Surviving a Harsh Fantasy with Cheat Items (WN)

A grand procession of open carriages, transformed into a parade, entered the Papal State of Ravenna. Moving steadily south through the Talia Peninsula, the destination—the Holy City of Ravenna—came into view.

「Look, Takeru. We’ve got more onlookers, so let’s show them another kiss.」

Sarah-chan leaned in for another kiss.

「Hey, isn’t that a bit unnecessary in just a regular town?」

「It livens things up, and everyone seems to love it.」

Sure, it excites the crowd… but at the expense of my dignity.

If I were watching, I’d probably laugh too. Why are girls so at ease kissing in front of everyone?

「This may have been Countess Sarah’s domain until now, but it’s still unfair for her to get all the attention!」

「Yes, Master, you’ve been neglecting us lately.」

「Ah, yeah. I should treat my wives equally.」 Protested my slave girls, Sherry and Colette.

It wasn’t like I was ignoring them—it’s just that they’re always around, so they get taken for granted.

But if I give even one of them a kiss…

「Master, I want a kiss too!」

「Me too, please…」

There—now I have to kiss everyone! And so, yet another meaningless kissing spree began.

I’m not even sure what’s so amusing about this, but every time I kiss someone, the crowds along the streets erupt in cheers. No wonder they’re calling this the ‘Hero’s Harem Legend’.

「Oh well, might as well enjoy it.」

The parade would soon end, as the Holy City of Ravenna was already in sight.

Our carriage entered a magnificent city straight out of a painting. Ravenna, developed around its holy sites, was beautiful, with grand, world-heritage-worthy buildings reminiscent of the Parthenon scattered throughout.

As expected of the holy capital of a religion with an actual living goddess. The truth is, religion is a far more profitable business than ruling or trade.

「They must be wealthy here.」

「They certainly are. The Papal State supports numerous skilled artists and architects. Ravenna, known as the ‘Center of Civilization,’ is famous as a city of art.」

Replied the child Pope Anastasia II with a proud grin.

I stifled a chuckle at her boasting—it’s admirable to support the arts, but hearing a pope proclaim their wealth feels a bit strange.

「But it really is an amazing city.」

The city’s art wasn’t just about white marble; vibrant sculptures and bas-reliefs decorated the streets. The marble temples were grand, but even the small squares with their contemporary sculptures had a fresh appeal.

This blend of new beauty with the ancient charms of an old city created a harmonious, splendid cityscape—an artistic city indeed.

「It seems they’re designing our capital with Ravenna as their model.」

This comment came from the child empress, Elizabeth.

「Now that you mention it, there are quite a few buildings with a similar style in the Imperial Capital.」

Eleonora chimed in.

「We can’t compete with Ravenna’s history, so we aim to create an artistic city filled with the new styles that they don’t have.」

Indeed, like the Papal State, the wealthy Duchy of Lanct patronizes many painters to advance painting techniques. Lanct is also famous for intricate woodwork, but in striving for what Ravenna lacks, they’ve developed in that unique direction.

When I look at it this way, I can’t help but feel that Ravenna truly is the birthplace of humankind’s civilization.

And yet, this carriage feels overcrowded with heads of state.

「We could probably host a Continental Alliance summit right here…」

「Oh, looks like we’ve arrived at the foot of the Great Temple.」

At the center of the city, atop a hill, stood the magnificent white marble temple of Asama, the sanctum of Holy Ravenna and the venue for the wedding. However, there was now a new temple at its base, one that hadn’t been there the last time I visited.

「Sister Marea, is this…」

「Yes, it’s the reception hall for visiting dignitaries from around the world.」

「Of course, that makes sense.」

It seems they built an entirely new temple just for the reception. That’s the Holy City for you, with money to spare.

「We’ve also prepared accommodations here for the dignitaries who have already gathered in anticipation of tomorrow’s wedding. Would you like to greet them now?」

「Let’s do that.」

We entered the newly built reception temple.

「Well, well, it’s been a while.」

「Natal!」

The banquet hall already had a festive, pre-ceremony atmosphere, and there stood a familiar, rugged, middle-aged man with a shaved head—Natal Dacole, the former mining foreman of Losgow Village and governor of the mining guild that managed the entire Ye Mountains.

「It really has been a while.」

Many familiar faces from Losgow Village had also made the trip.

「No way I’d miss the chance to celebrate your wedding, Takeru.」

Natal said with a grin, though he admitted he’d also wanted to see the Holy City for himself.

「Still, I’m surprised you managed to get in.」

I hadn’t expected Natal and the others to make the long journey here, so I hadn’t sent them invitations. This was the main hall, where dignitaries and heads of state gathered—not the public viewing area.

「An old friend from Losgow Village got us in.」

Natal explained, gesturing toward Sarah-chan’s deputy, Milk-kun.

