Chapter 158

“Sa–Same is family to me, all of them are! Marriage means being bonded as mates, right? That’s no good!”

At Shuris’s sudden declaration, Melt raised her voice a little.
Honestly, if I hadn’t been in Silent’s form… I probably would’ve shouted too.

“Th-that’s why I said, I just want it to look that way. It doesn’t have to be real, just an act.”

“Melt, let’s hear her out first.”

“Muuu… muuu…!”

An act…? So she’s being forced by circumstances?

“First of all… I need to explain in detail why our base is being relocated to the island called Dungeon Island. Maybe you already heard the outline from Same.”

“Only a bit. So, what’s the reason?”

“Well, that island receives many visitors from Riseark, the neighboring continent. After our country’s recent announcement, the number of envoys coming here has sharply increased. So now that Dungeon Island—its formal name is Yasha Island—is functioning almost like a checkpoint between our country and the others.”

Right, that’s the island with the natural dungeon called the Dead Sea that Devours the Land, wasn’t it?
I’d heard many explorers used it as their base.

“The ownership of a dungeon core transfers to the one who conquers it, and origin isn’t questioned. News has already spread that our nation is flourishing thanks to dungeon cores. Naturally, some countries flip their stance and say, ‘We want an equal relationship,’ while others think, ‘We must conquer the remaining dungeons ourselves and stop their growth.’ Unfortunately, monopolizing dungeons as a nation is forbidden. There’s nothing we can do about that. The point is—both our country and that island are now seeing an increase in foreign guests.”

I see. That explains the situation, and probably the reason for relocating the base as well.

“So the Glory Knights were tasked with keeping watch and maintaining order.”

“That’s right. On top of that, someone of standing is needed to welcome nobles from abroad. With the Allheus family stripped of its title, the Veil house is now the only marquis family in this country. If we’re going to hold up high-ranking foreign nobles on what’s effectively a checkpoint island, my house has to handle it.”

Ahh, so it’s a matter of aristocratic politics. That’s not really my area of expertise…

“And here’s the thing… I’ve already passed the family title to my younger sister, Cres. But our father, the current head, wants to give me another role. Not as the Sword of Guardianship… but as a tool to strengthen ties with other nations.”

“I see. A common enough story.”

“Hm? What do you mean by that?”

“Yes, it’s a common story. The great nation neighboring Riseark, the Consordo Empire—dangling me as bait in front of their upper nobility is probably part of the plan. Of course, I know well enough it wasn’t Her Majesty the Queen who ordered this. It’s my father, who’s been a little restless since the Allheus family’s downfall. He wants to use me to reaffirm our loyalty to the crown.”

“I don’t get it. From what I’ve seen, you’ve done more than enough as Lindblum’s protector—Same and I both think so.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Well, it’s not like I’ve already received a direct proposal or engagement offer. But—call it arrogance if you like—since I’ll be in the position of receiving foreign nobles, isn’t it only a matter of time? I’ve already been told a grand fleet from the Consordo Empire, including dungeon explorers, will arrive at Yasha Island this spring. At that gathering, I’m betting I’ll be formally proposed to.”

Oh, I can say with certainty after that banquet the other night—
Yeah, she’s definitely going to get proposals. Without a doubt. Nobles from abroad will be falling over themselves like their brains got fried.

“Of course, I could refuse marriage proposals or engagement offers. But it would absolutely impact the nation. Given my position as one of the Thirteen Knights, other countries might make allowances for our situation… but there will still be conflict. That’s why I thought: better to already have the shadow of a man in my life. Naturally, that puts a burden on you, Same. At worst, it could even lead to duels. Actually… that kind of thing happens quite often.”

Wait, seriously? She’s asking me—asking Same—for that kind of favor…?!
But still, if it’s a personal request from a friend and not an order from the country… I couldn’t just refuse outright either…!

“Why not just take a hard line? Say something like, ‘If you want to propose to me, you’ll need to be stronger than I am,’ and stick to that?”

“I considered it… but if someone actually stronger than me came along, then I couldn’t refuse, could I? I’m not absolute, Silent. If you pressed me, wouldn’t I have no choice but to marry you?”

“That’s true. The Empire’s territory and talent pool are on a completely different scale from Lendia. If they seriously tried to secure you, our country’s strength would drop drastically.”

“Exactly. Well… I wouldn’t be against you as a marriage partner, though. After all, you did see me naked.”

“I didn’t see! You just barged into the mixed bath on your own.”

Ugh—! I’d finally managed to forget that, why did she have to bring it up again?!

“Well, that’s the reason. I want to have Same accompany me as my partner when I welcome the foreign dignitaries. I really do feel bad for you, Melt.”

“It’s just pretend, right? You’re not actually going to take my family away, are you? If that’s the case… then I guess it’s fine…”

“Really? Then if you happen to see Same, could you give him a message for me? Once this smithing tournament—this forging contest—is over, I’ll have to ride quickly to the port. If he can come by spring… around May, that would really help.”

