Nighttime Itogami Island proved considerably cooler than daylight hours—reaching temperatures where short-sleeved attire, combined with unfortunately strong evening winds, generated comprehensive body-wide chills within brief exposure durations.
Polyphonia naturally experienced identical circumstances.
Throughout their journey, she maintained tight grip on Bokue's arm. Initial justification: warmth retention preventing illness. Secondary rationale: techniques enhancing couple happiness metrics—demanding careful memorization.
Though this presented minimal concerns. Evening pedestrian streets already hosted numerous young couples strolling hand-in-hand or embracing arms similarly.
Additionally, Polyphonia—after removing lipstick—appeared externally indistinguishable from girls under twenty years old. Their side-by-side boulevard presence generated zero dissonance.
Naturally, attention rates remained exceptionally elevated. That lustrous, smooth silver hair proved excessively conspicuous within Asian regions—particularly during nighttime hours.
"Hey, I just realized something,"
A certain silver-haired queen's voice—carrying mature-woman charm intermixed with playful undertones—emerged from adjacent positions. Following the sound revealed Polyphonia pressing her cheek against his shoulder while tilting her face upward with smiling expression.
"Speaking of which, all those girls residing atop Keystone Gate—does each one share remarkably wonderful experiences with Bokue-kun?"
"Your definition of 'remarkably wonderful' specifically refers to...?"
Bokue delivered sideways glances.
Throughout today's interactions, he'd comprehended this queen's fundamental personality—essentially an experienced woman well-versed in suggestive implications. For instance, that morning airport greeting where "experiencing considerable happiness" had flushed La Folia's entire face crimson.
Consequently, uncertainty remained regarding "wonderful" experience definitions.
Though this particular instance proved Bokue overthinking matters. Polyphonia herself possessed zero intentions for conversational trajectories suddenly accelerating toward explicit territories.
The silver-haired queen blinked innocently. "Naturally, unforgettable memories! For example, La Folia-chan mentioned your initial meeting occurred on a deserted island."
'Oh. That meaning.'
Bokue nodded. "Essentially accurate. Basically everyone qualifies."
"Mm, Bokue-kun's romantic fortune is genuinely exceptional."
Polyphonia tightened her embrace around his captured arm.
"Actually establishing connections with so many girls, then transforming every encountered female into girlfriends—remarkably... universal in affection."
"That's... complicated explaining."
Bokue shrugged.
"Perhaps I'm fundamentally selfish. Moreover, I'm relatively indifferent toward external judgments. Romantic feelings exist exclusively between two individuals. Since girls harbor affection toward me while I reciprocate those sentiments—why deliberately create mutual regrets?"
"Oh,"
That final statement triggered sparkling enthusiasm within Polyphonia's eyes.
"Avoiding mutual regrets? Mm-hm, beautifully articulated!"
"..."
Bokue didn't immediately respond—instead delivering another sideways observation toward the adjacent silver-haired queen.
Uncertain whether imagination colored perceptions, tonight this queen radiated peculiar vibes.
From initial secret rendezvous arrangements using La Folia's phone, through suddenly embracing his arm, extending toward current romantic philosophy discussions...
Beyond other considerations—persistent déjà vu reminded him of Lady Venelana's proactive door-delivery scenarios.
"Ah, I possess no ulterior implications!"
Detecting abnormality within the young man's gaze, Polyphonia hastily released his arm—raising both hands in surrender gestures for innocence demonstration.
"Simply feeling Bokue-kun's earlier statement radiated 'royal bearing.' Being born to rule demands shouldering all responsibilities openly—whether subjects or companions. At minimum... completely opposite my father's character."
Speaking progressively triggered recollections of Kanon's mother's tragedy. Her eyes dimmed fractionally.
Bokue declined evaluating others' family matters. Instead, he formulated selective responses.
"Overthinking. I possess zero kingly aspirations. Initially accepting Itogami Island governance was merely securing personal territory for convenient residence. Currently, Itogami Island's management systems remain operated by pre-existing personnel from before my acquisition."
"Except you're already governing through personal methodology, aren't you?"
Polyphonia suddenly interjected.
"From imperial governance perspectives, non-intervention constitutes management forms. All governance ultimately aims preventing unmanageable situations. However, because Bokue-kun's capabilities are sufficiently powerful, you confidently handle any arising circumstances—rendering daily supervision completely unnecessary."
"Summarizing these perspectives reveals Bokue-kun actually embodies relatively easygoing philosopher-king archetypes."
"Oh right! How about Bokue-kun becoming Aldegian Kingdom's king going forward?"
Polyphonia proposed with sudden enthusiastic excitement.
'Hm?'
Bokue found himself somewhat unprepared for this abrupt invitation—freezing momentarily.
"King? Doesn't Aldegian Kingdom exclusively permit female monarchs?"
"Obviously not. Only females inherit exceptional spiritual medium talents."
Polyphonia gently wagged one finger with leisurely explanation.
"If queens recruit husbands possessing superior power and management capabilities, queens can equally transition toward secondary positions as empresses—husbands assuming kingly roles."
Emmm...
"Simply put—if Bokue-kun marries me, direct Aldegian Kingdom kingship becomes achievable,"
"..."
"Hehehe, just teasing."
Polyphonia covered her mouth while chuckling, reclaiming the young man's arm.
"Alright, alright—naturally I'm referencing Bokue-kun marrying our La Folia-chan! After all, La Folia-chan is the Rihavein royal family's First Princess, naturally possessing primary inheritance rights. If post-marriage Bokue-kun fears our La Folia-chan overworking herself handling governmental affairs, consider inheriting the throne yourself?"
"...That's functionally identical to zero governance."
Bokue delivered deadpan commentary.
They continued exchanging conversational volleys while strolling leisurely along pedestrian streets—completely oblivious to two fully-armed silhouettes trailing approximately twenty meters behind.
"How did La Folia-neesan know Lady Polyphonia toward Onii-sama...?"
"Uncertain. Though Mom has always demonstrated this pattern—concealing genuine sentiments within jokes."
La Folia lowered her volume while answering the adjacent silver-haired girl's inquiry. She adjusted the baseball cap concealing her silver hair atop her head, then pulled the facial-obscuring mask upward slightly. Distinctive brilliance flashed through her eyes.
'Didn't expect Mom also... feels slightly thrilling.'
'Though not unacceptable, ♡'
Apparently contemplating something exceptionally pleasant, the silver-haired princess licked her lip corners with anticipatory relish.
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