Ch.149End of War (3)

# Erich Lohnstein, Achieving a New Life Milestone

What milestone is that?

“Hey, you scoundrel! How can you call yourself a human being?”

Beast certification complete.

“You impregnated four women? I’ve never seen such an animal!”

“Father-in-law, please calm down! Aaah!”

Being chastised by an Air Force Marshal is a first-time experience. Not particularly pleasant. It’s bad enough getting scolded, but having an Army Major General watching right beside me makes it worse. The Major General clapped her hands and laughed brightly.

“Daddy, scold him more!”

This is my karma. I must endure it.

“One is that ‘Black Cat,’ another is a saint, and another is a fox shapeshifter? What exactly were you doing on that deserted island?”

“I was just trying to survive.”

“Trying to survive, my foot! We live in a monogamous country, and you have the nerve to say such things! I can’t give my daughter to someone like you!”

“Father, then I shall become your daughter’s instead. My lady, please take me.”

“T-the way this guy talks…! Ugh, urgh!”

The situation was temporarily resolved when United Nations guards rushed in. At the soldiers’ request for quiet, Adora sat demurely beside me. Seeing this, my father-in-law grabbed the back of his neck. A woman’s heart is truly unfathomable.

“Adora. I need to have a proper conversation with you and this friend of yours. About what exactly happened privately on that deserted island.”

“Daddy. He saved my life.”

Adora explained in detail about the forbidden spell that had been placed on her.

“…Is that true?”

“Yes. Why else would I have behaved so rudely to you, Daddy? It hurt if I didn’t… I would die…”

Adora’s voice grew somewhat melancholic.

“I didn’t want to be part of The Seven Swords either. There were times I truly wanted to die. But thinking about my family, I couldn’t. I wished someone would help me, so…”

Adora embraced me. She buried her face against me.

My father-in-law seemed to have calmed down a bit.

“I’m speechless.”

Of course, this didn’t mean our conflict was resolved. Rather, it was just beginning.

Getting my father-in-law’s approval, practicing polygamy, and immigrating to a country that legally permits such arrangements—there were many mountains to climb.

But these are mountains I chose. I have no choice but to take responsibility and climb them.

***

The Magic Kingdom and the United Nations signed an armistice.

Though called an armistice, it was really the beginning of another war. It was obvious that each country was fighting for more benefits.

Especially the Holy Spirit Kingdom, which was trying to take advantage of the situation. I understand their position since the Magic Kingdom attacked first, but they were going too far. They were trying to eradicate magic as a discipline from this land entirely.

Initially, about a thousand mages were indicted, including Adora and myself.

But what good would that do?

There wasn’t a speck of dust to be found when they investigated.

Creating magic stones during wartime is no different from manufacturing firearms. If I were to be punished, everyone involved in military supply duties would have to be imprisoned.

Therefore, the Holy Spirit Kingdom tried to judge me for wartime rape. For violating their war hero “Black Cat” and impregnating the Saint of Purification. Apparently, my name had become quite infamous in the Holy Spirit Kingdom.

But of course, this was dismissed as well.

“How is sleeping with my lover an act of violence?”

“We seduced him first.”

“It was… mutually consensual rape.”

Since the parties involved requested “leniency.”

[‘They’re calling it mutually consensual rape.’]

[‘Can’t be helped. If you violate a saint of the Holy Spirit Church, the man is held responsible one way or another. That’s why I told you to support the fox sisters instead of the saint!’]

[‘The saint is still the best. What do you know, Senior Kalon?’]

You stones be quiet.

Tiria demanded:

“You’re trying to combine sexual law and wartime rape to sentence the defendant to death? Why are you bringing religion into an international military trial? I question the fairness of this trial!”

“But, Saint. The goddess’s words are supreme…”

“Get a grip, Your Honor! Take responsibility for your position!”

Tiria went so far as to threaten to renounce her position as a saint to defend me. The words of a Lumina clan saint, descended from heroes, were revered. With even their last resort blocked, the Holy Spirit Kingdom finally surrendered.

“…The defendant, Erich Lohnstein, is found not guilty.”

I suppose this is the benefit of having good wives.

“Wait, so that man has three lovers?”

“I heard it’s four? Including that woman over there.”

“He impregnated four women on a deserted island? Is he insane?”

“Hey, you trash! You should pay more taxes—!!”

“Is this a love quarrel in a courtroom?!”

During the recess, the courtroom became chaotic. Spectators caused a disturbance, shouting at me, trying to throw rotten eggs—completely lacking in manners.

Most of them are probably Holy Spirit Church fundamentalists. They must be upset about my relationship with the saint.

“Are you Mr. Erich Lohnstein?”

