The World of Otome Games is Tough For Mobs - Volume 8 - Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Marriage

-The Roseblade family territory is different from what I had imagined.

[What kind of scene did you imagine?]

-Well, a bunch of rebellious adventurers wandering around the area. I heard that they have a strong pride in being adventurers. Don't you think that by being more adventurous they would have more land?

[Now I understand the Master's image of adventurers. The Master considers adventurers, including yourself, as ruffians].

-It's not so different, isn’t it? The king of this country is a kind of a ruffian.

He's decent on the outside, but terrible on the inside.

At this moment we are in the territory of the Roseblade family, which we were invited to visit.

At this time Luxion and I are exploring the interior of the city.

Luxion surveyed the surroundings and spoke.

[I think they are continuously expanding, but it's wasteful. In terms of efficiency, there are a number of areas that need to be improved].

-Don't say that lightly. Don't think you can do anything so easily.

In my former life, if you want to build a road, you have to explain to the local people what you want to do and then you have to compensate them for the land.

If we have to make big changes just for the sake of efficiency, there would surely be a lot of problems.

[Being a noble lord, I think it would be easier for them to improve than you think, Master.

The advantage of having an absolute power is immediate top to bottom action].

-First of all, it's someone else's territory and I have no right to interfere.

[That's a good point.]

The Roseblade family castle is located in a fortified walled city.

It's not as big as the royal capital, but it's still very well developed in comparison to my parents' home.

The stone cityscape is elegant and refreshing for a stroll.

[More importantly, were you allowed to go out without permission?]

-The party is tonight, am I not free until then? Besides, my father and my older brother are the stars of the show. There's no problem with me not being there since I am a supporting character. After all, I've only been tied up on the ship.

As I glared at Luxion spitefully, he pointed his lens somewhere to avert his gaze away from me.

[It was Angelica and the others' decision. From the beginning, they didn't want you to go to the battlefield].

I also sighed a little at Luxion's reaction, who couldn't deny Angie's request.

-I think they worry too much.

I keep walking with my hands stuffed in my pockets.

Luxion, who is hovering around my right shoulder, is still speaking whimsically today.

[I recommend a mental break for a while. After all, Master... Emergency! Immediate evacuation is advised!]

As Luxion moved quickly from his place, a stone flew right next to me.

-That was dangerous! W-Who was that!?

Looking back, there are some children who give off the feeling that they are bad guys.

One of them is rubbing his finger under his nose and is holding a small stone in his right hand.

-That strange thing, the one who hits it wins.

They came out of nowhere and suddenly started using Luxion as their target.

Throwing rocks at people...yeah, they're playing pretty rad.

I think they thought that I was an ordinary person since I was dressed casually.

[New humans...]

While holding Luxion in my right hand, who was muttering some disturbing words, I ran away from the children.

Luxion seemed to be dissatisfied.

[Why are we running away? We should tell the Count's family and give them the appropriate punishment. You are the marquis of this country and they should be tried for serious crimes].

-Just forget it and let's go. I don't want any trouble!

If you disobey a nobleman, even if you are a child, you will be charged with a crime. Such is the value system of this world. The Kingdom of Holfort is, according to my values, a people-friendly country. However, if you go against a noble for no reason, you will be judged normally.

I thought it would be less trouble if I ran away, so I escaped down the main street. This place is like their garden, so if I go into the alleys, I'll be cornered. On the contrary, it's better to run down the main street.

-Dammit, they're fast!

The distance between the children chasing me increased.

-Don't underestimate me, kids! I'll show you the swift legs trained in the dungeon!

Holding Luxion and having gotten rid of the children, I entered a coffee shop.

-Haaa... I'm tired.

As I let go of Luxion and took a seat, an employee came to take our order. I ordered a drink and, after the clerk walked away, Luxion started to complain.

[Why did you run away? They attacked us, Master, with clear hostility].

-They're just kids, aren't they? Just let it go.

[... Is that an order?]

-That’s right, please.

[Please?]

It's a line that I personally don't tolerate when it comes to children.

It may be because I have the values of my former life, but I don't do it because I personally don't like it.

-I'll overlook it if I can. No, wait a minute. Do you think it would be a good idea to inform the parents of the children and have them reprimanded? I'm overlooking it this time, but if it was another nobleman, it would be a big problem.

After a few nods, Luxion summed up my opinion.

[I mean, you don't judge, but take revenge? Isn't there a policy of not picking on children?]

-I'm angry, so I'll take revenge.

