The Young Master of the Slave Trader – I Aim at Princess Harem – – Chapter 340

I am Liliana Emilia Yangas. At long last, I have returned to my homeland, the Kingdom of Yangas… Though now, it has been pacified by the Espana Imperial Kingdom, and my family, within the central part of the royal capital Schwerin, met their fate when the beautiful Crystal Palace, with its many spires, fell. I have heard that the provisional ruler of this former Yangas Kingdom Territory is Count Aramiya Kogyo von Kolanda, an ecclesiastic of the Espana Imperial Kingdom.

Count Kolanda is rumored to be a serious and upright man, with a so-called rigid personality. Judging by the townscape of Ishlan, which borders the former Yver Duchy Territory, the homeland of Elder Sister Sophie, it seems that the worst outcome of harsh exploitation or a land of ashes has been avoided. At the time, when we were trapped in the Crystal Palace, fearing the savage assault of the Espana Imperial Army and preparing for a siege, I firmly believed our land would be trampled and reduced to barren soil.

The attack by the Espana Imperial Army was that fierce. When my father, the King, decided to prepare for a fight to the death, I set out for the suzerain Wahl Imperial Kingdom as the princess heir to request aid… but in the end, I was unable to fulfill my mission.

However, observing the state of Ishlan, I understand the Espana Imperial Army’s invasion was disciplined and restrained. I had also felt this when I visited the former Yver Duchy Territory. Upon careful consideration, we, the Human Race, together with the Demi-Humans who supported us, form the Human-Demi-Human Allied Forces and confront the Demon Lord Army, led by Demon King Gandaro.

Given that this is a conflict between Human nations during wartime, there is no point in reducing it to ashes. That war was, after all, a power struggle for the leadership of the Human Race… But for us, who were defeated and destroyed, it was no different from being massacred by the Demon Lord Army.

My family, the Yangas Royal Family, consisted of my father, King Kurotoha Haider Yangas, my mother and the legitimate queen, Isabella Estiit Yangas, and my half-sister, Yuliana Leticia Yangas, who was one year younger than me, and her mother, Zaradina Marie-Ange Yangas, my father’s concubine. We were a family of five.

I recently had my birthday and turned fifteen. …This means that if my half-sister Yuliana were alive, she would have turned fourteen. Fifteen is the age recognized as an adult, and I should have officially performed the ‘Ceremony of Enthronement’ as the crown prince.

Speaking of which, Tirnan Lian von Tuser, who served as Ly’s chief lady-in-waiting, also said she turned fourteen the other day. That girl is becoming more ladylike each day, like a bud slowly unfurling. Hal-sama has publicly stated that he does not touch young girls under the age of fourteen. Tirna is also eligible to experience the ‘First Night Ritual,’ but she is likely waiting for the perfect timing.

Ly is also refining Tirna, but I must help her as well.

My mother, Isabella, was from the Wahl Imperial Kingdom, the suzerain of the Kingdom of Yangas. More specifically, she was the princess of the Marquis Salute family, which had strong Wahl Imperial Family blood, and I heard that my grandmother was a former princess who married into the family from the Wahl Imperial Family. For this reason, the blood of the Wahl Imperial Family also flows surprisingly strongly within me. Of course, my father and mother were united in a political marriage, but I recall with perfect clarity that they were surprisingly fond of each other.

On the other hand, my stepmother, Zaradina, was from the Marquis Kiriya family, a vassal of the Kingdom of Yangas, and was a pure Yangas noble. My father and my stepmother Zaradina were originally betrothed since childhood. However, my father’s marriage to my mother was decided due to geopolitical circumstances, and it is said that she fell into emotional instability due to the cancellation of the engagement for a time. However, after various events, they ended up back together, so to speak… It seems there was a story full of joy and sorrow, but the three involved parties kept silent and did not tell me.

Moreover, my father, mother, and stepmother, the three people I know, got along well, so it felt rude to pry. And my stepmother gave birth to Yuliana, who would become my half-sister.

In the social circles of the Wahl Imperial Kingdom, I was known as the ‘Crestfallen Blue Moon Princess,’ rivaling Princess Elizabeth, the fourth imperial princess, who was called the ‘Icicle and Flame Beauty.’ The reason for my ‘sorrow’ stemmed from my feelings towards my half-sister Yuliana. Yuliana had a kind personality and was a beautiful girl as good-looking as I was, but she was naturally weak and often confined to bed. Still, I loved my beautiful half-sister dearly. In the end, Yuliana, who was weak, could not even fulfill her dream of a social debut.

Thinking of Yuliana’s too short life, filled with such misfortune, brings tears to my eyes.

Furthermore, the Kingdom of Yangas, from its founding, was a kingdom established around the suzerain Wahl Imperial Kingdom. While the territory included mountainous regions, it also possessed fertile granaries due to rivers like the River Leete that flowed from them. That is to say, the Kingdom of Yangas also bordered the west coast and could overlook the great ocean, but it is well-known that they expanded their territory by reclaiming the shallow coastline. The River Leete, the kingdom’s largest river, flowed through the center of the royal capital Schwerin and also served as the water source for the moat protecting the Crystal Palace.

During my first expedition trip, taken with Hal-sama, I witnessed a miracle where the rough sea became calm with a votive song on the southern coast of the former Vandis Kingdom Territory, Freya’s homeland. Freya’s beautiful voice, who would later be called the ‘Diva of Calm Seas,’ was magnificent.

At the former checkpoint between the former Yver Duchy Territory and the former Yangas Kingdom Territory, Espana Imperial Army soldiers were stationed, conducting inspections, but as a member of Hal-sama’s adventurer party, ‘Princess Harem,’ I was able to pass without any problems. If I had been alone… I would surely have rotted away in obscurity in the high-class brothel ‘Drop of Rose’ in the red-light district of Kamiyan, the former royal capital of the former Kamiyar Holy Nation. I cannot possibly thank Hal-sama enough.

And as soon as we crossed the former border, Elise, the second-in-command of ‘Princess Harem,’ asked for a tea break. Well, it’s standard behavior for Elise, and I have no complaints about being able to enjoy the tea and sweets that the common people of my homeland eat.

Currently, the members of Hal-sama’s second expedition are a large party, divided into two carriages pulled by two horses each, for a total of eight people per carriage. This includes our Master, Hal-sama, his fiancée, Alicia, and the party members of ‘Princess Harem,’ bound by the peculiar bonds of ‘Slave Contract Magic’: Elise, Mai, Swan Hilda, Ly, Kirika, Tirna, Edele, Freya, Dietlinde, Shera, Eria, and myself, for a total of fourteen people.

However, Swan Hilda’s contract, though she is a Valkyrie of the Lower God Clan, is apparently a pseudo-contract, but she is a precious comrade who gives us great strength.

Furthermore, Sophie, who is undergoing rehabilitation with a new body, and Ilisha are also present. Strictly speaking, Ilisha is only in my care for the ‘Lady Etiquette Competition.’ They are under the care of the master alchemist, Rulus-sensei. Anya-san, a Dark Elf who is in charge of rehabilitation, reportedly has a track record of educating many noblewomen, so I am looking forward to reuniting with them and seeing what wonderful ladies they have become.

Regarding Ilisha, I have no worries at all, given the refined etiquette education I provided. However, I am deeply concerned about Elder Sister Sophie, who was originally supposed to be a princess. Well, the new body chosen by me and Ly-sama is a delicate and pure princess type, albeit with small breasts, so I believe she cannot do anything too outrageous.

It has long been rumored that she has been playing with noble daughters… I never thought she would be so devoid of principles. Actions that degrade our dignity must absolutely be stopped.

Oh, and lastly, I forgot to mention the existence of the Sex Spirit (Ero-oyaji), Holy Spirit Serena, who has started clinging to us. She is supposed to be a noble being created by the gods, but she has become a fascinatingly depraved entity. As a researcher of heroes, I am very curious about that strange being.

However, I have no intention of allowing the ‘Breast Fondling’ technique, the specialty of the Sex Spirit (Ero-oyaji). Also, regarding the ‘Breast Expansion Fruit’ and ‘Breast Shrink Fruit’ obtained at Twin Peaks Mountain, they are currently under Hal-sama’s care and stored in Elise’s item box. I hear there will be an event soon to compete for them, and some are eager for it.

My breasts are still in the process of growing, so I’ll compete in my natural state. However, I may soon reach menarche, and perhaps the ‘Fairy Time’ will end. If that happens, I… wish to conceive Hal-sama’s child.

“Elder Sister, what are the specialties here? Please bring us tea and sweets for fourteen people.”

“Yes, I understand, esteemed customer. Our specialty is black tea made with high-grade tea leaves from the Eastern Nations and cake baked with dried fruits such as walnuts and berries. Is that acceptable?”

“That’s fine, just bring it quickly.”

“Yes, please wait a moment.”

We have stopped at a teahouse built a short distance from the checkpoint. Elise has already called over a freckled girl, who appears to be the teahouse’s signboard daughter, and placed an order. We are waiting, seated on the long bench set up in front of the shop.

And on the adjacent bench, two middle-aged men were engrossed in conversation.

“I saw Princess Yuliana, who commands the rebels, from afar, and she was an incredibly beautiful girl!”

“Princess Yuliana is the last legitimate princess remaining in the Yangas Royal Family.”

What! They are discussing my half-sister, who was supposed to have perished with the Crystal Palace! However, even if she had survived by a hundred steps, it would be impossible for the sickly Yuliana to act as the leader of an anti-Espana movement…

“By the way, she appeared again last night, didn’t she?”

“Appeared, you mean the Phantom Thief Le Vina☆Star, right?”

“That’s right, the phantom thief known as a righteous thief, Le Vina☆Star, is said to have stolen gold from a wicked moneylender’s vault and distributed it to the needy.”

“I wish she’d give some to me!”

“Yeah, totally!!”

This time the topic is a phantom thief who acts as a righteous thief… It seems strange individuals have been appearing in my absence.

A dog hitting a stick while walking is bad luck, but when Hal walks…

I, Hal Harem Von Raymond, along with Alicia and Ilisha, a total of sixteen ‘Princess Harem’ party members, departed from our base mansion on the outskirts of the Imperial Capital Granza of the Espana Imperial Kingdom, embarking on what is called the Second Expedition Trip to tour the Western Nations. Our first destination was the former Yver Duchy Territory, the homeland of Sophie, which we have finally passed through, and have now arrived in the former Yangas Kingdom Territory, the homeland of Liliana.

Still, we have been significantly delayed from our schedule due to various troubles.

As for travel expenses, we currently have a surplus by selling the convertible parts obtained from defeating the Ero-Majyu in Twin Peaks Mountain at the Adventurer Guild we stopped at. If we were to run short, we could earn more through adventurer activities, or as a last resort, Swan Hilda could fly to the White Castle of the Espana Imperial Kingdom to beg “Bess-chan,” Princess Elizabeth, for money.

And since we left Sophie and Ilisha, who obtained new bodies at Rulus-sensei’s, the renowned alchemist, our party size has decreased to fourteen.

“Master, do you need something of me, yo?”

No, to be precise, it was at Twin Peaks Mountain, our last stop, that I released the Sex Spirit (Ero-oyaji), Holy Spirit Serena, from the Ark of Seal, and she was perched on my shoulder. Upon noticing my gaze, Serena looked puzzled. Seeing Serena up close, she is undoubtedly a breathtaking beauty, which feels quite unreasonable.

“Serena, the town is getting close, and the streets are getting more crowded. Hide so as not to be noticed by others. Also, can you do something about speaking directly into my mind?”

“My voice is telepathic, speaking directly to the heart, yo. Of course, I can speak normally, too.”

It seems that Holy Spirit Serena, originally created long ago, did not know much of the current language. Therefore, she communicated using the skill of telepathy. However, through our conversations, I have also gained knowledge of the current language, so she will speak normally from now on.

“Of course, I won’t make such a mistake, yo. I am a Holy Spirit sent by God, you know?”

Serena, full of confidence, smiled and turned invisible. This Holy Spirit Serena was strangely high-performing. It seems Serena recognizes me as a Hero. I proposed that as a divine guide, she should go to the Hero Party of the current Hero, Albert Sandia, but she said she hated it because the old man and the stubborn old man (Lester Adamon) were there… It’s a truly headache-inducing matter.

And at the teahouse, where we stopped at Elise’s request, we happened to hear some interesting rumors.

The first is that a surviving princess of the Yangas Royal Family named Yuliana is acting as the ringleader of anti-Espana activities. However, looking at Liliana’s expression, there might be something more to it.

The second is the information that a phantom thief, pretending to be a righteous thief, has been appearing. Well, I don’t think it concerns us.

The sun is still a little high, but tonight we will stay in Ishlan, a town at the border with the Yver Duchy, and discuss future plans. We strolled through the streets of Ishlan, which is also an inn town, and decided to stay at a moderately upscale inn called ‘Fragrance of the White Lily’ for the night.

According to Liliana’s explanation, lilies were considered sacred and treasured in the Kingdom of Yangas. It is said that the Yangas Margrave, who was granted permission by the Wahl Emperor of the time to establish the kingdom after achieving victories against the Demon Lord Army, was accompanied by a supremely beautiful woman known as the ‘Saintess of the White Lily,’ who would later become his legitimate queen. Since then, the white lily has been treated with special reverence in the Kingdom of Yangas.

