Volume 13 Chapter 189 Shirogane Kanon, My Strongest And Best Husband
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
After seeing Aqua off, I return to the living room with Pegonia.
The usually lively living room is very quiet today because many people are attending the reception party with Aqua.
”How are you feeling, Miss?”
”I’m fine, really. More importantly, Pegonia, please sit down too.”
Sitting on the sofa, I encourage Pegonia, who is still standing, to take a seat.
Reluctantly, Pegonia sits on the sofa with an expression of having no choice.
”Pegonia, you should take care of your own health first, more than mine. Remember, your body is not just yours anymore.”
”…I understand.”
I really don’t want Pegonia, who is feeling sick, to push herself, but she stubbornly refuses to take a long break.
When she looked at me with eyes full of tears, like a puppy about to be abandoned, I just couldn’t tell her to stop being my maid, even for a moment.
”By the way, have you decided on the baby’s name, Pegonia?”
”No… not yet. So, I was thinking of putting the names suggested on the bulletin board on a roulette and throwing a knife at it.”
No way, that’s not acceptable!
If the child finds out that their name was chosen that way, they will cry, won’t they!?
”You and Aqua will decide on the name of the child. Is that okay? I’ll let Aqua know.”
”…Yes”
I’m really glad I asked just to be sure.
When it comes to me, Pegonia panics over the slightest bit of a hangnail, but when it comes to her own affairs, she’s completely careless.
”Miss, can I… be a good mother…?”
”Pegonia…”
Pegonia looks at me with a worried look on her face.
At first, Pegonia was confused by the changes happening in her body, but she may have become a little more aware that she is not the only one, and become anxious.
Pegonia herself thought this was a very good trend.
I smiled gently and took Pegonia’s hands gently.
”It’s okay. I’m also nervous about becoming a mom for the first time, but everyone is here, and Aqua is here too, right? So, let’s work together. When Pegonia feels anxious, I or everyone else will be by your side. So, when I’m in trouble, Pegonia, please support me.”
”…Yes! Miss.”
I hugged Pegonia tightly and leaned my face close to her ear.
”Also, be honest and show your weaknesses to Aqua.”
”Th… that’s still impossible.”
Pegonia’s cheeks turned red, and she looked around, trying to hide her confused feelings.
That’s it, exactly.
When a strong girl like Pegonia shows that kind of expression, our Aqua will easily fall for it.
”Huh?”
For a moment, it felt like everything in front of me went dark…
’Power overload detected. Shutting down normal power and switching to backup power.’
Pegonia and I looked at each other after hearing the announcement.
What does this mean?
’Due to power overload, some server equipment necessary for network construction has failed. The 3510 network will be disconnected. Repeat: Due to power overload, the main server necessary for network construction is forced to shut down. Starting connection to backup server…3, 2, 1. Connection could not be confirmed. The 3510 network is lost.’
The parts used in the server should be designed and tested to withstand a significant load.
If that server is down, it means a lot of power might have been directed here specifically.
No… the 3510 network’s server should have a backup server located at the Holy Aqua Religion headquarters, separate from the main Mikoto-chan.
In other words, were both targeted at the same time on purpose?
’Interference signal received. Confirmed that all communication devices, including general and military lines, are unusable. Currently, the Shirogane Kingdom and surrounding areas have lost contact with the outside. Level one alert. All staff should begin actions according to the emergency manual.’
I exchanged glances with Pegonia and nodded silently.
There’s no doubt about it.
I don’t know which force it is, but they targeted the moment when Aqua is absent.
’This is not a drill. I repeat, this is not a drill. We have confirmed an intruder in the palace. The guard team must proceed to the scene immediately and respond to the situation. I repeat, this is not a drill! This is not a drill!! The intruder has occupied the harem palace inside the Shirogane Kingdom using the underground passage.’
The palace… that’s where Elder Sister and the others are.
When I tried to get up from the sofa, Pegonia, who seemed to read my thoughts, grabbed my hand and pulled me back.
”No, Miss.”
”No, with Aqua absent now, I have to go to the palace.”
If something happens in the palace, it will be Aqua, who is responsible for both the Japanese government and the Shirogane Kingdom, who will be held accountable.
We had already discussed the possibility of this happening ahead of time with Kukuri-chan, the Prime Minister, and the elderly ladies.
That’s why, as the one in charge of the Shirogane Kingdom while Aqua is away, I must take action.
”Pegonia, let go of my hand. This is an order.”
”Miss… understood. But in return, I will accompany you.”
