Hello there. This is a bit abrupt, but my name is Guren, and I am the protagonist of this story. Just so you know, I am not here to advertise this shitty book. Given our current situation, I'm here to share some information with you. And our subject is...Dudududamm!!! (Imaginative drum rolls) How to deal with nobles in general!
Are you all seated now? Are you all ready to accept the knowledge? Then let's move on!
These are the suggestions!
1st tip: Save a noble!
2nd tip: Nobles have strict rules, thus be sure to not go against them. If they are good person that is!
Third, never, ever try to be casual with a noble's daughter in your first meeting. Ah there are many ways to be casual, but the worst is... Even in your dreams, don't try to kiss them! A noblewoman's kiss is very sacred. You'll be doomed in a variety of ways if you do!
So now, let us see how I fared in dealing with these obvious noble people I've met.
The first tip is to save a noble! Check!
Second, don't go against them! Check!
Third point. Kiss a noble! Check!
Yep! I'm doomed!
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As the party continued its journey toward Wizteria's Royal Capital, the horse-drawn carriage rattled along the rocky road.
It contains a scene of a girl happily munching cookies one after the other. It was Andrea being fed by Mai and Chika like a stray cat, cutely pampered. Andrea, the proud, sharp-tongued girl, transformed into an innocent, spoiled little lady just by looking at her. Just how much powerful is that cookies anyway?
[Master, can we cancel our contract and make Mai my new master?]
"No way. Never! How much do you love cookies in the first place?"
[TSK! ]
"And don't clench your teeth!"
On the other side of the carriage, there I was sandwiched between the girl's parents. I pretended not to mind, but a cold sweat began to form on my brow. No one could ignore such an awkward mood, you know!
But wow! Surprisingly, this carriage isn't as small as it appears. It even has a single couch for bedding in case you are tired and want to sleep comfortably. See? The girl with golden blonde hair was unconscious on that couch, her face is still flushed with blush.
Never mind that for now. Let's begin a conversation! Let's see if we can't break the ice.
"Umm... Sir, is it really okay for us to ride with you to the Capital? I mean, you know... to inconvenience the Duke?"
Yes. I just kissed the Duke's daughter (not really, because it was CPR.) That's why I'm bound. But I did save them, didn't I? I'm not going to be turned into sushi, right? I did the right thing, right? Right?! (Note: This is how his thoughts usually go when Sakura and Hikari aren't around.)
"Haha! What a ridiculous question, Yuiren-kun! Of course it is!"
Or maybe some sort of Ramen dough?!
(Note: He adores ramen! *Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup consisting of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth, often flavored with soy sauce or miso, and topped with sliced pork, nori, menma, and scallions.* from Wikipedia!)
Ah, good he stopped using 'Sama'
"We are truly grateful for everything you've done for us; you saved us and even our daughter; so, if this ride can make you feel like you're being helped, that's even more reason we insist on having you ride with us."
Or some takoyaki?!
(Note: He loves takoyaki. *Takoyaki or "octopus balls" is a ball-shaped Japanese snack made of a wheat flour-based batter and cooked in a special molded pan. It is typically filled with minced or diced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and green onion* from Wikipedia)
"Eh? Ah..."
Help... The Duke's cheerful response, combined with his young-looking wife's docile soothing praise, heightened the mood.
Oh, I see! I've got it! For some reason, I can see how this will turn out. This situation will lead to... in many of the novels I've read. Isn't this a surprise engagement? (Please understand that he is not a bad boy; he was just averting his mind from the pressure, which is why he is so imaginative.)
"Oh, no, you're giving me too much credit; I've just done the obvious thing."
Uwaa... I chose the tried-and-true tactic of polite response. Is this all right, I wonder? My thoughts are also becoming more formal...
"Oh, my! What a lovely young man! And such a good-looking one!"
Well, thank you!
"Ahahaha, indeed. If only our dear daughter could—..."
"Dear!!!"
Hm? Hmmm?! What's that sudden change of tone? I was convinced it would be "If only our daughter could mary already, it would be you. Ufufu. Ahaha." (Please understand that he is not a bad boy; he was delusional because the docile mother of the girl burst all of a sudden.)
Was I mistaken? Is it possible that I stepped on a bomb?!
"Ah, yeah... Sorry, dear..."
And with that, the conversation crumbles. With that mysterious yell from the dukes' wife, the conversation came to a halt.
"Hmmm?"
Something isn't quite right here. However, it appears that they are unconcerned about the kiss (Not really a kiss). Ah, crap. Unconditionally, I let out my thought.
"Ah, it is no matter, Yuiren-sama!"
She smiled. Most likely to lighten the mood. She is a wonderful person. And a beauty at that. It's no surprise that the Duke pays attention to her.
Aha! This is the prelude to the upcoming ordeal of assisting a person of high social standing. This pattern never changes, does it? In VLF, as well as here. (For some reason, this thinking system appeared out of nowhere in his mind.)
"Dear, you must not do that..Okay? You will irk Yuiren-sama."
Yeah, actually I already am troubled by that comment Madam. Is it really fine for me to continue on this route? This is going to lead to a slew of problems in the future.
Let's just keep these thoughts to ourselves. But how did it come to this? So, the story goes...
