Chapter 2 Part 3
It was only natural that the entire party would unanimously agree to make this celebratory feast an even more memorable event.
As for the explanation to my parents afterward—
“We’ve received private approval from His Majesty. In the near future, Jin will be granted the title of baron and a domain centered around this village, effectively making him a noble.”
“Considering his achievements as a member of the party that defeated the Demon King, it’s a reasonable decision. The territory is surrounded by forests, with poor accessibility, so there shouldn’t be much opposition.”
“We’re here as well. No other nobles would dare interfere carelessly.”
“So rest assured, the role of village chief will be passed on to him.”
“Please entrust your son to us.”
“Yay!”
…And just like that, the discussion was settled.
What a dependable group of brides they are.
…Perhaps too dependable, considering I’d been swept along with the flow up to this point.
“…What’s wrong, Jin? Does your stomach hurt?”
“No, that’s not it.”
“Then, how about this? It’s delicious.”
Rika offered me one of the skewers she was holding in both hands.
“Have you gotten drunk? If so, I’ll take care of you.”
Yūri gently rubbed my back, her concern evident.
“You mustn’t overexert yourself. If you need it, I still have some medicine I prepared earlier. Can you take it?”
Lusika, ever the reliable one, stood ready with a remedy.
Lusika returned to a serious, composed expression as she took out some water and a healing potion.
Each of them is so captivating, so unique, and after three years together, I still never get tired of them. They’re the kind of wonderful girls I want to be around forever.
When they ask something of me, the answer is clear.
There’s only one option: to accept.
Is there any man who wouldn’t be moved by such overwhelming declarations of love?
I too have to show my true self as a man.
“No, that’s not it. …Will you all come with me?”
I said this, and without a single complaint or question, the three of them followed me.
We moved away from the noise and into my room.
I gestured for them to sit, and they all settled on the bed.
“…So? What’s the reason you called us here, Jin?”
It was Lusika who broke the silence.
She probably already had an idea. I had made sure to explain to her the night before, just before I lost consciousness, that there had been a misunderstanding.
…Now that we’ve come this far, I have to make my decision.
It’s the same as the day I decided to set off on a journey with Rika, vowing to protect her even if it meant facing death.
Today is the beginning of a new chapter in my life.
I slapped both of my cheeks to get myself together and gather my courage.
“First, I need to apologize. …Yūri, the words I said to you in my proposal, there was no romantic or sexual meaning behind them.”
When I said this, Yūri looked at me, bewildered.
“As for Rika… I remember now. The promise I made before the Demon King’s defeat was about a marriage we had made when we were children. I’m sorry. At that time, I didn’t realize how much Rika truly cared for me, and I responded without understanding her feelings.”
Rika also showed a reaction similar to Yūri’s.
Is this anger? Or is it sadness?
I’m ready to accept any kind of scolding.
As long as I can express my feelings properly.
“But after the battle, I started seeing all of you in a different light… I began to realize my feelings for each of you as individuals. I’ve always wanted to share a table, laugh together, and create memories. I’ve always hoped that we could spend the rest of our lives together in this party, no matter what happens…”
I lowered my forehead to the floor and showed as much sincerity as I could.
“I swear I’ll make you all happy… I can’t even compare how important Rika, Yūri, and Lusika are to me! So, if you’ll have someone like me… will you marry me?!”
I said it out loud…
I had always received their love, but I had never been able to respond properly.
Even if we were to marry without addressing this, I’m sure all three would forgive me.
But that’s cowardly. It’s a way of running away from Rika, Yūri, and Lusika’s feelings.
That’s why I’m here, taking action to convey my feelings to the three of them.
“……”
After shouting, the silence felt even heavier.
Breaking that oppressive atmosphere were the uncontrollable bursts of laughter that escaped from the three of them.
…Huh? What?
“W-Why are you laughing, you two? I’ve done something terrible…”
“Haha, sorry! It’s just that, Jin, you were so serious, I thought something was wrong…”
“We’ve known for a long time. Don’t underestimate Jin’s ten-year ‘I like you’ history.”
“Plus, I already warned him. I told him to be careful before confessing.”
Rika got up from the bed, crouched down, and poked my forehead with her finger.
“…It’s true that forgetting the promise was pretty bad. Minus points.”
“Ugh… I’m sorry.”
"Alright... but even taking that into account, Jin, you're still a perfect 100 in my book. The 'love' I've been nurturing all this time won’t fade because of something like this."
With a smile, Rika pulled my head into a tight embrace.
"When we were about to leave the village, I was so happy when you said you’d come with me. You’ve been the one pouring warmth into my heart all along, Jin."
"Same here. Jin’s words saved me from the depths of my soul. That fact won’t ever change."
It wasn’t just Rika. Yūri, with a smile befitting of a [Saint], patted my head gently.
"That's why, my answer has been decided since the day I fell in love with you."
Lastly, Lusika stepped forward, raising my face, not letting me look down.
"Yes, with pleasure."
"…Thank you… Thank you…!"
I thanked them for accepting someone like me.
From this day on, I swear I will live my life for the people who love me.
As I continued to say thank you while tears streamed down my face, the responses they gave me with their smiles filled me with joy.
"Jin, your tears made my clothes all wet."
"S-Sorry…! I’ll buy you new ones…!"
"Hehe. It’s the first time I’ve seen Jin cry."
"You’ve always been the one who never complained, no matter how tough things were. Maybe showing us this side of you is another proof of your love for us?"
"...Well, it’s normal to cry when you’re moved."
"Ah, you're pouting. That's rare."
"Hahaha. If we tease you any more, you'll pout even more, so let's change the topic."
Lusika, the most mature of them all, stepped in to diffuse the situation.
Yūri, sensitive to others' emotions, joined in as well.
"But you really are doing it, huh? A wedding at the royal castle! I've actually always dreamed of that!"
"I never imagined I’d get to wear a white kimono... Maybe they’re saying natural disasters are going to happen in my hometown right now!"
"I’ve always been set on marrying Jin."
"Haha, I’m starting to look forward to it too."
Surrounded by many people’s blessings, I’ll walk down the "Jin Road" laid out in the royal castle.
I’ve never worn a suit before, so I’m worried if it will suit me.
I’ll need to maintain my physique before then.
It looks like everyone is choosing their own outfits, and the thought of the dazzling atmosphere makes me happy.
Speaking of which...
"What order should we enter in? Since there’s no precedent, I think we can decide freely..."
I was thinking about the person who would walk beside me, and without thinking, I blurted it out.
Then, everyone chuckled softly.
"Jin, you say the funniest things."
"Considering all you’ve done, isn’t there only one choice?"
"That’s right, Jin. With all eyes on you, there’s no need to think about who should be by your side."
"It’s me, of course."
"It’s me, obviously."
"It’s clearly me."
"......"
"......Huh?"
Huh... So this is what it looks like when girls have something they really won’t back down on.
Having learned something new, I dove between the three of them, prepared to take a beating, in an attempt to stop the fight.
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