The World of Otome Games is Tough For Mobs - Volume 7 - Chapter 13

Volume 7 - Chapter 13 - Reward

When I returned to the main body of Luxon, I felt sick and nauseated.

Not to mention the use of performance-enhancing drugs, this was highly draining, mentally.

-    This sucks. I don't want to fight broken battleships or anything like thatever again.

[This time it was also a parade of discoveries that you went through.

Furthermore, it is surprising that a new Sacred Tree was born at the site of the

Sacred Tree.] - You know...

The small tree in the place where Lelia woke up seemed to be a Sacred Tree.

The reason it appears like this is because it suddenly appeared in the form of a Young Tree and the rest is quite a mystery.

Lelia hugged the young tree and called out Emile's name.

-    Lelia got everything she wanted in the end and it seems like she losteverything.

Emile found out that Lelia was a reincarnated person, but seems to have accepted her.

Despite the fact that she managed to get a man to accept her even with what happened in her previous life, and they confirmed their love, it was time to say goodbye. I sympathize with Lelia. - It's Emile's curse.

[Isn't it a blessing?]

= It's a curse. For Lelia, it's as if her happiness has been taken away. She will live her whole life thinking about Emile, right?

It would have been easier for Lelia if she had been rejected.

Isn't Emile really a great strategist?

He has managed to tie Lelia down even after his death.

However, if this was completely well intentioned ... it would be even worse.

Lelia has lost a man like Emile, who had accepted her despite knowing everything about her, and from now on she will compare other men to Emile.

She will also regret having given up your happiness. [You should also be careful, Master] -That's how it is.

Luxon honestly admitted that he was worried about me.

[Today you are being very sincere. Should I arrange a full medical evaluation?]

-    I don’t feel well, but I’m myself. I even regret it.[I can't say anything about that] - You're a real jerk!

Then a transmission came to me, who was resting on Luxon's main body.

[Master, it seems that Alberg-Sama has something to discuss with you.] Alberg-Sama?

◇

When I moved towards Einhorn, the masked knight had disappeared before I knew it.

Julian came to the meeting with an unfriendly face, and Greg and his friends were badmouthing the masked gentleman.

-    That bastard, he played around, even though he was the only one takingcommand.

-    I agree.

Julian was glad that Greg said he disliked the masked knight, but recognized his abilities.

...... Are you still continuing with that charade?

I am concerned about Alberg-Sama's request.

The content was ... about the Holy Kingdom of Rachelle.

Although they claim to be the Holy Kingdom, they are dirty and dishonest.

And because they have a hostile relationship with Milaine's parents' household, they are my enemy too.

Milaine's enemy is my enemy. That's why I can't forgive Rachelle.

-    Is Rachelle's Holy Kingdom fleet occupying the republic?

-    Yes. They have taken advantage of the fact that we cannot do anythingabout it and have taken the territory of the Faiviel family with the fleet they sent to the Republic. Rachelle will continue to send reinforcements.

It seems that Rachelle is planning to take over the entire territory of the Republic. Brad, who was on my side, decided this situation was bad.

-    Rachelle is also Holfault's enemy. We don't want to give them too muchnational power. And it would be a hassle to give them the Sacred Tree.

-    Should we push them back?

-    The problem is, this is an Alzer Republic problem. It has nothing to dowith the Kingdom of Holfault. We have no cause and, above all, we have no strength.

-Can we do something?

-    There is ~ ...

Brad took his eyes off me and pretended he didn't want to say too much.

-Say it.

-    ... To be honest, even if we push them back, Rachelle will attack again.

Even if we help, it will only be temporary.

We cannot protect them until the Republic recovers.

Brad said it was likely that helping them right now will be for naught, and he had a solution for that.

-    That is why it would be better for us to occupy the territory of therepublic.

-... You're stupid?

When we are trying to protect the republic, what are we going to do by occupying it? "I don't want someone like you to tell me, okay?" Brad got angry, but Alberg nodded with his hand on his chin. - No, it’s a good idea.

-    Eh?

When I didn't understand it, Jilk, who was next to me, explained it to me.

Strangely looking from above, he showed an attitude to ridicule me.

