For a moment,
She caught her breath. The young man before her—Regulus—smiled lightly and raised a hand in a casual wave at her reaction.
"Ah, sorry for springing that on you out of nowhere. I might have startled you a bit. I'll apologize for that sincerely. Like I've said before, I'm the kind of person who can apologize. There are plenty of people out there who can't even admit their own faults and just pile up excuse after excuse—how ugly is that? Not being able to admit you're wrong means your character is way too small for my taste. They think they've never made a single mistake, that everything they've done since the day they were born has been right, and that's why they end up like that. How arrogant do you have to be? If they'd just take a good look at themselves and properly recognize how small they are compared to something as vast as the world, none of that would happen. You can really tell a person's character from whether they can apologize or not. Don't you think?"
"Um, apologizing is important, right?"
"Yes! Exactly, apologizing is important. Good—I'm glad we see eye to eye on that. It's the most basic thing, but you'd be surprised how many people in this world don't agree. It's really off-putting. Anyway, it seems like we've properly aligned our understanding of how spouses should apologize to each other. That bodes well for us getting along in the future. Now then, about the apology—it was about how I was a bit hasty—"
At that point, Regulus's gaze swept over Emilia from head to toe. Wrapped in nothing but a towel, Emilia tensed slightly under that gaze.
"Mm, modesty is important even between husband and wife. On that front, I think you're wonderful. Now, regarding my earlier question—I want you not to misunderstand. I wasn't trying to check whether you were a virgin from some vulgar perspective. Like I've said, I'm the husband and you're the wife. A married couple must be bound together by deep love and consideration. If we're going to be chained together by the bonds of love for all eternity, then naturally you should devote everything to your partner. That's why I want confirmation that no other man has touched you."
"Confirmation that no other person has touched me…?"
"Of course, I'm not saying the presence or absence of a hymen makes for conclusive evidence. But I believe it serves as an important touchstone. That's why I asked, even knowing it might make you uncomfortable. I want you to understand—this is because I love you. I couldn't care less about the virginity of someone I don't love. It's because I love you that I ask."
Fluently, smoothly, Regulus rattled on about the reasoning behind his thoughts. Tossed about by the tide of his words, Emilia found something deeply unsettling about the way he spoke so matter-of-factly.
The vague sense of déjà vu that his figure triggered gnawed at her endlessly, and the content poured into her ears slid past like water—impossible to catch in her memory. But there was one thing she understood.
The word he placed such importance on—virginity—that was— "So let me ask again. Tell me—are you a virgin? Well?"
"Um, what's a 'shojo'? I'm sorry. I've never heard that word before."
"…What?"
Having waited for just the right moment to launch his question, Emilia answered apologetically.
She understood that Regulus placed great emphasis on whatever it was, but she genuinely didn't know what it meant. She supposed it had something to do with girls.
At Emilia's words, Regulus repeated the question in a low voice, his expression clouding over.
He looked down and fell silent, lost in thought. The sight of him brooding sent a spike of anxiety through her, but the silence was surprisingly brief.
Regulus's eyes snapped open wide, and he reached out to take Emilia's hand. Then— "Wonderful. You truly are the ideal maiden."
"Huh?"
Taking Emilia's hand, Regulus's face broke into a radiant smile.
This was different from the slight smiles he'd worn before—this was genuine, overflowing joy. The same bright expression a child wears when given a longed-for toy by their parent.
Regulus shook Emilia's hand up and down, nodding over and over.
"Yes, yes—this is how it should be. I'd half-suspected that physical virginity alone wasn't a fit touchstone. But true purity resides in the heart. Being a virgin physically goes without saying! What truly matters is being a virgin in spirit as well. I feel like I've reached a profound truth. How wonderful. You bring me something new, even when I thought I was already fulfilled."
"———"
"Mm, I understand. Rest easy—I will take you as my wife. And thanks to you, I've realized something important. From now on, when welcoming a new wife, I can't simply ask if she's a virgin. If she doesn't even know what virginity means, that would diminish her worth as a wife. If her heart has committed adultery, that's no good. She wouldn't be worthy of being my wife."
Releasing Emilia's hand, Regulus stepped about in high spirits.
Emilia couldn't quite grasp the meaning behind his statements. For starters, she didn't understand what he truly meant by "husband" and "wife." In Emilia's understanding, a married couple was one father and one mother—but Regulus's words implied the existence of multiple wives.