“I’ll tell him. Still, you’re in quite the complicated position. A great noble’s daughter, one of the Thirteen Knights, and the leader of the largest adventurer clan.”

“You’re telling me. But… it’s the life I chose. This situation too, in the end, is one of the responsibilities I have to bear. Just… lately, I’ve been thinking a little about these kinds of matters between men and women.”

“…I see. Well, I won’t pry. That’s what they call ‘a maiden’s secret.’”

“I’m not exactly at the age where I can still call myself a maiden, though.”

“Really? You still look young to me. I could believe it if someone told me you and your sister were twins.”

“Fufu, my my… you’ve got a sharper tongue than I thought, Silent.”

She laughed as she enjoyed the food and drinks that had been brought out.

…So this is it. The country’s prosperity from the dungeon cores also brings with it new kinds of problems.

In a way, these were troubles that we’d never had to face before, precisely because the country was small and weak. In other words, Lendia is finally being recognized by other nations.

As I thought about the nation’s future—and hers—I decided I’d lend a hand to this friend I’ve known for so long, even if just a little.

After parting ways with Shuris, still in Silent’s form, I headed toward the bus for the first time in a while.

The encampment at the back of town had more people than before. Those who couldn’t find room set up camp outside the city walls, so there were far more folks gathered outside than before.

“Melt, were you alright at night? There are more people around here now, and besides… you’ve been sleeping alone on the bus at night, haven’t you?”

“Honestly, it was lonely. But I knew Shijima was working so hard on making weapons, so I endured it.”

“You’re tough… I ended up sleeping at the workshop more often than not.”

“By the way, why did you switch from Silent to Shijima?”

I explained to her about Shuris, who had been desperately trying to talk to Silent earlier today.

“I-I see… yeah, it would’ve been really hard to explain if someone recognized you like that.”

“Exactly. Right now Shijima’s in the workshop, making an accessory.”

“An accessory…? A pretty one? Like the kind girls want!”

“Yeah, this time it’s a bracelet. Once it’s done, I’ll give it to you.”

“Yay!”

I had decided to prepare a piece of equipment that was both a gift and something to protect Melt.

The gear I usually keep on hand is only enough for my characters—I almost always sold off extras for money. But this time, the equipment wasn’t meant to boost attack or stats.

Instead, it was full of convenient abilities.

[Memory of the Blue Sea (Ultimate)]

• Top-grade version of the “Best Accessory Design Award 2024” winning piece.
• “Damage Resistance +20%” / “Status Ailment Resistance +50%”
• “Stamina Consumption -10%” / “Natural HP Recovery +1% per 10s”
• “Magic Reflection Chance +20%” / “Critical Hit Nullification Chance +20%”
• Designer’s Comment: “A simple bracelet with a jewel modeled after Japanese glasswork.”
• Developer’s Comment: “Despite its simplicity, its refined design caught our eye.”

This accessory, chosen from a user contest, was a favorite among players. At top rank, it granted six special effects—both stylish for those who liked decorating their characters and powerful enough to guarantee utility.

“It should be finished by tomorrow. Let’s go pick it up together.”

“Can’t wait! I don’t think I’ve ever worn accessories before!”

“You bought that dress, right? I figured you’d need some jewelry to go with it.”

“Right… actually, you know, I was thinking of getting Shijima a present too. But I couldn’t decide what would be good, so I still haven’t chosen anything…”

…A present? For me?

“Is it for the sword? You don’t need to give me anything back, you know.”

“No, no. It’s different. It already passed, but… Shijima’s birthday was February 3rd, right? I wanted to give you a birthday present.”

“Oh! That’s right!”

Well, strictly speaking… it was spring back on Earth, but when I came to this world it was already around autumn. So technically, I don’t think my actual birthday has passed yet… but calculating that is a pain, so I’ll just go by this world’s calendar!

“Got it, thanks, Melt. But really, I’d be happy with anything you gave me.”

“Really? Then… I’ll prepare something next time, okay? When you’re in Shijima’s form, I’ll need to check your body size and all that.”

I see. That makes sense—since I take on different forms, I can’t always wear the same thing.

Someday, if I can summon all the characters at once, maybe I’ll be able to live as myself. And on top of that… I need to hurry and figure out a way to give them proper personalities too.

And so, once again, I slipped into the fully camouflaged underground bus to settle in for the night.

“…By the way, I see you’ve let trash from your snacking pile up, huh? Just because you’re alone, you brought in all sorts of things?”

“Ah! I forgot to throw it away! But, but! There are so many food stalls here at the camp!”

Damn it… she’s too cute, I can’t even get mad!

She’d been lonely, after all, so I’ll let it slide this time!

The next day, Shijima gathered up the huge pile of accessories he’d spent the whole night crafting to order, while I had to calm Melt down when she immediately declared, “These are all mine!”

And with that, we turned our focus toward the main tournament.

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