-    I'll explain it simply so Count Baltfault can understand. The story issimple. If he wants to be despised in the Republic, Count Baltfault can occupy it and just declare, "This is the land of the kingdom!" Rachelle will not be able to enter carelessly invade.

It was more effective to use the name of the kingdom --- a foreign country --- than the name of the republic that fell to the ground.

It is unfortunate for a nation that has no choice but to depend on foreign countries, but the republic appears to have collapsed today.

Now that it takes time to rebuild, you have to trust somewhere.

-    So we only lend them our name until the Republic is restored.

-    I agree.

I looked at Mr. Alberg and he nodded. It seems they will accept our plan.

However, there seems to be a problem.

Jilk made a worried face.

-    However, the solution to this problem requires speed. If we wait for thedecision of our country of origin, the response will be delayed. However, if we move without permission, we will cause trouble for His Majesty ....

When I heard that Roland would be in trouble, I raised the corners of my mouth and smiled.

The people around me gasped, but I decided to put this operation into practice without worrying about it.

-    Then go ahead!

If Roland suffers, I'll be happy to lend a hand for the good of the Republic.

Helping people, and making Roland suffer, is like killing two birds with one stone.

◇

The fleet of the Holy Kingdom of Rachelle, deployed over the territory of the Faiviel family, numbered around 60 aircraft.

This was an advance group, and there were still a hundred aircraft waiting for order to enter.

Originally, they were intended to support the Revolutionary Army.

However, the Revolutionary Army had been defeated and the Republic was in chaos and anarchy.

Believing that this opportunity should not be wasted, the commander went to the territory of the Faiviel family to seize the territory of the Republic.

However, what they got there ...

-    Why is the Holfault Kingdom fleet here?

... It was a fleet of thirty aircraft from the Kingdom of Holfault led by Leon.

Faced with the thirty elite airships that defeated the Revolutionary Army, Rachelle's Holy Kingdom fleet had twice as many ships, but was unable to attack.

The biggest problem was Leon.

Einhorn acted as the flagship and advanced to declare something to the

Holy Kingdom of Rachelle.

-    {From today, this is the land of the kingdom. Do you know what willhappen if you try to invade?}

Standing on Einhorn's deck was Arroganz.

In his hand he held the flag of the Kingdom of Holfault that fluttered in the wind.

The commander ordered his men to face half the number of enemy ships.

-    They only have half the ships we do, and we have reinforcements on ourside. Now is the time to defeat the kingdom's hero and make a name for yourself! To all aircraft, prepare for battle!

At the commander's command, Rachelle's Holy Kingdom airships began to position themselves. They aimed the cannons lined up at the kingdom's airships, but Einhorn fired his cannons looking ahead.

When the commander's flagship was hit by a cannonball, the aircraft shook violently.

-    Are you telling me they can reach us from that distance!?

The power and range were too different from their own cannons, and the allies were upset.

Meanwhile, Arroganz boarded the enemy flagship with the kingdom's flag.

-    {Well.}

It appeared that the flag was pierced into the roof of the bridge. The commander got angry at this insult.

-    You nailed the kingdom's flag onto a flagship ?! Know your place,pseudo-hero of the kingdom! To all units, destroy this armed unit, your reward will be whatever you want if you succeed!

One after another, the enemy armed units came out of the aircraft, but were shot down and destroyed. Rifle shots ricocheted off armor, and melee weapons didn't scratch him.

And because it was close to the flagship, the enemy aircraft couldn't even fire.

-Damn!

The commander wondered what he should do.

If he was right above the bridge, his allies would not be able to attack.

It was a situation where he was close to being defeated ... but then, Leon made his move.

He moved Arroganz to the bottom of the flagship, and without further ado, pushed the airship into the kingdom's territory.

The aircraft was pushed by Arroganz and separated from its allies.

-    What are you doing!?

Leon laughed and responded to the commander's voice.

-    What am I doing? I am inviting you, of course! Welcome to the RealmTerritory, people of Rachelle! We will treat you like prisoners of war! The flagship was taken over by Leon, who laughed, and the Holy Kingdom of Rachelle decided to withdraw.

◇

Reports from the Republic reached the Royal Palace of the Kingdom of Holfault on a daily basis.

Thinking that a revolution had occurred in the republic, the next day there was a reprimand from Leon.

