Ariel Interlude.
"So. Go ahead and pass that crown on up here and let's get this shit show started."
Ariel sighed as she lay back in bed, Tristina to one side and Sylphie to the other, damp and warm from her recent bath. The older of the two made a quiet noise before settling back into place at Ariel's side. She had climbed into bed with Sylphie and hadn't wanted to climb back out again since the day Sylphie rescued her. The blonde Purplehorse had, for a while, become mildly androphobic—at least until she and Sylphie helped her get a handle on it. Having her talk with Rudy occasionally by phone helped.
What are we going to do about her when we leave? Ariel didn't have an answer for that. Sylphie had extended the offer for Tristina to come with them, but the blonde was uncertain.
And of course, all of that was just trying to take her mind off of what had happened earlier that day. Rudeus had, once again, done the impossible—something she was coming to realize was a common occurrence with the boy. Or man, rather. Young man by this world's standards, but his accomplishments had more than earned him being recognized as a man and not a child, by the rest of the world. That was discounting what Ariel and a select few knew about his circumstances.
Rudy and his blunt, American way of handling things. Just bulling through, having his way, and daring someone to complain.
Ugh. Why is it such a turn-on?! She made a quiet noise of sexual frustration before rolling over and cuddling Sylphie against her chest as her mind turned back to that whole 'shit show.'
At one point after waking up and realizing she had been isekai'd, Ariel might have said she loved her new family. Or she had wanted to. She was a traditional Japanese girl at heart, and familial piety was part of who she was. That had lasted exactly as long as it took for her to learn the language and realize just what sort of degenerate, awful behavior her relatives got up to and what they expected her to do, when she got old enough. Since then, she had felt nothing but disgust and seething contempt for most of her family, with very few exceptions.
Watching Rudeus come in with his American swagger, dick swinging, and dictate terms to her father… Watching him deal with her former brother and the prime minister. And then, when they worked together to lay the foundations for the trials to come, starting with the worst of the worst nobles and dispensing justice swiftly, with no hesitation whatsoever…
Ariel had never been happier. She had never felt more vindicated. Or more turned on.
Her family were the worst of the bunch and she was glad to finally see the potential threat they represented to her and everyone else dealt with. Grabell, dead. Her father, 'retired' and quietly being shuffled off to a quiet villa where he would have no political influence. Her sister was still twisting in the wind somewhere, but Ariel was sure Sprite would find her eventually.
All of the petty plots and infighting brought to heel, dragged out kicking and screaming into the light of day. The filthy, degenerate behavior finally seeing the punishment it deserved. Royalty, nobles, merchants, clergy, and commoners alike held to account for their actions against the nation and its people. Those that had forced her to become something she wasn't, didn't want to be, getting their comeuppance.
She had only dared dream of this day, once upon a time, all those years ago. When she was forced to acknowledge the reality of this world and her place in it, and take steps to ensure that she wasn't the nail that stuck out, to be hammered down by those around her.
Then along came Rudy.
Someone else from her world. Someone who had taken the opportunities presented to him and made something impossible out of them. Hilariously, out of a simple desire for a flush toilet and a hot shower.
She had been jealous, at first. After meeting Sylphiette and speaking with Rudeus the first time, when she had some time to actually sit and think about it—about their situations and what might have been. If their positions were reversed, if Rudeus had been born in the palace and Ariel with a loving family, would he have still worked so hard to learn what he had? Would she have been able to accomplish what he had?
No. She knew she couldn't. She would have happily accepted her new life and adapted to her circumstances, to live a peaceful life of obscurity. She would have grown up in a loving home in a small village, never knowing want or pain. And she would have likely died in the teleport disaster.
Knowing Rudy as she did now, she realized that him becoming a monster of a mage was inevitable. Being a man, he wouldn't have had to worry about his chastity nearly as much as she had—though, there were those particularly sick nobles who had a thing for little boys, and Darius Ganius and Grabell would have taken great pleasure in introducing them. He wouldn't have let that stop him, and eventually, he would have challenged Grabell for the throne and won.
The thing that made her most jealous of him was his friends and loved ones. People who he loved and genuinely loved him in return, with none of the strings attached that 'love' in her own family came with. Take Sylphie, for example. A monster of a mage in her own right. Sweet and innocent. A delectable little flower just begging to be plucked by her hand… And the girl lived and breathed 'Rudeus Greyrat.' He had hung the sun, the moon, and the stars for her and Sylphie's love and devotion for him was unwavering. Obsessive, really.
And Rudeus… he would do anything for those people. It was humbling, and it hurt seeing the lengths real family would go for each other—regardless of blood.
So yes, she was jealous. Ariel, Shizuka, wanted that for herself. Which was why, after getting to know Rudy, Sylphie, and the others, she had agreed to the plan thought up by Sylphie, Roxy, and Eris. Not that marrying Rudy was a bad idea at all. Looking at it from a purely political perspective, it was about the best possible move she could make. On a personal level though, not looking at it as the princess looking to secure her claim to the throne, but as a woman… She needed someone who could take care of her needs. All of them. Love, attention, and family yes, but also someone who wouldn't balk at the things she wanted to do, sexually.
