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89.2% Life in Vain: Jobless Reincarnation (Mushoku Tensei) / Chapter 188: Bringing the Second Wife Home

Chapter 188: Bringing the Second Wife Home

Three days and four nights blurred together as I gave Sylphy a lifetime's worth of loving memories.

...Emphasis on 'loving.'

And at the end of it all...

Sylphy let out a content sigh and placed her hand over her belly. "To think that the fruit of our love is growing here..."

Right. Sylphy got pregnant too. Though, it would have been strange for her not to with all that we did.

I walked around to open some windows while I let Sylphy relax on a chair in the living room.

The air was kind of... yeah. We needed ventilation, and also a lot of clean up after making those memories.

Sylphy wasn't in any shape to do that, so I walked around to clean things up.

A bit of wind magic to clear out the air, some water magic to scrub places down...

And then I was done, and the house was squeaky clean.

...Well, unless you looked at it with a UV light, but those didn't exist here, so it should be fine.

Anyway, I glanced over at Sylphy and saw that she was still sitting there, a silly smile on her face as she held her belly.

Seeing that, I smiled too and said, "You seem happy, Sylphy."

"Of course!" Sylphy got up and then ran over to hug me. "Why wouldn't I be?" She squeezed me tight and then said, "It's real now. We're a family."

I hugged her back and then said, "We've always been family. Now we'll just have a family of our own."

Sylphy smiled and then grabbed my right hand. She slid it down over her belly and then looked up at me, smiling. "Which would you rather have, Rudy? A son, or a daughter?"

"I would love either one. But since Rolo is here, I think it'd be nice to have a daughter."

Sylphy nodded. "Me too! While I'd love to have a son as handsome as you, I think a cute baby girl would be fun to spoil."

I kissed Sylphy on the cheek and said, "It'd be nice if she was as cute as her mama too."

Sylphy giggled. "Well, I'll try my best? Oh! But what about a name then?"

!@#$!@#

On the spot again?!

"Hm..."

I placed my hand on my chin to think, pretending to be calm.

But on the inside...

Alright, come on. A name, a name...

Rudy... Sylphy...

Ah! There.

"What about Ru- I mean, Lucille? The 'Lu' is from my name, and the 'Cille' would be from yours?"

Sylphy leaned against me and traced her finger on my chest, humming. "That's a pretty name... But what if it's a boy?"

"Knowing my luck, it's probably not."

By this point, I was sure that the Greyrat bloodline was the butt of the universe's jokes, so the most funny outcome would come true.

And clearly that would be giving a guy like me a bunch of princesses to wrap me around their fingers after marrying so many beautiful and competent women.

Sylphy giggled and said, "True." She reached up to poke my forehead and said, "The world will definitely punish a bad man like you with the most precious baby girl."

I chuckled. "I've accepted my fate already. But a son, huh?"

Since this was a different timeline with different events, it was unlikely that my son would end up to be Roland. Or rather, 'Sieg' as he was born in the other timeline.

Well, unless there were convergent points across different timelines with lives and stuff.

I think that my presence breaks even that though, so better to not get expectations up.

Anyway, if I did have a son...

Sylphy hummed and said, "Should we name him Roland as well?"

I shook my head. "Absolutely not. Naming children after heroic spirits is asking for trouble."

Considering the multiverse existed, and considering past precedents, I would rather not have my son whisked away because he happened to be named after a famous hero.

Sylphy frowned. "Well, what do you have in mind then?"

I paused to think about that a bit.

A son... Would he look like me?

No, seeing Roland, he would likely take after Sylphy more. And I'd bet that he'd probably be just as beloved by the wind too.

So in that case...

"Zephyr?"

Sylphy blinked and then giggled.

I felt my face heat up and said, "What?"

"You're surprisingly bad at name, aren't you, Rudy?"

I frowned and said, "It's a great name."

"Oh, I agree! Just..." She giggled and said, "It's clearly inspired from my name, isn't it?"

I paused.

Sylphy... Zephyr...

...Okay, I could see the logical jump there.

Sylphy giggled and then reached out, tracing a heart on my chest. "It's fine. Zephyr or Lucille... both are good names." She paused and then let out a sigh. "I'm envious of Eri though." She frowned and said, "I only get to give you one child this time..."

