While planning the wedding to Scheherazade, Hercule has something else to do.
　It was Nia's wish to have a private wedding.

　First of all, he had to get permission from Loukanos.
　Even though Nia was adopted, she was still a daughter of the Lucarios.
　There was no way that Hercule could decide everything on his own.

　Hercule called Nia and Loukanos to his room and reported the matter to them.
　Lukanos' response was simple.

　I understand. Your Majesty, please take care of it.
　Is there anything else you want to tell me?
　"Nia once asked me if it would be possible for us to get married in a vassal relationship. I knew what you meant.

　Lucanos shrugged his shoulders.

　I'm also a little sad that there will be no heir to my fortune after my death.
　"Indeed.

　Hercule nodded.
　The Lemurian Empire is a patrilineal society.

　The Lemurian Empire is a patrilineal society. Therefore, when a woman marries into another family, her right to inherit the family's property is extinguished.
　(However, the bride would be given a reasonable amount of money, so she would never receive anything from her parents. However, whether or not she can freely use the bride money is a different story.

　Nia will marry Hercule in a religious sense, but not in a political sense.
　In other words, Nia's own inheritance rights will be preserved.

　However, ......

　I can't have my children take the Lucarios name. You can think about it when you can, or you can change it now. ......

　Lucarios.
　The surname "Lucarius" means that the family is the Holy 76th family.

　The seventy-sixth family is the direct lineage of the seventy-sixth family in the narrow sense, and in the wider sense, it is the lineage of the High Elves, which includes the branch families of the seventy-sixth family.

　In other words, it is a prerequisite to be a pure-blooded High Elf.

　In exceptional cases, adopted children, illegitimate children and bastard children of non-pure-blooded High Elves are given the family name, but the children do not inherit it.
　This is to prevent the blood of the High Elves from being mixed in with that of the 76 families.

　But ......
　It is reasonable to assume that they are already mixed.

　In the first place, the marriage system was established after Lemuria became an empire.
　The history of the seventy-six families goes back to the Republican period, the Monarchy period, and even the period of national migration.

　It's hard to imagine that they never intermarried with other races during that time.

　In the first place, it would be a bit unreasonable to think that ...... there has never been a time in the long history of the world when a wife conceived a child of a man other than her husband, or a child of another species, due to adultery.

　Adultery is rarely discovered and brought to justice, but there are many cases where it was never discovered in the first place.

　Pure-blooded High Elves are a fantasy existence to begin with.
　Both Hercule and Karolina are thought to have some non-High Elf blood in their veins.

　As a matter of fact, even the origins of Hercule's ancestors, the first emperors, are highly questionable.

　But we all know that, don't we?

　...... You're right. I think it would be better to change it while we still have time. It would be less confusing.

　Nia nodded.
　For a moment, Loukanos looked sad.

　But, whether he knew it or not, Near continued.

　But I would like to incorporate the name 'Lucarios' into the second name.
　"Well, that won't be a problem. It happens all the time.

　Hercule agrees with Nia's wish.
　Lucanos' expression brightens.

　Basically, an elf's name consists of three parts: the first name, the second name, and the third name.

　For example, Hercule is Hercule Julianos.

　Hercule is the first name, the personal name that identifies the individual.
　Euryanos is the name of the clan, which means belonging to the Euryanos family.

　The reason why there is no third name is that Hercule is the main line of the House of Julianos.
　The third name determines to which branch of the family a person belongs.

　For example, Titus, the elder brother of Hercule, took the third name "Arsicus" when Hercule succeeded to the throne.

　Titus, Julianos, and Arsicus.

　Now, what does Nia mean by incorporating the name "Lucarios" into the second name? ......

　Nia 000000 = Lucarius.
　In this case, "Nia" is the second name.

　In this case, "Near" is the first name, and "000000=Lucarios" is the second name.
　To add to this, the "." indicates that the name is separated, and the "=" indicates that the names are connected to form a single meaning.

　But what about the first part?　If you want, I can come up with .......
　In fact, there's one that I've been thinking about .......

　Hercule raised an eyebrow at Nia's words.
　I'm not sure if you'll be able to find the right one for you.

