Chapter 1 – Resurrection of Demon Queen (1st)

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T/N: The raw uses the title “Devil King,” but I changed it to Demon Queen for consistency.

Several days had passed since our return to Dragon City. While we were in the middle of swinging back and forth between joy and sorrow due to Ester-chan’s maidenhood, the world seemed to go through big changes thanks to the demon queen.

Or to be more precise, the Great Holy Land had started to globally dis the Penny Empire because Baron Tanaka had picked a fight with their Saint-sama. According to them, the Penny Empire was a den of evil that had shattered the system of international cooperation and order.

The Hero of the West also had his name changed into Traitor Hero and the Hero Alliance of West and East was dissolved. Just as it had been with the heroes of old, they had gone back to a system of one hero, currently being the Hero of the East. It was said that the Hero of the West was even put up on the wanted list in the Great Holy Land after being treated like a rebel.

While it was an incident that took place over a short period of time, the slander of individuals spread across countries. That’s no news propagation speed you’d expect from a fantasy world, is it? All of it must have been made possible by that magic communication or whatever it is called. Because of that, we had the march stolen on us.

That cursed Saint-sama sure works fast. Thanks to her, this ordinary Japanese flat-face received a summon from His Majesty.

“Forgive me, but I will leave the city for a while,” I informed Sophia-chan, Gon-chan, Neumann, moreover Drill-chan and Deviant-Longhair, and everyone else who had been involved with the administration of Dragon City.

The location of our meeting was, as usual, my office. And this kind of speech was based on my reflection that I should properly inform the others of my plans in advance.

I was bothered about the Loligon not being present, but well, that girl’s a free spirit.

“I will depart in a few days since I have some business to take care of in the capital.”

This time the circumstances were what they were. If things went south, it was quite possible that my territory would get attacked by domestic and foreign forces during my absence. Of course, if they have the group of non-humans make a move, I doubt they won’t be able to handle it one way or another unless it’s a fairly crazy situation. But, remembering the Ester-chan assault incident that occurred at the academy’s dormitory a while ago, it was better to prepare for all possibilities.

“It seems this city will go through hard times from now on. Since we were able to secure an escape route to the Pussy Republic after asking Doris-san for help, those unsure and anxious about their future destination should consult her or me.”

I cast a fleeting glance at Drill-chan who was sitting on the sofa. In response, an “Ohohohoho” filled the room.

“Oooooooooohohohohohohoho! The silly morons, who are thinking about running away from now on, should hurry up and raise their hands right now and here! I won’t say that it’s impossible to guarantee your present livelihood in the Ahan Dukedom of the Pussy Republic!”

“Please do not raise the stakes so much. Aren’t you just making it more difficult for people to raise their hands?”

As always, she was one girl with no tension whatsoever.

“I mean, am I not right anyway? Do you know of any place that’s safer than this place? I for one won’t leave, you know? Even if you chase me out, you’ll have to drag me by force, okay? I’d like you to properly see the care-taking of your prisoner through!”

“…Please do as you see fit.”

I guess that’s fine in itself, though. Being able to count on Deviant-Longhair as a combat force is welcome.

“It’s just as the Miss says. No need to worry ’bout us. Of course, you can also leave the city to us. Boss, you just gotta hurry to the capital ‘n straighten up all the troublesome stuff for us. Before you start missin’ the baths over ‘ere, that is.”

“Thank you kindly.”

You’re as reliable as ever, Gon-chan. Each and every of your lines is damn cool.

“Tanaka, I’ll come with you.”

“Are you okay with that, Neumann-san?”

“You going alone will make it hard for you to make any moves if some sort of problem crops up at the royal court.”

“…That makes sense.”

His point is very valid. Because I had been fully devoted to building the city ever since I gained my peerage, my knowledge about nobility, such as the official formalities at court, is completely lacking. If an outstanding official like Neumann comes with me, that side of things will be perfectly covered.

“I know it is extra work for you, but would it be alright for me to rely on your kindness in this matter?”

“Of course, you can count on me.”

“Thank you.”

Thus Neumann became my party member. I guess this time it’s going to be two dudes. But, this kind of setup might be nice every once in a while.

Most recently I’ve been troubling him quite a bit. Maybe it’s necessary to let him vent some steam over a few cups of booze, just like that one time at the bar in Trichuris during the dispute.

Alright, let’s fly with that.

He’s mentioned that he’s left his wife and child behind in the capital, so I think he’s got to have various things on his mind, too.

“You c-can leave the city to me. W-W-Whatever you say, I-I-I’m the strongest after all!”

“Thank you, Edita-san.”

These days my blond, thicc-legged loli sensei has been fervently appealing the case of her being the strongest. It kinda makes me want to see how she breaks down in tears after getting completely and utterly defeated once. I think the best part about sensei is that raping her or getting reverse-raped by her seems like a wonderful experience either way.

＊

I decided to enter the bath one more time before departing. My destination was the married wife bath that enjoyed a reputation for being remarkably relaxing even among the many different types of baths in Dragon City. The fact of my hair roots being restored after soaking in that bath just before setting out on our vacation was still firmly occupying the mind of this baldy.

I wondered whether my hair would properly bud this time around, if I took at least one more dip in there.

As such I visited the place while being accompanied by such earnest sentiments.

“…As I thought, they do grow, don’t they?”

After a short while of soaking in the bath, I could feel beneath my finger pups how the state of my hair had considerably improved. They were still short, but there was no doubt about new hair sprouting on my scalp.

“……”

This is one of those situations, isn’t it? The one where you might need several visits to get the desired result. Most hair growth products have been frequently advertised to actually work if you use them continuously. And even though anyone would logically understood those catchphrases to be nothing more than sales promotions, the sad habit of those, who lost their hair, was to repeatedly fall for those kinds of sales pitches.

“…Should I fill the water here in a bottle and take it with me?”

Yes, that’s a great idea. Let’s go with that.

That’s definitely the thinking of an old man right there, but sometimes you have to make some sacrifices to solve a big problem.

I rose from the bathtub and started to search for a suitable container. Gon-chan’s unit had prepared items such as glass bottles and soap in the bathhouse for nobles they had built in the northern district. Let’s take just one bottle of this water with me and use it as a special hair growth agent for this ordinary Japanese flat-face.

As I was in the middle of that, I suddenly felt the presence of someone near the entrance.

“Ah! Old man!”

It was Shotachinpo. I ended up having an encounter with Shotachinpo.

I’d like him to stop denouncing me as an old man. Though, I can’t deny being an old man.

“…We sure met at an unusual place.”

Contributed by the situation of this being a bathroom, both of us were naturally naked. And yet, probably being conscious of this being a public bathhouse, he had wrapped a towel around his waist.

Isn’t he observing the etiquette quite nicely there?

Thanks to that, he looked just like a woman, if seen by an outsider. You couldn’t sense any manliness from his childish body build. On the other hand, his androgynous looks and his long hair, which he had let down for bathing, emphasized his womanly side. As a result of him having hidden the dick dangling at his waist, he was now looking totally like a pretty girl.

However, please give me a break with the towel gradually bulging out while staring like this. This boy is the real deal, seriously.

“I-Is it okay for me to enter together with you?”

“Well, sure. I don’t see a particular reason to refuse that.”

I felt his stare. I could vividly feel his stare – mostly focused on my lower half. He was totally throwing glances at me.

No choice. I moved back to the bathtub and entered it to protect myself. If he’d watched me snatch a glass bottle, it’d somehow make me appear in a bad light.

I think I’ll commit my crime after enjoying a leisurely bath for a bit and waiting for Shotachinpo to leave.

“Well then…”

In the end, Shotachinpo ended up planting himself right next to me, despite the bathtub being quite spacious. He was at a distance that would allow me to touch him if only I extended a hand.

“Don’t you think it would be okay for you to keep a bit more of a distance, seeing how big this bath is?”

“If I’m too far away, i-it’ll become difficult to hear what you say, won’t it!?”

“There’s no one else in here, so I doubt that you would need to worry about that…”

“Leaving that aside, o-old man, the bath over here is incredibly relaxing, isn’t it!?”

“Yes, indeed.”

Damn it! He forced a topic change on me. But well, since I’ve been using a similar technique on Sophia-chan and Edita-sensei, I can’t really blame him for it. Rather, the damage those two girls suffer every day in regards to their conversation partner being a gross, old dude should be immeasurable.

“This bath is quite something. It even spurs your hair to grow.”

“Eh?”

“Hair. I’m talking about the hair on your head. If things settle down, I would like to try researching the water here…” I explained while pointing at a place where my hair had visibly thinned out.

While having such an appearance, Shotachinpo had demonstrated exceptional intelligence at Academy City. If I explain the circumstances to him early on, he might naturally take action and come up with some sort of result. If I can draw his interest to the water of this bath, it’ll be a great success for me.

Losing hair or sucking.

Even if the latter would lead to a temporary disgrace, most men would very likely consider it very seriously.

“……”

“What do you think? It’s mysterious, isn’t it?”

When I talked about it to keep the topic going, Shotachinpo’s eyes shifted back and forth between the head of this ordinary Japanese flat-face and the bathtub. After his expression had been giddy until now, his seriousness increased several-fold and he started to act as if being bothered by something.

Just as I thought that, he suddenly stood up with a splash. His trumpet was just an inch away.

“…What’s wrong?”

“There’s something I’d like to confirm, so s-sorry, but could you take a look?”

No, thanks. I don’t swing that way, buddy. Why is he trumpeting here anyway?

But, since his face was serious, I should obediently agree here.

“I don’t mind, but…”

What could it be?

As this ordinary Japanese flat-face was watching, Shotachinpo left the bathtub and squatted down next to it. And, seemingly following some kind of plan, he scratched his own arm. As he had apparently used quite a bit of strength, he clearly cut through his skin. Something red oozed out of his skin, flowing down across his skin towards his fingers.

“What are you planning all of a sudden?”

“Old man, take a good look at this scratch,” he instructed me with an especially serious expression.

As I had no choice, I remained silent and, just as told, focused on Shotachinpo’s arm. Thereupon, he abruptly scooped up some bathwater with his hand, and splashed it across the laceration on his arm. The blood on his skin was washed away by the water, cleaning the affected part.

Naturally, new blood oozed out of the open scratch wound──

“Wh-…”

──or at least it was supposed to.

“As I thought.”

Even though the bathroom was dim because of the meager illumination, I could clearly tell: The wound on Shotachinpo’s arm was slowly healing up. The gradual closing of the torn skin was somewhat slow in comparison to this busamen’s healing magic. But even so, after gazing at it for a few minutes, the injury had completely disappeared, leaving behind only spotless skin.

“…Old man, this is life potion.”

“I-I see…”

What the fuck!? So it wasn’t a hair growth agent?

