Reconciliation and Unreasonable Demands
———————————-
To be honest, I was very anxious.
When Ricolette saw the two girls, she immediately thought they were beautiful. Their golden hair, white skin, and large breasts were emphasized by the clothing they wore, making their charm even more prominent. Ricolette thought that if they were to take Linos away from her, there was nothing she could do. This was the first time she had ever felt this way.
In fact, Linos was shaken when he saw them too. He was excited.
He was not a man who could hide his feelings. While he could talk eloquently to other royalty and nobles, he sometimes showed his childish side to Ricolette and complained about things. She respected her husband, but she also loved this childish side of him.
He was not someone who could play around. He would probably come to her to discuss whether he should marry one of them as his new wife, while showing signs of anxiety. If that were to happen, Ricolette would have no choice but to accept it. In fact, they were beautiful women. Even when she looked at them calmly, she could see that they were full of intelligence and would surely be a great help to Linos. There was no reason to object. Besides, it was Ricolette who told Linos to take a new wife.
Ricolette reflexively suggested that he marry them. He would probably agree reluctantly while feeling upset. That’s what she thought, but he took unexpected action.
She never expected him to roughly embrace her, throw her onto the bed, and attack her like a beast.
It was the first time she had been treated so roughly. Linos was always very kind to her no matter what. Even Mei was jealous of that.
He was nothing like that now. He quickly took off her clothes, and it was still light outside. It was the first time she had ever seen herself in this state.
Ricolette felt anxious, embarrassed, and scared, but as soon as he held her, he became gentle. Maybe because of this sudden change, she accepted him in a way she had never felt before. And then, she realized it. He needed her.
She didn’t know why he behaved this way. But when she saw him clinging to her as if he didn’t want to let go even for a moment, she felt an overwhelming sense of affection for him. And Ricolette pledged her love to Linos over and over again, in the thick of his chest.
——————————
… I loved Ricolette to the fullest. I think my feelings got through to her. The only thing I need to apologize for to her is that I left kiss marks all over her body. But I had a feeling she was going to leave me, and I couldn’t keep my sanity. I hope you’ll forgive me for that.
“Ricolette, I love you. Please stay by my side forever.”
“I love you too. I will always be by your side, Linos.”
“… When we become family, it becomes difficult to say the words that need to be said the most.”
“That’s very true.”
While exchanging such conversation, I began to prepare to attend the meeting.
In the end, this day’s meeting ended up in the same state as yesterday’s. Moreover, there was a report that the capital of the Juka Kingdom had fallen, which was an unfortunate timing.
“To capture the capital with only 3,000 troops…”
“This makes it clear. The Lamaron Empire is serious about annexing the Juka Kingdom.”
“If that’s the case, we cannot overlook this invasion.”
“Lords, let us focus on how to defeat the Lamaron Empire in the upcoming discussions.”
“Your Majesty, if I may, I would like to hear from Lord Basam, the honorable marquis.”
Suddenly, the commander of the Northern Army, Raphael, said this.
“What is it?”
“How would you attack, my lord?”
“My opinion is…”
“No, I just want to hear what kind of strategy you would take personally.”
“I see…”
I crossed my arms and pondered. The enemy would be in a relaxed state having captured the capital. If we don’t strike now, the already strong capital will become even stronger. If we were to lead a large army, however…
“If it were me…”
The faces of the commanders of each army became tense.
“I would launch a surprise attack on the capital with a small force.”
“What? Are you saying that with a small force, you would attack the capital? That’s ridiculous! Such a childish strategy is not worth listening to!” said the commander of the Southern Army while holding his belly, laughing.
“No, that may not be the case. If we move a large army, it will attract attention. However, with a small force, we can slip through the forest and deceive the eyes of the Lamaron. Lord Basam is a barrier master, so we need not worry about being attacked by monsters on the way.”
Layfence spoke eloquently.
The commanders present in the room remained silent, not uttering a word, and a moment of stillness fell upon the room.
“Well then, I suppose the best plan is for my brother-in-law to lead the army and sweep out the Lamaron who have invaded Juka?”
Still, no one spoke.
“Just the two of us, then,” Layfence continued.
Everyone, except for me, scattered from the room like spiderlings.
“I’m sorry. This is the Imperial Army. It’s lamentable,” Layfence said.
“Why did you bring this up to me, Layfence-sama?” I asked.
“I was simply interested in what kind of plan Lord Linos would come up with. I never thought that you would devise a plan that was beyond our thinking,” Layfence replied.
“But I’ve never led an army before,” I said.
“You fought in Krumfar, didn’t you? You defeated a large army with a small force. That story made my blood boil, too,” Layfence laughed.
“Hahaha,” the king chuckled. “Lord Linos, if Juka falls, the Empire will have an enemy at its back.”
“I am aware,” I said.
