I like competent people. Even if that person is Yuma Bashar… I hate those I hate.
“You’re late. We brought him here easily,” Priscilla said, a large chunk of meat rolling at her feet. I hadn’t met him before, but this must be Count Etwin Knorr, the man Priscilla asked for. He was twitching, so he didn’t seem dead. I wonder why Sophia isn’t healing him.
“Welcome. This is Count Geert Ernst,” I introduced.
Please stop emitting killing intent that scares the person you’re introducing. She’s an important person who supports Lady Annelyse; I’d like you to be more polite.
“Again… a woman…”
A strike, almost as fast as Godspeed, came down from somewhere other than the voice. Alana swung her greatsword, as tall as she was, with ease. I blocked it with both my palms. A clean catch. Alana’s Zantou, which I thought was sufficient with Mode Two, but I forgot about the super vibration…
“Ouch, ouch, ouch, Alana, super vibration is too much, just cut it!”
It was a good thing I immediately activated the super vibration in my left hand too. Normally, you’d be cut in half. My right palm felt like it was burning.
“What an entertaining group…”
They’re entertaining. Every day is a life-or-death struggle, and the excitement is exhilarating. My heart feels like it’s going to stop, though… Count Ernst, despite this busy time, put his arm around my left hand while I received Alana’s Zantou with both my hands.
The Zantou’s force increased. The blade was close; I could see the super vibration emanating from it. This Count Ernst might be an exception to the rules.
She has a large chest but an ordinary demeanor. However, she’s like the type to “add fuel to the fire.” The soft, large area I felt from her intertwined arm rivaled Priscilla’s.
“So you’re Count Geert Ernst… I thought you were a man,” he said.
That’s right! I thought you were a man too. Therefore, I plead innocent. Why are you getting so close to me? I’m happy, but…
“Geert Ernst is my late husband’s name. He passed away, but… I inherited his name to succeed the Count’s house.”
The Zantou’s force weakened. Had she finally understood, my innocence? When I looked at Alana, she seemed to realize her misunderstanding, averted her gaze, and looked at my arm.
“What’s with that hand?”
The Zantou’s force increased again. Enough already. The super vibration hurts. I want to break it as it is, but Orietta would be sad.
“Uh, Alana-san, perhaps this is enough for now…”
The two were enveloped in a tense struggle, and my heart was too.
“Gack!”
“Gyaa!”
It’s been a while for Alana, hasn’t it? I’m fine because I have Godspeed massages, but it hurts if it happens suddenly.
“…Lady Annelyse is waiting.”
While the two fools writhed, Christine’s beautiful retreating figure as she led Count Ernst to another room in a cool voice was striking. This time from behind… Ouch.
“What about Count Knorr? Did he meet Lady Annelyse yet?”
“No… I brought him here without a scratch.”
He’s barely alive! How could he be treated like this? Whose anger did he incur?
“This Count touched my behind. Not only touched it but groped it!”
Death is too good for him… No, considering the future, I need him alive to secure Lady Annelyse’s support. I persuaded Sophia to heal Count Knorr, on the condition of improved service.
I offered my hand to Count Knorr and entered the room where Lady Annelyse was waiting. Inside were Lady Annelyse, Count Ernst, and a man I hadn’t seen in a while, the former demon, Fleet Helm.
And then there was Yuma Bashar, a man I didn’t want to see, someone who would have saved me trouble if he were dead, and a well-dressed elderly man. Is he my father?
“Baron Shin, you’re slow! What are you doing!”
Yuma Bashar’s shouting pisses me off, but my heart is wider than the sea right now. Because I can kill Yuma Bashar with a just cause.
“My apologies. This is Count Knorr. …And who might that be?”
“This is Chancellor Himmel. Baron Shin, stand over there.”
How arrogant… Standing behind Lady Annelyse, claiming to be her confidant or something?! Your role is over. No, as a final act, offer your head.