Coincidentally, Princess Elizabeth of the Espana Imperial Kingdom also has a lily as her emblem, which is an interesting coincidence. It simply means that the lily has been treasured as a sacred flower since ancient times.

“At last, we have arrived at our second destination, the former Yangas Kingdom Territory. First, let’s gather information. We’ll discuss our future plans.”

We gathered everyone in the large room that would serve as their sleeping quarters to decide on future plans. This is because we didn’t have a clear objective, such as visiting Rulus-sensei’s place like we did for Sophie.

“I’m interested in the person named Yuliana that the gentlemen at the teahouse were talking about earlier.”

Elise started the conversation, speaking as if obtaining this information was her own accomplishment. Naturally, Elise’s large breasts — jiggle — swayed, but at the same time, her abdomen also swayed — wobbled — which is a secret best kept. I heard she lost a little weight after her exploits at Twin Peaks Mountain…

“Liliana, is Yuliana a member of the Yangas royal family?”

I asked, echoing Elise’s statement.

“Yes, Yuliana is my half-sister who is one year younger than me. I thought she had died when the royal castle, the Crystal Palace, fell. However, that girl was very weak, so I don’t think she could withstand the strenuous duties of being the leader of a rebel force.”

After that, the discussion heated up regarding the rebel forces and Princess Yuliana, the second princess, but further speculation was difficult. We spent the rest of the day until sunset gathering information, but ultimately, no significant additional information was obtained.

Several more days passed, and we arrived at Schwerin, the former royal capital of the former Yangas Kingdom Territory. We checked the surrounding conditions along the way, and unfortunately, except for a few towns that became fierce battlegrounds with the Espana Imperial Army, the other villages and towns seemed to be carrying on their lives as usual.

The most noticeable thing was the recruitment posters for the Human Army to fight the Demon Lord Army, plastered everywhere. These also called for volunteers, and no mandatory conscription was being implemented. This reflects the intentions of Count Aramiya Kogyo von Kolanda, who is serving as governor and provisional ruler after the pacification. The prevailing rumor about Count Kolanda was that he was a stubborn but capable and upright man.

Indeed, it is easy to imagine that forcibly conscripting soldiers in a newly pacified land would not lead to high morale, and they would instead become a hindrance.

The great River Leete flowed through the center of the royal capital Schwerin. The left side housed areas for commoner residences and commercial districts, while the right side featured the residences of nobles, centered around the royal castle, the Crystal Palace. Two long bridges spanned the River Leete, and ferries were also used. Furthermore, canals crisscrossed the royal capital, making it a city of water.

However, following the invasion by the Espana Imperial Army, the vicinity of the royal castle, the site of the final intense battle, became a mountain of rubble, and the two long bridges had burned down, though restoration work was underway. The fighting seemed to have been confined to the vicinity of the royal castle, and the surrounding townscape appeared undamaged. Of course, even in the surrounding areas, the remains of burned-down mansions were visible, but it was clear that the Espana Imperial Army had taken precautions against fires.

“I… I have finally returned. The mission my father gave me… *sob*… I could not accomplish it… *sob*…”

We were observing the state of the royal capital for a panoramic view from a small hill overlooking Schwerin, the royal capital, when Liliana, overcome with emotion, began to cry softly.

“Liliana, you did your very best. Besides, even if you had arrived safely, the Wahl Imperial Kingdom at that time did not have the capacity to send additional soldiers.”

Lyuschenne gently hugged Liliana, who had started crying, and comforted her.

“Gufufufu, a hug scene between two beautiful girls is always a good one~. I want to comfort her too, yo.”

Then, Holy Spirit Serena, or rather, Sex Spirit (Ero-oyaji), who appeared on my shoulder, stared at Liliana and Lyuschenne embracing, as if drooling at the sight. Rumor has it that Liliana rejects the Sex Spirit (Ero-oyaji)’s ‘Breast Fondling,’ so she is likely targeting her as prey. On the other hand, Liliana seems to be holding onto her as a bargaining chip with the Sex Spirit (Ero-oyaji), beyond simply disliking her.

The subsequent investigation revealed that while rebel forces led by Yuliana were active throughout the former Yangas Kingdom Territory, Yuliana herself had only been sighted in peripheral cities other than the royal capital. Currently, the main force of the Espana Imperial Army is stationed in this former royal capital Schwerin, along with the provisional governing officials and the responsible party, Count Kolanda, and security is very strict.

Furthermore, information about Count Kolanda’s residence was kept secret.

Incidentally, it is said that his residence was requisitioned from one of the mansions in the noble district. The fact that he hides his whereabouts for security reasons suggests that Count Kolanda is a cautious man. Furthermore, the Espana Imperial Army has requisitioned several other mansions, and Mai explained that they are using this to confuse information.

Nevertheless, we, posing as mere adventurers, are doing our best to gather information while avoiding checkpoints and patrols. However, since Liliana, as the former first princess heir of the Kingdom of Yangas, is likely recognized, we are taking extreme care to limit her contact with outsiders, having her wait at the inn for safety’s sake or giving her instructions within the carriage.

Meanwhile, we also obtained information that a certain phantom thief, who has no relation to us, is operating in secret as a righteous thief, centering around Schwerin. This phantom thief, who calls herself Phantom Thief Le Vina☆Star, operates so conspicuously that information about her comes in on its own.

The sun is setting, so we need to find lodging for tonight.

We decided on ‘Madonna Lily,’ a mid-range inn in the inn district for commoners located on the left side of the former royal capital Schwerin. I truly realize that there are many place names in this former Yangas Kingdom Territory associated with lilies.

After that, we continued our energetic information gathering activities, but we still hesitated to make contact with the rebel forces. This is because Liliana, who knows Yuliana, the leader of the rebels, said she had a bad feeling about it.

Meanwhile, we have encountered those who incite anti-Espana activities to gatherings of citizens in the square several times, but we witnessed some members of the rebel forces moving with stiff, doll-like motions, and my sixth sense tells me that something is indeed fishy.

Given the intersection of the motives of these various factions, it will be difficult to have Liliana crowned as the queen of the New Yangas Kingdom.

“Hal, isn’t it getting noisy around here?”

As I was getting frustrated by the lack of a decision on future plans, Alicia pointed out that something was strange around us. Indeed, Espana Imperial Army soldiers and security personnel have been moving about with hurried steps since a little while ago. Did some emergency occur!?

“You’re right, Alicia, it seems something has happened. It’s best not to stir up trouble, so let’s return to the inn for today.”

“Yes, Hal-sama.”

Currently, we are gathering information in small groups. Behind me are Alicia, Edele, and Eria.

“Hal-sama, the small path ahead is a shortcut to the inn.”

Edele pointed to a narrow path leading into the back alleys of the lower town, past a bridge over a canal, as a shortcut to our inn, ‘Madonna Lily.’ We started moving under Edele’s guidance.

Schwerin, the former royal capital of the Kingdom of Yangas, was crisscrossed with canals fed by the abundant water of the River Leete, which divided the city center. Numerous bridges spanned the canals, presenting us with a landscape full of exotic charm.

“Hal-sama! Hal-sama!! Someone has fallen at the base of that bridge girder!”

Eria, with sharp eyes, discovered someone had collapsed. I assumed it was likely a homeless person who had died there, but I decided to investigate just in case. It’s possible they were already dead. As I approached the person who had collapsed there, the smell of blood wafted through the air, and it seemed this person was injured.

A beautiful phantom thief caught! △

Poke, poke.

“…Hello? Are you alive…?”

Even I didn’t feel like touching a stranger’s corpse, so I picked up a nearby stick and poked them.

“…Ugh…――”

It seems they were still alive, as there was a slight reaction. They would probably die soon if left like this. I sighed and grabbed whatever was lying down by the ankle and began to drag them out. Touching their ankle, it felt extremely thin. Could this person be a woman or suffering from malnutrition? And when I touched their ankle, a strange chill like nothing else ran through my entire body.

“Alright, I’m going to drag you out.”

In response to my declaration, Eria, who had discovered the collapsed person, looked on with curiosity, while Alicia and Edele frowned. As for me, while perplexed by the source of the strangeness I had felt upon touching them, I seemed to have quickly gotten used to it.

“…Ugh……………Ugh…――”

“What is this!?”

The person dragged out was severely injured, bleeding profusely from their right flank, forming a pool of blood. Their hair was a fiery red, and when they were turned over, they were wearing a cool mask, the kind used at masquerade balls, on their face. Peering behind the head of the bridge girder, I saw a wide-brimmed hat had fallen.

They were wearing a jet-black mantle, but their mud- and blood-stained attire retained a hint of the splendor of a knight’s formal wear. The clothing was outlandish, but this person seemed to be someone with a story, not just a vagrant.

“Hal-sama, Hal-sama. I think I know who this person is.”

Edele, saying this, urged me on after seeing the person I had dragged out.

“Edele, you seem to know something, but who is this person?”

“Hal-sama, haven’t you seen the wanted posters? I believe this is likely the phantom thief causing a stir in town.”

“If this person is the phantom thief… is that why the surroundings were so noisy! Then, should we hand them over as they are?”

“No, Hal. If you dawdle like that, this girl will die.”

At this point, Alicia, who had been watching fearfully, pointed out that the fallen person was a girl. Indeed, looking again, I felt a slight bulge in her chest. I immediately cast ‘Healing Magic’ and ‘Cleansing Magic,’ healing the body of the girl who appeared to be the phantom thief, and further cleansing the blood splatters that soiled her surroundings, thus destroying evidence.

“Eria, I’m sorry, but please dive behind the bridge girder and check if there are any remaining items. At least there is a hat lying in the back. I will carry this girl to the inn.”

“Yes, Hal-sama.”

“Alicia and Edele, please keep watch around here.”

“Understood, Hal.”

“Understood, but it looks like I’m going to be a new party member again…”

Eria dutifully confirmed the gap behind the bridge girder and found a hat and a drawn rapier. Then, looking towards the girl’s waist, I saw she was wearing a scabbard for a rapier. If we lingered here any longer, there was a possibility of being discovered by the searching Espana soldiers. It would have been fine for Alicia to handle it as usual, but with such significant evidence or rather, a criminal, in tow, it would be difficult to make excuses.

“Then let’s go back. Edele, who knows the shortcut, lead the way.”

“Hal, you’ll stand out dressed like that.”

“R-right… How about this!?”

I took off the black mantle the girl was wearing and handed it to Eria, and also removed the mask covering her face. From beneath the mask, the girl’s beautiful bare face was revealed. However, she seemed to have lost too much blood and was unconscious. At that moment, mixed in with her fiery red hair, I noticed a strand of indigo hair. When I pulled on the hair, the red wig came off, revealing lustrous indigo hair braided and tied up. I also asked Eria to take care of this wig.

Finally, I removed the rapier from her waist, along with the leather straps holding the scabbard, and handed them over. Then, I slowly lifted her up and carried her limp body on my back.

“How is this?”

“This way… she won’t be recognized as the same person as the phantom thief, would she? Still, she has a somewhat noble countenance.”

Somehow, I managed to get a passing mark from Alicia.

Thus, we saved the girl who appeared to be the phantom thief causing a stir in the world and headed towards the inn. Occasionally, we passed Espana Imperial Army soldiers with panicked expressions, but they seemed to believe the phantom thief was acting alone, and no one paid us any attention.

“Welcome back, Hal-sama. The others have already returned.”

When I opened the door to the rented room, Liliana greeted me.

“Sorry, Liliana, could you clear one of the beds for me!”

“What happened? Did someone get injured? But Hal-sama can heal them immediately…”

“I found a girl on the verge of death with a serious injury to her right flank while gathering information. And this girl seems to be the phantom thief who is causing a stir in the world…”

I said with a wry smile and showed Liliana the girl I was carrying on my back.

“…I see. For now, please take her to the bed on the far left.”

“Understood.”

After laying the girl on the bed, I asked about the wanted poster for the phantom thief, and it turned out one was also posted on the wall of this inn’s lobby. I quickly checked the contents, which read as follows:

◇

Wanted Poster (Phantom Thief Le Vina☆Star)
This individual is a heinous criminal who has robbed numerous merchants of their valuables. Their face is unknown due to the wide-brimmed hat and mask they wear, but they are a thief skilled in elusive operations and ghost-like movements. The only known characteristic is their fiery red hair. Wearing a dark mantle, and their attire resembling that of a former royal guard of the fallen Kingdom of Yangas, they are presumed to be a remnant of said kingdom.
Their armament is a rapier, which is also the standard equipment for said royal guards. Their skill with the rapier does not exceed that of an average knight, but their elusiveness is their hallmark.
The bounty is 50 gold coins (equivalent to 5 million yen), and their life or death is not a concern.

◇

Rereading the wanted poster and looking again at the unconscious girl on the bed, as Eria pointed out, there is no doubt that this girl is Phantom Thief Le Vina☆Star. Currently, we are investigating the former Yangas Kingdom Territory for Liliana, but should we hand this girl over to the Espana Imperial Army as a ‘small matter preceding a great one’…

However, once handed over, this girl would undoubtedly be executed. On the other hand, this girl is a righteous thief who steals not for personal gain but to distribute the stolen goods to the impoverished populace.

