"I-I think I haven't woken up completely. I must be hearing strange things," Mother mumbled, tapping her ear. "What were you saying, Taranis?"
"Mother, you heard me correctly," I said, faint nervousness lacing my expression. "I-I really will marry both of them."
"Oh heavens!" Mother exclaimed, her hand flying to her mouth. "How did you grow up to become a womanizer? This is my fault. I wasn't there when you were straying from the path of righteousness."
"Mother! It's not like that—"
"Child, do you not have any problem with him having a relationship with another woman?" Mother asked Ume, completely ignoring me.
"C-child?" I could not help letting out a chuckle at the word, given Ume's actual age.
Ume shot me a sharp glare, fully aware of why I was laughing. Then she turned to Mother and spoke in a low voice, her eyes lowered.