I can tell from Pegonia’s expression that she is very determined.
It seems she wouldn’t listen even if I told her to wait here.
”Let’s go, Pegonia.”
”Yes, Miss!”
I’m heading to the palace harem with Pegonia.
The attacker this time struck at an unexpected time.
Aqua and her bodyguards Rin-chan, Rinon-san, Emily-senpai and Kukuri-chan are away at a party.
Not to mention Pegonia, even if Kaede-senpai was there, she would be pregnant and in no condition to fight.
And then Mikoto-chan went down due to overload, and the Holy Aqua Religion headquarters is probably under attack.
In addition, the Prime Minister was on a trip abroad, and I heard that Grandmother and Kythera secretly went to States and Stars on business for the cult.
It is no exaggeration to say that this was a complete target.
”Here comes… Shirogane Kanon”
One of the criminals deliberately points a gun at my Elder Sister, who is being held hostage.
”Kanon, leave me alone. I’d rather choose death than be a hostage.”
”Elder Sister…”
That look in her eyes is serious.
The attackers are also intimidated by Elder Sister’s determination and behavior.
”Wait! There’s more than one hostage!”
A maid, bound with ropes, comes out wearing a vest that looks like it has a bomb attached.
”The same thing is attached to the princesses tied to the pillars. If you do anything strange, they will all explode at once. Just so you know, trying to persuade us is useless. We came here prepared to die.”
I let out a light breath and try to figure out the attackers’ goal.
”What is your goal?”
”Our goal is you, Shirogane Kanon. We want to invite you to our country.”
I can’t help but smile.
”Oh, in that case, could you send a formal invitation through the Foreign Ministry? This isn’t the right place for that.”
”Don’t misunderstand. This is not a negotiation. If you cooperate, we will at least guarantee your life as a courtesy. So, we have no intention of letting you waste our time. Or do you want your beautiful face, which Aqua is so fond of, to be cut up?”
One of the criminals slowly approaches me, waving a knife in their hand.
I hoped to get some information, but it’s no use.
”Come on, say something!”
”Miss!”
I hold out my hand to stop Pegonia and walk closer to the girl with the knife.
”W-wait. What are you…”
As I get close to the knife the attacker is holding, I press its tip lightly against my cheek.
”It seems you don’t understand anything about Aqua. Do you really think his love for me would waver over something like this?”
Blood begins to seep from my cheek where the blade touched.
The attacker, wearing a ski mask, looks shocked as they see my blood dripping.
”S-stop it!”
The attacker hurriedly pulls the knife back.
Oh?
Did they really think they could threaten me with that kind of resolve?
Since the day I decided to marry Aqua, no, since the day I was born into royalty, I have been ready for this.
So I grabbed the hand of the attacker holding a knife and pressed the blade against my own throat.
”In exchange for me becoming a hostage, guarantee the safety of everyone here. If not, I will take my own life right here.”
”That kind of thing…”
You think that’s impossible?
Look into my eyes, can you still say that?
”…Fine then.”
”Captain!”
One of the attackers raises their voice.
Hmm, I see.
So that person over there is the Captain.
”The goal from the start was to secure Shirogane Kanon. There’s no point in unnecessary killing.”
The person called Captain approached me and took the knife away from my throat to restrain me.
Seeing that, Pegonia tried to come closer to me.
”Miss, no! Attackers, if you must, then take me too!!”
Pegonia clung to the attackers with a pleading expression.
…When I first met her, she had no expression, and I couldn’t tell what she was thinking at all.
But now, she can show that kind of face.
”Are you okay? Pegonia, have you forgotten who I am?”
”Miss…?”
Laugh.
Yes, laugh.
Boldly, just like we did back then.
”My name is Shirogane Kanon, a woman loved by this world and destined to be loved. There is a 120% chance that I won’t be unhappy… no, it’s even less likely than the Earth ending.”
That’s absurd!
Why was I saying such embarrassing things on the bulletin board?!
It’s not about the attackers; I’m about to be killed by my own dark history.
”And I’m sure Aqua will help me. I truly believe that.”
”Miss…”
Somehow, I just feel that way.
”Take me with you.”
Ugh, the eyes of the attackers visible through their masks feel like daggers in my heart.
What do you mean I’m loved by destiny?
If that’s true, then erase this dark history of mine too!!
”The destination is Haneda. Hurry up!”
The attackers who shoved me into the black van start driving toward the destination.
I can’t believe they’re actually heading to Haneda, but based on the distance and the number of turns, it feels like the direction is right.