「Milk-kun’s here too?」

「Yes, it hasn’t been that long, has it…?」

There was still a bit of awkwardness with Milk-kun, considering how I’d ended up with his childhood friend, Sarah-chan.

I could feel Natal’s ‘Well, well…’ almost leaving his lips before he stopped himself.

Milk-kun had always followed Sarah-chan around back in Losgow Village.

「Well, in any case, I’m glad you came!」

「Yes. I thought I’d take a spot at the back and witness Sarah-sama’s big day.」

「Oh, come on! It’s been ages since we’ve all been together, don’t be so down!」

Sarah-chan came over, bright and cheerful.

「Sarah-sama.」

「I told you to drop the formalities when we’re not in an official setting! So, how did it go with the match I set you up with?」

Wait—she already arranged that meeting with the noble girl she’d mentioned? Sarah-chan, as efficient as ever.

「Yes, though I wasn’t particularly impressed. My apologies.」

Milk-kun replied, still clearly not over Sarah-chan.

「Take your time! I’ll introduce you to the best women out there, so choose carefully. Marriage is for life, you know!」

Sarah-chan patted Milk-kun on the shoulder without a hint of hesitation. Milk-kun and I couldn’t help but laugh as we exchanged a knowing look. She’s truly…Sarah-chan.

「Well, it sure is lively.」

A jovial, rotund nobleman said as he approached.

It was Marquis Danavan.

It seemed like today was a gathering of many old friends.

「It’s good to see you, Your Excellency Danavan.」

「Likewise, Takeru. Congratulations on your wedding! And, well, I have a bit of news myself—I got married too.」

The usually composed Marquis Danavan was fidgeting, looking embarrassed as he shared his news.

「What! You should have told me—I would’ve come to celebrate!」

I said with a grin, though I couldn’t help but think it was surprising he hadn’t married sooner.

Apparently, he’d wed his longtime head maid, the one in the red dress who was always by his side.

「It was with her, yes… though, ah, at my age, it’s a little embarrassing.」

I couldn’t quite see what there was to be embarrassed about.

「Congratulations, regardless.」

「The thing is, when I got married, you were busy with one of your campaigns.」

「Oh, I see. So you held back because of that. Sorry to make you worry, Marquis. I’ll send a gift to celebrate your marriage.」

「Actually, we already have a child…」

I wondered if he married because a child was on the way. The Marquis pulled his beautiful maid wife closer, blushing.

They seemed happy, and that was what mattered. With an heir now, the future of Est would be secure.

「When your child is born, you must bring your family to visit the castle.」

「Haha, I’ll take you up on that.」

Looks like we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other as families. His kid might even make a good playmate for mine in the future.

Everyone’s lives have changed in so many ways. After three years, it’s no wonder people have gotten married and started families.

「Yo.」

Then there was the one unchanged person—a handsome man with soft blond bangs fiddling with the enormous composite bow strapped across his back. The ageless thief king, Wake the Wake.

「Hey, did you hear? The Marquis got married. How about you, Wake—any plans like that?」

He often had women on his arm and was rumored to be popular. Maybe it was time he settled down too.

「Kukuku! No thanks, I’m not interested in those complications.」

「Oh, so you’re a confirmed bachelor?」

「Well, after seeing how the ‘Hero’ lives, it’s enough to make anyone lose their appetite for it.」

「Hah, my bad for influencing you.」

I chuckled, knowing I might be a bit over-the-top with how many wives I’d brought this time.

「It’s not you, man. It’s a great show from where I stand. Now you’ve got an empress and a pope—both kids, mind you—as your fiancées. You’re way past rules at this point!」

He could laugh all he wanted, but that phrasing sounded terrible!

「Just for the record, it’s all in name only until they’re of age!」

「Yeah, yeah. You do things on a scale no one else would dream of, but you’re strangely proper about it.」

「Honestly, Wake, you should be celebrated as a hero too. You helped defeat the Great Demon God, after all.」

His feats were worthy of being acknowledged by the Asama Church, at least, but he just shrugged it off.

「Leave the ‘hero’ title to you, man. The world not ending is good enough for me. Not much work for a thief if everything’s turned to ash.」

Then, for just a moment, Wake’s usual sarcastic grin softened into a genuine smile.

「Well, here’s to keeping things good between us.」

「Anytime, Wake. Just call if you need me.」

He patted my shoulder, flashed a parting smile, and vanished into the crowd again. All around, the reception hall buzzed with dignitaries from across the world and long-lost friends, but there were too many faces to name them all.

Everyone was smiling, and as I took in the bustling reception hall, it finally felt real: peace had truly returned to the world.

※※※

The night before the wedding.

I gathered all my new wives—those who were formerly my slave girls—in the large bed prepared for us in the lodging.

