Interlude:
We Greet Again
“I HEARD YOU CAPTURED the Black Widows.”
“Yes.”
Glenn was back at the Litbeit mansion and speaking to his father, Vaclav. Even though they had been in the east for over a month, this was only his second time seeing his father, the first being the day they arrived.
“That’s why I’ve returned to ask for your blessing once again. Please, agree to my marriage with Arahnia.”
Sapphee, Tisalia, and Arahnia were all there with him. Glenn bowed his head deeply, as was customary in the east. Arahnia also bowed her head gracefully.
He still felt uncomfortable around his father, but he was no longer afraid. He had already resolved not to return to Lindworm until his father approved of all his marriages.
“I’ve heard most of the story.” Vaclav’s expression did not change. “I also heard about your efforts from Souen. You did well. To think that my children were able to capture the bandits that were terrorizing the city…even the emperor is pleased. Apparently, Souen will soon be hearing directly from the emperor.”
“I don’t deserve such praise, Father,” Souen said, bowing his head nonchalantly.
Having the highest authority in the human realm learn his name—he was clearly and shamelessly trying to use it to gain political influence.
“The monster village has also been the talk of Heian. Souen and his…Saki, is it? I’m sure they will be able to marry sooner rather than later.”
“So then—”
“Be that as it may.” Vaclav remained stern. “The impression the Black Widows left on the people of the city has not changed. They haven’t forgotten the name Arachnida. And so, to allow such a marriage so soon—”
“We’re not going to be married here. Even if the gossip continues for a while, the subjects of that gossip—the Black Widows—are gone. The rumors will soon cease. No one will care enough to gossip about the wife of your doctor son, who lives far away in Lindworm,” Glenn rebutted fearlessly.
He had logic on his side. Vaclav was concerned about the reputation of the Litbeits in Heian; as a successful businessman, he had to worry about his image. But he was also a reasonable man. Glenn was sure that if he explained his true feelings, he would come around.
As expected, Vaclav’s face was grim. But he didn’t argue. What Glenn said made sense.
“I also request this of you, Father.”
“Sioux too!”
Souen and Sioux offered their support.
“Both of you?”
“It was thanks to Arahnia that we were able to capture the Black Widows. A union with such an intelligent woman would be an asset to the Litbeit family.”
“She is a very nice woman who takes good care of Glenn, Father. Please!”
Glenn was grateful for the support from his brother and sister. But Vaclav’s expression didn’t change a bit. He waited, but his father said nothing.
Could it all have been in vain?
“Guren? Are you here?”
The voice was familiar. The door to the next room opened ever so slightly, and a small figure peered out.
“Mother.”
“You travel all the way back here and don’t even come see your mother?” she said in a scolding tone.
Glenn felt a lump in his throat. The whole purpose of his trip was to tell his parents of his engagement to Sapphee and the others. But he needed Vaclav’s blessing first and therefore had never made it to the point of introducing them to his mother. Souen had even arranged it so that they wouldn’t end up meeting.
“Hey, go back to sleep, Kokuha. Don’t you still have a fever?”
“I’m feeling much better,” she snapped back in a way that even Vaclav couldn’t respond to. “I heard you were staying on Souen’s island. Why didn’t you come see your mother?”
“I-I’m sorry. I wanted to introduce you to my fiancées today—but Father won’t give his blessing.”
“Marriage. You mean Sapphee, then? And she’s right there.”
His mother kept herself hidden in the adjacent room. It seemed like she was stifling laughter. How did she know Sapphee was there? Maybe she was just assuming that if Glenn were to marry anyone, it would naturally be Sapphee.
“It’s been a long time, Lady Kokuha.”
“It’s fine. I’m relieved to hear it’s Sapphee. I will admit your snake body was strange to me at first…but you’re a nice, good-natured girl. Please take care of my Guren.”
“Yes, um…of course I will.” Sapphee bowed her head deeply. “But Lady Kokuha…I’m not the only one.”
She went on to tell Glenn’s mother about the other two fiancées, Tisalia and Arahnia. She also included the fact that Vaclav wouldn’t approve of a marriage with Arahnia.
