Chapter 190: The Wedding Dress
As the wedding day with Louise and the others drew near…
「Wait, Sensei, were you also invited by Sherry?」
I encountered Lyle-sensei on my way to the conference room.
Although she had experienced some health issues during the early stages of pregnancy, lately he seemed to have recovered considerably and was able to move about normally.
「Yes, it seems Sherry has gathered the old-timers again for something.」
By ‘old-timers’ she meant the conservative bureaucrats. Since Lyle-sensei wasn’t in the best physical condition, Sherry—now overseeing both internal and external affairs at the royal palace—had taken charge, and the old-timers were becoming more active.
Sherry’s official title was ‘Special Appointee to the King General’. While not an exceptionally prestigious position in the kingdom’s hierarchy, it carried weight due to the full backing of the conservative faction led by Prime Minister Nicola, Lyle-sensei’s father. Additionally, Sherry’s semi-official status as ‘the King General’s little sister’ allowed her to wield influence within the palace.
Upon entering the conference room, I noticed scattered scrolls made of ancient parchment. Elderly gentlemen with white beards were gathered, engaged in discussions or writing, stacking piles of paper.
「What’s all this?」
I asked, echoing the curiosity I shared with Lyle-sensei. 「Oh, oniisama. Welcome, Regent Lyle.」
Sherry said, her silver hair tousled from intense work. She absentmindedly smoothed her hair with her hand as she continued,
「We’re preparing for the enactment of new laws for the Eura continent.」
Sherry’s explanation was succinct, leaving me somewhat puzzled.
「Could you elaborate?」
「Yes, we’re attempting to create what you once referred to as ‘international law’—laws that will apply internationally.」
Ah, I see. The international law.
I had previously discussed the need for such rules in preparation for increased international trade. Sherry was now taking action on that front.
If international laws and regulations are clearly established, even when accidents or incidents cause friction between nations, it can be resolved smoothly before escalating into international conflicts.
「And you probably plan to coincide it with my wedding? 」
「Yes. Since it’s the wedding of the hero-king of Silesie, we’re gathering diplomatic envoys from as many countries as possible. With all these envoys in Silesie, we hope to turn it into a diplomatic conference for establishing international treaties. 」
The old bureaucrats with white beards smiled happily at Sherry’s words. Sherry actively employed the conservative foreign affairs officials whom Lyle-sensei had deemed useless and discarded.
For instance, bureaucrats well-versed in traditional ceremonies are perfect as diplomats to kingdoms that value customs.
Today, there were more small, elderly men in black judicial robes. Sherry introduced a particularly notable one with large round glasses.
「This is Master Comoran, former Chief Justice of the Royal Court and now a professor at the Magic Academy. He is Silesie’s foremost authority on continental law from the ancient kingdom of Lilliela. 」
「Takeru-dono, continental law is over a thousand years old and antiquated. The study of continental law is like endlessly excavating legal text fossils from rubble. No offense to Master Comoran, the top authority in Silesie, but it’s an academic field only enthusiasts study nowadays. 」
Lyle-sensei whispered this to me.
A stern-faced, large elderly man behind the professor shouted loudly.
「Calling it fossils, Lyle, that’s bold! 」
「Konem-sensei! 」
「This is Master Konem, also a former judge of the Royal Court. He now teaches canon and secular law at the Royal Bureaucrat School of Silesie. He was also Lyle-sensei’s teacher during his college days. 」
Sherry’s laughter echoed through the room.
Ah, so Lyle-sensei even brought back one of his former teachers from his student days. There’s no resisting that.
「Quite the esteemed figure now, Regent Lyle. But you see, Silesie’s legal system is still divided between ecclesiastical law and secular law, with many aspects remaining unwritten. It’s the past precedents that truly shape our legal landscape.」
「Indeed. It is exactly as Konem-sensei said. Both church and secular law today were based on the continental law of the ancient kingdom which……」
Lyle-sensei agreed, momentarily stumbling over his words. Well, it’s not easy facing a former teacher from school days.
The stern-faced Konem-sensei, who had been observing, relaxed his cheeks and shot an impish smile at Lyle-sensei. Then, adjusting his long beard, he positioned himself behind Sherry.
