Emilia was momentarily at a loss for words.

She instinctively gasped. The young man before her—Regulus—smiled and lightly raised his hand at her reaction.

“Ah, sorry for startling you all of a sudden. I might have surprised you a bit. I sincerely apologize for that. Like I’ve said many times, I’m a person who can apologize. There are many individuals in the world who can’t even admit their faults and just pile up ugly excuses, and being unable to acknowledge mistakes shows just how small-minded they are, doesn’t it? I think it ends up like that because they mistake themselves for being right about everything since the moment they were born. How arrogant can one be? If they took a solid look at their own feet and realized how small they are compared to such a vast world, they wouldn’t end up in that situation. Just one apology can reveal their character, don’t you think?”

“Well, apologizing is important, right?”

“Exactly! That’s right, apologizing is important. I’m glad to see we understand this obvious point. It’s surprising how often I encounter others who can’t grasp even such a basic concept. It’s quite frustrating. Now, it seems we can align our understanding regarding apologies in a marriage. I feel we can get along well moving forward. So, about the apology… I was a bit hasty, but…”

As he said this, Regulus’s gaze roamed over Emilia from head to toe. Wrapped in a towel, Emilia felt slightly stiffen under his gaze.

“Yes, even between a married couple, a little shyness is important. In that regard, I think you’re quite good. Now, regarding what I asked earlier, please don’t misunderstand. I didn’t intend to check if you are a virgin from some vulgar perspective. Like I said many times, I’m the husband and you are the wife. Marriage should be bound by strong love and consideration for one another. Since love will tie us together for a long, long time, it’s only natural to dedicate everything to one another. Therefore, I need to be assured that you haven’t been touched by other men…”

“Assured that I haven’t been touched by anyone else…?”

“Of course, determining whether you have a hymen as solid proof is nonsense. But I believe it holds significant value as one type of touchstone. That’s why I bravely chose to ask, knowing it might make you uncomfortable. Understand that this is because I love you. I don’t care about the virginity of someone I don’t love. I confirm it because I love you.”

Fluently, Regulus continued to explain his reasoning. As Emilia was tossed around in the wave of his words, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease from the tone he spoke with.

That nagging feeling of déjà vu with him pressed down heavily on her chest, while the content flowing from him slipped right through her memory. Still, one thing was clear.

The word he held important, “virgin.” That was—

“So, I want to ask again. —Hey, are you a virgin? What do you say?”

“Um, what’s a ‘shoujo’? I’m sorry, I’ve never heard of it.”

“…What?”

In response to the question unleashed with great anticipation, Emilia answered with a look of regret.

She understood that Regulus had a strong fixation on it, but she didn’t quite understand what it was. Perhaps it referred to girls, she thought.

Regulus’s expression darkened as he asked back with a low voice in response to Emilia’s words.

He averted his gaze and fell silent, deep in thought. As unease washed over her, the silence surprisingly didn’t last long.

Regulus suddenly opened his eyes wide, extending a hand towards Emilia.

“Wonderful. —You are my ideal maiden.”

“Um?”

As he grasped Emilia’s hand, a bright smile bloomed on his face.

It was a truly joyful expression, different from the previous smiles. It was the shine of a child receiving a long-desired toy from their parent.

Regulus shook Emilia’s hand up and down, nodding repeatedly.

“Yes, that’s right. It has to be that way. I had a vague feeling that the condition of physical virginity wouldn’t be a proper touchstone. However, genuine purity resides in the heart. Having a virgin body is of course expected! What truly matters is that the heart remains pure as well. I feel as if I’ve reached the truth. Isn’t it wonderful? You will bring something new to a me who should have been content.”

“———”

“Alright, I understand. Rest assured, I will welcome you as my wife. Thanks to you, I have also realized something important. In the future, when I welcome a new wife, I shouldn’t just ask if she’s a virgin. If she doesn’t even know the meaning of ‘virgin,’ that will only diminish her worth as my wife. If her heart is in adultery, it won’t do. She won’t be suitable as my wife.”

Letting go of Emilia’s hand, Regulus began to step happily.

His words and their meanings eluded Emilia. The intent behind declaring one another as husband and wife remained unclear to her. In Emilia’s understanding, a marriage should consist of one father and one mother, yet Regulus’s words hinted at the existence of multiple wives.

