The next day, I was in a bad mood.
If you asked me why I'm in a bad mood, there were several reasons.
First of all, I was summoned to the Royal Castle even though I was
planning to fully rest today.
Moreover, the summons were only meant for me, so I couldn't bring Marl.
Furthermore, neither Zondark nor the King summoned me, and even if I
asked who called for me, the person who picked me up would never say
anything.
When I was going to refuse, the person said You're the one who'll be in
trouble in a half-threatening tone.
[Is it okay if I make you my husband? I'm sure you'll be happy!]
And this was the last straw.
Let's calmly observe the object in front of us.
First of all, her hair was shiny blonde. Since it was tied up at the back of the
head, I think it would probably be quite long if she let it down.
The magic soldier, Lynette-chan, also had blond hair, but perhaps because
of her social status, she was well groomed and her hair shone even to the
ends. Frankly speaking, she was a beautiful blonde.
As for her facial features.
She may be wearing make-up, but she didn't look that flashy, and her
features were well-kept. I think it's comparable to Marl.
Above all else, the slightly slanted gaze that gave the impression of being
determined was truly pathetic――but somehow cute.
Judging by her figure, her breasts were more voluminous than Marl's, and
her shape also was good.
Maybe she had some knowledge of martial arts, as her body seemed to be
toned. Zondark said to be careful of fake proportions when dealing with a
noble's daughter, but this looked like the real deal.
Well, to put it in one word, she's a beautiful girl who looked like a noble
lady. Well, not any noble either, but a Royal family member.
[You're joking again, Princess Kalnera.]
The name of this object in front of me is Kalnera Zan Karendil. She's
fifteen years old.
She was the second Princess of the Karendil Kingdom, also known as
Arrogant Princess among the people.
By the way, the 20-year-old first Princess had already married into a Duke's
house in the neighboring Kingdom of Mischronia. It seems that she was a
Princess who was popular with the people because of her easy-going and
tolerant personality.
You can guess the reputation of this Princess from the name she was called
by the people.
When she came to dislike her tutor, she'd insist they be replaced with
scholars, magicians, or swordsmen who were famous abroad. She had also
forced other noble children to give up her accessories during a tea party all
of a sudden. There was no shortage of instances of that kind, such as saying
I want to go flower viewing and then occupying a park that was a place
for citizens to relax.
[Besides, I have already devoted my body and soul to Princess Mariel.]
It seems like it would be fun to break her nose and make her cry, but it's not
like she's a random person I can meet on the street.
Somehow I wanted to make her cry, but if I didn't do it peacefully, I'm
afraid of the consequences.
[You know it's okay to speak more casually?]
[…I like Princess Mariel, although I think Princess Kalnera is also
beautiful. If this is all you want me to do, can I go home?]
[You're impatient, aren't you? You've come to the Royal castle, so why
don't you drink some tea? It's fine to talk a little more, right?]
When Princess Kalnera said so, the maid who was standing beside me
poured tea and placed it in front of me and the Princess.
The table on which the tea was placed was a transparent glass table that I
had never seen before in this world. The parts that aren't made of glass
were luxuriously decorated.
When I picked up the teacup, my sense of danger reacted. While pretending
to enjoy the aroma, look at the tea with an appraisal eye.
Premium Mount Basti (poison) with sleeping pills (highest quality)
Hmm, what are you intending to do by putting me to sleep?
Anyways, it won't work due to my poison resistance, but let's pretend to be
oblivious and drink lots of it. I'm curious to see how it goes.
I thought so and took a sip of tea.
[It's kind of a strange taste, I haven't tasted something like this before.]
[It's the finest tea. Even in the Karendil Kingdom, I don't think you can
drink it unless you're a noble or a member of the Royal family.]
Saying that, Princess Kalnera smiled.
That smile on her face was due to how her plan was going well, I just knew
it.
[Is that so? The scent is also unique.]
I took another sip, two sips and then yawned. Acting, of course.
I don't know what they're going to do, but if they try to make things
happen, it's fine to suppress them.
[I'm sorry, maybe I'm still tired from the expedition. This sofa is also
comfortable to sit on.]
