in front of his attending retainers. I do have my evaluation amongst nobles to uphold as Margrave Baumeister.

“Aren’t you calling Peter-dono by his name?”

“That’s because the most important person in the Empire is telling me to do so and all his attendants are acquaintances as well, so…”

Since the group only consists of people whom I got to know during the civil war, they didn’t see it as a problem, even if I called Peter without any titles during our private time.

While we’re at it, they were all friends and retainers of Peter since his time when he had been doing whatever he wanted. Even if he swam in the ocean, no one minded it. After all, it’d be fine if they saved him, if he were to drown.

Before that, I doubt that it’s possible for Peter to drown, seeing how skilled he’s at swimming.

They’re all friends who know each other well.

“Uuuhhh… Even though I finally came to the sea with you, Wendelin… I should take some sand back with me.”

His Highness, who was doing nothing but watch the scenery, started to participate in building a mountain of sand to bury Erw.

Besides, I don’t get the meaning behind doing this, but thinking back on it now, I too burst bubbles in silence when I was alone in my previous life. I guess this is the same here.

“Your Highness, you seem to enjoy yourself.”

Being tempted in doing it by Lulu and Fujiko, the sand mountain kept getting much bigger.

“Heeeeey, Fujiko. Please let me out anytime soon.”

“It’s His Highness’ demand, so endure it for a while longer.”

Erw’s means of getting out had been closed off even further.

“His Highness seems to be very compatible with playing by himself.”

“Luise, psssst───”

Seeing him sitting there like that, I felt a slight pity. It’s good that I’m not the crown prince.

 

＊

 

 

 

 

“Your Highness, it is about time to take a meal.”

We have been playing in the sand and swimming for a while, but it sounds like Dominique and the other maids have finished their meal preparations.

“Boldly grilling seafood outside and eating it sure is nice.”

“I recall how we have grilled the haul of our hunts in the past.”

Peter and the others were smacking their lips at the barbecue prepared by the maids and they were also enjoying the tropical juices sweets using the fruits from the Demon Forest.

It seems like some of Peter’s attendants have earned some pocket money by hunting with Peter in the past. They enjoyed the grilled seafood without any reservations.

“That’s quite a delicious-looking food, isn’t it?”

“You mustn’t eat that, Your Highness.”

“What’s the point in me not partaking that food after making my way all the way out here?”

“Please do not worry. I have cooked a meal course suited for you after receiving a menu from the cooks and ingredients from Margrave Baumeister-dono.”

“Armstrong-doushi is eating their food without any issues.”

“Doushi-sama is fine.”

He was eating much more than anyone else, but Doushi had an image that his belly wouldn’t get spoiled, no matter what he ate. And as far as the attending old retainer was concerned, it’s not like he’d take any responsibility, even if Doushi were to spoil his stomach.

After all, it’d be pointless to warn him and since he didn’t have any right to stop him either, he simply left him to his own devices.

“You still mustn’t imitate that, Your Highness.”

The elderly retainer attached to His Highness Wald argued against His Highness eating the barbecue, citing the possibility of poisoning or bad effects on His Highness’ health as reason. Instead, he had the cooks I arranged for prepare a different menu course.

His Highness Wald ended up eating that menu together with several of his attendants. Because the ingredients were of high quality, it did look tasty, but His Highness appeared to be very disgruntled.

But I can totally get him. Even I would feel bad if I alone were forced to eat food similar to what’s served at a fancy restaurant after coming to the ocean to relax. At times like this, barbecue tastes a lot better, I think.

But, I can’t say much about this…

“Peter-dono is eating grilled seafood without a problem…”

“Others do things their way while we do things our way. You must stay healthy at all times, Your Highness. We cannot afford to expose you to any potential danger.”

“……”

His Highness gave up and started to eat his menu course, but I could finally understand why he had no friends. Peter was in a similar position, but originally he was in no position to become the emperor as third son. Even those at his side were all people of similar standing, and the folks, who would bicker around, had all vanished during the civil war.

It came with him being responsible for himself, but in return, Peter could act relatively freely.

“These big prawns and shells are great.”

“Though they taste no good, if you don’t grill them while they’re still alive. Or put them into a magic bag right after pickling them.”

“You allowed us to eat something wonderful. Emela needs her nutrients, too.”

“It’s great that you had the magic tool allowing pregnant women to travel via Teleport.”

“Luckily we found out about its effect. It has allowed me to show this pretty ocean to Emela.”

I don’t know about the past, but nowadays the number of people capable of using Teleport is very limited. Moreover, it has nothing more than an extremely restricted effect.

“You did well to have discovered the effect of an excavated item in such a short span of time.”

Ancient magic tools will be regularly excavated, but it’s not like they come with manuals. It’s great if it’s an item with a known way of usage, but sometimes it takes quite a long while until researchers find out how to use a tool.

I think the Vibration Suppression Device was especially difficult to grasp.

“The Empire’s magic tool guild is quite excellent. I can’t really judge since I cannot use magic, it seems like there are various methods to investigate tools, such as measuring the mana flow while a device operates.”