＊

Immediately after having that pointed out by Shotachinpo, things progressed to us holding a meeting at the same spot. The participants other than Shotachinpo and this ordinary Japanese flat-face, the two men who discovered it first, were Edita-sensei and the Noble Mage, the two people with the broadest knowledge in Dragon City. And, seeing how I had entrusted Gon-chan with the maintenance and management of the bathhouse, and because I wanted to have the privilege of questioning him about various things, I also extended an invitation to him.

Naturally, seeing the lineup, we held the meeting while wearing our clothes. Though it’d have been great if only Edita-sensei had been completely nude.

After confirming that everyone had gathered in the bathroom, this busamen used his own arm to reproduce the earlier incident. Even without it being Shotachinpo’s arm, the bathwater exhibited the same effect. Everyone present could watch how the skin, which I had lightly scratched open, reacted to the water and gradually healed up.

The one speaking up first after we all witnessed this was the Noble Mage.

“What a discovery! This is simply marvelous!”

His eyes were sparkling as he stared at the bathtub. Having him react just as I had imagined somehow made me slightly happy.

Thereupon, as if to follow up on the Noble Mage, Edita-sensei confronted me with a question.

“This is…w-what kind of effect leads t-to the healing?”

“We actually do not know either, so I asked all of you to come here.”

I had thought that this bath felt incredibly nice, but I didn’t expect that it’d even heal injuries. I didn’t hear any such reports about the other baths. As such I believe this to be a phenomenon only occurring at this bath.

Because it was also the location of a ghost uproar and the murder site of Nannuzzi-san, only few people came here by choice. Only after learning about its hair growth effect, it had enough merit for me to ask Gon-chan to maintain the bathhouse.

“I expected you to say another weird thing such as setting aside some of the bath’s water, but I see, it’s because of such a reason. I totally suspected that you might be up to some bizarre play here, boss. Sorry.”

“I shall refrain from commenting about the points brought up by you, but…”

As might be expected, my fetish level isn’t that high, okay? I’m the type of player who wants to gulp it down while it’s still fresh.

“But, if that’s the case, we must start an investigation!” The Noble Mage exclaimed without even trying to hide his excitement.

He looked awfully happy.

“You’re right. Just, I am busy because I have to visit Charis. Therefore, I was wondering whether it would be alright for me to ask you, Fahren-san, or you, Edita-san, or both of you to investigate things over here in my stead, and thus I had you gather here like this…”

“Of course, I’m in! I will, upon my name as Noble Mage, show you that I can accomplish this mission without fail!”

“Ah, hey, t-that’s unfair, isn’t it!? L-Let me help as w-w-well, will you!?”

“So that means I can have you two deal with this then.”

It was decided in no time. That’s very appreciated.

“Seeing the progress of the healing, its efficiency may be at the level of basic healing magic. Now, wait. Leaving aside the effect, its biggest advantage lies in not requiring a caster as an intermediary. Isn’t this a substance that’s fully qualified to be called life potion?”

“F-First we have t-to start from conserving the s-site and a-analyzing all its details, I think!”

At once, the Noble Mage and my blond, thicc-legged loli sensei started to argue. At this rate, I think I’ll be able to expect good news in the near future.

“Hey, by the way, I’d l-like to find out just one little thing…”

“What is it, Ashley-san?”

“Could I become a real woman, if I turn into a succubus while enduring my thirst?”

“…I think it would be better to hold back on that.”

I’d have very mixed feelings about this whole matter, if he really became a woman. So let’s get out of here quickly before Shotachinpo does something weird.

＊

【Sophia-chan’s Point of View】

Tanaka-san departed Dragon City, heading for Charis. Neumann-san went with him.

This maid, who saw them off, went back to her own room without paying any attention to the things around her. She actually went back in a straight line at a quick pace, while even running for the last part of the way.

No one other than myself was present in the room.

“……”

I locked the door. Now it’s alright. With this no one will be able to enter the room.

“…Hehehe.”

I pulled the window’s curtains closed. This should make it impossible to peek inside.

With the sunlight blocked out, the room was illuminated by the weak room light, bringing about a fairly spooky atmosphere despite it being in the middle of the day.

Isn’t this rather lovely?

Naturally I broke out into a smile, “Hehehe.”

As I thought, fun times got to be like this.

My body started to dance all on its own. While lightly skipping, I headed over to the table which was installed at the window. Then I thrust a hand into the pocket at the chest part of my maid attire.

What I would find there was the powder of happiness which I obtained just the other day at the Great Holy Land──

“……Huh?”

How strange. The sensation, which my finger should feel around now, was missing for some reason. I had stored the paper envelope in here, but I wonder why? I always carried with utmost care so no one would ever spot it.

Why?

After becoming fretful, I checked my body all over.

“……”

Yet, I couldn’t find the paper wrapping with the powder of happiness.

This is a disaster!

“…No way.”

Even though I had come back while sheltering it so closely and preciously. Isn’t that way too evil?

I had been thrown into jail, had my foot cut off, and experienced various other terrible things in the Great Holy Land, leaving me behind with feelings of it having been an awful ordeal. For this reason, I thought that it was only proper for me to receive some sort of reward. Isn’t it only natural to borrow the power of a powder I procured on-site for that sake?

I mean, I was very curious how it would work. Of course, it was just a bit…a tiny little bit. I have been fully aware that it would be horrible if it became a habit. But, for it to have disappeared with the wrapping and all puts me in a bind. I have not had the chance to try it even once yet.

“L-Let’s search a bit more carefully.”

I had it on me until before the talk with Tanaka-san. There is no doubt about that. After all, I was totally excited while gently caressing it back then.

In other words, it is highly likely that I dropped it somewhere.

“…Probably it happened outside my room.”

In the unlikely event it was to be discovered by someone else in my territory, it would be a disaster. In most cases, the possession of such a powder was strictly forbidden. Taking the worst case into account, I must ask prudently here.

I have to hurry and quickly find it.

＊

I arrived in Charis a few hours after leaving Dragon City. As if it was normal, I had used flight magic for the trip. And because I had used it on countless occasions so far, I was able to easily transport at least one person without any shaking. Thanks to that, I avoided the mind-blowing situation of giving Neumann a princess carry during the flight.

Our destination was a very thriving and bustling city.

“I feel like it has been quite a long time since I came back here last time.”

“That’s my line, you know?”

“Sorry, it is just as you say. I totally forgot.

“Good grief, you’re really…”

Neumann and I walked side-by-side along the main street while having such light banter. In contrast to this ordinary Japanese flat-face who was here several days ago, it was his first time in several weeks. Moreover, I’m told he left home and family back here. Him having spent any decent amount of time in the capital since before the whole incident with the dispute must have been more than several months ago, seeing how there was also his demotion in Trichuris, no?

It’s only reasonable for him to complain here.

“Please spend today with your family. I will go back to the academy’s dormitory.”

“…Are you okay with that?”

“Rather, I feel very apologetic for having caused you so many hardships until now.”

“……”

Since he is a man with a serious character, I’m sure he’d work if I told him to do so. For this reason, I want to let him take a break for at least today. Nowadays I can understand that even his unreasonable style, which he forced on me back when he was my boss, stems from his diligent personality.

“Okay, then I will be off…”

“Wait a second.”

“Is something the matter?”

“…Do you want to come to my home?”

“Huh?”

“Some time ago, you invited me for a drink because I was your boss, didn’t you?”

“Yes, I did…”

“Inviting your boss to your own home and introducing him to your family might be something similar to that, don’t you think?”

“……I see.”

Maybe this ordinary Japanese flat-face might be able to deepen his friendship with him more than imagined. I’d be more than delighted if that comes to pass. Although it was unbecoming for my age, I felt how a pleasant warmth spread in my chest.

“How about it? As a matter of fact, I must say that the food made by my wife is outstanding.”

“If you say all that, would it be alright for me to take you up on your kind offer?”

“Yes, come with me. It’s this way.

“Thank you a lot.”

Somehow…this kind of stuff’s really nice. It doesn’t feel bad at all.

“But, don’t make any mistakes and fall in love with her, okay? She’s my wife after all.”

“I am fully aware of that.”

Wives are a hidden dungeon after I’ve cleared everything else. Since you can immediately tell whether a woman has a hymen with just that single word, there exists no title for a woman as wonderful as wife.

＊

Starting with the conclusion: Neumann’s proposal was a one-way ticket to hell.

I intruded upon Neumann’s home, a house constructed in a section of Charis’s residential quarter. Because it was his home, a place naturally quite familiar to him, he energetically passed through the entry hall and headed inside the house. The door wasn’t locked and thus he briskly walked through the place without even bothering to knock.

As a result of that, we ended up witnessing it.

“Wh-…”

“…Neena.”

The view spreading right in front of us as we entered the living room was filled with fleshy colors. A man and woman apparently were just in the act of infidelity.

“D-Dear!? W-Why are y-y-you here…?”

The woman was hiding her pussy and tits in panic while pulling the clothes, which she had previously flung off, towards her as she sat on the floor. Next to her was a man who grinned at Neumann while awfully brazenly occupying the sofa in just his underpants.

“Yo, long time no see, Neumann.”

“Joseph…”

“How’s life in Trichuris going?”

Even this inexperienced virgin chap could make a decision here. Is this the impact of adultery?

How incredible. The impact isn’t anything to scoff at, seriously.

Moreover, the male adulterer seems to be an acquaintance of Neumann. Maybe he’s a coworker? They seem to be around the same age. Yet, that guy is an impressive hunk with short-cut, light brown hair and blue eyes. His body looks tough and toned. You could even describe him as the complete opposite of the lanky Neumann. His height isn’t all that different from this ordinary Japanese flat-face, but his distinct abdominal muscles made him appear strong to anyone looking.

But well, for us who couldn’t help but stare at the muscles of Gon-chan and the members of the Twilight Company everyday, it only beamed a weak smile on our lips. The muscles of the company members were just too sick.

“……”

“What’s wrong, Neumann? Not going to greet me despite the fact that we’re meeting for the first time in a long time?”

Neumann had stalled immediately after taking a single step into the room. While scrutinizing his wife and her secret lover, his tightly clenched fists trembled faintly. Yet, his expression remained unchanged. It was calm, calm, and calm, no matter how you looked at it.

Probably because of his lack of reaction, the guy continued so as to agitate him.

“Neena’s really awesome, you know? I’ve lost count how many times I’ve cum.”

“H-Hey, wait…” The wife called out to him, apparently chiding.

Her expression that made it clear that she wasn’t all that unhappy with the man’s praise added to the reality of the adultery in front of our eyes. Her cheeks being flushed and her skin being drenched with sweat are most likely the aftereffects of her having enjoyed getting fucked silly. It’s a situation that would make any NTR-lover drool. Personally I’m on the side of wanting to NTR rather than getting NTRed, so I’d definitely prefer to be spared from this, if I were the guy on the receiving end.

