Chapter 191: Epilogue?
Chirp, chirp…
Warm sunlight and the sound of birds came through the curtains from outside the window. We really went at it all night without a wink of sleep.
「Takeruuu!」
「Not now, Eleonora! It’s my wedding day!」
I pushed aside the clinging Eleonora and got up from the bed in the harem, only to squat down immediately.
「What’s wrong?」
「Ugh…」
My legs were numb and I couldn’t put any strength into them. It was understandable that my back hurt, but my limbs were also numb from overexertion. Eleonora’s ‘quality’ was terrifying.
I gathered my resolve and staggered out of the room. Maybe some sunlight would wake me up, so I headed for the garden. Wow, the sun was already high.
Even though it was deep within the harem, why hasn’t anyone come to get me? Are they being unusually considerate? 「Hey, Takeru, you look well.」
「Do I really look well to you…?」
Oracle called out to me from the garden, holding and comforting a baby. I didn’t feel well at all. I had been up all night, and the sunlight looked yellow to me…
「If you’re not feeling well, I have a remedy for that.」
「Ugh, I’m a bit scared to rely on that.」
But I had no choice. I gratefully accepted a cup of warm milk from Oracle. It was a nourishing elixir known as the Nectar, the elixir of life.
「It’s safe. Even the baby drinks it.」
「It’s tasty… but it’s worrying that it works so well after an all-nighter.」
Even without side effects, the effect itself was dangerously strong. However, I did feel my fatigue dissipate. Well, today was an important day, and I couldn’t afford to look sleepy. I just needed to stay alert through the wedding ceremony.
Ideally, I should have been greeting the foreign diplomatic delegations that had been arriving in the capital city, Silesie, since the day before. However, those external duties were the responsibility of Her Majesty the Queen. The official monarch of the Kingdom of Silesie was Queen Silhouette. I was not the king, but merely the prince consort.
The Kingdom of Silesie was bustling, not just with the preparations for my wedding, but also with welcoming foreign diplomatic delegations.
Given that it was the wedding of the King General, the entire capital had been in a festival frenzy for the past week, requiring increased security.
Hearing the news, tourists flocked to Silesie from all over the kingdom and neighboring countries. There was even an impromptu martial arts tournament, a popular event that had been organized due to high demand after a previous successful occurrence.
Though it had little to do with the wedding, the timing was perfect as the war had ended and the busy harvest season was over. It was an ideal time for a national celebration.
The festivities were a combination of a war victory celebration, a harvest festival, and my wedding. Free food and drinks were being distributed, adding to the joyous atmosphere among the citizens.
While it might seem odd to hold such a grand national ceremony for my wedding to a new wife not closely connected to Silesie, no one seemed to mind. People just needed an excuse to celebrate.
Kaala, a demoness and advance mage, was akin to a living tactical weapon. The knight Louise was a hero known for slaying dragons, earning the title ‘Ten Thousand Swords’. And Are, the dragon maiden, was a princess of Rango Rand Island. Given their statuses, perhaps a royal wedding for the Kingdom of Silesie was indeed appropriate.
This marriage would bring new strength to the royal family of Silesie. While it wasn’t exactly the Habsburg marriage policy, these unions would undoubtedly solidify Silesie as a stronger kingdom.
「Takeru, how long are you going to stay like that? Hurry up and get dressed.」
Eleonora appeared in a formal dress, looking stunning in a pale pink gown. Despite the intense night and lack of sleep, she was glowing with vitality, which made me a bit envious.
「When did you change so quickly?」
「This is nothing. My father will be attending as a guest today.」
Apparently, as soon as she woke up, she immediately went to the closet and changed. The same woman who was just calling out ‘Takeruu’ was now acting this way. Eleonora, as always, was quick and efficient in everything she did.
「The Duke Emehart?」
「Of course. This time, we have the signing of the New Continental Law and the conclusion of the Cooperation Treaty. It’s only natural for my father, the head of the Germania Union of Lords, to attend.」
「Eleonora, your father is here… How am I supposed to face him?」
「You’ve fulfilled your role as a husband splendidly, so just meet him with confidence.」
She laughed softly. Continuing this conversation would only lead to more teasing. Even if I claimed to be fulfilling my husband’s role, Duke Emehart might just give me a dubious look.
「Alright, I’ll get changed right away… Uh, where’s my tuxedo?」
「It’s all prepared for you. Please wash your face first.」
As I struggled to remember where my clothes were, Sharon appeared with maids in tow. She had already arranged for my formal wear in the antechamber of the harem.