As a model of marriage, this was completely at odds with Emilia's common sense. Were they perhaps talking about something entirely different that just happened to sound the same?
"Oh, I can't keep you standing around in that state forever. I'll have a change of clothes prepared right away. —Number 184! Come here."
"———"
Paying no mind to Emilia's bewilderment, Regulus suddenly called out a number. The woman who appeared from the far end of the corridor was the same one who had left the room before, leaving Emilia behind.
The woman with the long golden hair stood elegantly beside Regulus and gave a courteous bow. Regulus gave a small nod at her gesture and said: "Have her change into…Number 79's outfit. As soon as it's ready, we'll hold the wedding ceremony. She'll be in the same position as all of you. Get along with her and look after her."
"———"
"Mm, you've stopped smiling. —Good girl. You'll make a fine wife."
To the woman who silently nodded, Regulus murmured with satisfaction.
Then he approached Emilia, who was still struggling to catch up with the situation, and gently reached out to touch her long silver hair.
"Well then, see you later."
"Sure…"
Emilia's instincts screamed that she must not resist.
At Emilia's brief answer, Regulus nodded, and with that, his footsteps echoed down the corridor and he disappeared.
When his figure vanished from sight, Emilia realized her body had been released from tension. She'd been on guard against Regulus so unconsciously, without even realizing it.
He'd seemed like nothing more than a relaxed presence—yet his extraordinary, oppressive aura had felt like a threat rivaling what she'd faced against the
"This way."
The woman beside her called out suddenly to Emilia, who was still gazing at the empty corridor. It was the first time Emilia had heard the woman's voice—a crystalline, beautiful voice reminiscent of a string instrument. But like her expression, it was frozen rigid, stripped of every trace of emotion.
"Um, sorry. There are so many things I want to ask…"
"Please change clothes."
"I will, but I also want to talk… Do you know where this is? I was at
Ignoring Emilia's attempt at conversation, the woman strode off briskly. Emilia hurried after her, firing off questions one after another in a desperate attempt to grasp her situation, but the ramrod-straight back in front of her deflected them all in silence.
The woman led Emilia into a room adjacent to the one where she'd been kept—another simply constructed space that had been stuffed with furniture in a bizarre arrangement.
"Wasn't this originally a completely different kind of room…"
"Dressing closet and such—brought in by the Master. Number 79, please change."
"Is this Number 79, me? I think Regulus called me that too. And you are…"
"I am Number 184. Like you, I am one of his wives."
"One of his—"
Closing the door, Number 184 finally began to respond to conversation.
Her voice remained devoid of emotion, but there was at least a semblance of exchange.
"That 'wife'—I've asked this multiple times, but do you mean wife as in married wife? Because I never agreed to become Regulus's wife…"
"Whether you intended it or not, he does. And when he has decided something, your will is irrelevant."
"That's ridiculous! To become someone's wife, you have to marry them! I haven't married Regulus and I don't intend to! Marriage is when a man and a woman who love each other promise to stay together forever. I can't make that promise with anyone yet."
"The wedding ceremony will be held momentarily. And then, it will be done."
Number 184 wouldn't listen to a word Emilia said. The conversation felt like it was happening and not happening at the same time, which only deepened Emilia's confusion.
In the meantime, Number 184 approached Emilia and began to pull the towel-wrap from her body.
"Hey—what are you doing?"
"Changing you into the bride's dress. Fortunately, the outfit has been prepared. When they undressed you to put you on the bed, the measurements were taken, so rest assured."
"You were the one who stripped me?"
"Did you think it was the Master? Don't worry. He doesn't have any interest in leering at women's skin, and beyond that, he has no interest in women. Even checking virginity—he does nothing more after that."
"Are you going to talk about that 'shojo' thing too?"
"…How surprising. You really don't know? And it's not an act?"
For the first time, a flicker of something like emotion appeared on Number 184's face. Emilia's eyes widened at the glimpse of surprise, and then she smiled faintly.
"Oh my. So you can be surprised after all. If that's the case, why not smile and talk to me? It would suit you much better."
"…The Master would not permit it. Allow me to advise you as well—the Master likes your usual face. It would be wise not to smile, not to frown, and to keep your expression unchanged. If possible, I'd recommend not opening your mouth either."
"You're telling me not to talk? Why?"
