That Time I Got All The Ladies (Book 1)

Ch29.5

Shion: WHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAA-

Shuna: Shion, obviously they're joking.

Diablo: Believe me or not, it won't change the fact that Lord Rimuru will likely get married to her soon.

Shion: Lies!!!! It must be...

Testa has remained silent the entire time, neither confirming nor denying Diablo's statements. I, myself, have avoided everyone's attention by using a lousy excuse about needing to rest. Now, Souei and I are watching their reactions to the announcement from the shadows.

Ciel: What's going on?

Shuna: He's saying that Lord Rimuru has proposed to and got engaged with-

Ciel: He's telling the truth.

I watch as the colour drains from Shuna's face.

Ciel: Master is set to get married in a week or less.

All: WHHHAAAAAATTT?

Ciel: We have much to accomplish so get moving!

Akemi: Did someone say wedding?

Ciel: Great timing. Take Shuna with you.

Akemi: Huh?

Ciel: You're going as part of the delegation to the Holy Empire Ruberios.

Akemi: I am?

Ciel: Yes. If she is to marry our master then she must look the part and as much as I hate to admit it, no one is better suited to the task than you. Shuna will create whatever you decide-

Shuna: I-

Ciel: Of course, master needs to verify everything I am saying but when you arrive try not to cause any problems, ok?

Akemi: Hey!

Ciel: Remember you'll be representing our master. There is no room for error.

Benimaru: I don't mean to burst your bubble but isn't their party a bit small-

Ciel: I'm glad you noticed. You'll be accompanying them.

Akemi: This is starting to look less like a delegation...

Ciel: Well, he's the logical conclusion. Sending Veldora would be akin to a declaration of war and sending Milim is out of the question because she doesn't have an off switch. Kaida is also just as likely to level the entire nation as she is to eat it all and everyone else either lacks sufficient strength to serve as the protector of master's bride or are needed elsewhere.

Benimaru: Is that supposed to be a compliment?

Ciel: I-

Milim: AAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!! 

Oh dear...

Milim: RRRIIIIIIIMMMMUUUURRRRUUUUUU!!!!! 

Seems she's finally made it back. I wonder where she went...

Shion: Milim! Is it true?

Milim: What is?

Shion: I mean if it's true that Lord Rimuru proposed-

Milim: To Luminous? Yeah. 

Fresh tears pour from Shion's eyes. I find myself slowly moving towards her, aching to hold her close and comfort her but Treyni gets to her first and manages to soothe her enough for her to calm down.

Shuna: What if we became pregnant?

All: Huh?

Shuna: Don't you think Lord Rimuru would have to accept us?

Ciel: Now...let's not be hasty-

Shion: I couldn't have said it better myself! I'll take firs-

Ciel: No one's doing anything!

Shion: You're just jealous he hasn't done it with you as yet!

Ciel falls silent but Akemi takes over, going on the offensive.

Akemi: There's one problem with what you're suggesting.

Shion: Oh? Are you suggesting that you'd get in my way?

Akemi: Just think about it. You've been having sex for some time now, haven't you? Yet you haven't gotten pregnant. That should tell you something.

Shion: I...but we haven't tried-

Akemi: Either you're incompatible or his skills are actively preventing your attempts.

Shion: Hey!

Ciel: I can't speak for Aphrodite but even without a personality, Raphael would never allow the likes of you to bare the master's child-

A flash of hurt flickers across Shion's face but it is just as quickly replaced with rage. As she prepares to attack, however, Testa finally reengages in the conversation. Coming to a stop between the two groups of girls, she stares at them both before speaking.

Testa: Look at you all...no wonder Lord Rimuru had to look outside for a partner. I-

Diablo: Now, Testarossa. I don't think it is the right time to show them how immature they are acting.

I consider listening further but I can tell things are just about to wrap up so I turn away and begin walking in the opposite direction. Sure enough, the noise dies down shortly after but despite all I've heard, one thing bothers me...

Me: Souei...

Souei: Lord!

Me: I'll be going on a little trip. You're going to accompany me.

Souei: Understood. Shall I disband the others?

Me: No...they'll be split between joining us and watching the forests. However, for my party I want only you and Souka. 

Souei: When shall we depart?

Me: Right now. I wish to get a better look at my bride.