“……”

On the other hand, Neumann was damn scary as he kept his silence. His eyes were directed at his feet as if he was avoiding to look at what was happening in front of him.

“Hey, hey, man, you don’t look well at all. Are you properly eating n’ stuff?”

The adulterer instigated Neumann without showing any consideration.

What should I do? What would be the best way to handle this?

Because Neumann was so extremely calm, even his wife added, “…That’s how it is, so, umm, could you leave?”

“……”

She’s probably considering herself to be at advantage thanks to her lover being next to her. Because of that, I felt like my chest was about to burst as I watched this play out. It’s just too damn saddening. I mean honestly, isn’t this just heartrending? Since I’ve been keeping him company for the last few weeks, I’ve seen it. Neumann’s love and effort towards his family. And because of that, grief swooped down on me.

“N-Neumann-san…,” I tried to call out to him in order to somehow salvage the situation.

In response, he nodded lightly and responded, “…Yeah, you’re right. It sounds like a good idea to do just that.”

No, you’re wrong, man. That’s not it. I want to clearly appeal to him that this is a situation where he has to brace his heart and resolve himself.

Haven’t you been heatedly arguing on equal terms with the scary-faced guys from the Twilight Company at Dragon City? Didn’t you even talk straight from the front with the Loligon back when she was still violence incarnated?

“What? So you ain’t going to put up a fight? Even though you got such a great opportunity here.”

“……”

Neumann persisted in staying calm and quiet. In contrast to him, his wife’s secret lover intentionally got full of himself so as to ridicule Neumann. He’s acting as if he’s owning the place. While only wearing his underpants, he’s sitting on the sofa with his legs widely spread like some mafia dude.

“Is this how an official, who makes even the nobles at court shit their pants, acts in private?”

“……”

“Hah? What’s up? Neumann, you seem very dispirited, don’t you?”

This is that kind of situation, isn’t it? The one where the boss has to step up. To be frank, it’s as agonizing as back when Edita-sensei was kidnapped. No, it might be even more painful since I can totally sympathize with him as a man being in such a mess.

I can’t hold back any longer!

“I feel somewhat reluctant to meddle in family affairs as an outsider. But, you people are so nasty and terrible that I cannot help but to raise my voice. Do you not know just how much Neumann-san has been thinking of his family in love and affection?”

I ended up saying all that. I butted in.

“Who are you, bastard?”

“He is called Tanaka. Someone who is working together with me.”

“Tanaka?” The adulterer tilted his head after hearing my name. Before long, his smile deepened as he seemed to have realized something, “Ahh, the useless bum of a noble who’s said to have come back after picking a fight with the saint of the Great Holy Land, was it!? It’s become a hot topic at the court that Saint-sama personally talked to His Majesty, you know? You’re moments away from having your land confiscated and getting crushed. Even though it hasn’t even been a year since you got it in the first place.”

“……”

For real? So Baron Tanaka is over, huh? I’ve got a feeling like I’m no help at all for Neumann.

“You’re truly finished, Neumann. Your house, your wife, your child, and the job, which you barely kept…all of it is gone. Serves you right, doesn’t it? I guess, the most you’ll be able to do, starting with next month, will be to be a seedy beggar in the slums.”

“……”

Neither of us could press out a single sound. What should I do? I’ve started to genuinely feel apologetic.

“Please forgive me, Neumann-san. Because of my worthlessness…”

“No, it’s fine, Tanaka. I’ve decided on this path myself…”

“But, I will not allow for things to end like this.”

“…Tanaka?”

Now that I’ve been told all that, I definitely must handle this whole mess one way or another. At this point, I can’t simply pull back. Neumann’s life is on the line here.

“I promise you that I will let you have another chance in the near future.”

“……”

I was closely scrutinized. By Neumann. On the other hand, the adulterer burst into laughter.

“Hey, hey, how about you worry about yourself instead?”

Moving his eyes, he exchanged a look with Neumann’s wife. Thereupon, she spoke up as if having resolved herself about something.

“D-Dear, i-it’s your fault, you see? I felt lonely. Moreover, you were suddenly demoted when our child was in its growth phase. Although we still have a big loan to pay back for the house, I c-cannot stay with you under such circumstances!”

“Your heard her?”

“gh…”

Neumann had been precisely stabbed where it hurts. Maybe this adulterer here is the coworker from the story he told me a Trichuris’s bar during the dispute. Going by his composure which showed no hints of falling apart whatsoever, I vaguely felt that to be the case here.

“Come on, if you got it, then hurry up and get lost. This is now Neena’s and my home.”

He was terrible and oppressive. A man’s home was his heart. Being one-sidedly told to get out is way too devastating. But, right now, this ordinary Japanese flat-face has no right to talk back.

Doubtlessly I also played a part in the circumstances that led to him losing his position. It’s the result of me having prioritized Edita-sensei’s safety over my position as baron of the Penny Empire. Of course, I didn’t have any regrets about my actions back then. Also, at the same time it’s not like I’ve given up on everything either.

“…Neumann-san.”

Just when I was about to address him, footsteps could suddenly be heard from the entry hall. Wondering what was going on, all of us focused on the hallway.

Thereupon, armored guards with spears in hand suddenly showed up for some reason.

“A flat face and yellow skin! You’re Baron Tanaka, aren’t you!?” “Throw away all your weapons and stay obedient!” “We have heard that you excel in magic, but should you use it here, we won’t hold back, got it!?” “Let us tie you up without any resistance!”

They addressed me by name while demanding my surrender. What is it now all of a sudden?

“There have been reports by residents! You’re without a doubt Baron Tanaka, right!?”

“Yes, indeed, but what about it?”

“We have an order to take you in! We will have you accompany us!” “If you resist, things won’t end nicely for you, even if you might be a noble!” “Right! Be a smart guy, give up and come with us!” “Oi! Where’s your answer!?”

Isn’t that quite the one-sided way of handling the matter, considering they’re dealing with a noble? In other words, it’s an order issued by a person with a reasonably high standing. There’s no way I’d be able to cause a scene in this place. It’d be a drama if I dragged Neumann into it as well. It might even lead to damaging his home.

As long as it’s me alone, I’ll be able to handle things, even if I’m arrested. I think I should prioritize his house, safety, and social standing here.

“…I understand,” I agreed solemnly.

In response, the eyes of the guards wandered to everyone else.

“What are we going to do about the others?” “How troublesome. Guess we should haul them all in in one swoop…” “The order should have been to only secure Baron Tanaka, though?” “No, but if they’re related to him, it might be best to take them all in here.” “Certainly, you got a point…”

The soldiers started to discuss this for some reason. Please spare me of that.

“The man standing next to me belongs to the Duke FitzClarence family. If you insist on taking him with you despite that, I will not stop you. But, I cannot promise you that you people will see tomorrow in such a case.”

“gh…W-We’re just going to take the baron with us!”

Once I brought up the name of Ester-chan’s family, their little argument immediately concluded. The FitzClarence family is said to be the strongest powerhouse. Thanks to that, it looks like I’ve been able to guarantee Neumann’s safety. And while at it, his wife and her lover’s, too.

“You’ll behave, right!?”

“I know.”

I was swarmed by the armed guards. In no time, I was bound by ropes. And then they poked my back, urging me to hurry along.

“……”

Fuck. How mortifying. I definitely won’t allow things to end like this.

Neumann, please wait for me.

＊

The guards brought me to the jailhouse which had been built as an annex of the imperial castle. Oddly enough, it was the same prison from which I broke out with Great Thief Hard and the others some time ago when I had just arrived at Charis. No traces were left of the past uprising. The broken walls and everything else had been restored to their original state. Now it was a quiet dungeon building.

I could also sporadically spot people inside the cells which had once emptied out completely. After walking through the corridors, I was thrown into a cell located in the deepest place of the dungeon. Far from having any leeway to negotiate, I wasn’t even granted any postponement to voice a defense of my case.

“……”

Once I was alone inside my cell, I started to wonder what I should do next. Breaking out of the prison was as easy as pie for me. Considering my stats that allowed me to repel magic with my bare hands, I think it’d be quite possible for me to even tear apart the cell’s bars just like that. Or rather, they got slightly warped when I tried to lightly grab them earlier.

In short, I’m safe. Or in Edita-sensei’s words, I’m the strongest, invincible, and almighty. Still, all of that concerns the physical problems.

“…As I thought, the situation is quite dicey, isn’t it?”

I want to help Neumann. What I need for that sake aren’t huge fireballs that reduce everything to ash or healing magic that cures any illness injury, but standing, money, and prestige that’ll allow me to laugh off anything, no matter how high and might some big-shot might try to act. Moreover, it has to be within the framework of the Penny Empire to which the adulterer belongs.

“……”

If I limit the issue to my own welfare, it’d be an option to stay in this prison until things calmed down. But, right now I don’t feel like doing that. I want to start acting as soon as possible. I want to get to work. I desire money, fame, and status.

“…Tanaka.”

As I was pondering about all that, my name was suddenly called. Because I had been looking downwards while sitting cross-legged, I was late in noticing their presence. Once I lifted my face, a single person stood outside my cell, apparently having arrived there without me noticing. He wore an extravagant attire, one that was terribly mismatched with a damp, foul, and shady place like a prison.

“Oh my, Your Majesty. What kind of business might you have to come to such a place all by yourself?”

“It looks like you made a huge blunder this time.”

“Blunder, you say?”

“As might be expected, I can’t cover for you when it leads to turning the Great Holy Land into our enemy.”

It seems like His Majesty has gone out of his way to come visit this ordinary Japanese flat-face in person. Is he possibly bored or something? For him to have shown up here without a single attendant in tow is quite the big deal.

“I thought that you were a slightly smarter guy, but did I overestimate you?”

“I merely moved in accordance to what I thought would be best. I have absolutely no regrets in regard to the matter this time. Of course, I am capable of listing a few points that require reflection, but I think that very likely none of those would have changed the outcome.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes.”

If I killed His Majesty here and now, I might be able to pull off a coup d’etat or some such. No, I guess that’d be unreasonable.

The Penny Empire was a country where the noble factions hold as much power as the imperial family. Even if one mountain got destroyed, the free space would quickly get buried by one of the other mountains. Unless I go at it with a force that would banish all the nobles, it won’t lead anywhere. And ,even if I exile the whole lot of them, it won’t help in rising Neumann’s self-respect. It won’t restore his dignity and honor.

I need another method. A righteous method of attacking.

“What do you want to do? What will you do after defeating the saint?”

“I think you might have vaguely noticed it as well, Your Majesty. The oracles passed down by the Great Holy Land and the hero framework all exist for the sake of protecting the interests of that country. And the demon queen has been with the saint for 500 years. Just the other day, that very demon queen was released into this world.”

“……”

“The current demon queen scorns humanity. I expect her to start moving in order to eradicate the humans in the near future. Until then, we must prepare in order to resist that being. Otherwise, the age of humans will probably end in no time.”