While Sharon wiped my face with a damp towel, the slave girl maids helped me get dressed. All I had to do was stand there.
「This is different from the black tuxedo I wore last time.」
「A tuxedo is a dinner jacket. For a formal event in the morning, you should wear a frock coat or a morning coat.」
I was going to wear a morning coat. They all seemed similar to me, but since foreign dignitaries were attending the reception, I’d follow their advice on what was more formal.
「I can dress myself, you know.」
「Master, we need to make sure you look your best… There, now you look very handsome.」
Even though I said I could dress myself, they wouldn’t allow it, fearing I’d look untidy.
I tried to hurriedly learn how to tie a necktie for formal occasions, but I still wasn’t used to it. Having gone straight from being a student to becoming a hero, I lacked common knowledge.
When Sharon tightened my necktie, I felt sharp and ready. Dressed in my elegant attire, I left the private quarters of my family in the harem and headed to the main castle. The place was bustling with maids and soldiers running around.
They were busy preparing for the party, welcoming state guests from various countries. As I walked with Sharon and Eleonora, I chuckled at the soldiers trying to salute me while tripping over themselves and motioned for them to relax as we entered the royal hall.
The castle had been heavily damaged during Gale’s coup. While temporary repairs had been made, the expansion work had been delayed by the war, leaving fewer rooms available. The only large hall capable of hosting guests from across the entire Eura continent was the royal hall.
For this occasion, the grand audience chamber used by the queen for formal receptions had been converted into a reception room for the guests. The new round tables covered with white cloth on the red carpet resembled the kingdom’s national flower, the white lily.
It was still morning, yet the tables assigned to each foreign delegation were already filling up with guests. Of course, fine wine and lavish food were being served.
The public ceremony and parade would happen later, with the wedding reception continuing through lunch and dinner into the night. I hadn’t expected ambassadors, nobles, and royals to be socializing this early.
Even though it was just a party, it was also diplomacy. They wanted to make the most of the opportunity. I needed to stay focused.
「Takeru-sama, thank you for inviting us!」
Eliza, now the Empress of the Germania Empire, approached, dragging the luxurious train of her long dress behind her.
「Hey, Eliza. No, I should call you Empress Elizabeth in this official setting, right?」
「No, just Eliza is fine.」
Her blue dress was a bit too grand for her frame. They probably couldn’t find a dress that fit her perfectly given her status as an empress. It needed to be formal, but children grow quickly, so this might be fine for now.
「Thank you for coming from so far away.」
「It’s your wedding, Takeru-sama. By the way, Zither is here too.」
No party is complete without music. Zither, who had risen to fame as a court musician in Germania, was confidently playing the lute in the center of his ensemble.
「It’s the first time I’ve seen her actually working as a musician…」
「Zither is now called the genius musician born from Germania.」
Indeed, the music was warm and soothing. It was wonderful to have him add a touch of elegance to my wedding. I might be grateful to him for the first time.
「For now, he’s just playing music, but later he’ll perform a new song, ‘The Heroic Tale of the Hero King.’」
「I’d rather she didn’t…」
I was meant to be in the background today, and I hoped Zither would stick to playing background music.
「Empress Elisabeth and son in law… I mean, His Excellency King General Sawatari Takeru. It’s a pleasure.」
The man with the distinguished beard and refined silk attire was Eleonora’s father, Duke Emehart, leader of the Germania Union of Lords. Next to him, Eleonora, in her pale pink dress, was smiling mischievously. Stop it.
「Oh, father-in-law, it’s good to see you in good health…」
「I am honored that you call me father-in-law.」
He grasped my hands warmly. His reaction to such a simple gesture made me uncomfortable. I was already feeling uneasy about taking another wife.
「Well, Duke Emehart…」
「No need to worry about taking more wives. As long as you give us an heir, that’s all that matters to our family. You’ve been fulfilling your duties as a husband with my daughter.」
Duties as a husband, Eleonora? What exactly have you been telling your father?
「Indeed, as the great hero of Silesie and Germania, it’s only natural for you to have many wives. Historically, heroes have been known to have dozens of wives.」
Apparently, that’s how heroes are viewed in this world. Royalty often have harems, and it’s common for nobles to have multiple wives, but historical heroes apparently took this to another level, with hundreds of concubines being the norm.
「A dozen wives… Well, with ten wives now, I’d like to think that’s enough.」
「Hahaha! You’re being modest. Even the most restrained hero of the Duchy of Transylvania had three times that number.」
「Three times…」
「Drinking fine wine, enjoying elegant music, and embracing beautiful women—these are life’s greatest joys. A young hero like you should enjoy them to the fullest.」
Despite his encouragement, Duke Emehart was known to have loved only Eleonora’s mother, never taking another wife after her passing.