What should I do!? I have a terrible headache. I just ended up rescuing her following the usual flow of events. However, it would be cruel to abandon her in this condition.

“Hal-sama, this girl is said to be the notorious Phantom Thief Le Vina☆Star. Is she not dangerous? Wouldn’t it be better to conduct a physical examination now?”
Elise’s black smile was accompanied by her words.

“This girl was critically injured with a fatal wound in her right side and was on the verge of death from excessive bleeding. She will likely wake up tomorrow. And Elise’s concern is valid. I have retrieved the rapier she wore at her waist, but I cannot rule out the possibility that she may be carrying other hidden weapons. So, let’s proceed with the body check immediately.”

“Understood. The more eyes on the examination, the better, so I’ll call for those who are free.”

When it came to conducting a body check of the girl they had found, Elise called out to the party members relaxing in the living room, and in the end, everyone gathered in the bedroom. It was quite cramped, but there was no other way.

“I will have her remove her clothes, so please let me know if you notice anything.”

” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” “Yes, Hal-sama.” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ”

The ones who replied were the twelve party members of “Princess Harem,” Alicia, and Serana, the Holy Spirit Erojin, who perched on my shoulder. A total of fourteen people. That old man’s eyes were shining brightly as he sat on my shoulder, his prime viewing spot.

“Hey! Serana, don’t spit on your clothes!”

“I, I am calm.”

The old man says that, but I don’t trust him at all.

“Now, let’s begin the physical examination.”

As I declared the start of the physical examination, I observed the girl sleeping soundly on the bed. Her complexion was pale from blood loss, and she was breathing shallowly. Her hair color was a lustrous indigo, but she had been wearing a red wig when we first saved her. Her hair seemed to be grown long like that of a noblewoman, but it was currently tightly braided and tied up.

“Her complexion is, as expected, pale…”

Given her condition, there was no way to confirm the color of her irises, but judging by her facial features, she could be called a beautiful girl. Continuing, I removed the duvet, revealing a knight’s uniform.

“Th, this attire is indeed the formal wear of our Yangas Imperial Guard… but I don’t recognize this girl.”

Liliana, after confirming the girl’s face, tilted her head, stating she didn’t recognize her. As this information comes from Liliana, the former First Princess of the Yangas Kingdom, it is highly credible. So, is this knight’s uniform a disguise to impersonate remnants of the Yangas Kingdom?

“It seems she was cut here with a sword.”

Where I pointed, her right side, the fabric was torn, revealing bare skin.

First, I removed her knee-length long boots, which I had forgotten to take off, and then her socks, revealing her cute feet. Her legs were slender and smooth, and her toes were also cute. Next, with a “shing,” I removed the leather belt that held her rapier. Then, though it was a bit pitiful, I unfastened the buttons holding her trousers and removed them.

Beneath her trousers, cute floral panties appeared. With the floral pattern, the contours of her private parts were not clearly visible, but I’ll save the ultimate pleasure for last, as she will eventually be completely undressed.

“For a phantom thief, she has quite a cute taste.”

Kirika reacted the most to these floral panties.

Furthermore, her trousers were pulled down, and now the floral panties were fully revealed. Of course, her lower body, wearing panties, was also in full view, from her lower abdomen to the base of her thighs. Finally, her trousers were pulled down, and only the floral panties protected her lower body.

In a word, it’s a privilege to see the slender legs and the crotch area of a beautiful girl her age. However, I was also conscious of the gazes of the girls around me.

“So far, it seems she’s not hiding anything strange.”

Lyushenne seemed to be observing quite calmly. Perhaps she had learned how to deal with assassins as a former princess of a great nation.

“From the condition of her crotch and legs, this girl appears to be a virgin. It’s different for prostitutes.”

The next to speak was Eria, a former high-class prostitute. According to Eria, falling into prostitution leaves characteristic marks on the body.

This time, I removed
Even before half the greetings were finished, Safiya looked tired. Safiya seemed to have taken a liking to Tirna, who introduced herself as a former count’s daughter.

“My name is Edeleia. I recently started going by Edeleia Yung-Fern de Desmonia. Please be acquainted with me from now on.”

Edeleia also gave an elegant greeting that didn’t betray her rough, formerly demonkin origins. Just by being part of “Princess Harem,” beautiful girls shine brighter and take on a nobler aura.

“It’s nice to meet you. But I’ve never heard of the surname Desmonia before.”

“Ede is my cousin. And the Desmonia Kingdom was an ancient kingdom that once existed in the northern countries, and Ede is its legitimate heir.”

As unbelievable country names were mentioned, confusion spread across Safiya’s face. Swan Hilda was fully supplementing Edeleia’s explanation to her cousin. By the way, her proud demeanor was what is known as a smug look. As expected, Swan Hilda and Edeleia got along well, or rather, Swan Hilda was no match for Ede.

“Next is me. My name is Freya Diva Banadis. Please be acquainted with me.”

Freya had also, before one knew it, acquired the demeanor and manners befitting a royal.

“It’s nice to meet you too. By the way, Lady Freya… are you perhaps the ‘Diva of Calmness’ that is rumored to be around?”

“What? You know about Freya? How boring!”

When Safiya confirmed Freya’s identity, Freya nodded, and Swan Hilda, unable to provide an explanation, looked displeased. Freya was an embodiment of divine miracles, so it would be a disaster if her true identity or whereabouts were revealed.

“Still… it’s amazing how much that ‘Downtown Princess’ has grown.”

From a short distance away, Elise mumbled a remark about Freya. Despite her low voice, Freya seemed to have heard the insult and glared at Elise.

“Next is me. My name is Dietlinde Tinde Tintaal. Be acquainted.”

Dietlinde, whose appearance was flamboyant, also wore a hooded robe like Ly. When Dietlinde removed her hood, her mysterious hair, which depicted a gradient from silver to dandelion to crimson, cascaded down. Her elven ears, characteristic of elves with pointed tips like bamboo shoots, stood erect. She proudly displayed her exceptionally large breasts, which were unheard of for an elf, and she looked very proud.

“It’s an elf this time… but I’ve never seen an elf with hair like this. First, it’s nice to meet you.”

Safiya looked confused again, but she seemed to recognize that Dietlinde was not someone to be trifled with, and greeted her accordingly. However, Dietlinde seemed disappointed.

“It seems you don’t understand my greatness either. I am the Fifth Princess of the Tintaal Kingdom.”

Before Swan Hilda could explain, Dietlinde announced it herself and sat back proudly. Meanwhile, Safiya let out a dry laugh upon hearing that Dietlinde was an elf royal. It was likely due to the astounding identities of the party members that Safiya was utterly astonished.

“Next is me. Earlier I introduced myself as the adventurer Lilia, but my true identity is Liliana Emilia Yangas. That is to say, I am the First Princess of this Yangas Kingdom.”

“…In other words… Her Highness Liliana is the ‘Melancholy Blue Moon Princess’? And you’re one of the beautiful girls who were said to be on par with Ly?”

Liliana announced her name again, and Safiya’s voice faltered. An indescribable longing could be seen in her eyes. Ly and Liliana were such objects of admiration even for noble ladies their age.

“I… I am Shera…”

“Oh, what a cute fox-type beastkin. Please be acquainted with me.”

Safiya’s spirits lifted slightly at Shera’s hesitant introduction.

“Safiya, don’t be fooled. Her full name is Shera Hazel, and she is the last princess to inherit the bloodline of the Sazania royal family! Furthermore, as a fox-type beastkin, she is a noble princess descended from the legendary Nine-Tailed White Fox!”

Swan Hilda’s explanation chimed in again. Shera clicked her tongue, and Safiya slumped in dejection.

“Lastly, it’s my turn. My name is Eria Akue de Castina. Please be acquainted with me.”

“It’s nice to meet you too.”

“Eria is also a descendant of the royal family of the Castina Kingdom, which once existed in the northern countries.”

“Just what exactly are all of you?!”

After the long self-introductions, Safiya screamed.

“Although she’s not here, Sophie Anne=Marie Yuma Yver, a troublesome child, is also a member!”

Finally, Swan Hilda dropped the final bomb, and Safiya collapsed onto the bed.Incidentally, the Holy Spirit Serena also seemed eager to introduce herself, but I held her back.

### 6. A Stubborn Old Man’s Expression of Affection!? △

“Oh, right… I forgot to ask something important.”

Safiya, who had collapsed on the bed from the shock of hearing our true identities, sat up with a jolt.

“Is something wrong?”

“When I was ‘Phantom Thief Le Vina☆Star,’ I remember sustaining a serious injury to my right flank. But now, even though the costume has signs of being cut, there are no scars?”

“That’s because I healed it with ‘Healing Magic.’ When I found you, Safiya… you were barely breathing.”

Having said this much, I decided to be completely honest. To make her believe me, I cut my own arm with a small knife, healed it with “Healing Magic,” and then cleaned up the blood spilled on the floor with “Washing Magic.” Safiya’s mouth hung open in a dumbfounded expression.

“Lord Raymond… you were my savior, weren’t you?”

Safiya looked at me with eyes filled with a different kind of astonishment, or rather, reverence, than before.

“Everything you’ve seen and heard from now on is an absolute secret, alright?”

“Of course! And more… my life is now dedicated to you, Lord Raymond!!”

Safiya, who has a stubborn old man for a father, seems to have a strong sense of gratitude or chivalry, and she said she would dedicate her life to me with a serious face. With this, she wouldn’t refuse me if I asked her to share my bed tonight.

“In that case, I have a request. In the near future, Liliana is scheduled to be crowned Queen of the New Yangus Kingdom. Will you assist her then?”

First, I’ll make her a subordinate, as Liliana has few candidates for followers.

“Is that all? Actually… since I was a child, I’ve admired Her Highness Liliana. It’s a dream come true to serve under my admired Liliana. Moreover, with the backing of His Highness Prince Elizabeth, it’s like having a golden club in hand against a demon! Her Highness Liliana, please take care of me.”

Seemingly moved, Safiya hugged Liliana. Liliana also smiled and hugged her back now that she had a candidate for her confidante. The sight of these two beautiful girls embracing was as beautiful as a masterpiece painting, with a hint of something sensual. Behind them, Ly’s seemingly lonely expression was striking.

“By the way, Safiya, aren’t you supposed to be staying at your mansion? Isn’t it going to be bad if your father finds out you’re out without permission?”

“Ah! That’s bad… W-what should I do… I don’t want to be punished!”

When I asked about something I had been wondering about, it turned out to be true, and Safiya panicked.

“Safiya, calm down. I will intercede for you.”

It was Liliana, who was still hugging her, who spoke up. Liliana exchanged a look with Swan Hilda, who nodded and took a sealed letter from her pocket, handing it to Liliana, who had released Safiya. As usual, it was a personal letter from “Bess-chan,” Crown Princess Elizabeth, with instructions to provide the utmost convenience in facilitating Liliana’s enthronement.

This letter was obtained by Swan Hilda, who, expecting such a situation, went to get it by “sky-soaring.” In fact, it had been very helpful during Sophie’s situation as well.

In the end, I, Alicia, and Liliana accompanied Safiya back to her residence. We crossed the River Leete, which flows through the royal capital Schwerin, by ferry and headed towards a certain mansion that had been built around the ruins of the Crystal Palace, where high-ranking nobles used to live, guided by Safiya. This ferry was large enough to carry carriages.

Originally, the royal capital Schwerin was a city that developed around the magnificent Crystal Palace, which was an enlarged and rebuilt castle of the former First King Yangas, who established this place as the capital. The old town, with its favorable location around the royal castle, had become crowded with noble residences, and it had the unique history of a new town developing across the River Leete.

To facilitate transportation, two long bridges had been built across the River Leete, but they had been burned down during the war with the Espana Imperial Kingdom. Currently, the Espana Imperial Army’s engineering units are urgently rebuilding them. The ferry is an important means of transportation connecting both banks of the royal capital Schwerin.

Furthermore, Schwerin was also known for its thriving water transportation using the continuously flowing water of the River Leete, with waterways running throughout the city. The means of transportation using these waterways were gondolas, each equipped with unique decorations and paintwork by their owners.

It was a charming means of transportation where the boatman stood at the stern of the gondola and skillfully maneuvered a long oar to take passengers to their destination.

Meanwhile, the remaining party members were searching for a suspicious fortune teller named Astarotte, whom Safiya mentioned, and gathering further information about the former Yangas Kingdom territory. Of course, information gathering about Yuliana, Liliana’s half-sister, and the rebellion she was leading was not neglected.

“Compared to the other side of the river, the security here is excessively strict.”

As we proceeded through the old town by gondola, we often encountered armed knights and soldiers of the Espana Imperial Army.

“It can’t be helped. This side is where the residences of those provisionally governing the country, including my father, the Governor, are located.”

We were heading to the mansion where Count Kolanda was staying by gondola, but we had already been subjected to security checks by knights three times. However, since Countess Safiya was with us, no problems arose.

“Stop that gondola immediately! I know that the disobedient older sister Safiya, who has been out without permission, is on board!!”

This time, it wasn’t a gruff knight, but a young boy’s voice that called out to us.