This was Sherry’s victory. She skillfully utilized the retiring veteran bureaucrats—still rolling along like seasoned dice.
「As Lyle-sensei mentioned, the domestic laws of various Eura continent countries trace back to the ancient continental law established during the reign of Queen Liliella in the Holy Liliella Kingdom. These foundational principles, accumulated over centuries, serve as the bedrock for establishing international laws.」
I understood Sherry’s point. Legal systems don’t always favor the newest innovations. While adaptation is necessary for the present era, there’s a certain comfort in relying on ancient foundations.
Over twelve centuries ago, Queen Liliella’s continental law governed the entire Eura continent. Even now, in the field of international legal studies, it remains a significant reference.
Leveraging this historical weight could be a compelling argument in a continent still steeped in conservatism, where convincing other nations required strong evidence.
And then, Konem-sensei, the teacher of Lyle-sensei’s teacher, stepped forward and addressed me.
「Your Excellency, King General Sawatari Takeru, Regent Lyle may have referred to continental law as a ‘pile of rubble,’ but sometimes, within those very ruins, lie unexpected treasures. Since we’ve been entrusted by this charming young lady to seek guidance from our elderly minds, we shall toil as if grinding our old bones to dust. Please entrust the formulation of the New Continental Law to us!」
「Very well. I leave it all in your capable hands!」
It’s reassuring to have seasoned teachers and Sherry handling the legal intricacies—I’m not well-versed in law myself.
「Yes. Anticipating the growth in international trade, we want to establish a foundational framework for international laws to prevent disputes proactively. Ideally, we’d expand the scope of consortium treaties centered around the Silesie Kingdom, aiming for economic growth.」
Sherry’s proposal prompted an old teacher to step forward. Although Lyle-sensei likely harbored some reservations, she diplomatically responded, ‘As a fundamental diplomatic approach, I have no objections’.
Excellent. With Sherry already taking the initiative based on our recent conversation about the need for international rules, I’m grateful.
My wedding with Louise and the others was meant to be grand, with envoys from various nations. But I hadn’t considered leveraging it for peaceful diplomacy. Sherry truly excels. I’ll have to reward my capable little sister.
As we prepared to leave, Queen Silhouette entered, accompanied by her knight, Jill. It had been a while since I’d seen Jill’s face, and she nodded silently—focused on her guard duties.
「Silhouette, were you also summoned by Sherry?」
「Yes. I have diplomatic matters with the envoy delegation. As the queen who governs our nation, I should at least understand the basics of international law.」
「Impressive. Is Silhouette truly living up to her role as queen? 」
「Yes. It seems I’m finally getting the hang of it. And to say someone is ‘being a queen’—that honor belongs to you alone in this kingdom.」
She said this with a wry smile.
Looking around, including Sherry, the elderly bureaucrats were all kneeling in her presence.
Queen Silhouette, reigning over the illustrious Kingdom of Silesie, possesses an aura that could bring down even the loftiest of birds. Once dismissed as a half-elf princess, she now commands respect from all who surround her—a transformation that defies the past.
In her accustomed manner, Queen Silhouette addressed the assembly: 「Raise your heads and return to your duties.」
The room’s tension eased at her words.
Reflecting on the time when I first encountered Silhouette, I recall my own blunders—too familiar with the princess, often reprimanded by Jill-san for my lack of decorum.
「So,was I overly presumptuous to Her Majesty the Queen?」
「Your unwavering composure befits a noble like you, Takeru-sama. By the way, I’ve heard that Louise and the others’ wedding dresses are nearing completion. They’re being prepared in the castle’s antechamber, as usual. Perhaps you’d like to check on their progress?」
Queen Silhouette’s thoughtful suggestion prompted me to do just that.
※※※
Within the palace antechamber, under Sharon’s meticulous supervision, slave girls diligently crafted wedding dresses. When Sharon inquired, I had suggested, ‘Louise might favor a red dress this time, although she previously wore white’.
Sharon’s reply was playful: ‘Shall we make it colorful, then?’. I eagerly awaited the outcome.