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Previously, after giving the girl a passionate kis—er, CPR.
"Ah, you Sir are the duke, and the young lady is the heiress, I see..."
Calmly. After hearing their side, I responded in a casual tone. But something inside of me has suddenly crumbled. Is it my life, I wonder?
By and large, this is how the story unfolds... The duke and his family traveled from their state to the Royal Capitals' Magical Academy for the start of the new academic year.
They decide to take the Forest of Mos detour with their two maids and fifteen guards because it is closer and faster than the normal route. And, to make matters worse, their departure and route had been leaked, putting them in danger of being ambushed by bandits. That's how they met me and Andrea, who happened to be in the forest at the time.
"Indeed, my name is Ellsworth de Blaze-Wizteria, the King's younger brother, and this is my wife, Beth de Blaze-Wizteria."
He said this while gracefully pointing to his wife. He is the Duke, but how polite can he be?
"Oh, I see..."
"You're not as surprised as I thought you'd be, are you?"
"Uh, well. Based on your situation... that important-looking carriage, your clothes, and the guards surrounding you, I always thought you were an aristocrat, but I didn't know you, sir, are duke, and you have this aura of authority in you. That is why..."
"Oh my... what a brilliant young man!"
"Indeed!"
The wife said this, which was immediately followed by the dukes' agreement. They had no idea that even before we jumped into the battle, I had already determined that they were a wealthy family thanks to my appraising magic {REVEAL}. I decided to keep it to myself because I thought it would be risky and unnecessary.
"By the way, young Yuiren, where do you intend to go from here? I believe you came from the forest earlier; are you heading to the Royal Capital?"
When the Duke asked a question, the conversation shifted... He has a cheerful expression on his bearded middle-aged man's face, and this person appeared to be hoping for something.
"Ah, yes, about that..."
I was hesitating. I couldn't respond as quickly as I should have. I looked at Andrea, who was sitting on the massive trunk of a freshly cut tree, hugging her knees in boredom after everything that had happened. This is not a personal matter for me. I have to look after my companion. In addition, I have Benjirou, a demon. So, areckless decision might led us to a diresituation.
In fact, I believe it was a good opportunity for us to request a ride. But I still don't understand how this game-like world works, so if we go with the Duke, I might learn a thing or two. Is it, however, correct to take this situation for granted? My own thoughts are causing confusion in my mind.
"Ah, I know! Yuiren-sama, since you came from the Forest of Mos, you must be heading to the Capital, no? If so, please let us have you go with us. No! We insist, strongly!"
Beth stated. Her critical thinking and assessment skills made it clear that the two people in need of assistance. A political wit, if you will.
"But—..."
"No, buts! Please come inside the carriage, Yuiren-sama, and you as well, young miss; we're on our way to the Capital!"
She snatched my hand and dragged me inside the carriage. And while she was doing so, she turned her gaze to Andrea, who was only watching her master being dragged by someone she didn't know. I also cast a glance at her, and with a nod, she stood up, recognizing the okay signal. We can fight our way out, but it will put us at a disadvantage. For the time being, let us simply follow.
The three young girls were waiting for them as they entered the carriage. The maids, who are fixated on their unconscious young lady.
The duke was the first to enter, followed by the wife who was dragging me, and finally by Andrea, who was hesitant to follow at the time. But, with the cookies as a lure, she went inside just as quickly. Seriously, this girl...
As a result, that's how we find ourselves in the current situation.
Looking out the window not long after we left the Forest of Mos, we can see the great wall that surrounds the Capital. It looked even better in person than it did in the data that Benjirou showed me. And it was more elaborated when viewed up close. How did they manage to construct this in the first place?
At first glance, it appeared to be nothing more than a massive concrete wall. However, upon closer inspection, the wall was filled with magical circles, which embedded defensive magics and strengthening spells.
This wall is impenetrable even to a nuclear bomb! This is quite impressive.
As the party approached the gap between the walls, the gate automatically opened, much like a door in a modern convenience store. A work of magic, indeed!
Whoa!
I couldn't keep my excitement in check. The road was vast, and it was clogged with passing humans. There were no other race can the seen in the area, no matter where I dart my sight. Shops on the side of the road selling a variety of goods. Clothes, a staff, a robe, and even potions can be found everywhere. VLF lacks a system that is as informative and realistic as this one.
We are touring the road not far by the wall after entering the gate. And, with these gleaming eyes that were concealing my excitement, a massive mansion appeared in my vision just after passing by a bridge that divided the Royal Capital into fifths. A mansion that exudes class and wealth.
"Yuiren-sama, we've arrived!"
Wow. Just...wow!
"Welcome home, Master and Mistress!"
Those were the synced cheerful greetings of the people dressed as maids and Butlers waiting at the house's entrance. (This no longer surprises him.)
And one thing is for certain... They are the owners of this mansion (the duke).
"By the way, Yuiren-sama, could you please take our still-slumbering princess inside the house?"
"Eh?"
That smells like a trap, right?
...To be Continued...
Chapter Quiz!
What will you do if you are Guren?
A. Do as they say! No one will be against carrying a beautiful woman!
B. I wont do it. There are a lot of people there so let them do it instead!
C. I will do it. Maybe something good will happen if I do so.
D. I willl not! It smells of trap!