Not much longer to wait…
Sylphie shifted, rolling over in her arms. Ariel blinked as she found herself looking into red eyes. "Did I wake you?"
The white haired girl smiled. "Yes."
"So—mmf~!"
Ariel found herself on the receiving end as she was pushed down by the younger, smaller, and yet so much stronger girl who proceeded to take her mind off of her worries… and work off some of that frustration their soon-to-be husband had caused.
Off with his head, off with his head, off with his fucking head—!
"—And so you see, your highness, I had only the best interests of the kingdom at heart—"
"When you aided and abetted in the kidnapping of young girls, some of whom were nobles? When your forces infiltrated Roa, set fire to part of the commercial district, and stole the world's first printing press in order to sell it to Milishion? When you plotted with my brother's supporters against my father and myself?"
"At the time, the will of your brother was the will of the kingdom, your highness. I am but a humble purveyor of goods. A man who gets things done and makes things happen, for his patrons. Surely you can see the utility in that? It helps to have folk willing to get their hands dirty on the payroll."
Ariel took a deep breath, then nodded. Standing up, she made her way down the dais her and Rudy's thrones sat atop. "You're right. Being willing to get one's hands dirty when the situation calls for it is valuable. Necessary, even. You—"
She paused, before turning to the side. "Sprite, what was this one's name again?"
"Thaddeus. No family name, however, medical scans show he's actually a bastard sibling to Darius Ganius."
"That explains why I hate his face so much," she murmured. Clearing her throat, she continued. "You, Thaddeus, have committed treason against the nation of Asura. You have kidnapped and raped children. Murdered, raped, robbed, and burned your way across the country. All of your assets and holdings will be seized and auctioned off. It is my judgment that your continued life constitutes an unacceptable risk to the country, even should you be sentenced to hard labor—"
"Wait now, hold on a minute! You can't just—"
He fell silent a moment later, his lips still flapping but no sound escaping. Ariel dearly wanted to sigh, but held the impulse in. "The sentence is death."
Pointing her hand out at Thaddeus, Ariel created a pillar of fire and wind around him—two simple Elementary-level spells, combined to something higher. He didn't have time to scream as the fire consumed him and, a moment later, nothing was left but ash—which Ariel directed out the nearest window.
She turned and looked over the silenced court, the old nobles who had survived the initial purge and the merchants and various business representatives who had begun replacing those who had been eliminated. There would be no new nobility taking the place of those she had been forced to execute. The members of those houses had been stripped of their noble titles, assets, and holdings and had been exiled and teleported straight out of the country—save for the children, who Sprite had taken in, saying something about testing an idea Rudy had proposed for public schooling.
No more nobility after this. Twenty, maybe thirty years to consolidate power into an absolute monarchy. Another twenty or thirty years to let the older generation who still remember the nobility die, then hand everything over to Sprite, to rule in our names. By then, nearly everyone in Asura should have been educated by her in a public school and predisposed to listening to and obeying her.
It was a scary thought, but Rudy had absolute trust in Sprite and Ariel trusted her future husband. Until then, she had to deal with the remaining nobility who hadn't conspired against her or her father, or the kingdom itself—along with the merchants, various guilds, and other factions within the country. And then there was the issue of dealing with their neighbors, now that word of the former king being deposed and Ariel's ascension had spread… One thing at a time.
"That is all for today. We will continue this tomorrow. Good day." Dismissing the witnesses, Ariel turned towards a side passage, Sprite's hologram materializing at her side. Then, she said, "Send them ahead to the conference room."
Around her, the hologram of the hallway went transparent. Standing, Ariel stretched a bit, making a satisfied sound as her back popped. A knock at the door announced the arrival of Sylphie, who brought her a plate of chicken skewers from town and a pitcher of wine, along with a glass.
"Thought you might be hungry."
"You're a life saver," Ariel pecked the shorter girl on the lips, before taking the plate and setting it down on the table beside the chair she'd been working out of most of the day. Taking a skewer, she bit into it and made a happy noise.
"Are you okay?"
Sending a smile towards Sprite, Ariel shook her head as she swallowed and picked up the glass. "No. I don't know that I ever will be again. But one day soon, all of this will be done."
"You don't have to do it all yourself—" Sylphie offered.
"I do," Ariel interrupted. "It's my responsibility. More than that, I have to send a message. I have to be seen making a difference. Keeping to my word. Doing what my father couldn't, or wouldn't. As much as I'd like to, if I just pass that responsibility off to Sprite right now, people would begin to doubt."
It was a conversation they'd had many times by now. Several times a week, since she had taken over the throne. They knew her answer, but felt obligated to ask. Ariel was touched that they cared about her feelings on the matter.
