Chapter 15: Foundations of the Future.

Naku agreed that I should also marry Fortuna. At first I thought it was because they were still young and did not understand the consequences of engagement to several people. But that was not the case.

"What are you worried about marrying Fortuna too? Do not you like her?" (Naku)

"It’s not because of that. I like the adorable side she has, and the kind heart that she’s not afraid to show." (Aruh)

Fortuna's face turned completely red, but those were not false compliments, but what I really thought of her.

"But it is unfair to love two people. When you proposed to Fortuna, I felt alone... And imagining that I could make you feel the same, I... That is why, I’m opposed to a second marriage. I do not want you to suffer. " (Aruh)

"Aruh ... I would never have someone else in my heart, ehm, it was just a reflex action and only because Fortuna is my type... But the only man I love, the only person I love, is you." (Naku)

I thought I heard something weird in those words, but it does not matter, my heart was beating as I was glad to hear them.

"Now I understand the reason..." (Fortuna)

Fortuna came to me, the wariness she had towards Naku had disappeared. They both saw each other in silence for a moment and smiled… Those were evil smiles!

When Fortuna arrived before me, she held my face gently.

"My knight, I swear a loyal love forever." (Fortuna)

Her lips joined mine for an instant, during which, my mind stopped.

"It can be a misunderstanding because of a difference of cultures ... One of the requirements for having several wives is that the man should not divide his love between each woman, but love each one equally and with all the heart." (Fortuna)

"F-Fortu... na... I..." (Aruh)

Without waiting for my answer, she gave me a second kiss, which lasted for several seconds.

"W-wait ... Me too!" (Naku)

"Go ahead." (Fortuna)

Following Fortuna's example, Naku kissed me as she hugged me tightly.

In the end, I lost against both of them. If that's what they want, they'll both be my wives and I swear I'll make them happy. So they better get ready!

...

Once the matter was settled, we made official the second commitment. After scolding my parents, I had them meet with Fortuna's father and they welcomed him home. The presence of Naku in the room caused a solemn and serious atmosphere, which bothered her.

Before starting, my curiosity made me ask about her absence (being happy for her return, I did not ask why she had arrived before time).

"Certainly, I must tell you about it, especially to Fortuna, who has become the second wife of Aruh. It is something that concerns her." (Naku)

Everyone nodded. Fortuna held her father's hand, though she did not look frightened, she must really have been. I must be a dependable man on whom she could depend. Maybe she could read my thoughts, as she gave me a smile.

"I was called a few days ago due to a dream I had about a war between Eralgia and a country of the north." (Naku)

The news surprised Fortuna's father and his servants.

"A war? With which country?" (Allan)

"I do not know, my dreams are not so detailed. We have informed the officers of the kingdom but the news will not arrive in time, the war may be about to start at this moment." (Naku)

A war with a neighboring country. If it is related to the visions of Naku, it is very probable that we will be involved, and that would also affect Fortuna. I think for her safety, we should postpone the engagement until the conflict or our participation ends, but there is no way to know when and how it will... Not to mention that there could be more dangerous things during our mission..

I will need a very large power to protect my two girls... Should I resort to firearms? ......... No, bad idea, it could make matters even worse than my magic inventions.

I need something that can not be stolen or imitated...

"Well, if the war is in the north, I think everything will be fine ... We live far from the region, and the lords of this one take good care of the borders. Eralgia has reigned for more than a thousand years without being invaded and I doubt it will happen In the near future." (Allan)

"True, and the great oracle did not prophesy the fall of the kingdom... Though..." (Tovs)

My father’s expression darkened for a moment as he looked at Naku and me. He also looked at Fortuna for a moment.

"How will this influence your journey with Aruh, great oracle?" (Tovs)

Even with all his respect and faith in Naku, his concern was notorious.

"We Naga lose the blessing of Nagur when leaving the mountains... In the outside, we would not be different from a human... Oh, excuse my words." (Mura)

"There is no problem, I know what you mean. Also, as a parent I understand your concern." (Allan)

"I do not think you need to be afraid." (Blair)

Blair confidently stated as she broke into the conversation, which provoked surprise among those present, including me.

"I do not know much about the blessing of the spirit of the mountains, but I think the young Aruh's ability is authentic, on a level where neither of us would be able to defeat him." (Blair)

The other escorts smiled nervously, perhaps they did not trust their techniques... Or Blair may actually be the strongest of the group.

"I am the strongest between the three of us and I was easily beaten by him in a training match, if it had been a real one, I would have died before I knew it." (Blair)

"That’s true, I heard Naga not only have the blessing of Nagur, but that they were also warriors from birth. Not to mention that Aruh is quite capable in other aspects." (Allan)

My parents sighed in relief at hearing the flattery at me.

"We were carried away by our overprotection that we had forgotten how skillful our son is... When he grows up, no matter the place he goes, he will make it a safe place." (Tovs)

They are overestimating me, I'm not all-mighty, you know...

"I also believe that, I feel that I will be safe wherever he accompanies me." (Naku)

All right, I'll have to live up to those expectations! I will put more effort into my training and will seek more knowledge and skills.

A fixed stare made me leave my thoughts. Fortuna had risen to her feet and done a triumphant pose.

