Prisca POV
Perched atop my sprawling estate's balcony on this leisurely Sunday, I bask in the lavishness and extravagance that I've grown accustomed to. Nevertheless, my disposition is far from serene.
I've just been informed that the Eastern Lagunica aristocracy has rejected endorsing me for the upcoming election. How outrageous! I am Prisca Benedict, the progeny of Drizen Vollachia and bearer of the formidable yang blade. My path to glory and supremacy is preordained, and these impudent simpletons should know better than to defy me. The election is a mere trifle, and my triumph is assured.
As if that weren't enough, the sage council has indefinitely deferred the start of the royal selection, citing the hunt for the fifth dragon heir as the cause of the delay. How dare they make me wait! I care little for the number of pretenders vying for the throne, for they will all bend the knee to me in the end.
The throne is rightfully mine, and I shall spare no effort to seize it.
Nonetheless, this nonsense is getting on my nerves. But I have a solution - I'll seek counsel from Subaru, the only one who can guide me through these turbulent times.
"Schultz!" I called out to my attendant, feeling a tinge of irritation creeping up on me.
"Yes, Priscilla-Sama?" Schultz appeared promptly, his peach-pink hair and youthful frame a contrast to my vexation.
"Have you seen my manservant?" I queried.
"You mean Subaru, my lady?" Schultz asked innocuously.
"Of course, it's Subaru! Who else could it be?" I retorted, frustrated at his lack of comprehension.
"He's out with Al for his day off, my lady," Schultz informed me with a smile.
"What?! I didn't grant him a day off so he could frolic with Al!" I fumed inwardly. "Is Aldebaran here?"
"He just arrived, my lady. Shall I summon him?" Schultz asked politely.
"Yes, tell that fool to come right away!" I snapped. As Schultz departed, I was left alone with my thoughts but soon found comfort in the Metia that Subaru had bestowed upon me. It was a reminder of his presence, even when he was not physically present.
Subaru POV
With a contented smile, I held my lovely elven wife from behind, savoring the silkiness of her hair and the aroma of her skin. As I lingered at the moment, I couldn't shake off the sensation that I was in paradise. EMT! Emilia-tan is truly an angel in every sense of the word!
All of a sudden, my wife's angelic voice snapped me back to reality. "Subaru?" she called out to me.
"Yes, my Emilia-tan?" I responded.
"We've been like this for nearly two hours now," she remarked, her tone inquisitive.
I felt a twinge of worry. "Don't you enjoy it, my Emilia Tan?" I asked. As her husband, I wanted to make sure she was happy. Cuddling was the norm for us married couples, right?
"It's not that I don't like it, My Subaru, but what you are doing feels... strange," she said.
I was taken aback. "Strange? What's strange about it?" I asked her. In my mind, I was just being a loving husband.
"Well, you've been embracing me from behind for two hours, smelling and stroking my arms, neck, and hair. And just 30 minutes ago, you started kissing and sucking my neck," she explained.
I couldn't help but chuckle. Who wouldn't want to do what I was doing? My wife was absolutely gorgeous, with porcelain skin and silky hair. And, if I'm being honest, Oh and I had left many hickeys on her neck too.
"Well, my Emilia-tan, cuddling, kissing, and everything in between is just part and parcel of married life," I tried to reassure her. I hoped my explanation would put her mind at ease.
"Is that the case, Subaru?" she asked me with a look of innocence and sweetness.
"Yes, it is! Mwah!" I declared, giving her a quick peck on the cheek. To my relief, she didn't resist. I felt incredibly fortunate to have her in my life.
I decided to take it up a notch. In a loving gesture, I began to caress her stomach and legs, not for sensual pleasure but to express my affection. However, I couldn't help but feel distressed as I noticed how skinny she was, aside from her ample breasts. Her waist and hips were too thin and bony as if she lacked proper nutrition.
Curious about her eating habits, I asked, "How often were you eating before, my wife?"
Emilia suddenly turned her head towards me and looked at me with sadness in her eyes as I held her close. "Not much. I had to make do with scraps and leftovers since I don't have any earnings. Sometimes, I even had to scavenge from the trash." She said sorrowfully.
The impact of her words was instantaneous as if they were a hammer that shattered my heart into countless fragments. I couldn't help but envision the anguish and suffering she had gone through. Determined to bring her joy and safeguard her from harm, I pledged to do whatever it takes.
Holding her tenderly but gently, afraid that my embrace might hurt her delicate frame, I kissed her on the forehead and assured her, "Don't worry, My Emilia-tan. From now on, you can eat whatever you desire. I promise to make that happen."