“Th-this is bad. That voice belongs to my younger brother, Rubiliza Sachle Von Kolanda. He’s as stubborn as Father. He’s probably come to arrest me in Father’s stead.”

“Calm down, Safiya. This is the time to be calm, as befits a lady. Besides, isn’t it convenient that they’re guiding us to our lodging?”

Safiya was currently in a luxurious dress befitting a count’s daughter. This outfit was made by Kirika, whose hobbies were sewing and making cosplay costumes, and it was originally intended for Tirna. Speaking of which, Tirna has recently been causing young girls to be startled.

Tirna, who was bought as an ingredient by Park Li from the suspicious Eastern Nations, used to be a boyish girl with short hair. Recently, however, she had been growing her hair and her speech had become more ladylike. As her secondary sexual characteristics developed, she was transforming into a beautiful girl with dazzling breasts. The only drawback was that her body hair had been removed by “Hair Removal Magic” as preparation for ingredients. Therefore, pubic hair does not grow in Tirna’s private parts. A maiden blushing from being shaved is also a certain charm, but one cannot enjoy that aspect with Tirna.

Meanwhile, Alicia and I, as well as Liliana, wore hooded robes, the uniform of “Princess Harem,” pulled deep over our faces, and masks resembling Valkyries, giving us suspicious appearances.

“By the way, older sister Safiya, who are these people riding with you? They look like adventurers… but they’re extremely suspicious!”

“These are people from the adventurer party ‘Princess Harem’ who rescued me when I was wandering unconsciously. Their rude attitude is unforgivable!”

“I am Hal, the Party Leader.”
“Alicia… is.”
“…Lilia… is.”

“…I see. I am Safiya’s younger brother, Rubiliza Sachle Von Kolanda. Thank you for protecting my clumsy older sister last night. I hope you will continue to look after the clumsy Safiya.”

“Rubiliza! I’m not that incompetent or clumsy. I demand an apology and compensation!”

“Safiya has always been…”

And so, Safiya’s younger brother Rubiliza also boarded our gondola, and we hurried towards the mansion. In return, we only revealed our first names. Rubiliza, upon realizing that the others were girls, seemed clearly relieved.

“Safiya, I will go ahead to the mansion as a scout. It will be a disaster if you don’t return without detours.”

When we reached the pier closest to the mansion where Safiya and the others were staying, Rubiliza was the first to disembark, uttered a parting remark to Safiya, and ran off.

“To encounter Rubiliza before arriving… How unlucky. Well, let’s go.”

With a deep sigh, Safiya began walking towards the mansion. And we could only follow behind her. Still, Safiya’s face was pale as she walked, and she seemed to be afraid of something from her family discovering her unauthorized absence.

“Safiya, I was worried. When I found out you weren’t in your bedroom, I was very worried.”

“I-I’m sorry, Mother.”

At the mansion’s entrance, a middle-aged man and woman, along with Rubiliza, were waiting. The unfamiliar couple must be Safiya’s parents. The man, who looked stubborn but doted on his daughter, was likely Alamia Korgio Von Kolanda, the Count who was provisionally governing the former Yangas Kingdom territory. Alicia nodded when I confirmed with her. However, a sturdy chair was placed next to him. What was his intention?

And the woman Safiya called Mother was Countess Deer Morse Von Kolanda, the mother of Safiya and Rubiliza. She seemed concerned about her daughter’s unauthorized absence. Incidentally, Count Kolanda, unusually for a high-ranking noble, did not keep concubines or mistresses, apparently being a one-woman man.

“You are the ones who brought my foolish daughter back… I am grateful.”

“I am Hal, the Party Leader of the adventurer party ‘Princess Harem.’ This is an external location, so please provide your formal greetings inside the mansion.”

Sensing the presence of guards from the Espana Imperial Army lurking in the shadows of the trees planted around the entrance, I couldn’t officially introduce myself. Of course, behind the Count’s family, there were servants such as butlers and maids.

“…It seems you have your reasons as well. Since my foolish daughter was in your care, I will accept your proposal. However, Safiya, you must atone for your unauthorized absence.”

Count Kolanda accepted my impudent proposal after a moment of thought. However, when he turned his gaze to his daughter Safiya, he indicated that she must be punished.

“F-Father, I don’t want to be spanked with my backside exposed in front of everyone. Please, forgive me.”

Safiya, a maiden of marriageable age, blushed deeply and begged tearfully, saying she didn’t want to be spanked in front of us.

“Drat it, you stubborn girl!”

“Kya!? F-Father, please forgive me… Ahhh! Ahhh! I don’t want to anymore!”

Count Kolanda grabbed Safiya by the waist, who was struggling, and boldly lifted her dress. Safiya’s long legs were exposed to the daylight, and then her pure white panties were also pulled down with a rustle, completely revealing Safiya’s cute buttocks. Of course, in this state, part of her labia and major labia could be seen, extending from the gluteal cleft to the perineum.

And, while Safiya writhed and struggled, she was laid face down on the chair, her buttocks sticking out. While it might be considered educational discipline for a young child, it didn’t seem appropriate for a maiden of her age.

*Paaang, paaang, paaang*

“One, two, three…”

“F-Father… Ahhh! It hurts, it hurts so much… Ahhh! Forgive me… Ahhh! I don’t want to anymore!”

The spanking began in front of us, and Safiya’s screams echoed. The Countess averted her eyes from the painful sight, but her younger brother Rubiliza watched with curiosity. Perhaps he was excited by the sight of his older sister’s private parts.

Several red handprints appeared on Safiya’s snow-white buttocks, which began to swell.

Thus, the tragedy in front of the entrance, or rather, the punishment for unauthorized absence, took place, and we were then shown to the reception room. Alicia and Liliana were visibly shaken by the sudden spanking. Safiya, who was clutching her buttocks with teary eyes, looked pathetic, but I hesitated to use “Healing Magic” at that moment.

### 7. Conquer the Stubborn Old Man

“First, I thank you for bringing my daughter back. I am Alamia Korgio Von Kolanda, entrusted by Emperor Henry with the provisional governance of the former Yangas Kingdom territory. Incidentally, I have been granted the title of Count.”

“I am Ala Mia’s wife, Deer Morse Von Kolanda. Please be acquainted with me from now on.”

“I’ve already introduced myself, so I’ll omit it.”

At the long table in the reception room sat the four members of the Kolanda Count family, with Safiya sandwiched between her parents in an “itchy hot seat.” Having received formal greetings from the Kolanda family, we had to offer our formal replies. This time, I, as the party leader and the only male, decided to introduce myself.

“My name is Hal Harem Von Raymond. I am young, but I ask for your kind consideration. I am the Party Leader of the adventurer party ‘Princess Harem,’ and I have been granted the title of First-Class Quasi-Noble by the Espana Imperial Kingdom. I have come to this land carrying a secret mission from His Highness Prince Elizabeth.”

When I removed the Valkyrie mask and the hooded robe, the emblem of a First-Class Quasi-Noble gleamed resplendently on the chest of my formal attire.

“W-what is this! You are an envoy of His Highness Prince Elizabeth! Please forgive my impudence until now.”

“No, this is a highly classified mission.”

Count Kolanda had a reputation for being a stubborn old man, so I made full use of “Bess-chan’s” authority. And it was highly effective. Come to think of it, although there is a gag order, Emperor Henry is bedridden and could pass away at any moment. Count Kolanda, a high-ranking noble, must also know this. Therefore, the intentions of Crown Princess Elizabeth, who is expected to ascend the throne as the next Empress, are equivalent to those of the Espana Imperial Kingdom and carry immense weight.

“I am Hal’s fiancée, Alicia Mia von Rendol, and I have been granted the title of Viscountess by the Espana Imperial Kingdom. Count Kolanda, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

Next, Alicia stood up, removed her mask and hooded robe, and was dressed in a gown befitting a high-ranking noble. Of course, the emblem of a Viscountess also shone resplendently on her chest. From Alicia’s manner of speaking, it seems they had met before.

“Viscountess Rendol, we apologize for our rudeness. The lily motif accompanying your emblem appears to be Crown Princess Elizabeth’s crest. This means you will likely be promoted to Countess in the near future.”

As expected, Count Kolanda, a high-ranking noble of the Espana Imperial Kingdom, accurately deciphered the intention behind the emblem. Safiya and Rubiliza were also astonished by this. Safiya, with her limited experience, had clearly not deciphered the hidden meaning in Alicia’s emblem.

“I… I suppose I am last.”

Liliana, judging that the groundwork had been laid by demonstrating that we were carrying out a top-secret mission for the Espana Imperial Kingdom, stood up as if to make her grand entrance.

“Y-you’re so lovely…”

The moment Liliana removed the Valkyrie mask, Rubiliza’s face turned bright red, and his true feelings slipped out. Meanwhile, Count Kolanda frowned and stared intently. It seemed the shrewd Count Kolanda had realized Liliana’s true identity.

“…”

Liliana’s silvery hair, which seemed to be woven from moonlight, was intricately styled. She wore a tiara with jewels set in a mithril base. Her elegant and dignified dress, befitting the First Princess of the Yangas Kingdom, was visible through her open robe. Rubiliza, the fool, could only let out sighs.

“It is my first time meeting you, Count Kolanda. I am Liliana Emilia Yangas. Please be acquainted with me from now on.”

And so, Liliana, with her elegant greeting befitting royalty, fully displayed the beauty that earned her the title of “Melancholy Blue Moon Princess” in the social circles of the Wahl Imperial Kingdom.

“…W-what is this!? What is going on, Lord Raymond?”

Even the formidable Count Kolanda couldn’t decipher the intention of a former royal of the occupied territory openly revealing her identity.

“Count Kolanda, I have a personal letter from Crown Princess Elizabeth here.”

Liliana took out the aforementioned sealed letter from a hidden pocket and handed it to Count Kolanda through the butler standing behind her. Count Kolanda read the letter greedily, and then paid homage to Liliana.

“Crown Princess Elizabeth’s profound foresight and planning, I, Kolanda, am deeply impressed. From now on, I intend to provide the utmost consideration for Her Highness Liliana to ascend the throne swiftly.”

Thus, by using “Bess-chan’s” authority, we succeeded in securing Count Kolanda’s full cooperation.

“By the way, Count Kolanda, I have heard that my half-sister Yuliana has recently been active as the leader of a rebellious faction. Do you have any information?”

“Yes! Regarding Princess Yuliana, information is conflicting. Unlike Princess Liliana, whose remains could not be confirmed, Princess Yuliana’s death was confirmed when she was struck by an arrow from our army in the abdomen during the final stages of the siege. On the other hand, there is information that the Princess Yuliana who commanded the rebellion is the real one, and furthermore, the remains mysteriously vanished from the mausoleum where they were supposed to be kept.”

“Then, is there a possibility that Yuliana was resurrected by a ‘Resurrection Magic’ cast by a saint-level Healing Mage?”

“We considered that possibility as well, but currently, there are no saints in the vicinity capable of casting ‘Resurrection Magic’ of that level. Furthermore, considering the time elapsed from death to burial, we concluded that it exceeded the duration for which ‘Resurrection Magic’ could be effective.”

“So… there is no possibility that my half-sister is alive?”

“That is correct, Your Highness.”

“I… I see…”

With the conversation with Count Kolanda, the death of Princess Yuliana, the second princess, was confirmed, and Liliana slumped in dejection.

“Well, I have one more thing to ask. We are working to ensure Liliana is crowned Queen of the New Yangus Kingdom. Will those who sided with the rebellion be granted a general amnesty if they pledge their loyalty as Liliana’s subjects?”

“Of course. This aligns with Crown Princess Elizabeth’s intentions.”

Thus, I obtained a promise to incorporate the rebel forces I had brought to my side. Without this, Liliana’s faction would have been too understaffed. Afterward, the secret meeting concluded successfully over tea and sweets in a convivial atmosphere.

“Finally, the pain in my buttocks has subsided. I respect my strict father, but I wish he would spare maidens the spanking.”

Leaving Count Kolanda’s presence, I entered Safiya’s private room and healed her swollen buttocks with “Healing Magic.” Safiya, who had apparently known beforehand that Count Kolanda would administer spanking as punishment, dove onto the carpet. While it was unbecoming behavior for a count’s daughter, she was likely relieved that the tense secret meeting had ended successfully.

“Now that we have secured the cooperation of Count Kolanda, which was the biggest hurdle, shall we take our leave? We plan to rejoin the remaining members and investigate the situation of the suspicious fortune teller Astarotte, who wronged Safiya.”

“Then, please take me with you.”

Safiya, who had been lying on the carpet, got up.

“Safiya, you’ll be staying here.”

“No, I already have Father’s permission. Since this is an activity spearheaded by our Crown Princess Elizabeth, it was easy to persuade Father, and I believe you will need a liaison with him. Besides, I am the only one who knows Astarotte.”

Safiya’s statement, delivered with a beaming smile, was perfectly reasonable, and she subsequently accompanied us. Meanwhile, Rubiliza, left behind, stamped his foot in regret.

However, as we were about to return, I glanced out the window and saw that the sun was setting, approaching the twilight hour. Time had passed surprisingly quickly.

“Lord Raymond, the sun is setting today. How about having dinner at this mansion tonight and returning tomorrow morning?”

