Chapter 6
“A love manager…?”
The princess tilted her head in confusion. No surprise there—it was an unfamiliar term. Back on Earth, there were tons of professional consultants for dating and marriage, but in this world, such jobs were practically nonexistent. The best they had were matchmakers, so it probably didn’t click for her.
“Yes, a love manager. In a nutshell, think of me as a butler who helps manage your love lives.”
“Hah, like we need something like that? We’re doing just fine on our own.”
“Then why’d you come begging me for info and favors in the first place? Couldn’t bring yourselves to talk to him directly?”
That critical hit to the solar plexus had all three women averting their eyes, pretending it didn’t apply to them.
“And let’s be real—none of you have ever even dated before.”
“What about you?”
“…I’ve been on a few dates.”
Different dimensions aside. I was 3D; she was stuck in 2D.
“That’s weird… We didn’t have that intel…”
“Come on, whether I’ve dated or not isn’t the point here. I gathered you all to help you out, body and soul.”
“So you’re saying you’ll pick one woman here to help your brother with?”
The saintess’s words drew glares from the other two, their faces screaming, If you don’t want to die, you’ll pick me. A chill ran down my spine. Even if I declared one of them Polo’s destined partner, the losers would be sleeping with the fishes by tomorrow. Forever.
“You three all asked me for help, and you all want to end up with the same guy. No room for choice on my end. Plus, you’re all top-tier marriage material in the Empire. I can’t just pick one lightly.”
“So what now?”
“So I’m giving you all a fair shot.”
I pulled out the three bundles of papers I’d prepared in advance.
“What’s that?”
“Info docs I compiled on Polo. Height, weight, favorite foods, hobbies, future dreams. Even the type of women in his secret naughty photo album.”
Flash! Their eyes lit up the second they heard Polo’s info was inside. They looked ready to lunge, so I quickly hid the papers behind my back and pressed on.
“But this info is identical for all of you, and I’ll distribute it fairly. Basic fee applies, of course.”
“All the same info? Then how do we compete?”
“Exactly. That’s what I want.”
The princess furrowed her brow, not grasping my intent.
“I know Polo better than anyone, and I can’t refuse your ‘requests.’ But if I pick one here, academy life’s gonna get rough for me.”
“…We’re not that petty.”
Our princess, who always got what she wanted, trailed off—clearly stung. Yeah, if I hadn’t picked her, she’d have turned me into academy outcast status real quick.
“So instead, I’m giving you equal opportunities. Use this info to come up with your own plans to get closer to Polo.”
“Elaborate.”
I nodded.
“Ultimately, it’s Polo’s heart that matters, but everyone deserves a shot. You gotta compete to accept the results. Use this to figure out how to show your most attractive side to him.”
“What if Brother Polo flat-out rejects us?”
“He’s too kind and soft-hearted to shove away any girl who approaches. And I’ll casually suggest he meet up with you all to check his feelings.”
Being the manager isn’t just handing out info. My best friend listens to me, so if I tell him to chat and date these girls, he’ll do it.
“I’ll advise on what he likes, how to close the distance—whatever it takes. Once our relationships deepen, I’ll push for dates with all of you equally. With my help and your cooperation, he’ll pick one eventually. Polygamy’s allowed, but I heard he wants just one true love.”
Straight from Polo himself. His dad, the count, was a one-woman man, so Polo must’ve picked up on that.
“Given your personalities, I doubt you’d want to share the ideal guy like Polo.”
“Exactly. I want a partner who’s mine alone—not some playboy who’s been with other women.”
“But how’d you know our personalities?”
“…From yesterday’s chat, more or less.”
Can’t say I peeked at the heroines’ status screens in the game.
“By then, the other two will have to accept it. Trying to sabotage with power won’t work—Polo hates arrogant types like that most.”
“Sounds decent on paper. I’m confident I’ll win anyway.”
“You do seem like it.”
“So what do you want out of this?”
The princess had sniffed out that I had an angle from the proposal itself.
“Simple. Money.”
“Money?”
“How very greedy…”
“Money’s really all it takes?”
“Think what you want, but deals need give and take. I need cash; you need info. Buying info with money—simple, perfect logic, right?”
It might sound materialistic, but I’ve got my reasons. These three have more money than they know what to do with, so sponsoring a poor viscount like me won’t dent their wallets. Every penny saved up could improve my territory’s finances. And pad my future wedding fund.
“You can back out if you want. You’re the ones who need this, not me. For reference, Lady Celine Euse promised fair compensation before I even brought it up. A true model noble.”
“Uh, y-yeah? Oh, right! I’m the one asking. Even if it means bowing to a humble viscount’s son, paying for favors is only proper!”
The duke’s daughter, who’d promised payment during our first meeting, beamed now that she had a slight edge.
“Haa… Fine. As the petitioner, it’s on me.”
“Trading bonds of fate for coin… Hah, but I suppose there’s no helping it this time.”
The princess and saintess finally faced reality and agreed to the deal.
“Love the quick compromise. Now, just sign the Gias here.”
“Gias too? You’re thorough.”
In a world with magic, contracts could be enchanted—and that was Gias. Unlike normal papers, they bound via mana. Breaking terms caused agony or even death. Scary, but harmless if honored, and standard for big deals.
Thanks to this, my slush fund was wiped out…
“Deals with highborns like you need precautions. If you pretend nothing happened after landing Polo, what can a viscount like me do?”
“What do you take this princess for…? Tsk. Like we’d devour you?”
“…”
“Why the silence?”
“Anyway, that’s my pitch. Final step: place your hand on the Gias and channel your mana if you agree.”
The three hesitated briefly, but hope of connecting with Polo won out. They placed their hands, infusing mana. Ours mingled, the Gias glowed, then faded. A pattern appeared briefly on the backs of our hands before vanishing.
Mars Noctus shall provide Polo Helios intelligence and consultation services to all parties equally.
Clients shall compensate Mars Noctus fairly for services rendered.
Parties agree to fair competition; no sabotage via influence or power.
Penalty for breach: Mana backlash, severe pain, potential death.
“Contract complete. Here’s the Polo intel.”
I handed out the hidden docs, and the heroines clutched them like family heirlooms. Guess handsome guys’ info alone makes them popular. Nothing like my worthless street-fly data.
“Starting tomorrow, I’ll casually probe Polo on dating and relay answers. If he’s not interested, I’ll spark some. Weekly common updates for all three; extras for additional pay.”
They shot me pitying looks like I was a money-grubbing merchant but didn’t object. What can ya do? If you ain’t got the looks, stack that cash.
With this, I took my first glorious step as a love manager.