“…You’re telling me to believe such a fairy-tale?”

“If you believe my words, it will set the Penny Empire as the next Great Holy Land.”

“Meaning? Are you saying you have plans on how to take down the demon queen?”

“It does not matter whether I have any plans or not. If we do not defeat the demon queen, not just the Penny Empire, but all of human society will end. Saint-sama of the Great Holy Land also understands that fact. But, if we aim for the same outcome, I stand in a place far closer to achieving it.”

“……”

“How about it? Will you trust my words as lord of the Penny Empire?”

“…Unfortunately I don’t have such a leeway.”

“Certainly, that is a very unfortunate reply.”

“The territory I granted you now belongs to the FitzClarence family,” he declared the confiscation and dissolution of my home as a matter of fact.

It was a notification announcing the end of Baron Tanaka. On the other hand, it sounds like Richard-san managed to move smartly. With this, everyone in Dragon City will be protected at the very least. No, if I had to say, the aspect of the Penny Empire having avoided a future of being slowly destroyed after pointlessly agitating the Loligon might be the bigger gain for the country.

At any rate, now that I was able to confirm this, I’ve been able to achieve my objective over here.

“The Great Holy Land filed extreme criticism about your deeds, but at the same time they showed a very tolerant attitude in regards to your treatment. It sounds like the saint forgave you personally without any conditions in regards to the incident in question. She even warned me to make sure that I wouldn’t hurt you, no matter what I do.”

“…Is that so?”

In all probability, it’s a measure because she heard about Edita-sensei’s great deeds. The Hero of the East must have told her about the awesome display of power of my blond, thicc-legged, loli sensei in her strongest mode. It seems she has adopted this approach out of fear toward eventual retaliation by sensei. If it’s like this, it’d have been fine if this ordinary Japanese flat-face had hustled in front of her as well.

“Having said that, releasing you is out of the question.”

“……”

“You’re not going to say anything?”

“No, nothing.”

“…I see. In that case you may grow old inside your cell.”

At that point, His Majesty turned around. He was completely expressionless at the end. Just like that, he left the cell with this ordinary Japanese flat-face.

Now then, I wonder why he bothered to come all the way to such a place? I can’t believe that he was looking for an apology or something like that.”

“Oh, there is one thing.”

“What is it?”

Suddenly, when I recalled the events of the last few days, my mouth naturally moved. His Majesty looked back in my direction.

It’d be my final words to him.

“I was able to enjoy my vacation very much. Thank you very much.”

The panty-less reception maids truly rocked.

However, I didn’t get any reply to that.

＊

【Sophia-chan’s Point of View】

This maid searched. At this point, very frantically. For the powder.

And yet, I couldn’t find it anywhere. Beginning with the living room assigned to me, I checked all the places I had visited ever since coming back from the Great Holy Land, be it parlor, office, or kitchen. Nevertheless, I couldn’t find it.

“……”

Just where did it go? At first, when I realized its absence, I got flustered that it would be a huge drama if someone else were to find it. But, after searching in a frenzy for around one hour, I only felt a deep sadness over the fact that I wouldn’t be able to ever enjoy the powder again.

I see, so that’s what people mean with addiction. I need my powder.

“…I-I guess I should resign myself,” I muttered in an attempt to persuade myself.

But, talk is cheap. The words sound calm and composed. Despite my brain being completely occupied by thoughts about the powder.

That powder was something I couldn’t get my hands on when I was helping out back home. But, the salary and bonuses I received from Tanaka-san most recently have accumulated into a fairly big amount of money, and I have been hoarding all that money in my own room.

If I use those savings, I will easily be able to purchase one or two bags full of powder. Maybe I will be able to enjoy around ten bags with that money.

I have heard that the powder is being illegally sold everyday, even in Charis. They say women can also buy it without much of an effort, as long as they have the necessary money. A few among our restaurant’s regulars were that sort of people, so I have experienced being invited several times in the past as well.

“Uuh…”

This won’t do. I feel like it’s very dangerous. I could take a glimpse at my own downfall if I were to continue further down this path. I’m sure feeling so close to it just once is bad news.

Oh powder, I need my powder.

＊

A little while after the king left, this ordinary Japanese flat-face held a meeting with himself in his cell.

I racked my brain about all kinds of things surrounding the plan of rehabilitating Neumann.

I think by now several hours of brooding over this have passed. However, all that’s happening is time passing on without me stumbling upon a usable plan. I don’t intend to stay inside the cell for too long either, but because the situation is what it is, I hesitate to make a move without having a clear policy.

And as I spent my time like that, I kept questioning and answering myself while cooling my butt by pressing it against the cold stone floor. Once I came to, I noticed my stomach rumbling at me in protest as it had started to gradually feel the hunger gnawing at it.

And just around that time, I could suddenly hear noise in the dungeon.

“Y-You bastard! I’ll remember this!?” A woman screamed.

At the same time, I heard a hard bang of metal being hit. I suspect it’s the sound of a jail’s door, which was made out of metal bars, being shut.

It looks like someone was thrown into a new cell.

“Kuu…not again…”

At that point, I suddenly realized. That voice was one I remember having heard somewhere before.

Naturally having my eyes drawn in the direction of the noise, I spotted someone in the special cell, which had metal bars as walls in all directions while being located in the center of the floor. Until just a little while ago, that cell had been completely empty, and if I believe the information of some places, it’s a space set up for raping women.

Inside that space, I could see a woman.

“Is that possibly you, Mercedes-san?”

“gh!?”

The woman inside the cell reacted when I used that name. No sooner than moving her shoulders with a start, she whirled around in my direction.

“T-Tanaka!?”

“Once again we meet in a very peculiar place, don’t you think?”

For sure I hadn’t expected to run into the hard-headed, lesbo knight in here. Is imprisonment possibly something like a daily event for her or some such? No, no, that can’t be. That’d be way too weird for an imperial guard. It would result in her being in the center of countless scandals. But, the reality is that she’s inside the cell while only wearing a single, thin piece of cloth.

“Yo…w-why are you in here!?”

That’s actually what I want to know from you. But well, I think I should answer her honestly for now. It’d be a huge bother if it otherwise led to a pointless misunderstanding.

“I drew the attention of a somewhat troublesome party on me…”

“…The Prime Minister?”

“No, Saint-sama.”

“W-What was that!”?

I was told that it’s already become a rumor at court, so even if I kept it secret at this point, it’d only upset her.

Considering it like that, I honestly told her the truth. The other party is Mercedes-chan, so it’s not as if it’ll cause any issues even if she knows about it.

Thereupon, her expression got completely dyed by shock.

“Don’t tell me…you met her!? The saint extolled to possess a beauty as you’d find only once in history!!”

“Yes, I did have the pleasure to talk with her for a bit.”

“Ugh, why didn’t you invite me!? That’s outrageous!”

“……”

As I thought…her head was filled with that kind of stuff. The serious lesbo knight pulled a face as if mortified from the bottom of her heart. But, that behavior of hers allowed me to feel a considerable amount of relief.

Even though we’re meeting for the first time in a long time, ever since we got separated during the strife’s turmoil, it seems to me as though we’ve seen each other just yesterday.

“Either way, why are you in this place then?”

“…T-That’s, you see…I mean, well…”

“You’re not going to tell me that you groundlessly treated someone with utter contempt again…”

This imperial knight is truly a lost case. It makes me super envious, though.

“No, you’re wrong! It’s just, H-Her Highness the Princess, umm, how to put it…”

“What is the matter with Her Highness?”

“……”

Immediately after I asked her, Mercedes-chan stopped speaking.

Speaking of the princess, it’s that beautiful girl who invited me to have sex during the meeting for learning skills some time ago. It’d be no exaggeration to even call that kind lady a goddess, seeing how she awarded this busamen the chance to fuck. She possesses a tolerant heart, making it impossible to believe that she’s related to that petty king.

“Her Highness is a wonderful person, I think.”

“Are you daydreaming!?”

“…Why would you say something like that?”

“Her Highness…Her Highness is, you see…,” the imperial lesbo put on a wistful expression.

However, her response stopped at that point.

Did Her Highness take hold of her weakness? It’s rare for Mercedes-chan to be nervous when dealing with another woman. Currently she’s acting totally opposite to the lesbo knight who had boldly sexually-harassed Ester-chan, the daughter of a great duke.

“If you find it hard to speak about it, you do not need to force yourself…”

“…Her Highness’s taste in sadism is just too much.”

“Taste in sadism, you say?”

“She pampers one with an innocent face, grants them all happiness they could ask for, and when they reach the height of bliss, she drops them like a deadweight.”

“……”

Oof, that’s my first time hearing about this. Or rather, isn’t that a far more stimulating story than I expected?

“Above all else, she loves the desperation painted on the faces of those she abandoned. She doesn’t shy away from making any sacrifices in order to gaze at it. She even readily offers her own body just so she can enjoy the despair of the one she dropped at the very end, hidden behind a gentle smile.

“…I-I see.”

“Within a few years, from the time when Her Highness could stand on her own two feet until today, half of the imperial guards have been replaced. All of them were exposed to Her Highness’s fetish. Most of the male soldiers suffer capital punishment immediately after getting devoured by her wiles. She has the disposition of a lecherous demon.”

For real!? She’s meaning that seriously!? But, there are too many parts about her words that strike home.

“Her previous illness must have been the revenge of someone who resented that girl.”

“So that kind of backstory existed, huh…?”

In that case, it only means that Her Highness reaped what she had sown, right? Still, those are relatively shocking news.

“But, I won’t lose! Someday…someday I’ll definitely break that girl!”

“……”

And well, the vitality over here is nothing to scoff at in its own way, I suppose. I certainly didn’t expect that she’s in the middle of her resistance. If it reaches such an extent, you could call Mercedes-chan’s sexual disposition a weapon of sorts, too. It looks like our chat got her all excited as her eyes have become bloodshot while she’s started to address her Highness as a girl.

“So you have been fighting a solitary battle as well, Mercedes-san.”

“Yes, that’s right. I’ll definitely get her to serve me atop this belly here!”

Thanks to this, I now knew the reason why Mercedes-chan had been thrown into this dungeon.

Her assertive way of talking made this ordinary Japanese flat-face feel a groundless trustworthiness. No matter how silly the cause might be, people, who try their utmost at achieving something, often look to me like shining stars. But well, it’s not that I don’t feel like she’s going somewhat too far with it, seeing how she’s been thrown into jail for a second time on top of not getting discouraged by it. Even now, as we’re standing here, she looks like she’s going to finish her words with a triumphant pose.

“But, why have you allowed yourself to be caught obediently? It is no challenge for you to escape a prison of this level, is it? These cells have been built by Fahren-sama. There’s no reason why you wouldn’t be able to break them.”

“You might have a point there. But, victory does not wait at the end of that road.”

