It was the 2nd of the Month of Earth. On Sieg-san’s recommendation, I had come to the Royal Palace to speak with Orchid. I needed a male perspective on how to handle Isis-san’s confession and the jarring cultural differences between my home world and this one.
Despite his status as the First Prince and his undoubtedly packed schedule, Orchid had made time for me the very next day after I sent a Hummingbird. I couldn't thank him enough for his consideration.
"...I see. I understand what is troubling you, Miyama-kun."
We were in his private quarters—a room that wasn't cluttered with gaudy decorations but was instead a tasteful, elegant, and understated space. There, I gave Orchid the same explanation I had previously shared with Sieg-san.
Orchid listened attentively and acknowledged the nature of my dilemma, but his expression remained thoughtful and a bit strained.
"I wonder... To be honest, I do believe the cultural difference is quite significant."
"Yeah. Honestly, I'm at a loss..."
"As you may already know, Miyama-kun, I am married to three women. One is a human, one is from the Elf Race, and the other is a Half-elf."
I was aware that Orchid had three wives, but I hadn't known the specific details.
While their races were different, I couldn't help but wonder if there was ever any friction between them. When I voiced my concern, Orchid shook his head with a gentle smile.
"No, my wives all get along quite well. In fact, there are times when I'm the one who ends up feeling like the odd man out... Of course, they are individuals with their own hearts, so naturally, personalities may clash. But I don't believe any of them harbor the kind of jealousy you're describing."
"I suppose that's because... you love all of them equally, Orchid?"
"...It’s a bit embarrassing to hear it put that way, but yes, that is the case. On the surface, they are divided into the first wife and concubines, but I believe there is no point in ranking one's affection."
"...I see."
There was no point in ranking affection. That might truly be the crux of the matter, and perhaps the single greatest difference from the world I came from.
In this world, there was no requirement to choose a single "number one" among those you loved. It was a tolerant society where the concept of loving multiple people was accepted. Because of that, affection didn't need to be categorized into a hierarchy, allowing the wives to live without bitter conflict.
"...That said, I am still young and inexperienced. I might not be able to offer you the most definitive advice, Miyama-kun. Therefore, let us go and ask my father."
"Ask Ryze-san?"
"Yes. Father has ten wives and maintains a harmonious household with all of them. I believe he can provide you with much better insight than I can."
Ryze-san had ten wives? That was incredible... Though, considering he was a handsome King, I suppose his popularity shouldn't have surprised me.
Orchid rang a small bell on his desk to summon a butler, whom he then sent with a message for the King. The butler bowed and hurried out, returning in less than ten minutes.
Fortunately, it seemed Ryze-san was willing to see me immediately, even if it meant consulting between his official duties. Orchid and I made our way toward the King's office.
We walked through the sprawling, ornate corridors of the palace until we reached the office at the very back of the complex. After Orchid knocked and received permission, we entered to find Ryze-san buried behind a mountain of paperwork, his pen moving tirelessly as he occasionally pressed his royal seal.
"Pardon the intrusion. I'm sorry to bother you while you're so busy."
"Ah, welcome, Miyama-kun. I apologize for the lack of formal hospitality; my schedule is a bit relentless today. So? I heard you have something you wish to discuss?"
"Ah, yes. Actually..."
I felt a twinge of guilt seeing how busy he was, but he welcomed me with a warm smile. Since he was ready to listen, I repeated the same story I had told Orchid.
"...And so, that’s what has been weighing on my mind."
"...I see."
When I finished, Ryze-san stopped writing and looked up. He rested his chin on his hand, adopting a contemplative expression. Seeing this, Orchid took a step forward.
"What do you think, Father?"
"...Well, I don't quite understand why he's worrying about that at all."
"...Father?"
"Ah, no, forgive me. I don't mean that Miyama-kun's concerns are invalid. He comes from a world with an entirely different culture, so it's only natural to be troubled by the discrepancy. However, shouldn't you be focusing on something else right now?"
"...Eh?"
I tilted my head, confused by Ryze-san’s gentle but pointed question. Something else? What could be more important than the fundamental rules of relationships?
"Miyama-kun, the thing you should prioritize isn't the difference between your old world and this one. It's how you, personally, feel about her—and what kind of relationship you want to have with her moving forward."