"Because I don't know what might infringe upon the Master's rights."
Peeling the towel from Emilia, Number 184 handed her undergarments. Putting them on, Emilia found that indeed, the fit was perfect.
As Emilia moved her arms and legs while dressed only in her undergarments, Number 184 let out a long, quiet sigh.
"What's wrong?"
"…Nothing. I was just thinking how beautiful you are. Your slender limbs, your fair skin, that long silver hair…"
"…? Thank you. Even if it's flattery, I'm happy to hear it. The only people who say things like that to me are Subaru and Anne."
"Subaru… is he a man?"
"Yes, my knight. I'm sure he's incredibly worried about me right now. I want to find out where he is as soon as possible…"
He must be worried sick, she thought.
Emilia's mind didn't go to the possibility that Subaru had been hurt. He had
That was exactly why she felt so ashamed—to have been captured without being able to tell Subaru anything.
"Do not mention this man named Subaru to the Master. Under any circumstances."
"Huh? Why?"
"If I may borrow the Master's words—your spiritual virginity would be questioned."
"That 'shojo' thing again?"
Being refused an explanation and having that used as a reason was equally frustrating.
Pouting, Emilia received no further explanation. Number 184 retrieved a white dress from the closet and held it against Emilia's body.
A gorgeous dress with a dazzling appearance, adorned with numerous ornate accessories.
"It looks hard to move in, though."
"It would be wise not to voice your dissatisfaction. Please change."
Tilting her head, wondering whether such a beautiful dress would really suit her, Emilia followed Number 184's instructions—threading her arms through the sleeves and changing into the dress.
※※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ "Ahh, how lovely. As I thought, white suits you perfectly."
"…Thank you."
Seeing Emilia in the changed outfit, Regulus said with a beaming smile.
His own appearance had also changed from when they'd met in the corridor. When Emilia made a face indicating she'd noticed, Regulus held open the collar of his outfit slightly.
"It's an important wedding ceremony, after all. While being my usual unadorned self is certainly one way to go about it, I can't impose that boring rigidity on you and make you look bad. A husband and wife should ideally be in a relationship where considering the other comes naturally. I don't want you to feel burdened by this much, but I want you to understand that I'm the kind of man who can accept a few changes for your sake. The venue should be ready soon as well."
"The venue… here?"
Following Regulus's gaze as he looked around in his white tuxedo, Emilia turned her attention to her surroundings.
It was a cathedral—a proper cathedral used for important ceremonies, including weddings.
Dressed by Number 184, Emilia had first realized upon stepping outside the building that she'd been in a room within the control tower. From there, Number 184 had brought her to this cathedral, just a short distance away.
Inside the cathedral, several figures busied themselves, decorating the interior as wedding preparations proceeded in orderly fashion. And every one of those silently working on the venue setup was a beautifully dressed woman.
"They're my wives—girls in the same position as you. My wives number two hundred and ninety-one in total… Sadly, many have passed away. But even so, those who remain by my side—I intend to pour my love equally into each of them. Of course. A love that favors one over another, a husband who does that—it's terribly warped. I would never commit such an injustice. A fixed amount of love, delivered in a fixed manner, through fixed means. There is no favoritism, no inequality, no unfairness. You can rest assured. I will love you equally."
"What you're saying sounds so…"
"Master. If I may—a word about something."
Just as Emilia was about to continue with "strange," Number 184 stepped forward to speak to Regulus. At Number 184's words, Regulus's brow twitched ever so slightly.
"You see, I'm talking to her right now. Can't you see that? Interrupting at a time like this—doesn't that amount to scattering poison on the budding love we're cultivating? I'd think so, wouldn't I? That kind of small consideration is important between husband and wife. That's what I told you, wasn't it? And yet to interrupt—that's to dismiss my perfectly reasonable little wish. Number 184, what do you think?"
"My deepest apologies. But this is an important matter. I know I'm being forward, but I'm concerned about you, Master. Please, hear me out."
As Regulus's speech quickened and an ominous aura radiated from every fiber of his being, Number 184 held her ground under that sharp pressure without flinching.
Naturally, seeing that bearing, Regulus pulled back his hostile aura.
"…Fine. Go ahead. Being generous to one's wife is a husband's natural magnanimity. I'm not such a petty man that I can't manage that much."