“That seems to be the only option. Safiya, we will be staying here tonight.”

“Yes, I understand. Then, I will go and inform the kitchen that the number of guests has increased.”

Despite the presence of maids and servants who seemed to be Safiya’s attendants in the hallway, she ran off with light footsteps.

“Well, tonight, let us toast in commemoration of our distinguished guests’ arrival!”

“Cheers!”

A pure white tablecloth was spread on the long table in the dining hall, and a vase with a large, lavishly arranged bouquet of colorful roses in the center marked the beginning of a formal full-course dinner. It was clear that we were being treated as honored guests.

However, I had worried that Alicia and Liliana, dressed in formal attire befitting high nobles and princesses, might have trouble eating. But thanks to Countess Deer’s thoughtful arrangements, we were able to change into evening gowns suitable for the banquet.

Alicia was wearing a pale blue evening gown. The evening gown was sleeveless and had a daringly open neckline and back. Compared to when we first met, she had grown taller and her bust had developed, yet her waistline remained unchanged. Her face, adorned with elegant shades of lipstick, possessed a loveliness that made one fall in love with her all over again. I recalled that I hadn’t embraced Alicia recently, and my erection responded. This honest little shaft.

As I watched Alicia eat elegantly, I felt renewed confidence that my development policy was not mistaken. Even though I had touched every part of Alicia’s body and we loved each other so deeply, this noble and sacred radiance was truly delightful.

Meanwhile, the other star of the show, Liliana, was adorned in a lavender evening gown. Liliana’s evening gown also had a daringly low neckline. Liliana’s chest seemed to be developing well. Her breasts were also exquisite masterpieces befitting a beauty who could topple nations, and their sensitivity was in top condition. While they might not be as large as Ly’s “explosion breasts,” the captivating curves of her chest and the cleavage visible from her décolletage were criminal.

In fact, Rubiliza, seated opposite her, was flushed red and desperately trying to get Alicia and Liliana’s attention, but he was easily brushed aside. Safiya, watching this from the side, looked like she had finally exhaled a sigh of relief, and Countess Deer, while exasperated, seemed to be cheering her son on. Meanwhile, Count Kolanda, who continued to eat mechanically without being swayed by the surrounding situation, was impressive, though Safiya later told me he was merely overwhelmed by the beauty of Alicia and Liliana.
The Countess Deer was aware of this, and her opinion was that tonight she would burn with jealousy as fuel. She also stated that she wished her younger sister would have the next child. Then, naturally, Rubiliza would likely be indulging in masturbation with Alicia and Liliana as her “sides.”

Tonight, I, Alicia, and Liliana would each sleep in our own rooms, which were guest rooms.

*Thump, thump, thump.*

Deep in the night, when the residents of the mansion had fallen asleep, I heard a small knocking sound at the door of the guest room where I was sleeping. I wondered who would visit at this hour.

“…Yes, I’ll open it now.”

*Click, creak!*

“R-Raymond-sama… I have an urgent request. May I come inside?”

Standing there was Safiya, her face flushed crimson.

“This mansion is for Safiya and her companions to use, so don’t be shy.”

“Th-that’s right… Raymond-sama!”

For some reason, Safiya flinched her back at my words. She entered the room “hastily” and sat on the sofa I indicated, acting like a “borrowed cat.”

**8. Competition is the very essence of glamour ① △**

“I… I heard from Elise-sama. She said that all the Party Members of the ‘Princess Harem’ are all Raymond-sama’s lovers. She said that everyone awakened to the pleasures of womanhood by Raymond-sama’s hand… I wish for my body to blossom as well.”

Safiya, seated on the luxurious black leather sofa, gazed at me with intense eyes. Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were teary, perhaps embarrassed by what she was saying. Looking at her whole body, she was hunched over and trembling slightly. Raised in a strict household, Safiya was undoubtedly a virgin; in fact, her hymen had been confirmed during the “Body Check” yesterday. However… Elise was the one who incited Safiya… Perhaps she needs to be punished soon.

“The Party Members of the ‘Princess Harem’ are indeed all beautiful girls… but they all have their reasons. But Safiya, you are a proper Countess’s daughter, don’t you have a fiancé?”

First, without rushing, I decided to confirm Safiya’s situation. In the past, I would have already pushed her down in this situation, but I seemed to have gained experience and the余裕 to observe the other person better.

“I… I do not have a fiancé… My father is terrifying, so no one takes an interest in me. Normally, I would be fixed through a political marriage, but Father dislikes such trickery…”

Safiya wore a complex expression, as if she were crying and laughing at the same time.

“Then, I will confirm one more time. Are you sure it’s alright?”

“Yes… I am well aware that this is improper, but seeing Alicia-sama and Liliana-sama get along so well with Raymond-sama… my womb aches.”

At some point, Safiya had fixed her gaze on me with a feverish intensity. These were eyes that held a certain madness, as if afflicted with the fever of love. From my past life as Lester the Cleric, I could say they were the eyes of a martyr unafraid of death. If I didn’t quell this ardor, Safiya might do something terrible. I wondered if it was perhaps because she unconsciously wished to be freed from the mental pressure she had endured for years from her overly strict father, Count Kol.

*Gulp.*

Unconsciously, I held my breath.

I re-examined Safiya’s appearance. Her glossy, long, indigo hair flowed down her back, but it was damp. She had probably finished bathing a little while ago.

Her slightly thick, strong-looking eyebrows were slightly lowered, perhaps due to anxiety. Her jet-black eyes, which seemed to see through everything, were moist with fever and held me captive.

Her cheeks, like fine porcelain, were flushed red with anticipation for this first experience. Beneath her sharp nose, her sensuous lips were slightly parted, as if inviting me.

However, her nightgown was soft-looking but made of thick fabric, revealing little skin. It was probably what you’d call a child’s nightgown.

“I wish to greet this girl I saved. Master has forgotten about me.”

Just as Safiya and I were getting into a good mood, the whispering voice of the Sex Spirit Eroyajin, Holy Spirit Serena, reached my ears. Serena had hidden her existence when we introduced ourselves to Safiya, but she had been around me in an invisible state afterward. And, perhaps impatient from waiting for a summons, she spoke. But what timing to choose!

“Serena, I am about to perform Safiya’s ‘First Night Ritual’. It is a sacred ceremony, so do not interfere.”

“Understood, Master.”

“Raymond-sama, were you talking to someone just now?”

It seemed Safiya was suspicious of my hushed conversation with Holy Spirit Serena. However, since only Safiya and I were seemingly in the room, she tilted her head, looking puzzled.

“You must be mistaken, Safiya, you’re just nervous. May I sit next to you?”

“Yes, Raymond-sama…”

“Will you call me Hal?”

“Y-yes. Hal…sama.”

Bringing her back to my usual pace, I stroked Safiya’s head and occasionally combed her indigo hair with my fingers to calm her. As I stroked her head gently and carefully, Safiya’s stiff body gradually relaxed, and she leaned her head on my shoulder. The weight of Safiya on my shoulder made me acutely aware of her presence. Before long, Safiya was relaxed, with a blissful expression.

“…Hiiyaahh!? H-Hal-sama? …”

As I gently embraced Safiya, who was leaning on me, a bewildered voice escaped her lips. Then, with my other hand, I touched her chin, turning her face towards me. In addition, the palm of the hand embracing her shoulder slowly rested on her left breast over her pajamas. Through my palm, Safiya’s bewilderment and shame were conveyed as a rapid heartbeat.

Safiya’s breasts were conical and still developing. I thought so, but considering Safiya is currently 16 years old, it was unclear whether her development was slow or if this shape was her completed maturity, but in any case, they were beautifully shaped.

Speaking of which, when I examined her private parts during the “Body Check,” I noticed that pubic hair was starting to grow among the vellus hair around the clitoral hood. Her secondary sexual characteristics might be delayed. Perhaps the mental stress she had just confessed was hindering her growth.

“Now, the ‘First Night Ritual’ for Safiya will begin. First, with the First Kiss.”

“…Hal-sama, please, be gentle…”

When I declared the start of the “First Night Ritual” and the First Kiss, Safiya replied in a faint voice, consenting, and gently closed her eyes. With my fingertips touching her chin, I turned her face towards me and brought my mouth close, gently touching her slightly parted lips with a simple First Kiss.

“…Aaah…”

With just that small act, an indescribable sound, mixing bewilderment and reluctance, escaped Safiya’s sensuous lips. At the same time, she tightened the grip of the palm covering her left breast, confirming the shape of her breast. Although the thick pajama fabric made it impossible to discern her nipples, I could feel the protrusion of her breast.

“That concludes the First Kiss. Next, I will teach you the adult kiss, the Deep Kiss.”

I stood up for a moment, moved the inconvenient coffee table aside, and leaned down towards Safiya, who was sitting on the sofa. Then, this time, I secured her face with both hands and slowly brought my lips closer.

“…Uuuh… Uuuhh…”

This time, instead of a pecking First Kiss like before, we pressed our lips together—*smack*—and then I extended the tip of my tongue, inserting it between Safiya’s parted lips. Feeling my hot tongue, Safiya let out a moan and, as if yielding, was dominated by the tip of my tongue. Safiya’s tongue shrunk and cowered in my mouth.

“Safiya, interlace your tongue too. You can even put it in my mouth; just don’t bite.”

“Yes… Hal-sama. …Nn… Ugh… Nnnh…”

*Smack, slurp, slurp, lick, lick, suckle, lick, lick.*

After a brief interruption to teach her the etiquette of kissing, Safiya desperately tangled her tongue with mine. The wet, unpleasant sounds echoed in the bedroom.

“…Nnnh!? … Nnnhun! … Nnaaah… Aaah n♡ … Nnnh…”

While continuing the Deep Kiss with Safiya, I moved my left hand to the back of her head to hold it steady, while with my free right hand, I caressed her body over her pajamas. I lightly rubbed the swell of her breasts and then moved down to caress her thighs. Safiya, between breaths, let out sweet sighs and moans. She tried to stop my right hand caressing her body with both hands, but her young, soft arms couldn’t stop me. As I began to caress her thighs, she squeezed her legs shut defensively, but my fingertips advanced further towards unexplored territory, finally reaching the secret crotch area.

“…Nnnh… I, I don’t want you there! That, that place is no good!”

On top of that, as my fingertips poked and stimulated her secret place through her pajama pants—*poke, poke*—Safiya couldn’t bear it any longer, pulled her face away, and screamed. Her reaction was so innocent and enticing.

“Safiya, don’t run away.”

“I, I’m ashamed. And… my immodest voice too.”

“You’re feeling it, aren’t you?”

“Hal-sama’s CHEATERY.”

“You’re very cute, Safiya.”

Since Safiya had screamed, I decided to tease her with words this time. Then, embracing her again, I slipped the fingertips of my left hand through the opening of her pajamas.

“…I, I won’t! Hal-sama, don’t touch my breasts directly! Noooo! Nooo! ♡ Nooooo! ♡”

It seemed she was wearing a chemise under her pajamas, but I slipped my fingers through the neckline, and my fingertips directly grasped her breasts. Then, pinching her nipples between my thumb and index finger, I rubbed them—*rub, rub*—. As I caressed her nipples directly with my fingers, Safiya writhed violently and leaned on me.

My penis was also getting hard, stimulated by Safiya’s cute reaction.

“…Haa… haa… haa… haa…”

Exhausted by her violent reaction, Safiya was breathing heavily. Taking advantage of the moment, I removed her black leather shoes. Then I proceeded to remove her pajama pants. Sometimes, I lifted her legs to remove her pants, and I confirmed that she was wearing expensive black silk panties under a thin see-through chemise. Below those black panties, her fresh and elastic thighs were completely visible.

“You’re very beautiful, Safiya. Now, let’s take off your top.”

“Do I really have to take it off!?”

Safiya, looking at me with pleading eyes, was incredibly cute.

“Leave it to me.”

This time, to remove her pajama top, I unbuttoned it one by one from the chest area. After all four buttons were undone, I carefully and slowly removed it.

“…Hal-sama… I’m still embarrassed…”

Finally, her unfashionable pajamas were off, and Safiya, now only in a see-through chemise and black silk panties, had a flushed face and turned away, trying to escape my gaze.

Her chest was covered only by the thin fabric of the see-through chemise, and the moiré pattern, like contour lines, emphasized the cone-shaped swell of her breasts. This, in itself, was far more erotic than seeing them directly. It seemed this chemise fabric was not only thin but also a special two-layered material. Looking closely, it was an adult-style undergarment that revealed not only the contours of her breasts but also the alluring curve of her body.

The black panties covering her private area also seemed to have thin, see-through fabric at the slit of her labia. In other words, while her pajamas seemed childlike, she was wearing stylish hidden underwear. Perhaps she was satisfying her rebellious spirit by wearing adult lingerie in places her strict father, Count Kol, wouldn’t find.

“Cute Safiya, spread your legs.”

“I, I’m embarrassed! Hal-samaaa, please forgive meee!”

“No! You’re a good girl, so spread them.”

I grabbed Safiya’s knees and tried to spread them apart, but she shook her head side to side, resisting. Nevertheless, I gradually managed to spread them, succeeding in opening them wide enough to clearly see the contours of her secret place hidden by her black panties.