“Furthermore, we are not familiar with the Juka Kingdom. After all, General Karugi did not allow our army to pass through his territory. So, Lord Linos, I’m sorry to ask, but could you eliminate the 3,000 Lamaron in the capital?” the king asked.
“That’s such a reckless plan…”
“But Lord Linos, you have the teleportation barrier, don’t you? If you use it, you should be able to move easily with the Empire,” Layfence interrupted.
“So, you want me to go to Juka and prepare the teleportation barrier?” I clarified.
“Yes, that’s right. If it gets dangerous, you can return with the barrier,” Layfence said.
“Can I really do that so easily?” I asked skeptically.
“I’m counting on you,” the king suddenly stood up and bowed to me. Was this the reason why he had driven out the other lords?
“Y-Your Majesty, please don’t lower your head to me.”
“Please,” the king insisted.
“Alright, I understand. I’ll go to Juka’s castle and set up the teleportation barrier,” I agreed.
“I’m sorry. I also don’t want to leave any sparks for my heir, Aroze,” the king apologized.
Later, the commanders who were called back to the room were briefed on the plan, but the teleportation barrier was kept secret. The explanation was that I would lead a small force and invade the Juka Kingdom.
As expected, I couldn’t do it alone, so the southern army’s commanders were given the Imperial Guard and a total of 100,000 troops were sent to advance to the border of the Lamaron Empire to hold them back.
“Lord Basam, I won’t let any of the Lamaron soldiers at the border through, so go with peace of mind!” The southern army commander laughed out loud. I stared at him coldly.
“…Well, I’ll be on another dangerous mission,” I sighed as I reported back to the mansion.
————————-
“I couldn’t refuse the emperor’s request even if I wanted to,” I explained to Rico.
“The journey will still be dangerous,” she said.
“Yes, but when night falls, I’ll set up the teleportation barrier and come back to the mansion. Please prepare dinner for me,” I requested.
“I´ll have it ready,” said Rico.
“Also, the ones who will go with me to Juka are Gon, Ferris, Luala, and Illymo,” said Linos.
“Understood. It’s been a while since we’ve been to the Juka Kingdom,” replied Gon.
“And Ferris, you’ll arrive a little earlier,” said Linos.
“Why is that?” asked Ferris.
“I won’t take the southern route,” said Linos.
“Then which way will you take?” asked Ferris.
“We’ll cross the Juka Mountains. Ferris, please contact the Kururukan herd and ask for permission for my passage,” said Linos.
“It’s my pleasure!” replied Ferris.
The preparations for departure began in a hurry.
Reconciliation and Unreasonable Demands
———————————-
To be honest, I was very anxious.
When Ricolette saw the two girls, she immediately thought they were beautiful. Their golden hair, white skin, and large breasts were emphasized by the clothing they wore, making their charm even more prominent. Ricolette thought that if they were to take Linos away from her, there was nothing she could do. This was the first time she had ever felt this way.
In fact, Linos was shaken when he saw them too. He was excited.
He was not a man who could hide his feelings. While he could talk eloquently to other royalty and nobles, he sometimes showed his childish side to Ricolette and complained about things. She respected her husband, but she also loved this childish side of him.
He was not someone who could play around. He would probably come to her to discuss whether he should marry one of them as his new wife, while showing signs of anxiety. If that were to happen, Ricolette would have no choice but to accept it. In fact, they were beautiful women. Even when she looked at them calmly, she could see that they were full of intelligence and would surely be a great help to Linos. There was no reason to object. Besides, it was Ricolette who told Linos to take a new wife.
Ricolette reflexively suggested that he marry them. He would probably agree reluctantly while feeling upset. That’s what she thought, but he took unexpected action.
She never expected him to roughly embrace her, throw her onto the bed, and attack her like a beast.
It was the first time she had been treated so roughly. Linos was always very kind to her no matter what. Even Mei was jealous of that.
He was nothing like that now. He quickly took off her clothes, and it was still light outside. It was the first time she had ever seen herself in this state.
Ricolette felt anxious, embarrassed, and scared, but as soon as he held her, he became gentle. Maybe because of this sudden change, she accepted him in a way she had never felt before. And then, she realized it. He needed her.
She didn’t know why he behaved this way. But when she saw him clinging to her as if he didn’t want to let go even for a moment, she felt an overwhelming sense of affection for him. And Ricolette pledged her love to Linos over and over again, in the thick of his chest.
——————————
… I loved Ricolette to the fullest. I think my feelings got through to her. The only thing I need to apologize for to her is that I left kiss marks all over her body. But I had a feeling she was going to leave me, and I couldn’t keep my sanity. I hope you’ll forgive me for that.
“Ricolette, I love you. Please stay by my side forever.”
“I love you too. I will always be by your side, Linos.”
“… When we become family, it becomes difficult to say the words that need to be said the most.”
“That’s very true.”
While exchanging such conversation, I began to prepare to attend the meeting.