　Hercule, who had secretly invented a name for Nia's clan, nodded in respect of Nia's will, though he felt disappointed and sad.

　What's the deal?
　"I'm thinking of ...... Deavorus.

　Deavolus.
　It's an ancient Cyrillic word for nightmare.

　It is also the origin of the current Lemurian word for demon.

　"Hmm, why?　To be honest, it's not a very good name. Well, if it's your kind of name, it's certainly not your kind of name. ......

　Literally, it's a devil's name.


　Unless you are prepared to do so and have a good reason, I cannot allow you to do so as Hercule. ......

　I'm a Nightmare. That's not going to change. I'm a Nightmare. ...... I've been through a lot because of that, it's true. I'm sure you'll find a lot of people who'd like to have a look at it. I wouldn't have been able to become best friends with High Priestess Sesi and High Priestess Medium. And that's a fact.

　Nia said in a strong voice.

　I don't know if my child will be a Nightmare ...... as well. However, it is certain that they are of Nightmare blood. I do not know what will happen to my children or my family in the future. But ......, please don't deny your roots and the fact that you have Nightmare blood in your veins. No matter what anyone says, it is the blood that the Emperor, your foster father, and High Priestess Medium have approved of. This name may be a curse. Even so, ...... I want you to be proud of it, even though it is my ego.

　"I see.

　Hercule looked at Loukanos.
　Lukanos nodded quietly.

　"That's good. Nia Deavorus-Lucarios, well, the Lemurian Empire was originally a multi-ethnic nation. The Lemurian Empire was originally a multi-ethnic nation. It's good to have at least one Nightmare noble family.

　It's a good thing there's at least one Nightmare noble family.

　"Thank you!
　"You don't have to thank me. ...... It's your name, after all.

　Hercule shrugged his shoulders.








　"A private ...... marriage?
　No?

　Next, Hercule and Nia went to Cecilia's place.
　Cecilia looked at him suspiciously.

　I'm sure there are no religious issues. It's not often you hear about this, but there is no doctrinal rule that says you have to make your relationship public or change your name to your husband's after marriage.

　Marriage is a political ceremony as well as a religious ceremony.
　Marriage is both a political ceremony and a religious ceremony, but there is no rule that says you have to get married in both senses at the same time.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing. Oh, yeah, marriage. ......
　Yes, I'm getting married!

　Nia said and hugged Hercule's arm.
　A blue streak appeared on Cecilia's forehead.

　"You are a slut. A man and a woman touching each other like that before marriage is ......
　"How dare you speak so highly of me?
　"Ugh.

　Cecilia choked up. 　
　It's just a big boomerang.
　This is the first time that I've ever seen such a thing.

　"Gosh, gosh!　I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.　If you report it to me, you mean you want me to arrange the ritual?
　"Well, yes. Lucanos wants to be there as the bride's father. And you're Nia's best friend, right?　Help me out.
　"......

　Cecilia had a complicated expression on her face.
　It's a good thing that you're not the only one who has a problem with this.

　But Cecilia, who is basically a good girl, nodded.

　It's a good idea. It's fine. ...... You can make it up to me in some way later.
　"Well, how about marriage, then?

　When Hercule said this, Cecilia kicked Hercule in the shin.
　Cecilia kicked Hercule in the shins. Hercule held his shins involuntarily.

　How can you say such a thing in front of your fiancé?
　Cecilia, your face is bright red. ......
　Cecilia, you're blushing.　You should at least have something to complain about.　You've already done your job!　Now, get out of here!　I'm busy!

　Cecilia forced Hercule and Nia out of the room and kicked them out.
　And as she left, she said in a quiet voice: "Congratulations on !

　"Congratulations on .......
　"Thank you, Cecilia.

　When Nia smiled, Cecilia's face contorted.

　





　"Huh. .......

　The man let out a big sigh.
　His hair was black, his eyes gray.
　He is a slender, gentle man with a beautiful voice.

　He was one of the most beautiful men in the Lemurian Empire, where there are many beautiful men. 　

　He has been called the greatest artist of all time, the founder of Lemurian culture, and the champion of the three arts (literature, art, and music) by future generations. ......

　He let out a great, great sigh.

　"Your Majesty.


　"What's the matter?　Do you have a problem with me?