The Sacred Tree collapsed and a new Sacred Tree was born.

When a skirmish with the Holy Kingdom of Rachelle broke out, Leon made them retreat and declared that some territories of the republic were occupied under the kingdom's name.

The situation changed almost every day, and even if they sent more people the situation changed so much that it was almost all confusing.

In this royal palace, there was a man who was dissatisfied with Leon's actions. ... That was King Roland.

-    That piece of shiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttttttttttttttttt!

Roland, who tore up the report he just received, was angry that daily meetings were being wasted on a daily basis.

He was kept busy by the active role of Leon and couldn't sleep well because of it.

-    I will not forgive him. I will never forgive him. I'll do whatever it takesto get back at him!

The very idea of Leon laughing at him made Roland angry with frustration. Thinking of revenge against him was the only thing calming his mind right now.

Showing a refreshing smile, Roland seemed to have received a flash of inspiration.

-    That's! Let's send this fucking brat to hell!

He wrote a letter to Alberg-Sama of the Republic, saying that he would act as soon as he could.

-    This is a gift from me. Hope you take it, brat.

And so, Roland began a dark quest to get revenge on Leon.

◇

A month was about to pass since Serge's revolutionary upheaval. The republic was calmer than it used to be.

The territory of the former Lespinasse family was badly affected, but the other territories, the lands of the six great nobles, were intact.

However, the nobles who had lost their emblem could not use the weapons they have been using.

Fortunately, I have heard that the Young Sacred Tree could barely supply the energy used in the Republic.

And it also seemed that the republic was going to establish a new system of government with Alberg-Sama at the center.

However ... we were ordered to return to the Kingdom of Holfault.

I have helped with the rebuilding and various other things, but only that.

As Einhorn prepared to leave, large numbers of people came to see us off.

Julian firmly shook hands with the concierge owner who helped him, and Brad had a good chat with the theater director.

Chris screamed in a circle along with the men in loincloths and happi coats.

Greg? He was surrounded by a large number of men. They were all men with great muscle mass.

... There were no women, but everyone seemed to be having fun.

Jilk? He was making a fuss surrounded by rich people.

If you commit fraud, you will be revered as a genuine and rare antique dealer. Even if the person himself is garbage.

And for me, Jean, a friend I made in the Republic, brought a talisman.

-    Count, take this. It is a talisman from my hometown.

When I received a talisman like Misanga (a good luck / friendship-only bracelet) woven from rope, I wrapped it around my left wrist.

-    Thanks.

-    Actually, everyone at the academy wanted to come, but they were sobusy that I became their representative.

-    I see. There must be problems in the academy too.

-    Um ... I think you'll go through a lot of trouble too, but please do your best!

It is a relief that I have made some friends in the Republic.

While chatting with Jean, Lelia came over with Clement-Sama.

Lelia came in front of me as the surroundings were loud and led the way.

Jean was smart enough to take a step back, but I shrugged.

-    Is it okay for the priestess to come to such a place?

Lelia was now the priestess of the Republic.

With an emblem in her right hand, she was the new hope for the republic.

-    That's why. I have come to thank my benefactor. ... Can I talk to you fora moment? I would also like to speak with Marie.

-    Would you rather we talk on the airship?And so I took Lelia aboard Einhorn.

◇

We were in a room inside Einhorn.

The people in the room were Marie, Luxon, Lelia, and myself.

When will the next time be that the three reincarnates can talk together?

It would be difficult for the next one since the three of us had different positions.

Lelia was forced to smile.

-    This really sucks, doesn't it? ... I was the one who didn't help much. Mysister turned out seriously wounded and will not be able to move for a time, and the republic is in pieces and it will take time to restore it.

Marie shoved her hands into her pockets and turned her face away from Lelia. It's not just that she's rude because she doesn't like Lelia, it's that she didn't like the path she had chosen.

-    Still, do you want to become the priestess? You know how difficult it isto be one. Why do you choose this troublesome path?

As the priestess of the Republic, she represents the hope for those who aspire to the restoration of the republic

Being the face of the country, Lelia chose to have an uncomfortable life.

For me, that would be an unthinkable choice.

-    I stole a lot from my sister, so I have to be the priestess to balance thingsout.