Deciding to move to a different topic, she asked, "How are the others doing?"
Sprite grinned. "You'll see, soon enough."
"Uh huh."
"Mom and Elin are coming by to visit tonight."
"That sounds great."
"I'm going to go get started cooking," Sylphie smiled, before turning and hurrying away, closing the door behind her.
Seeing that her holographic body had made it to the conference room door, Ariel sighed. "Back to work. At least it's just a private meeting."
Entering the conference room, Ariel found Phillip, Sauros, and Ghislaine waiting. The two men were looking at a map and talking, while Ghislaine sat eating a stick of her own grilled meat, her chair kicked back and leaning against the wall on the far side of the room. Sauros and Phillip looked up as she entered.
""Highness,"" they both greeted.
Ariel sighed. "Stop calling me that behind closed doors, grandfather, uncle." She sent a smile towards Ghislaine. "I see someone had the same idea," she chuckled, waving her own stick.
"They're good. No mess," Ghislaine shrugged.
"Alright," Ariel said, turning back to the table. "What fresh hell do we have to deal with now?"
"Sprite, would you?" Phillip asked, and Sprite nodded, before projecting a hologram over the table. "Rudeus finished the reconstruction of Roa."
Ariel raised an eyebrow. "How long did it take?"
"Less than a day," Sprite piped up. "I helped."
"Uh huh." She sipped her wine. "I'm going to stop being surprised when he does things like this some day. So, it sounds like we need to assign a new governor to Roa. Phillip, do you want your old job back?"
The man smiled, before shaking his head. "No, I don't believe so. In fact, this may be the perfect opportunity to see how Sprite handles the job."
"Better she get some experience now, and people get used to the idea," Sauros nodded.
Turning to the spirit, Ariel asked, "Are you up to it?"
"Mm! I'd like Phillip to help though, at least for the first year. He has more experience."
"Of course," Phillip agreed easily.
"Excellent! I already have a list of suggested changes, based on what I've observed from how Roa was run before the disaster, along with my observations of other cities."
"You two can put your heads together and work that out later. No need for me to get involved in the minutiae," Ariel waved her hand dismissively. "What else?" she asked, before finishing off her skewer and grabbing another.
"There are rumors beginning to circulate around the capital of a great wall appearing around the country's borders," Sauros grinned. "Obviously Rudeus's doing."
"Mm. We'll have to release some sort of official statement. There haven't been any problems finding the gates?"
"None," Sprite shook her head. "Some people panicked a bit at first, but all of the main roads have gates, so they figured it out quickly. Also of note, banditry originating from outside the country is down."
"Purely a coincidence, I'm sure," Phillip chuckled.
Raising an eyebrow, Sauros asked, "No more instances of local banditry?"
"Not since the bandit purge."
"Good." Ariel didn't want bandits in her country. She knew that sometimes, farmers and peasants resorted to thievery when the nobles raised taxes or did other stupid things, and she and Sprite were going over everything and making a universal tax code for all of Asura to follow to prevent that from happening in the future. Of course, that would piss off the nobles when they were told that all taxes would be going to the kingdom and they wouldn't be allowed to collect any more, but that was a problem for another day.
A moment later, the hologram over the table changed to show Fittoa, highlighting the locations of the new villages. Sprite continued, "So far, there have been very few instances of crime. Nothing severe. A few brawls, typically between races that have traditionally been hostile towards each other, in those few trading hub villages where those groups come into contact more often. A couple of attempted thefts, but the local police force caught it quickly and the thieves were punished appropriately."
"They've been behaving themselves, then?" Ariel murmured. "Good. I would hate for this experiment to prove the nobles right when they inevitability learn of it and decide to complain. If we can come to them with crime statistics comparing those villages with the average for the country, they should shut up. Especially when you factor in crime in Ars before I took over. Speaking of…?"
Sprite grinned. "The new program is working."
"Yes, I imagine so!" Sauros roared with laughter.
That one Ariel blamed entirely on Rudy. He had a simple, three-step plan for dealing with crime in Roa.
Step one: hand everything off to Sprite. Let her handle watching for crime, stopping it before or immediately after it happened depending on what it was, and then doling out the appropriate punishment.
Step two: have Sprite report the incident to the local authorities, so there would be a record of it.
Step three: the actual punishment. Namely, extremely public shaming. A person caught in the commission of a crime would be broadcast over the city and on every street corner for all to see. Their initial punishment would be visible for all to see—that is, Sprite lighting them up with lightning. The punishment after that varied depending on the severity of the crime. Theft would get someone buried up to their neck in the public square for a few days and only given water. Attempted rape or murder, because Sprite wouldn't actually let either of those happen, resulted in the assailant being executed by the city guard—again, visibly, for all to see.
Ever since the policy had been implemented, Ariel had only seen three instances broadcast. Since she was in Ranoa with Sylphie, Sprite projected it for them, so she was privy to every instance of Sprite having to step in.
"What was the reaction?" Phillip asked.