“I’m going to caress your precious part now. You need to be properly wet, or it will hurt when I insert.”

“Hal-sama… this indecent posture… is very, very… embarrassing.”

When I looked at her face, transparent tears welled up in the corners of her eyes and flowed down—*shoo*—. For Safiya, who was raised in a strict household and as the daughter of a high noble, this must have been an unbearable and humiliating posture.

“Safiya, there’s no need to be ashamed. This is what it means to love each other…”

Then, I plucked at the hem of her chemise and rolled it up, exposing her black panties that concealed her secret place.

“…Hii!? I, Iiyaaaah♡ …H-Hal-sama… No, there… nooo!!”

I placed my fingertips at the slit of her crotch and rubbed it along the swell of her labia majora—*rub, rub*—. Sometimes, my fingertips pushed through the fabric into the slit—*slosh, slosh*—and Safiya let out obscene female cries. As I continued to rub, it became sticky—*sticky, sticky*—with the love juice secreted.

Meanwhile, my penis, which was waiting, was also in a dangerous state, on the verge of bursting.

Will the foreplay be enough now?

I could break her maidenhead here… but after all, the first time should be in bed, in the missionary position for Virginity Loss.

I also took off my pajamas and was left in just my underwear. Safiya was covering her face with both hands out of embarrassment, but she seemed to be peeking through her fingers.

“Well then, I shall invite our princess to the bed now.”

**9. Competition is the very essence of glamour ② 〇**

“Hal-samaaaa… M-my… my embarrassing crotch… aches, shall I say… it’s hot.”

Safiya, a young maiden clad only in an adult chemise and black panties, had her secret place caressed by me, and her panties were stained with embarrassing marks. Furthermore, her legs had given way, and she could barely sit on the sofa, her legs spread wide open, just as she had resisted so much earlier.

Her skin was flushed with shame, and the saliva dripping from the corners of her mouth was strangely alluring. I never imagined it would turn out like this when I picked her up from under the bridge and cast “Healing Magic” on her.

“Master… you have amazing tactics.”

Suddenly, Holy Spirit Serena’s whispering voice reached my ears, but I ignored it for now.

From the moiré pattern of the see-through fabric reflecting her body’s lines, it was clear her nipples were erect. The damp panties also showed an unnatural bulge, suggesting her clitoris might also be erect.

If I continue to caress her crotch, she might lose control and splash.

I judged that for the earnest Safiya, the humiliation of splashing would be unbearable. I believe Safiya’s body is almost ready to accept my penis, so I’ll finish the last touches on the bed.

“Well then, I shall invite our princess to the bed now.”

“Kya!? Hal-sama, Hal-samaaaa!”

As Safiya, who had been listless, weakly wrapped her arms around my waist, I lifted her and carried her from the living room to the bed in the bedroom in a so-called “princess carry.” She seemed a bit surprised when I lifted her, but now she was leaning against my chest, quietly.

Even so, from the parts touching, I could feel Safiya’s passionate feelings.

Holding the princess, I placed Safiya gently on the bed with respectful movements. Of course, I laid her down carefully and gently, as if handling a treasure.

“Hal-sama, Hal-sama, I love you!”

*Smack, gulp, gulp, lick, lick, lick~, smack, smack, smack~, gulp.*

The moment I laid Safiya down, she wrapped her arms around my neck and held me, starting a Kiss. The wet sounds of two lovers echoed in the bedroom.

Safiya, having learned the lover’s Deep Kiss, aggressively tangled her tongue with mine. In return, I fondled and caressed her body over her chemise. Unlike the caresses through the thick pajama fabric from before, I could feel Safiya’s flesh vividly on my fingertips.

“…Nnnh… Ku… Hyaaaahhh… Don’t rub my breasts so hard!”

As Safiya’s tongue aggressively attacked, I lifted her chemise and grasped her developing cone-shaped breasts with both hands. Safiya’s breasts were just the right size to fit in my palms, and as I kneaded her still-firm breasts—*squish, squish*—she screamed, interrupting the Deep Kiss.

“…It hurts! …Hal-sama, be gentler…”

When I squeezed a little harder, Safiya cried out in pain.

“…Don’t pull either!”

This time, I pinched and pulled her nipples with the thumb and index finger of both hands, but Safiya screamed again.

“I’ll take off your chemise. Now you’re with me.”

“I… I… Kya! …Aaah… Aaan… Aaahn♡ … What is this feeling… Aaah n♡ … My chest hurts so much…”

Finally removing the bothersome chemise, I licked and kissed Safiya’s upper body, leaving Kiss marks in key places. Red marks of my love were etched onto Safiya’s pure body, like fresh snow.

“Alright, Safiya. We’ll proceed to the next step.”

To Safiya, who was on the verge of collapse from my kissing attack, I delivered an ultimatum, but Safiya herself was drowning in the sea of my caresses.

“…Haa… Haa… Ah? …No, no, no, …not there… Iyaaaah!!”

As I embraced Safiya, who was breathing heavily, I supported her back with my left arm and slid my right hand into her black panties. After a short way, my fingertip touched the clitoris protruding from the clitoral hood. The moment my fingertip touched the clitoris, the most sensitive part of a girl’s body, Safiya arched backward and screamed.

Given how sensitive she reacted, I decided not to stimulate the clitoris too much during the “First Night Ritual,” and my fingertips reached the labia majora beyond it. The black panties my fingertips slipped into twitched suggestively—*wiggle, wiggle*—following the movement of my fingers.

The slit in the center of the labia majora was already overflowing with love juice, and the vulgar sound of—*gurgle, gurgle*—could be heard. Hearing that sound, Safiya’s face began to look lewd. With skilled fingerwork, I pushed open the labia majora—*squish*—and groped through the moist and slippery flesh, found the vagina opening, and inserted my middle finger.

The inside of Safiya’s vagina, felt by my fingertips, was slippery and warm. However, as expected of a virgin, the female orifice itself was narrow and squeezed tightly.

*Squish, squish, gurgle, gurgle, sticky, sticky.*

My fingertips moved within Safiya’s vagina, and gradually the female orifice began to expand. Nevertheless, Safiya’s vagina had strong tightening power. When I first resumed caressing Safiya’s secret parts, she struggled, trying to pull my arm away with both hands, making her last desperate attempt. But as she heard the lewd sounds from her own secret parts and felt her female orifice expanding, she covered her face and began to cry softly.

Although it looked pitiful at first glance, it was an unavoidable path to climbing the stairs of adulthood, and today, I was earnestly engaged in the “First Night Ritual,” intending to break her maidenhead carefully.

“Well then, I’ll remove the last piece.”

“…………”

Although I had asked Safiya, she didn’t respond anymore. Of course, it was possible to insert by moving the fabric of her black panties aside, but she would learn such tactics as we went along. Then, I also took off my underwear and became completely naked. Thus, the two of us were naked as the day we were born, but Safiya didn’t notice. Furthermore, she had no idea about the magnificent penis standing proudly between my legs.

But alas, if she had noticed, she would have prostrated herself before its greatness… what a shame.

“…Ah…”

I hooked my fingertips to the top of her black panties and slowly, teasingly, removed them. As expected, love juice overflowed from Safiya’s secret slit and dripped down her thighs. At the beginning of the slit, a cute little bean (clitoris) peeked out. Around the labia majora, pubic hair was starting to grow, but rather than fully developed pubic hair, it was more like vellus hair or baby hair.

Suddenly, a mischievous thought crossed my mind, and the idea of removing hair with “Hair Removal Magic” flashed in my head, but I decided to overlook it this time. Thus, Safiya narrowly escaped the crisis of becoming “smooth-all-over.”

“…Hyun…”

After removing her black panties, I checked the state of her secret parts by parting her legs, and it was as expected. I brought her legs together once, then folded her knees to a kneeling position. Safiya still wasn’t resisting much. I grasped both knees again and spread them apart.

Perhaps pulled by the tendons of her thighs, her plump labia majora opened slightly. However, her urethra opening and vagina opening were hidden by the overflowing love juice. Still, there was something inviting in her carelessly spread labia majora. Inside the labia majora, I could see the labia minora, continuing from the clitoris, but they weren’t large enough to protrude significantly. Safiya’s genitals, with their light pigmentation, were a beautiful pink, as were the labia minora and the folds of flesh.

Safiya had been covering her face with both palms since earlier, enduring this embarrassment. I snaked my body between her spread legs and leaned in. Then, as usual, I opened her labia majora with my right hand—*squish*—and held the shaft of my penis with my left hand, aiming.

“Safiya, it’s almost time for your maidenhead breaking. If you don’t relax your body, it will just hurt.”

Safiya, whose body stiffened at my declaration, was very cute.

“Then, I will insert.”

“…Hii!? It hurts, it hurts, Hiiigyaaah!! What is this pain!? H-Hal-sama, wait a moment!!”

My penis glans were being swallowed into Safiya’s wet vagina opening, but her vagina opening seemed a bit narrow, and it felt like—*snap, snap*—a tearing sound. Of course, Safiya, who had no experience of having such a thick object inserted, cried out in pain as much as she could, pushing against my chest with both palms to try and dislodge me, but she was a stubborn one.

But a reluctant Safiya was also cute.

“…Hal, Hal… It hurts, it hurts… something so thick! I’ll tear!”

“It’s okay, Safiya. Trust me… Nn… Nnnh…”

As I kissed the crying Safiya, I wrapped my left arm around her back and covered her mouth with a deep kiss. Safiya continued to pat my chest—*thump, thump*—but it didn’t hurt as we were so close.

And meanwhile, my foolish penis advanced, reaching the part of the vaginal wall that was narrow. This was where the hymen was. Although it was a membrane, it wasn’t completely closed, but if I didn’t break it with a single thrust, it would continue to hurt, so I tensed my hips and thrust in all at once.

“Break!”

“…Hiii!! Iyaaaah!!”

My glorious thrust was successful, and usually now would be the scene where Safiya would shed “blood of proof”… but Safiya’s hymen was quite tough and couldn’t be broken. On the contrary, my penis bent, causing a pain like a fracture. I cast “Healing Magic” on my penis to heal it and decided to try again.

“Stubborn hymen, just give in!”

“Iya-gue!? Gyaaaah!!”

I thrust more fiercely than before, but it still didn’t break. Safiya was in pain, and the hymen didn’t seem to have suffered any damage from the first blow. Safiya’s hymen, with its ironclad defense, was blocking my penis’s advance. This had never happened before. After that, I flipped Safiya’s body over and tried it in the rear entry position, and even tried lifting one leg, but I couldn’t break through Safiya’s hymen.

*Giggle, giggle, giggle.*

As I failed repeatedly, Safiya pitifully rolled her eyes and fainted, her legs also spasming and twitching. Meanwhile, my penis had lost its confidence and shrunk. Amidst this chaotic scene, faint laughter could be heard.

As I subtly surveyed the situation, Holy Spirit Serena, or rather the bug-eyed Sex Spirit Eroyajin, was sitting on top of the wardrobe, shaking her wings and creating a ball of light, which she was giving to Safiya. It was likely that the Sex Spirit Eroyajin had strengthened Safiya’s hymen with “Healing Magic” while healing the tears…

**10. Competition is the very essence of glamour ③ 〇**

The Sex Spirit Eroyajin looked genuinely amused. On the other hand, Safiya, who had been repeatedly thrust into by my penis, was foaming at the mouth and had fainted, rolling her eyes. Well, I couldn’t deny my responsibility for stubbornly thrusting so much, but the culprit was definitely the Sex Spirit Eroyajin.

Feigning distress yet again, I looked around and saw the chemise Safiya had taken off lying at the edge of the bed.

“Kya!? Mmm, Master, what are you doing!!”

“You bug-eyed pervert! I’ve decided to strangle you!”

I got off the bed, quickly approached the wardrobe, grabbed the Sex Spirit Eroyajin, and hurried back to the bed, tying him with Safiya’s removed chemise and binding him like a mummy.

“M-my trivial prank, please don’t be so harsh.”

“What we were doing with Safiya was a sacred ‘First Night Ritual’. What would you do if she developed a trauma because of your trifling prank? Besides, my penis almost broke multiple times! I’m going to strangle you.”

“I-I just wanted to get along with this girl. Master, I won’t do anything bad anymore, please save me. Besides, I can also process her unnecessary memories.”

The Sex Spirit Eroyajin, bound in chemise, pleaded for his life, his beautiful face contorted into a grimace. To be honest, perhaps because I had also been intimate with Holy Spirit Serena, I had developed some affection for her, but I had no intention of telling her.

“Then try it. When I realize you’re lying, I’ll strangle you!”

I untied the chemise binding, and he gracefully flapped his four wings, taking flight.

“Master, I will now seal this girl’s unnecessary memories.”

The Sex Spirit Eroyajin, hovering above Safiya, sprinkled fine, shimmering, iridescent particles from his wings. The mysterious powder-like substance touched Safiya, who had fainted below, and was absorbed like a ball of light. And then? Her face, contorted with pain, softened, transforming into a peaceful sleeping face.

“Master, I have sealed Safiya’s memories from when that mischievous one was playing around. If you wake her up, she will return to the point when you started inserting.”