Marie was not convinced.

-    Do you think you can have a chance to find romance in your currentposition? It won’t be easy.

... This is a republic that was once in chaos. Recovering from here onwards will also be difficult, and Lelia, who became the priestess, has a certain responsibility.

Working for the country, marrying for the country ... there will be little freedom in her life.

-    Do you know that you are stupid? Why don't you run away?

When I said that, Luxon spoke.

[Not everyone runs away from their responsibilities like you, Master.] - Shut up. When did I escape from my responsibilities? [At the engagement ceremony ...] - Well, this story is over!

Lelia was looking at me when I tried to change the subject.

-    Please take care of my sister. From now on, I want her to live freely. It istough, but she will be safe with you.

-    ... Is that okay with you?

The path that Lelia chose is not as enviable as others think.

-    Because of me, many people have become unhappy. If I don't dosomething like this, I'll be the worst kind of person there is. Give my regards to my sister. Tell him not to worry about the Republic and only think about her happiness.

Lelia, who looks like she had a possessed face, left the room saying that.

Marie had a face that she couldn't understand her.

-    Why is she carrying the load Noelle should carry?

-    It's a curse.

-    What curse?

-    I'll tell you another time. More importantly, are you ready to go?

-    You don't have to tell me, but I am... Hey, Oni-Chan.

-    What?

-    It was the right thing to do, wasn't it?

Was it good that we came to the Republic? Marie seems to be concerned about that. I couldn't give an answer either, but Luxon made a comprehensive decision.

[Even if the Master and the others had not come to the republic, the problems would have arisen anyway. Also, isn't it a better development than you thought? Isn't it a happy ending, but isn't it better than a bad ending?] Luxon, who had a sharp mouth, comforted us.

Marie didn't seem convinced, but she took him at his word and asked us what was important to her this time. She asked us the reason why Luxon and I emitted such a terrible aura.

-    It's not easy to understand, huh. By the way, bro, you and Luxon weresuspicious of Ideal from the beginning, right?

-    Something smelled bad. I guess my instincts didn't let me down.

-    What would you do if you were wrong?

-    I wouldn't have done anything.

-    Were you instinctively together with an awkward environment everyday?

[There was a possibility that Ideal was watching us.] Marie was outraged and upset.

-    If so, tell me first! I really thought you were fighting!

... Honestly, we did fight a bit.

-    I was really going to make it more relaxed. But this guy complainedmore than he expected.

When I spoke about the situation, Luxon was not silent either.

[It is true that I was angry with Master, so I voiced some of my complaints. Well, I think it was around 30%?]

-    ... Hey, what does that 30% mean? You don't like me, do you?

[Did you think I liked you? It is a problem to overestimate yourself.]

-    Why don't you understand my feelings after bothering me for so long?Try to be more like Ideal.

[I'm serious, so I can't.]

-    Serious people don't complain about their Master!

Marie shrugged in front of us, who had started a fight.

-    You two are so alike.

We argue against Marie's opinion.

-    How?

[Apparently Marie is misinformed. You should change your perception immediately.] ◇

When I came out on deck, Louise was waiting.

-    Long time no see.

-    Yes.

I hadn't seen Louise in almost a month. The reason is simply because I have been busy. Both Louise and I had a lot to do, and when we found out, we hadn't seen each other in a month.

Well, there was also Serge's case.

-    I just came here today to thank you.

-    Thank me? If so, I want a kiss from a beautiful woman as a reward!

Louise giggled sadly when I told her something funny.

I slipped and cleared my throat on purpose.

-    Aaaah, I'm just kidding.

-    I know. I have known you well throughout the past year. Why did I thinkof you as my little brother? My Leon was calmer and more chivalrous.

That was unexpected. I am also aiming to be a gentleman as my Mentor.

-    I can't help it since I didn't have a good education.

-    Isn't it more of a personality flaw than a good education? You are reallytwisted.

Personality flaw, huh. Well, it's not out of line. Reincarnated ... some people have a previous life, but I am aware that I am twisted a little more than usual. … but only a little.

Then Louise looked down.

-    Hey, you just have to do it one last time, can you call me Onee-chan?

-    Huh? Didn't I say it already?

Then Louise raised her face and protested.

