A Hundred Girlfriends Who Really Love You... In Another World! 57

"Bukkororri is responsible huh...?" A sigh leaves Hiropon's mouth. "I should have expected this, specially since he locked himself in his room again." He's actually believing the crap Megumin sprouted.

Ah... I should say something. As much as I want to escape blame and all that, I can't ruin some innocent guy's life to do so. That said, is Bukkororri really innocent? He did want to summon Satella after all, so...

No! Bad Subaru! "Um... Hiropon, it was actually me... I'm the reincarnation of her husband, so I called for her by accident and she came to me." There you go, now they can execute me or whatever.

Hiropon immediately glares at me. "Is that so...?" And I immediately regret my decision. No, I shouldn't regret it, from the time Eris put a ring on my finger, I decided I should take responsibility for my life.

Megumin takes a step forward. "That isn't so! He's just trying to take the guilt and be heroic and stuff!" Let me take responsibility for my actions, please! "So as I said, torture and execute Bukkororri instead!" Why do you insist on torture!?

My eye twitches. "No, I should be the one getting tortured and executed! I'm responsible for everything bad that's been happening to the village!" In the end that stupid prophecy is coming true because of me.

If I didn't show up, Satella would have never showed up. Bukkororri would have summoned Emilia and that would be it... No, he would have failed to do even that. He only managed to summon the silver haired elf, because the silver elf granny elf subconsciously helped him.

And if he never summoned Emilia, then the first attack of the Demon King's army would have never gotten as far as it did. And I also ruined Megumin's family by showing up... Hell, I ruined a bunch of things by existing.

Megumin rolls her eyes. "See? He's totally the type of idiot who takes blame for everything!" She pulls me by my collar. "Sadly for his heroic ego though, I'm not letting him take the credit for this one." It really is my fault though.

A look of utter shame appears on Frieren's face as she steps forward. "Yes, it was most likely the doing of that Bukkororri. My Flugel has nothing to do with this." Your yandere levels are high enough to throw some random under the bus for me!?

Emilia tilts her head. "Well, from what I remember Subaru rea~lly didn't do anything..." From her perspective, Satella just sort of showed up. She didn't know about Hitogami and his warnings after all. "Besides, everyone told me Bukkororri was a pervert." Ah.

A man's reputation can ruin him when he least expects huh? Sorry Bukkororri, but maybe you really do need to be tortured and executed. You have tried to go on a date with my wife after all, so I'll naturally feel revengeful.

Hiropon scratches his chin. "Well in that case..." I'm trying to build courage so that I can throw myself under a bus again, but the shitty side of myself is holding me back. Which isn't exactly something new.

But before I can say anything, or before Hiropon can finish, we are interrupted by what might as well be a roar. "Subaru...!" Or maybe a bark would be the more appropriate choice, since it's coming from Eris.

That's right, my fiancee suddenly runs through the crowd of Gumins in a flash. Her expression is the angriest one I have ever seen, and I can only assume she's about to kill me in the most painful possible.

Frieren raises an eyebrow. "She escaped...? Impressive." What do you mean by that!?

Megumin's eye twitches. "Great, here comes an idiot to make this situation even more complicated." Normally you're the one making things complicated though.

Emilia clasps her hands together. "Oh, Eris must have missed her fiance so much...!" You're a rare ray of positivity and sunshine in these dark lands. Keep being you, and thank you for existing.

I think you might be acting a bit too positive in this situation though, considering Eris looks like she wants to kill someone. By the way, I protect my face with both arms just in case. Actually, maybe I should protect my junior instead?

To my surprise though, Eris rushes past me, and begins attacking... Frieren? Yeah, for some reason she's attacking her! "Eris, stop!" She's not trying to kill the elf, I think, since she's using only her hands, but...!

Frieren is protecting herself with a barrier. It's not even being scratched by Eris' blows, showing the gulf between them in strength. "Why are you trying to kill me...?" The granny is justifiably confused, in fact I'm wondering the same goddamn thing!

Eris growls. "Because you locked me up, instead of letting me help Subaru! Now accept having a broken jaw already!" Ah, I see.

My mind immediately understands what happened. Wolbach only wanted one person to come, but Eris being the hot head that she is, must have protested that decision, heavily. Frieren probably had to restrain her with some sort of magic.

