"No Marriage, Please! vs. Marry Me or Die: The Ultimate Love Showdown" - Episode 30

Having successfully repelled the Empire’s shadowy forces, I was confident—Eve would be safe now. She even managed to defeat one of the assassins on her own. From here on, just like in the original story, she would surely grow stronger and stronger.

“Alright, Eve. Shall we go?”

“Yes. Thank you for everything.”

“I’ll be waiting at the west gate. Take care, both of you.”

After parting with Ria for the time being, Eve and I made our way to her home. She had asked if we could continue traveling together from now on.

I told her I’d be leaving the kingdom, and she readily agreed. However, she did ask for the chance to speak with her mother first. So, I followed Eve back to her house.

“I’m home, Mother.”

“My, back in the morning? That’s unusual for you… Oh? And you must be—”

“I’m Yuri. Thank you for taking care of me at the mansion, Lumina-san.”

I had met Eve’s mother before. Her name was Lumina, and she used to serve as a maid in the Fiares household.

“Here’s some tea. I hope it suits your taste, Lord Yuri.”

She served tea as we sat down. I took a sip and gave my honest impression.

“It’s delicious. Thank you for going to the trouble.”

“Not at all. Now then, if you’ve come all this way, I imagine you have something to discuss?”

“That’s—”

“I’ll explain, Brother.”

“Alright.”

Eve, sitting beside me, spoke in a tone more serious than usual.

“Mother, I’ve decided—I’m going to follow my brother.”

“Oh my. So that’s what this is about. I thought maybe…”

“Maybe?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I see. I think that’s a wonderful idea. You know, I’ve always felt this way…”

Lumina’s gaze drifted to a distant memory as she began to speak.

“I’ve caused Eve a lot of trouble. You’ve grown up so straight and strong, but still, you must have carried the burden of being born out of wedlock. I’ve always thought it wasn’t right for you to remain in this closed-off life with just me.”

“That’s not true… I’ve always been happy being with you, Mother.”

“Thank you, sweetie. But you see, life is long. Staying in a comfortable, unchanging place is fine, but I’ve always hoped my daughter would see the world for herself. I never imagined such an opportunity would come. And with Lord Yuri, no less. Life is full of surprises.”

Tears welled gently in Lumina’s eyes. Then she and Eve stood and embraced each other tightly, with all their strength and emotion.

“Mother… I’m going to see the world with my brother. And I promise—I’ll come back.”

“Yes, Eve. I’ll be looking forward to seeing the woman you’ll become.”

After that, we shared some casual conversation. Lumina listened with warm smiles as Eve and I spoke about our journey so far. We may be an unconventional family, but we are still bound by bl00d. Someday, I hope to resolve the issues with our family home, too.

And then—the time to part arrived.

“Mother… we’re heading out now.”

“Yes. Take care, both of you.”

“I will.”

It was a farewell, but not a final goodbye. Once everything was settled, Eve would surely return home again.

“Oh, Yuri-sama. One last thing.”

As we were leaving, Lumina called out to me, and I turned back.

“Yes? What is it?”

“Please take good care of Eve.”

“Of course.”

“She may be a little awkward at times, but I believe she’ll devote herself entirely to you.”

“…Devote herself?”

What exactly did she mean by that?

“Hehe. She’s started to look at you with the same eyes I once did. I’m sure she’ll be a great support to you. Isn’t that right, Eve?”

“—Yes. I will serve my brother with all my heart. If there’s ever anything you need, please ask. If it’s your wish, I will make it happen. In health and in sickness, in joy and in sorrow, in wealth and in poverty—I will always stay by your side. No matter how much time passes, I will live with pride as your sister. With all of my life and all of my heart, I will protect your happiness.”

“Uh… you don’t really have to go that far…”

“No. This is my rightful duty as your sister. Isn’t that so, Mother?”

“Yes, Eve. That’s a very noble resolve.”

“Thank you.”

“……”

Eve spoke with her usual calm demeanor, but… I don’t know. Maybe it was just my imagination, but in their eyes—I saw something deep and unfathomable. Something I perhaps shouldn’t dare to look into.

We left Eve’s home and headed for the west gate, where Ria was waiting.

“Ah! You’re both done?”

“Yeah.”

“Yes. I look forward to traveling with you, Ria-san.”

“Likewise, Eve-chan. Let’s take care of each other.”

“Yes, fufu…”

Good. There was some awkwardness at first, but it seems they’ve gotten along well now.

And so, we left the kingdom behind. Our next destination: the Floating City of Ordina—an ancient city that sits atop the center of a vast lake. Historically speaking, it’s one of the oldest cities in the world. And why were we headed there? Based on the timeline, I suspected Theo and his group would be arriving there soon.

“Yuri, where are we headed next?”

“Ordina.”

“Oh, the floating city? I’ve never been, but I’ve heard it’s beautiful.”

“I haven’t been there either. I’m looking forward to it.”

But—when we met Theo in Ordina, I planned to entrust Ria and Eve to him. Leaving Eve so soon weighed on my mind… but I’d at least discuss it with her.

We traveled by carriage. For some reason, though there was plenty of space, Ria and Eve sat pressed against me on either side.

I couldn’t help but feel their soft curves pressing into me… yet neither of them seemed to mind at all. Was I just being overly self-conscious?

“H-Hey… don’t you two think this is a little close?”

“I think it’s normal? Don’t you, Eve-chan?”

“Yes. Perfectly normal.”

…Is it? If even Eve says so, I guess I’ll just go with it for now.

Eventually, we arrived at our destination: the Floating City of Ordina.

In the middle of an endless lake—there it was. Glimmering in the soft light, Ordina floated serenely like a hanging garden between heaven and earth. Its buildings, crafted from stone and crystal, shimmered beautifully even from a distance.

“Wow… It’s so beautiful.”

“Indeed. Seeing is believing, as they say.”

While Ria and Eve admired the scenery, I scanned the crowd—searching for Theo. I was sure he’d be here. And just as I thought that, I spotted a familiar head of blond hair.

No doubt about it—that’s him.

“Theo! It’s been a while!”

I called out, and Theo turned toward me, eyes wide with surprise. It was clear he hadn’t expected to see me here at all.

“Yuri? Is that really you?”

“Yeah. Long time no see, Theo.”

“Wow… I never imagined we’d meet here of all places.”

“Sophia, you too—it’s been a while.”

“Yes! I never expected to see you again here, Yuri-kun!”

We shared a heartfelt reunion. But I had something important I needed to propose—to both Theo and the others.

“Sorry. We have a lot to catch up on, but could you give me a moment?”

“Sure.”

“Of course.”

I stepped away and returned to Ria and Eve.

“Are those your acquaintances?”

“Yeah. Childhood friends. We used to adventure together, but went our separate ways due to… certain circumstances.”

“I see.”

Their reactions were rather neutral. Well, they hadn’t interacted with Theo yet, so that made sense.

“I have a proposal. How would you two feel about joining Theo’s party?”

“Huh? That’s kind of sudden.”

“Yes, quite unexpected.”

It was natural they’d be surprised.

“But Yuri, you’ll still be with us, right?”

“My place is at my brother’s side. I’ll abide by whatever he decides.”

I decided it was time to tell them what I’d been planning all along. Whether or not they’d accept it—I needed to put it on the table.

“I’m actually planning to leave the party. I’d like to entrust you two to Theo, and continue my journey solo. What do you think?”

“—Huh?”

“—What?”