[It's fine. If you become mine, you will be able to sit on that sofa anytime.]
[That is――]
I pretended to be asleep.
After ten seconds of silence, I heard something like a deep sigh. Judging
from its position, it probably belonged to Princess Kalnera.
But, I don't understand the purpose. Why was she feeding me sleeping pills
if she wants me to be her husband? Or was she trying to assassinate me?
[Yes, Stella, hurry up and get that one.]
[Yes, Nera-sama.]
The person called Stella replied with a calm voice and started to move. It
was probably the maid who poured the tea. Does Princess Kalnera let her
close people call her Nera?
A metallic jingling sound rang out, and the hand of someone who seemed to
be Stella knocked me down on the sofa.
Danger detection was giving me warning, but it doesn't seem to be a
weapon, so I ignored it.
There was a sound like something was being inserted. It seems that
something like metal handcuffs warmed to human skin were put on both
wrists.
It was behind my back, so it became difficult for me to move.
A person who seems to be Stella confirmed the shackles on my hands, and
to my surprise, she lifted me up.
[Hmm, hmm…]
When I let out my voice, the person who picked me up trembled, it was
funny.
Where are you going to take me? A dungeon or something?
[It's alright. They say that he won't wake up for about three hours no matter
what you do to him.]
[Yes, Nera-sama.]
Then I was carried out into the corridor, walked a little, entered a new
room――then was tossed away.
I'm on something soft, my body bounces. This feeling is…a bed? Why did
you throw me on the bed? It's a mystery.
[Make him drink this next.]
[Yes, Nera-sama.]
Just when I thought I heard the clattering sound of glass or pottery being
touched nearby, someone suddenly pinched my nose.
Some kind of sticky, sweet liquid enters my mouth. Danger detection didn't
react, so it should be fine. Or rather, even if it reacted and the liquid was
poisonous, it wouldn't work on me.
But what is this, it's a liquid that's strangely entangled in my throat, and it's
hard to swallow.
[It seems that it will take effect in about five minutes.]
[Alright, help me take off the dress.]
I could hear the rustling of clothes.
Eh? What are you doing? I have a bad feeling about this.
When I opened my eyes slightly, I saw Princess Kalnera undressing with
the help of a maid who seemed to be Stella.
[Geho! Gofu! Gofu!]
[Ah, Stella, why is he coughing?]
[It should be fine, Nera-sama. I didn't administer enough of that energy
potion made from orc testicles to drown him.]
I was so horrified by what I just heard that I cried! What did you make me
drink again!? Orc testicles!? Owaaaaaahh!
I desperately endured the desire to scream.
Not yet, it's not time to scream yet.
Somehow, the bad feeling was growing, but it's not a definitive situation
yet.
[Well, me too.]
Again, there was a clattering sound of glass or pottery being touched.
Oy, what are you doing?
[Nkuh, hnn…it's sticking in my throat.]
[If you drink it, even a maiden can enjoy it with less pain. Nera-sama, do
your best.]
[Ufufu… I wonder who you're talking to, Stella. I'll definitely get what I
want. No matter what! There's nothing to be afraid of!]
The Presence Detection told me that a reaction that seemed to be Princess
Kalnera was approaching me.
She must have climbed onto the bed, since I could feel the bed sunk in
slightly without making a creaking sound.
A hand that seemed to belong to Kalnera began to caress my cheek and
chest.
[Your face… Well, it's normal, isn't it? Yes, your body is strong. But, how
can you defeat those ugly trolls and orcs with this body? It's strange.]
Then the hand slides to the side, stomach, and lower body.
Hey, stop it, lame.
[Your stomach and legs are tight, aren't you? Besides, the gentleman's body
is somehow hard.]
[It seems that unlike women, it is easier to become muscular. More than
that, Nera-sama, it looks like it's starting to work now.]
[Nn. I can see it. If it swells like this while I'm looking at it, I can see it
even if I don't like it. Here I go.]
I'm sorry.
That…cannot be helped.
It's because of the medicine, I'm not at fault.
I mean, it's not treated as poison, so it won't be resisted. That's right, it also
didn't get caught in the danger perception.
