Chapter 176: Women's Gathering ①
Translated by AmaLynne
On a sunny afternoon.
Summer was approaching, and the sunlight had grown a bit stronger.
The plants in the garden had gained a deeper shade of green, and the flowers were blooming vigorously.
On the terrace of the Count Walker mansion, four of Sam’s fiancées had gathered for a tea party.
The second daughter of the Count Walker family, Liselotte Walker, was expecting Sam’s child.
She used to often wear cheerful pantsuits, but now she was clad in a slightly loose white dress.
Lise, who usually tied her blonde long hair in a way that allowed easy movement, had let her hair down freely.
While she used to exude a dignified aura, she had become softer since being with Sam, as those around her claimed. Furthermore, upon learning about her pregnancy, she began to emanate a maternal vibe.
The granddaughter of the first seat Court Wizard, Murasaki Magnolia, Murasaki Hualian.
Wearing a white ethnic outfit with floral embroidery reminiscent of her usual Chinese dresses, she had voluminous peach-colored hair tied up.
Hualian wasn’t good at displaying her emotions outwardly, and her speech was usually composed. However, her inner world was surprisingly emotional, particularly when it came to battles, her eyes would shine childishly.
Drawn to Sam’s strength and kindness, she confessed her feelings and become one of his fiancées.
Amemiya Mizuki, daughter of the former Sword Saint Amemiya Kurando.
Wearing traditional Japanese attire with laced boots, she was a woman with black hair inherited from her homeland.
Her long hair was braided into three strands, giving her a composed air that reminded one of Japan in Sam’s previous life.
Beside her, a sword was propped up, signifying her role in protecting the women present there.
Having been trained in swordsmanship by her Sword Saint father since childhood, her sword skills were among the best in the country.
Due to her father’s duel with Sam, she had become Sam’s fiancée as a hostage. However, because Mizuki herself liked Sam, it wasn’t as serious as it might seem.
The Count Walker family also treated her as one of Sam’s fiancées.
Lastly, the First Princess of the Sky Kingdom, Stella Isle Sky.
A girl with immaculate white hair cascading down like silk, possessing a refined appearance.
Being the youngest at sixteen among the fiancées, she still exhibited a hint of youthfulness.
Her fair skin, as pale as her hair, and delicate limbs evoked protective instincts.
Unlike many in the Sky Kingdom royal family who had bluish hair, Stella was rumored to be illegitimate simply because she lacked that feature.
While her parents didn’t mind, Stella herself became concerned and immersed herself in studies, secluding herself from others.
However, her encounter with Sam prompted her to venture into a wider world, and she began leaving her room.
Lately, she had been cherishing time with her parents, engaging in activities like horseback riding to keep active.
Thanks to this, she was said to have become brighter.
This was the first time these four fiancées had gathered together.
“Seeing all of Sam’s fiancées gathered like this, I could never have imagined it back when I first met him.”
Lise reflected, reminiscing about when she first met Sam.
Looking back, she had encountered a young boy who had lost his sister and was filled with sorrow, fearing he might follow her in death.
Thus began their interaction when her sister asked her to teach him martial arts to prevent that from happening. She gradually found herself drawn to his earnestness.
“I feel the same way. I never thought I’d become Sam-sama’s fiancée and share tea with everyone like this, back when I used to shut myself in my room.”
Stella happily smiled.
If she hadn’t met Sam, she would probably still be holed up in her room.
“I never thought about becoming someone’s fiancée either.”
“Me neither. I haven’t thought much about these things.”
Feeling discontent about being seen only as the granddaughter of the Court Wizard, she sought strength in a potential spouse.
No one met her criteria, and no one had tried to get close to the reserved Hualian. Only Sam laughed and interacted kindly with her, even showing his strength.
Mizuki was also a girl who lived by the sword, but she was troubled by her father’s refusal to make her his successor.
After various twists and turns, she came to know the reasons behind this when Sam fought against her father.
It was thanks to Sam that she learned her father had cared deeply for their family.
“That’s right. I did mention it in a letter, but I haven’t told you directly. Congratulations on carrying Sam-sama’s child. I must admit, I’m a bit envious, Lise.”
“Thank you, Stella-sama. But Stella-sama, well, I think all three of us are just a matter of time.”
“Well…”
Lise’s words elicited surprised and hopeful expressions from the three.
Though they had become Sam’s fiancées, their relationships with him were still pure.
They hadn’t progressed like Lise had.
Yet, as fiancées, it was only natural that they would eventually consider a future with Sam.
“Sam is a bit of a lonely person, so please be gentle with him.”
“Um, but is it okay?”
Mizuki asked Lise.
Knowing that Lise was the most important to Sam, there was a slight hesitation on the part of the other three.
“Please don’t worry about me. Since we’re all going to be his wives, we should all be loved equally. I want all of us to be happy together.”
Though Lise might be the most cherished among them, she understood that she wasn’t truly the number one in his heart.
His deceased sister was his most beloved person.
She never held any ill feelings about that.
Because Sam cherished her sister’s memory, Lise could also love him.
“I have no intention of monopolizing Sam. I would be happy if from now on, you all spent time with him too.”
Upon hearing Lise’s words, the three showed expressions of relief mixed with a hint of embarrassment.
Being acknowledged as Sam’s fiancées by Lise was heartening, but progressing their relationship with him was also a courage-demanding endeavor.
“It’s a bit embarrassing, being with Sam…”
“Yeah, it might be a little awkward.”
“Yeah, I agree. I think I’d like to start with going on a date.”
“That sounds good. Take things at your own pace with Sam.”
“But, Lise.”
“What is it, Stella-sama?”
“For the sake of our future reference, could you tell us about your sweet moments with Sam?”
“―Huh?”
Responding to Stella’s request, Lise froze.
“I’m curious too. We sometimes hear you two being lovey-dovey, but I’d like to know properly.”
“I’d appreciate it if you could tell us, for the sake of what lies ahead.”
“…Keep it a secret from Sam, okay?”
With shining eyes full of curiosity and excitement, Stella and the others made their request, causing Lise to smile wryly and nod.
Then, a chorus of excited cheers erupted, followed by a sip of tea to moisten her throat. Lise began to talk about Sam to her fellow fiancées, brimming with anticipation.
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