-    You didn't say it! You never said it!

It is so important?

-    I thought I told you.

When I laughed, Louise turned around.

-    You are really cruel. It's okay. I'm leaving. Take care of yourself.

So, I waved my hand at Louise, who was about to leave.

-    ... See you later, Onee-chan.

When I said goodbye to Louise, I just turned my back on her and started walking.

I heard a few steps behind me, but stopped without looking back.

Louise hugged me from behind.

-    Why do you say it now? I had to put up with it. I had to put up with itbecause goodbyes are tough!

Louise, who pressed her head against my back, began to cry, seemed to have endured it in various ways.

It's hard to say goodbye when they adore you so much.

She spoke while my back was turned. This was to have a conversation as a younger brother. If I turned around, she would go back to her normal state, so I didn't.

-    We'll see each other again, Onee-chan.

-    Absolutely. If you don't come see me, I'll come see you.

I didn't think the existence of an older sister was so cute. Isn't it really something else compared to the existence of my real older sister from my parents' house?

While thinking about something so stupid, Louise let me go.

And when I turned around, she suddenly kissed me.

-    Eh?

Louise made a "I did it" face to my surprised self.

Her eyes were red from crying, but now she was smiling.

-    A reward kiss from a beautiful woman. Please receive it with pleasure. Iwas in a state of shock as I pressed my fingers to my lips.

When Louise made her way to the harbor from the deck up the ramp, she turned around and waved her hand to say goodbye.

-    You have to go back, Leon!

I also responded by waving my right hand.

... Onee-chan, huh? That might be good too.

◇

After returning from the republic, we were summoned to the royal palace.

They told me that I would be given credit for this work and that we would have a detailed meeting before the ceremony in the courtroom.

It was a pre-meeting, so it doesn't matter if you had no manners.

Those who participated were the five idiots and me, and Marie was waiting in a separate room.

She had pretended to be the saint and caused great damage to the kingdom, so she was placed in a separate position.

Angie and Livia weren't here because they were at my parents' house right now. After the meeting and ceremony are over, they will meet me at my parents' house.

However, while this usually ends with a discussion with officials, Roland was present earlier today.

Even if misbehaving is allowed, the opponent is the king.

I will use minimal manners.

-    You look pale, Your Majesty. Perhaps you haven't slept well?

Asking him while smiling, Roland looked at me with bloodshot eyes.

-    You know my situation very well. Thanks to someone, I have beenreducing my sleep time. Why don't you be a little quieter, you brat?

-    I'm calm, but the people around me make a mess.

-    You provoked them, didn't you? It's written on that hateful pale face.

-    His Majesty is also good at joking. It's horrible that you say somethinglike that to a vassal who swears you seriousness and loyalty.

-    A serious and loyal vassal would not shorten my hours of sleep.

Minister Bernard, who attended the meeting, cleared his throat as he laughed and looked at both of them. Even so, many big names participated, including Minister Bernard.

There was also Duke Redgrave, Angie's father, laughing in front of me.

-    I heard of your exploits in the Republic. Yes ~ it was really refreshing.

Angie's dad was delighted too.

I'm glad I did the best I could. And it was even better to be able to do some damage to Roland.

Milaine also participated in the meeting.

-    Your decision to push back the Holy Kingdom of Rachelle was a goodone. Thank you, "Marquis" Baltfault.

-    I, Leon, will do my best for the Queen ...... eh?

Hey? Was the queen wrong with my title?

Now she calls me Marquis, not Count.

Being a Marquis is a knighthood that is below a Duke, and in the Kingdom of Holfault it is a knighthood that is only awarded to families that are connected to the royal family.

To put it another way, it is a title that cannot be claimed unless it is related to the royal family.

Me, being from a poor family of barons, there is no way I am related to the royal family.

-    Milaine, wasn't my title Earl?

Then Milaine was embarrassed.

Apparently, she was ashamed that she was wrong.

Aahhhhh, how cute.

-    I don't like this. If I don't tell you now, you're going to get confused,Leon.

-    Eh?

Julian and the others looked at each other, thinking there was something wrong with the situation.

-    Hey, what do you think?

-    If it's possible or impossible, it's marginally possible.

What are you talking about?

