Chapter 189: The Wives’ Evil Plot

Ryu and his party successfully conquered the SS-rank dungeon without incident, and in the process, they even managed to establish a connection with the dungeon master—a prize far more valuable than mere treasure.

On top of that, their next target had already been decided: Sanjō Kokaji Munechika.

All that remained now was to return to the Empire.

…However, not every goal had been fulfilled just yet.

Leaving Ryoma and Alice aside, Stingray still hadn’t managed to close the distance between herself and Ryu.

It wasn’t an issue that had to be resolved immediately—they could just as well deal with it after returning to the Empire—but if possible, it was something better settled here and now.

Ryu loved his wives dearly, and for that very reason, he couldn’t bring himself to propose an engagement on his own. In truth, he had no intention of doing so at all.

In the end, this was something only Stingray could push forward herself—or something his wives would have to step in and help cultivate.

Naturally, Estelle and Lena chose the latter.

At present, inside the inn’s modest but warmly lit kitchen, Ryu and Stingray were working side by side.

From the narrow gap in the door, his wives peeked in, their expressions melting into mischievous grins as they watched the two together.

“Heh heh… just as I thought. Their compatibility is beyond question,” Estelle murmured, her lips curling with delight.

“Wow… Stingray-san can make such a maidenly expression too~,” Lena whispered, her eyes sparkling with barely contained excitement.

They quietly closed the door and retreated, settling onto the bed for a moment.

It was time to organize their thoughts.

“Lena,” Estelle began, folding her arms with a serious air, “we’ve discussed this before, but Ryu needs a third wife.”

“Yes. For the sake of passing down the Arden bloodline to the next generation, it’s absolutely necessary.”

“Exactly. It’s a… somewhat sensitive topic, so I’ll spare the finer details—but this isn’t just about us. It’s for the entire Arden viscountcy.”

The “sensitive topic” Estelle referred to was, of course, childbirth.

Estelle herself—despite her notorious nickname, Ero Elf—couldn’t honestly claim to possess a body particularly suited for bearing children.

As for Lena, her issue lay in blood relations.

Just like in other worlds—such as those of summoned heroes—it was widely known here that children born between close relatives had a higher likelihood of complications due to genetic factors.

In those other worlds, such unions were also condemned on moral grounds.

But this world was far more… crude. People died easily, and life was cheap.

No one paid such things much mind.

(Well, except when it came to obvious physical mismatches.)

“In the end, the only one we can rely on now… is that silver-haired knight with the suspiciously restrained perversions,” Estelle declared.

“Indeed~. Though Captain Lily does seem to keep glancing at my dear brother, their acquaintance is far too short for it to feel convincing,” Lena replied, tilting her head thoughtfully.

“And besides, Lily’s loyalty lies with that infamous Garcia Kingdom. At the very least, she’d have to defect to the Empire first. Compared to that, Stingray is perfect—good personality, unwavering loyalty, striking looks, noble lineage, formidable strength… there’s no better candidate.”

“I heard from her father, Commander Silva, that she used to be quite sharp-edged in the past. But after meeting my brother, she changed completely—into a knight anyone would admire.”

At this point, it almost seemed less like they were supporting Stingray…

…and more like—

“Ku-ku-ku… there’s no escape for you now, Stingray,” Estelle muttered, her grin twisting into something almost predatory.

“Fufufu… it’s all for Arden—and for my dear brother. A little forcefulness should be perfectly fine, don’t you think?” Lena added, her smile equally dangerous.

Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that Stingray had been thoroughly locked onto by the wives.

“With Alice-chan and Ryoma-san charging straight toward engagement, this might be the perfect opportunity to solidify the Arden household’s foundation before the academy term begins.”

“Lena will be busy with the student council starting her second year, and I do have my duties as a pharmacology professor. It’s best to take care of everything during the long break.”

“In other words… the next few days before we return to the Empire will be decisive.”

“Indeed. Precisely so.”

At that moment, a voice called out from beyond the door.

“Oii, you two—food’s ready!”

The instant they heard it—

“WOOOOOO‼ RYU’S COOKING‼”

“I’m starving‼”

—the wives burst out of the room and dashed toward the living area like children set loose.

◇◇◇

—The following morning.

Today was a day of free activity.

“Alright, let’s go, darling.”

“I am not your ‘darling,’ de gozaru.”

“Then, Papa, let’s go.”

“Huh⁉”

With a firm grip on his arm, Alice dragged a completely flustered Ryoma off toward the bustling street of food stalls.

“Well then, as we mentioned earlier, we’ll be heading to the Commercial Guild headquarters and the Federal Government offices.”

“And we’ll be taking these adorable little plushies along too~.”

“Brrr…” “Gyao…” “….” boing

Estelle and Lena set off toward the grand plaza, each carrying the miniature familiars as their bodyguards.

And just like that—

Ryu and Stingray were left behind outside the inn.

“………………”

(Wow… this is awkward.)

“………………”

(How did I suddenly end up alone with Ryu-sama⁉ W-what do I do…?!)

“Well… we’ve got time to kill. How about we go pick up some souvenirs for the servants?”

“I’d like to buy some for the members of the Stingray Battalion as well‼”

“Don’t worry about the cost. I’ll expense everything, so if something looks good, we’re buying it—no holding back.”

“Yes‼ This is going to be fun‼”

“Sorry about this. On a day meant for free time, I’ve ended up dragging you along as my guard.”

“Not at all‼” she replied with a bright smile.

(This is more like a reward for me… ehehehe…)

And so, Ryu and Stingray began walking off—

in the exact opposite direction from the rest of their companions.

—From the shadows of a nearby building, someone watched them closely.

“So Ryu-kun and Stingray-san are going on a date… I can’t just let this slide,” came a muttered voice.

“Captain Lily, shouldn’t we head back before someone mistakes you for a suspicious person?” another voice sighed.

“No way‼ I refuse to tolerate this shameless display of happiness‼”

“Yes, yes, I’ve heard enough. Now come on—back to the inn.”

“Waaaah‼ Let go, Louise-kun‼ I have a duty to witness this to the very end—!”

“You really don’t.”

Carried over Louise’s shoulder like unruly luggage, Lily was unceremoniously hauled back to the room where the heroes awaited.