“Mikael, thank you for your hard work. Please listen to the discussion as well.”
Lady Annelyse explained the current situation and future plans to Chancellor Himmel, Count Knorr, and Count Ernst. Sometimes with a smile, sometimes seriously, and at times with tears, Lady Annelyse unknowingly used her power of “Alluring Charisma,” making everyone feel the same emotion and want to do something for her.
I completely ignored Lady Annelyse’s earnest explanation, my mind preoccupied with other thoughts, a grim expression on my face. If I listened too seriously, I might get drawn into the “Alluring Charisma”…
Lately, the definition of guard duty seems to have become diluted. I’ve offered it as a reward for when something happens, but with so many events, I might be overpaying.
While overpayments can be recovered, this is not about money, and recovery is impossible. Doing it is fine, but I wish I could do it more leisurely and enjoyably…
The difficult talk continues… Why don’t they just say “okay” already? Why aren’t they obeying Lady Annelyse?
It seems I have some time… Should I do it again after so long! Brain simulation, go!
Of course, the roles are King and Queen. Naturally, I’m King Harmonia and Annelyse is the Queen. The stage is from the terrace of Klinshvelbach Castle, waving to the subjects after a party celebrating our victory, then to a room where the two of us are alone…
“Are you tired, Annelyse?”
“Yes, I’m a little tired. But with the people celebrating so much… it was worth fighting for, wasn’t it?”
We drove the monsters out of Harmonia and completed peace negotiations with the demons. Now, all that remains is to discuss post-war reparations with the Ashtal Empire and the Rothfar Kingdom, and then everything will be back to normal.
The only difference is that I married Annelyse and became King. The long days of fighting seem to be paying off.
“They say the bath is ready.”
“Oh, really. Shall we go together?”
“……”
“We’re married now, it’s fine. The war is over too.”
The war is over, and after a busy period with a wedding ceremony, the only marital act we’ve done is cutting the cake. I understand her shyness since we’ve only kissed, but we are husband and wife now.
“…Alright. Please go in first.”
I removed my layers of elaborate clothing and, feeling lighter, headed for the bath. Unfortunately, there was no “Bath” noren, but I was certain I was in the right place.
Inside, scantily clad maids were waiting. They would likely help me bathe and tend to my needs, but I wanted to be alone, so I sent them away.
Seeing Annelyse naked for the first time, anticipation and my companion swelled… Oh, hold on a little longer. I’ll make it explode soon.
After a while, I sensed someone outside… Annelyse seems to be undressing. I’ve only ever seen her in a nightgown, so my expectations for how she’ll enter are high.
I hope she comes in wrapped in a towel. I want her to show a little more modesty; a naked towel is the safest option first. There will be plenty of time for erotic scenes.
“…Your Majesty…”
When I turned around, Annelyse stood there, her hair tied up, wearing a black bondage outfit, a whip in her right hand, and a candle in her left…
“Ah… Huh?”
Before I knew it, the bathtub was gone, and I was bound to a crucifix… Wait, wait, wait! This is my internal fantasy! Why isn’t it going the way I imagined?!
“Call me Queen!”
The whip struck, leaving a red, whip-like mark.
“What an honorific statement. My House of Knorr will serve Duke Flüge.”
“The House of Ernst, likewise…”
“I, Himmel, owe my life to Duke Flüge and will serve him.”
…The discussion is over. No one noticed that they were all ensnared by Lady Annelyse’s “Alluring Charisma.” Count Knorr was even shaking hands with tears in his eyes.
If the conversation had gone on a little longer, I might have discovered a new hobby. If only a little more… I’ll stop. Let’s face reality for now. I’m just a mercenary. Becoming King…
“I too will pledge my life for Lady Annelyse.”
It was a mere formality, but Lady Annelyse responded with her brightest smile. With this, symbolic support from everyone has been secured. There are no obstacles preventing Lady Annelyse from ruling Harmonia as Queen.