"Well, it's hard for elves or part-elves to have children anyway, right? Don't worry about it."

Sylphy giggled and said, "Oh I'm not worried. I'll just have to try that much harder next time!"

I subconsciously scanned the house at those words.

...I don't think it's physically possible for you to try harder, Sylphy...

Sylphy reached up to stretch and then reached into the air to pull out a fresh white dress to wear. After that, she paused and looked at her wedding gown, tossed aside and covered in stains.

I noticed and coughed, averting my gaze.

Sylphy giggled. "Don't worry, Rudy. I'll clean it up later." She kissed me and said, "Let me wash up quick and then we can head back, okay?"

"...If you say so."

Sylphy smiled and then walked towards the bathroom.

Since she would probably take a while, I decided to step outside for some fresh air.

And when I did, I saw a familiar face.

At first, I thought it was Mom. But then I saw that her build was a bit different, more toned and slim... both in terms of muscle and up top.

And then I realized that it was actually my aunt.

I lowered the barriers around the house and walked towards her. "Aunt Therese?"

Aunt Therese flung up her hands and said, "Finally!" She shook her head and then pointed at me. "You! Nephew!"

"Yes?"

Therese stomped her foot and said, "Why didn't you invite me to your wedding?"

"Huh?" I blinked and said, "I did invite you though?"

I had been wondering why she wasn't around, but I figured she was just busy dealing with the stuff Cliff left behind.

"Yes, but no one picked me up! How am I supposed to head from Milishion to the Central Continent in less than a week?!"

...Oh.

Right.

Not everyone could teleport or knew about the Anywhere Doors.

...Why did Cliff not just bring her along though...?

Hm. Maybe he was being considerate in his own way?

Aunt Therese sighed and said, "Anyway... Congratulations." She walked up and then gave a hesitant pat on my shoulder. "...While I can't be completely sincere as you're marrying multiple women, I wish you the best regardless."

I smiled. "Thanks, Auntie. It means a lot."

Aunt Therese smiled. "You're welcome! After all, Miko's been writing about how well you're taking care of her, so it's the least I can do. ...Not to mention that Sis will beat me up otherwise."

"...Is that why you've been avoiding visits?"

"O-Of course not." Aunt Therese shifted her gaze and said, "L-Like I said, it's difficult for an ordinary paladin like me to travel to the Central Continent..."

"..."

"W-What? It's true!"

"I believe you, Auntie."

"Rudy?" Sylphy called out and then walked out of the house. "Did you step out for some- Oh!" She smiled at Aunt Therese and said, "Hello! You're... Rudy's aunt, right?"

Aunt Therese waved and said, "Hello to you too. Sylphy, right? Congratulations!"

Sylphy smiled. "Thank you!"

Aunt Therese looked back at me and said, "Anyway... You two are here for your honeymoon, right? Will you be around for a while? If so, Mother and Father would like to meet you."

"Hm..."

I totally forgot that I had living grandparents on Mom's side.

I probably should meet them, but...

I shook my head and said, "Another time. We've actually just finished up here, and I'm heading back for another wedding in a few days, and then another the week after."

Aunt Therese's eyes widened. "Really?" She paused and then said, I suppose it is the season for weddings. And attending a friend's wedding is important..."

I coughed.

Aunt Therese paused and then looked at me. "...It's a friend's wedding, right?"

Sylphy giggled.

I averted my gaze.

Aunt Therese blinked and then made the sign of a cross over her chest. After that, she clicked her tongue and said, "I knew that Asuran Thug was a terrible influence..."

"Ahaha..."

Aunt Therese waved her hand. "Well, it's fine." She pointed at me and said, "Don't forget about me this time, okay? Even if we're not that close, we're still family. I'll attend your wedding, even if it may go against Milis doctrine."

"I'll remember, Auntie."

Aunt Therese nodded and then said, "I'll head back to work then. Congratulations again!" After one more wave, she left.

Sylphy watched where Aunt Therese left and then said, "She's nice."

"She is... Though I see where the spunk in the family comes from now."

Sylphy blinked. "Spunk?"

"Yeah. You know, how Mom can get a bit feisty when she gets mad at Dad, and how Norn and Stella can get a bit of a short fuse and hold grudges."