“…What do you mean?”

“As a matter of fact, a close acquaintance of mine has been socially destroyed because of me. His name was thrown into the dirt, and even his self-respect has become all mud-caked. I want to somehow restore these things for him in a way that will be approved by anyone.”

“And what do you mean by social destruction?”

“To explain it plainly, his wife got cuckolded by his rival because he had been absent from home for a long time. Moreover, on top of being chased out of his home that he had built in Charis after taking a loan, he even lost his job. I suspect that it will be very tough for him to find a job in the Penny Empire.”

“Y-You idiot, just what kind of terrible thing did you do? That’s going way too far, don’t you think…?”

“Yes, indeed. That is why I want to somehow help him out.”

Having it pointed out by Mercedes-chan, it sounds like I was deliberately awful. No, in reality, being any more terrible isn’t even possible, but it has the persuasiveness of making others believe that someone who is 30% worse, or rather, worse at all, couldn’t even exist.

“In other words, you want to succeed in this country for the sake of saving that person.”

“Yes, that is the idea.”

“You’re really a guy who worries about each and every little detail.”

“That’s extremely important for a man.”

“When it comes to you, destroying everything wouldn’t be impossible, would it?”

“That would bear no meaning. His honor would be lost for eternity.”

“…And yet you didn’t say that you can’t do it, eh?”

“Assuming your life would be exposed to danger right now and here in front of my eyes, I wouldn’t hesitate to do so either. But, I still have several attachments to this country. I don’t want to erase everything while even denying these.”

“What a terrifying man you are. Why haven’t you been born as a woman? It’s such a waste.”

As if I’d know! Somehow this conversation, which smells like students in their puberty running their mouth, is quite awesome. Even if I were to change my sex, being trained by this serious lesbo is something I definitely don’t──

“………”

──that in itself might actually be quite acceptable, but this is nothing I should think about right now. But, if I could make a single wish here, I wanted her to offer to train me in my current appearance. If we did it like that, this virgin could change jobs to a submissive maso-slave who offers body and mind to his mistress.

“But, wouldn’t it be smartest to abduct the saint then?”

“…You think so?”

“I can help you. Come on, let us not idle here and be off right away. It won’t take that much time and effort if we use your magic, right? I’ll undoubtedly help you in achieving your aspirations. And the honor of the guy you mentioned just now will be restored in a whiff too, I’m sure!”

“……”

Smooth words make smooth ways, right? Mercedes-chan must have already set up a schedule to break Saint-sama in her mind. And sure, if only judging by her outward appearance, she’s got a great figure and all. Moreover, her surroundings are teeming with beautiful girls who definitely have all their hymen intact. I’d love to kidnap two or three of them, tie them to a sperm wheel, and do *scloosh scloosh* with them.

“…You have a point.”

Personally I also started to feel that this was a safe approach to the matter. That place was under her dictatorship, making it an extremely efficient method to strike the top guy.

But, it’d be meaningless to just beat her. I think it’s also important to consider the future in order to get a hold of power. Or to be more precise, I need an organization that will serve as a foundation. If I were to simply defeat Saint-sama, it’d just lead to someone else rising to power with the help of an organization possessing the necessary clout, which wouldn’t change anything about my own position.

The desires of man are a true pain in the ass. People won’t readily part from something enchanting until they’re actually driven into a corner. No matter how outstanding an employee at a company might be, neither the president nor a section chief would willingly yield their position to that employee. But that’s only natural. After all, it’d mean a huge decrease in their annual income. And even bonus pays and the treatment within the company greatly differ between low-ranking employees and higher-ups in significant positions.

“Right!? Anyway, let’s go! To the Great Holy Land!!” The imperial lesbo howled with her face beaming, despite her feet still being bound by chains.

This busamen racked his brain just how he should respond to the vigorous woman. It was a proposal so attractive that he at least scrutinized its pros and cons. But, the inner conflict of this ordinary Japanese flat-face never reached the point of him finding a conclusion.

A voice could be heard from outside once more, as if to interrupt their debate.

“You sure are having a very lively chat over here.”

It was the voice of a young woman. I remember having heard it before. But, I wonder where?

Naturally, my focus was drawn to the source. Thereupon, I spotted Princess-sama over there.

“Y-Your Highness…” Mercedes-chan’s body trembled with a start.

Heading towards us through the dungeon’s pathway, Princess-sama calmly walked over from the dungeon’s entrance. Three armed soldiers leading five or six men, who appeared to be prisoners, were following behind her. All of the prisoners were bogged down by shackles and long chains connected their feet. It was a group I couldn’t quite make head or tails of.

The group arrived in front of the cell holding Mercedes-chan. Several meters away from the cell of this ordinary Japanese flat-face. The prisoners’ hard gasping could be heard all the way over here. Coupled with Princess-sama standing right next to them, it was a very picturesque scene.

“I brought lovely refreshments for you.”

“…Kuuh.”

The imperial lesbo’s expression visibly stiffened up. Recalling the use of the cell she was currently inhabiting, I quickly realized the duty of the prisoners. From the fact that they were leering at the girl inside the cell with bloodshot eyes, as they had apparently been drugged, there could be no mistaking. This had to be that kind of event, I suppose. I got a strong premonition that Mercedes-chan’s rape time was about to begin.

“I do remember having seen you before. Baron Tanaka, was it?” Princess-sama turned her attention my way.

She had apparently heard our conversation, but I wonder just how much of it.

“Oh, all of that is a story of the past. Currently I am simply called Tanaka, Your Highness.”

“…How boring.”

“Boring, you say? Are you displeased with me in some way?”

Having completely changed from the time when she invited me to fuck during the study meet, she was now baring her displeasure.

Maybe this ordinary Japanese flat-face bought her grudge together with her father’s when he acted so imprudently in the Great Holy Land?

I could personally confirm the good relation between father and daughter during the dragon subjugation in the past. It was extremely likely that she had heard her Papa’s casual whining about me.

But, her next words were completely off the charts.

“On top of having lost the height of happiness for a commoner to be appointed as a noble because of your own blunder, you have been tossed into prison without any guarantee that you’re going to see the next day. And yet, I wonder why you appear to be so calm about it? Did you possibly go mad?”

I see. It looks like Mercedes-chan’s character assessment has been correct.

“I am not particularly calm or anything.”

“…Are you acquainted with the imperial guard over here?”

“Yes, indeed. I think we share a relationship that allows me to call her a friend.”

“Is that so? In that case, you should obediently watch from there. How your friend is going to be violated and raped by a group of criminals without being able to do anything about it. It will allow you to learn it the hard way. Just how powerless an existence you are.”

“……”

That’s a lovely suggestion. Or rather, it’s totally welcome. I’d love to watch Mercedes-chan getting all her holes stuffed by the dicks of prisoners while she herself falls into the ecstasy of pleasure. An imperial lesbo stained with jizz all over while doing silly peace signs – I gotta admit, I was thrown into this jail at the best possible time.

If the victims were Edita-sensei or Goggoru-chan, I’d have put a stop to it, but if it’s Mercedes-chan, who cares anyway. I mean, she’s done similar before, and it’ll give me great fapping material, too.

I’m sure, they’ll just give her a light gang-rape.

“P-Please wait, Your Highness!”

“What is it, Mercedes? This time won’t go like the last time. I’ll thoroughly break your mind. I’m certain you’ll cry and scream nicely, before eventually being broken altogether.” Princess-sama’s lips curved into a big smile.

Yet, Mercedes-chan fervently appealed, “Forgive my words, Your Highness, but that man is definitely not lamenting his own powerlessness! Rather, his heart should be leaping in joy right now. That man is going to find delight in me getting gang-raped, but most certainly he won’t grieve.”

Hey, wait a sec. Why are you exposing my little fun, vixen?

“…And here you go with even more sophistry again. Do you wish to be spared to such a degree?”

“No, I’m telling you the truth! That man won’t save me! Definitely not!”

At the same time of Mercedes-chan’s howling, the eyes of everyone present focused on this ordinary Japanese flat-face.

Thanks to that, I became flustered. After all, I had been right in the middle of planning my feeble, powerless man act, which would include me entertaining my audience by screaming Mercedes-chan’s name while clutching the bars of my cell with both hands. And then, on another day, it’d lead to an adult situation of me clapping the shoulders of my friend for having allowed me to enjoy the show last week, with both of us glaring at each other.

Having said that, won’t I be compelled to save her, now that I’ve been told something like that? I had arbitrarily categorized her as a meathead, but this imperial lesbo is unexpectedly clever.

“How could I ever rejoice over you being in danger?”

“Am I wrong?”

“……”

Her eyes shifted from my face to my lower half. She had noticed. My right hand being crammed into my pants’ pocket for better positioning.

“What’s wrong?”

“Do you not think that this qualifies as terrible slander?”

“He…Hehe…”

A smile, announcing her confidence of having won, escaped her lips as she stared at this virgin.

Fuck!

“…Watching a precious friend being turned into the plaything of criminals feels bad,” I gave some random reasoning and stood up straight.

I extended my hands to the bars in front of me and pulled them apart.The metallic bars bent much easier than I had imagined they would.

“Wh-…”

With Princess-sama in the lead, the soldiers who ought to protect her, and even the criminals behind them, looked astonished. The sole exception to that was the imperial lesbo, who looked as though things were proceeding just as she had planned.

Passing through the widened gap between the bars, I stepped out of my cell.

Thereupon, Mercedes-chan asked, “Are you sure? You’re wasting the opportunity of watching the gang-rape show of an imperial knight.”

“Please call me on the next occasion. I will come over right away.”

“Don’t be stupid. As If I’d let some guys rape me.”

Oh well, whatever. I had planned to leave anyway. Even encountering Princess-sama at this point must be some sort of fate.

I discovered an unforeseen sponsor, so I’ll try to challenge myself.

“You bastard! What did you just do!?”

The soldiers, who had stood by Princess-sama’s side so far, hefted their spears and stepped forward. During the short moment of one roaring at me, they formed a magnificent line, creating a wall so as to confront this busamen. Behind them stood Princess-sama, who still donned surprise on her face, and the prisoners who had their hands and feet bound by chains.

“Princess-sama, allow me to give you a suggestion.”

This ordinary Japanese flat-face allowed himself to address the line-up in front of him.

“…What is it?”

“I can offer you a despair that is even more attractive. How about it?”

This late in the game, I’ve got no leeway to be picky. I’ll use whatever I can. It seems like the princess over here will be much more useful in various ways than His Majesty, who’s the epitome of mediocrity. Somehow things have become slightly interesting.

As I thought, a man’s work gotta be like this. The feeling of barely scraping by causes a flood of sweat under my armpits, and my heart is beating so hard that my chest hurts.

“Do you not want to see a despair which only the saint of that major power can show you?”

“That is yet another very fascinating proposal.”