In that sense, it diverged vastly from Emilia’s common understanding of marriage. Was he perhaps talking about something else with the same phonetic sound?

“Oops, I can’t let you stay like this forever. I’ll have someone prepare some clothes for you right away. —Number 184! Come here!”

“———”

While Emilia was in confusion, Regulus abruptly threw out the number. From the hallway came the figure of the woman who had left the room earlier.

The long-haired blonde woman gracefully stood by Regulus’s side and bowed her head respectfully. As she performed that gesture, Regulus inclined his chin and said,

“Have her… Number 79 get changed. Once she’s ready, we will proceed with the wedding. She will be on equal standing with you all. Please befriend her and take good care of her.”

“———”

“Well, you’ve stopped smiling. —Good girl. A good wife indeed.”

To the woman who only inclined her head in silence, Regulus murmured with satisfaction.

Then he walked over to Emilia, gently running his fingers through her silver hair.

“Until later.”

“Uh…”

Emilia instinctively felt that it wasn’t right to oppose him.

Nodding in response to her brief answer, Regulus turned and disappeared into the hallway with audible footsteps.

Once his figure vanished, Emilia noticed her body was released from tension. She had unconsciously been wary of Regulus to such an extent.

Regulus, who had seemed relaxed just there, still emitted an unusual sense of pressure that made Emilia feel threatened, much like facing the Great Rabbit.

“Over here.”

The woman beside her suddenly called out to Emilia, whose gaze had lingered on Regulus’s vanishing back. The voice of the woman she heard for the first time was a clear and beautiful one reminiscent of a string instrument. But that voice, like her expression, was tense, frozen with emotions.

“Um, I’m sorry. I have many questions that I want to ask, but—”

“Change your clothes.”

“I want to change, but also to talk… Do you know where this is? I was with a Witch Cult member at the Great Plaza of Pristella…”

Ignoring Emilia’s attempt to ask questions, the woman promptly began to walk away. In panic, Emilia hurried to catch up, throwing questions at her, trying desperately to grasp the situation, but the woman’s straightened back rebuffed them all without a word.

Following the leading woman into a neighboring room, the space was filled with hastily crammed furniture, a bizarre concoction.

“Wasn’t this room originally different…?”

“The costume closet and other furniture were brought in by the master. Number 79, change your clothes.”

“That Number 79, is it referring to me? I think Regulus just called me that too. You are…?”

“Number 184. Just like you, I am one of his wives.”

“Just like me…?”

After closing the door, the woman—who identified herself as Number 184—began to engage in conversation.

While her voice remained emotionless, it felt as if dialogue might finally be possible.

“I’ve heard the word wife many times, but does it mean wife in the context of a husband? If that’s the case, I never intended to be Regulus’s wife…”

“Even if you don’t intend to, he does. Your intent doesn’t matter; it reflects that he intends to make you his wife.”

“But that doesn’t make sense! To be a wife, you have to marry the husband! I’m not married to Regulus, nor do I intend to be! Marriage requires the man and the woman to mutually love each other and wish to stay together forever. I can’t make such a promise with anyone yet!”

“Well, the wedding will be held soon. That will be that.”

Number 184 wasn’t listening to Emilia’s words at all. Confused by the established dialogue, Emilia grew even more perplexed.

In the meantime, Number 184 approached Emilia and tried to remove the towel draped around her.

“Hey! Wait, what are you doing?!”

“You’re changing into your bridal attire right away. Thankfully, we’ve already prepared the clothes. We confirmed your size when we undressed you to lay you down, so rest assured.”

“Wait, were you the one who stripped me naked?”

“Did you think it was the master? Don’t worry. He doesn’t have a hobby of indecently peering at women’s skin, and anyway, he isn’t interested in women. Even if he checks your virginity, he won’t do anything inappropriate.”

“Are you going to talk about that whole virginity thing too?”

“…I’m surprised. I didn’t think you genuinely didn’t know, and that it wasn’t an act.”

For the first time, a flicker of emotion appeared on Number 184’s expression. Emilia’s eyes widened at the faint surprise, then she smiled faintly.

“Oh, so you can be surprised too. Then just talk to me while smiling. That would suit you much better.”

