「Hahaha! You guys really get along well. I hope my daughter can fit into your circle.」
「...!」
「It's this side of you that worries us, my daughter.」
Laurenz laughed heartily as he watched me try and fail to discipline Chris, who was protected by Kugi. Serena, who didn't like her father's words, tried to protest by hitting him silently but was gently rebuffed instead.
Serena-san? It's fine to act spoiled with your dad, but don't do that to me, okay? I don't have any body enhancements, so if you do that, you might end up breaking my shoulder bone.
「Well, be lenient with Lady Christina. As the future Countess Dareinwald, she had no choice but to hurry. The prestige of nobility is a troublesome thing. If Serena were to marry or get engaged to you first, the marriage between you and the future Countess Dareinwald would encounter many more obstacles. If Serena married you first, I would have you become a baron under the Holz House, not an honorary one, but a full-fledged baron. That would make you the head of a branch family of the Holz House. The head of the Dareinwald House cannot marry into a baron family, nor can they take the head of a baron family as a husband. Especially since you would be both the head of a baron family and a branch of the Holz House. To resolve this issue amicably, the only way she had left was to marry or get engaged to you before Serena and bring you into the Dareinwald House as a husband. Although it's a bit unconventional for a man married into the Dareinwald House to have not only a second wife but several more, it's not as unreasonable as having the head of the Dareinwald House marry into a baron family under the Holz House. I think that the women by your side cooperated with the future Countess so much because they took these circumstances into account.」
After Laurenz's detailed explanation, I thought about what he had told me. Either way, I knew I had to settle my relationship with Serena and Chris at some point. So, did the way everything was resolved end in a bad outcome for us? No, not really. If I look only at the result, it's the best outcome. So, is it the mark of a good man to overlook the process? Yes, that's it. Yeah, let's go with that.
「Okay, I understand the situation thanks to the Marquis's explanation. Next time, make sure to consult with me first. Got it?」
When I directed my gaze towards Mimi and the others, they nodded obediently. Alright then. This settles the matter of them deceiving me. I patted Chris lightly on the back as she was being hugged by Kugi. I should also thank Laurenz.
「Thank you, Marquis.」
「It's fine. It wouldn't sit well with me if your family ended up broken due to my daughter's actions. If it's for you, the man my stubborn daughter has chosen, then this is nothing.」
Laurenz laughed as he said this, I gratefully bowed my head to him again. Hmm, I can't help but feel indebted.
「Well, to be honest, it's a bit disappointing. I really wanted to welcome you into our House…」
「You wanted me?」
「Of course, Captain Hiro. You're an expert in eradicating space pirates, right? I've heard that Serena's Independent Mobile Anti-Pirate Fleet achieved significant results thanks to your support. Space pirates are nothing but a plague, causing endless trouble for the Holz House. If we could have welcomed you as the head of a branch family, our anti-space pirate measures would have been greatly enhanced.」
「I see. If adequate compensation is provided, we will be willing to assist you as mercenaries.」
This job is pretty dangerous, I can't do it for free. I might be willing to risk my own life, but I can't involve my crew without proper compensation.
「That sounds good. We'll rely on you in the future.」
☆★☆
「Well then, until we meet again!」
With a refreshing smile, Laurenz and Serena bid us farewell, and we went to pick up Dr. Shouko and Neve. We had to wait a bit, but both of them finished their interrogations—or rather, their interviews—without any issues and were able to join us.
「How was it? Any problems?」
「I don't think there were any significant issues. However, the interrogator mentioned that, depending on the discussions with the other side, it's unlikely that the Vereverem Federation will acknowledge Neve-kun's existence. That said, if we publicize it, it will tarnish the Federation's image to some extent. It seems they plan to run a negative campaign.」
Dr. Shouko shrugged her shoulders as she spoke. It seemed she had mixed feelings about her patient being used for political purposes.
「I see. So, what about Neve's future?」
「It seems they've recognized my abilities as exceptional and useful, Captain. However, if I were employed by a government agency or the Imperial Space Force of the Grakkan Empire, those bastards in the Vereverem Federation would likely say, 'See, it was all fabricated.' So, taking me in is difficult. They said they could find a civilian organization to take care of me, but I told them I already promised to work under you.」
「I see. Then as promised, you're part of my crew now. Once you're better, you'll be working hard for us, understood?」
「Of course. You can pour all your lust into me, Captain. I'll take it all.」
「That's not what I meant…」
I'm not in the right mental state to enjoy those kinds of jokes right now. Even though I brought this upon myself, my relationships with women have become way too complicated… I know it's my fault. But is it really entirely my fault? Isn't there room for extenuating circumstances? At least with Serena and Chris, I've exercised maximum restraint, and I've been exceedingly cautious in my dealings with them. Saying this now is pointless? Yeah, that's true.
「Ah, enough. There's no use in brooding over it.」
「Captain?」
「Anyway, Neve will be taken care of by us. We'll deal with the details once she's recovered. Dr. Shouko, this is the Imperial Capital, so you should be able to get all the materials needed for Neve's treatment, make sure to order everything necessary. Bill it to me.」
「Are you sure? It might be quite costly.」
「Neve will pay it back with her work eventually. Once she's recovered and can work as part of the crew, we'll deduct it from her pay. Is that okay with you, Neve?」
「Of course, Captain. I'll work hard to pay you back.」
「Good. So, should we head back now… maybe we should pay a visit to Viscount Willrose first?」
Since we're in the Imperial Capital, it would be polite to visit Elma's family. Last time, due to circumstances, I couldn't introduce Tina and Wiska, and I also need to introduce Kugi and Dr. Shouko.
By the way, Tina, Wiska, and Mei stayed on the Black Lotus. The mechanics sisters didn't need to attend the inquiry as they didn't board the Majestic of Earl Ixamal's House, and as for Mei, entering the Imperial Castle would involve a lot of hassle since she would have to be partially sealed, so I asked her to stay back. Since her actions are my responsibility as her owner, her presence in the flesh—can it be called 'in the flesh'?—was deemed unnecessary.
「Father and Brother are both out for work today, so Mother said to come tomorrow.」
「I see. Then let's return to the Black Lotus for today. Considering Neve's condition, that's probably for the best, right?」
「Yes, it is. While we don't need to worry about any sudden changes in her condition anymore, the medical bay's equipment on the Black Lotus provides better reassurance.」
As we talked, I felt something touch my sleeve. When I looked down, I saw Chris pulling her hand back and looking down. Ah, she's still worried about deceiving me.
「We need to visit your place too, Chris. Tomorrow we'll go to Elma's family home, so you should come with us. Then the day after tomorrow, we'll visit your place.」
「…Yes, um…」
「I'm not angry anymore. But if you're still worried, just prepare some delicious sweets for when we visit the day after tomorrow.」
「…Alright, I'll prepare some delicious sweets.」
Chris lifted her head and showed a faint smile. Hmm, she's grown taller, so it's harder to pat her head now. Well, she's not a little girl anymore, so casually patting her head or touching her feels a bit inappropriate now.
「Tomorrow we will visit Viscount Willrose's house, the day after is Chris's place, am I forgetting something else…?」
「I think there's also the awarding ceremony for stopping the rebellion and defending the border. Plus, you need to visit Marquis Holz's mansion in the Imperial Capital.」
「Sigh, we have quite the schedule… For now, let's head back. Chris, would you like to join us on the Black Lotus for a bit?」
「Yes, I'd love to.」
This time, Chris smiled genuinely. Seeing her smile like this is much better than seeing her look downcast. Given that I usually do as I please, I should be more forgiving of small things. From now, I'll become the kind of man who can laugh off minor issues like these.