“Would it be fine for me to assume that you would be willing to listen?”

“…Indeed. Let us change the location.”

“Thank you very much.”

A heart that has been broken once will never return to its original shape. That’s why I’ll do my best before it breaks. I’ll show everyone that I can unconditionally restore Neumann’s pride.

＊

The first thing that took place after obtaining Princess-sama’s cooperation was the execution of this ordinary Japanese flat-face.

I couldn’t afford to stay inside a prison for an indefinite amount of time. So naturally, after having gained Princess-sama’s consent, I was allowed to break out from jail. However, me suddenly vanishing from my cell would be a problem. Not only would the empire put up wanted posters for me all over the country, but they’d heavily impose on everyone who was involved with his ordinary Japanese flat-face.

Accordingly, I decided that I might as well pretend to die.

When I tried to suggest this to Princess-sama, she readily agreed. According to her, it was an old trick that renown nobles would pull when defecting to another country. And as you might expect, the Penny Empire had no shortage of such defections in its history. Because of that, the script for this play was well known.

Thanks to the guidance by Princess-sama, the preparations were carried out quickly and overbearingly, and right now, Baron Tanaka was right in the midst of his own execution. However, although a lookalike would usually be used as a scapegoat, this time the execution starred the real deal.

“We shall carry out Baron Tanaka’s execution from now on!” Mercedes-chan raised her voice as I was affixed to a guillotine that had been set up on the city square of Charis.

My neck was stuck in-between a wooden board with two pillars, likewise made out of wood, extending upwards on either end of the board. Further up, installed between those pillars, was a metallic blade. A rope was tied to that blade, tightly connected to a stake that had been driven into the ground.

Mercedes was gripping a drawn sword in her hand, and as soon she’d cut the rope, the blade would fall down, lopping off this ordinary Japanese flat-face’s head.

That was the general rundown of my current situation. By the way, the guillotine wasn’t all that different from the ones I’d seen in history books.

“Resolve yourself, criminal!”

Many residents were crammed on the square, hoping to catch a glimpse of this busamen’s glorious hour of downfall. Only a few months ago, I’d been appointed to nobility. The fate of this foreigner seemed to be an event garnering relatively much interest from them who lacked entertainment in their usual life. Even though it was still early in the morning, the square was thriving and bustling with people.

By the way, I had asked everyone involved in this matter to behead me without any hesitation. I told them that it’d be unnecessary to pull any elaborate tricks. But, I asked them to quickly put a cloth above my headless body after the execution, and requested them to make sure to hide it from public gaze.

Going by my experience thus far, I won’t die. However, the process of my healing magic, which had most recently been increasing in force and speed, wasn’t anything I wanted to exhibit in presence of the masses. After all, this would be a sight to behold, going beyond any execution. Rather, I’d lose my place in the Penny Empire as I’d definitely be labeled as not being a human.

Of course, things might have been different if I was a pretty girl. Even if she got executed on false charges, reviving through divine favor and going down the route of a saint would still fly.

But, as painful as it might be, I was but a measly busamen. I’m sure the most I could hope for would be a treatment as an unkillable, flat-faced, yellow creature.

“Baron Tanaka, I shall permit you to speak your final words,” Mercedes-chan offered.

I wonder what I should talk about. So far as it goes, this is going to become my death message, so I think it’d be awesome to go with some cool phrases.

“I’m sure the demon queen will move in order to eradicate humanity before long. The sole ray of hope capable of putting up a resistance is no one other than the Hero of the West. You mustn’t be tricked by the treachery of the Great Holy Land. The Hero of the West is the new hero who is going to save us!”

While putting on an act with the wish of carrying out my professional duties, I boosted the Hero of the West.

Didn’t that sound rather great, considering it came from me? Wasn’t it flawless?

“Anything else?”

“No, that was all I had to say.”

This kind of trivial effort is going to show its effect much later down the road. Probably.

As I pondered about that and other stuff, Princess-sama suddenly raised her voice next to Mercedes-chan.

“For the sake of making certain that the execution would do its due this time, we applied the poison of a basilisk on the guillotine’s blade. It’s so deadly a poison that it will immediately kill one with even the slightest touch on one’s skin. Baron Tanaka, you clung onto aspirations going beyond your station. Therefore, regret your own blunder now and here, and fall all the way to the deepest reaches of hell while feeling ashamed of your transgressions.”

Eh? What’s up with that? We haven’t agreed on anything like that beforehand, though.

When I casually cast a glance at her, Mercedes-chan was looking confused, too. But well, a poison or two is like drinking a slightly nasty veggie juice for this busamen nowadays. It’s still a lot better than Shotachinpo’s junk. Come at me and give it your best shot.

“Very well. I wish to repent my sins at the bottom of hell. But, Princess-sama, please do your utmost to protect the peace of Charis as royalty. The demon queen’s grasp is ever looming closer. Please defend this country.”

“gh…”

When I solemnly agreed with her words, not minding the part about the poison, Princess-sama’s eyes flew wide open in shock. And thanks to that I understood that she had probably expected this ordinary Japanese flat-face to be in total despair at this very moment.

I had told her that I’d pretend to die while using some sort of magical means. That’s why I also told her that she could lower the guillotine’s blade on me without any worries. Hence, she must have anticipated that this busamen would truly despair over being forced to welcome death for real after having that method sealed off through her little poison stunt.

I absolutely love this. It gives me chills on the same level as the Loligon’s belly punches which are a distant memory of the past these days.

Without minding it, she jerked her chin at Mercedes-chan.

T-Then…off with your heeead!” Mercedes-chan howled.

The imperial lesbo had witnessed the Christina battle on Mt. Pepe some time ago. And although she hesitated somewhat, her arm moved without allowing any delay that would make the audience suspect anything. Her sword severed the rope that was tied to the beheading blade waiting to come down from its elevated position.

The blade slid down with a rattling.

To be honest, it wasn’t an overly comfortable sensation. What hurts still hurts.

A few moments later an impact followed on this ordinary Japanese flat-face’s neck, and his consciousness blacked out.

＊

Currently we were in the parlor of a luxurious mansion, which had been built especially close to the royal castle even for Charis’ noble district, after having moved away from the square’s execution stand. I was told that it’s one of the many guesthouses that was maintained in the name of the royal family.

Still, I must admit it isn’t described as being in the royal family’s possession for show. No matter how trivial the furnishing, all of them seem to be extremely expensive. Compared to Ester-chan’s home, it doesn’t lose out at all.

The wooden furniture here, which emitted a luster so strong that it’d jump into anyone’s eyes, was too dazzling for this corporate slave, whose lifelong friend used to be a three-staged locker made out of plywood.

The one complaining at this busamen while clearly exposing her nervousness, despite being in such a gorgeous place, was Princess-sama.

“I have never expected that you would truly revive.”

“Do you wish to try it out once more?” I told her from the sofa opposite of her while exuding an air of composure.

This middle-aged dude ended up blurting this out against his better judgment, based on a silly desire to impress a young girl.

“…Are you really human?”

“Yes, I am as much of a human as you are. However, I am slightly tougher than the average person.”

“……”

She donned an expression, making it clear that she couldn’t agree with this answer. But, it was a truth that this ordinary Japanese flat-face’s bloody head remained exposed at Charis’s square. On the other hand, the part beneath the head, which had healed up without any complications, was currently accompanying Princess-sama in this place. Even royalty couldn’t possibly deny its existence.

Although it was only now, I realized that she had probably listened to the proposal of this yellow flat-face solely based on the premise of the incident that had taken place a little while ago. From the very start, she had had no intention to lend an ear to my words, and all of her actions were a follow-up on this ordinary Japanese flat-face who had remained calm even while imprisoned in the dungeon.

As a result of that, she had been driven into a corner.

“Your Highness, I dare assume that the time when I fall into despair would be the very same moment you also fall into despair.”

“…Very well. For the time being, I will cooperate with you.”

“Thank you very much.”

That’s definitely a lie. I’m sure she’s going to lunge at me as soon as she finds an opening to do so. For the time being I must be careful to keep her attention fixated on me. Just when I thought things around me might have settled down with the Loligon having become docile and Goggoru-chan having stopped doing unreasonable things, this shit has started. No matter how many hair roots I might possess, they won’t be enough.

But even so, I’d like to win Princess-sama as backer at any cost.

“S-So, what are we going to do from now on?” Mercedes-chan asked me while sitting next to me on the same sofa.

“I plan to head to the Great Holy Land.”

“Oohh! So you’re going there after all!?” The face of the imperial lesbo immediately beamed.

It looks like she really plans to fuck Saint-sama.

“You’re certainly not asking me to accompany you, are you?”

“Would that be wrong?”

“……”

I considered various options, but if I aim for the shortest route, the best option would be to promote the Hero of the West. For that sake, it is indispensable to team up with him and fight the Hero of the East. Because Saint-sama is the backer of the Hero of the East, setting her as the current target is probably the most efficient way to proceed.

If it’s now that I found an influential supporter with the Penny Empire’s princess, I can also see some meaning in beating the shit out of Saint-sama. I’ll publicly proclaim the Great Holy Land’s fraud in Princess-sama’s name, and replace Saint-sama as leader of the Great Holy Land with the Hero of the West.

When things develop into an inevitable situation, I’ll drag the king of the Penny Empire into this. If it’s our Majesty who’s famous for being an over-doting father, he’ll doubtlessly move in order to protect his daughter. If the situation deteriorates to such a degree, it’ll become possible to resolve the rest with violence. And then I’ll be able to triumphantly return as baron in the Penny Empire.

Please wait for me, Neumann. This ordinary Japanese flat-face will succeed, no matter what it takes.

“That’s not interesting after all.”

“…Meaning?”

“I want to see your face dyed in despair.”

“And that means?”

For that sake it’s no big deal even if I have to become the babysitter of a princess with a more than questionable fetish. I’ll make sure that it’ll be a fun trip while somehow appeasing my personal sexual desires along the way. After all, the opponent is someone excelling Ester-chan in bitchiness. I’m 100% sure that her labia are big and worn-out.

“I want to see it.”

“Despair and happiness are two sides of the same coin, Your Highness.”

“…So what about it?”

“Right now, I am not all that happy. If I had to spell it out, I am currently rushing through life and very flustered, even as I talk with you. It is a life without any composure, filled with something like a constant flow of weak despair.”

“……”

“If you wish me to despair, I think it would be best for you to grant me happiness first.”

“…Do you wish to sleep with me?”

“Will that bring happiness to me?”

“gh…”

Princess-sama’s face distorted in annoyance.

A virgin won’t be able to achieve happiness, unless he finds a hymen at the end of his piston. (T/N: Just wth am I translating here…? lol)

“In the first place, no matter how much you get in contact with the emotional ups and downs of others, all of these remain emotions belonging to those other people. They will not become yours. Therefore, your desires will remain forever unfulfilled. Even if you might witness the most gruesome despair imaginable, you will merely look upon it as a bystander.”