My head is swimming a little. I must have missed what Lady Annelyse said, but her words still resonated in my heart. It seems I couldn’t avoid it, but I am different from the others. I will one day become King! …Huh?
“It seems time is running short. Everyone else, please wait in the church.”
As Lady Annelyse urged them, everyone but me left the room. I wanted to take Yuma Bashar to the restroom and behead him, but Lady Annelyse called me back, so I had no choice.
“Was that alright…?”
Was she referring to my speech just now? If so, there’s no problem. Count Knorr listened with tears, and Chancellor Himmel’s eyes were glued to Lady Annelyse.
Count Ernst seemed somewhat unconvinced, but perhaps Lady Annelyse’s charm is less effective on women? However, if given enough time, Count Ernst could also be captured.
“With this, we’ve secured their support. Once the coronation ceremony is carried out without a hitch, Lady Annelyse will be the Queen of Harmonia.”
Am I cunning for saying such innocuous words? I wonder if anyone here noticed the subtle hints of excessive expectation and plea for pity in Lady Annelyse’s speech.
Lady Annelyse’s words can be both poison and medicine. If she calls for surrender and pleads for her life, some might be spared. If she orders a fight, they must be prepared for annihilation.
Lady Annelyse doesn’t seem to have that resolve yet, but there’s no time to wait. I took Lady Annelyse’s hand and accompanied her to the church.
If I open this door, it leads to the room with the church altar. Only Lady Annelyse will pass through this doorway. My escort duty ends outside the door.
“From here on, it is a path only those who are to become Queen can tread.”
As if sensing it, Lady Annelyse’s shoulders seemed to tremble. Her pure white dress could almost be mistaken for a wedding dress. It seems it will be some time before I await Lady Annelyse walking down the aisle beside the priest.
A considerate man would surely think of a word or two to ease the tension at a time like this, but… *momi-momi*.
Annelyse’s body trembled for a moment. Her hand, which had been trying to push mine away, was now placed on top of mine and didn’t let go.
“…I’m alright now.”
For a few seconds, I felt a soft sensation in my palm, and it was only after that that I received a response. The door opened, and Annelyse proceeded to the altar without even looking at me.
If she had the spirit to slap me when I tickled her, I’d feel more at ease, but perhaps she truly is in love with me? I’ll have to try a night visit someday to find out.
The door closed, and loud applause and cheers erupted from within. I won’t be attending the coronation ceremony as a participant. I have other things to do.
Leave the laundry and cleaning to others… I must fulfill my promise to take the head of the King’s assassin. Yuma Bashar’s head. It was the condition Count Ernst made for promising his support to Lady Annelyse.
“Iris… Where is Yuma Bashar?”
“He’s already waiting outside the city.”
Yes, she’s quick and efficient. A good subordinate to have. And she’s as close as ever. Her breath tickling the back of my neck is… ticklish.
I should be standing with the other nobles in the room with the altar, but she followed me obediently. I guess she was prepared. I need to finish this quickly and attend the coronation ceremony. I left Iris and ran at Godspeed.
“You’re late! How long do you expect me to wait!”
Yuma Bashar, who has no chest but acts so big. I wonder if he has any chest circumference? I don’t want to look, but…
“Thank you for waiting. I don’t need to explain why I summoned you.”
“I know. The head of the King’s assassin, right? That sounds like something Count Ernst would think of.”
…That’s not all! Do you remember what you said when you cut both my calves during the retreat from Klinshvelbach?! It took me time to save Alana, and what happened to the demon woman, Alma Rosenberg!
además, the chance to escape was amidst a rain of Meteor Strikes. It’s a miracle I made it back alive. And you’ve been a hindrance in so many ways. The reasons to kill you are more than enough, even if I just count my toes.
“Before I kill you, I want to ask one thing… Do you remember what you said when you cut me in Klinshvelbach?”
“…I don’t know.”
Godspeed, Mode Four!
