“Well, shrimpy, sorry about wanting to kill you earlier. But now that we're on the same team, let's get along, ok?” (Leona)
“Ok my ass! You think I would trust you so easily? And have you no shame, defiling Master in such a way! I won't allow it!” (Rusalka)
“You know, you're kinda cute now that I take a better look at you. But that aside, are you perhaps jealous? There's no need to be. We can always share him.”
“Share? What kind of pervert are you!?”
“What? In a lion pride it's only natural for the male to mate with all his females. Should be the same for goblins.”
“Don't lump me together with the average species. I’m a Weiss Goblin. And what you're saying is pure nonsense.”
“Aww, you look so cute when you pout like that. Let me give you my big sister hug!!”
“AAAAAA!! Stop that!! You're squeezing me too tight! Are you trying to kill me again!? I knew you couldn't be trusted!!”
While this comical scenario was being held between Leona and Rusalka, I was leaning on a rock still absent minded of what just happened. My first kiss… got stolen just like that. It wasn't unpleasant and Leona did have a nice fragrance… no, no, no! That's not the main issue. Why did she suddenly say I was her husband now?
I guess seeing my distress, Silkzesta walked up to me.
“Huh. I can pretty much guess the story now. Magnus, you challenged Leona to an Anshivita without actually fully knowing what an Anshivita is, right?”
“I’m ashamed to say it, but you’re correct. I can't… understand what's going on.”
“Just as I thought… well, although there is a long and historical meaning to it, I’m just going to give you the short version. It's a ritual duel, in which one's honor is put on the line. Usually used when clan leaders are decided or when personal beliefs or your own strength are doubted. That is assuming both participants are of the same sex. But in your case, when a male is challenging a female, that basically means you're declaring your intent to mate with her, besides attacking her pride. And since you won the duel… Leona has accepted you as her husband. Simple, right?”
“Can't we just sort this out and call it an accident?”
“You seriously wanna go ‘Hey, I asked you to marry me by accident, so let's just forget about that?’. That's literally what it's going to sound in her head. She did abandon her clan but their laws still stand. I mean… if you want her entire clan to come chasing you, sure, you can go that route.”
“Ok, ok. I get what you mean. No need to be sarcastic. But I can barely manage to take care of myself and Rusalka. What am I going to do with such a loose cannon following me around?”
“Oh, you shouldn't worry about that. Female beastfolk become very submissive towards their mate. In other words, she most likely will follow your word to the letter. And I seriously mean to the letter in Leona's case. Don't ask her to read between the lines, or else you’ll get the shock of your life.”
It seems that no matter what I can't talk my way out of this one. This was not my intention at all. I just wanted to save Rusalka’s neck, not get a wife. At this point a chill ran up my spine. Rose told me to lay low for a while. I think she is going to be more dangerous than an erupting volcano the moment she finds out. I need to do my best to diffuse the situation.
But for now…
“Can you two stop bickering, please?”
“Alright!!” (X2)
Unanimous response from both of them? That's a surprise.
“Leona-sama, I…”
“No. Drop the honorifics. You can call me honey or my dear.”
“I… think that's too just for me. So for the time being I will just stick to your name, but I will drop the honorifics. I will ask you to do the same. At least in front of other people.”
“You want to keep our love a secret? That's fine by me, darling!”
I don't even know what I should do at this point. It's clear I have many things I need to think about. But as sharp as my mind is, I can't process it here. So let's change the topics for the time being, maybe it will help clear my head.
“By the way, Leona, might I ask what your original business was? Why did you come to this city?”
“Ah. About that, I usually travel from place to place and join various guilds. Usually I don't stick too long with a guild. I assess their strength, check if it's a worthwhile place or not and when I get everything I can from it, I usually quit.
There is a rapidly growing guild around here, and some people spent a lot of money to convince me to check it out. Money means nothing to me, but I thought it can't hurt to see what the fuss is about. If I recall, the guild in question is called Crimson Raid.”
“!!?”
“Eeeep!!” (Rusalka)
“Whoa! Take it easy, Magnus!” (Silkzesta)
Without realizing I slammed my fist against the rock behind me, shattering it in the process. It wasn't something I did on purpose. My hand moved on its own the moment I heard that name. Julius… so that's your game? He wants to boost the fame of Crimson Raid further. Leona is well known for not hanging around too long in one guild. Yet the fact that she is joining them means there’s something of interest there. In other words, strong adventurers will line up to join a guild that caught Leona’s eyes.
“Sorry. It’s just that Crimson Raid… is a guild I currently despise.”
“If you got a personal beef with them… I can withdraw right away. After all, I don’t want to be tied to a place that doesn’t have hubby’s approval.” (Leona)
No. Just not showing up and declining is no good. I want them to suffer for the pain they caused me.
“Leona. Do you think you can do me a favor?”
“Huh!? Do you even need to ask? I’m yours to command.”
Well… in that case… I will take full responsibility for this incident. I will keep Leona at my side. And… I will have her play a little prank.
~A few hours later~
“Master, you look exhausted.” (Rusalka)
That’s mostly because I was exhausted. Leona is a simple person, so explaining the scenario I had in mind took a toll on me. Almost as big as our fight. Right now we were back in town. For the time being I thanked Silkzesta from the bottom of my heart for everything she did so far. She probably wanted to talk more, but decided to leave that for another time and let me catch my breath. And of course, I made sure we weren’t seen together. I also made sure that Leona didn’t come the same way as us.
“I’ll be fine after some rest.”
“Master… are you sure it’s safe to keep that woman around? I won’t judge your tastes but…”
Rusalka was fidgeting and blushing herself.
“Rusalka… are you perhaps jealous?”
“That is… no. I mean… I know I don’t have any experience with men, but I’m sure I can make master happier than that woman!!”
I didn’t know how to react to that. She’s contradicting herself. She says she isn’t jealous but… could she actually have feelings for me? Come to think of it, I haven't thought about this properly… but am I ready to open my heart towards feelings such as trust and love? Perhaps… after I struck down Crimson Raid… my heart will calm down. So for now…
*Trumpets ringing*
Just as I was about to give a reply, my words were stopped by the sound of trumpets. When I turn towards the direction of the trumpets…
“Rusalka, quickly… kneel and lower your head.”
“Eeeh!?”
“Just do it! And don’t raise it until I say so!”