Frieren sighs. "Instead of attacking me, shouldn't you be checking on him?" Eris stops for a moment, her brain processing what the elf just told her. As this is my totally genius fiancee, it takes her a few seconds.

The War Goddess turns around and runs at me, her arms outstretched. "Subaru...! I'm so glad you're okay!" She hugs me, and so I finally return to the embrace of my one and only first, head and best wife...

Sorry Satella, but I can't exactly control my thoughts!

I hug her back. "Yeah, everything turned out just fine, so don't worry..." I then look back at Hiropon. "Anyways, I'll accept any punishment you give me." I cannot act like a scumbag in front of Eris.

It's like I can hear a crack against the air, as Eris abruptly ends our hug. "Punishment? What punishment?" Ah, as much as she motivates me to be better, I probably shouldn't say stuff like that in front of her.

Megumin clear her throat. "They're trying to blame Subaru for summoning Satella!" How do people even know it's the Witch of Envy...? No, the answer to that is obvious, with this evil mana in the air, it couldn't be anything else.

Eris' dominat hand immediately goes to her sword, but to my surprise she actually stops to think for a moment. Maybe it's because Frieren just humiliated her, or maybe it's something else, in the end she realizes fighting isn't wise right now.

So instead Eris awkwardly smiles, a blush on her beautiful face. "W-well, I have been actually hearing rumors, and apparently... erm... This was all Rudeus' doing! Yeah, he summoned the witch!" Oi...

Hiropon looks more amused than anything else. "Really? Because I also heard people saying it was Bukkororri..." Yep, I'm spending the rest of my life in a shitty dark dungeon, aren't I?

Eris seems completely defeated by this curveball, but Megumin has enough goblin energy to talk. "It was the both of them. Rudeus is my dear friend, so I tried saving him. Sorry!" She is so shameless that she bows at the end.

Eris accepts the help from the person she despises without any hesitation. "Y-yeah! And R-Rudeus has actually been going to secret meetings with Bukkororri!" She and Megumin look at each other for a second.

I doubt they just realized they're soulmates or something, but without a doubt their hearts connected. Perhaps they have found they are more similar than previously thought? Either way, Eris Greyrat now respects Megumin, and Megumin now respects Eris Greyrat.

My eye twitches. "Eris, thanks. Even I am starting to feel bad for Rudeus though." Also her lie clearly isn't working, and only she, and perhaps Megumin, don't realize that.

Eris gasps. "D-don't give the game away." You know, maybe I really should try my best to avoid this dungeon. I need to be around to make sure my fiancee doesn't forget how to breathe or something.

That might apply to almost all of my soulmates now that I think about it. Does that tell something about me?

Eris continues. "Besides, Rudeus can handle himself..." I see. My fiancee's complete trust on the Quagmire ended up biting him on the ass. Or at least it would be, if Eris was actually decent at lying.

In the end she's a shounen protagonist though, so while she may have occasional moments of intelligence, specially when it involves fighting, lying is just way too difficult to her.

Hiropon chuckles. "Look you two..." His eyes pass over Frieren and Emilia. "Or perhaps your four. I have no intention of punishing Bukkororri, or Rudeus, or the Purge King." So my actions won't have consequences!?

He smiles. "In fact, isn't this an exciting opportunity!?" Oh right, he's a Gumin. "Never before did the Crimson Demons face such a brutal assault...! It's awesome! Honestly, I might end up rewarding the person who summoned the witch!" I...

Eris points at me. "Subaru summoned her. I don't know if you know this, but my fiance is actually the reincarnation of a amazing hero! Only he could have summoned something like that!" She looks way too smug.

Megumin points at herself. "And I helped by the way. Really, it was a fifty split of the workload between us." And so the Arch Mage shows her true colors, and also the fundamental difference between her and Eris.

Both will help their loved ones if given the chance, but only Eris will do so completely selflessly. That is to say MMT is a greedy, greedy angel, while Eris is a bright shining goddess of victory.

Frieren steps forward. "Enough of this, it seems I won't need to kill you Hiropon, so let's discuss what you plan to do about this crisis." Don't casually admit you plan on killing him! I need to lower your yan levels somehow...

Hiropon smirks. "I plan on holding back the Witch of Envy with my life if need be!" Goddamn it, these amazing Gumins will just throw themselves at the meat grinder, won't they? "You see the witch is interfering with teleportation magic... so escape with that is impossible right now." That may be true. Even Wolbach was struggling with it after all.

