It has been over a month since the previous chapter was released on August 14th.
I am still quite busy, and my progress is a bit behind schedule as I am currently writing episode 46-7.
Although I originally planned to release chapters every other day starting in October, unfortunately, the situation is difficult.
However, I believe it would be bad to have longer gaps than this, so for the time being, I will set up scheduled posts for every Saturday at midnight.
I hope I can continue writing without any more breaks…
I, Hal Harem Von Raymond, along with Princess Harem and the rest of our party, are heading towards the city of Ribidoon, a provincial city in the former Wahl Imperial Kingdom.
The border town of Imman and Ribidoon are connected by a main road, so transportation is convenient.
However, as we approached Ribidoon, the city was enveloped in a somewhat strange atmosphere due to the monks and nuns of the Heavenly Demonic Milk (Manoo) religion and the Pure and Small Breasts (Hinnu) religion, which Lyusienne had denounced as heresies, engaging in recruitment and street preaching.
“My, oh my, the land of Wahl that I love so dearly… is being dyed pink with ‘boob lust’! This is all the fault of that fool, Daba!!”
“Princess Lyusienne, I understand your feelings.”
“Thank you, Liliana. I worry that I am causing you concern.”
“But Princess Lyusienne, you have it tough. If it weren’t for the matter of restoring the New Yangus Kingdom, I might have declared myself as the second in line for the throne to alleviate your burden… But in my homeland, Yuliana is working hard, and I must live up to her expectations, so it’s impossible.”
“It’s good for you, Liliana, having Yuliana, the second princess, to rely on. In contrast, in my case, it’s just that embarrassing fool who does nothing but cause trouble…”
Lyusienne expressed her concern about the abnormal situation where her countrymen, on the land of her homeland after a long absence, were divided into several groups and fighting over the status of breasts—whether large or small.
Lyusienne blamed the former Prince Daba Dabata Von Dark Horse, who had a slight trace of Wahl Imperial Family blood, as the root cause of this situation.
Liliana, a distant relative, showed concern for Lyusienne.
And behind them, Tirna agreed.
Incidentally, compared by the purity of Wahl Imperial blood, Liliana’s blood was denser than that of former Prince Daba.
In other words, if the line of succession to the throne were listed by blood purity, Lyusienne would be first, followed by Liliana, then Sophie, and then former Prince Daba.
This explanation also gives a good idea of the position of the Dark Horse Ducal House in the former Wahl Imperial Kingdom.
As Lyusienne herself stated, the Dark Horse Ducal House was likely a disgrace to the Wahl Imperial Family.
If that were the case, could the allegedly foolish former Prince Daba really orchestrate such a sophisticated scheme to incite the populace through religious conflict?
Of course, there’s the possibility that he has capable subordinates.
After all, former Prince Daba is a mere figurehead for the anti-Espana movement.
Therefore, Lyusienne seems to intend to oust former Prince Daba, but she appears very interested in the people who are carrying his banner.
However, it seems there is no benefit for Prince Daba to have the populace pitted against each other at this time.
Furthermore, the populace, incited by these pseudo-religions, appeared to be hostile to the opposing camp but did not seem to support anti-Espana activities such as expelling the invading forces of the Espana Imperial Kingdom or the appointed governors.
These followers were simply debating the difference in breast size.
In my opinion, it is a malicious brainwash that preys on people’s anxieties about the invasion of the Espana Imperial Army and the fall of the Wahl Imperial Kingdom…
Considering this, who is the mastermind behind the Heavenly Demonic Milk (Manoo) religion and the Pure and Small Breasts (Hinnu) religion?
The most likely suspect is that the dark side of the Espana Imperial Kingdom is stirring, trying to divert people’s hatred away from the invaders, the Espana Imperial Army?
However, based on my observations in various places during the “Second Expedition Trip,” there were no local governors engaging in such intricate manipulations, and there is also the risk of the rampaging populace turning their anger towards them.
Perhaps the Espana Imperial Kingdom is not involved.
The next possibility is anRearmament disruption operation by the Demon Lord Army.
However, the main forces of the Demon Lord Army are primarily engaged in conflict in the border regions bordering the western and southern nations under the control of the Human-Demi-Human Allied Forces and the northern nations, which are the spheres of influence of the Demonkin.
Furthermore, the Demon Lord Army is deploying a two or even three-front operation, with a detachment invading the depths of the Southern Nations.