"Do not forget that he has me as a fiancée. I will take good care of him!" (Fortuna)

Fortuna strongly stated.

"And with this trip being my responsibility, I will also take care of Aruh!" (Naku)

"F-Fortuna, sweetheart... You speak as if you were to accompany them..." (Allan)

"Because I'm going to do it." (Fortuna)

"Young Aruh and the young oracle Nakureshta have the capacity and the strength, but we are talking about a possible battlefield, it is not a place where the daughter of a merchant belongs." (Allan)

I agree with Mr. Allan that it could be very dangerous for Fortuna to be on a battlefield, but he made a mistake by underestimating his daughter.

"Daddy, there is no better place for a merchant than a battlefield. Profits, losses, everything is related. Yes, the front can be dangerous for me, but Aruh and Naku need someone to cover their backs from behind." (Fortuna)

I noticed that several of those present felt a shiver as they listened to Fortuna. Yes, it is foolish to underestimate her ability.

"I ... I agree to Fortuna accompanying us. Mr. Allan, I, as the husband of your daughter, promise to stand by her side and protect her. (Aruh)

"I envy your strength and conviction, young Aruh… but I will need some time to think it over." (Allan)

"Dad..." (Fortuna)

The talk of the conflict ended there, we decided to focus more on the positive side of marriage. Nevertheless, Mr. Allan supported my relationship with Fortuna and even gave me some advice as a man with several women at his side. Also, he decided to extend his stay in the mountains so that Fortuna, Naku and me could spend more time together.

So for eight days, all three of us had dates and became to know each other better. Special mention had the fall festival, where Fortuna could appreciate the differences in culture within the same kingdom.

I must say that it is very entertaining to spend time with both my fiancées. Fortuna has a great curiosity as well, and I really like to see her and Naku becoming friends. But due to Fortuna living far from here, the time we could spend together was too small. After a long negotiation with her father, she convinced him to visit the village at least every two months...

One day, when I saw my girls together, I came up with an idea. In secret, I talked with Fortuna and informed her that Naku had reached her own birthday and I wanted to give her a gift, so she took me to her father.

"A birthday present? I did not know that the Naga gave presents at birthdays.” (Allan)

"We do not, it's something I came with." (Aruh)

"Fortuna’s birthday is at the fifth day of the third month, I would like you to keep it in mind." (Allan)

"Dad!" (Fortuna)

Got it! The fifth day of the third month.

"Heh, heh, I'm sorry, dear. I only care about you." (Allan)

"At Fortuna’s birthday, I'd like you to visit the village. Please!" (Aruh)

Ah, Fortuna's face turned red. So cute.

"Well, you can take a look at my merchandise. If you see something you like, I will give it to you." (Aruh)

After thanking Mr. Allan, I went to see the interior of the car, accompanied by Fortuna.

What a variety of objects! Jewelry made with shells or coral, linen, cotton and wool textiles, skins of different animals, aromatic woods, pots and spices... among many other things. There was plenty to choose from. At the suggestion of Fortuna, I chose a brooch made of coral.

The original cost was two bronze coins, but Fortuna gave it to me for one coin and said she would put the other, so the gift would be from both of us. I happily accepted.

Before getting out of the car, something caught my eye. It was at the corner, and it was difficult to see, but as soon as I saw it, I was attracted to that article.

"Fortuna... What is that egg?" (Aruh)

"Oh, that's a glaron’s egg, a bird that lives in the meadows and is used as a beast of burden, but this one is already withered. It's been months since dad got it. Maybe we could sell it to an artist." (Fortuna)

"I'd like to buy it... How much would it cost?" (Aruh)

"I will not charge you. Dad said that he wanted to repay you for the incident with Blair. Though, I think you should ask for something better than a rotten egg." (Fortuna)

When I obtained permission from Fortuna, I took the egg and examined it ... With my psychometric ability, I realized that there was still life inside and that it asked to be immersed in hot water.

"It's not rotten ... And it's not a bird's egg." (Aruh)

...

On the eighth day, Fortuna and his family had to leave the mountains and return home, it would not be until two months later that he could come here again. Obviously, she, Naku and I were sad to say goodbye. Fortuna gave me a hug that lasted for ten minutes as she did not want to me go, neither did I wanted her to.

Well, it’s now or never.

"Naku, Fortuna, I have a gift for both of you." (Aruh)

Naku was wearing the gift that Fortuna and I had given her... But I had prepared one before that one, and in the end, I decided to give it another use.

"Here! It's one for each of you." (Aruh)

I made two pendants that glowed with dim lights. A light blue for Naku, and an amber colored one for Fortuna.

"A pendant! It’s absolutely charming!" (Naku)

Their reactions were different. While Naku looked happily at it, Fortuna had been silent and stared at the pendant with reddened cheeks.

"This is an engagement gift from me. I did it with my own hands, I hope you liked it." (Aruh)

In response, the two hugged me and kissed me again.

"Miss Fortuna..." (Blair)

"Ha ha ha ha ha. The youth!" (Allan)

It was even harder to say goodbye.

It was not until later that day, that Fortuna, her family and her companions left, accompanied by Naga escorts.