「Congratulations, hero! Thanks for the invitation!」
「Oh, Wake! Long time no see.」
The thief king, Wake the Wake. He was known to have a taste for women. Instead of his usual green robe, he wore a silver tuxedo and seemed to have been flirting with foreign beauties.
「Haha! As a wedding gift, I’ve brought an interesting guest with me.」
「Interesting guest?」
The man Wake introduced was unusual. He was short but solidly built, with a large square face.
The man had shaggy black hair and beard, reminiscent of a dwarf, but his tanned skin suggested an East Asian heritage like mine. His attire looked like that of a nomadic tribe.
He wore warm woolen clothes adorned with gold and silver accessories, and even his belt was made of gold. Despite Wake calling out to him, he remained engrossed in the food at the ‘friends’ table’ assigned to Wake, noisily enjoying the dishes.
Actually, he seemed to be eating mostly desserts. The table offered simple treats like fruit-filled ice cream, crepes, and honey-drizzled pancakes, yet he devoured them with great enthusiasm.
「Ho ho! This is delicious! Is this the cuisine of the hero who conquered the world?」
While it was nice to see someone enjoy the food, I hadn’t conquered the world through cooking.
「Haha! Chief Baltan here… well, the Baltan tribe as a whole, has a weakness for sweets. I agree that Silesie’s desserts are great, but he’s overdoing it. Hey! Well, what can you do… Hero, this is Chief Baltan Balstan of the Balstan tribe, the great chieftain.」
「Baltan, is it…..?」
「You look like you don’t understand. The Baltan tribe is the largest in the central plains of Bannonia, essentially the kings of the eastern barbarians.」
「So, this guy is a barbarian king?」
「King might not be the right term, but Chief Baltan can mobilize ten thousand strong barbarian cavalry with a single command. They’re nomadic, living off grazing and raiding, making them more like us thieves than a proper kingdom.」
「So, if you’re the Thief King, he’s the Barbarian King?」
「Haha! You’ve got it, Hero. If I’m the Thief King, then Chief Baltan is indeed the Barbarian King. The Balstan tribe’s free-spirited raiders get along well with us thieves.」
「Well, thanks for bringing him along. But we also have diplomats from the Eastern Triarchy here, who are enemies of the barbarians. Is that going to be a problem?」
「Should be fine for now. They’ve only had minor skirmishes recently. Neither side is making serious moves to attack or defend.」
According to Wake, while the barbarians of the central Bannonia plains are hostile towards the civilized world of the Eura continent, they lack a unified leadership. This means that there are also tribes friendly towards the Eastern Triarchy.
The barbarian lands of the east, known for the northern Balstan tribe and the southern Roxolan tribe, are currently not in conflict with the Three Kingdoms. However, this is only temporary, and these nomadic tribes could turn into raiders at any moment. Since they don’t form a nation, formal treaties are impossible.
「Thanks for bringing this unusual guest. While making treaties with the barbarians might be impossible, having connections is always beneficial.」
「Exactly. Hey, how long are you going to keep eating, Chief Baltan?」
「Oh? Sorry, sorry. I got so caught up in the delicious food that I forgot myself.」
「Come on, Chief Baltan. You said you wanted to meet the Hero of Silesie.」
「Well, I’ve eaten my fill and seen what I wanted to see.」
Chief Baltan, with his shaggy hair, scratched his head. We can’t have him just eating and leaving.
「Since Wake introduced you, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Chief Baltan. I’m Sawatari Takeru, the Hero of Silesie.」
「Ho ho! So you’re the one. I’ve enjoyed this unexpected feast. I hear it’s your wedding, so let me give you a gift from the Balstan tribe.」
Chief Baltan offered me a golden chain with a garnet gemstone that he had wrapped around his arm. The accessory, though simple in design, was of exceptionally high quality, both in the gold and the large gemstone.
「This is incredible. Does your tribe mine such gems and gold?」
「Oh, we don’t mine it ourselves. We take these shiny things from those who dig them up, as women love them. Give it to your bride.」
Upon closer inspection, I realized the fabric wrapped around Chief Baltan was exquisite cashmere. While Silesie uses wool from Est goats, the cashmere from the Central Plains of Bannonia, with its harsh climate, has a vastly different texture compared to the warm Silesie region.