That way lies Ooi Pier too.
Or do they plan to cut through to Yokohama?
I think there is another possibility other than Haneda.
”We’ll change vans here. Hurry up.”
We change cars in an underground parking lot somewhere and start driving again toward our destination.
’Everyone please! Listen to me!’
I was surprised to hear Toa-chan’s voice suddenly coming from the car navigation.
It seems that Aqua and the others have heard that I’ve been kidnapped.
”Captain. It looks like the 3510 network is back up and running. And this…”
”What is this!?”
I turn my eyes to the tablet held by the woman called Captain.
Then, a video of a formula car racing down a public road, taken from a helicopter, started playing.
”It’s on the internet!”
Aquaa.
I couldn’t see who was in the car, but I somehow knew that Aqua was driving.
”Oh, the national broadcaster’s image has changed too!”
The national broadcaster switched to show Kaede-senpai at the reception party.
”Everyone, listen up! Right now, Aqua is chasing Kanon at full speed. So please help out!! And Kanon, your prince will be there soon, so just wait quietly! Don’t do anything reckless!!”
Kaede-senpai… thank you.
And it really was Aqua from earlier.
Aqua will come to help soon.
Thinking that makes the tension ease away.
It hurts.
Now, my slightly torn cheek is starting to hurt a bit.
Ugh, I said that earlier, but I’m really worried.
Is, is everything okay?
There won’t be any scars left, right?
It’s not that I don’t trust Aqua, but if there are scars, Aqua will worry about it.
I silently pray that the scars won’t be too big.
”Hmph, you look relieved, but do you really think help will come?”
First, I should check my face in the mirror.
I can hear the Captain of the attackers next to me saying, “Hey, are you listening!?”
Geez, you’re so noisy!
Right now, I’m busy imagining… no, simulating being saved by Aqua!
You would understand if you were a girl too!!
”Get down!!”
Looks like we’ve arrived at our destination.
I get out of the van with the attackers and board the container ship.
On the way, I check my face in the mirror.
Phew, that’s good.
With a wound like this, it shouldn’t leave a scar in a week.
If that’s the case, Aqua won’t worry about my injury.
”Hey, what’s going on? How did they find us here!?”
”I don’t know!”
”More importantly, when are we leaving!!”
”It’s impossible! There are too many fishing boats surrounding us, we can’t leave safely!!”
While I’m lost in my thoughts, the surroundings start to get chaotic.
Then, the noise suddenly goes quiet all at once, like a lie.
Huh?
Could it be that Aqua has already come while I was daydreaming?
I stare at the monitor the attackers are watching.
And there, Aqua is shown overpowering the enemy with unbelievable strength.
”…Hey, what is that guy?”
”I-I don’t know?”
”I-I really don’t know!”
Among the stunned attackers, the largest woman speaks up.
”This martial art is definitely Akiko Ryback.”
”Who is that?”
The Captain of the attackers turns his gaze to the woman who just spoke and her subordinates.
”She was my boss when I was in the military.
She joined the military at 16 and received the Gold Stars medal, the Defense Merit Cross, and various other medals, including the Legion medal. She has a crazy background.
I heard that after leaving the military, she worked as a mercenary for Stars. Now, I’ve heard through the grapevine that she’s tired of fighting and works as a wandering chef. She seemed happy saying that she will appear on a cooking show with Morikawa Kaede.
She’s an expert with guns, but she’s even stronger with knives. Some say she’s even stronger without any weapons. She’s the only woman who can fight evenly with Mrs. Habu…
She has prevented terror attacks just by going shopping at a convenience store, and she has a mysterious resistance thanks to the wild herb tea she drinks every day, even after spreading a deadly virus. She’s really like a character from a comedy!”
”──But, wait a minute. Why is this guy using the same martial art as someone with such a ridiculous background that seems like it’s from an American movie? It’s strange, right?!”
I nod behind the attacker.
Even I, as his wife, am still surprised by Aqua, so there’s no way you all, who know nothing about him, would understand Aqua.
I’m sure others watching this footage are reacting the same way we are.
”Captain! Shirogane Aqua is heading straight for the control room!”
”Ugh! I’ll leave this to you. I’ll take Shirogane Kanon and move to the cafeteria.”
”Understood.”
I am grabbed by the Captain of the attackers and taken to the cafeteria.
It’s better not to try to escape carelessly here.
If it were just me, it might be different, but considering the two inside me, it seems better to just wait for Aqua to come and help.