“…The master does not wish this. I wmust also advise you, the master likes the face you present normally. It would be wise not to show extreme facial expressions like smiling or crying. It would be best if you could avoid speaking as well.”

“Not to speak? Why not?”

“I can’t be certain about what might offend the master’s rights.”

As Number 184 peeled the towel from Emilia, she offered her undergarments. Wearing them, Emilia found they fit perfectly.

In her underwear, Emilia moved her arms and legs, and Number 184 let out a long sigh.

“Did something happen?”

“…No, I just thought you were beautiful. Your slender limbs, white skin, and that long silver hair.”

“—? Thanks. I appreciate the compliment, even if you’re probably not sincere. The only ones who tell me that are Subaru and Annerose.”

“Subaru… a man, then?”

“Yes, my knight. He’s probably really worried about me. So I want to find out where he is as soon as possible, but…”

Surely, she must be causing him great worry.

Emilia had no doubt that Subaru was being watched over by Beatrice, and she can’t imagine a scenario where he was in such grave danger. Subaru was a person capable of dealing with anything.

That was precisely why she felt so helpless being captured and unable to tell him anything.

“Whatever you do, don’t say anything about that Subaru to the master.”

“Uh, why not?”

“If I borrow the master’s words, it’s because it might lead to doubts about your heart’s purity.”

“Is this about virginity again?”

Even though she was left in the dark about it, she found it difficult to be confronted with that reasoning.

As Emilia pouted her lips, Number 184 did not provide any further explanation; instead, she retrieved a white dress from the closet, sizing it up against Emilia’s body.

It was a beautiful dress adorned with numerous flashy decorations.

“But it seems difficult to move in.”

“It’s wiser not to voice any dissatisfaction. You are changing.”

As Emilia tilted her head, pondering whether such a beautiful attire would suit her, she let Number 184 guide her to put it on.

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※ ※ ※

“—Ah, that looks good on you. Just as I thought, white looks great on you.”

“…Thank you.”

Looking at Emilia after she had changed, Regulus said brightly.

His appearance had changed since the last time they met. Noticing that, Regulus lightly opened the collar of his outfit.

“This is an important wedding ceremony. While staying true to my unpretentious self might seem like a suitable option, I can’t let any trivialities bring shame upon you. An ideal marriage is one where each partner is considerate of the other without it becoming a burden. I don’t want you to think I’m putting pressure on you by showing concern like this, but know that I’m a man willing to embrace some change for your sake. The venue will be ready soon.”

“The venue… is this place right?”

Regulus, dressed in a white tuxedo, turned his head around as he spoke, prompting Emilia to look around the space she was in.

It was a chapel—a place of sacred rituals, including weddings.

Emilia, who had been dressed by Number 184, finally realized that she had been in one of the Control Towers. Afterward, she was led by Number 184 directly to this chapel.

In the chapel, shadows of people moving around busily adorned the interior, quietly preparing for the wedding. And among those silently working were beautiful women dressed elegantly.

“Those girls are my wives, standing on equal ground with you. I have a total of 291 wives… Sadly, many have passed away. Still, I intend to equally shower love on those who remain beside me. That’s only natural. Treating one with favoritism while neglecting another is a terribly skewed form of love. I would never commit such a breach of conduct. I share my love accordingly, where there is neither bias nor inequality. So you can rest easy. I will love you equally.”

“What you’re saying seems…”

“—Master, may I have a word?”

Just as Emilia was about to continue with her thoughts,

Number 184, who had been standing in line, stepped forward and addressed Regulus. The moment her words reached him, Regulus slightly twitched his eyebrows.

“You can see I’m having a conversation with her, right? Interrupting while I’m nurturing the budding love between us is just a way of spreading poison into our relationship, don’t you think? Maybe I’m wrong. In a marriage, even the smallest consideration is important. Didn’t I tell you that before? Yet, to interrupt is to disregard my little wish. What do you think, Number 184?”

“I apologize. Yet this matter is important. I know it’s presumptuous of me, but I’m also worried for you. Please, let me speak.”

With his skepticism rising, Regulus’s voice became hurried, brimming with a tense vibe. But even under the sharp atmosphere, Number 184 remained resolute in her stance.

Naturally, Regulus’s own prickly vibes retracted as well.

“…Fine. Go ahead. Showing lenience to a wife is the duty of a husband. I’m not so uptight that I can’t handle that much.”