Holy Spirit Serena, having completed Safiya’s memory sealing procedure, vanished with a *whoosh*. However, her presence was still faintly detectable, so she was likely lurking nearby.

I looked at Safiya again.

Safiya’s naked body was scattered with Kiss marks, a testament to my love. Her body, flushed from my caresses, was sweaty, emitting Safiya’s sweet and tart scent. Smelling that scent of a aroused female, my indomitable fighting spirit was rekindled, and my penis became erect again.

*Gulp.*

Safiya, with her body disheveled by my caresses, was very alluring. When I parted her legs, which had been neatly aligned, her secret slit, dripping with love juice, slightly opened as if inviting me.

“Now, I will break your maidenhead again.”

Leaning over Safiya, who was still unconscious and relaxed, I opened her labia majora with my right hand—*squish*—and gripped the shaft of my penis with my left hand, and began to penetrate her vagina opening once more. Safiya’s vagina opening was still narrow, but since her body was relaxed, she swallowed it more smoothly than before.

“—…Huh!? Wh-what!? Something is stuck in my crotch!? …Ah! Hal-sama, Hal-sama’s penis is… Hiiiaaaah!! I’m being torn apart!!”

As soon as penetration began, Safiya woke up, and she seemed very confused, but I intended to break her maidenhead in this muddled state.
“Safiya, relax your body! I’m going to break your hymen. Ready, set, go.”

*Squish, thud.*

“Aaaaaahhh!”

This time, it seemed to have succeeded without issue. My penis was swallowed halfway into Safiya’s vagina, and the “bloodstain of proof” flowed from where we were joined. I then advanced into Safiya’s womb, stopping my advance in front of the cervix as usual. I leave it at that point for when I genuinely want to get her pregnant. In reality, it doesn’t matter because there’s “Washing Magic” that can cleanse the inside of the vagina, but this is my way of drawing a line.

“Safiya, look. Can you see that we are joined?”

“I… I was made into a woman by Hal-sama. But… becoming an adult is very painful.”

“It’s okay, Safiya. The pain is only at the beginning. Soon, you’ll feel sexual pleasure and crave my penis uncontrollably.”

“I… I am not that lewd!”

“Don’t be shy, a girl’s body is made to be like that. More importantly, may I move?”

“…Yes…”

*Thump, squeeze, squish, squish, smack, smack.*

With Safiya’s permission, I pulled her closer and gave her a deep kiss. Safiya actively intertwined her tongue with mine, and the face she had contorted in pain softened into one of ecstasy. At the same time, I grabbed Safiya’s conical breasts and squeezed them a bit roughly. With her pleasure dispersed, I slowly began thrusting.

“…Aaaahn♡ …Ha, Hal-samaaaa… Hiiiaaaahn♡ …Aaah…”

*Squish, squish, smack, smack, gutchu, gutchu.*

Safiya wrapped her arms around my back and hugged me. She even intertwined her legs. Even with this much closeness, I managed to shake my hips and thrust.

“…Aaaahn… Aaahhhh♡ …It feels good…”

Safiya’s moans echoed through the bedroom, and she was enjoying herself. In their first sexual encounter, many girls only feel pain and don’t reach sexual pleasure, but Safiya seems to be surprisingly passionate. Of course, pointing that out would just make her blush furiously and get angry… but the body’s reaction is honest.

“Safiya, you seem to be feeling it!”

*Gutchu, gutchu, smack, smack, gutchu, gutchu.*

“…Aaahhh… Ahn, ahn, aaahn♡ …I… I’m going to become strange… This is my first time… Ahyaan aheee… ”

Every time I thrust with my penis, Safiya’s delighted cries escaped her lips, and eventually, she began to drool and utter moans mixed with squeals. However, Safiya’s body felt like a musical instrument, with her entire being being a perfect Vagina. Even so, seeing the way she’s been since we met, a beautiful girl who probably has never even masturbated, falling into disarray and enjoying herself under my caresses is always exciting, no matter how many times I see it.

*Guccho, guccho, pan, pan, gucchon, gucchon.*

“…Aaahhh… Aaahhh♡ …I… I’m coming…”

“It seems you’re coming, receive my semen!”

*Spewu!*

With my all-out thrusting, Safiya reached her first-ever orgasm. I also commanded my penis, which had been enduring, to release, and hot, thick semen was ejaculated inside her.

*Buchu, chuuu, lollololl.*

While my penis was still inserted, I spurred on her gradually relaxing body and gave her a deep kiss. Safiya, overcome with the languid fatigue that accompanies orgasm, was limp. Naturally, as I had ejaculated, my penis began to shrink, so I withdrew from her vagina and lay down next to Safiya.

“Uwaaaah… What is this mess?! And my body is sticky with sweat, and my crotch is covered in a viscous mixture of blood, love juice, and Hal-sama’s seed. If my father and mother find out, it’ll be bad… What should I do!?”

After a while, Safiya, who had returned from “Sage Time,” was stunned as she looked at the soiled bedsheets and her own body. When she visited my room, she was so preoccupied with her first sexual encounter that she hadn’t thought about what would happen after the “First Night Ritual.”

“W-What should I do…”

Observing Safiya, who seemed genuinely troubled, was also enjoyable.

“Ha, Hal-sama… What are you smiling at? This room was originally assigned as Hal-sama’s bedroom, so you’re the one who should be troubled!”

“I have a trump card, so I’m fine.”

Smiling, I chanted “Washing Magic,” instantly erasing the sweat, virgin blood, and other stains from the sheets, and then, as a bonus, I cleaned both Safiya and myself. Of course, I didn’t forget to cleanse the inside of Safiya’s vagina.

“Well, the ‘First Night Ritual’ has concluded without any hitches for now, but shall I restore your broken hymen? It would be troublesome if Countess Safiya’s true first night with her husband were not virginity loss.”

“Ah, um, I…”

Without waiting for Safiya to speak, I chanted “Healing Magic” and regenerated her hymen. Furthermore, Safiya’s hymen was robust, and her vaginal tightness was too much, so I made it a little looser, referencing Alicia and the others. This way, when Safiya has her actual wedding night, she will be able to lose her virginity smoothly.

“By the way, Safiya… I’ll introduce you to my companions.”

“Hal-sama, I believe I’ve greeted everyone except Sophie-sama earlier… And to be introduced in the bedroom late at night!?”

Safiya looked confused by my words.

“Come here, Serena.”

“Yes! Master.”

Called by me, Holy Spirit Serena responded with a beautiful voice like rolling bells, and with her four beautiful wings, she glided and landed on my right shoulder.

“My! How adorable!! Hal-sama, is this girl perhaps a fairy!? I’ve never seen one before!!”

Safiya was greatly excited upon seeing the Holy Spirit Serena for the first time. However, Serena is not a fairy. While it’s true that mischievous fairy races exist in this world, they are elusive beings, almost like a mirage. This is because they live independently of humans, demi-humans, and demonkin, so there is usually no contact with them.

“I am not some small fairy. I am the one and only, embodied, Holy Element Spirit Queen created by the Gods. My name is Holy Spirit Serena.”

“Hal-sama, is this girl truly a spirit!? I thought spirits were beings without substance.”

“As Serena says, she is a being formed by the gods gathering the Holy Element Spirits of this world.”

“Th-That’s amazing, Serena-sama. I am Safiya Brilia Von Collanda. Please treat me well from now on.”

Seeing Safiya so delighted by Serena’s introduction, I hesitated to mention the true nature of the Sex Spirit pervert. Even without explanation, Serena would eventually reveal herself. The introduced Serena, looking happy, flew up from my shoulder and then landed on Safiya’s outstretched palm.

11. Competition is the Essence of Brilliance④ 〇
“Safiya, now that the introductions are done, shall we go back to your room? I was thinking of drawing a bath and having a soak… I mean, even though my body is clean with ‘Washing Magic,’ it’s a matter of feeling.”

Here, I made a new proposal: taking a bath. Originally, this mansion was the residence of a high-ranking noble in the Yangas Kingdom, so the guest rooms were equipped with bathrooms. When I was shown around, I confirmed that expensive magic tools were installed, and when I turned the faucet, hot water came out. Although my body was clean due to “Washing Magic,” my hips were a bit sore from too much thrusting. This could also be healed with “Healing Magic,” but solving everything with magic is rather unromantic.

“Of course, I will accompany you.”
“I will accompany you as well.”

“Then, I’ll go prepare.”

Leaving the bedroom, I returned the reception set table to its original position and folded Safiya’s removed pajamas, placing them on the desk. Then, I entered the bathroom, checked the drain plug, and started filling the tub with hot water.

“The bath is ready, shall we get in?”
“Yes, Hal-sama.”
“I-I will too!”

When I informed them that the bath was ready, Safiya, hiding her chest and below with a bath towel, hugged me. Even though my body had been restored to virginity, the memory of having finished the “First Night Ritual” with me remained vivid. Despite her position as an unmarried count’s daughter who should be chaste, Safiya had become quite bold.

“I will not lose to Liliana-sama and the others in my pursuit of Hal-sama.”

“Did you say something?”

Leaning against me, Safiya mumbled something, but it was too quiet to hear. Meanwhile, Serena gracefully danced above us. Seeing her like this, it’s clear she’s a sacred being… but she’s also a fallen Sex Spirit pervert.

“Well then, we’ve arrived at the changing room, shall we undress?”

Currently, Safiya and I were only wrapped in bath towels. Even though we had just finished the “First Night Ritual,” my penis had erect again, forming a tent in my crotch area.

“I-I feel so embarrassed.”

Safiya’s face turned bright red, and she looked away, as if she had forgotten the previous scandal. Just before that, she had been staring at the tent in my crotch area, which must have made her embarrassed. Come to think of it, during the “First Night Ritual,” I realized I hadn’t shown her my penis except when it was inserted into her vagina.

“How is it? Impressive, isn’t it? This is what was inside Safiya’s vagina.”

Intending to tease Safiya, who was blushing, I untied the knot of the bath towel and became completely naked. My penis was revealed, erect and towering.

“How big… Such a thick and strong thing was inside my vagina!”

As expected, Safiya, seeing my penis for the first time, was intimidated by its grandeur.

“This time, it’s your turn, Safiya.”

“I… I…”

As I approached Safiya, who was frozen in embarrassment, I casually untied her bath towel.

*Riiip.*

“K-Kyaaaa… Ha, Hal-sama, please stop playing around!!”

After a round of screaming, Safiya immediately covered her chest and crotch with her arms.

“I’ll undress too.”

The air-ignoring Sex Spirit pervert began to undress. The pervert, who was wearing clothing wrapped in a single cloth, lightly undressed, revealing a beautiful figure. Although her size was slightly small, upon closer inspection, it was clear that she was a peerlessly beautiful girl. Considering her lovely appearance, her personality is questionable, but in the end, it’s probably because the certain hero, who was said to have swung his sword fewer times than he had had sex, was too far beyond the norm.

Come to think of it, during the “First Night Ritual?” with Serena, my body had enlarged to a human-normal size, but I haven’t been able to replicate it since. Serena also has a wonderful physique, but if she doesn’t enlarge, we can’t make love directly. Because of that, I threatened to strangle her earlier, but I have no intention of doing so anymore.

“Safiya, let me wash you.”

“I-I can do it myself… Kya!?”

As I grabbed Safiya’s left arm, which was covering her breast, and started to lead her to the bathroom, the Sex Spirit pervert immediately clung to her left breast.

“…Ah…ahn♡ …Se, Serena-samaaaa, please stop!!”

“Guhaha haha! This, this, this is it! Budding breasts are firm, dewy, and the best!!”

The Sex Spirit pervert, unable to hold back, clung to Safiya’s left breast and began to caress it with her whole body. Safiya, bewildered, was tossed around by the Sex Spirit pervert boasting incredible technique. In the end, the “breast squeezing” that suddenly began continued until the pervert was satisfied.

“I… I have been defiled.”

“Safiya… Actually… Holy Spirit Serena has fallen and is also called a Sex Spirit pervert. And in truth, being caressed by the pervert is a divine blessing.”

Safiya listened to my explanation with teary eyes.

“I… I can do it myself… Ahann… Hal-samaaa!”

Somehow, I managed to bring Safiya into the bathroom and began washing her body after lathering soap. Safiya’s body, coated with soap bubbles, became smooth and slippery as it was covered in foam. Her triangular breasts, still developing, already had erect nipples. In the light, the areola were a pale pink and very beautiful. As I gently rubbed her slippery skin, Safiya, being sensitive, began to let out faint moans again.

“Hal-sama, Hal-sama, I can wash myself… Ahhahn… D-No… Iyaaan♡ …I… I’m melting away!!”

After I carefully washed her breasts, Safiya’s legs gave out, and she leaned against me. I sat on a chair and placed Safiya on my lap.

“…Aaahn♡ …Hal-samaaa… My body is hot!”

Then, for a while, I kneaded her breasts with both hands, and Safiya’s breasts became bright red and swollen, so this time I clasped her knees and spread her legs. Safiya’s secret place, which I had loved during the “First Night Ritual,” had been restored to its virgin state with “Healing Magic.” Tonight, I refrain from breaking her virginity again, as it would be cruel, but her spread-open secret place looked very alluring.

“…Th-There is no… Aaahn♡ …Hiiin♡ …No!!”