"Thank you. It's about the broadcast from earlier… Are you sure everything is all right? If something were to interrupt the wedding ceremony…"
"A broadcast? Oh, that trembling, incomprehensible voice? I don't see the problem. Even if we leave it be, what harm could it possibly do? Some sniveling coward who doesn't even understand his own capabilities, rambling on about nonsense—something about Capella or Sirius, those scum. I don't care what happens to them. What does any of it have to do with me? Or are you perhaps doubting my strength? Isn't that, as a wife, questioning her husband's abilities?"
"No, I believe in you absolutely. With the Master present, we have nothing to worry about. I merely wanted my anxiety eased by the Master's own words. Please, forgive this incompetent wife who cannot even be honestly affectionate."
Number 184 tried to deflect Regulus's interrogation with a prepared answer, spinning weak, submissive words in an expressionless face and voice. At her words, Regulus blinked with a moved expression and shook his head.
"So that was it. I'm sorry—I wasn't thinking clearly on my part either. Even without being asked, I should have noticed your unease. Even without words, one must be considerate of the other—how selfish I was. I've reflected on it."
"No, I'm the one who is sorry. Your words gave me courage. I'll get to work on the venue setup right away."
"Yes, please do."
With a bow, Number 184 turned her back to Regulus. At the same time, she cast Emilia a meaningful look. It was likely a warning about Emilia's careless outburst.
She must have been trying to say that Emilia was underestimating how dangerous Regulus was. Emilia understood that clearly, which was why she didn't hesitate in her next decision.
"Look out!"
"Huh?"
As Number 184 passed by, Emilia seized her arm and pulled her forcefully. Though tall, the woman was light, and Emilia drew her into her chest, then took a large step backward.
In the space where Number 184 had stood moments before, wind caressed the air—then that wind tore up the cathedral floor, ripped it apart, and destruction blasted through in a straight line. Without stopping, the wind struck the cathedral's grand entrance, pulverizing it, and the destruction burst through to the outside.
"———"
Facing that overwhelming destructive force head-on, Emilia couldn't even make a sound with Number 184 clutched in her arms. Number 184, sensing the destruction from behind through sheer instinct, had gone completely rigid, making herself small.
And then, standing at the origin of the destruction with his right arm still raised in mid-swing— "Sorry, sorry. I was careless. —I'm glad nothing happened to you."
"———"
"I'll be waiting in the antechamber until the time comes. When you're ready, please call me. Oh, and you should have them fix your hair up as well. It would be much more attractive that way. I think you're beautiful as is, of course, but one shouldn't neglect the effort to become more beautiful. If anything, continuing to be beautiful and striving to become even more so—that's the bare minimum of courtesy toward the person who loves you. Of course, I'm already satisfied with my current fulfillment, but I won't place limits on the things given to me. If the way you show your love moves toward greater fulfillment, I won't stop you."
Regulus spoke as if the destruction of moments ago had been nothing at all, smiled at Emilia, and vanished through a side door into the antechamber.
Emilia stood in a daze, staring at the trail of destruction, and let out a deep breath.
"What… was that just now?"
"…Thank you for saving me."
Number 184 slipped free from Emilia's arms as she spoke. The woman, who should have been rigid with tension, straightened her disheveled hair and moved away from Emilia's side. She headed toward the women still working on the cathedral's decorations.
Looking around, those women showed no sign of caring about the destruction that had just occurred—they continued their work as if nothing had happened. What's more, several of them gathered around the destroyed floor and entrance, beginning repairs to make the damage as inconspicuous as possible.
"Wait! This is insane! Don't any of you think something's wrong?!"
"———"
At their utterly nonchalant behavior, Emilia cried out in confusion. But the women paid no attention to her voice, silently continuing their work.
Seeing no progress, Emilia turned to the only person she could communicate with—Number 184.
"You were almost killed just now! If I hadn't pulled you, you would have been torn apart! It must have been terrifying! And yet—"
"And yet, what? I thanked you for saving me. What more are you demanding of me? Anything further would be an infringement of rights."
"I'm not talking about rights and obligations! I'm talking about something much more important!"
Emilia gestured around the cathedral, pointing at the women working.
"Regulus said these are his wives. Are all of them his wives? Are they obeying him because they're his wives? Are they just silently accepting it even though they could have been killed? That's not just strange—it's wrong!"
"There are many forms of marriage, that's all. If you share our circumstances, you'll get used to it eventually. …If you don't, that's that."