"Oh! I can see that." Sylphy nodded. "...I thought they just got that from you though? When you were younger-"

I coughed, feeling my face heat up. "W-We don't talk about my younger days, okay?"

"But you were cute!"

"I-It's getting late, so let's get going." I held out my left arm for Sylphy.

Sylphy giggled and wrapped her arms around it before stepping close. "Fine~ I'll let you change the subject..."

"Love you."

"Love you more!"

I smiled and then focused back on the courtyard in my house at Sharia. Then, in a single step, we were back.

And met by the sight of Eri screaming, tossing a bucket of clothes in the air, and then instinctively flinging a boot at my face.

I caught it and then scratched the back of my head. "Um... sorry to scare you, Eri?"

Eri caught the bucket and the clothes before they fell to the ground. After setting it down, she huffed and said, "Sheesh! Let us know before you come back like that! It's bad for the babies to scare me!"

I flinched and then immediately hopped into the Greyrat forgiveness pose number 1, slamming my head on the ground. "I'm so sorry, Eri. Please forgive me. I won't do it again."

"H-Hey! Ugh!" Eri walked over and pulled me up. "Why do you always jump to extremes, idiot?!"

I hugged her and said, "Are you okay? Are the kids?"

A quick look and scan made it seem like they were okay, but...

"I'm fine! And do a bit more thinking! Sylphy's right there!"

I flinched and stepped back, looking at Sylphy.

Thankfully, Sylphy just giggled and shook her head. But after that, she walked over to Eri and said, "Sorry about that, Eri. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Eri puffed out her chest and said, "Me and the kids are made of tough stuff! But still, Rudy shouldn't be making a habit of stuff like that."

"Mmhm!" Sylphy smiled and said, "I'll remind him."

Watching them interact, I suddenly realized what Dad had been going through since he married Lilia.

...Right. In a relationship like this, I was often going to be outnumbered, wasn't I...?

"Anyway!" Eri hugged Sylphy and said, "Congratulations, Sylphy!"

Sylphy flinched. But then she let out a bright smile and hugged Eri back. "Thank you, Eri! It's only one though, so you win..."

"Eh?" Eri stepped back, confused. But then she gasped and said, "You're pregnant too! I mean, I should have expected it, but congratulations!"

"O-Oh. I thought you were talking about that already... But thanks?"

Eri pulled Sylphy into another hug and said, "You're welcome! And no talking about winning or losing." She stepped back and placed her hands on Sylphy's shoulders. "We're one big family now, remember? And there's proof now that you and Rudy love each other... so no more getting worried, okay?"

Sylphy blinked and then started tearing up. After that, she pulled Eri into a hug and said, "Eri! I'm sorry! You're such a great person!" Sylphy started sniffing and then broke down into a full-on sob.

"H-Hey! Stop that! Personal boundaries! A-And this isn't something to cry about! R-Rudy! Get over here and help your wife! Both of them!"

I chuckled and then walked over, gently pulling Sylphy away. "Relax, Sylphy. Everything's fine."

She sniffed and then leaned against me. "I'm sowwy..."

"It's fine." I patted her back and said, "Eri doesn't mind, and I don't either. Take your time."

Sylphy nodded and then leaned against me, slowly calming down.

I took a quick look around and then glanced at Eri. "Is everyone out?"

Eri nodded. "Yeah. Roxy and the kids are at school. Paul, Mama Zenny, Mama Lily, and Mister Laws are out working as adventurers. And Stella is with Miss Rose, helping to take care of Miss Rostelina's baby."

"That's about what I expected- Wait." I blinked and then said, "Dad and everyone is out clearing dungeons?"

Eri nodded. "Yeah. I wanted to go too, but they said it was too risky since I was pregnant."

Sylphy suddenly pulled away and looked at Eri. "That's true! You shouldn't do anything to risk your babies!"

Eri held up her hands. "I know! I'm just a little bummed out." She sighed and fiddled with her wedding ring. "I miss exploring dungeons... and I'm also a bit broke from spending all my money buying Rudy's ring..."

I walked over to hug Eri and said, "And I love you for working so hard for that."

Eri blushed.

Sylphy puffed out her cheeks.

I let out an awkward laugh and stepped back.

Sylphy giggled and said, "I'm just teasing, Rudy."