First, I coated her entire genital area with soap bubbles and then rubbed the area around her clitoral hood. Stimulated in her most sensitive spot, the clitoris, Safiya thrashed her limbs on my lap, but her reaction clearly showed lust. Although she had just completed her first night, Safiya’s body was honest. Furthermore, I rubbed her plump labia majora, passed over the perineum, and then washed her buttocks while also massaging them. Of course, I carefully washed the gluteal cleft side as well, and when I accidentally inserted a finger into her anus for just a little bit, she resisted even more fiercely, which was very cute.

Naturally, I also cleaned her neck, stomach, arms and legs, which are not erogenous zones, and then rinsed off the soap bubbles with hot water, leaving Safiya’s body clean. However, seeing the alluring Safiya, my penis, unable to resist, was asking to be inserted again.

“Safiya, would you hold and stroke my penis and serve me? I want to ejaculate one more time… Honing your skills in serving gentlemen is also important. Of course, you can take it into your mouth and suck it, but that’s for the next step, perhaps?”

“Hal-sama, do you do such things during night vigils?”

“Your mother doesn’t seem to have taught you, but it seems that sexual techniques are a part of noblewomen’s accomplishments. For girls who are married off for political reasons, it’s apparently necessary to captivate gentlemen with their sexual skills and make them pawns for their families. Some girls in the ‘Princess Harem’ party were rigorously educated in this as well.”

“Is that so… Then, I have no choice but to try (challenge)!”

Thus declared Safiya, making her declaration of determination shyly.

“How thick and sturdy… My vagina swallowed something this thick. Chu♡”

After rinsing the soap bubbles off our bodies with a warm water rinse, Safiya turned to me, who was sitting on a chair, kissed the glans of my penis, and then bit down on the glans.

“Haryushama… Nyoh… Kashira?”

“You’re good, Safiya. But don’t use your teeth.”

Safiya took my penis into her mouth and struggled to lick it with her tongue. Honestly speaking, her tongue technique was clumsy, but it was excellent for a first-timer. Furthermore, Safiya also licked the shaft and scrotum of my penis.

*Dowuwuwu.*

“Inside my mouth, something sticky and bitter…”

And then, I, who had already been holding back close to my limit, released my semen into Safiya’s mouth. Thick white fluid dripped from the corners of Safiya’s mouth.

“It might be bitter, but you have to drink it.”

*Gokkun, Kohho, Kohho, Kohho.*

“It was smelly, bitter, and sticky, and hard to swallow.”

Although she coughed a little, Safiya swallowed the semen I had released.

“I want that too.”

The Sex Spirit pervert, who had been indulging in masturbation while watching me and Safiya’s scandalous behavior, took flight and began licking the semen that was dripping from Safiya’s mouth. Seeing this pathetic sight, no one would think she was a Holy Spirit…

“My body is clean now, let’s get into the bath and warm up. Pervert, you get into this.”

We rinsed ourselves again with warm water and proceeded to get into the bathtub. For the small pervert, I prepared hot water in a washbasin and created a small bath.

“Hal-sama, may I come closer?”

“Come here, Safiya.”

“Yes, Hal-sama!”

Initially, Safiya and I were at opposite ends of the bathtub, but Safiya said she wanted to come closer to me, and I readily agreed.

“Somehow, I feel comfortable and safe here.”

Sitting on the step in the warm water, Safiya climbed onto my lap.

Even in the warm water, I could feel Safiya’s warmth. Her hair, mixed with the refreshing scent of soap, seemed to emit a faint sweet body odor. And the soft weight of Safiya leaning on me was also comforting.

It was a moment of bliss, making me glad I had saved the near-death Safiya.

After that, Safiya returned to her room. Along with her, Safiya’s eyes seemed to be brimming with the confidence of being loved by me. As for the Sex Spirit pervert, she accompanied Safiya, but I have no idea what happened afterward… Even I, after loving Safiya through the full course, was tired. Lying on the bed, sleepiness immediately overcame me, and I lost consciousness.

12. The Fortune-teller Who Invites in Dreams
“Did you sleep well last night?”

“Yes, Count Collanda, I slept soundly last night.”

Alicia, Liliana, and I were having a pleasant breakfast with the members of the Count Collanda family.

I am accustomed to sleep deprivation for such reasons and am managing, but Safiya, who secretly underwent the “First Night Ritual,” occasionally yawned, looking sleepy. Countess Deer also had sleepy eyes, but her skin was more radiant than when I met her yesterday, and as Safiya predicted, she must have burned intensely last night. Conversely, Count Collanda had dark circles around his eyes, but it’s a case of “silence is golden.”

Gasper had once said that in such situations, men are drained by women. Come to think of it, it’s been quite a while since I last visited the Raymond Trading Company. Alicia, who is left in charge of the store, is accompanying me this time, and I’m concerned about the treatment of the slaves I bought. Alicia has similar concerns. It seems she also has some purchased slaves, so she’s worried about them too.

Naturally, Alicia has been enthusiastically engaged in enlightenment activities for female slaves.

Furthermore, upon closer observation of Count Collanda, I noticed kiss marks on his neck. Meanwhile, Rubiliza has been sending intense gazes towards Alicia and Liliana, but they are pretending not to notice. Incidentally, Alicia and Liliana were aware of Safiya’s “First Night Ritual” last night. The conscientious Safiya apparently obtained their permission before visiting my bedroom.

Alicia and Liliana seemed to smile wryly, but they had expected this to happen when I saved Safiya. When I call them for night duty, I’ll love them with all my might to make up for last night. And after the “First Night Ritual” ended, I thought Safiya had returned to her room, but it turns out they had gathered in Liliana’s room and were having a girls’ talk. I wonder what they were talking about…

Of course, Holy Spirit Serena was also present at that gathering and apparently had a lively time discussing vulgar topics as a Sex Spirit pervert. Despite her divine and lovely appearance, Holy Spirit Serena’s fallen and regrettable personality and proclivities have surprisingly increased our sense of closeness. This is probably why she wasn’t strangled when she was sealed.

I was so curious about the content of their casual conversations that I later questioned the Sex Spirit pervert. She told me they were discussing the pain of losing virginity and the fear of my penis advancing into their vaginas. Indeed, including Holy Spirit Serena, they were all women I had performed the “First Night Ritual” on, so they were lively comparing their experiences. It made me feel somewhat complex.

“Well then, be careful on your journey. Safiya, I will not forgive any actions that drag down the others, with the name of the Collanda Count Family at stake, so focus on your duties.”

“Safiya, do your best.”

“I’m jealous of Elder Sister Safiya… I wish I had been taken along too…”

“Father, Mother, Safiya will do her best with the name of the Collanda Count Family. And Rubiliza, please take care of things here.”

Seeing us off, the Collanda Count Family members, Safiya and I set off to rejoin the remaining party members. Our attire was our formal wear from when we visited the mansion, concealed by our “Princess Harem” uniforms, but Safiya was wearing durable, adventurer-style clothing. This is because Safiya will be accompanying us while we are in the Former Yangas Kingdom Territory. Count Collanda also offered to provide assistance if necessary, so we seem to be well-prepared. Ultimately, we decided to keep the fact that Safiya was the “Phantom Thief Le Vina☆Star,” who had been causing a stir in town, to ourselves. There was no one who would gain anything by revealing the truth now.

At breakfast, when I subtly inquired about the movements of the “Phantom Thief Le Vina☆Star” to Count Collanda, I learned that she had been seriously injured during the raid the day before yesterday. He believed that she had likely died of exhaustion while fleeing. As expected of Count Collanda, a capable official. If we hadn’t intervened, Safiya’s fate would have likely ended that day. Safiya, a poor actress, listened to our conversation while breaking out in a cold sweat, but Count Collanda and his family didn’t seem to notice. It’s unlikely they would suspect their beloved daughter, Safiya, of being the “Phantom Thief Le Vina☆Star,” and her being unharmed further distanced them from the truth. It’s unlikely that the “Phantom Thief Le Vina☆Star” will appear again, but this is convenient for now. Furthermore, the “Phantom Thief Le Vina☆Star” was a righteous thief who stole money and goods from those who had accumulated wealth through wicked means, so there were no sympathetic victims. On the other hand, since Safiya is the beloved daughter of Count Collanda, who provisionally governs the Former Yangas Kingdom Territory, it was convenient for her to accompany us. We headed to the predetermined meeting point with the remaining party members, traveling back by gondola. Safiya, who had “climbed the stairs of adulthood” in name and deed after completing the “First Night Ritual” last night, was conversing with Alicia and Liliana. I could sense Holy Spirit Serena nearby, but she had likely melded into the surroundings, becoming invisible.

“Hal-sama, thank you for your hard work. How did it go?”

“Other than Safiya being spanked by Count Collanda as punishment for staying out all night without permission, it went by and large well… Safiya also said she will do her best as Liliana’s subordinate in the future. So, she will be accompanying us while we stay in the Former Yangas Kingdom Territory.”

I reported yesterday’s events to Elise, the vice-leader of the “Princess Harem,” under the shade of a tree in the park, which we had designated as the meeting point with the remaining party members. The party members surrounded me, listening to my report.

“You look great in adventurer’s clothes too, Safiya. You’re cute.”

“I am honored by Lyuschenne-sama’s praise.”

Immediately, Safiya and the others mingled with the remaining party members, and Safiya blushed when Lyuschenne complimented her outfit. Strangely, when such a large number of beautiful girls gather, it’s not uncommon for internal factions to form and serious bullying to occur, but in reality, even with a few pranks and mischief, it has never escalated to insidious bullying. No, the only exception would be the love-struck knight Sophie. Sophie is currently undergoing rehabilitation with Ilisha under Master Rulus, who has gained a new body. I have asked Anya to strictly educate them as ladies. I look forward to seeing what wonderful ladies they will transform into when we meet again.

“So, have there been any developments on your end?”

“I’ll report on that. Is that fortune teller, Astarotte, an old woman?”

“Yes, she is?”

The fortune-teller named Astarotte, whom Safiya suspected had been secretly maneuvering or acting as the “Phantom Thief Le Vina☆Star,” turned out to be an elderly woman. She makes a living as a fortune-teller on the first floor of a dilapidated rental house in the downtown area and lives with a man who appears to be her grandson. She was originally a wandering fortune-teller and eventually settled down.

“Astarotte was an old woman…”

I had imagined a strikingly beautiful and seductive woman, like a poisonous temptress who decieves her customers… It seems I was completely mistaken. On the other hand, as Safiya, who visited her as a customer, it was a natural fact, and she looked at me strangely, making me feel somewhat ashamed. And Astarotte, it is said, is very accurate, and customers visit her one after another, so her business is prosperous.

“…But, whenever I get close to that house, my nose inexplicably twitches!”

Even Swan Hilda, despite her eyes, senses that Astarotte and her grandson are of unknown identity and something about them is unsettling. Although Swan Hilda is still immature, she is a legitimate Lower God Clan Valkyrie. If even Swan Hilda feels something is off, it’s likely true. Regarding Astarotte’s method of fortune-telling, I also confirmed with customers who had visited her. They said that when they tell Astarotte what they want to know, she focuses her念 on a crystal ball placed in the center of the dimly lit room and then they receive a talisman sealed with beeswax. After that, by placing the talisman under their pillow and going to sleep, they receive an oracle in their dreams. This process was the same for Safiya. Incidentally, Safiya visited Astarotte out of sheer curiosity, but on the pretext of asking for the location of a ring she had recently lost, she found it exactly where the person she met in her dream told her. However, she had completely forgotten the appearance of the person who appeared in her dream. Thus, Astarotte is apparently called the “Dream Fortune-teller”… I also remembered that Seira Hyperion, whom I saved shortly after embarking on the Second Expedition Trip, was called the “Saintess of the Dream Hall.” In Saintess Seira’s case, a god descends into her dreams to deliver prophecies… In Astarotte’s case, even though she gives you a talisman, the customer has to have the dream themselves to find the solution, which is a style I’ve never heard of before. However, I refrained from asking Astarotte for a divination for reconnaissance purposes. Since Swan Hilda, who is a god in her own right, felt something was wrong, we waited for the pervert to return.

“Thank you for your report, Swan Hilda.”

“No problem, it’s you and me, right?”

I praised Swan Hilda, and she smiled happily. Furthermore, she was patted on the head by her cousin Edele, who said, “Good, good.”

“Is there anything else?”

“Now it’s my turn.”

“What is it, Kirika?”

“According to the information I’ve gathered, recently, the activities of rebels have been increasing in Schwerin. Among them, there are a group composed entirely of women called the ‘Knights of the Azure Moon.’ I think it would be good to capture them and make them subordinates of Liliana.”

“My, are there any surviving female knights from Yangas Kingdom? I would love to meet them.”

“Kirika, you did well.”

Having finished reporting the current situation, we decided to meet Astarotte, the mysterious old woman in question, in person. Now, let’s see if she’s a demon or a devil…

Thank you for reading.
Episode 35 “Liliana III”: The Beautiful Phantom Thief Who Troubled Her Homeland and the Trick to Captivate the Stubborn Old Man? Princess 〇 is concluded here.
Episode 36 “Astarotte” will be posted from August 20th.
We will be posting it continuously as a summer break special project.