「It’s pretty late for this, but I wanted to hear everyone’s thoughts on the wedding.」

「Onii-sama, you’re really going to do this now?」

Said Sherry, the silver-haired girl who had taken on Sharon’s role as leader among the girls.

「Yes, even now. You’re the ones closest to me, so I put it off longer than I should have.」

「We’re already so happy just to be married to you—I think that’s enough.」

「Maybe, but I still want to know if you understand what marriage means or if you have any plans for afterward…」

「May I speak up?」

Flora, the prostitute’s daughter with wavy, flaxen hair that always smelled sweetly, raised her hand.

「What is it, Flora?」

「Why haven’t you taken any of us to bed yet?」

「Uh…well, I thought it was inappropriate to do that before the ceremony.」

「But you’ve been with some of the other new brides already, haven’t you?」

「Well, not everyone, but… I see your point.」

「We’re all over fifteen now, after all, and adults. And we know you’ve already been with someone our age, Countess Sarah.」

I had no idea how that got around, though it wouldn’t be unlike Sarah-chan to brag.

「Right, sorry to have put that off, too.」

「So… does that mean tonight we’ll finally get to be with you?」

Flora took my hand, leaning close with a mature poise.

She had always been the boldest among them, so I’d somewhat expected this.

「Well… we’ll get to that… in time.」

「Hehe, I’ll hold you to that.」

「Hold on! There’s no reason Flora should go first!」

「Oh, well, as a second generation, you’d be last.」

「At this point, does it matter who’s first or second? Maybe we should just all take turns tonight.」

「Now, now, no fighting.」

I said hastily, feeling the conversation slipping beyond my control.

Sherry, sharp as she was, seemed to be leading it that way on purpose.

「So we should each talk about our plans for after the wedding, right?」

「Right. Sherry, you always catch on quickly. Though I already know what yours are.」

「Yes, I’ll be helping you with the finances. And of course, I really want children.」

「Noted, Sherry.」

No need to bring that up here! Flora, striking a charming pose, joined in.

「I want to run an esthetic salon, like you suggested, Master.」

「Ah, right, you mentioned that.」

Sawatari Company has expanded in many directions, and Flora was drawn to working with female clients.

「I want to combine what you’ve taught me to offer an advanced service focused on beauty. Oh, and I’d like lots of children too.」

「Okay, noted—though the child part didn’t need adding…」

And here we are, already on the bed, and the mood’s starting to feel pretty charged.

「I’d like to learn even more new recipes.」

Said Colette, our head chef.

She’s an adorable girl with brown hair and eyes. I hadn’t seen her in her nightwear for ages, as she’s always dressed in her chef’s attire.

「That sounds like you, Colette.」

「I’ll be handling the duties as the royal chef, but eventually, I hope to share the new recipes you taught me with many others.」

「Of course, of course.」

「And, naturally, I’d love to have children.」

「You really don’t need to keep mentioning that part.」

Then, her friend Roll, a dark-skinned dwarf with short, reddish-brown hair, raised her hand.

Roll is always so lively.

「Me too, Master, me too!」

「Roll, what is it?」

「I think babies are cute!」

「That’s…not exactly what I meant…」

Roll was far too innocent. She probably just went along with the others since everyone else was talking about marriage.

「Roll, I meant about your plans for the future.」

「My plan is to stay with you, Master!」

「Right, right.」

It’s hard not to just give in when she clings to me like that. I suppose Roll can be just as she is.

「We’ll continue to be your guards.」

It was Suzanne, with her short red hair, and Claudia, with her long, light-brown hair in a ponytail. Originally my bodyguards, they’ve both become squad leaders in the knight corps, thanks to Louise’s training.

「You’ve got your knight duties, too.」

「Yes, but we can’t let the newcomers outdo us.」 「We were your original guards, after all. We’re just letting them handle it temporarily.」

It sounded like they were a bit competitive with Clementine and Berenice, who were currently serving as my guards—and soon to be wives as well.

「Well, it can’t be easy balancing knight duties.」

「We consider it part of our role.」「But of course, Master, you’re our priority.」

「I see. You two will always be my guards, as far as I’m concerned.」

I hugged them both. Their dedication to their knightly duties and their care for me meant a lot.

「And to that end, we’ll need heirs to carry on the role.」「Yes, that would be ideal.」

「Guess I might end up having my own children protecting me.」

I couldn’t help but laugh. It was heartening.

「We’ll keep working with Colette on cooking.」

Said Elisa and Melissa, two other members of the cooking team.

Elisa, with her short black hair, and Melissa, with her chestnut-brown hair in a semi-long cut, had started opening dessert shops under Sawatari Company. Their sweets had become such a hit that it was now their main focus.