“Thank you. Regarding the matter of the broadcast from a little while ago… is everything alright? If something interrupts during the ceremony…”

“Broadcast? Ah, you mean that shaky, unclear voice. I think it’s fine, right? Nothing will happen even if we ignore it. Someone who was whining despite not understanding their own abilities was spouting nonsense like cabbages and Sirius; honestly, I don’t care what happens to those scoundrels. Or do you doubt my strength? That would mean you’re questioning your husband’s abilities.”

“No, I trust you. As long as you’re here, we have nothing to worry about. I just wanted your words to alleviate my anxiety. Please forgive me, a bumbling wife who can’t even be sincere in asking.”

Regulus’s pressing of her feelings was deftly avoided by Number 184 with a well-prepared response. Her quiet words displayed the facade of a weak woman, while Regulus blinked in surprise with a look of admiration, shaking his head.

“I see. So that’s how it is; I’m sorry for not realizing it. I should have noticed that you were anxious, even if you hadn’t openly asked. I need to be mindful of my partner’s worries; I was being selfish.”

“I’m sorry for that too. Your words filled me with courage. I will immediately return to set up the venue.”

“Ah, I’d like that.”

After a bow, Number 184 turned her back to Regulus. At the same time, she exchanged glances with Emilia that likely served as a warning about her previous disruption.

Number 184 wanted to imply to Emilia that she should not take Regulus lightly. Understanding that, Emilia was not at all hesitant in her upcoming decision.

“—This is dangerous!”

“Eh?”

As Number 184 attempted to pass by, Emilia forcefully pulled her arm, hugging her light frame close. Taking a large step back, Emilia positioned herself at a safe distance.

In front of the two, a powerful wind blew where Number 184 had just stood, tearing apart the floor of the chapel and creating a gaping hole. The wind’s momentum continued, crashing into the large doors, shattering them to pieces that flew outside.

“———”

With that overwhelming destructive force, Emilia remained speechless, still holding onto Number 184. Number 184 seemed to sense the destruction crashing behind her, becoming stiff and small.

Before the two, a silhouette stood at the destruction’s focal point, raising a right fist.

“Sorry, sorry! I got a bit carried away. ——I’m glad you both are unharmed.”

“———”

“I’ll be in the waiting room until it’s time, so please call for me when you’re ready. You should probably have your hair done up in the waiting room first. That way, it will be much more appealing. I think you look beautiful as you are, but not putting in the effort to look even more lovely would be a shame. Rather, continuing to be beautiful and striving to be even prettier is a basic courtesy towards someone who appreciates you. Of course, I’m content with the current state, but I have no intention of putting limits on what you can receive. If the way you convey your affection leads to a more fulfilling outcome, I won’t stop you.”

Seemingly unaffected by the recent destruction, Regulus spoke lightly to Emilia, smiling brightly before disappearing through a door.

Emilia stood there aghast, breathing deeply as she observed the remnants of destruction.

“What just happened…?”

“…Thank you for saving me.”

Stepping out from Emilia’s arms, Number 184 said this. Though she had stiffened moments ago, she quickly adjusted her disheveled hair, leaving Emilia’s side. She moved purposefully toward the women setting things up in the chapel.

The women continued to work without paying any attention to the destruction, even gathering at the now shattered floor and door to minimize its visibility as they busied themselves.

“Wait! Isn’t this all strange?! You don’t think this is odd?!”

“———”

As Emilia raised her voice, clearly confused by the normalcy of their reactions, the women paid her no mind and simply continued setting up.

In her frustration, Emilia headed straight for Number 184, the only one she felt could communicate with her.

“Just now, your life was in serious danger! If I hadn’t pulled you away, you would have been torn to pieces! You must have been terrified! And yet—”

“And yet what? I thanked you for helping me. What more do you want from me? Isn’t that a violation of rights?”

“I’m not talking about rights or obligations! I’m talking about something far more important!”

Emilia pointed out the women continuing their tasks within the chapel.

Regulus had mentioned his wives. Were all of them his wives? Did they obey him simply because they were wives? Were they consenting to the threat of death simply because they were wives? That was all bizarre.

“Such forms of marriage do exist. You’ll become accustomed to it if you find yourself in the same circumstance. …If you don’t, then that’s just how it is.”