"That's ridiculous… Marriage is supposed to be for happy, happy people! None of you—neither you nor anyone else—look happy to me! Am I wrong?"
"Yes, you are wrong. One can marry without being happy. A husband and wife need not love each other. If you stay together long enough, you become a married couple. You get used to being husband and wife."
Number 184 didn't deny that she was in this position unwillingly. She didn't deny it, but she affirmed her current state regardless. That was twisted. Wrong.
Marriage was something you did because you wanted it, not something you grew accustomed to.
"I'm not going along with this wedding. I'm leaving."
"———"
The women who'd been ignoring Emilia's words suddenly looked up at her. Still in their dresses, they stared at the one declaring a boycott of the wedding.
Battered by a storm of emotionless gazes, Emilia stood tall.
"Someone out there is worrying about me. There are so many things I need to do. I can't afford to be detained in a place like this. I'm going to find everyone, and I'm going to do what I need to do."
"The Master would never permit that."
"I never agreed to become Regulus's wife. So I'm not asking for his permission. I'll find everyone, and then… I'll definitely come back to save you."
"——!"
"I know you're not here with Regulus because you want to be. That's why I'll tell Regulus to set you all free. Anyone who still wants to stay with Regulus can continue as his wife. But those who want to leave—I'll make sure they can. Being forced into marriage like this—if neither person can be happy, then there's no point."
What Emilia envisioned for marriage, what she believed should be, was two people who loved each other.
What came to mind were the figures of
If anyone should have married, it was those two. The happiness of marriage, the bond of a loving couple—that was surely what existed between them.
That was why— "I know people who loved each other but couldn't get married. So a marriage where you can't be happy—I won't accept that kind of relationship!"
"…………"
Emilia's declaration sent a ripple of unease through the emotionless women. But Number 184 was the first to recover.
She looked straight at Emilia, then glanced at the destroyed entrance.
"If you wish to leave, that is your freedom. However, in that case, the Master will not forgive us. He will certainly kill us all."
"But you're his wives…"
"A wife who cannot fulfill her husband's wishes—in the Master's logic, that means she has failed in her role as a wife. If you leave, we will die. And if you choose to leave despite knowing that, then you are the one killing us."
"———"
Number 184 had declared her own life as a hostage to Emilia.
As if to confirm that her extreme stance was the consensus of all present, the women in the cathedral formed a circle around Emilia, cutting off any possibility of movement.
Of course, not a single one of them could have stopped Emilia by force. They were ordinary women through and through. Women raised in normal households, with normal morals, who had lived envisioning normal happiness.
Somewhere along the way, their gears had gone wrong—and they had been welcomed as Regulus's wives.
"———"
The reason Emilia couldn't argue against their grim resolve was that she herself had witnessed Regulus's violence firsthand.
A man who, with so little provocation, had casually attempted to snuff out a life—there was no guarantee he wouldn't take it out on them if he learned of Emilia's escape.
And none understood this better than they—Regulus's wives.
"How many of Regulus's wives are here?"
"The Master's consorts number two hundred and ninety-one. Two hundred and thirty-eight of those have already passed away, so the fifty-three present here are everyone remaining."
"Those wives who passed away…"
"Do I need to explain?"
The hoarse question almost seemed to mock Emilia's inquiry.
Even without hearing the answer, Emilia understood. And that answer was, indirectly, the fate that awaited them if she fled.
"If I leave, you'll all suffer terribly…"
Terribly was an understatement—those deaths had surely been unavoidable.
They were unquestionably hostages against Emilia's free will. If she considered the harm that would result from her escape, she could not act rashly.
She thought of Subaru and the others, who must be worrying about her somewhere in Priestella.
And in her heart alone, Emilia apologized.
And then— "All right. Let's have the wedding."
※※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ After that, the venue preparations accelerated rapidly.
The traces of destruction were repaired—amateur work, but done so skillfully that they were barely noticeable. Just watching their efficiency made it clear they had dealt with Regulus's tantrums many times before.
Having decided to go through with the wedding, Emilia was led to the antechamber, where she had her hair styled by Number 184 and the other wives, and adorned with accessories beyond the dress.
Having her hair done in an elaborate style—this was the first time since
Her long silver hair was gathered and braided, then pinned up.