Eri laughed and then poked my cheek. "You are going to be in so much trouble figuring out if we're teasing or not, Rudy."

"...Yes." I nodded. "But I'll do my best."

Eri and Sylphy giggled together.

After that, Sylphy let out a sigh and cleaned her face. She looked at me and said, "Since everyone else is busy, you should get ready too, shouldn't you? Rika's wedding is in Arcadia, and there's a lot to prepare, isn't there?"

I nodded. "That's right."

Making the rounds to the other Demon Lords to make treaties, making railways, laying down magic formations to broadcast everything, installing railways...

A lot of logistics were in the works that I still needed to tidy up.

"...Is that okay?"

Eri rolled her eyes and shooed me away. "Go get ready for your next wife already, Husband."

Sylphy giggled and said, "Right, Husband! We'll keep the house warm for you!"

"...I don't think I'm going to get used to that." I kissed Eri and then walked over to kiss Sylphy. "I'm definitely the luckiest man alive."

Eri smiled and said, "And don't forget it!"

I gave one last wave to both Eri and Sylphy, and then I prepared to warp to Arcadia-

Ah, wait. First, gotta check in on my students real quick to make sure the system is still working.

Good job, past me. Smart thinking in prerecording lessons and having self-grading assignments...


Chapter 189: The Accommodating Empress – I

As usual these days, time passed by in a blur, and then it was the day of my wedding with Rika.

Unlike with Eri and Sylphy, there wasn't a guy's night out the night before the wedding.

There was just too much to get sorted beforehand.

I had to head back to Arcadia and both make and get fitted for Imperial Regalia, create the line of inheritance and slot all my kids in (Eos and Ena would be First and Second Imperial Princesses while Rika's kids would have the next right, followed by Eri, Sylphy, and eventually Roxy), and also triple check the magic formations and transport lines across the Magic Continent.

Despite my magical competence, and despite being a fantasy world, government bureaucracy was still government bureaucracy.

Even by flaunting authority and strong-arming things to make things go faster, time was burned up at an alarming rate.

And like that, it was time for the wedding ceremony.

I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror.

A tall black long coat with a crimson cloak. A fancy golden 'R' embroidered over my heart. An obsidian crown on my head, a matching sword sheathed at my left, and a blood-diamond scepter on my right.

That outfit, paired with my silver hair and golden eyes screamed Demon Lord.

Which was the intention, even though it made me feel a little weird looking at it.

Still, staring at my outfit again...

"The crown, scepter, and sword, huh?"

I vaguely remembered that being a thing back on Earth.

The crown was the throne, the scepter was authority, and sword was the power to enforce it.

Well, I definitely had all three here.

After giving my outfit another once over to make sure I didn't forget anything, I turned around.

It was my black tower back in Arcadia. The base of operations I used my entire time since I arrived in the Magic Continent.

Although it'd be on theme, we weren't having the reception here.

Since it was serving both as appointing the official Empress of Arcadia, as well as my declaration of the establishment of the Empire of Arcadia, we would be doing it at the Imperial Palace instead.

Yes, Imperial Palace with capital letters. Very important place.

I personally thought my sky-piercing tower here was cooler, but I GUESS that proper ceremonies were better done at a palace.

A pair of footsteps echoed from the stairs.

I glanced over and saw Ena and Eos walk up.

Ena was dressed like a proper princess, wearing a beautiful black ball gown with golden stars embroidered within it.

Eos, on the other hand, was wearing a fancy black suit that looked more like a knight's uniform.

Both outfits were great. But then again, considering how beautiful my daughters were, they would look great in anything.

...Which made me concerned for the future considering how many sisters Ena and Eos would probably have...

But problem for future me.

I looked at my daughters and said, "Is it time?"

Eos nodded. "It is, Father."

Ena giggled. "I'm so excited! Daddy is finally going to be Emperor!"

I let out a wry smile. "It wasn't my intention... but things have a way of getting out of hand." After that, I started walking towards the stairs leading to the roof.

Eos and Ena followed after me.

As we walked, I said, "Is the plan the same?"

Eos nodded. "Nothing has changed, so it should be the same procedure, Father."

"I see."

We walked the rest of the way in silence and then arrived on the roof.