They are unlikely to have the resources to spare for anything else, and at present, it does not seem worthwhile to be active in the former Wahl Imperial Kingdom territory, which is a stronghold of anti-Espana forces.
If the Demon Lord Army were to carry out rearward disruption operations, it would likely be within the traditional territories of the Espana Imperial Kingdom.
Besides, there is no information at this time that the mastermind behind the Heavenly Demonic Milk (Manoo) religion and the Pure and Small Breasts (Hinnu) religion is the same person or entity.
A similar possibility is the involvement of Barberu, a high-ranking demon lurking in the darkness of the former Wahl Imperial Kingdom, and his subordinates, but there is no evidence.
Perhaps it is simply a case of two cult religions spontaneously arising by taking advantage of the turmoil of the times.
There is too little information to consider, so my thoughts are just going in circles.
As I held the reins of the carriage, I was thinking about trivial matters.
As usual, I was the coachman of the carriage leading the way, with Alicia sitting next to me.
Since we should be getting close to the city of Ribidoon soon, we were positioned to use the noble’s gate if the situation called for it.
And as I don’t need to explain now, the youngest of the three Vampire sisters, ‘Lulu,’ was sitting on my lap.
We are now driving the carriage to participate in the “Demonic Milk Banquet (Sabbath),” which was brought to us by Poporo, a nun of the Heavenly Demonic Milk (Manoo) religion whom we rescued yesterday.
My intention is to participate in the “Demonic Milk Banquet (Sabbath)” and discern their true intentions.
According to Sister Poporo, the “Demonic Milk Banquet (Sabbath)” will be held in three days, so we are short on time.
My plan is to arrive in the city of Ribidoon by today, finish our reconnaissance, and be ready for the opening tomorrow.
“Master Harem, it looks like dark clouds are gathering in the sky ahead.”
As the city of Ribidoon finally came into view, ‘Lulu’ said something foreboding.
I looked in the direction ‘Lulu’ pointed, but I didn’t see anything unusual.
“Little Lulu, I don’t see anything unusual…”
“Alicia, you can’t see it, can you?”
“Lulu, I can’t see it either… But still, we can finally see the city of Ribidoon!”
“Master Harem, and Alicia. I have issued a warning.”
Some time after ‘Lulu’ issued her warning, the castle walls surrounding the city of Ribidoon became clearly visible.
Like other cities, Ribidoon was a walled city.
This was a necessary measure to protect themselves from dangerous magical beasts.
“The gods in heaven cherish plentiful, large breasts! Now is the time for maidens with breasts more bountiful than large breasts to gather in the Heavenly Demonic Milk (Manoo) religion and bask in the favor of the gods! Of course, gentlemen who love large breasts are also welcome. The gods of the divine realm are watching your wise choice!”
“Ooooh! Boobs! Boobs! Boooobs!!”
“Everyone, do not be deceived. The gods in heaven are not interested in mere lumps of fat. The divine gods believe that divine power resides in slightly swollen breasts. However, even ugly lumps of fat possessed divine power during secondary sexual development. But if they fall into greedy lumps of fat, there is no salvation. They will eventually wither and sag. Maidens who have caught the gods’ eyes and possess small breasts, please join the Pure and Small Breasts (Hinnu) religion and receive the grace of the gods.”
“Tear off the fat! Small breasts are the best! Flat chests are supreme!!”
A short distance from the castle gate, monks of the Heavenly Demonic Milk (Manoo) religion and nuns of the Pure and Small Breasts (Hinnu) religion were engaged in street preaching, keeping an eye on each other.
Many travelers and townspeople gathered around each street sermon, creating a lot of noise.
Moreover, it seems they had deployed their ace-class members, as the monks and nuns in question were handsome and beautiful.
“My head starts to ache even before entering Ribidoon. Could the dark clouds Lulu mentioned be that?”
“If you proceed against my warning, I won’t be responsible if you get blown up.”
“Could it be… that there are demons lurking in Ribidoon?”
“Will you understand if I say I wish to exercise my right to remain silent, Master Harem?”
“I see… Even without Swanilda, my head is starting to hurt.”
“Truly, everything is giving me a headache. Hal, which gate will you enter the city through? Or will we turn back and wait for Swanilda to return?”
Alicia, sitting next to me, occasionally glanced towards her chest.
Alicia’s breasts were beautifully shaped, but not quite large enough to be considered large.
However, they were larger than those of women with flat or small chests, a delicate size.