[Your vessel is small.]

-I've already told you I don't hate myself for that. And it's better for the children to be scolded now. I'm worried about what they'll do next. Don't you think it's a little mature of me to think about their future?

to think about their future?

It's a cheeky line even if I hear it, but I should scold them now.

I'd like to ask them to stop throwing stones in crowded places as it's dangerous.

[Isn't a person with a large vessel someone who scolds himself without retaliating in the first place?]

-That's also true. Well, let's find out who they are and let their parents know. That'll keep us busy until tonight.

[...... If that makes you feel better, feel free to do so.]

◇

-And the evil is gone!

I checked on the children's house and informed their parents that they had been throwing rocks in the main street. And sure enough, the children received a reprimand from their parents.

When I returned to Roseblade Castle, I was in the great hall with my family, telling Angie and the others what had happened.

Angie looked at me and had an indescribable look on her face.

-When I was thinking about what you were doing on your way out? You said you were taking revenge on some kids?

-Leon, why don't you calm down a little more?

Livia was worried about what I did.

-Well, they could cause trouble in the future and I think it's good that they're reprimanded.

-Now, don’t you think it's a little over the top that you have to look for the kids' house?

Noelle, sitting in a wheelchair, pulled my cheeks.

-Did you have to go that far? Your opponents were kids, weren’t they? Why don't you just tell them off right away and end the matter?

The three didn't deny my method, but they didn't agree either.

Colin came in when I was talking to the three people who were pulling me around a bit.

-Noelle, Mom is calling for you.

-I-Is that so? Then I'd better go.

Noelle tried to move the wheelchair with her hand, but Colin, who is a good boy, quickly got behind her and started to push her wheelchair. He quickly got behind her and began to push the chair.

Our Colin is very different from those bad boys.

I'm happy to be his big brother.

-Let me push your wheelchair.

-Thank you for always doing that.

Colin, who was happy to be praised by Noelle, blushed and looked a little down.

As the two walked away, Angie, who was looking at them, put a hand to her forehead.

-First love won’t work out, or so they say, this one is a bit pitiful.

Livia also looked at Colin sadly.

-Colin, he usually pushes Noelle's wheelchair, so there weren't a lot of opportunities for them to get to know each other. Even if she gets him to face her, he’d get shy and run away.

Just like that, Angie and Livia were talking about something serious.

-Is that why Noelle doesn't notice? It's obvious for everyone who is looking at them.

-The problem is that Noelle can't see Colin's face well because he's shy and is always behind her. Even if he does talk, he'll only say a few words.

-It's a vicious cycle. But I'm not sure if there's anyone who can teach him.

-Yes~, if it were me....

... What are you two talking about?

-You two, what are you talking about?

When I asked frankly, Angie and Livia looked at me in surprise.

They looked at each other, but shook their heads and said nothing.

-Huh? What? Luxion, do you know anything about it?

[... You are really insensitive, Master. In a way, it's worthy of respect].

-Then what is it? Tell me.

[Please think about it for yourself.]

In the end, no one answered me.

◇

The party at Roseblade's house was to be held in accordance with the wishes of my father and my brother, and it was to be only for the parties involved.

The format is a standing party with no formalities and a relaxing atmosphere.

As I put my meal on a plate, my father and brother are surrounded by people from the Roseblade family thanking them for exterminating the sky pirates.

They both looked uncomfortable and I watched them from afar.

Near Count Roseblade, there were also Deirdre-senpai and Dorothea.

-Being the star of the party is hard.

While muttering like that, Luxion, who was next to me, took those words and made a conversation.

[You might not be used to this kind of party, right? Master, you've been eating too much meat. I strongly recommend that you eat vegetables].

-If I feel like it, I'll do my best.

[...Is that so?]

If I imitated Luxion's answer from a while ago, he would understand it and it wouldn't be interesting.

Even though it's an artificial intelligence, it has a lot of emotions.

As I looked around, I could see Noelle in her wheelchair who is also surrounded by people.

Apparently, she is being asked about the circumstances of the Alzer Republic.

Due to her position as the priestess of the little sapling, the people around her seem to be very interested in her.

My mother and Colin were also with her.

As I was looking out for them, thinking that I would be there to help them if they needed it, Livia came up to me and grabbed my arm.

-Leon, is there anything strange about my dress?

-It looks good on you.

Livia, who was not used to wearing a dress, seemed concerned about her appearance.

-Angie had them made for us, but I didn't get much of a chance to wear such an expensive dress like this.