As I was thinking about this, Princess Kalnera finally began to pull down
my pants.
[T, this is so brutish…is this going to enter me?]
[Y, yes, so it seems.]
[S-Stella, go ahead. Try to see if it really can enter.]
[Eh!? If, if Nera-sama says so… Um, can I have some aphrodisiacs?]
Hey, I'm sorry. What's with the clattering, what are you doing? You want to
do what again?.
Seriously, it's not fun.
[Hey, what are you doing, you guys?]
[ [ !? ] ]
The two of them stiffened in shock at my sudden yelling.
Hey! Don't grab it! Don't squeeze it!
The maid was at a loss as to whether or not she should take an aphrodisiac
at any moment.
[Fu, fufu, as expected of a Hero. You shouldn't wake up for about three
hours. But, it's convenient! From now on, you'll be mine! Prepare
yourself!]
Saying that, Princess Kalnera went to hug me.
I used my legs to resist.
[Hey, stop it, you idiot! Why are the Princesses of this world so sexually
aggressive!? Please be a little more graceful!]
[Gumumu! Stella!]
[Yes, Nera-sama.]
A maid called Stella tried to hold me down while I was resisting.
It's unfair to have two going at me at the same time. Or rather, it's a man's
dream to get untied on the bed with two girls who are full of desire, but I
also have pride.
It looks like it's time to get serious.
[Do you think that this degree of restraint can't be broken?]
[Fufu, care to try it?]
Well then, you ask for war.
I poured magic into my arm and released the restraint――huh?
[Wait what?]
[It's obvious that you use magic to strengthen your body. It's a magical
manacle, a magician's restraint that absorbs magic and makes you unable to
use magic!]
[Thank you for the explanation! Hey, don't do it! Don't touch it, don't play
with it!]
Presence Detection sensed the reaction approaching this room.
Two of them were familiar.
Oh my God, if I can't escape from my restraints, my peace, dignity, trust,
and other important things will be in trouble.
[Haa…haa…don't worry about it, it won't hurt.]
[It'll be over before you finish counting the stains on the ceiling.]
It's crazy, I'm going to be raped.
Didn't you say it absorbs magic? Don't underestimate me, look at the mana
release that surprises the Royal Guards!
[Uoooooo! Burn up! My microcosm!] (TL note: a reference to Saint Seiya)
I put magic power into the wrist restraints with full power. More and faster.
The shackles on my wrists began to tremble feverishly.
Bukin!
The handcuffs popped off as if they had exceeded the limit of how much
magical power they could absorb.
At the moment, about 250 MP was consumed all at once. What a crappy
restraint.
[Whaaaaa! Oraaaaaaa!]
[Kyaah!?]
I moved Princess Kalnera, who was trying to straddle me, to the side and
quickly lifted her pants to get out of Stella's restraints and straightened my
clothes.
Guoo, I rampaged out of the way. Aphrodisiac my ass.
[Ha, huh…! Are you running away? You coward! Don't you think it's
pathetic as a man to run away after a woman goes this far!?]
Then her personal maid; Stella suddenly run and grab my arms and starts
asking for forgiveness [If you're trying to forcibly deprive me of your
chastity with a pile of drugs, you'll be fine by yourself! You're wearing a
lot of things, you idiot!]
[Wha!? Who did you call an idiot!? Correct yourself!]
Princess Kalnera, wearing nothing but a garter belt, stood on the bed and
shouted.
Yeah, I admit it's a really sexy sight. her breasts are bigger than Marl's, and
it's already a pleasure for my eyes.
[But I refuse. Anyway, I only belong to Marl, so give it up.]
The moment I said that, the door behind me opened with a bang.
It seemed that the approaching signs had finally arrived.
[As expected of Taichi-san! He's not falling for the temptation of a rotten
bitch!]
[A, a, abababababa.]
[Greetings, Your Majesty.]
Looking back, standing there were Marl with her arms crossed
triumphantly, the King vibrating with his mouth open, and Zondark
supporting him.
Stella gently covered Princess Kalnera with a sheet to hide her skin.
[Papa! I lost my chastity to that Hero! So, it's okay to ask him to take
responsibility!?]