"Really?" she inquired with a touch of innocence and sweetness.
"Absolutely! In fact, why don't we head out? I know of a delightful spot where we can indulge in some great food," I replied.
My wife and I found ourselves at Yunyun's Choice, a cozy eatery nestled in the heart of Lagunica's bustling commercial district. Although I could have taken Emilia to one of the most prestigious places in the noble district, I refrained from doing so, as it was too close to Priscilla's estate. I didn't want to risk anything, considering her extensive network of spies and informants. So, we opted for this place instead, which was a safer distance away from her mansion.
As I sat next to my wife Emilia, she devoured her Japanese spaghetti and croquettes with an insatiable hunger, hinting at a prolonged period of food deprivation. It was understandable, considering how little she had eaten at her previous residence.
"Do you relish the food, My Emilia-Tan?" I asked, observing her continue to wolf down the dish.
"Yep! It's Delicious!" she exclaimed, nodding with a mouthful of food. Her behavior only amplified her already adorable demeanor... My goodness, My Emilia is a Major Angel!
Suddenly, the waiter materialized, asking, "Would you like anything else, Mr. and Mrs. Natsuki?"
"Yes, please bring me three boxes of chocolates," I requested, pointing to the picture on the menu. I was surprised to see that they offered chocolate as well.
"What are those, My Subaru?" Emilia queried with curiosity.
"It's a surprise, my love. But be warned, they're so delicious that they might make you fat!" I retorted with a roguish grin.
"Hmph, I won't get fat," she countered with an endearing pout.
As we finished our meal, the waiter gave us boxes of chocolates, and I paid our bill. Emilia and I walked hand in hand through the lively streets of the capital after leaving the restaurant. Since it was already evening, we decided to head back home. But before we did, we visited the market to buy preserved meat, flour, vegetables, and wine so that Emilia could stock up her pantry.
"Hey, do you know how to cook my wife?" I asked Emilia, and she replied with a shy smile, "No, unfortunately, I don't."
"Well, that's a bit of a problem, but don't worry. I'll teach you," I said with a grin. Emilia nodded and smiled back, and we went on with our shopping.
When we finished, Emilia stopped in front of a stand selling plushies. I could tell she wanted one.
"Looks like you have your eyes on that plushie, my Emilia-tan," I said as Emilia hesitated by the toy.
"It's nothing, really," she replied, trying to dismiss it.
But I knew better. "Come on, don't be shy. You're my wife. Let's get it for you," I insisted, walking over to the vendor.
With some bargaining, I managed to get the plushie, a white cat, at a lower price. I returned to Emilia and presented her with the coveted item. Her face lit up with joy and gratitude, and we continued our journey back home, feeling closer than ever before.
As we strolled towards our Home, My Wife and I engaged in a pleasant conversation until a peculiar sight caught our gaze. It was a young girl, situated three blocks from our humble abode, with enchanting yellow-green eyes that seemed to hold a hidden power and a nose that was perfectly sculpted. Her lustrous dark-blue hair was intricately braided in a triple-braid that cascaded down to her hips. However, the beauty of her features was overshadowed by the ragged state of her clothes, the dirt that marred her skin, and her emaciated figure. It was unmistakable that she was a beggar without a home.
I felt pity for the girl, but Emilia was even more compassionate. She immediately rushed towards the girl, but I stopped her.
"My Emilia-tan, do you think this is a wise decision? After all, it is not our responsibility," I asked, unsure of the situation.
"Subaru, I know it's not our responsibility, but it's the right thing to do," she replied, determination shining in her eyes.
"Are you sure about this?" I questioned her skeptically.
"I am certain, my husband," she replied with unwavering conviction, even calling me her husband. That melted my heart and that was enough for me to acquiesce.
"Okay, but please be careful," I cautioned her, and she nodded in agreement.
As Emilia approached the little girl, I followed her closely behind. Emilia went down on her knees to speak to the girl.
"Hello there, what's your name?" Emilia asked kindly and sweetly.
"Huh?" the girl replied, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and surprise. She seemed scared and defensive.
"What do you want from me? Please don't hurt me!" the girl shouted, trembling in fear.
Emilia tried to explain that she meant no harm, but the girl was too scared to listen. I then realized my mistake - as a silver-haired half-elf, My Wife's appearance can be intimidating to most people. Before the situation escalated any further, I stepped in.
"Hey there kiddo," I said, positioning myself between Emilia and the girl.