As the girls chattered excitedly, Are—evidently finished with her dressing—paraded over to show off the dress.
「Well, hero, I tried something called a wedding dress.」
Ah, a deep green gown. Despite its vibrant hues, her draconic features—wicked wings and a tail—threatened to burst forth. Yet, this audacious ensemble embraced those very traits.
The silver tiara atop her head, adorned with impressive dragon-like horns, created a striking contrast.
Sharon’s seamstress skills were nothing short of remarkable.
As I was intently examining the dress that Are had asked me to look at, her chest suddenly became exposed.
What is this…?
I sought an explanation with a look, but Are just smiled proudly, puffing out her impressive chest. Talking to her would be pointless.
「Did Sharon make this dress?!」
「Yes, what is it, Master?」
Sharon promptly appeared, anticipating my complaint.
「What’s with this design…?」
「Since Master enjoys nighttime activities without removing the dress, Eleonora requested it be made easy to accommodate. So, I made some modifications.」
So, Eleonora is the cause!
Nighttime activities with the dress on—she’s referring to our first night together.
Though I can’t deny that Eleonora encouraged it, and I did go along with it back then, it’s still cruel of her to spread it around.
「Yes, this is airy and comfortable. If it makes the Hero happy, it’s a win-win.」
「Enough of that. Put it away now, Are. And don’t take off that chest cover until I say it’s okay!」
Are’s chest was quite large, almost rocket-like. It’s manageable here since there are only slave girls and maids, but if she did this in public, it would be a problem.
「How about this, then?」
「What is that?! No, that’s even worse! Stop it right now!」
Why is the bottom part designed to come off so easily with just a pull of a string?
This dress completely fails at being a dress.
While Sharon and the seamstresses bear the responsibility for making it, Eleonora is the mastermind behind this outrageous design.
I went to confront Eleonora, who was helping Louise get dressed.
「Hey, Eleonora. Stop talking about our nights with everyone!」
「What, Takeru? It’s natural for wives to exchange information about such things.」
「Ugh!」
I groaned out loud. Oh right, both Eleonora and Sharon are my wives. I forgot.
「See, you can’t complain. It’s your own fault.」
Having scored a point against me, Eleonora brushed back her golden hair and laughed, then suddenly hugged and kissed me.
「What the…」
「Just because you have a new wife doesn’t mean you can forget about us.」
Her sudden, intense kiss caught me completely off guard. I couldn’t even argue. When I turned around, Sharon, who was waiting, kissed me as well.
What kind of game is this, both of you?
「Master, Eleonora-san is a bit jealous. So am I. When we got married, there was no martial arts tournament like there was for Louise. You can’t treat one of us as special.」
「Ah, that… Sharon, that was…」
As I tried to explain, Sharon silenced me with another kiss.
From behind, Eleonora wrapped her arms around me, embracing me tightly.
I see, they’re imitating what happened with Louise.
Despite her training, Eleonora’s body felt soft against my back. The Princess Knight, without her armor, is just a beautiful girl.
「We understand you don’t intend to favor any of your wives.」
「We’re just exercising our rights as Takeru’s wives. That’s something Louise, not yet married, can’t do.」
With both of them clinging to me and whispering in my ear, I finally understood what they were saying.
Sharon and Eleonora, as my wives, had the freedom to hug and kiss me as they pleased.
Louise and the others still haven’t caught on, have they? It’s as if they’re quietly observing, ignoring me completely while they engage in their own conversation.
Ah, both Eleonora and Louise appear surprisingly demure. Perhaps they’ve already discussed matters among themselves, leaving me out entirely.
It seems I’m the only one unaware of these intricacies.
「Today, I decided to match my dress with Louise-sama’s!」
「Oh, Eleonora, you look quite similar. It reminds me of our wedding.」
Ah, yes. Unconsciously, I suggested a red dress for Louise, perhaps influenced by memories of Eleonora’s wedding. Red attire suits a female knight, evoking flames.
Eleonora still possesses that youthful, fiery beauty, while the slender Louise embodies mature elegance, yet retains the grace of a delicate flower.
I had intended to compliment Louise, our bride, but Sharon and Eleonora beat me to it.