　Hercule said provocatively to his brother, who looked like he wanted to complain.
　Nia, who was sitting next to Hercule, looked at the two anxiously.

　For the royal family, a brother is not always a good friend.
　In fact, they are more likely to be political enemies.
　For Hercule, the biggest enemy that threatens his life may not be ...... Sasan VIII or Ludwig I, but Titus.

　The Lemurian empire, however, no longer has the power to enthrone Titus.

　Titus held his temples and said.

　"I want Scheherazade's wedding dress within a year. Design a wedding dress that is as beautiful as the ones for Princesses Karolina and Lunalie that were created before ....... Well, so far, so good. Your Majesty may not be able to understand how difficult it is to achieve the number within a year, but that is all we can do. Circumstances being what they are, ...... it is not impossible.

　And Titus lets out a big sigh again.

　I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure you can do it. ...... But first, make Nia Lucarios' wedding dress within six months. I'm sure you're not the only one.
　"Even if you say so, .......

　Hercule shrugged his shoulders.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.　I'm sure you'll agree.
　In the first place,......, I would have liked you to consider a little more time to make the request,.......
　You can't blame them for deciding to do this on short notice.
　That may be so, but ......

　I'm in a lot of trouble too.
　Titus says.

　Even if he is a genius, he does not have an inexhaustible supply of ideas.

　It's a good idea,......, after all, to take the time to design Princess Scheherazade's dress for me,.......

　I'm sure you'll agree.

　You don't need to be shy about it. And didn't you want to wear something like the one Karolina is wearing?
　It's also true, but ...... it's still good. I need something that's appropriate for me. ......
　That's not good!

　It was Titus who interrupted Nia's words.
　I'm not sure what you mean by that.

　The wedding is for life. Even if it is something that can be done in private, it should not be compromised.

　Titus clenches his fists tightly.

　The number of guests, the quality of the food served, the music, and the prestige of the place ...... where it is held are all important, but they can also be scaled down somewhat. But the dress, whether ...... rented, sold, custom-made, or whatever, if it's what you want, you should wear it.

　I think I've ignited something I don't understand.

　I'll do my best. I'll do my best. ...... But six months is a bit long. I'd appreciate it if you could make it ten months or so. I have to finish Princess Scheherazade's first.

　"...... Well, that won't be a problem. It should be ready before or right after Scheherazade's wedding.

　I understand.

　Titus nodded.
　Nia's face lit up.

　Thank you very much!　But ...... are you okay?

　If you want something like Her Highness Princess Karolina's, ...... has already been designed once. It's not that much harder than making everything from scratch. I'll redesign it to fit you better, so don't worry. There is no such thing as an exact copy. I have a few molds I'd like to try out myself.

　I'm sure you'll be pleased to hear that.

　Hercule muttered.
　Karolina's height and breasts are a little smaller than Nia's.

　If Carolina is a "beautiful" type of beauty, then Nia is more of a "pretty" type of beauty, so they are very different.

　Yes, so it's not that difficult to design. It's impossible to eliminate something that's there, but it's not that difficult to create something that's not there.
　"Well, sure. Well, that's true. The worst that can happen is that they get stuffed.

　Hahahahaha ......
　And Hercule and Titus laughed.

　"...... Your Majesty.
　"Whoa, whoa, don't glare, don't glare. It's okay, it's okay. You're cute. ......
　Little bitty, huh?
　You're cute because you're tiny.

　I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

　She's more than my wife, you know. She is more than my wife. And by no, I mean a woman like my wife. Well, that was a real problem. Well, thanks to her, I've improved my skills in creating things that don't exist. My wife is also ...... well, she's a real scam. Hahahahaha!



　Titus let out a loud laugh.
　Hercule and Nia looked at each other and stood up.

　I'll be back later, anyway.
　"Good luck, Master Titus.

　The two men left as if to flee.
　What's going on?　Titus tilted his head.

　"...... you.

　Suddenly, he heard a low voice behind him.
　A cold sweat ran down Titus's back.

　"Uh, uh, uh, ...... uh, where did you hear that from?
　I'm sure you're not the only one. ...... By the way, can you please explain to me who and what is missing?

　Titus' wife smiled at him.