「This woolen fabric is amazing. Do you have any surplus goods you can part with?」
「What, the Hero of Silesie likes textiles too? Ha ha! I thought you had a delicate look for a warrior. You’ve got a woman’s tastes. As for surplus goods, we can spare some livestock or horses.」
「Hmm, I’d appreciate good-quality horses. How about we trade your surplus goods for our food?」
Seeing me begin this negotiation, Wake smirked and shook his head from side to side.
「No can do, Hero. These guys don’t understand the concept of trade. If they want something, they think it’s faster to take it than to trade for it. They’re like us thieves.」
Chief Baltan nodded in agreement.
「Our cavalry is strong. If we want something, we just take it.」
That’s incredibly barbaric. True to their name as barbarians. But they ate what we served and even gave a gift in return. If we approach it as a tribute exchange between countries, it might work. After all, they enjoy the same food, so we can communicate.
「Chief Baltan, how about this? It’s a hassle to come all the way to Silesie for these rare foods. I’ll send you a gift with a cook every year. In return, you send me gold, gems, woolen fabrics, and horses.」
「Hmm… that works. I’d like to let my people back home taste these rare foods. It’s a hassle to come and get them, so if you send them, it helps.」
Thus, I made a personal agreement with Chief Baltan to exchange tribute annually. Little by little, I’ll teach the Balstan tribe about trade.
Experiencing the convenience of civilization will gradually change their way of life. It’s a long-term endeavor, but this groundwork is essential. Wake did well to introduce me to a fine person.
Speaking of unusual guests, envoys from the desert cities of the Afri continent are also here. The desert dwellers, like the reptilians, are new trading partners, so we must ensure they are well-entertained with delicious food and drink. Lyle-sensei and Sherry, who are eager to wrest trade rights from Castilia, should be handling that well.
Queen Silhouette, who is making her rounds at the various tables, is supported by the diplomatic skills of Prime Minister Nicola and her team, so there’s no need for me to intervene.
Even so, as I look around at the tables assigned to each country’s delegation, I feel as though I have the entire world in my grasp. It’s a deeply moving sensation.
The United Kingdom of Britania, the Duchy of Transylvania, the Sway Peninsula Autonomous City-States, the Duchy of Lanct, the Germania Empire, the Eastern Triarchy of Rastore, Trania, and Gartland, the Kingdom of Roland, the Kingdom of Castilia, the Papal State of Ravenna, the Pulpolis City-State Alliance, and even ambassadors from the distant southeastern Anatolian Empire have gathered here.
Each country is here to observe the Kingdom of Silesie, which has risen to become the strongest nation on the Eura continent.
「And now we have the desert dwellers from the Afri continent and the chieftain of the Eastern Barbarians…」
The diplomacy of the Kingdom of Silesie has expanded to a global level. If we can establish a new continental law throughout the Eura continent and form a treaty organization with an international conflict court, we can usher in a new era.
To revitalize intercontinental trade, we first need to deepen economic ties with the various countries of the Eura continent. Then, we will set sail for the new continent and welcome the Age of Exploration. I feel a tangible sense of progress towards realizing my new dream.
「Takeru, we are ready as well.」
「Oh…」
Of course, I must not forget this.
Louise, Kaara, and Are. My three brides, dressed in beautiful wedding gowns, approached me.
The concept of an auspicious day… such a thing does not exist on the Eura continent, but this day, when the nations of the world gather in the royal capital of Silesie to sign a new peace treaty, can truly be called a good day. To be able to hold the wedding ceremony with Louise and the others on such a day…
「It feels like a dream.」
「What’s that, Takeru?」
Hearing my mutter, Louise smiles at me. The seasoned knight, dressed in a splendid crimson wedding gown, looks incredibly beautiful.
No, it’s not that she has changed; Louise has always been beautiful since the first time we met. Her sharp, knife-like beauty has always been my ideal.
「Your dignified beauty is like that of a goddess.」
「That might be a bit too much praise, but thank you.」
「Don’t you think we deserve some compliments too?」
「That’s right!」
「Ah, Kaara and Ale, you both look great in your dresses as well. All three of you are so lovely…」
When I saw them yesterday, they seemed a bit out of place, but today they fit perfectly. Dressed in colorful wedding gowns, all three wear small silver tiaras atop their heads like princesses.
With Louise at the center, Kaara and Are standing beside her give off the vibe of the ‘Three Beauties’. It feels almost too perfect, so I refrain from saying it out loud out of shyness.
The wedding ceremony will take place in the grand cathedral of Silesie, just like when I married the six including Princess Silhouette. Walking with my three wives towards the cathedral will be a public announcement to the citizens.