“That’s absurd! Marriage should be happy, happy, and a celebration of the joy of two happy people! I can’t see you or anyone else looking happy at all! Am I wrong?”

“Yes, you are wrong. One can marry even without happiness. A couple doesn’t have to be in love to be married. If you spend enough time together, you’ll become a married couple. You will adjust to being a couple.”

Number 184 didn’t shy away from admitting her unwillingness to be in her position. He wasn’t denying it but was affirming her current situation instead. That reality felt warped and wrong.

Marriage and being a couple should be something desired, not accepted.

“I won’t be participating in this wedding. I’m going to leave here.”

“———”

At Emilia’s declaration, the women who had previously ignored her looked up. They, still dressed in their gowns, focused on Emilia, who was declaring her intention to boycott the wedding.

Even in the storm of their emotionless gazes, Emilia stood tall.

“There are those who are worried for me. There’s plenty I need to sort out. So I can’t stay stuck in a place like this. I need to reunite with everyone and take care of what I need to do.”

“The master won’t allow that.”

“I don’t intend to be Regulus’s wife. Therefore, I don’t want his permission. I’ll reunite with everyone, and I’ll definitely come back to help you all.”

“You all don’t want to be with Regulus, do you?”

“Then if I leave, it would bring about terrible events for you. You all have no intention of staying with him, do you? So for your sake, I’ll persuade Regulus to let you go. Those who still want to stay with him can continue as his wives. But those who wish to separate will be granted their wish. There’s no meaning in forcing a marriage if we cannot find happiness together.”

For Emilia, who envisioned love in marriage, it was always meant to be between those who loved one another.

What appeared in her mind was the image of Fortuna and Juice from an old dream. They hadn’t married or become a couple, but Emilia still thought it was fine.

Of those two, Emilia wished for them to be married. A happy marriage and a loving relationship could only exist in such bonds.

That was why—

“I know people who were unable to marry despite being in love. So I refuse to be part of a relationship where one cannot find happiness even though they are married.”

“…………”

With Emilia’s declaration, a stir of turmoil spread among the emotionless women. However, Number 184 quickly broke free of the uncertainty.

She stared straight at Emilia, then glanced at the shattered entrance.

“If you intend to leave, it is your freedom. However, in that case, the master will not permit us. We will certainly be executed.”

“Even as his wife…?”

“A wife who cannot fulfill her husband’s wishes is equivalent to a failure to perform the role of a wife within the master’s worldview. If you leave, we will die. If you choose to leave, you’ll be the one to kill us.”

“———”

Number 184 threatened Emilia, using her life as leverage.

Her extreme statements pointed to a shared consensus among the women present, who surrounded Emilia to restrict her movements.

Of course, none among them had the capability to fight back against Emilia. They were simply ordinary women. Raised in ordinary families, they had cultivated a normal moral compass and lived their lives dreaming of ordinary happiness.

Yet, somewhere along the line, something had gone awry, landing them as wives to Regulus.

“———”

The determination of those women left Emilia unable to respond. She had witnessed the brutalities of Regulus firsthand.

If he were someone who so easily took a life for just a little rebellion, she couldn’t deny the risk he posed to their lives should he learn of her escape.

“How many of Regulus’s wives are there here?”

“He currently has a total of 291 partners. Out of that, 238 have already passed away, leaving a remaining total of 53 in this place.”

“And those wives who passed away…?”

“Need I explain?”

Her hoarse reply seemed to mock Emilia’s question.

Yet, with that answer, Emilia understood without needing to be told. It served as a roundabout response connected to what would happen to these women should she escape.

“If I leave, that means you all would…”

It wasn’t just suffering; it would likely lead to inevitable death.

Unquestionably, they were a hostage contingent upon Emilia’s free will. Considering the damage that would occur due to her escape, it was unwise to act carelessly.

Emilia thought of Subaru, who must have been worrying for her outside in Pristella.

Thinking of that, Emilia silently apologized to him.

Then—

“Alright then. Let’s go ahead with the wedding.”

※※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※　※ ※ ※

The preparations for the wedding proceeded rapidly afterward.

Even the repairs from the destruction were mended remarkably well, despite the amateurish workmanship, making the traces inconspicuous. Just by observing their adeptness, one could infer that they had repeatedly managed the fallout of Regulus’s tantrums over the years.