Isn't that strange? The white and blue dress fit Livia's image perfectly.

Angie, wearing a red dress, approached the anxious Livia and put her arm around her. She is imposing and is used to wearing dresses.

-Don't worry, it fits you well. More importantly, Count Roseblade would like to speak with Leon.

-Hmm? He doesn’t have to be so considerate...

I tried to refuse, but Angie wouldn't let me. She persuaded me as if she was gently reprimanding a child.

-He can't ignore the marquis he invited all the way here. All you have to do is have a little chat. Get used to it while you can.

I reluctantly persuaded myself when I heard that I would only have to greet Count Roseblade because he invited me.

Angie asked Livia to do something for her.

-Livia, bring Noelle too.

-I will.

When Livia called Noelle, Angie intertwined her arm with mine.

When our arms crossed, she brought her face close to mine and whispered in my ear. Her breath tickled my ears, but more than that, I could hear the sensuality in Angie's voice.

-The party atmosphere is a little strange.

-... Do you think they are planning some revenge?

I think I am excited to see her in a different dress than usual.

However, Angie is worried about the party.

She is being wary if there will be a revenge for their rude behavior, but Luxion denied it.

[Not at all. There is no danger in the vicinity and the food is not poisoned. Aren’t you perhaps mistaken, Angelica?]

I was relieved to hear that, but Angie didn't change her mind.

-No, something is strange. It's nothing hostile, but I'm really worried.

Angie's intuition... No, is it a feeling?

Anyway, she seems uncomfortable with the atmosphere of the place.

She is also concerned and wary of the environment, but there is nothing strange about it.

Clarice-senpai is also participating in the party, but she is currently surrounded by people and is busy.

The situation has been the same since the party started.

Even if I try to talk to her, I can't talk to Clarice-senpai because she doesn't seem to get the chance to approach me.

-Hmm, there's nothing unusual about that.

And so, when Livia brought Noelle, Count Roseblade came with Deirdre-senpai as if he had timed it just right.

However, there is no sign of Dorothea.

Searching for her with only line of sight, she was with Nicks who was released and they escaped toward a wall.

Angie may have noticed it too.

-When it comes to this, I think they are both siblings after all.

-What?

-It's nothing.

Angie laughed for a moment, but when Count Roseblade arrived, she bowed by putting one of his legs behind her.

Livia also imitated her with a bit of a delay, but Angie's gestures were more courteous and she looked beautiful.

Count Roseblade spoke cheerfully as he stood in front of me.

-This is the first time we have met. I have heard a lot of rumors about you, Marquis Bartford. First of all, I would like to thank you for rescuing my daughters.

Even if I am young, I am a marquis, so Count Roseblade's manner of speaking was polite.

... I don't like to be spoken to so formally by adults.

-T-Thank you for inviting me.

After that awkward greeting, Deirdre-senpai sent out a lifeboat.

-Still, the ones around Mr. Hero are quite lovely, aren't they?

-They're too good for me.

I managed to smile and reply. Still, it was better to have a bit of sarcasm from someone in the know than to have a conversation with a bunch of adults.

But then Count Roseblade began to jest.

-They say they prefer the colors of heroes. Isn't that enough of a reason for the marquis?

-No, isn't that more than enough?

-No, it is not. The blood of the new hero must be preserved. The third son of a rural baron family is now a marquis after a great adventure. You are the only hero of the kingdom of Holfort who has risen so high in one generation. With such a hero, it is permissible to be surrounded by more than one partner.

The Roseblade family also started as adventurers. The reason he appreciates me so much is probably because he succeeded as an adventurer. Somehow, I feel that my relatives are making fun of my love affairs and I felt sick.

As I looked at the three of them, they were listening with a smile.

I don't think they are angry with this level of conversation.

-By the way, what do you think of my Deirdre?

-What? I think she's beautiful.

When I was asked about Deirdre-senpai, I could only say that she is as beautiful as ever.

Unlike Angie, her beautiful blonde hair in the shape of a drill looked great with a blue dress.

Deirdre-senpai opened her fan and hid her mouth.

-It's a natural reaction, isn't it?

When he heard my reply, Count Roseblade burst out laughing.

-My daughter is delighted to hear you say that, Mr. Hero. I hope you enjoy yourself today.

Count Roseblade left with that.

I was relieved and let out a small sigh of relief.

-Ahhhh... I was so nervous.

[That was a rather awkward greeting. Did you wilt against such a person?]

-I won't deny it. After all, I am a small person.