But with all the commotion about “boobs! flat chests!!”, she must be concerned.
Of course, she seems concerned about demons lurking, based on Lulu’s warning, but the current spectacle of street preaching seems to be more on her mind.
I am also bothered by Lulu’s speech, which sounds as if something is stuck in her mouth.
Perhaps the demon in question is of a higher rank than the Vampire sisters?
What would be the best course of action here…?
Turning back now would be unnatural, and revealing that there is a Viscountess of the Espana Imperial Kingdom here would also be a bad move.
“This time, I think we should just enter through the general gate as ordinary adventurers.”
“Master Harem, are you really going into such a dangerous city? That city certainly has… demons lurking there.”
“Lulu, can you tell me where these lurking demons are?”
“Unfortunately, it seems to be an existence of the same or higher rank as myself. I only sensed something like a remnant of miasma.”
“I see… It looks like we’ll have to proceed with caution.”
This time, for reasons of my own, I decided to line up at the general gate, which had a long queue, instead of the less crowded noble’s gate.
Once I decided to enter the city of Ribidoon, ‘Lulu,’ as if accepting her fate, informed me of the demon’s presence.
The answer was as expected, but it seems we have no choice but to proceed cautiously.
“Who are you? Two carriages, quite ostentatious. To enter the city of Ribidoon, an entry tax is required. The entry tax is per person, one silver coin per person (equivalent to 10,000 yen). If you intend to trade, an additional customs duty will be levied on the goods you bring in.”
“That’s quite expensive… We are an adventurer party called ‘Princess Harem.’ We have come to Ribidoon seeking work. Therefore, we have no intention of trading.”
“Is that so!? If you allow the female adventurers’ breasts to be… ahem, inspected, I can offer a significant discount.”
“We will pay the regular entry tax, so please stop joking.”
“Tch, can’t be helped. Hey, check the number of people.”
“Yes! Captain.”
The soldiers of the Espana Imperial Army standing at the general gate were slovenly dressed, with lecherous faces, and offered a special discount on the quoted entry tax.
However, the condition for the discount was to allow “entry inspection” which involved fondling breasts, so I could not accept their demand.
“Captain, there are 9 people in the front carriage and 8 in the rear carriage, for a total of 17 people.”
One of the soldiers peeked inside the passenger carriage to confirm the number of people.
The breakdown was as follows: in the front carriage were me, Alicia, and ‘Lulu’ as the driver, while Lyusienne, Liliana, Tirna, Astarotte, ‘Lala,’ and ‘Lili’ were relaxing in the passenger compartment.
In the carriage following, the driver was Edele, with Eria sitting beside her, and in the passenger compartment were Elise, Mai, Kirika, Freya, Dietlinde, and Shera.
And the Holy Spirit Serena should be there as well.
Since the Vampire sisters were gathered in the front carriage, it was understandable, but they were probably in an invisible state and thus weren’t discovered, and it’s unlikely they would consider charging an entry tax to what appears to be a stray fairy.
“Then, we will pay the entry tax of one gold coin and seven silver coins (equivalent to 170,000 yen), please confirm.”
“Hmm, I have confirmed it. In return, I will give you a wooden token as proof of payment of the entry tax. This token is valid for one month and can be used multiple times within that period. You may proceed.”
We paid an exorbitant entry tax and entered the city of Ribidoon.
However, the entry tax was more than ten times higher than in other cities, and it was valid for one month.
This might be acceptable for merchants or adventurers based here, but for us, traveling through, it’s a rip-off price.
They probably set the one-month validity period knowing this.
What a vicious taxation method.
Thank you for reading.
Episode 46-2: Ribidoon, City of Immorality and Desire ②, is scheduled to be posted on September 29th at 0:00.
[Other Announcements]
I have posted two short stories on “Narou.” Please read them if you have a chance.
I wrote them with the feeling of someone staring blankly at their accumulated homework at the end of summer vacation, similar to reading a manga.
① [Isekai Reincarnation] Can a Reborn Necromancer Create an Ideal [Harem] with [Cheat]!? – Rushing East and West to Find the Bones of a Beautiful Girl – ‘https://ncode.syosetu.com/n5489ez/’
② [Isekai Reincarnation] Can a Reborn Necromancer Create an Ideal [Harem] with [Cheat]!? – The Sarira Saintess – ‘https://ncode.syosetu.com/n8544ez/’