Since the black tower stretched above the clouds, around us, there was nothing but the infinite blue sky.

I walked over to the edge of the tower, gazing out at the sky. And then I turned back to look at my daughters. "Are you two fine with this?"

Eos paused and then nodded. "You are free to do what you wish, Father."

Ena nodded and said, "Daddy can do whatever Daddy wants to do!"

"...And you don't mind that I'm marrying multiple women then?"

Eos hesitated. "...I had some reservations at first. But I believe that this is for the better." She smiled and said, ""Besides, Mama Eri is a great fit for you."

"Eh?" Ena looked at Eos and said, "I think Mama Sylphy is though? She loves Daddy more."

"That may be true, but she is a bit..." Eos coughed, her face turning red. "I-In any case." She turned to look at me and said, "Since Father is becoming a proper Demon Emperor, multiple wives are a given." She reached up to adjust her glasses and said, "It is better this way to prevent people from influencing you with beautiful women."

Ena frowned and said, "But won't people try since Father has so many beautiful wives?"

Eos nodded. "Idiots may 'try.' Of course, they will have to do so in the face of our new mothers."

"Oh!" Ena giggled. "Right! They won't like that."

Eos smiled. "Not one bit."

I chuckled.

That was good. I hadn't had a chance to have a heart-to-heart with Eos and Ena yet, but it seemed like they were okay with things.

I wasn't as worried about Roland since he was practically adopted, but Eos and Ena were my flesh and blood.

Literally.

So I was happy that they weren't opposed to any of this and that they weren't upset.

Eos stared at me and then frowned. "Father..."

"Yes, Eos?"

"Are you happy?" Eos sighed and said, "Father has had to grow up quickly. More so than Sister and I. Are... you fine with it?"

I blinked.

...Oh. I hadn't realized it, but they must have been watching me as much as I was watching them.

Even if they weren't born with a 'common sense' framework like most people, my daughters would have realized that my growth was unnatural.

Of course, I was technically an adult on round two, so I had the mental capacity to deal with everything. If I wasn't though, or if I had been a guy who hadn't grown up mentally at all...

"I'm more than fine. It was a bit unexpected, but I wouldn't change anything." I smiled and said, "I have two loving wives with children on the way. My family is completely reunited. I'm marrying a supportive and diligent wife today who will help me manage this chaos, and I'm marrying my beloved Master next week. Not to mention I have my two adorable and supportive daughters here with me as well." I laughed and said, "It's good that I'm not a greedy man. Another man might have taken this as the cue to try and get even more. But I think this is enough for me."

Ena let out a bright smile and said, "Good! As long as Daddy's happy!"

I paused and then looked at Eos and Ena. "...Are you two happy? I know that you two never had a chance to have a proper childhood... I'm not the only one who grew up too fast."

Eos smiled. "I'm happy." She paused and then said, "...Though I could do without the horrid experience of picking up my own father for a date-"

Ena gasped. "You did what with Daddy?!"

Eos turned a bright red and then smacked Ena on the shoulder. "Phrasing! And it was an accident!"

"You have to tell me what you did now, Eos! You never mentioned that you did that!"

Eos pointedly ignored Ena and looked back at me. "...Regardless, I am happy, Father." She smiled and said, "Although it was a bit lonely in the beginning knowing that it was just us and Stella, I am happy to have a big family now."

Ena nodded and said, "I'm happy too! And when I start my own family, I want to have lots and lots of babies to spoil!"

"..."

I didn't quite know how to react to that statement from Ena.

One part of me was happy to hear that she knew what she wanted.

Another part was upset that she was already going to leave soon too and likely start a family of her own.

Yet another part of me wanted to crush the guy who would dare to take my cute Ena away from me.

And then yet another remembered that would likely be Cliff, and then I couldn't help but pray for his unlucky soul considering how much more stamina Ena had than an ordinary woman...

So, since I didn't know what to think, I put that all aside and turned back around. "Alright. Then... I guess it's time." I stepped onto the ledge and swung out my arm. As I did, crimson threads spread out from me before exploding into golden wings.

Ena gasped and said, "Daddy's wings are pretty!"

Eos's eyes widened and she said, "How are they gold? No." She shook her head and looked at me. "Since when did you have wings, Father?"