"Largely positive. The only people who truly complained were, themselves, criminals. And nobles."
Who would have thought I would be party to creating a magical nanny state? Yet, as much as I would like to say it violates basic freedoms… you don't have the freedom to commit crime in my country. I was kind of surprised that the freedom-loving American was the one who suggested it.
Rudy was big on his rights, among those being the right to privacy. So his answer, when she'd asked him about it, had been a bit surprising. "Some people need the reminder that someone is watching them and will retaliate if they step out of line. Having a benevolent spirit do the job is at least better than handing that sort of power over to normal people, who would be tempted to abuse it. Because I asked her to do it, I know Sprite will do her absolute best to be as fair, even-handed, and unbiased as possible. She also won't go spilling other people's business and secrets, unless it's relevant. Maybe that makes me a hypocrite. But, well, I'm only human."
"In other news," Sprite continued, pulling Ariel from her thoughts, "Milishion is experiencing a civil war. Tonight, the Order of the Temple has declared war on the Order of Instruction and begun with an assault on their leadership. The Order of the Church is quietly backing the Order of the Temple, under orders from the king. He sees it as a chance to depose Pope Harry and install his own puppet 'saint.'"
Frowning, Ariel asked, "Do you have an airship parked nearby?"
"A few. The Sylphiette Greyrat is being sent from the Demon Continent in preparation for master Rudy's wedding."
Considering for a moment, she looked to her two advisors, who both nodded. "Offer him a ride. Him and those loyal to him who want to flee. We can't be seen directly interfering—"
"More than we already have," Phillip sighed, earning a nod from Ariel.
"What did that pope expect to happen, when he sent assassins after my grandchildren?" Sauros grumbled. "If it were me, I'd have razed the country to the ground." Making a disgusted noise, he quietly muttered, "What kind of sick people don't like beastkin girls?"
"Assuming they accept, where should I drop them off?"
"Bring them to Fittoa," Ariel answered the spirit, who nodded. "The question is, what to do about them after. Do you have an empty village?"
"Mm! I've got a few spares, hidden here and there."
"Then we'll put them in one of those. Just… keep an eye on them."
"You know they're going to figure out who did it eventually," Phillip pointed out. "What do we tell them, when they ask?"
"'Fuck off' would be a good start," Sauros grumbled.
Ariel hummed, before a smile pulled her plump lips upwards. "I think I'll let Rudeus handle it."
"Oh, so you want them dead. Good choice," Sauros chuckled.
"There's a… non-zero chance Rudy will let them live," Ariel countered.
"As long as they're polite," Phillip deadpanned.
"As long as they don't try to kill master first."
"I believe that's what I said."
Giggling, Ariel took a breath and leaned back in her chair, refilling her glass of wine as she watched and moved the hologram of herself. Kind of like a video game, she mused.
"Any other business?"
"Just one," Sprite beamed.
Ariel raised an eyebrow. "Yeah?"
The hologram shut off entirely. A moment later, Ariel heard a shout from outside. "Sylphie! Ariel! Time to go!"
Ariel blinked. "Was that…?"
"Eris? Yes," Sprite giggled. "You're coming home with us."
Ariel's heart leapt and she stood up. "I have to pack—"
Sprite snapped her fingers. "Done. Everything teleported to the Eris."
"I should let the headmaster know we're taking a leave of absence—"
"Do it by hologram."
"What about Tristina?"
"She's coming too!"
Ariel considered the spirit for a moment. "This is sounding more and more like an abduction than simply offering me a ride…"
Sprite's smile turned into a leer. Ariel suddenly found her arms held tightly to her sides as she was lifted in the spirit's invisible grip, before being hauled out of the door. "So it's a bonus for you?"
Ariel laughed. "You know me too well. Very well, then! Kidnap me and whisk me away to my betrothed, for him to have his wicked way with me."
Once they made it outside, Ariel got her first good look at one of the airships in person—the Eris Greyrat, given the paint on the side and Eris's likeness on the front. She blinked, before laughing so hard she devolved into hiccups.
I can feel the 'America, fuck yeah!' from here. Is this what it feels like to be invaded by the Americans? I can feel my lingering Japanese Racial Trauma growing stronger the longer I look at it.
Getting her laughter down to giggles as she and Sylphie were lifted into the air, she made an uncomfortable discovery the moment she was set down on the deck and Eris hugged her.
Ariel was horny. Uncomfortably so.
It took her a few minutes to figure out why as Eris led her and Sylphie inside.
How did that meme go? [Shameful Japanese desire to be conquered and uplifted by American cock INTENSIFIES.] Well, as long as he hasn't invented a nuke…
Oh. Wait.
Who am I kidding? It's Rudy. He's American and a mage. Of course he has already. Fuck.
…Why does that thought make me even wetter?