I don’t know how effective it’s going to be, but it should push her a bit. Seeing who I’m dealing with.

It’d be a pain in the ass if she got carried away and started to meddle with my surroundings in various ways.

“…You’re quite cheeky, Baron Tanaka.”

“Forgive me, I have gone too far, Your Highness.”

“But, there is some reason to what you’ve said,” she responded affirmatively after having brooded over it for a while.

Thinking back on it now, she also experienced wandering the boundary between life and death in the past. Moreover, it was one of the cruelest ways for a human, namely your body gradually stopping to work, before eventually passing away. And on top of that, her desires ran deeper than imagined since she hadn’t changed her ways, which were the cause for her suffering to begin with. It’d be no exaggeration to describe her fetish as a mad addiction.

“I understand. A promise is a promise. I will accompany you to the Great Holy Land.”

“Thank you.”

“If I didn’t agree here, my life would be in danger anyway.”

“Absolutely not. That is definitely not true.”

“Still, I cannot depart right away. I will need several days to prepare for the journey and persuade my father. Nevertheless, if we use an airship, I think we’ll be able to reach our destination faster than traveling across land in a carriage.”

Ah, she completely disregarded my statement just now. Oh well, whatever. It’s more convenient for me like this as well.

“Will that be possible?”

“Thanks to your absurd play, Baron Tanaka, I won’t lack a reason to leave the country, if you consider the Great Holy Land’s treatment of the Penny Empire. The first princess, who has been grieving over her country’s fate, will personally head to the saint to apologize while bringing the principal offender’s head with her as a token of goodwill. If I spin it like that, it shouldn’t be too difficult to obtain permission.”

“I see.”

That’s welcome. It looks like we’ll be able to depart in a grander manner than I expected.

“I believe it’d be best for you to spend your time in this mansion until the schedule has been decided. You’re already considered to be dead. It’d become a hindrance if you suddenly prowled around the city. I will entrust Mercedes with taking care of your daily necessities.”

“Very well. I am looking very much forward to working with you.”

After this and that, my future plans have been set in stone.

＊

【Sophia-chan’s Point of View】

Over the last few days, my physical and mental state has not been all that good. If you were to ask just what was wrong, the clear answer would be my withdrawal symptoms from not having any powder.

It has only been a short while after I lost the item I brought back from the Great Holy Land, and yet, the pleasure, which I experienced only once and for a short time, kept stirring my desire like a needle as I went through my daily life.

Because of that, I couldn’t concentrate on my paperwork.

My heart and mind were filled with thoughts of the powder, not giving me any room to bother with the numbers and figures in front of my eyes. I suspect this must be the dependence I have heard about in rumors. It is a lot worse than I imagined.

“…Missy? Hey, Missy! You okay?”

“Eh? Ah, y-yes! What might it beee!?”

Once I came to, Gonzales-san was calling out to me.

“Are you alright? You look kinda exhausted, to be honest.”

“No, I am fine! All is perfectly fine!”

How can I get my hand on another batch of powder without anyone noticing? I have been brooding over this question from various angles. And before I realized, Gonzales-san stood right next to me.

This is bad. Am I not acting like a total addict? And yet I actually took the powder just one time.

“Don’t push yourself too much, okay? It’d be a disaster if you screwed up your health.”

“Y-Yes, I-I will be careful. B-But do not worry, I am really okay!”

“Really? If you say so…”

I made him worry which caused me to feel terribly guilty.

This maid isn’t tired at all, she is merely bogged down in her professional duties by an evil desire gnawing at her. What a bad girl.

With me just recently having received a raise in salary from Tanaka-san, acting like this is unforgivable.

“……”

“……”

And yet, this maid has fallen in love with the powder. I wish to comfort myself while sniffing that powder.

“…Missy? How about you take a rest for today?”

“No, I-I am alright. I will do my best for a bit longer.”

As all of this was going, someone knocked on the door to the office. In response to Gonzales-san’s reply, the door was opened, just to reveal Elf-san standing on the other side.

“Sorry for disturbing you during work, but did you see that mayor of ours?”

“No, I didn’t,” Gonzales-san answered.

It looks like Elf-san is looking for Dragon-san. Recently Elf-san has been absorbed in researching potions together with Fahren-sama. As far as I have heard, something that had the potential to become the basis of life potion had been discovered in a bath of the city by freak chance.

This place sure is incredible if you can even find something like that here.

“How about you, Sophia? Did you see her?”

“No, umm, I have not seen her either.”

“Okay. Forgive me for disturbing you while you’re busy.” After that short exchange, Elf-san turned on her heels, and walked out of the office at a quick pace while mumbling under her breath, “Good grief, just where did that dragon go…?”

The door, which had been opened just moments ago, was slammed shut again. And beyond you could hear how her footsteps grew distant before quickly fading away.

Immediately after watching Elf-san leave, Gonzales-san whispered, “Come to think of it, recently I haven’t caught a single glimpse of our mayor.”

“Y-You are right…”

Now that he mentions it, I haven’t seen her since at least two days ago. Up until then she had waltzed into the office several times a day. Moreover, we received reports about her strolling through the city in the morning and evening with the intent of going on patrols. But, no such information has reached us in the last few days either.

It feels somewhat lonely. Maybe she has become sick?

“If no one sees her tomorrow either, I’ll have the clan folk search for her, I suppose.”

“Oh, o-okay.”

“Well, we’re talking about that girl here. I doubt anything unusual happened to her, but well…”

I also think so. Whatever you say, Dragon-san is a strong person by nature.

＊

Contrary to expectations, I had secured myself a break that would last several days. In the meantime, this ordinary Japanese flat-face spent his time idly inside the guesthouse owned by the royal family without anything to do.

Given that the outside world was regarding me as a dead man, I couldn’t go outside whenever I felt like it, resulting in my entertainment being limited to having some fun by playing board games with Maid-san inside the house.

However, thanks to that, I predicted that it’d be a very wholesome holiday for me.

“…I admit defeat.”

Just at this very moment, Maid-san was gracefully bowing her head on the other side of the table. She had said she was a maid directly attached to Princess-sama.

On the table in front of her lay an analog game that took defense and offense to the extreme.

“You are very strong. You would never think that you have been a beginner at this game just a few days ago.”

“We had a similar game in my hometown.”

“Oh my, now I understand.”

She’s probably in the later half of her twenties. A calm, cool beauty with short, black hair. I hear that she already gave birth to children who are as old as Ester-chan, so even this virgin chad can cope with her while staying calm. I’ve also been moderating the frequency of my glimpses at her tits and ass.

Her wearing a classic maid attire with a long skirt also earned her many points with me. Her figure was pretty alluring, but her low exposure of skin effectively reduced this middle-aged virgin’s impulse to fuck. If you added her two children into the mix, it made Us a perfect gentleman.

“I shall bring a refill of tea. Please wait a moment.”

“Oh, gladly. Thank you kindly.”

Maid-san stood up from her chair and headed over to the bar set up in the room’s corner.

If we’re talking about her having any fangs, you’d be only able to find them on her appearance from behind. Or to be precise, the silhouette of her butt as it stood out against the fabric of her skirt. It followed the wonderful doctrine of all the butt flesh focusing on one point, as if everything had congregated there. That excessive, fiendish fleshiness coupled with her setting of being a mother of two had turned into a brutal weapon.

As I gazed at her thicc booty from behind, I indulged in imaginations of her tits that had exited my visual field as she was facing the other way. Yep, I think I want to have sex with her after all.

“……”

Currently we were in what appeared to be an entertainment room on the second floor of the guesthouse. All kinds of games which could be played indoors, have been set up inside a space of around thirty tatami. Electronic games weren’t present because this was a fantasy world of sword and magic, so the lineup of games was extremely old-fashioned.

The games here generally resembled this sort of play equipment I knew from the other world, but also differed in some ways, so I didn’t grow tired of just looking at all of these. Maid-san was kind enough to explain the various games to be found here, resulting in several days passing as we repeatedly tried out each of them.

As of yet, there has been no contact from Princess-sama.

“Here you go.”

“Thank you.”

After taking a sip of the tea she had brewed for us, I breathed out in a relaxed manner. A sip of tea after having enjoyed an extended view of an attractive, mature lady’s butt isn’t bad at all, I must admit. Sophia-chan, who comes with a certain degree of timidness as standard equipment, isn’t bad either, but I think it’s a nice thing to enjoy the service of a calm, professional maid every once in a while.

And just as I was in the middle of relishing that atmosphere, the door was flung open with a bang, and the imperial lesbo stormed inside, yelling, “Tanaka!”

As always, she truly excels at robbing other people of their small enjoyments in life.

“Is something the matter for you to pant so heavily?”

“The demon king made a move!”

“Why? Is that really true?”

It was a fairly shocking revelation. So much so that my relaxed mood got blown away like a transient dream.

Goodbye, my lovely, mature booty.

“The Pussy Republic got attacked. Yesterday night, the demon king personally unleashed a massive magic attack alongside a declaration. The target was the capital city. I hear the castle vanished from that one blow. As the demon king hasn’t been spotted on-site, and according to the opinion of a well-informed person, it must have been an attack over a super long range.”

“The castle was blown away with one blow, you say…?”

The damage sounds worse than I expected. Wouldn’t humanity’s population be reduced by half over several days, if such attacks were to be fired continuously in the worst case? If a castle was blown away with one attack, it must be a spell at the level of the Loligon’s light pillar spell which I saw during the dispute some time ago, or this ordinary Japanese flat-face’s Mega-Fireball I unleashed at the Academy City. Being able to shoot something like that without being present on-site is truly and utterly foul-play. It’s like teleporting a nuclear missile to its target site to make it explode right then and there. I don’t know what kind of limitations to its usage that attack might have, but it’s nothing anyone would be able to endure if such an attack would be fired at them in rapid succession for days.

“Is Doris-san’s family safe?”

“That goes beyond what we could find out. The city must be in quite a chaos right now.”

“…Figures.”

“To be honest, I didn’t expect the demon king to go this far.”

“Me neither.”

“No wonder you of all people felt anxious.”

“Thank you.”

It was such a dire topic that even Mercedes-chan, who would only talk about sex whenever she opened her mouth, would bring it up. I have no doubt that its influence on society must be tremendous. And with the Pussy Republic being within firing range, the surrounding countries, including the Penny Empire, couldn’t treat it as someone else’s problem either.

“So, what are you going to do?”

“Hmm, let’s see…”

What should I do? Maybe I should go back to Dragon City after all.

Considering this piece of news, I feel like now’s not the time to depart the country to travel with Princess-sama. I have a hunch that the most important course of action right now is to pick up Neumann at once and take refuge at Dragon City.

I’m sure we’ll be alright over there. That city hosts two people, besides myself, who can deal with the demon queen’s range magic.