I smiled and said, "Well, you girls got your wings from someone, didn't you?"

Eos frowned. "...Now you are just being facetious, Father."

I laughed and then smiled. "Let's go." After that, I jumped off, spreading my wings.

...Although I said all that, my wings were more just glorified gliders.

I could still fly, but it was through manipulating wind mana and maneuvering with that instead of actually flying like Ena and Eos.

Still, it looked cool.

Between an angel flapping their wings to approach you and an angel moving through the air towards you with their wings unmoving, the latter definitely looked more intimidating.

We flew through the clouds, breaking through. As we did, all of the Magic Continent spread out before my eyes.

While there was a lot to draw the eye, one thing in particular caught my attention. A gleaming white castle with shrouded mist covering it in the distance.

<Zenithia> the Imperial Palace that Rika built with my designs and her own experience.

Unlike a usual Demon Lord palace, it was made of pure white stone and gold, matching my theme of Demon Lord of Salvation.

As we flew closer, I could see that the ceremony was already in session.

Rika was being considerate, so she had arranged things so she would do the logistics and hard work.

All I would have to do is show up, give a small speech, and declare her as my Empress.

And true to her word, Rika was standing on a balcony, giving a speech while her image was broadcast across the entire Magic Continent.

Although I was still far away, I couldn't help but acknowledge Rika's beauty.

She wore an obsidian crown, just like my own, but one adorned with violet gemstones. Her lilac hair was styled with loose curls behind her, making it fall in wavy curves. And she wore a form-fitting black dress with stylized tattered hems. Her glasses were also removed for the occasion, showing off her sharp and noble features in full glory.

A proper Demon Empress fit to lead the entire Magic Continent.

Standing there and speaking to the masses, there was no denying her that role.

Especially with Ruijerd and Roland standing behind her, both in full military uniform. 

Rika's speech winded down.

I floated there for a bit with Eos and Ena, waiting for my cue.

And then Rika glanced up at me before saying one last line. "...And because of that, there is something We wish to say to you all."

There it was.

I flew down from the sky and lightly touched on to the balcony beside Rika.

Eos and Ena followed after me, landing next to Ruijerd and Roland.

I walked over to Rika, staring at her.

...Yes. Beautiful.

Although it wasn't fair to Eri and Sylphy, I had to admit that Rika had a presence about her that they didn't.

All my wives were unmatched beauties, of course.

But Rika was beautiful in the way that an ordinary person couldn't.

Was this the power of 'blue blood?' The inherited royalty that people couldn't fake?

She was usually worn out and irritated so she didn't show it, but here and now, she emanated the full aura and authority of a beautiful and alluring Demon Empress.

But I didn't let myself get lost in her beauty.

After taking a moment to appreciate it, I nodded and turned out to face the balcony.

There was a crowd below watching and waiting on my word. The people that I saved, the citizens who believed in Lord Rudras and praised his name.

I took a deep breath, thinking about what to say. And then I decided to just keep it simple and clean.

"People of Arcadia. It has been a long struggle for us all. Time risking our lives to reclaim a sense of peace. Praying for miracles and accomplishing them against all odds..."

Cheers echoed from the crowd below. At the same time, they started to chant. "Lord Rudras! Lord Rudras!"

I smiled and then said, "Though I had no intention to rule..." I rested my right hand on my scepter and said, "You have made me your symbol of hope. Your miracle."

Another round of cheers echoed.

I pulled out my scepter and raised it to the sky. At the same time, I cheated a bit and made the clouds part, casting sunlight down on us.

Looking out at the crowd, I smiled and said, "From now until the end of time. Not just our home here, but all of the Magic Continent." I smiled and said, "Let us reclaim this land together and make it a utopia, just like our Arcadia. An Empire, instead of a small kingdom."

An explosive cheer. People chanting Emperor Rudras instead of Lord Rudras.

Behind me, and out of sight of the broadcast, Rika clicked her tongue and muttered, "Fanatics. I write a fancy speech and get no cheers while this idiot spouts off and gets hailed as their savior."

I resisted the urge to laugh or break my composure. Taking a deep breath, I nodded and said, "Today marks a momentous occasion." I looked out at the crowd and said, "Now, we unite the Magic Continent as one under the Arcadian Empire. And now..." I held out my hand to Rika.