Ariel watched as Rudy carried Sylphie away to his bedroom, Roxy and Eris clinging to his sides. "Two more days, Ariel. Just two…"
Turning back to the party taking place, she refilled her glass of wine and made her way through the crowd, doing as she had been all day—schmoozing and networking, talking with the nobles loyal to the crown and to her specifically, speaking with merchants about various business dealings, being seen visibly on very friendly terms with her soon to be family. It was exhausting. Ariel wanted nothing more than to go join Rudy and his new wives for some fun, but… the part of her that was Shizuka wanted to wait. She had put off lying with a man this long, she could wait another two days—for when she was a married woman and could enjoy her first and only man in wedlock. The thought pleased what was left of her poor, traditionally Japanese heart.
"Your highness?"
Ariel looked up, to find a group of mixed nobles and merchants approaching where she had been making herself a plate. "Yes?"
Count Redbat, recently elevated from his position as a baron due to several openings in the noble ranks and Ariel feeling as though she owed it to him and his family for Derrick's sacrifice, stood at the head of a group of eight individuals—which quickly became nine as Hilda joined them, moving to Ariel's side. As the apparent spokesman for the group, Count Redbat—Dennis, she remembered his name—stepped forward. "Your highness, if I may speak frankly?"
Ariel smiled. "Of course, Dennis. And please, just Ariel. Derrick was a friend to me and I won't have his father treating me like a stranger. We can save the titles for court and official business. My soon-to-be husband despises them and I find myself agreeing with his opinion of them—that, unless the situation calls for it, they're good for little more than petty posturing and puffing up fragile egos."
"Of course, Ariel," the man smiled, before moving over to the table. "May we sit?"
"Happily. These shoes may look wonderful, but they're killing my ankles!" Ariel giggled, moving around the table and taking a seat as Dennis began making his own plate. The others joined them a moment later. "Now, what is it you wanted to speak about?"
"Young Rudeus and his… air ships," the man began. "We have been discussing the matter. Ariel, your highness," Ariel raised an eyebrow but he stubbornly continued on, "I believe it is no exaggeration to say that we stand on the precipice of something… something amazing, and terrifying. And without proper guidance, we feel that this could potentially bring ruin to the kingdom."
Ariel raised an eyebrow, cutting off a piece of the meat on her plate and bringing it to her lips. "Oh? How do you see that happening?"
"We had the pleasure of a tour of one of them as we were brought here from Ars and they are quite the marvel. Their speed, cargo capacity, versatility, even the ability to mount weapons or support a crew of mages. Certainly, these ships of the sky bring with them great opportunities for trade further and faster than ever before. They also bring possibilities when it comes to warfare. Imagine it—commanding the skies and being able to cast spells and fire arrows down upon your enemy with near impunity. Only Perugius has commanded the skies to date, and we are all thankful that he has not declared himself ruler of us all from his flying castle.
"But with these air ships, should something happen and one of the other nations acquire one, we would lose that advantage. They would immediately begin pouring money into developing their own air ships. Soon, we would be facing entire navies of air ships looking to expand out across the lands and conquer all they see—all of those who do not have the ships themselves. Moreover, they would seek to eliminate those who already have them. Asura would become a target. We believe that, while they are a great asset, this is perhaps one beast that should remain caged indefinitely, until we truly need it."
"Mm," Ariel murmured, holding a hand over her mouth as she chewed.
Hilda laughed, shaking her head. "That won't happen."
"Madame, this is no laughing matter. We're talking about war—"
"It really is," the redhead grinned. "In order for any of that to take place, one would first have to go through my son. That's simply not going to happen. The number of people who may possibly be capable of such a feat can be counted on both hands." Leaning forward, her grin turned a bit devious. "I'm sure your concerns have nothing to do with the fact that, should Rudeus move forward with his plans of taking over shipping for the country, some of your acquaintances will find themselves unable to compete and soon looking for new employment. I don't believe the Redbat family would stoop to accepting bribes."
"Certainly not," Dennis frowned.
At that moment, four of the merchants stood and stormed off. Ariel sighed, looking over the rest, but Hilda beat her to the punch. "And I'm equally sure that those of you who have historically supplied the army with materiel wouldn't be using these fears to ensure that the army isn't rendered obsolete, thus cutting off that source of revenue. I'm certain that none of you upstanding gentlemen actually intended to cripple the kingdom in order ensure continued financial gain for your families. Because that would be treason. If the crown were to look into your records and business dealings, we wouldn't find anything along those lines, would we?"
Several of the nobles went red in the face before storming away after their merchant compatriots. Ariel reached up and rubbed at her forehead. "Sprite?"
The rest of the men at the table flinched as the spirit materialized at Ariel's elbow. "Yes?"
"Is this something I need to worry about, in an official capacity?"
"Mm, yes," Sprite nodded. "Count Redbat and those remaining weren't privy to that conversation, before they were approached and wrangled into this attempt at persuading you to put a stop to it. And Hilda is right. Those are exactly the reasons they suggested it."
"Well, we expected pushback," Ariel murmured. "Watch them a little closer from now on."