His smirk gets wider. "And the Demon King's army is stopping us from escaping normally... In essence we are completely and utterly screwed!" Don't look so happy about it then! Aren't you the chief of this dumb village!?

I have to put all my willpower into not saying something I shouldn't. "How is the army even here? Didn't Kazuma destroy them?" With Rudeus' and Nina's help of course. I refuse to let that bastard take all the credit.

Hiropon shrugs. "I don't know. My best guess is that Sylvia got suspicious over us not counter attacking when she showed up, and only invaded with a small part of the army. Anyways, they're just a nuisance in the end. The real cool part is Satella." I need a break.

I love all Gumins, but I just need a break from them. So as soon as we somehow stop the Witch of Envy, I'm going home. Specially since I have plenty of stuff to do back in Sharia, like sexually harassing Nanahoshi and stealing Sylphiette.

Dad, where did I go wrong?

Hiropon continues. "So the plan is simple, we sent a force to clear the army, together with all our children and other people who can't fight. That way they will open a escape route." I'm guessing that where most of my soulmates are.

They were probably taking Eris with them too, until she escaped. Somehow. Really, one should not underestimate love!

He points at himself. "While they do that, a small force of privileged men such as I will hold back Satella, even if it cost us our lives." How is that a privilege!? "Eventually Reinhard Van Astrea should show up and strike her down." So your amazing plan is to wait for Saitama!?

And a Saitama who doesn't even know we are in danger on the first place!

Frieren nods. "Not a horrible plan. Very well, I shall be taking Flugel and fleeing." I send her a disappointed look. I don't want to, but I can't control it. "Don't worry Flugel, Megumin, Emilia and Eris will all go with us of course." She completely misread me!

I shake my head. "No!" I get that she wants to protect me, but this is clearly wrong!

Emilia takea a step back. "Oh... now that I'm not your wife, you are okay with abandoning me huh..." She looks like she's about to burst into tears. Why am I being misunderstood again!?

I shake my head. "T-that's not what I mean! A-and maybe one day we can... Look, I still care about you!" I ignore the Gumins whispering about my seduction methods. "What I want to know is why you're so okay with sacrificing yourself Hiropon! What abour your daughter!?" Poor Yunyun must be inconsolable...

He smiles. "It's okay, she cried and stuff, but also said her first son with you would be named after me." She's crazy then, both because of her weak reaction, and because no son of mine will be named Hiropon.

I pinch my nose in frustration. "Look... we actually may have a method of defeating Satella." I can't just just run away, and besidess... "And one of my fiancees is fighting her, so there's no way I'm running away." She's probably still alive too, since shadows aren't coming for us.

Eris' eyes widen. "That's right, Wolbach...!" She nods towards. "We definitely can't let her get hurt!" Yeah, all my romantic escapes would crumble in seconds without my beautiful and supportive rock.

Hiropon makes a thinking pose. "Well, I won't stop you from helping your fiancee of course... But what is your plan anyways?" My plan mostly involves us all ganging up on her and beating her up.

Still, the most important part is... "First we need to find Aqua! You definitely felt the Goddess Eris descending, right?" He nods. "She was weakening Satella, and Aqua could do the same! That way we could beat her..." Or at least I hope so.

Aqua can also revive everyone who gets hurt in this little battle for the fate of the world of ours. In essence, frustrating as it is to admit, she's the ultimate trump card. And differently from Reinhard Van Astrea, she's actually around.

Megumin pouts. "Geez, why did the Goddess Eris even say such a thing? Aqua is just a priestess... even if a powerful one." Because she's actually a goddess. But that's something most people don't believe for some reason.

Eris clicks her tongue. "Ugh, I dislike that woman, but if she's our only method at beating the Witch of Envy then... then I'm willing to beg for her help." I doubt that will be necessary. Probably.

Eris' hand shakes, and is yet again on top of her sword. "Yeah... we are going to fight the Witch of Envy... I'm ready for this, I was training to beat the Dragon God... I'm ready for this...!" Her face screams anxiousness.

So I put a hand on her shoulder. "Yes you were... And besides, Mad Dog Eris isn't the only legendary hero here... She's surrounded by Frieren the Slayer, Kazuma Satou, the Reinhard of Belzerg and..." I point at myself. "Even the Sage!" Ah, this is super embarrassing.