At that moment, an elf approached me. He was a young man dressed in a neat suit who took out a business card and greeted me in fluent Magic Kingdom language.

“Hello, I am this person.”

“An immigration attorney?”

“Yes, you seem to be in a difficult situation. I thought I might be able to help.”

“Difficult situation?”

“You have four lovers, don’t you?”

“…Yes.”

“Askhalia and Hazkhail legally prohibit polygamy. But the Pinar Republic is different. As the name suggests, each state has different laws. Some allow polygamy.”

“So you’re from Pinar.”

“That’s right.”

I examined his business card. He wasn’t just any lawyer. He was recognized by the Central Council of Elders. Pinar is a country led by strict elf elders, and recognition from their association meant he was highly skilled.

“Our Pinar has a small population and always prioritizes attracting top talent. I’m an attorney dispatched by the country.”

I began to see it.

The path to immigration.

***

The trial ended. I, as well as Adora and my father-in-law, were found not guilty.

The wives from the Holy Spirit Kingdom played a big role in Adora’s acquittal. They actively defended her. While Adora wasn’t innocent of all crimes, whether she would be found guilty was another matter.

Acts forced by the President. The existence of a forbidden spell that would have cost her life if she didn’t commit illegal acts was revealed, fragmenting her responsibility.

Of course, the parties involved weren’t pleased. This issue was resolved by imposing heavier punishments on the higher-ups.

Seventeen of the remaining Eight Shadows executives were executed, and about fifty received prison sentences.

The Magic Kingdom’s active cooperation in this process left the Holy Spirit Kingdom speechless. Times have changed. With the development of media, many Holy Spirit Kingdom citizens have come to know the true face of the Magic Kingdom.

That we are not servants of the devil, but humans just like them.

[‘The country is becoming healthier.’]

[‘The reparations issue will be handled by the higher-ups. It’s not something individuals can do, so Senior, let’s just return to our normal lives at this point.’]

Many things happened. First, I formally applied for discharge and renewed my mage qualification. As my magical power normalized, I became a special-class mage.

Special-class.

The title alone doesn’t feel particularly significant.

In civil service terms, it’s at least a high-ranking official, but since I won’t be working for a government agency, I wonder if it has any meaning.

“Why wouldn’t it have meaning? It’s exactly the level needed for immigration.”

The elf immigration attorney was back.

“In Pinar, we implement an independent immigration system for highly educated individuals. The status of a special-class mage will certainly help. If you pass the Pinar language test, both you and your wives will automatically be granted permanent residency.”

“Even if they’re called wives, don’t we need to be married first? Only one would be recognized.”

“That’s why I looked into it, and there’s a good solution. We do it like this.”

He whispered.

“…Thank you, counselor.”

We shook hands.

Afterward, I met privately with the female soldiers from the Holy Spirit Kingdom.

“Erich!”

Rachel ran to me and embraced me. I heard Daisy and Olivia’s voices after a long time. Following them, the fox sisters and Tiria hugged me.

“I missed you, darling.”

“Me too.”

“You all get along so well.”

“Giford, your monopoly is over. Prepare to share Erich equally.”

“How can we share when polygamy isn’t allowed?”

“There must be a way. If not, I’ll give up my position as a saint and immigrate…”

I told my lovers about the conversation I had with the elf attorney. His proposed plan was as follows:

“Rachel and I will get married and only register at the Holy Spirit Kingdom’s government office. Then we return to the Magic Kingdom and hold a wedding ceremony with Adora. This way, I’ll be connected to two of you.”

“And after that?”

“Tiria, being a saint, can go to Pinar through special immigration, I’ve heard. That takes care of one more, and Riyo can either immigrate as a highly educated person like me or transfer to a Pinar university, graduate, get permanent residency, and then marry.”

“Is that possible?”

“It’s the fastest way.”

“But isn’t that unfair to Riyo? She’ll have to give birth and marry alone.”

That’s true. I looked at the fox sisters. I needed to ask for their understanding.

“Hmm.”

Miyo asked.

“I heard special-class mages can become academy professors or magic tower masters.”

“It’s much easier than for first-class mages.”

Though I hadn’t experienced it yet, I heard they’re in high demand everywhere. At least in the Magic Kingdom. That’s good, but whether I’d receive the same treatment in Pinar is uncertain.

“Then why don’t you enter a Pinar university first? I’ll join you once you’ve settled.”

“Riyo, you’re not…”

“Are you really going to make ‘that choice’?”

“You’re crazy. You’re the craziest shapeshifter I’ve ever seen. No matter how much you like him, do you really have to go this far?”

The fox sisters stroked my hand with their tails, giggling. Only then did I understand what these sisters intended with their words.

“See you in our lab, Professor.”

Those mischievous foxes.