"Will do."
"I assure you, your highness, we didn't know—" one of the nobles began, and Ariel waved to silence him.
"No, it's fine. I understand that you all came to me out of a sense of duty. However, I assure you, no one in the world understands better than I just how important and dangerous the airships are, aside from my fiance and his first wife. Every precaution has been taken to ensure they do not fall into enemy hands. I am well aware of the impact they will have on our economy and military, and for certain nobles and merchants in particular. In fact, I think it is you who fail to grasp just how far-reaching this change will be.
"When my fiance takes over the shipping and commercial travel industries, and he will, every traditional land-bound and ocean-going freight company is going to collapse within months. Those nations that are dependent upon sea trade for much of their income, either directly or through taxation, are going to take a massive hit. Biheiriru, Neris, Shirone, Kikka, Sanakia, Milis—we are going to make many enemies in the coming years, just from taking over global trade. Luckily, we will also have," a smile pulled at Ariel's lips, "aerial superiority. The army isn't going to be obsoleted. Improved upon and the current stock of soldiers eventually cycled out and replaced with new soldiers with better training, certainly. But there will always be a need for troops, and those troops will always need food and supplies."
She paused to wet her throat before continuing. "However, if you think the airships are the greatest change my husband-to-be will bring about, then you weren't paying attention to what was taking place in Roa immediately before the Fittoa disaster. In the few short years Rudy was there, Roa surpassed Ars in income and tax revenue. Now that he's back, and Roa has been rebuilt, it's not going to take him long to get things back on track."
"If Roa hadn't been destroyed, I imagine the king would have moved the capital eventually," Hilda supplied. "My Rudeus is a wonder. A brilliant man."
Ariel turned a teasing smile on Hilda. "Oh? He's your Rudy now?"
"Yes," Hilda nodded firmly. "He is my son in all but blood."
"Zenith is going to be annoyed that she has competition."
"It'll do her good," Hilda murmured. "With everything going on with Paul…"
One of the nobles still at the table coughed politely, before interjecting. "There were some rumors going around about an altercation between young Rudeus and his father?"
Ariel resisted the urge to sigh, but only barely. "Then allow me to clear those up. When Paul Greyrat arrives, he will be arrested and stand trial for the attempted murder of the queen's betrothed."
Those present winced. It was attempted regicide, even if he wasn't married to her yet. "Have you reached a decision on what to do about the situation?"
"I have. But this is hardly the place for that conversation. This is a wedding, after all," she smiled, but it was strained.
Rescue came in the familiar form of the red haired, curvy maid, Lilia. "Your highness," she bowed. "Your bath has been drawn."
"Thank you, Lilia," Ariel beamed a smile up at the woman. Finishing off her wine, she stood and curtsied to the men at the table. "Gentlemen, I big you goodnight."
Hilda followed along as Lilia led Ariel away, while Sprite's avatar disappeared. As soon as they were in the hallway and out of earshot, Ariel slumped. "Lilia, thank you for the save."
"You are welcome, highness."
"Ariel," the blonde corrected. "Say, why don't we take a bath together and catch up? We haven't really had time to talk." She turned to Hilda and added, "You're welcome to join."
"I believe I will," Hilda smiled.
"Likewise. It would be nice," Lilia murmured.
They went upstairs and entered one of the larger private baths. "So," Ariel began, "how far along are you, Lilia?"
The redhead reached down and rubbed her belly. "Not very."
"Congratulations. Have you given any thought to names?" Hilda asked.
The maid smiled as she slipped into the bath. "I'll ask master Rudeus when the child is born."
"You really should have made a decision long before now."
"Don't scold me, I've been busy."
"I will scold you, because you are deserving of being scolded."
"Mm. But don't scold her too hard in public, or she'll make a scene."
Ariel blushed. "Sylphie, please don't go telling my secrets."
"Why not? We're all going to be sisters after tomorrow anyway."
"Let me rephrase. Don't go telling my secrets in public!"
The white haired girl rolled her eyes. "No one can hear us."
Roxy looked at the hologram version of Ariel in the wedding dress on the dummy in front of them, before looking at the real Ariel. "I don't like it."
"Agreed," Ariel sighed. "Let's go."
They had been at this for a while now and so far, nothing really spoke to her. Back on Earth, before she and Rudy had been isekai'd, Nanahoshi Shizuka had dreamed girlish dreams of being married in a pretty traditional kimono—either white, or something patterned.
"It might be better if we regroup with the others and put our heads together," Roxy mused as they walked towards the palace.
"Does it really need to follow whatever style is current?" Sylphie asked. "Simple is good."
"As the queen, she's supposed to show off," Roxy shook her head.
"You know what Eris would say."
"Mm. Waste of time. She would complain, but she'd do it anyway. She did for her own wedding."
As the pair talked, Ariel's mind kept going back to that thought. Why can't I? I'm the queen. If anything, I set the trends. Sprite already agreed to make a dress, so we'd just need materials…
"Sprite?" she asked, and a moment later the spirit's hologram joined them, walking backwards ahead of them. "Do you have silk?"