”I think it would be better to surrender quietly…”
”Shut up! There are biological weapons in the cafeteria’s refrigerator. If something happens, we can use that…”
The Captain of the attackers ties me to a pillar when we reach the cafeteria.
Then, I hear footsteps approaching.
”Kanon…”
”Aqua…!”
Aqua, who came to help me, tried to reassure me with a gentle expression.
But when Aqua saw the wound on my cheek, his smile turned into a very scary face for just a moment.
”Hey! Don’t move!”
The captain of the attackers pointed a knife at me while forcing a bomb into my hand.
”If this drops, everyone is dead. I will die, and you will die too. Your wife and kids will all die. Now, drop all your weapons. Even the knife in your pocket. Put it on the floor and slide it over there.”
Aqua placed his weapons on the floor as instructed and slid him in the direction he was told.
”Kneel on the floor and put your hands behind your back.”
”Okay, I did what you said. I’m unarmed.”
Aqua put on a deliberately smug grin.
Why is Aqua so relaxed even in this situation?
Well, it’s Aqua, so thinking too deeply about it is pointless.
Kohina-san also said not to think too much about Aqua, Kaede-senpai, and Emily-senpai.
She said it would definitely be a waste of time.
The captain of the attackers stepped away from me and stabbed the knife she was holding into the cafeteria table.
”It’s your fault all my men got taken out. I’m going to kill you.”
The captain of the attackers pulled a pistol from her holster and aimed it at Aqua’s forehead.
But in the next moment, Aqua moved his hands from behind his back to the front, deflecting the gun away from his head.
Bang! Bang!
The ricocheted bullets hit the wall and went through it.
Aqua snatched the gun from the captain, quickly discarded the bullets, and pulled out the magazine, throwing it on the floor.
I have no energy left to jump in, but how is he so quick at disarming when he’s never used a gun before?
If she had just pointed the gun at him, wouldn’t that have ended it?
The captain of the attackers, having lost her gun, picked up the knife she had stabbed into the table.
”Come on. I’m really angry right now.”
Aqua lightly rolled the attacking captain over and waited for her to get up.
To be honest, it’s one-sided.
Even I, as an amateur, can see the clear difference in power between the two.
”Damn it! Damn it!”
Aqua repeatedly throws the approaching opponent to the floor.
The attacker, Captain, who had her knife knocked away, grabs a kitchen knife and charges at Aqua.
”Ugh!”
Aqua grabs the hand and twists the opponent down, choking her to make her lose consciousness.
”Kanon!”
”Aqua!”
Seeing that the captain of the attackers had completely lost consciousness, Aqua tried to approach me with a relieved expression as he let his body fall to the floor.
But his movement suddenly stopped.
”Don’t move!”
The large-bodied attacker we had left in the control room aimed their gun at the back of Aqua’s head.
”I’ll give you a choice. Choose between your life or your wife’s life. I’ll save one.”
The large-bodied attacker grinned with a twisted expression.
How disgusting!
Reading what this guy was thinking, I raised my voice.
”W-Wait!”
”I’m not listening to you! I’m asking for his opinion, not yours!! Shut up!!”
The armed attacker smirked, showing their teeth.
”Now, choose Shirogane Aqua! You’re a man too. You love your life, right?”
”Yeah… If I die, many people will be sad. That’s what they said. So I can’t die.”
Satisfied with Aqua’s answer, the large-bodied attacker let out a loud laugh.
”See? I knew you’d…”
”Besides, if I die in front of Kanon, she’ll have to live with that for the rest of her life. I don’t want to see Kanon’s sad face, even from the afterlife.”
Aqua….
Yes.
So instead of my life, Aqua chose to save himself.
Even if I die, the two babies in my belly might survive.
So please.
When I die, kill the guy behind you right away and save our child’s life.
”But I won’t sacrifice Kanon’s life. I’d rather die than see Kanon die in front of my eyes.”
Aqua, wait!
Don’t choose that answer.
Everyone needs Aqua in this world.
So please.
Give up my life.
”What?! What a selfish man! In the end, which one will you choose!!”
”That’s obvious. My answer has been the same from the beginning.”
Aqua grins.
”Help me, senpai”
”Leave it to me, junior”
Huh?
My voice and the voice of the large-bodied attacker overlap.
I turned my eyes to where the voice came from and there stood Tenga-senpai.
In that brief moment, Aqua seized the attacker’s hand and took the gun, while Tenga-senpai tackled the large-bodied attacker with all his strength.
The attacker hit their head against the wall and fell to the ground, rolling their eyes back.
