Chapter 564
Chapter 564
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 564
Chapter Title: The Little Match Girl
-----------------------------------------------------------------
After completing the saintess's request, I stayed quietly at home as promised to my wives. Snow had started falling in earnest anyway, so there wasn't much else to do.
I'd even signed the paladin contract.
Of course, I wasn't just sitting idle—I simply increased my training time. I sparred with Karin without fail as well.
When you've got nothing going on, like a total NEET, the least you can do is train hard.
On top of that, I cleared snow around the house while preparing for the battles ahead. Only endless self-discipline and preparation would bring victory in the future. Winter was the perfect season for that anyway. Winia trained diligently in magic right beside me.
"Heretic swordsman!"
That guy was pretty strong.
Our sword skills were evenly matched, but that was it.
I overwhelmed him in everything else.
Killing what had seemed like such a formidable foe in an instant was clear proof of my growth. When I demonstrated the fight for Claudy and Karin using my own body, they loved it.
My skills were definitely improving.
However, once I officially became a paladin, I'd face dangers like that on a regular basis—maybe even worse. But nothing had changed. It was the same work I'd always done.
During those peaceful days, Karin spoke up one day.
"Honey."
"Hm? What is it?"
"I'm starting to miss that bitch Ritzina's face."
"Ah."
"Bring her over."
Karin was grinning like she was up to something.
When I asked what was so amusing, she said it was nothing much—just something she wanted to try. Fair enough. It was about time to introduce her anyway.
I discussed the details and went to find Ritzina.
"Finally here, are you?"
"Am I late?"
I'd been visiting regularly lately, so no, I wasn't.
But this big sis had an appetite for sex on par with Karin's and wasn't keen on letting me go, grabbing my wrist.
"Well... you are a bit late."
"Heh heh heh. Sorry about that, Ritz sis."
"What is it?"
"You should come to our place sometime. Karin's dying to see you. Figured it's time to make proper introductions."
"..."
We had to meet face-to-face and talk anyway.
"Sigh... Fine. We do need to meet at least once."
She let out a sigh but agreed.
"Since it's a formal visit, I should bring a gift or something. We'll be seeing each other often from now on."
A gift, huh...!
"Who would've thought you'd have four wives already... Well, I'm not one to judge, but I never imagined it'd turn out like this for me."
"Heh heh heh. Thanks, sis. For becoming my wife."
I hugged her gratefully, and she hugged me right back.
"Eek... W-well, then let's go shopping for gifts together. What do they like? I've got money to burn, so let's pick out something nice."
"Ah."
For some reason, the white fur stole draped over her shoulders today looked especially luxurious. And so, for the first time, I went on a date with Ritzina.
* * *
When the weekend arrived, I brought Ritzina home.
"Hng, so you're Ritzina?"
Claudy approached with a smile and spoke to her. Her upturned eyes were as captivating as ever. She was sizing Ritzina up like she was appraising her.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Claudy."
"...The first wife of my husband. As expected of a half-elf—you're stunning. I'm honestly impressed."
Ritzina said it with confident poise.
"Oh my, thank you."
"I'm Ritzina Labelvet, guildmaster of the Isvant Martial Artists' Guild. That should suffice as an introduction, right?"
Claudy nodded silently. Ritzina seemed confident, but her tension was obvious.
"Claudy, Ritzina brought gifts since you said she was coming. Take a look."
I mentioned it to lighten the mood. Following my advice, we'd bought all sorts of nice things. Rich women sure knew how to shop.
Claudy smiled, clearly pleased.
"Hee hee hee. Thanks for the gifts. You brought quite a haul."
"Glad you like them... Wait, what?!"
Suddenly, Claudy slipped behind Ritzina and draped an arm around her waist. Ritzina flushed and shot me a pleading look.
No, Claudy?
"More importantly... you're beautiful. Mm. Great figure too."
"Y-yes? W-wait, Claudy, what on earth...!"
Ignoring Ritzina's fluster, Claudy stroked her hips. Her usual cheongsam accentuated them nicely.
"Exactly the type Katt would love. Wide hips—perfect for bearing children... And those breasts. Beautiful."
"Eek... J-just as they say, you...!"
Her hand started sliding upward from the hips. Ritzina could only shoot me desperate glances.
I couldn't let her suffer more.
"Claudy, don't tease her too much."
"Hee hee hee, I'm not teasing."
Claudy looked thrilled as she replied.
"Thanks for becoming Katt's woman. I wanted to express my gratitude. Welcome?"
"Ha... Elves sure are unique. Thanks for the welcome, Claudy. Let's get along from now on."
Once Claudy's enthusiastic greeting ended, Ritzina clung to me and whispered.
"You...! Help me when I'm in trouble!"
"Heh heh heh. I did help."
"Still! Being surrounded by all these new women alone... Pay attention!"
"Got it. Don't worry."
I wrapped an arm around her waist to reassure her. They knew everything, so aside from a little teasing, they wouldn't go too far.
Ritzina was my woman now. I had to take responsibility.
"What're you two whispering about? Hm?"
Then Karin spoke to us.
Ritzina immediately went on guard and glared at her.
"Karin...!"
"Kyahaha, loving it? Hm? Ritzina. Totally loving it?"
"W-what's to love...?"
"Come here and sit."