[What are you talking about? If Taichi-san is your opponent, you won't be
able to stand up so energetically! Taichi-san is a brute who will fuck you
until you faint regardless of whether it's a maiden!]
[Do you really have to say that? Hey, do you really have to?]
I plunged into Marl's words unintentionally.
The King was stunned and muttered something, and Zondark was thinking
about something with a bad face. Hey, what are you thinking, you fuckers?
[Gununu! Don't worry, just send him over, you idiot! Why are you
flaunting your man before me!]
While stepping on the ground, Princess Kalnera thrusted her finger at Marl.
Hey, you're just wearing a sheet, so don't move too hard. Do you have no
shame?
[Fufuun, I'm not like you who shut yourself up in the castle and are selfish!
I jumped out of the castle and found Taichi-san on my own! There's a
difference between me and someone who just takes it from others. It's only
natural to get there!]
[But, you were also a selfish tomboy! That's cheating! It's unfair!]
[That's me in the past. Now I am a hardworking woman, you know? Right,
Taichi-san!]
[Ye, yeah…]
What? Why!? Sarabawhy!?
Rather, Princess Kalnera's tone sounded off.
As I was thinking about that, Marl, who was hugging my arm, noticed my
roaring stick.
She held it tightly. Please stop, I'll die.
[What is this, Taichi-san?]
[Not, my fault. They fed me, drugs. My peepee, hurt.]
I couldn't help but speak broken words. Marl's voice just now made me go,
"Hyun."
I mean, didn't you say it's OK to take mistress? Did you change your mind?
[That's no good. You're so rotten to the core!]
[Who are you to say that!? I received a letter from your sister the other day,
and she wrote that she really hates you!]
[A , a , I can't hear you!]
Marl and Princess Kalnera continued to quarrel. Or rather, that's the only
thing I could hear.
[You two are acquaintances, aren't you? A childhood friend?]
[ [ There is no way this wench is my childhood friend ! ] ]
Ah, I see. They're good friends.
Ah, they started fighting again. But Princess Kalnera, what if you put your
hands together like that?
[!? Uwaaaaaaaaaaa!?]
[Victory! Evil has been vanquished!]
Princess Kalnera was cramped and convulsed, and Marl raised her fist in
victory.
Hey you, that's foul play.
==========
The maids rushed over and took the unconscious King away, and Zondark
took me and Marl to a place like the reception room where we had stayed
before.
I settled down and took a break after drinking the tea that the maid served.
[We'll talk about this matter later.]
[No need to bother.]
Zondark's body trembled as if he sensed the intentions contained in my
words.
Or rather, just let me go home already.
The sleeping pills didn't work, so it's fine, but the aphrodisiac is working as
intended.
[Don't mention another word about the Princess, no thanks.]
[…I haven't said anything yet.]
[Weren't you going to force Princess Kalnera on me?]
Zondark was sweating buckets hearing my and Marl's accusation. Did you
plan all this?
[Can you consider it?]
[I refuse. I already have Marl. Marl alone is enough. OK?]
[That's right. Even if I allow a concubine, she must not be Princess
Kalnera.]
Why do you want to impose the Princess on me so much? This guy.
Is it a matter of personality?
[It's true that she's a bit of a shrew, but don't you think that Princess
Kalnera's beauty is attractive to men? Riding a shrew like that is what
makes a man worthwhile, a Hero that is.]
[Why are you pushing so far? There must be a reason for that.]
Zondark let out a sigh, took a sip of tea, and began to speak quietly.
There have been numerous marriage proposals for her since she was twelve
years old.
Since marrying off a Princess to a domestic aristocrat could upset the
domestic power balance, basically other countries' Royal families and
influential aristocrats were candidates for marriage.
However, Princess Kalnera's personality was rather peculiar, and she had a
needless ability to act, so nobody could handle her.
It seems that she had already kicked off the marriage proposals brought by
the King and Zondark's aides one after another, and there was already no
one to marry.
What's more, the way it's done is unsatisfying.
Taking the prospective son-in-law out into the city, bringing them to the inn,
blindfolding them because it's embarrassing, and when the blindfold is
removed, they'll find themselves surrounded by hot-tempered older
brothers.