"I have lots," she smiled. "We gathered it from the Great Forest on our way back. Very high quality. It's what I made everyone's under layer for their dresses from. Along with undergarments, robes, and a few other things. Why do you ask?"
"I might have an idea." Roxy and Sylphie perked up at that, but when they asked, Ariel simply smiled. "Can you do me a favor? Ask Rudy what he thinks of a formal kimono."
Roxy raised an eyebrow. "That sounds familiar," she murmured, while Sylphie just looked confused.
A moment later, Sprite giggled. "He said to call you a traditionalist otaku—"
"I am not~!" Ariel pouted.
"And that he would look awful in one. But if you wanted to do it, he was okay with it. As long as he didn't have to wear one."
Ariel's pout abated. "Hm. He could wear a suit. No one's going to know the difference," she mused. "Alright. Here's what I'm thinking…"
"You look good," Rudy smiled at her as they swayed together on the dance floor of the imperial ballroom, while a full band played for them. Surprisingly—though she supposed she shouldn't be at this point—Rudy could dance. And dance well at that.
"Thank you," Ariel smiled at him. He was wearing lifts in his boots and she was wearing flat shoes for this, so the height difference wasn't actually as obvious as it was usually. I should probably enjoy being bigger while it lasts. Eventually, he's going to dwarf me if what Zenith said about his father is anything to go by.
"Even if you are a traditionalist otaku."
"I will hurt you," Ariel smiled, squeezing him just a little tighter than necessary.
"You can try," the cheeky brat grinned. "Didn't work out too well for the last guy."
No, it's not fair to call him a brat when we're married now.
"I still can't believe someone actually tried something at our wedding," she murmured.
One of the nobles—actually, one of those who had been in the group she had talked to at Eris's wedding—had stormed up to the platform she, Rudy, and Pope Harry were standing on before drawing his sword and attempting to kill her. Sprite had let them know about it long before he even made it into the venue and Rudy had quietly told her to let him go through with it. Ariel agreed. A message needed to be sent.
The man, whose name she didn't care to recall at the moment, had made it almost close enough to strike before she and Rudy took care of it—fire and lightning drowning him in magic and leaving nothing behind but a blackened spot on the ground. Pope Harry had carried right on with the ceremony after that, without skipping a beat. Ariel was pretty sure it had finally sunk in for them, then—that there would be no getting rid of her or Rudy. At least, she hoped it had.
"I can. I kind of expect to see more of the same in the coming days. At least, until Sprite weeds them out. They can't hide forever."
"Mm," she nodded. The song came to a close and they slowed to a stop, before another song started and others began making their way onto the ballroom floor. She took that moment to kiss him again, sighing quietly as his strong arms squeezed her tightly and his lips brushed her own.
"Rudy?" she asked, breaking the kiss and resting her forehead against his.
"Yeah?"
"Tell me I'm pretty and take me to bed."
"You're a beautiful woman, Ariel. Wife." He shifted his head, moving in and brushing his lips against her ear, and a shiver ran down her back. "Shizuka."
"Mmf~."
Stepping away, he took her hands and pulled her off the dance floor, over to the side where Roxy and Sylphie were waiting. "Ariel wants to call it an early night."
"Aww," Sylphie pouted, and Ariel knew whatever Sylphie said next, she was going to capitulate on. "I wanted to dance at least once!"
"It's fine—" Roxy began, only for Ariel to cut her off.
"No, she's right. You two go enjoy yourselves with our husband. I've waited this long. I can wait a little longer."
"Yay!" Sylphie giggled, grabbing Rudy by the hands and pulling him onto the floor.
Roxy, meanwhile, led her to one of the long tables covered in finger food and glasses and bottles of wine. The bluenette poured them both a small glass of something fruity as they picked out food. "It's a shame that Eris couldn't be here," Ariel said, before biting into her miniature sandwich and covering her mouth to chew.
"You know how she is," Roxy rolled her eyes. "I suspect she'll be back in a few months, then be off again as soon as she's ready."
"In a few months…?"
Roxy smirked. "I'm almost certain that Rudy knocked her up. He was a bit angry that she left without saying goodbye."
Ariel snorted, before looking around to make sure no one had heard it. "Ah, yes. She pissed him off so he knocked her up. Makes perfect sense."
The blue-haired Migurd smiled. "The way their relationship works? Yes."
"Where's Zenith?" Ariel asked, looking around.
Roxy winced, and Ariel had her answer. The same place she was for the last three weddings. "Therese and Lilia took her aside. They're on the Sylphie now, heading home."
Ariel sighed. "Where's Paul?"
"On the boat between East and West Port."
"Did she call him?"
Roxy shook her head. "She's refused to make contact since…"
Since Sprite showed her the evidence of Paul's numerous dalliances over the years. "So she's seeing her son get married and it's a reminder that she can't go back to the happy family she had before."