The words hit me with the force of a hammer. Immediately, the face of Isis-san—who had promised to wait forever for my answer—flashed through my mind.
Ryze-san was right. My priority should have been my feelings for her.
Seeing me dazed, Ryze-san gave a wry smile and scratched his head.
"I’ve been there myself, so I know. The time spent waiting for an answer after a confession is agonizing; you hardly feel alive. I don't know who this woman is, and I won't pry, but she must be feeling terribly anxious in her heart."
"..."
"I can see how sincere you are. But you’re still young... I believe that sometimes, a man needs to take the lead and pull a woman forward. Besides, the fact that you've come all this way to consult about these cultural differences... doesn't that mean your feelings for her have already taken a definite shape?"
"...Yes."
Perhaps I had just been looking for an escape.
I had used the common sense of my old world as a convenient excuse—a shield to avoid facing the fact that Isis-san’s presence in my heart was growing larger every day. By framing it as a cultural dilemma, I was hoping someone would give me a push or validate the feelings I was afraid to admit.
"...I'm rooting for you, Miyama-kun."
"...Ryze-san."
"Since you're thinking about it this deeply, you've likely already decided how you want to handle this, haven't you? In that case, you should follow the path you believe is right. If she is dear to you, you can work together to bridge any gaps in your perspectives as you walk the same road."
"Yes!"
His words saw right through me. He gave me a gentle but firm push, and I felt a surge of gratitude for having sought his advice. Ryze-san maintained his kind expression as he spoke again.
"...Now then, please make Lilianne happy."
"Yes... Wait, what? Lilia-san?"
"...Oh? I-I was wrong? I was certain that..."
Seeing my bewildered expression, Ryze-san looked like he had been completely blindsided. Did he really think this entire conversation had been about Lilia-san?
"Umm, it isn't Lilia-san..."
"...I-I see..."
"And here I thought Father was actually being reliable for once," Orchid muttered. "It turns out you just thought this involved Lilia-neesama."
"W-Well, Lilianne is adorable! Any man living under the same roof as her would have to be crazy not to fall in love!"
"...Father."
While I wholeheartedly agreed that Lilia-san was wonderful, the "reliable adult" mask Ryze-san had been wearing had completely shattered.
"I see, I see! You’re just intimidated by her status as a Duchess, aren't you? Don't you worry, Miyama-kun! I am your ally!"
"N-No, that’s not it..."
"Wait, you don't mean to tell me... that you don't see Lilianne... my precious Lilianne... as a romantic prospect? That’s impossible, right?"
"H-Haha, well... I think Lilia-san is a very lovely person."
It was too late. His "Siscon Switch" had been flipped, and there was no turning it off.
"I knew it, I knew it! Lilianne seems to think quite highly of you as well. Perhaps the day I see her in a wedding dress is closer than I thought..."
"Father, please. You shouldn't be so impatient," Orchid sighed.
"Mmph, you're right. I shouldn't get ahead of myself. But honestly, could there be a girl more charming than Lilianne? Who could possibly have captured your heart instead? I know I said I wouldn't pry, but... may I ask who it is?"
"Eh? Ah, yes. It's Isis-san... the Death King-sama."
The room went silent for a fraction of a second.
""We are terribly sorry!""
Both Ryze-san and Orchid dropped into a perfect, simultaneous dogeza.
"Wait, why?! Orchid, you too?!"
The switch had been flipped again—this time to pure terror. Ryze-san began stammering an apology to the empty air.
"M-Miyama-kun, I retract my previous statement! I-I have always believed the Death King-sama is a magnificent woman! The very incarnation of beauty! She is a partner more than worthy of you!"
"...Umm..."
Even though Isis-san wasn't there, Ryze-san was making frantic excuses as if his life depended on it. He was trembling so violently I actually started to feel bad for him. He clearly lived in absolute fear of her. I didn't think he had said anything rude, and I certainly didn't plan on telling her anything that would get him in trouble.
Dear Mother, Father—
Thanks to Orchid and Ryze-san, I finally understand what I need to do. I have to stop hiding behind excuses. I need to decide, for myself, exactly what kind of relationship I want to have with Isis-san.