”Sorry to keep you waiting, junior.”
”I knew you would come from the start, senpai. True heroes always show up late.”
Tenga-senpai’s eyes sparkled at the words “true hero,” and he said he would contact everyone and left the scene.
”I’m sorry, Kanon. Did I make you wait?”
”No, it’s fine. I wasn’t waiting at all.”
Aqua untied me and gently put down the bomb he was holding.
Wait, wait, he’s just casually disarming a bomb, but how can Aqua do that!?
Huh?
He learned how to do it from a bomb squad member during the filming of a special drama?
It’s just crazy if you think about it….
As Kohina-san said, it’s a waste of time to think deeply about Aqua.
”Kanon, does this… hurt?”
”It’s okay, it’s okay. There’s some blood, but it’s not deep, so it’ll heal quickly.”
Aqua gently wiped the blood from the wound.
Hehe, it’s funny how someone who was just fighting is now worried over such a small cut.
”Alright, let’s go home. Everyone is waiting.”
”Yes”
When I got home with Aqua, Pegonia was crying and hugged me.
”Miss, please don’t do something so reckless again. I, I…!”
”Yes, yes, I get it.”
Pegonia…I’m so sorry for worrying you.
But if the same thing happens again, I’ll do it the same way.
Because I don’t want to see everyone get hurt, and… I’m being bullied by fate and the world, so I’m sure Aqua will help me!
”Ugh, I’m so glad you’re safe.”
”Kanon-san, Kanon-san!”
”Hehe, thank you both so much”
I hug Kaede-senpai and Nee-san too.
I’m sorry for worrying you both.
By the way, I can’t see Emily-senpai anywhere. Where did she go?
Feeling a little uneasy, I patted them on the back.
* * *
*****Yukishiro Emily’s Perspective*****
A Saint Guard approaches me as I sit in my chair.
”Saint, I have confirmed the safety of Aqua-sama and Shirogane Kanon.”
”Please convey my thanks and gratitude to all the believers.”
Since it’s Aqua-sama, I believed he would surely help Kanon.
But that doesn’t calm my anger.
I will definitely find out who the mastermind is.
”Also, as you predicted, we received a report from the captain of the nuclear submarine heading to Tokyo Bay that an unidentified submarine was spotted near Tokyo Bay. We will continue to monitor.”
”Understood. Could you please let them know I say hello?”
”Yes! Saint!”
When I hear “unidentified,” the first thoughts are the States or the Far East Federation.
Considering the current situation, these two countries seem likely to poke at Japan.
But would they really do something so obvious?
The States are right in the middle of a presidential election after the recent incident, and I’ve heard the Far East Federation is in chaos due to their actions against Su-chan being revealed, leading to a public uprising.
It’s hard to believe these two countries could currently bother Japan.
I press the switch at the table.
Then, the figures of the Twelve Bishops appear in AR on the round table in front of me.
”Everyone, as you’ve heard, we don’t know which country or organization it is, but it seems someone is pulling strings behind the scenes, including the Hiroshima incident. The two, Librarian and Dark Saint currently active in other countries will continue their investigation on-site.”
At my words, the masked grandmother Mary and Kythera nod.
”Also, everyone, please be very careful. The information about the Twelve Bishops is top secret, but there may be a traitor within the Holy Aqua Religion. Powder-maniac, who appearing in public, you should hide in the underground branch for a while. Is that clear?”
”Y-yes. Saint.”
A few people, surprised by my words, slightly open their mouths.
When the 3510 network was accurately attacked, I thought that possibility was very likely.
”That’s all from me. I’ll say it again, everyone, please be careful.”
When I cut off communication, the 12 bishops displayed in AR all disappeared at once.
”I hope this doesn’t turn into a hassle.”
I murmured that and slowly stood up from my chair.
Staying here any longer seems pointless, so I should head back.
If I don’t get back soon, the perceptive Kanon might notice that I’m up to something.
I changed out of my Saint outfit in a deserted park restroom near the cult and hurried into a taxi back to Shirogane Kingdom where everyone was.
Bonus.
Kanon: “Pegonia was thinking about asking for baby names on the bulletin board. No one else is doing that, right?”
Kotono: “Uh, yeah, right (…I was also thinking of asking on the bulletin board for reference.)”
Emily: “U-um (Oh no, I was also planning to ask for names on the bulletin board…)”
Kaede: “Y-yeah (Crap, I’m not the only one.)”
Kanon: “Huh? Why is everyone looking away? Hey, come on, hey!!”
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.