In the end, this day’s meeting ended up in the same state as yesterday’s. Moreover, there was a report that the capital of the Juka Kingdom had fallen, which was an unfortunate timing.
“To capture the capital with only 3,000 troops…”
“This makes it clear. The Lamaron Empire is serious about annexing the Juka Kingdom.”
“If that’s the case, we cannot overlook this invasion.”
“Lords, let us focus on how to defeat the Lamaron Empire in the upcoming discussions.”
“Your Majesty, if I may, I would like to hear from Lord Basam, the honorable marquis.”
Suddenly, the commander of the Northern Army, Raphael, said this.
“What is it?”
“How would you attack, my lord?”
“My opinion is…”
“No, I just want to hear what kind of strategy you would take personally.”
“I see…”
I crossed my arms and pondered. The enemy would be in a relaxed state having captured the capital. If we don’t strike now, the already strong capital will become even stronger. If we were to lead a large army, however…
“If it were me…”
The faces of the commanders of each army became tense.
“I would launch a surprise attack on the capital with a small force.”
“What? Are you saying that with a small force, you would attack the capital? That’s ridiculous! Such a childish strategy is not worth listening to!” said the commander of the Southern Army while holding his belly, laughing.
“No, that may not be the case. If we move a large army, it will attract attention. However, with a small force, we can slip through the forest and deceive the eyes of the Lamaron. Lord Basam is a barrier master, so we need not worry about being attacked by monsters on the way.”
Layfence spoke eloquently.
The commanders present in the room remained silent, not uttering a word, and a moment of stillness fell upon the room.
“Well then, I suppose the best plan is for my brother-in-law to lead the army and sweep out the Lamaron who have invaded Juka?”
Still, no one spoke.
“Just the two of us, then,” Layfence continued.
Everyone, except for me, scattered from the room like spiderlings.
“I’m sorry. This is the Imperial Army. It’s lamentable,” Layfence said.
“Why did you bring this up to me, Layfence-sama?” I asked.
“I was simply interested in what kind of plan Lord Linos would come up with. I never thought that you would devise a plan that was beyond our thinking,” Layfence replied.
“But I’ve never led an army before,” I said.
“You fought in Krumfar, didn’t you? You defeated a large army with a small force. That story made my blood boil, too,” Layfence laughed.
“Hahaha,” the king chuckled. “Lord Linos, if Juka falls, the Empire will have an enemy at its back.”
“I am aware,” I said.
“Furthermore, we are not familiar with the Juka Kingdom. After all, General Karugi did not allow our army to pass through his territory. So, Lord Linos, I’m sorry to ask, but could you eliminate the 3,000 Lamaron in the capital?” the king asked.
“That’s such a reckless plan…”
“But Lord Linos, you have the teleportation barrier, don’t you? If you use it, you should be able to move easily with the Empire,” Layfence interrupted.
“So, you want me to go to Juka and prepare the teleportation barrier?” I clarified.
“Yes, that’s right. If it gets dangerous, you can return with the barrier,” Layfence said.
“Can I really do that so easily?” I asked skeptically.
“I’m counting on you,” the king suddenly stood up and bowed to me. Was this the reason why he had driven out the other lords?
“Y-Your Majesty, please don’t lower your head to me.”
“Please,” the king insisted.
“Alright, I understand. I’ll go to Juka’s castle and set up the teleportation barrier,” I agreed.
“I’m sorry. I also don’t want to leave any sparks for my heir, Aroze,” the king apologized.
Later, the commanders who were called back to the room were briefed on the plan, but the teleportation barrier was kept secret. The explanation was that I would lead a small force and invade the Juka Kingdom.
As expected, I couldn’t do it alone, so the southern army’s commanders were given the Imperial Guard and a total of 100,000 troops were sent to advance to the border of the Lamaron Empire to hold them back.
“Lord Basam, I won’t let any of the Lamaron soldiers at the border through, so go with peace of mind!” The southern army commander laughed out loud. I stared at him coldly.
“…Well, I’ll be on another dangerous mission,” I sighed as I reported back to the mansion.
————————-
“I couldn’t refuse the emperor’s request even if I wanted to,” I explained to Rico.
“The journey will still be dangerous,” she said.
“Yes, but when night falls, I’ll set up the teleportation barrier and come back to the mansion. Please prepare dinner for me,” I requested.
“I´ll have it ready,” said Rico.
“Also, the ones who will go with me to Juka are Gon, Ferris, Luala, and Illymo,” said Linos.
“Understood. It’s been a while since we’ve been to the Juka Kingdom,” replied Gon.
“And Ferris, you’ll arrive a little earlier,” said Linos.
“Why is that?” asked Ferris.
“I won’t take the southern route,” said Linos.
“Then which way will you take?” asked Ferris.
“We’ll cross the Juka Mountains. Ferris, please contact the Kururukan herd and ask for permission for my passage,” said Linos.
“It’s my pleasure!” replied Ferris.
The preparations for departure began in a hurry.