Turning my attention back to Louise, who stands there like a sunset in her crimson wedding gown—a more conventional choice compared to the eccentric attire of others—I’m captivated by its opulence. The ruby-adorned tiara atop her red hair adds to the effect.
「Takeru, this isn’t something I’m accustomed to. How do I look?」
「Louise, you’re exquisite—like a blooming rose.」
I offer my sincere words without embellishment, and Louise blushes, nodding in satisfaction.
「Now, where is Kaara?」
Surely she’s busy with the dressing.
「Right here by your side, Nation’s Father.」
And just like that, Kaara emerges from the shadows, draped in mysterious attire. Her sudden appearances always lend an air of cool intrigue to any gathering.
Oracle-chan also came out, holding the long train of Kaara’s blue, gossamer wedding dress, looking almost like a child.
She must have been helping with the dressing, but Oracle didn’t look like a mother of one at all. Speaking of which, I wondered where her child, Orakeru, had gone, and noticed that Ria was soothing him in the back.
Ria, surprisingly maternal, could calm any baby given to her. That was fine, but didn’t she appear with Kaara and the others when they emerged from the shadows, holding the baby?
You guys, despite being demons and priestess serving the gods, are getting along too well. I’d like to ask how you deepen your friendship sometime. But anyway…
「Hmm, Kaara in blue. It matches your skin tone. It suits you well.」
「Thank you. Though I am unworthy, I pledge to serve you with greater loyalty.」
Kaara, adorned in a fantastical wedding dress made of layers of blue gossamer and crowned with a violet sapphire tiara, knelt gracefully before me.
A bride kneeling—it seemed odd, but it was very Kaara.
With Louise in crimson, Kaara in translucent blue, and Are in deep green, this would be a colorful wedding.
In the still-developing Kingdom of Silesie, white wedding dresses were avoided due to their tendency to get dirty easily. Hence, darker colors were more common. Kaara’s dress, though not as revealing as Are’s, still showed glimpses of her blue skin through the gossamer layers, making it quite an unconventional design. Such a vibrant wedding dress was rare.
With the dragon maiden, the world’s strongest female knight, and the genius demoness all dressed in wedding dresses, their unique, otherworldly beauty was mesmerizing. Together, they looked like a bouquet of exotic flowers in full bloom, perfectly suited for a grand celebration.
Thinking about these women as my wives filled me with pride.
This was going to be the most unique wedding ever.
「Sharon, by the way, where’s my tuxedo?」
「It’s prepared over there. You said it was fine to reuse the old one, right?」
I had indeed said that, but it seemed we were going straight to the ceremony without any fitting. Well, that’s just how men’s clothing is.
「Well, Takeru, since you’re free, let’s enjoy our time together until the ceremony.」
「Hey!」
Eleonora grabbed me and pulled me along.
「You said seeing me in a dress excites you!」
「I didn’t say that.」
「But you did during our wedding ceremony.」
「Ugh.」
I couldn’t argue against that. Eleonora was as assertive as ever.
「I’m the only one not pregnant, and with a new wife coming, I need to spend more time with you now.」
「Are we still talking about this?!」
She wanted to make up for lost time before the new wife joined. This was absurd. Oracle had told her that such things couldn’t be stored up.
「Don’t worry, I’ve got everyone’s consent. Oracle-chan taught me that quantity doesn’t matter. Today, I’m focusing on quality!」
「I’m the one who’s not okay with this. What do you mean by quality? That sounds scary…」
I dreaded to think what Eleonora meant by ‘quality’. Her smile was unnerving.
「Hehe, you’ll see—or rather, you’ll experience it. My dress is designed not to tear, so it’ll be fun.」
「Whoa!」
「See, Takeru’s really excited!」
「I’m not!」
Eleonora’s dress flipped up, exposing her intimate areas. I hurriedly covered her with my hands.
How did this dress even work? It was far too provocative for a wedding dress. Maybe it could be a good product to sell.
Thinking about that was my way of escaping reality.
And so, once again, I was dragged into the harem by Eleonora.
I was completely unprepared.
The wedding was soon, and here I was, caught in the whirlwind of the Princess Knight!