"No Marriage, Please! vs. Marry Me or Die: The Ultimate Love Showdown" - Episode 26

“Um, what exactly do you mean by that?”

“Sorry… I can’t say for sure, but I think I might have a lead. I believe it’s two men and one woman.”

“What made you realize that?”

“I was talking to Eve yesterday for a bit.”

“Yeah?”

“And during that time, I noticed someone watching us. I pretended not to notice, of course. I don’t think Eve realized anything.”

I listened intently to Ria’s words.

“I think… they’re targeting Eve. I can’t be completely certain, but the way their gaze was fixed on her—it seemed obvious. They left soon after, so maybe it was just reconnaissance. But… I’d seen them around before, in the periphery.”

“You’ve seen them around before?”

“Yeah. Anyone who even slightly showed an interest in Eve or you, I made sure to keep an eye on.”

“Could it be they were using this as a cover to increase their adventurer rank?”

“Mhm, exactly! You were acting with Eve to lure them out. And I was watching to identify who was focusing on you two! Hehe… As expected of you, Yuri. You really see the whole board, don’t you? And this was our first real collaboration, so I was nervous, but… did I do okay?”

“Ah, yeah… You were amazing, Ria.”

“Hehe, yay! I’m so happy to be praised by you, Yuri!”

…W-Wow. She really thought this through… but hey, it worked out.

There’s no doubt about it now—this is connected to the Empire’s darker operations. Though… maybe it’s not the unit I know from the original story. They’re probably targeting the protagonist, Theo, right now.

But if Eve is the target, then their aim might be to eliminate the Kingdom’s promising young adventurers.

Ria and I held a strategy meeting. We discussed enemy movements and how best to respond. Ria proved incredibly reliable, offering insights beyond what I expected. It turned into a very productive discussion.

“—So, what do you think of that plan?”

“Are you sure about this? It could put you in danger too, Ria.”

“It’s okay. After all, you’re the one who taught me the importance of acting with courage, right? I’ll do my part.”

“…Ria.”

Seeing how much Ria had grown, I couldn’t help but reach out and gently pat her head.

“You’re incredible, Ria.”

“Ah… y-yeah! I’ll do my best. For you, my dear husband Yuri, I can do anything!”

Ria beamed with a radiant smile. And so, we began preparing for the enemies that would inevitably come.

________________________________________

“I’ll come along today too. That’s okay, right?”

“Of course.”

Ria and I headed to the Adventurers’ Guild, where Eve was waiting.

“G-Good morning.”

“Yeah. Morning.”

“So, um… Ria-san is joining us today too?”

“Yep! And thanks for chatting with me yesterday.”

“Y-Yes…”

Eve’s reply was vague. She looked a bit pale, too.

“Eve.”

“Y-Yes!”

“Are you alright? If you’re feeling sick, just say so.”

“No. There’s nothing wrong. I’m perfectly fine and stable.”

“You sure?”

“Yes.”

Eve answered calmly. Well… maybe I was just overthinking it.

We entered the dungeon, but Ria and I didn’t have much to do. Almost as if trying to drive out her thoughts, Eve threw herself into the battles.

“Eve, don’t push yourself too hard.”

“This much is nothing. I’m fine.”

…But even from the outside, it was clear she was off her game.

“Eve-chan.”

“Yes…? What is it, Ria-san?”

“You don’t need to rush so much. Okay?”

Ria gently touched Eve’s hand and spoke kindly.

“You’re right… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

“It’s okay. I understand how you feel.”

“Yes…”

Since Ria was comforting her so warmly, I didn’t add anything else.

We continued deeper into the dungeon and eventually reached the 25th floor. Eve had calmed down and was now fighting with solid footing. Ria and I held back, using only minimal force—intentionally, of course.

We weren’t just slacking off.

“Hm…? What’s that?”

“What is it, Eve?”

Just after we defeated a horde of goblins, Eve seemed to spot something.

“I saw a figure. They were clearly trying to hide their presence. Could that be what my brother was talking about…? I’m going to check it out!”

“Eve! It’s dangerous to go alone!”

“I’ll be fine!”

She dashed off before we could stop her. Ria and I hurried after her—but when we arrived at the spot, magic circles began forming beneath our feet. One under each of us. Judging by the formation—this was…

“A teleportation spell—!?”

But by the time I realized it, it was too late. The spell activated, and the three of us were each teleported to separate locations.

________________________________________

“Huh…? Where am I?”

The place I landed in was narrow and damp, the air thick and stale. It looked like a dim corridor, with flickering lights on the walls.

Then, out of nowhere, a swarm of ghouls appeared before me.

So that’s the enemy’s plan—divide and conquer. They probably figured they didn’t need a complex strategy for me and just threw monsters at me.

Yeah. I expected something like this.

“Alright—let’s clean this up quickly.”

I activated my abilities.

________________________________________

†

“This place is…”

I’ve been separated from Yuri and Eve. But that’s fine. We planned for this possibility from the start.

Now it’s my turn to fulfill my role.

The only light came from a faint glow. Judging by the airflow, the space was fairly wide.

Then I sensed something flying toward me from behind.

“Yep. I knew it was you.”

I grabbed the handle of the dagger aimed at my back.

I wasn’t afraid. I’m so glad I had that talk with Yuri. He really is incredible—he always guides me, no matter what.

“…I suppressed my presence. How did you—?”

A woman emerged, cloaked entirely in black. Layers of magic shimmered around her. An assassin from the Empire. I couldn’t see her face clearly, but I was certain she was the same woman I’d seen before. The build was unmistakable.

“Spare me the talk. Come on, let’s get this over with.”

“Grr… Fine. But you’ll regret making me get serious. I’ll torture you until you wish you’d never been born, then I’ll kill you.”

I couldn’t help but let out a little laugh. Because everything about her attitude screamed fear. It was obvious—she was bluffing.

Time to use the magic I developed by watching Yuri. He’s so refined in every movement. I just know he wants me to learn from watching him. And I do. Even without words, I understand him.

Yuri… thanks to you, I can fight with courage. Everything you’ve given me—I’ll use it. That’s the meaning of my life.

Once this is over, I want you to praise me again. Hehe. I want you to gently pat my head again.

Ah, my beloved husband, Yuri.

Let me express my gratitude—for allowing me to fight for you.

“Kuhihihi… AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!”

Oops. I let my feelings for Yuri spill over a little.

Gotta focus. Time to finish this.

I activated the unique magic I created thanks to him.

“Teleportation Route Telepathy—Deploy and Activate!”