To avoid detracting from the white dress's elegance, the accessories were kept tasteful rather than gaudy—and with that, Emilia's bridal attire was complete.
"———"
Looking at herself in the mirror, Emilia marveled at the women's skill.
Indeed, she looked nothing like her usual self. Recently, with no one to neatly arrange her hair—on the occasions when Subaru didn't do it—she simply pinned it back loosely and prioritized ease of movement over wearing accessories. All of that, it seemed, contributed to her feminine charm.
She felt that each element was wasted on her.
"Well then, let's go. And please—do not upset the Master."
Number 184 gave Emilia one final warning before leading the way out.
Proceeding to the cathedral, Emilia found the attendees already assembled—every one of them a woman in the position of Regulus's wife—and Regulus himself standing before the altar in a white tuxedo.
Even without knowing the proper procedure, Emilia walked down the red carpet laid from the entrance to the altar, making her way toward where Regulus waited.
Seeing the adorned Emilia, Regulus nodded with satisfaction.
"The dress alone made you look different, but adorned like this, the difference is staggering. I made the right call after all, keeping the seventy-ninth seat vacant. I'm quite impressed with my own judgment."
"Number seventy-nine… Why was that seat vacant?"
"Hm? Well, there was a woman before who I thought might be suitable for that number. Regrettably, before I could bring her in, I determined she was unqualified. But her appearance—the most important thing—was closest to my ideal. So out of lingering sentiment, I left that seat empty. Thanks to that, I found you—so I suppose even that mistake had value."
"Previously, it was vacant…"
Something about the sound of that resonated with Emilia, stirring a faint sense of unease that had been fading. The unease began to take shape, but hadn't yet solidified into anything clear. Meanwhile, Regulus adjusted his own attire before the bride.
"Well then, shall we exchange vows? I'm sure it'll be somewhat abbreviated, but that's fine, isn't it? What matters is that the ceremony proceeds properly—the rest is just ornamentation. I've always thought it's a bit of a cliché to fuss over appearances while neglecting substance. But I won't fall into that foolish trap. Not seeing the essence of things for what they are—that's the real absurdity. Scooping up only the surface froth, only the scum, and being satisfied with that? People like that get laughed at behind their backs and never even notice. I suppose they're happy as long as everything stays contained within their own heads."
"———"
As Regulus continued his relentless monologue, Number 184 circled around to the far side of the altar. She appeared to serve as the officiant for this marriage ceremony.
In truth, among the fifty-three wives, she seemed to have assumed a leadership role. The fact that Regulus had tried to kill her on a whim suggested he was blind to the power dynamics among his own wives.
In that sense, too, he was an unforgivable person.
"Hey, Regulus. Before the wedding, there are several things I'd like to say."
That was why Emilia said it directly to his face, in this moment where they could finally confront each other.
They hadn't exactly held any coordination meeting—and Number 184's cheek went rigid at Emilia's unexpected words.
But Regulus, surprisingly, nodded favorably.
"Ah, yes. Actually, there were several important things I wanted to tell you as well, about what it means to become my wife. I could teach you gradually after the wedding, but I think it's important to have the right mindset before being bound together. If, after getting married, you find that everything is different from what you expected—wouldn't that be a tragedy? To prevent that kind of misfortune, we should clearly put our thoughts in writing, don't you think? After all, even though we're husband and wife, we're still separate human beings. That's important, isn't it?"
"Yes, exactly. We're separate human beings, so it is important."
"Right? I'm glad we're on the same page. Now then, there are a few things I've had my other wives promise, and I'd like to confirm them with you. First and foremost: after marrying me, I forbid you to smile."
"…?"
Frowning, Emilia showed her confusion at the proposal. Regulus raised a finger and continued.
"This is important. You see, I love your face. I love your face incredibly much. I choose my wives by their faces. Beautiful, lovely, perfectly attractive faces—that's how I pick my wives. All two hundred and ninety-one of my wives were women with beautiful faces. You, too, have a lovely face. That is why I will make you my wife. Do you understand?"
"———"
"You see, I've noticed that people in this world are far more selfish than you'd think. Have you heard those stories about how, after becoming lovers or husband and wife, the love grows cold? They're supposed to be in love, but once they start living together, they find they don't get along in various ways. Their tastes in cooking don't match. Their lifestyles don't match. Their hobbies don't match. Their schedules don't match. Using such selfish reasons, they become disillusioned with the person they once loved—there are so many trashy people like that. I despise them from the bottom of my heart."