Showing mockery, Luxion said, "Narrow-hearted people are more humble."

However, Angie's expression is a bit abrupt.

Her mouth is smiling, but her eyes are not.

Count Roseblade and Deirdre-senpai are in her line of sight.

-The Roseblade family is too greedy.

-Did you say something?

When I tilt my head toward Angie, who is in a foul mood, Noelle, who had already shaken off her nervousness, confirmed it. It was about the previous question.

-Leon, you misunderstood that question. “What about a fourth person?” That's what he meant, wasn't it?

-... I don't think so.

No matter what, even if he would say something like, "What about my daughter as the fourth person?"

I would never do that. If there was a bastard with three good-natured beautiful women, a man would be tempted to beat him out of jealousy. He would never forgive himself if another person was added in there.

However, it seems that Livia has the same idea as the two of them.

-The Count's eyes, for a moment, were very keen. I am sure he was not joking.

Count Roseblade must have been annoyed when he saw me and said, "You have three beautiful women...".

Being a man myself, I can understand that feeling.

-Isn't it just jealousy? If I were to see a man with three beautiful women, I would wish him to be unhappy in my heart.

Wishing misery on someone else doesn't make me happy. I understand that, but I can't help but feel jealous.

... Although I never thought I would be jealous.

Then, as usual, Luxion is sarcastic.

[I haven't felt any growth since I met you. How could you betray my expectations in such a good way?]

Sarcasm and irony are common in everyday conversations between us.

-I'll consider it when I feel like it. By the way, where is Nicks?

I looked at where my family was having a conversation, but I couldn't find Nicks anywhere.

Angie answered me happily unlike before.

-Isn't he cornered at the moment?

-Nicks is cornered? Hey, wait a minute!

◇

After moving from the party spot to a balcony, Nicks released himself from the tension, took a deep breath and then rested his body on the railing.

-I was so nervous~.

No matter what he drank or ate, he couldn't taste it and felt uncomfortable. Tired of talking to the nobles that he normally wouldn't be involved with, Dorothea laughed as she ran away from the place with the desire to never participate again.

-You had great success on the battlefield, but you're no good at parties.

Nicks scratched his cheek with his finger.

-I'm not used to this kind of event. My house parties are rather livelier.

I called them lively, but they were actually noisy.

It was a party where you didn't have to worry about manners, and there was just constant laughter and fighting. Nicks hated it a little. Even if it bothered him how loud they were, he thought he was fine with them as usual.

But when he attends a real party, he misses those simple parties.

-Didn't you join us when you were at the academy?

-At that time, I had friends, and since I was a student, there were some idiots who acted without restraint. Well, I thought it was a world that had nothing to do with us of the ordinary class.

Speaking of her days at the academy, Dorothea put on a lonely expression.

-I liked being alone and I don't have many memories of that. I should have talked to more kids now that I think about it, if I had I wouldn't have gotten in trouble at the time.

Wait.

-At that time?

What do you mean, maybe you want me to be your friend? No way. You can't say you want to be friends with the guy you had a lousy marriage interview with. With that in mind, Nicks waited for Dorothea's words.

Dorothea is nervous and is having trouble breathing normally. She turned to Nicks with a serious look on her face and put her hand to her chest.

-Nicks, could you give me another chance?

-Chance? Huh? What do you mean, chance!?

Nicks was surprised when he realized what Dorothea meant.

-I'm serious. I really like you. Please give me another chance.

-No, this...?! But look at me! As I said before, I don't think that our hobbies match because I would like to have a carefree partner.

Dorothea, who wants to make pets of people, no matter how beautiful she is, is not a partner that Nicks likes.

But Dorothea is serious.

-He who loves loses. I wouldn't mind being your pet. No, I want to be the wife Nicks wants.

-Well, I don't think you should push yourself like that. Holding it inside is bad for your health. I can't treat my partner like a pet! My mind wouldn’t be able to take it!

Nicks tried to escape from the place, but unfortunately this is her family home.

Roseblade---inside a castle. If you looked at the balcony door, you could see a figure behind a large glass window with closed curtains.

Dorothea clasped both hands together, looked down and cried.

-If so, what should I do? What can I do to be accepted?

-I-I think you'd better wipe your tears for the moment! And you know, I don't think your family would approve of such a thing. I was rude to you.

-Wouldn't that be fair to both of us? I also prepared a necklace...

Nicks thought carefully, thinking, "What a terrible conversation!" in a corner of his heart.

