I was taking a breather in one of the mansion’s rooms when Galf arrived. I assumed he had finished his discussion with his wife.
"I am truly sorry, Village Head. I’ve caused you nothing but trouble."
"It wasn't that much of a bother. Besides, the root of the issue lies with me for seeking out migrants in the first place."
"We had been discussing the matter for some time, but we simply couldn't reach an agreement."
Since the situation was already tense, my habit of dragging Galf along on various errands probably only served to complicate things further.
"It wasn't quite a 'complication,' but… at a later date, please allow me and my wife to offer a formal apology."
"An apology isn't necessary. If you truly feel the need, then just know that the summer harvest is approaching. I’m expecting great things from you then."
"Yes, sir!"
"Actually, may I ask one thing?"
"What is it?"
"Even if it’s one of your children, Galf, whether or not I entrust them with a position in the guards will depend entirely on their skill. I'll be judging them based on their actual ability."
"Of course. In fact, that is exactly how it should be."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. I… no, we are simply preparing ourselves so that when the time comes, we will be recognized as necessary."
I wasn't quite sure how to respond to that. "Er, should I say thank you?"
"That would be very like you, Village Head. But if possible, I would prefer it if you remembered Yoko-sama’s greeting from the Village Five martial arts tournament."
Yoko’s greeting? Ah, right. I remember now. In that case, let me say it properly.
"Exert yourself."
"Yes, sir!"
A short while after Galf left the room, Sena arrived.
"Village Head, I am deeply sorry for the trouble I caused this time."
Sena was apologizing because, as the representative of the village's beastmen, she had been the one to receive the consultation from Galf’s wife and attempt to handle it. Normally, this was a matter that should have stayed within the beastman community. However, even as their representative, Sena was in no position to navigate the delicate family politics of someone older and more established than herself.
And so, she had sought reinforcements from the outside. Specifically, Lu and Tia. That was why the situation had spiraled out of control. Had she consulted Gatto's wife, Naci, instead, things might have been settled more quietly. Then again, the power dynamic between a racial representative and her brother’s wife can be awkward. It probably wasn't an easy conversation to start.
"Sena?"
"Um? Is something the matter?"
"Ah, sorry. I was just lost in thought. More importantly, you don't need to apologize. The people you consulted were the ones who blew the problem out of proportion. They’re the ones who should be apologizing."
"?"
"I’m sorry for making you worry. Don't let it get to you."
Once Sena left, I waited. The next person to show up was Yoko. Despite it being the middle of the day, she had come all the way to the Village of the Great Tree. That settled it.
"I take it I’m right in assuming you were the mastermind behind this, Yoko?"
"Calling me a 'mastermind' is a bit much."
Yoko pulled up a chair and sat down across from me. She didn't look even slightly remorseful.
"I would say I was a guide, at most. Still… how did you figure it out?"
"Sena’s choice of confidante. To Sena, Lu and Tia aren't exactly easy people to approach with personal problems. No matter how you look at it, those two are constantly busy with their own research. She’d feel guilty bringing a problem she’s supposed to solve herself to them. That means she would naturally turn to Ramurias, who handles the beastmen’s needs. Ever since Gol and the others left for the Academy, Ramurias has been focusing on her work here at the mansion. She assists me, and she assists you. She wouldn't interrupt my work to talk about a private matter, which means she likely went to you. If Sena talks to Ramurias, there's a very high probability it reaches your ears."
"I see. Your reasoning is sound. But do not be so cross. Though… I suppose you aren't actually that angry, are you?"
"Well, it did give me a lot to think about."
"Then it was worth it."
"Maybe. But why did you involve Pirika? That doesn't seem like you."
"The Sword Saint was having a bit of an awkward time with Galf. I thought letting her run wild for a bit would help clear her head, and this happened to be a perfect opportunity."
"You involved her just for that? Isn't that a bit reckless?"
"Oh, please. Even if she had won the match, the Sword Saint wouldn't have actually demanded he take her as a wife."
"Really? From the way she talked when I called her in, it sounded like…"
"If someone truly desires marriage, they don't use roundabout nonsense like 'the loser must do one thing the winner says.' They would simply say, 'Make me your wife if I win.' Don't you agree?"
Now that she mentioned it, she was right.
"The Sword Saint has no intention of breaking up Galf’s family. It’s more likely that hearing about a friend’s marriage reignited a spark of affection she thought she’d given up on."
"I see. So that’s what it was. But even so, it felt like Galf was being backed into a corner where he couldn't refuse. That’s why I had Reginleiv jump in."
"I provided the stage and the weapons, yes. But I would never allow someone to tastelessy force a marriage that the other party didn't want."
"I wish you would have told me that. I ended up making a huge fuss, which only made the problem bigger."
Or perhaps she wanted it to be bigger? That was why Yoko didn't keep the matter to herself and involved Lu and Tia instead. Since Naci knew about it too, most of the women in the village were probably in on it.
"Indeed. I thought a bit of a commotion would help Galf’s wife cool her head."
"Was she really that worked up?"
"A domestic issue had spilled out into the public eye. She was clearly not thinking straight."
"I suppose so."
"Well, I’ve caused you some trouble, Village Head. To make up for it, I’ll take responsibility for looking after the Sword Saint on my end."
"Will she be okay?"
"I haven't spent all these centuries doing nothing. Leave it to me."
"Alright. I’m counting on you."
After Yoko left, I sat and thought for a while. I pondered why Yoko had gone to the trouble of involving Lu, Tia, and the other women of the village. It couldn't have just been to calm down Galf’s wife.
Her real goal was to make me think. To that end, she threw out a problem that would force everyone's underlying opinions to the surface.
No, that wasn't quite it. Making me think was the method, but there was a goal beyond that.
Successors, the inheritance of duties, the passing down of techniques.
She wanted me to realize that there are people who want to consider these things but feel they can't act on them.
In other words, it was a subtle protest that the pace of "producing heirs" had slowed down. Or perhaps it was a cheer of encouragement to keep at it.
It probably wasn't Lu or Tia who put Yoko up to this. It was likely Ann or Ria… no, maybe Granmaria.
Ever since I took Ruincia’s advice and started prioritizing my own hobbies a bit more, the frequency of our "nightly duties" had decreased. Meanwhile, pregnancies and births were still continuing among the Angels. They were probably worried about the balance of things.
I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to keep doing this at my own pace. In this world, it seems perfectly natural for a man of status to take many wives, but the bookshelf in my heart has already become a full-blown bookstore. I’d like to prevent it from turning into a library if I can help it.
Then again, even if I try to hold back, the more aggressive ones will just keep coming for me anyway.
Village Resident: "Aggressive? I wonder who you could possibly mean?" High Ogre Maid: (She’s definitely talking about Ramurias-sama.)