Rika grabbed my hand and walked forward.

Hand-in-hand, I looked out at the crowd and said, "My Imperial Wife, Empress Rika shall be my side. Let us go forth together, forever!"

"UWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

I smiled.

Rika waved.

And after that, I snapped my fingers. "Let us feast!"

Magic formations flared down below, and no doubt across the entire Magic Continent, conjuring up a buffet for everyone to enjoy.

And with that, the formalities were over.

And with that, I bid a quick retreat inside, bracing myself for the biting words my family no doubt had for me...

-RNG-

"What the heck was that?!" Dad laughed and pointed a turkey drumstick at me from across the table. "Emperor? Let's reclaim this land together? You were so cheesy!"

Mom rolled her eyes and said, "Ignore your father, Rudy. I think it was great!"

Mama Lily nodded and said, "It was a wonderful speech, Rudy. Better than any Asuran Noble could hope to make."

Dad waved his drumstick around and said, "To be fair, that's not a high bar."

I let out a deep sigh.

While my Arcadian citizens were celebrating outside, I was having a simple feast inside the palace with my family.

Said family currently included my parents, Eri, Sylphy, my sisters, my angelic daughters Eos and Ena, my responsible son Roland, and Aunt Therese.

Oh, and of course my beloved Empress Rika, who was sitting on my left at our place at the head of the table.

I had asked Ruijerd to join us, but he insisted on supervising the patrolling White Knights to ensure everything was peaceful.

Sylphy stared at me for a while before looking at Rika. After that, she frowned and muttered, "I think it's still a bit sudden."

Eh?

Eri nodded. "Yeah." She frowned too and then stared at Rika. "Are you sure you're fine with just this small ceremony?"

Oh, thank the stars. I thought the conversation was gonna veer off into a different direction...

Rika sipped a glass of wine and said, "This much is fine." She waved her hand and said, "Our marriage is mostly political, so I won't be selfish and interfere with your relationships."

Eri shook her head. "Political or not, you're part of the family now." She frowned and then looked over at me. "Are you really going to let Rika's memories of your wedding end like this?"

I coughed and said, "W-Well, it's true that this didn't have much pomp and circumstance, but we both agreed on it. Right, Rika?"

Rika nodded. "I prefer small intimate gatherings regardless." She smiled and said, "This small dinner is more than enough."

"See?"

Dad crossed his arms and said, "I dunno, Kid. Seems more like a cop out to me."

Mom nodded. "Not that I don't trust you Rudy, but..." She looked at Rika and said, "Is this really fine?"

Rika smiled. "I insisted on keeping it small, Mother. Please, rest assured." She paused and then looked towards me. "In fact, Rudy wanted something much grander."

"...I still think that having Zenithia float in the sky for our wedding with a solar eclipse would have been best."

Heavily impractical, but definitely Demon Lord worthy. Also extremely memorable for everyone involved.

Eri blinked and then covered her face. "Why am I not surprised...?" She sighed and then looked at Rika. "Okay. Good call on that."

Rika smiled. "Thank you, Eri."

After that, a comfortable silence fell as everyone started grabbing food to eat from the buffet laid out in front of us.

And then Mama Lily spoke up. "Come to think of it." She looked at me and Rika before saying, "Just how did you and Miss Rika meet?"

"..."

Rika coughed.

Dad raised an eyebrow.

I cleared my throat. "W-Well..."

-RNG-

"I have to say, you were excellent at improvisation as always, Rudy." Rika chuckled as we walked back to the Imperial Bedroom.

I sighed and said, "Thank the heavens and my past self for making a perfect memory and having a very quick brain."

After a quick improvisation story and careful shaping of the truth to avoid the fact that I technically summoned Rika from across time and space to work as a servant and glorifying our work together raising up Arcadia from scratch, night finally arrived.

As a result, everyone departed for the evening, leaving just me and Rika behind.

And speaking of Rika...

"I have prepared everything for tonight." Walking in front of me, she glanced back and said, "The bed, the atmosphere... Tonight will be a night fit for an Emperor. I can assure you that."

I frowned and said, "You didn't have to put in all that effort, Rika."

"Yes. But I wanted to." She glanced back and smiled. "If it makes you feel better, consider it a selfish act."


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