「You two could probably manage your own restaurant soon.」

「That sounds wonderful! Spreading Master’s desserts around the world would be our dream.」

It’s great to see them with such aspirations. Maybe a café would be a nice addition, focusing on sweets.

Though if I had to choose, I’d actually want to focus more on coffee beans in the future. There’d be more chances to sail to their countries of origin, too.

「Of course, we also want to find happiness as women.」

「Right, that too.」

I couldn’t help but chuckle, knowing they’d steer the conversation in that direction eventually.

「I’m not like everyone else—I don’t really have anything specific I want to do. I’m satisfied as things are.」

That was Lou, with her long brown hair and green eyes. She didn’t stand out much, but she was always steady and reliable.

「Hmm, that’s fair enough. Not everyone needs to have big dreams or goals; sometimes being content is all that matters.」

「I don’t have anything in particular either. I’d just like to keep working hard on my sales duties.」

Said Liddy, who had long red hair and scarlet eyes.

Liddy was friendly and outgoing and had taken a liking to working out in the field, so she’d naturally become the face of Sawatari Company.

「Your work in sales has been a huge help, so just keep up the good work.」

「Got it!」

「Liddy, you should probably mention you’ll be doing your best as a wife too.」

「Oh, right! I almost forgot—Master, I want your babies too!」

Liddy stuck her tongue out playfully, and I had to chuckle at how casual she was.

It’s not a running gag, you know.

「Let’s see…next would be Jinny.」

「Y-yes!」

Jinny was the smallest of them all, with a short black bob. I figured I’d better call on her, or she’d end up overlooked.

「Is there anything you want to do or have? Now’s your chance to speak up.」

「I’d like to continue working as the steward of the Ambazac territory.」

Jinny had a knack for administrative work, and she’d taken on the role of steward for my barony of Ambazac, managing things with a quiet diligence that made her invaluable.

「Jinny, you’re doing a great job as a steward. Just remember to take a break now and then.」

「Then…you could hold me close on my day off…」

Well now. I hadn’t expected that from her, usually so shy.

「Of course, I’ll consider it.」

With how much Jinny does for me, it’s the least I can do. I patted her short black hair affectionately.

「I’d like to open a dojo to teach the ninjutsu you’ve passed on to me, Master.」

Said Paula, a quirky one with short brown hair and eyes.

Her skills had taken her far—learning ninjutsu, which I’d only taught for fun, to a level of expertise that impressed even the local band of thieves.

「Alright, when the time comes, I’ll help fund it. Just let me know.」

「Yes! And I’d like to have an heir for the dojo, too.」

I had to laugh—figured she’d say that. Glad she hadn’t started talking about ‘ninjutsu for the bedroom’.

「Alright, last but not least…」

With her striking blue hair and eyes, Viola, who had water nymph blood in her veins, stayed quiet as she usually did. I needed to prompt her a bit.

「Well, Viola, I know you’re running the herb garden…」

Without a word, she just clung to me tightly.

「Hmm, so is there anything you’d like, or a goal for the future?」

「…To stay with you always. No changes.」

「I see.」

「Yes.」

It was touching that she was so attached, though she was a bit intense about it.

「Well, that’s how marriage is. We’ll be together, for good.」

「For life.」

Though her body was light in my arms, her words weighed heavily.

But well…we’re getting married.

I’ll just have to be here to support this delicate frame, forever.

「Alright, that wraps up our pre-wedding meeting. You’ve all done well. It’s been a long day, so get some rest for tomorrow.」

「Oh? Oniisama, you know your night is just getting started, right?」

Sherry, my trusty coordinator, caught me off guard.

「Well, since the wedding is tomorrow, I thought I might get some rest tonight…」

「Oniisama, you’re not getting a night off for a while. Some of us—like Roll-anesama—are a little too hazy on what marriage even means at this point, you know?」

「Well…I can see that might be the case. Yeah, Roll might need a bit more…instruction…」

「That’s exactly why you need to take responsibility, big brother, and guide us properly.」

「I had a feeling this was coming.」

「It wouldn’t be fair to single anyone out, so we’ve decided we’re all going in together.」

All together…? Thirteen brides, the night before the wedding? I thought they were joking.

Will I even get any sleep tonight? Or even make it to tomorrow’s wedding in one piece?

「…Are you all sure about this?」

「We’ve already agreed on a plan for taking turns, so don’t worry. It’s just a warm-up tonight, so you’ll make it just fine.」

That’s not reassuring in the slightest!

But I’d already resolved to welcome each of them into my life.

「Alright! Bring it on!」

「「「「「「「「「「「「「Yes! 」」」」」」」」」」」」」

A cheerful reply rang out as the thirteen voices harmonized. With one big gesture, I pulled them close, ready for what lay ahead.

After all, even a hero in another world has times when there’s no choice but to rise to the occasion.