「Takeru-dono, Louise-san, you’re all ready!」
Lyle-sensei, who seems to have prepared for the parade, calls out to us. It’s finally time for the ceremony.
Surrounded by cute slave girls dressed in lavish red and yellow gowns, the four of us are led toward the entrance of the royal castle. As we step outside, the crowd is immense.
「Wow, this is incredible.」
Louise exclaims. It’s an even larger crowd than when Princess Silhouette and the others had their ceremony.
The parade path is strewn with colorful flower petals, and the volunteer soldiers have set up ropes to protect us from the overflowing mass of cheering citizens.
「It’s like a rock star concert, isn’t it?」
「What’s that, Nation’s Father?」
Kaara and the others probably don’t understand rock stars or concerts. As I raise my hand, cheers erupt from the crowd.
「In any case, I wanted to say it’s an incredible atmosphere.」
「Yes, it is. This is the first time I’ve been in front of so many people.」
Kaara is a demon, after all. She could still be a target of persecution from humans. I gently pull her close.
The Kingdom of Silesie has also managed to establish trade and mercenary contracts with the reptilian demon race, the Reptilians. It would be great if our interactions with demons could gradually become more peaceful.
「Since my marriage with Oracle is recognized, you’ll be fine too, Kaara.」
「That’s true… I never thought I’d be in a situation like this.」
「I never thought so either. So, you should enjoy yourself; wave to the crowd!」
「That’s right, Kaara! They’re all here to celebrate with us!」
Are might be overdoing it, though. Riding high on excitement, Are flaps her large blue dragon wings and swings her enormous tail around while flying around the parade spectators, causing quite a stir and eliciting startled screams from the crowd.
「Stop it, stop it!」
That outfit of hers is risky; any sudden movement might expose something important.
But well, it’s okay to have some fun today. It’s a festival, after all. Looking up, I see fireworks bursting in the distance, and every time they go off, cheers rise from the crowd.
Instead of just cannon fire, we’ve decided to utilize gunpowder for peaceful purposes by launching fireworks.
We’ve also set off large fireworks that scatter red sparks, delighting the crowd in the square with their grand display.
Naturally, a chant of ‘Long live the Kingdom of Silesie! Long live the Hero King!’ starts to swell up.
As the jubilant crowd celebrates, I walk along the petal-strewn path with my three wives, arriving at the grand cathedral adorned with tall spires and stained glass.
As we step through the church’s doors, we find ourselves on the aisle.
I escort my three beautiful wives down the red carpet.
The officiant for the ceremony is Bishop Rosa, who is usually engaged in defending the ‘Miasma Hole of Doom’.
The unique and beautiful trio of brides shines in the sacred silver light streaming through the stained glass.
When I turn back, I catch my breath at the divine sight, as if in a dream. I’m grateful for the generosity of the Asama Church, which showers blessings upon both demons and dragon maidens alike.
Following our parade, family members, dignitaries from the kingdom, and representatives from various countries also enter as guests.
Though it marks the beginning of the wedding, the vows take only a moment, just a few words of commitment.
「Sawatari-sama, may we begin the marriage vow ceremony?」
「Ah, yes… please do.」
Prompted by Bishop Rosa, we ascend the platform to perform the vow ceremony.
When our eyes meet, we can’t help but smile at the memory of the chaotic vow ceremony during the last wedding when Ria went wild.
It seems that Bishop Rosa recalls it too, and we both share a chuckle.
「Hehe, the last ceremony was quite the mess, wasn’t it?」
「Indeed.」
「Today, we’ll ensure it goes smoothly, as Asama wishes.」
「Is that so?」
It’s reassuring to know that Asama is watching over us. This time, without Ria’s surprise entrance, the marriage vow ceremony begins solemnly.
「Then, Sawatari Takeru, do you take Louise Carlson, Kaara Demonia Demonicus, and Are Rango Rand as your new wives, to love, honor, and cherish them in sickness and in health, in wealth and in poverty, before the goddess Asama?」
「I do!」
Bishop Rosa prompts Louise and the others to make their vows as well.
「Yes, I do.」 「…I do.」 「I do, you know!」
「Now, Sawatari Takeru, please seal your vows with a kiss…」
I hesitated for a moment, deciding which of my three wives to kiss first. In the end, I chose all of them at once.
Their lips—fiery red, plump and pink, and surprisingly shapely and soft—met mine.
With each kiss, I silently vowed to bring happiness to all of them for as long as I lived.
Thus, I became the husband of ten unique wives, adding these three remarkable women to my life.