Emela was able to come here for a dip in the sea thanks to them having understood how to use the Vibration Suppression Device.

“It’s going to take quite some time until the baby is born, right?”

“Yes. More than half a year.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Is it going to be a boy or girl?”

“I don’t mind either way as long as it’s born safely.”

The women had their own fun talk while enjoying the barbecue. Emela was the center of their conversation. Luise and Ina were stroking Emela’s belly.

“Lulu wants to give birth to Wendelin-sama’s child in the future.”

“I want to grow into an adult quickly, too.”

Lulu and Fujiko commented while touching Emela’s belly. The two little girls had said something crazy going by modern standards, but there were only royals and nobles in this place. No one besides me considered their remarks to be weird.

“Uuhh…we are first as Sensei’s pupils!”

“Agnes, you are already an adult after all.”

“I will be an adult next year and Cindy-chan will follow the year after. A dreamy life as newly-married awaits us.”

“……”

At this point in time, the number of my wives is completely overflowing, but it didn’t appear to be a situation where I could refuse those girls with this as a reason.

“Wendelin, you sure have it tough as well. I have my hands full with Emela alone.”

“You’re the emperor, so get some consorts.”

“A harem for the emperor? That’s ultimately nothing more than an image that occurs within the world of stories.”

The Empire’s emperor is decided through voting. The possibility for the emperor’s child to become the next emperor is extremely low, so the emperor had the same number of wives as other nobles. During the emperor’s reign, those wives would be called his harem, but this was simply a measure to put on a show for foreign powers.

Having an extravagant harem despite the children being unable to become emperor would make the settlement after the emperor’s abdication a chore. Because of that, something like an official harem didn’t exist in the Empire.

“If not for the civil war, noisy people would flood my ears about this. Ah, I guess I wouldn’t get a turn if not for the civil war either.”

Even so, it was common sense for an emperor to marry several women, but Peter persisted in staying an exception in this.”

“Come to think of it, how about you, Your Highness?”

“What do you mean?”

“I cannot imagine that you have only one wife, you know?”

“……”

Now that he mentions it, I don’t know much about His Highness… If I had to list what I know, it’d be limited to him possessing a son and daughter. But, he’s the crown prince, so he should have a concubine, no?

I never heard about such a person, even in rumors, but I wonder how it actually is.

As a former modern man, it’s a slightly difficult topic to touch upon…

“…You will understand various things from now on.”

“Even though you say we’re going to become relatives soon, you people are somehow questionable…”

“That’s not true at all! I have formed deep bonds of friendship with Wendelin!”

No, Your Highness. Even if you announce it so loudly that the people around us could hear you… Somehow His Highness is extremely proactive, causing me as a former Japanese to draw back.

If I consider the meetings we had so far, I don’t see his bonds being too deep…

“I see…”

After saying this or that, Peter drew back from His Highness’ desperate appeal just like I did since he has a lot more friends.

“Come to think of it, what about Alfons?”

“Is that guy busy?”

“Compared to Therese-dono, he is a family head with no real power. It seems like he’s struggling to consolidate the Duke Philip family. I invited him today as well, but…”

Alfons is an outstanding man, but he’s originally the family head of a branch family. Even with Therese’s older brothers gone, he apparently struggled hard.

Then again, he’s a guy with a stronger sense of duty than I thought, despite him not being eager to become the family head.

“Okay, let’s go to the Philip Duchy together next time. We also have plenty of souvenirs.”

“That’s a neat idea. Alfons is a precious friend who has been supporting me. I think he’ll be happy if he can meet with our common friend Wendelin.”

That guy and I are kindred spirits who share similar tastes. He’s probably enjoying having his wife wear a naked-apron outfit for the sake of releasing his stress.

“I’ll go as well!”

“Umm…Your Highness, I think that will be difficult…”

I couldn’t take the crown prince so easily to a foreign nation. I’m no royalty, so I can freely for to other countries since I’m nimble enough to be able to escape with magic at any moment.

“I see…That’s regrettable. But, next I’d like to have the children play!”

 

＊

 

On that day, everyone enjoyed the ocean until late into the night. I wonder just why His Highness Wald alone is so frantic?

“Well, it’s just as Luise says. Your Highness, you’re worse than Wend.”

“I have increased my number of friends quite a bit.”

This is an important point, so let’s emphasize it!

“That’s why I’m saying you’re worse than Wend.”

Erw apparently felt the same aura from His Highness as he had felt from me at an age of twelve.

The same aura as me…I think His Highness has a problem with his standing, but I thought he also had the same loner tendencies as I.

 

＊　　　＊　　　＊

 

“Today I was able to enjoy myself to the fullest.”

“You were satisfied, Your Highness?”

“Yes. We are going to become relatives in the future and I was able to work hard on my friendship with you, the future Royal Head Wizard.”

“…It is a pleasure to hear so.”

 

 

It sounds like Mizuho has the following saying: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

As long as I meet with Wendelin, play together with him, and increase the chances for us to become chummy, I won’t lose to Peter-dono!

And society probably knows.

My closest friend is Wendelin, also referred to as Margrave Baumeister!

 

 

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