For me, who was confused, Minister Bernard --- Clarice's father --- began to explain in detail.

"Count Baltfault." The kingdom appreciates your achievements. To reward this work, His Majesty grants him the third rank of Marquis.

Are you kidding!? Like the rank of Marquis, the third rank is also a rank that can only be obtained by members of the royal family. In fact, I thought my rank had come to a standstill, but I got promoted again!

-    Isn’t this promotion strange!? I'm not even royalty!

Roland, who was watching my dismayed appearance, gave me a very refreshing smile.

Then, he got up and spread his hands.

-    You can do this, can't you? You may have forgotten, but you areengaged to Duke Redgrave's daughter. That means that you are also related to the royal family in a broader sense.

What are you doing!? Why do you make that face?

First of all, the title of Marquis is not an easy thing to obtain.

Giving it to me because I'm Angie's fiancé shouldn't be a viable reason.

The royal family is a very serious position. … You can't really feel it when you look at Roland, but it's not a position that can be easily filled even in the Kingdom of Holfault.

-    That's impossible!

-    I said yes! I am the king. I am the rules!

Roland laughed with bloodied eyes and a triumphant look.

I brought my eyes to Minister Bernard and Duke Redgrave, but they both shook their heads.

-    I'm sorry, but he’s right.

-    His Majesty has persuaded others to reward you for your service."… What an extraordinarily good king you are.

I looked at Roland.

-    I reject that title!

-    Hmm, I refuse that refusal!

-    You fucking bastard!

When I grabbed him, Roland laughed and hit me.

I was angry so I hit his chest with my knee, the people around me did not come to give me a hand.

The guards also looked the other way.

Roland had taken his daily fury on me.

-    You are the reason for my lack of sleep!

-    Work at least a little!

-    I did!. That's why I worked hard to get you promoted!

Isn't it bad for the king to work hard in a useless place?

We both breathed on each other's shoulders, exhausted from the noise, and when we calmed down, I theorized why I couldn't exactly have the title.

No way, I didn't make a fight in vain.

-    I have no territory or job title!

However, Roland pulled the letter from his chest and shoved it at me as if he had been expecting it.

The letter was signed by Alberg-Sama.

-    W-What is this?

-    When I said you had no territory, he generously offered a piece of landfrom the former Faiviel family. He generously ceded land with the port.

-Are you kidding!

-    It's not a lie. When I tricked him into thinking you were in trouble, hisheart was broken and he gave you part of the Republic's territory. Glad to know that he trusts you. Oh, he'll take care of that land for you. You just have to lend your name. They offered to pay the taxes as well, but isn't it difficult for a republic that is just recovering? I rejected it on your behalf.

I own some land, but it was the Rault family --- Alberg-Sama --- who actually managed it. I only own the territory, and Roland has been pushing me for income and other miscellaneous benefits.

There were no hassles, but there was no profit in return.

Roland was working behind the scenes just to promote me to Marquis.

Alberg-Sama appears to have accepted this proposal in good faith.

-    Oh, I have a message from Alberg-Sama. “I'll be glad if I can pay you for this." he was a really wonderful man.

-    You are the worst.

-    How do you feel about serving the worst king? I really want you to tellme.

When he gritted his teeth in regret, Milaine looked at Roland and scolded him.

-    Your Majesty, please stop playing.

-    Well, that’s fine. This boy is the third highest Marquis as of today. I willofficially announce it at the next ceremony, so keep that in mind.

I couldn't even resist after they took it this far.

Dropping my shoulders, Roland gave another chase.

-    Besides, as a marquis, you need a vassal, right? As I am kind, I havedecided to send a vassal of the realm directly for you.

In these modern times, vassals were sent from the central office to the branch office, where I became the director of the branch itself.

-    I do not want any.

When I refused, Roland appeased me with a smile.

-    Please do not say that. I have selected the best young people for you.

Come on and say hello.

There were no gentlemen in the room who could be called young.

I turned my head to see Roland, who was looking behind me.

…… I started to break out in a cold sweat.

-    N-No way.

-    Congratulations! Jilk, Brad, Greg and Chris are your subordinates fromtoday! You can call them foster children. In other words, you are the person responsible for them as a stepfather!

I felt my pressure drop.