Deciding to go through with the wedding, Emilia was styled by Number 184 and the other wives of Regulus, who adorned her aside from her dress with lovely accessories.

Having her hair properly done like this was a first, aside from when she had relied on Annerose since Pack had become occupied with his own matters.

Gathering her long silver hair, they braided and arranged it neatly.

To avoid overshadowing the elegance of her white dress, they pleasantly affixed decorations without being too excessive, completing Emilia’s bridal ensemble.

“———”

As she gazed at her reflection in the mirror, she couldn’t help but marvel at the skillful work of the women.

Indeed, there was a vast difference from her usual self. Recently, she hadn’t had anyone to styling her hair, so when Subaru wasn’t there, she would simply tie it up. They had let her natural femininity shine through to create a look that was striking.

All of those things felt a bit excessive for her.

“Well then, let’s go. Above all, make sure not to upset the master’s mood.”

Number 184 reiterated her warnings to Emilia as they left the waiting room.

Upon entering the chapel, there were guests eagerly awaiting Emilia’s arrival—all women, standing as Regulus’s wives, with Regulus himself standing at the altar in his white attire.

Although uncertain of the procedures, Emilia walked from the entrance along the red carpet laid on her way to the waiting Regulus at the altar.

Regulus nodded in satisfied approval as he awaited the dressed-up Emilia.

“Even without the dress, you look dazzling, but once dressed up, it’s a whole different level. It was truly the right choice to leave the 79th seat unoccupied. I’m impressed by my own judgment.”

“79th… why was that number left empty?”

“Hmm? You see, there was a woman I thought would be fitting for that seat earlier, but regrettably, I deemed her unsuitable before I was able to welcome her. However, her appearance—the most crucial factor—was close to my ideal. So I felt somewhat nostalgic, which is why that one seat has remained open. If I could find you as a result of that mistake, I’d say it was valuable in a way.”

“A previous empty seat…”

Something about that phrase piqued Emilia’s growing sense of discomfort.

While that discomfort began to take shape, Regulus adjusted his attire in front of Emilia in her bridal outfit.

“Well then, let’s proceed with the wedding rites. It’ll probably be rather informal, but you have no issues with that, right? The important thing is that the ceremony proceeds properly. What’s outside of that is merely fluff. Fixating too much on the outer aspects while neglecting the essence could be a bit of a cliché, but I’m not stupid enough to step into that pitfall. Isn’t it ridiculous to lack foresight of what’s truly important? Focusing only on surface appearances while only sampling the shiny top layer? If you’re blissfully unaware of the ridicule cast upon you from behind, then perhaps within your own bubble, you find happiness.”

“———”

As Regulus spoke rapidly, Number 184 moved behind the altar. It seemed that she would be taking on a role of officiating these wedding rites.

In fact, within the 53 wives present, she had assumed a leadership role. Yet Regulus, given his impulsiveness, seemed oblivious to the delicate dynamics among his wives.

In that regard, he truly was an unthinkable individual.

“Hey, Regulus. Before the marriage, I have a few things I want to discuss.”

Thus, with the opportunity to confront him, Emilia boldly declared her intentions to Regulus.

An agreement—though she hadn’t reached any satisfying agreement, it was enough for Emilia to speak out, causing Number 184’s face to tighten.

However, much to her surprise, Regulus responded positively.

“Ah, right. Actually, I also wanted to talk to you about many important matters before you become my wife. I could relay everything after we’re married, but it’s important to have a foundational mindset beforehand. It would be a tragedy for us to realize things were different after we’re married. To avoid any misfortune that could arise, I believe we should mutually clarify our thoughts. Even between husbands and wives, we are still individuals, so it’s crucial.”

“Yes, it’s important because we’re both individuals.”

“Right? I’m glad we’re on the same page. Now, there are several promises I’ve made to the other wives that I should confirm with you. First, after marrying me, I’ll prohibit you from smiling.”

“…?”

Furrowing her brow, Emilia expressed her lack of understanding toward Regulus’s proposal. Then Regulus raised a finger, continuing with, “Here’s why.”

“It’s an important matter. You see, I really like your face. I absolutely love it. I’ve decided that I’ll choose my wives purely based on their faces. Beautiful, lovely, well-defined, and enchanting faces—those are the qualities I look for. All 291 of my wives had beautiful faces. You have a cute face too. That’s why I’ve chosen you to be my wife. Do you understand?”