Regulus smiled as he spoke of his form of love, with a disturbing air of enjoyment.
Innocently, without restraint, his words brimming with righteous indignation toward those who dared trample love.
"Everyone is selfish. Why do they become disillusioned? Just because their sensibilities differ slightly from the person they love—how can that possibly be enough to shatter their admiration? How can that kind of absurd logic exist? It's outrageous. That's why I choose the ones I love by their face. If the person I love has a face I adore, I will never become disillusioned no matter who they turn out to be. Because I love their face. As long as it's that face, my love will never grow cold."
"———"
"Even if they leave their clothes everywhere. Even if they're a serial killer who's murdered dozens of children. Even if they're catastrophically terrible at cooking. Even if they've sold their own siblings off as collateral for debts. Even if they can't sort the laundry by color. Even if they're mentally disturbed and kill animals for fun. Even if their fashion sense is the worst. Even if they're dirtily greedy about money. Even if they smell like filth because they never bathe. Even if they're genuinely plotting the destruction of the world—I won't despise them."
One after another, pointing at each of the fifty-three women present, Regulus shouted these words.
Whether any of the conditions he named actually applied to the women present—he couldn't possibly know. But he declared, without exception, that he would love anyone by their face.
"I have no use for speaking in the past tense—'I used to love you.' I love your face. That is why, even if you were a witch plotting to inflict unlimited pain on every person in the world, I would not become disillusioned. As long as it's that face."
"…What does that have to do with not being allowed to smile?"
"Simple. Some girls who look cute and beautiful normally become ugly when they smile, don't they? I can't stand that. When I said no smiling, it applies to crying faces and angry faces too. Essentially, I hate the possibility that your cute, cute face might become unbecoming. So don't smile. Don't cry. Don't get angry. Just keep your cute face as it is."
Regulus seized Emilia's chin and spoke in a low, commanding voice.
What would happen if she defied him had already been proven by the earlier incident.
What Emilia couldn't understand was the logic that allowed a man who professed to "love by face" to commit such violence against the very woman he'd just praised.
"You said you love someone by their face and never become disillusioned… Then why did you attack her just now?"
"Hm?"
Regulus tilted his head as Emilia pointed at Number 184.
Keeping her finger aimed at Number 184, Emilia pulled her chin free and said: "If I hadn't pulled her, she would have died. You made her your wife because you love her face too, didn't you? Then why did you do that?"
"Ah, that's simple too. She offended my gentle disposition. I don't ask for much, but there are just too many people who can't be considerate of others. The idea that one of my wives could be like that is unpleasant, but what's done is done. And when something happens, someone has to take responsibility for it."
"So you were disillusioned? Then your argument just now contradicts—"
"I wasn't disillusioned. I still love her face, still love her as I always have. So even if she had died, I would have continued loving her without change. You know how they say? Even after a loved one dies, they continue to live on in your heart. Your love for them never fades—it lives on forever. That is exactly how I feel."
Regulus's logic was perfect.
Perfectly, without a single blemish, fully self-contained within his own mind. There was not the slightest room for anyone else's perspective to intrude. A flawless form of absolute emptiness.
When Emilia said nothing, Regulus's brows drew together.
He peered into the silent Emilia's eyes, his gaze tinged with suspicion.
"I've been wondering… Could it be you have some complaint about me? If so, that's rather ungrateful. I've shown you this much consideration, made these concessions, put in all this thoughtfulness—and you don't even appreciate that? That says something about you as a person, doesn't it? If you had even the tiniest capacity for empathy, if you could put yourself in someone else's shoes, you'd see that this is how it should be. The inability to show that small kindness means you don't see value in the other person. It means you're dismissing them. Which is to say—you're dismissing me as an individual. That… I cannot forgive."
"You know, I think marriage is supposed to be incredibly happy."
"What?"
"It's a ceremony where two people who love each other put into form their desire to be together. 'Love' is such an enormous thing—finding one person among so many, and having that person love you back in return… I think that's an incredible thing."
Emilia placed a hand over her chest as she spoke, and Regulus wore a baffled expression. Meanwhile, the attending wives and Number 184 at the altar began to look worried.
They were judging the situation to be dangerous, concerned for Emilia.
—This was proof that they were kind, empathetic people.