It seemed that this happened as a result of rumors spreading after several of
such incidents.
It's not at the level of being traumatized, but still. I don't like that kind of
girl either.
[That's why it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Princess to want to
marry herself voluntarily.]
[Are you saying that I should take her as a wife after all that? What if she
really forced her chastity upon me?]
[You can ask Princess Mariel to comfort you.]
Saying that, Zondark turned his eyes away from me.
Hey, look over here. Oi.
[What about the Karendil Kingdom? Once the flood is over, I will go to the
Kingdom of Mischronia and formally marry Marl, and if I should marry
Princess Kalnera, that would be afterward. In other words, she'll be treated
as a concubine.]
[There's no problem with that, because Taichi-dono is a Hero. There are
countless precedents for a Hero to marry a Royal daughter, and there were
Heroes who have married multiple Royal daughters.]
So, it's that kind of reason.
No, the marriage of multiple Princesses seems to be more political than
that. I don't like that kind of trouble.
I just want to go on adventures and flirt with Marl.
[No way. Why would I want to pick her up? It's late already, let me go
home, please.]
[Well, well, Hero-dono. It's never a loss to sell your kindness to our country
here and have a connection with a Princess. Even if it's just a name, it's
okay. It's not like she'll always be by your side, and it can't be helped if she
doesn't have knowledge of martial arts or magic and is not suitable to act
together with Hero-dono. A-at least give me some face here, huh?]
Saying that, Zondark bowed to me.
Hmm… it's true that Zondark has done this and that for me
Regarding the mansion, it was Zondark who dispatched Jack-san and
Maybel as compensation for the assassination.
And regarding the matter of sending weapons to other countries, it's also
with Zondark's help. I would never have been able to supply it to another
country by myself.
[No, you can't! Taichi-san! You can't!]
Seeing me thinking, Marl panicked and pulled my arm.
[Hmm… but you know, Marl. Even if we deduct a lot of things, we're still
indebted to Zondark. Isn't it fine if it's just nominal? Besides, Marl also had
a large amount of recovery medicine sent to Mischronia Kingdom via
Zondark, right?]
I admonished Marl, who protested by pulling my arm.
Marl was also sending the recovery medicine that she had been hoarding up
to the Kingdom of Mischronia. Even Marl had a debt to Zondark.
That same Zondark now bowed his head and was begging me.
[If it doesn't affect our lives, isn't it possible to fulfill our duty here?]
[Mu, mumumu…s, still no.]
Marl made a painful expression.
Should I make one more push?
[Don't worry, it's okay to live separately, so there's no problem if it's
nominal, right?]
[Gu, gugu…]
Marl finally broke.
Zondark smiled broadly.
[Is that so! You will accept it! Well, thank goodness! Hahahaha !]
Thus, I was engaged to the Second Princess of the Karendil Kingdom.
=========
[Even so, there was no contact during our stay here, so why did she come in
contact again now?]
[I think the announcement was the trigger. When I was staying in the castle,
Marquis Zondark blocked out information so that Princess Kalnera
wouldn't know about me and Taichi-san.]
On the way home, Marl said so in the carriage.
Then, she let out a sigh in melancholy.
[That girl has been like this for a long time! I can't stand it when she sees a
girl her age who has something she doesn't have! Even in this case, she
must have been envious of me getting along well with Taichi-san!]
Marl excitedly declared.
They're childhood friends after all. Well I guess it's possible since they're
Princesses of neighboring countries?
As I was thinking about that, Marl grabbed my arm and stared at my face.
[It's no good. I'm number one.]
[You worry too much…]
I stroke Marl's head with a wry smile on my face.
Even when I returned to the mansion, Marl stuck to me and didn't leave, so
I took her to the bedroom and flirted with her.
Need I mention that the energy drug was amazing? I came like a water
faucet.
===============
[And so, I received informal consent.]
[Well done, Zondark. Then, hurry up…]
[No, please wait.]
[Why?]
[I think that Hero-dono will probably be able to vacate the mansion in the
near future, so I think it would be good to start something at that time.]
[Good idea, let's go with that plan.]