“———”

“I think this world is full of people who are more selfish than expected. You often hear about how lovers or spouses distance themselves after getting together. Even if they were supposed to love each other, they find all sorts of things that don’t click—different tastes in cooking, divergent lifestyles, hobbies that clashed, and misaligned schedules. With those selfish reasons, they grow disillusioned with someone who should’ve been adored. I absolutely detest those kinds of hopeless people.”

With a smile, Regulus spoke passionately about love.

Innocently and openly expressing outrage towards those who took love lightly.

“Why do they get disillusioned? Why should they falter just because they diverge slightly in feelings from someone they love? Can such nonsense be allowed to exist? How ridiculous! So, I choose to love someone based purely on their face. If I love someone for their face, I won’t get disillusioned no matter what they become. As long as it’s their face that I love, I shan’t cease my affection.”

“———”

“I won’t reject anyone even if they have a habit of leaving discarded clothes everywhere. I won’t resent anyone even if they’re a murderer who’s killed countless innocent people. I won’t mind if they’re horrendously terrible at cooking. It doesn’t bother me if they’ve sold their family for debts. No matter how they are, as long as they maintain their face, I won’t turn away from them. Even if they look scruffy and smell terrible because they haven’t bathed. Even if they fully intend on bringing about the world’s destruction—I’ll never hate them.”

One after another, Regulus pointed his fingers at the women present, proclaiming this fervently.

It was unclear how many of those criteria applied to the women gathered around him. Still, he declared that he would love them based on their appearances without any discrimination.

“There’s no such thing as loving someone in the past tense. I love your face. So even if you were to become a witch who presided over pain and suffering, I wouldn’t get disillusioned. I simply love you, as long as you remain true to that face.”

“…And what does that have to do with not being able to smile?”

“It’s quite simple. There are girls who look adorable and lovely in their regular demeanor, but when they smile, they turn downright ugly. I can’t allow that. So while I said no smiling, that also includes pouting and crying. In other words, I don’t want that cute face of yours to risk becoming ugly. So don’t smile, don’t cry, don’t frown. Just keep that adorable face of yours.”

Gripping Emilia’s chin, Regulus insisted in a low voice.

What might happen if she defied him? The answer had already been proven in previous instances.

What she couldn’t comprehend was Regulus’s rationale for now threatening the girls—his wives—while espousing such grand proclamations of love.

“You claimed not to be disillusioned by appearances, yet how do you explain your treatment of that woman?”

“Uh?”

Regulus tilted his head curiously at Emilia’s finger pointing at Number 184.

Emilia stood her ground, remaining pointed at Number 184, but managed to slip out of Regulus’s grip.

“If I hadn’t pulled you away, that woman would’ve surely faced death! You chose her because you liked her face, right? So why would you do such a thing?”

“Ah, well, that’s simple enough. She offended my good nature. Even when I don’t desire too much, I find there are far too many who can’t show consideration for others. It’s a matter of pride that my wife would have such a flaw, but what’s done is done. I must ensure she accepts the repercussions.”

“So, you’re saying that’s what made you disillusioned? That logically contradicts your earlier argument…”

“I’m not disillusioned at all! I still adore her face just as I did from the start. So even if she had died, I would continue to love her. You hear a lot about how, even if someone you love passes away, they live on in your heart. Their love continues to dwell in spirit, and I’m just like that.”

Regulus’s reasoning was flawless.

Flawless and perfectly self-contained, with no room for the whims or expectations of others. It was a complete lack of consideration for others.

Emilia fell silent, prompting Regulus to furrow his brows in confusion.

“Is there a complaint I’m sensing? If so, I find that a little surprising. I’ve been taking various considerations into account for you, showing you the utmost consideration. If you don’t realize that, isn’t there a problem in viewing me as another human? If I had any regard for you, I’d think you should show some measure of gratitude. The inability to show even this little concern means you don’t see any worth in the other person. That’s a sign of disdain for them and me. That’s something I cannot accept.”

“I believe marriage is supposed to be incredibly happy!”

“Huh?”