"Why do you call your wives by numbers?"
"You're hung up on how people are addressed? That's the same as fussing over appearances—it shows you really don't understand love. People who need all that unnecessary ornamentation clearly lack the confidence to love or the conviction that they're in love. I'm not swayed by that kind of shallow flattery, so there's no need to concern myself with such things. When loving everyone equally, if you strip away unnecessary elements, this is the natural result."
"…Right. But I don't mind when Subaru calls me Emilia-tan."
"Subaru…?"
The name caught Regulus's attention, and an unpleasant expression flickered across his face.
But Emilia ignored the change in Regulus's expression and continued.
"When Subaru calls me Emilia-tan, his feelings are packed into every word. And when he sometimes calls me just 'Emilia,' I know instantly that it's a special moment. I don't think any of that is pointless. Names are supposed to carry that kind of meaning."
"Hey, hold on—you're just barreling through this conversation. Who is Subaru? That's a person's name, right? A man's name? You're about to get married and you're bringing up another man's name in front of the one you're going to call your husband? That's beyond lacking common sense, isn't it? Even someone with no particular involvement would be hurt. You are hurting him. Do you understand?"
"He's not someone with no particular involvement. Subaru is my one and only knight. He's the one who calls my name while telling me he loves me."
"——Hah?!"
At Emilia's answer, a murderous aura swelled from Regulus.
At his movement, Number 184 and the other wives immediately attempted to flee the area.
But— "Don't move!! Anyone who moves—I'll blow off everything from the neck down!"
"———"
"Listen to my explanation. Choose your words carefully. I want you to make every effort not to cause a misunderstanding. I don't intend to turn this wedding into someone's funeral. Understood?"
Regulus's shoulders trembled as he spoke, his voice strained with barely contained emotion.
The attendees, pinned in place by Regulus, couldn't move. But Emilia faced his swelling murderous aura with an unchanged, gentle expression.
"Marriage is for a man and a woman who love each other. But I don't qualify for that at all yet."
"———"
"Because I don't yet understand what it means to love a man as a woman. That's why, even though Subaru tells me he loves me so much, I can neither affirm nor deny the answer he's seeking from me. I know that's terribly hurtful—that it causes Subaru pain and trouble. But—"
Regulus fell silent. But Emilia's heart was not directed at him.
Everyone understood it clearly—she had no eyes for him.
"I don't understand what it means to love someone yet. But someday, I'm sure I will love someone. I'll love someone, as a woman. And when that day comes, I've already decided who I'll love. So—"
She drew a breath, fixed Regulus with her gaze, and said: "—I will not become yours."
"——! Oh, is that how it is?! Well, I've lost any desire to take a selfish, unfaithful woman like you as my wife! Good riddance!!"
At Emilia's declaration, Regulus's face flushed red with rage.
As Regulus extended his fingertips in fury, Emilia gathered mana throughout her body and readied herself for combat. Against his incomprehensible destruction—first, she would test the waters— "——!?"
The instant both attacks were about to launch, a tremendous sound echoed through the cathedral.
The sound came with ferocious momentum—a projectile, like a bullet, flying in to strike Regulus directly. The object that hit his white tuxedo-clad body was a splintering wooden door—one of the entrance panels to the cathedral that had just been repaired.
It had blown in from outside and struck Regulus.
And then— "You kicked at the same time as me, but the results are completely different! What kind of leg strength do you have?!"
"Sorry. I couldn't calibrate. I chose the right target to hit, so let's call it even."
"The entrance is way too dramatic when you show up like that. My kick just opened the door, but yours actually hit the enemy…"
As they bickered, two figures appeared inside the cathedral.
A black-haired boy and a red-haired young man.
Emilia's eyes went wide. Regulus, standing at the center, flicked away the wooden fragments with a dismissive gesture. Unharmed, but with annoyance burning in his eyes, he glared at the two intruders.
"How bold of you, disrupting a sacred wedding ceremony. I don't recall a man's name among the guest list—so who are you, and what's your business here? Hmm?"
At Regulus's intimidation, the two at the entrance exchanged a glance.
Then, with a nod— "Partner-less Spirit Knight,
"The 'Sword Saint' bloodline,
They announced themselves, and Reinhard stepped forward.
Beside him, Subaru winked at Emilia, pointed at Regulus, and declared: "We've got a few objections to this wedding. —We're taking the bride."