Looking back while shaking, the four of the five idiots looked at me with a smile.

Jilk was smiling.

-    Is the Marquis Baltfault our boss? It's a strange connection.

Brad had his hands behind his head.

-    After everything I've been through, if I have my way, I'll be rich. Itwould be a pleasure, Baltfault.

Greg nodded with his arms crossed.

-    If you're the boss, then I'm not complaining.

Chris was correcting the position of his glasses and he was happy.

-    But we always call Baltfault by last name like he's a stranger. If he is ourstepfather now, then we will fondly call him Leon.

…… Why do these guys look happy?

-    Don't you hate me one bit?! Aren't you dissatisfied working for me!?

It would be great if they were former nobles, but now they are nothing more than Marie's parasites. I felt like I was forced to deal with 4 dangerous guys.

Jilk laughed.

-    I'm certainly unsatisfied, but I still appreciate it Leon. I am lookingforward to working with you from now on.

Besides calling me by my name all of a sudden, the four people show a no-refusal attitude.

I felt like my head was spinning.

Then Roland went on.

-    By the way, you must take care of Marie-San.

-    Why!?

When I was surprised with the obligation of Marie's official caretaker, Milaine stepped up to apologize.

-    Normally I'd like to send her somewhere else, but Marie has the powerof a saint even if the temple doesn't approve of her. We can't leave her in a bad place, and separating her from them would probably cause problems.

If we take Marie away from Jilk and the others, these idiots will make a fuss again. It seems the purpose was to put them under my control and monitor them.

When I sat with my head in my hands, the people around me looked at me with pity.

Among them, only Roland laughed.

-    This all happened because you pissed me off. Have you felt a littleremorse?

-    Remember this. I am a man who always takes revenge, no matter what.

-    I'll be looking forward to it. If you want to get ahead again, you canalways call me.

By the way, I am a man who is definitely vindictive.

What a terrible conversation.

If this is the case, I wanted to stay in the Republic and play with my

Louise Onee-chan. Then Julian looked at me sadly.

-… What is it?

Julian was jealous of us.

-    Baltfault… No, Leon. Can you take care of me too?

-    Why!? You are a prince!

-    Well, I feel lonely! It's unfair that it's just you four.

What is unfair? Why do you want to be my vassal? If you were more assertive, I would not have been so successful!

◇

After the meeting, Julian and his friends were taken to another room to discuss other matters and receive Milaine's sermons.

I didn't think of going back again, but at the same time I felt like I want Milaine to scold me. How I envy those guys.

When I returned to the waiting room, Marie, Cara, and Kyle greeted me.

-    Leon, what happened?

-    …They told me to take care of you.

-    Eh?

I told Marie and the other two that Roland set me up at the meeting. So I complained to them alone.

-    This is the worst. Now I have to take care of Julian too. I put up with itwhile I was in the Republic, but going back to the Kingdom and having to take care of you… Eh?

Marie clung to my leg, and Kara and Kyle clung to me, too.

-    What are you up to?

Marie screamed when she didn't know what the 3 of them wanted to do. - I'll never let you go again!

-Ha?!

When Marie screamed, Cara followed her.

-    Without Marquis Baltfault, I couldn't take care of anyone. Please don'tabandon us!

-    Don't say horrible things! I don't remember taking you on in the firstplace!

Next was Kyle.

-    I beg you. Please hire me. If they kick us out, we won't be able to live!

We will do our job right!

-    Why are you holding on to me? You're a cheeky and cool character, andyou're supposed to be the one staring at Marie and the others in shock!

I tried to get the three off me, but Marie was the one who clung to my legs the most.

W-Where does this power come from?

I grabbed Marie's head and pushed her off me.

-    L-Let go of me!"

-    I do not want to! I will never let you go. I'm never going to let you go!

And then Marie whispered something so the other two couldn't hear it.

Her smile was a bit sinister and her eyes didn't reflect anything.

-    We will be together forever, Oni-Chan.

You couldn't help but be scared when your sister from your previous life, who will haunt you even after she dies, said something like that to you.

I was in a cold sweat, my voice was loud and uneasy and that way I just screamed.

- L-Let go of meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!

That night, Marie scared me so much that she appeared to me in my dreams.