Marriage, in Emilia’s eyes, was a display of love between two individuals who wished to be together. Such an emotion was overwhelmingly significant for the number of people who cherished one another and found someone who reciprocated that affection.

“I think that’s an impressive thing.”

As Emilia placed her hand on her chest, the expression on Regulus’s face turned uneasy, while the expressions of the wives present and Number 184 shifted to one of concern.

Those expressions showcased their apprehension, proving they were decent and considerate individuals.

“Why do you refer to your wives by numbers?”

“Are you fixating on names? Being pedantic about them is akin to fixating on the superficial, revealing your ignorance of love. People who cannot express their love no longer have faith in their affections. That forms a vicious cycle where the hesitance to declare affection manifests confusion. In that regard, I’m not so easily swayed by people’s whims, so for fairness in love, I hardly need the unnecessary layers of identity. The end result is not my concern.”

“…That’s true. But I don’t mind being called Emilia-tan by Subaru.”

“Subaru…?”

Regulus’s expression darkened at the mention of that name, emitting an air of displeasure.

Regardless, Emilia pressed on, unyielding to Regulus’s shift in demeanor.

“Subaru is my one-and-only knight, who calls me by that name while expressing his affection for me. It makes me feel special.”

“Whoa, what?”

Regulus’s anger escalated dramatically at Emilia’s response.

As he grew more irate, Number 184 and the rest of his wives tried to discreetly back away from the situation.

However,

“Don’t you dare move!! Anyone who moves, I’ll blast to smithereens below the neck!”

“———”

“I wish to hear your explanation, so speak carefully. Do your utmost to avoid causing any misunderstandings. I don’t intend to turn this wedding into a funeral, do we understand?”

As he trembled with restrained fury, Regulus glared, trying to shove Emilia’s values out of her mind.

Yet Amelia greeted that wrath with a calm, serene expression.

“Marriage is something that happens between a man and a woman who love each other. However, I don’t feel that qualification at all right now.”

“———”

“I don’t even understand what it means to love a man or become infatuated with a woman. So even if Subaru expresses how much he loves me, I can’t affirm or negate the answer he seeks. I know how terribly terrible that is—it hurts Subaru and causes him trouble. However…”

Regulus fell into a silence. Yet, Emilia’s heart was not directed toward him.

It was painfully clear to everyone. Regulus wasn’t in the picture for Emilia.

“I might not yet fully understand the nature of love, yet I’m certain I’ll come to fall for someone someday. I will surely love someone as a woman. When that time arrives, I already have an answer for who I want to love. Therefore—”

Taking a breath, Emilia firmly focused on Regulus and declared,

“I will not become yours.”

“——! Oh, is that right? Well then, I have no intention of having a capricious cheating woman as my spouse any longer! What a relief!!”

With Emilia’s resolute declaration, Regulus turned a furious shade of red, exploding in rage.

In the heat of anger, he stretched his fingertip toward her, prompting Emilia to unleash her magical power, preparing to counterattack against whatever destructive force he might unleash.

“—!?”

Just then, a loud crash echoed through the chapel.

The force was such that it whipped through the air and struck Regulus directly, hitting him with a flying wooden door—the very door that had just been painstakingly repaired.

That wooden door, blown open from the entrance, barreled into Regulus.

And then,

“You kicked that door open, but this is the wrong result! What kind of leg strength do you have?!”

“Sorry, I couldn’t hold back. I made sure to target the right person, so just take that as a win.”

“That’s such a lackluster entrance! Mine barely managed to just open the door, whereas yours took the enemy head-on…”

Arguing, two silhouettes emerged inside the chapel.

A black-haired boy and a red-haired young man.

As Emilia’s eyes widened, Regulus brushed the fragments from himself, glaring at the two intruders with an irritated expression.

“How daring of you to disrupt a sacred wedding! I don’t recall seeing a male guest on the invitation. Who the hell are you, and what congratulatory message do you bring? Speak up!”

In intimidation from Regulus, the two at the entrance exchanged glances.

After a brief moment of unity, they announced together,

“The spirit knight without his partner, Natsuki Subaru.”

“From the line of ‘Sword Saints,’ Reinhardt Van Astraea.”

Declaring their identities, Reinhardt stepped forward.

Beside him, Subaru winked at Emilia and pointed at Regulus, announcing,

“I’m here to object to this wedding—hand over that bride!”