"My name is Natsuki Subaru, and this is my wife, Natsuki Emilia. Don't worry, we're not here to hurt you. We're here to help you," I explained.
The girl, still unsure of whether or not to trust us, asked hesitantly, "Help me?"
"Yeah, that's right. What's your name?" I asked gently.
"Uhhh, Meili. Meili Portroute," the girl replied.
"Hey Meili, are you lost? Where are your parents?" I inquired.
"Unfortunately, I don't have any parents," she responded, her expression turning solemn. "And my only family, my older sister, passed away a month ago." Tears streamed down her face, and she began to cry like a child.
"There, there, don't cry," Emilia comforted her, patting her back and hugging her. Meili was scared at first, but I reassured her.
"Don't worry, Meili-chan! Emilia-tan is my wife, and she's very kind and harmless, see?" I said, kissing Emilia on the cheek in front of the kid, much to Emilia's embarrassment and Meili's shock.
"Subaru, you're such a Dunderhead!" Emilia exclaimed, blushing like a tomato.
"Who says Dunderhead in this day and age my Emilia-Tan?" I retorted.
"Hahaha! You two are funny," Meili chimed in, relaxing and warming up to Emilia.
Emilia then took out a loaf of bread from our grocery bag and gave it to Meili, who hungrily devoured it.
"Whoa, slow down, kiddo," I cautioned her.
"I'm sorry, Oni-chan. It's been days since I last ate," Meili explained as she continued to eat.
Emilia turned to me with a look that I knew too well.
"Subaru, we can't just leave her here," she said sweetly.
"Aha! I've got it. Let's send her to the orphanage!" I suggested, feeling proud of myself.
However, both Meili and My Emilia strongly opposed the idea, their faces scowling as they held each other tightly.
"No way, Subaru! Orphanages here are known for abusing their children," Emilia argued.
"She's right, Oni-chan. I don't want to go to an orphanage, please," Meili pleaded, giving us puppy eyes.
"So, if I understand correctly, you want us to take her home with us?" I asked, feeling my eyes twitching.
"Come on, Subaru, she'll be like our first daughter," Emilia said, smiling sweetly. "Right, Meili?" she asked, patting her hair.
"That's right, Mommy! Let's go home, Dad!" Meili responded in an equally sweet voice.
"WHAT?!" I was shocked beyond belief when I exclaimed and felt like I could have died right then and there.
The idea that we would adopt her and have her become our daughter, seemed completely insane to me. We barely even know her!
"Emilia-tan, come on. We hardly even know Meili," I tried to reason with her.
Despite my arguments though, My Emilia-tan remained unyielding. Her silence and piercing gaze communicated one thing - there was to be no further discussion.
Honestly, I was tempted to push back even more, given how little we really knew Meili. But then I thought of the Lady Priscilla, who had trusted and taken me in on day one, despite me being a complete stranger.
Ah well, I guess we'll just have to see how this all plays out.
"Wow, what a beautiful home!" exclaimed Meili as she jumped on the couch.
"You like it?" asked Emilia my wife.
"Yes, Mom!" Meili replied. With my wife's help, Meili settled into our home quickly, as if she had lived here her whole life.
"Your room is upstairs, Meili," I said.
"Yay! Let's go see it, Dad! Mom!" Meili said excitedly and proceeded to drag us. We walked up the stairs together like a happy family to show Meili her room.
Her bedroom was a simple white room with a queen-size bed and a carpet.
"If you want, I can design it the way you like," I offered.
"You can do that?" Meili asked her eyes big like a bug.
"Of course," I replied with a smile.
Meili turned to us, tears of happiness in her eyes. "Mom! Dad! Thank you so much," she said as she hugged us both. "You made Meili very happy."
"It's nothing, Meili. You're our daughter now, right my Husband?" my wife Emilia-tan said sweetly. Damn Shes good!
I agreed, though deep inside I was nervous.
With the recent purchases, my funds were critically low. I only had three holy gold coins left, and now that I was providing for two people, they would not last long. I knew I had to expedite my plans and start selling my inventions to Anastasia. But for now, I decided to cross that bridge when I came to it.
Suddenly, my Metia rang in my pocket. It was already evening, so I wondered who could be calling. I stepped out of the room to answer the call, thinking it was AL. But to my surprise, it was someone else.
"Hey, Manservant! Where the hell are thou?" screamed a girl. It was Priscilla!
"Pri-Ci-LLa-T-an?" I replied nervously stuttering.
(TO BE CONTINUED)