Roxy nodded. "Yes. Though… I think she's starting to realize that she never had it to begin with. Even the time we all shared together, when I was teaching Rudy and Sylphie. I should have suspected something, given the neighbor's actions and the way he valued her word above that of his own son."
"Not your fault. Everyone I've spoken to agrees that Paul is charismatic and friendly. The women all say he's a handsome rogue." Ariel shot Roxy a knowing look and the Migurd blushed. "Rudy told me how he found you in the hallway—"
"One time! It was one time," Roxy hissed. Waving her hand, she put up a bubble around them to silence their conversation. "I was a virgin and had never even seen a man or another woman aside from my mother naked before then! And there were Paul and Zenith, every night, without fail and something… awakened within me." Biting her lip, she looked towards the dance floor, where Rudy and Sylphie were kissing. "I'm glad Rudy found me when he did. Paul was nice to look at, yes. But Rudy is everything I want in a man."
The song ended and Ariel watched as Sylphie and Rudy approached, the part-elf happily pressed into his side. Roxy dropped the bubble around them and sent their husband a smile. "Rudy, I would like a turn before we leave."
"Sure, let me grab a bite and I'll go spin you around."
Ariel and Sylphie sat together, leaning against each other as Rudy and Roxy had their dance. Eventually, they all left the ballroom and made their way out to her favorite garden, where they were pulled into the air. Ariel turned and got a look at the ship named after her, a smile pulling at her lips as they were brought inside and the ship pulled away—heading for Roa.
Home. Because this place isn't, anymore. She was again glad she had made the decision to live in Roa with the others and use holograms to work in Ars.
Sylphie giggled as the group of four made their way to the master bedroom. "…and if you bite the inside of her thigh just right, she'll—"
"Sylphie," Rudy laughed, reaching out and pulling the girl into a hug as they walked. "Shush. Leave me some surprises here, would you?"
"Yes, please," Ariel begged, though she had to admit that this teasing, playful side of Sylphie was endearing. One of many things she liked about her… Sister? Wife? Sister-wife? Friend and lover, certainly.
"You say that as though you aren't going to blatantly cheat with magic," Roxy huffed, looking distinctly… pouty for some reason.
"Of course I'm going to blatantly cheat with magic," Rudy nodded as they entered the room and began undressing. Ariel made to take off her kimono, but a look from Rudy stopped her. "If I don't get to unwrap that present, I will be very annoyed."
Ariel giggled as Sylphie and Roxy began to help each other undress. "Very well, husband. Come unwrap your wife."
"Impatient," he accused, kicking off his boots.
"Yes! I've waited, by my count, over thirty years!"
Roxy raised and eyebrow before turning the covers back and slipping onto the bed, followed by Sylphie. "It's easy to forget that you two come from the same place. You act nothing alike, most of the time."
"But they compliment each other! Rudy is very forward and Ariel is subdued, when she's in private and not playing the 'degenerate princess' role," Sylphie smiled.
"Difference in cultures," Rudy explained as he got down to his boxers and placed the carefully folded clothes on a chair. "Japanese people are very polite and subdued."
"Whereas Americans are typically like a bull in a China shop, rampaging through without a care for what they break," Ariel accused, sending her husband a playful, teasing look.
"Guilty as charged," he admitted with a grin that would have made Ariel's panties wet… if she were wearing any. Traditionally, one didn't wear panties with a kimono, however.
"You never did tell me," Ariel murmured as Rudy's hands began working at the ties to the first of Ariel's three layers worth of kimono. "Why were you in Japan, anyway?"
Rudy's green eyes met her blue for a moment as he looked up and grinned. "You're gonna laugh and think it's stupid."
"Probably," she agreed.
"I know the answer to this one," Roxy giggled, and Ariel raised an eyebrow.
"Oh? Tell us!" Sylphie sat up, her naked body pressed into Roxy's in a display of lewd womanly flesh that Ariel wanted to dive face first into…
"Well, the truth is, I was there to pick up JKs."
Ariel snorted. "To borrow a phrase, bullshit."
"No, that's what he told me, too," Roxy sent her a mischievous grin. "Sightseeing and picking up JKs."
"You're an ass," Ariel accused, rolling her eyes.
"What's a JK?"
The three of them looked to Sylphie, before Rudy answered. "Not it!"
"Not it!" Roxy echoed immediately.
Ariel blinked. "What? No, wait! How did she know to—" she pointed to Roxy, who grinned.
"Eris would've beat me to it," Rudy shrugged, getting the second layer off of her. "They learn fast."
"I'm waiting~," Sylphie teased.
"I hate you so much," Ariel glared down at Rudy, who pulled open her kimono, exposing her pale flesh to the cool air of the room.
"Don't worry, when I get done putting hearts in your eyes, you're going to love me. You'll wonder how you ever lived without me."
"A bold claim, husband. But can you back it up?"
"Let's find out, wife."