Kokuha fell silent for a while after listening to Sapphee’s fluent explanation.
“Dear,” his mother said, addressing Vaclav in a powerful voice that turned their blood to ice.
“Umm…”
“Did you really say such a thing to Guren’s fiancée, after she came all the way from the west? That you wouldn’t approve their marriage?”
“But, darling… Guren brought three candidates home at once—”
“What does that have to do with anything? Souen, Guren, Suiu—none of our children are completely normal! So, he brought home three wives. What of it? If we let this chance pass by, no one will marry Guren.”
That was a harsh way to put it, but…Glenn couldn’t deny it in front of Sapphee, who was stifling her giggles.
“Sioux has grown demon horns, Souen is saying he wants to marry another demon. What are you afraid will happen if Guren marries three monsters?”
“No—I’m just concerned for the credibility of the Litbeit—”
“Isn’t Souen the future head of the family? What does he think of it?” Their mother’s assault was relentless.
Souen was also stifling laughter after being dragged into the conversation. “Mother. I have approved of this marriage from the beginning…I want my brother to be happy,” he said brazenly.
“See? Now, the matter is closed.”
“Er…yes…”
Vaclav looked awkward. No matter how storied the history of the Litbeit family’s merchant business might be, the head of the family couldn’t win an argument with his wife.
“I’m going to rest. Please come by and let me see your face later, Guren.”
“Y-yes, Mother…”
“I also expect you to explain why you didn’t write a single letter.”
“Yes, well—umm…sorry…”
He didn’t know what to say.
When he apologized, his mother laughed in a ladylike manner, closing the door behind her. In the end, they hadn’t even caught a glimpse of her face.
Glenn tried to remember when he last heard her voice. He’d always thought his mother was just as disappointed in him as his father had been, but her voice just now had sounded exactly the same as it did before he left home for the Academy and inconsiderately neglected to visit or even write to his parents for years.
The fact made him truly, genuinely happy.
“Did you hear that?” Vaclav’s stern expression shifted for the first time. He shrugged his shoulders, as if unsure what kind of expression to assume in its place. “The true head of the Litbeit family has spoken, and we shall all obey.”
“Father…” Souen chuckled uneasily.
Evidently, a husband couldn’t defy his wife. Judging by the relationship between Souen and Saki, the Litbeit household would not be breaking with tradition in this regard.
What about Glenn, though? Sapphee stared at him, grinning. He couldn’t imagine himself winning an argument against her.
“Kokuha hasn’t been well lately.”
“Yes…”
“The doctor said it’s anxiety. She doesn’t look that bad, but ever since Suiu’s Demonitis diagnosis, she’s been in some emotional turmoil. Her fever comes and goes.”
Glenn had had no idea. Souen and Sioux wore meek expressions, so they’d clearly known for some time. He felt guilty about his lack of filial piety.
“But Suiu is doing well, and now that Kokuha’s seen Glenn, her anxiety will surely abate.”
“Yes. That’s good to hear.” Glenn resolved in his mind to write regularly from now on.
Even Arahnia had a gentle smile on her face. He didn’t think he’d need to worry about her saying she was content to be a mistress again.
“Congratulations again, Guren. Make sure to get along with your wives.”
“Yes, Father.”
Glenn bowed his head to his father. Vaclav’s stern face had softened, and the corners of his mouth looked to be turning up. After running away from home to become a monster doctor, and for all intents and purposes cutting off contact with his family, Glenn finally felt like they were reconciled.
“Sapphee. Tisalia, Arahnia. I am sure my shameless son will be a handful, but please take care of him.”
“Of course. Please leave the doctor to me,” Sapphee said with a prim expression.
This was a turning point, Glenn thought. In this one trip, he’d introduced his fiancées to his parents and made peace with his guilt for running away from home. At the same time, receiving his father’s blessing to marry his fiancées made him feel as if he had finally earned his independence. Now he could righteously follow his path as a doctor.
“I will continue to work diligently in Lindworm,” Glenn declared.
Vaclav nodded to him tolerantly.