“By the way, the present demon king is female.”

“Huh? Ah, yes, that seems to be the case.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“……”

I wonder how this imperial lesbo has learned about Demon Queen-sama’s gender. Oh well, whatever.

“At any rate, it looks like it would be best I return to Dragon City for now.”

“…And what are you going to do about the story with Her Highness?”

“After hearing that piece of news, I believe it will be difficult for her to obtain permission from His Majesty. It is just a guess, but I suspect the airship, which we wanted to secure for ourselves, is going to be used for the sake of evacuating her. There is no way that we can snatch this from the side, is there?”

“You certainly have a point. But, are you sure? It’s all for the sake of you gaining reputation and status, isn’t it?”

“It will not be too late to do so even after we weather through the demon queen’s attacks. Even I will not be able to remain calm if there exists a chance for those close to me to suffer from those attacks. Making a career in this country can wait for a time after finding some prospects to defend against the demon queen’s aggression.”

“Got it. Then let us follow that plan.”

“Please d…

Oh, just now I remembered something very important. There’s that magic circle in the abandoned mine of Ester-chan’s territory, right? The one managed by Deviant-Longhair. He mentioned that the demons had used it for the times when they would recover Demon King-sama, but wouldn’t it be a disaster if Demon Queen-sama and her goons used it? I mean, that circle is connected to a place that’s situated fairly deeply inside the Dark Continent. Even if Demon Queen-sama chose some random monsters roaming the area over there and sent them over through the magic circle, it’d lead to devastating damage among the towns and villages near the mine. Just one of those birds from before could cause great havoc.

“……”

It didn’t take me long to come up with cities of significant scale that were close to the magic circle. Two immediately crossed my mind: Trichuris and Dragon City.

“…What’s wrong?”

“We will be going back to Dragon City at once.”

“O-Okay, gotcha.”

I cannot waste my time here any longer. I must hurry back right away.

＊

I rushed out of the mansion together with Mercedes-chan.

Although I feel bad for the princess, I will allow myself to prioritize the safety of my city for now. It’s important for me to succeed in the Penny Empire for Neumann’s sake, but I cannot afford to weigh this above the lives of my other friends. Being alive is the basis of everything, after all.

Thereupon, we spotted a familiar person at the entrance door, even if it might only have been a coincidence.

“Oh, Neumann-san, you came at the perfect time.”

“Tanaka, y-you were really in a place like this!?”

It saves me the trouble to search for you!

The one coming down the steps of a carriage that had arrived at the mansion’s front entrance just moments ago was Neumann in person. And following right behind him was the princess. Spotting this ordinary Japanese flat-face at the entry hall, she revealed a bright and cheerful smile.

“Baron Tanaka, this is anything but a coincidence.”

“Oh, are you going to tell me that you planned this, Your Highness!?”

“You require hands and feet you can move while being stuck here, right?”

“…Thank you kindly for going out of your way.”

“No, no, do not mind it. It was my pleasure.”

That princess had found Neumann for the sake of tricking this ordinary Japanese flat-face. I mean, I haven’t mentioned him with a single word. So she must have actively searched for this busamen’s weak points at court. That’s the sort of groundwork you wouldn’t actually expect from someone holding the title of princess. Isn’t she possibly rivaling the Noble Mage in regards to that?

If you include her standing, I get a hunch that she could be an enemy who’s as formidable as the Loligon. Seriously, just how much does she want to look down on others?

“But, I cannot praise you for your intent of leaving this place, Baron Tanaka.”

Moreover, she’s clearly tending towards being a control freak, even if it’s not as striking as other of her traits. I think she’s the kind of woman who loves to shackle down her men. If she was a virgin, I might have enjoyed going along with her wiles and allowing myself to get tricked. Sadly, this world isn’t as kind as allowing me to have my own way.

“The situation has changed.”

“Meaning, you have already heard from Mercedes?”

“Yes, quite so.”

It sounds like Princess-sama is also aware of the incident at the Pussy Republic. With things like this, I’m sure the imperial court over here has been thrown into turmoil, too.

“In that case, I think you will be able to understand what I’m going to tell you. As for the matter I promised you before, I have to regrettably admit that I wasn’t able to obtain Father’s permission. Instead, it has been decided that I would travel to our southern holiday house to recuperate over there for a while.”

“Figures.”

I was spot on. Currently, Charis, the capital of the Penny Empire, is the most dangerous place within the country. Very likely, not only royals like her, but quick-witted nobles are all going to start moving very quickly. And it seems feasible to assume that this kind of response will recur in all human countries.

The Pussy Republic was in a pitiful position after having received the honor of being first, which should be commemorative under normal circumstances.

“I also plan to head back to my city.”

“Sorry, but I cannot permit that.”

“What do you mean?”

“The fief you used to control has become part of the FitzClarence Dukedom. And Baron Tanaka passed away. Hence, I will have you move to the holiday house together with me. Let us enjoy a somewhat longer vacation over there until things have calmed down.”

“And you think I would agree to that?”

“Absolutely not.”

“…What do you want to tell me then?”

“We will change the course of the airship to your city a little while after taking off.”

“I see.”

She’s a princess with lots of flexibility and adaptability, unlike His Majesty. It’s a big help that she’s easy to work with during times like these.

On the other hand, Neumann was conspicuously silent – probably because he’s standing next to Princess-sama. Having his wife NTRed by his archenemy, I thought he’d fall into despair, but it seems like he suppressed his emotions through reason.

What a calm and composed man you are, Neumann.

“At any rate, do you know of any other locations as safe as that place?”

“It sounds like you are well aware of the circumstances in the former Tanaka Barony, Your Highness.”

“You want to be reinstated as noble, right? Albeit reluctantly, I promised you to cooperate on this.”

“Forgive my words then.”

I’m going to head at full speed towards Dragon City, just as planned at first.

＊

【Sophia-chan’s Point of View】

A shock ran though Dragon City on that day. If you ask what kind of shock it might have been, the answer would undoubtedly be a breath of life.

Life is something very precious. Even the smallest, insignificant insect does its best to live through every day thanks to the life dwelling in it. We, who share the same sort of life, cannot deny this straight fact. Yes, indeed. It is something we must not do at any cost.

And because of that, the scenery right in front of this maid now and here is yet another reality no one can deny.

『Uuah….ah…my baby…my lovely baby…』

Dragon-san is present in our office for the first time in several days. I hear she has been spending those last days at the top of that tall tower.

Sitting on the sofa, she has been stroking her own belly. It has swollen significantly when compared to my last time seeing it. Dragon-san’s behavior is extremely gentle, and going by the way of her talking, she seems to be acting just like a mother who is affectionate to her child.

『My baby…hi, hihihi…my dear baby…』

She seemed to be in bliss, going by her face. At least, it was my first time to see Dragon-san act like that.

“…Hey, Missy, just what happened to our mayor?”

“I-In the first place, whose child is this?”

Gonzales-san and Elf-san were also present in the office. Both also seemed quite astonished as they watched Dragon-san. This was also the situation I had encountered when I visited the office in order to deal with my work after waking up and quickly getting ready.

“I-I-I-I am t-terribly s-s-sorry. I have absolutely no idea either…”

『My baby…cute…adorable…my baby, is, cute…』

Dragon-san seemed very happy. What should we do?

She’s so full of joy that it almost makes me happy from just looking at her. Maybe she came down from the tower to announce her pregnancy?

“Is t-that actually o-o-our major? The idea that it could b-be is terrifying.”

Elf-san’s doubts are valid. Dragon-san with such a gentle expression isn’t the Dragon-san we know of. It’s as if she has been replaced by someone else. It feels like I am being shown how a mother should be.

“Sorry, but Missy, could you make sure for us?”

“Hgh!? No, umm, s-someone like m-me…”

While casting glances at the situation with everyone, we were discussing various options. And that was when this maid noticed something all of a sudden.

Some sort of stain could be seen on Dragon-san’s dress. If you asked what kind of stain it might be, it was the kind of stain where it looked like white powder was smeared on the fabric. If someone without any prior knowledge were to see this, they would probably regard this as plain cooking powder. For an instant, I had thought the very same.

But, to add insult to injury, a paper package very familiar to this maid lay on top of the sofa. Moreover, Dragon-san’s hand reached for that package at this very moment. She slowly slipped a finger inside, and once some white powder clung to it, she brought the finger to her mouth and licked it. And licked it. And licked it.

“gh…”

It was a memory that replayed inside this maid’s head.

This is bad.

“P-Please wait! You mustn’t!”

『Hmm?』

“That powder is bad news! It will be bad for you to eat it!”

『Whyyy? Niiice…this, feels niiice…』

“It’s bad for the baby in your belly! That’s why you mustn’t take it!”

『Oohh…okay. If it’s bad for the baby, I’ll stop…I must stop』

“Ah, t-thanks.”

She handed over the powder more obediently than I had expected her to do. A mother’s power when thinking of her child is a mighty force.

I remember it since I actually experienced it myself as well; the fiendish dependence that comes from taking this powder. And yet, Dragon-san parted with the powder without any hesitation whatsoever.

Thanks to that, I started to feel very disappointed in myself, wallowing in self-pity. I must be a very weak-minded person, allowing me to become deeply impressed by Dragon-san’s mental fortitude.

Unfortunately, most of the powder had already been licked up by her.

『My baby…cute…baby, baby,…my baby…』

“……”

Even so, yes, children are great to have. Indeed. I will likely give birth to one myself as well, someday. I have been made quite conscious of that. At the same time, I’m reveling in illusions of the husband who I haven’t met so far, huh?

And just as this maid, who was slightly confused, was in the middle of escaping reality, time didn’t wait for her. Unfortunately.

Due to the earlier exchange of words between this maid and Dragon-san taking place in front of him, Gonzales-san immediately called out to me.

“Say, Missy. Do you know anything ’bout this?”

“No, u-u-umm, n-not really. I-I-I d-d-d-don’t k-know aaaanything…”

Right. It’s impossible to act like nothing happened. And reflexively, my voice also betrayed me.

“…Sophia, do you k-k-know anything a-about this? What i-is that powder?” Elf-san questioned me as well.

Talking my way out of this will be hard under these circumstances.

“T-That’s…u-umm…”

To begin with, why did her belly expand so much over a period of just a few days? I have heard about some bird species growing eggs inside them over a few days, but how does that compare to Dragon-san? The size is completely different here. I don’t get it at all.

However, it’s still a hard fact that her belly has become like a balloon. I could never lie about this. I mean, the swelling of Dragon-san’s belly wouldn’t allow for such a lie to fly. Her outward appearance, which looks far too childish to suggest that she could give birth, coupled with her behavior of lovingly caressing her child incited stinging pangs of guilt in me.

What crossed my mind was the sight of a devastated room from back when I obtained the powder.

Yes, indeed. This maid has done something outrageous.

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