But it seems to have worked, because she has seemingly calmed down. "Yeah...!" In fact there is a newfound fire in her eyes. "With this team maybe we could even beat Orsted!" I don't know wheter that is correct or not.

But I do know I would try if it was needed to save Wolbach.

Hiropon hums. "It is true that maybe we with such an elite team even the Witch of Envy would fall..." Specially since she's just an avatar. The real deal is still probably inside of the seal. "But I want to heroically sacrifice myself!" There's nothing heroic about you!

Frieren's face is completely serious. "Hiropon, there is nothing heroic about giving your life here. You have a daughter, and she needs you. Be strong." And her answer is equally as serious. Which is definitely not something Hiropon cares about!

Which is why he looks to the horizon. "I know, but there is simply no choice!" He looks way too excited for a guy who is planning to heroically sacrifice himself!

Thankfully Megumin gets what he is about. "You know that dying here just means you're a jobber right?" With those words his expression shifts immediately into despair. I think MMT just saved his life.

Hiropon immediately nods. "Okay, let's talk about how to take the witch down... Maybe we could use the village's legendary anti-magic weapon!" You have one of those!? And you weren't going to use it!?

Suddenly a Gumin clears his throat. "Um... before that, can we clarify something? I'm sort of confused." He steps forward. I don't know who he is, but his clothes are actually pretty elaborate. I'm guessing he is high ranked in whatever hierarchy this village has.

I nod. "Sure man, ask whatever you want." It's better to clear out any confusion as fast as possible. A confused Gumin is a dangerous thing after all.

He points at Emilia. "Why are we talking like our enemy is the Witch of Envy when she's right here? And when she's as cute, and adorable, and precious as ever?" Oh, please don't start...!

All Gumins start to nod at each other, like their colleague just said something that made complete sense.

Emilia blushes and looks down. "The truth is... I'm not Satella, I'm just Emilia... Nobody special." You are plenty special. Also you somehow held the Witch of Envy back for a few moments, so you might be the secret protagonist.

The Gumin raises an eyebrow. "Are you sure about that? What proof do you have that you're not Satella...? Maybe that shadow magic user is actually Emilia." How does your mind even work!?

This time I am the one who clears their throat. "Because that shadow magic user is clearly powerful enough to threaten the world? With their shadow magic at that...? Besides Frieren was there, and she can confirm Satella is Satella." I'm not letting madness take hold!

Frieren nods. "Indeed, that is my apprentice..." She sighs. "She's as petty as ever..." One might say she didn't act petty at all, but okay!

The Gumin... doesn't seem convinced!? "There are plenty of world threats... And who says this elf's memory isn't failing her!? She's super old after all! A hag!" Don't suddenly attack her with such power!

Frieren looks down. "It is true that my memory sometimes fails me..." Don't give them an inch! They will take a planet!" But-...!" Sadly it is too late, Frieren has unleashed an eldritch being into the world.

The Gumin gasps. "Aha! I knew it! That sad monster must be an impostor! One named Emilia who messed with the memories of our amazing and kind Satella!" The Gumins begin to nod again!

Emilia shakes her head. "No, I..." And then she takes a deep breath. "H-hey, if I was Satella, does that mean I would be married to Subaru? And I would be the head wife... And you all would still keep support me?" Oh no.

The Gumin sends her a thumbs up. "Of course!" I try to raise my voice, but it's drowned out by the cheer of the Gumins. I feel like I'm about to watch the world's greatest tragedy unfold.

Emilia starts crying. "T-then... Then I really hope... I really..." Her lips tremble. "No. No matter how much I lie to myself, I know I'm not her! She's the one who deserves everyone's love...!" This...

Emilia is crying a fountain at this point. "That's why... even if all I want is a big family who loves me... I'm undeserving of it all. So you guys can hate me now, for trying to take Satella's spot. I deserve all the hate people give me." Even I am feeling mad now, so the Gumins...

The Gumins eyes are filled with fury. "Death to the cruel impostor!" And without another word they dash towards Satella's direction.

Some fly, some run with super speed, some even summon a creature to ride on. It doesn't matter, what matters is... "Hey guys, what about our plans...?" Even Hiropon has rushed ahead.

I-I guess I should go find Aqua...?



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I didn't manage to finish this arc with this batch of chapters. Truly this is the authentic writer's experience.