Why is the woman in front of him so obsessed with him?

-It's my first time.

-What do you say?

-It's the first time I've ever been so excited in my life that I don't know what to do.

Nicks’ heart aches to see a grown woman, who gives off a cold impression, crying as if she is a child.

Not being able to bear to see her like that, he hugged and comforted her.

He saw Dorothea's beauty in the moonlight, saw her crying, and felt he must do something...... Nicks, who usually works hard as a big brother, could not leave her.

When Dorothea was embraced, she froze in surprise.

The heartbeats of each increased.

-W-well...

Nicks, who hadn't thought about the consequences, was confused, but Dorothea returned his hug and they spent some time on the balcony.

-What are you doing, brother!

Looking out onto the balcony, I brought my eyes to Nicks hugging Dorothea.

No matter how I look at it, she's that kind of woman. Don’t you care about her hobbies?

What are you thinking by hugging her out of your own free will?

Livia, who is looking out onto the balcony, turns red and is nervous.

-It was unexpected for me, for him to hug her all of a sudden!!

When she asked for her opinion, Noelle looked at Nicks and Dorothea with sparkling eyes.

-But it's ideal. It takes courage to confess to someone you like.

Noelle's cheeks are red, too, perhaps remembering her experience.

Angie stood next to me and gave me a sidelong glance.

-I thought those two were similar, but Nicks could take matters into his own hands. Leon could learn a thing or two from him.

-Although it seems to me, he was swept up in a temporary impulse?

There's no way Nicks would make such a bold move with a woman. I'm going to guess that he was under some kind of spell and didn't make the right decision. Angie sighed a little and wondered at me, bringing her gaze behind us.

They’re stood Count Roseblade, who had a deliberate attitude.

-Wow, not even I can corner Dorothea like that. I didn't think there would ever be a man that she likes.

Because of the volume of voices in the hallway, my parents came too.

-It wasn't Leon, it was Nicks!

It is understandable if you are shocked seeing Nicks hugging a woman, but why did my name come up there? My mother has her hand covering her open mouth. Apparently, she is too shocked to react.

My father apologized to Count Roseblade.

-I'm really very sorry.

You must be sorry that he held your precious daughter in his arms?

But Count Roseblade was calm.

-I can’t prevent her from falling in love with the knight who saved her. Let us leave them alone for now.

When Count Roseblade returned to the party with my parents, Angie folded her arms.

-How brazen. He was planning to have the two of them together all along.

-What? Why would he do that?

-Because Dorothea fell in love with Nicks.

-With Nicks? But didn't he tell her that the collar thing was a lie? Is there a reason for her to like him?

Talking about how different Nicks is from Dorothea's ideal man, the girls made an astonished face saying, "I really don't think so”.

shocked face saying "You really don't understand."

It was Dorothea's feelings that Livia explained to me.

-Leon, there are many girls who long for a knight to save them.

-I've heard that before, but...

Noelle hunched over and clasped the tips of her fingers together, embarrassed.

-I get it~. If you come to save someone by putting your life at risk, you'll be aware of it.

Noelle, looking at me, seemed to remember what happened in the republic. I think I did the best I could at the time. Then, Deirdre-senpai came and joined the conversation.

-I understand it too. It was when I was attacked by the Principality's army. At that time, Leon was really reliable.

Standing in front of Deirdre-senpai, who had just arrived, Angie put her hands on her hips.

-It's strange. I remember it too. Leon came to save me at that time. What kind of fabrication are you exactly spouting?

-Oh my, what could you possibly mean?

Deirdre-senpai, who feigned ignorance before Angie, hid her laughing face with an open fan. open.

-Clarice was pinned there for good measure. She purposely moved Nicks and Dorothea together and led them to the balcony, didn't she?

Today, the moon is beautiful and the mood is pleasant. In that environment, most kids won’t be able to fight against the mood and would hug someone.

-... You're lying. Was it all an act?

Seeing the two of them on the balcony, I knew Nicks had been fooled. However, Deirdre-senpai argued that it was to protect Dorothea's honor.

-I have only arranged a chance for the two of them to be alone. I then left the rest to them.

No, I don't think it was an act.

-She's not acting? I-if so, is she okay?

Luxion, who was standing next to me, since I was worried, seemed to be not very interested in this topic.

[Isn't he too influenced by the opinions of others?]

-S-Shut up. I'm not good at this kind of thing.

[There are many fields in which you are not good, Master. It's not just in romance].

You're a guy who has a lot of words to say all the time.