Karin lounged on the sofa with a smug grin, legs crossed. She was dressed casually—hair tied up, just underwear and a shirt.
Ritzina sat demurely opposite her.
I sat beside Ritzina.
"W-what's so funny, Karin?"
Her tone was sharp but not overly hostile. Karin just grinned. What was she thinking?
"Hm? Of course I'm enjoying this. Oh, honey, don't stay there—come to my side."
"Yes, ma'am."
"N-no, stay by me! Where are you going? You can't just leave me alone!"
As I stood, Ritzina grabbed my wrist.
What was I supposed to do?
"Karin sis? She's feeling awkward, so I should stay by her side for now?"
I sat back down, and Karin continued laughing.
"Kyahaha, our husband's got a new girl and won't listen to sis? Sis might flip her shit big time. Get over here quick!"
"Ritz sis! I'll come before I die!"
"Ah!"
I couldn't hold out! I hurried to Karin's side. She threw an arm around my shoulders and slipped her hand inside my shirt, kneading my chest.
"This is mine. Got it? Ritzina, you're fifth. I'm third. Understand?"
Staking her claim!
"Eek...! Karin, you...!"
Ritzina blushed at the sight.
"Kyahaha! I'm older too, right? Call me big sis Karin now! And drop those weak punches!"
"Karin...! What's got you so excited? I'm a wife too! Equal standing, you bitch! Forcing my husband with brute strength—what's your deal?!"
"Yeah, but I became a wife first. Right, honey?"
That was a fact.
But...!
"Aigoo, Karin sis. But Ritzina's my woman now too. Don't bully her."
"I'm not bullying, geez. It's just hilarious, you know? How'd it end up like this?"
"If you think about it, it all started because of you..."
It all traced back to Karin.
"Huh, maybe? Anyway, I'm third, you're fifth, bitch. Got it? Call me sis or die."
"No way you're dying over that."
Ritzina shouted back.
"Y-you think I'll call you sis?! You're the one dying, Karin!"
"This bitch dares?!"
Sparks flew between them. I couldn't let a fight break out after bringing her for introductions!
"Karin sis! Calm down! No fighting here!"
"Hey! Who said fight?! Let go!"
I grabbed Karin's waist and clung on. She yelled and tried to shake me off. Weaker than my wife, I got tossed around—tears welled up...!
"Karin...! For the future, we need to sort out the pecking order! I'll fix that vulgar habit of yours today!"
"Bring it, bitch!"
A real fight was about to erupt when Claudy stood.
"Karin. Let's calm down?"
"C-Claudy?"
"Ritzina, calm down too."
"Eek..."
One word from her settled everything. We sat back down meekly.
"...Anyway."
Karin broke the silence after a moment.
"Our husband's exhausted every night, so help him out. You know he doesn't stop till dawn once he starts, right? I trust our Ritzina will handle it well."
"S-saying that outright...!"
"What's wrong? We all know. You told him to take responsibility for having wives, so suck it up."
"Eek..."
"Kyahaha, daring to flirt with my man. You'll pay dearly—be ready."
That was when Karin mentioned responsibility.
"Karin sis? Is that something you should say?"
Winia, who'd been quiet, spoke up.
"Huh? Oh, no, Winia. Right now, as the third wife, I'm asserting my—"
"Hilarious. After what you did to the darkie and coming begging. I remember every polite plea."
Oh yeah, that happened.
"Th-that..."
Karin fell silent. Winia looked at Ritzina.
"You're Ritzina, right? I won't say much. If you're becoming a wife... Take responsibility. You will, right?"
Her calm tone made Ritzina nod.
"...I will. Your name?"
"Winia. Call me whatever. I'll do the same."
"Then, Winia. Nice to meet you. Unlike Karin, you seem reasonable."
Maybe because Winia was younger, Ritzina smiled, calmer now. That left Risha. Her gaze turned there naturally.
"And you...?"
"This one is Risha Leongreen."
"...An elf?"
She asked, eyeing Risha's ears. Risha nodded slowly, unperturbed.
"Incredible, an elf...!"
"Hee hee hee, that's not important. More than that, I like that you brought gifts. Did you two pick them together?"
"...Yes."
Risha shared Claudy's mindset. Her expression was serene. After staring at Ritzina, she continued.
"This one's demands are simple. Just love this one's companion."
"L-love..."
"Betray him, and I'll be angry. Welcome. Let's get along, Ritzina. This one likes you."
And so, Ritzina's greetings with my four wives concluded. She poked my side, saying we needed to talk alone.
"Heh heh heh, we'll be right back for a quick chat."
She announced and headed to the storage room.
The moment we entered, Ritzina clung to me.
"Seriously, women as unique as you. And all these beauties... Anyway, introductions done. Our relationship's official now."
—Sigh.
She exhaled. Good, she wasn't mad.
"But that Karin bitch...!"
"She'll warm up once you talk. I'll tell her to ease up."
"Karin's not the type to listen."
"She listens in bed. To most things."
"Eek... Th-that..."
Ritzina rubbed her thighs together, blushing.
"Heh heh heh. How about you, me, and Karin sis have some fun together next time?"
"K-Karin too...? Sigh. Yeah, that must be normal for you, Katt."
"Pretty much."
Honestly, the combo of Karin and Ritzina excited me more than expected.
But later for that.
Afterward, we all had a calm meal together and chatted.