Chapter 34: Heroine Supplement Plan (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 34: Heroine Supplement Plan (3)
「Natalia Clausewitz.
Born of a collateral lineage of the Clausewitz family.
Showed exceptional talent in swordsmanship from a young age. Before reaching the age of ten, she slew an orc single-handedly and earned the moniker 'Sword Princess.'
Due to her refined beauty and peerless swordsmanship, she was a talent expected to become the next Sword Saint. However, a somewhat forced marriage to the current Sword Saint, Lord Loengram, was arranged by the former Sword Saint, Lord Rosenbach.
She has one son, who has since been commissioned as a civil official after his coming-of-age ceremony and is currently living independently.
Given that she has not ventured outside for the past three years and considering the unsettling rumors surrounding Lord Loengram (adultery, children born out of wedlock, etc.), it appears their marital relationship is not harmonious.
Her confirmed social circle to date seems limited to Miss Helena Clausewitz, who grew up with her, and the wife of Baron Bauer.」
“Hmm… As I thought… No matter how many times I see it, I just can't believe it…”
I knew that the Natalia in my memories and the Natalia of this world were completely different people, but every time I looked at the report, only one thought came to mind.
To think she could be this different.
In my memories, the Natalia who appeared in Milfgard was a woman more like a Sword Saint than the Sword Saint himself.
Neat black hair that exuded an air of high-class elegance.
Breasts and hips of truly majestic proportions, making it more appropriate to call her the 'Sword Queen' rather than the 'Sword Princess.'
A body as beautiful and lethal as a world-class masterpiece of a blade.
And finally, refined features that radiated the courage and spirit of a swordsman, the dignity and grace of a noble, and the benevolence of a mother.
In my past life, I had spent quite a bit of time staring at the Sword Princess on the monitor, pulling my… no, I mean, I spent a long time staring at her in a trance.
'To think such a woman is now hiding from the eyes of the world, a pitiful woman who has no choice but to console herself through binge eating…'
How tragic.
It is only right that I retrain and re-forge this broken, ruined Sword Princess, and see her crowned as the Sword Queen.
Because that is my Milfgard.
“Mm.”
“…Why are you nodding to yourself?”
“Explaining that wouldn't be sexy.”
Now, my preparations are complete.
She can come whenever she wants, in whatever state she’s in.
For the sake of a Helena and Natalia sister-bowl, there is nothing I wouldn't do… or so I was thinking, until—
Knock, knock.
“Young Master, a guest has arrived. It is… the wife of His Excellency, the current Knight Commander…”
“Escort her in politely. Take every precaution to ensure she isn't seen by others.”
“Yes, Young Master.”
Mm… It’s been a while since my heart fluttered like this.
I felt exactly like this when I first saw Helena.
The beating of my heart sounds like the drums of conquest.
As I was enjoying the fluttering sensation in my chest, Sitri slyly climbed onto my lap.
“By the way, do you really intend to keep Helena from meeting Natalia?”
“Yeah. I’d love to have Helena here too, but if I did that, the chances of things getting complicated are high.”
“Hmm… Is that so?”
“To Helena, Natalia has always been the older sister she respects and loves. Natalia probably wouldn't want to meet Helena in her current state at all.”
“Because she’s become an embarrassing sister?”
“To put it simply, yes. Now, you should hide yourself too.”
“Understood.”
Just as Sitri finished her preparations.
The door to the consultation room finally opened.
“Welcome, Lady Natalia. I am truly happy and grateful that you’ve come to see me.”
“…Yes, it’s a pleasure.”
Whoa, this is worse than I thought.
*
Creeeeeak…
The moment Natalia sat down, a mournful groan escaped from the chair beneath her.
Well… it would be a lie to say I wasn't disappointed seeing Natalia in the flesh.
White flesh spilling out of a baggy dress, flabby arms, and skin showing red acne here and there…
But more than anything, the most disappointing thing was her eyes.
Her green eyes, which showed no trace of will, looked like a stagnant, rotten pond.
‘But…’
Despite that, Natalia came to me of her own accord.
Because she wanted to change. Because she hadn't given up on everything yet. Because she wanted to reclaim what she had lost.
If so, my job is simply to respond to that will with everything I have.
“Before we get into the details, allow me to introduce myself. I am Leon von Konstanz, the second son of the Konstanz family.”
I offered a light bow along with my greeting, but the only response was a silent nod.
As expected, this isn't enough to get a reaction.
However, telling her right now, "I'll start your diet and help you lose all that weight!" would be the worst possible move.
The deeper the shadows in someone's heart, the more delicately and carefully they must be handled.
So… for now, it’s encouragement and empathy.
“Lady Natalia.”
“…Yes.”
“I don't know how this will sound to you… but I can feel the pain and anguish you've endured in your appearance. How much you must have suffered. I wouldn't dare say I understand.”
“…”
Natalia silently toyed with her fingers.
Good, there’s a reaction.
If I keep throwing stones into this rotten pond, something is bound to jump out.
“However, I must tell you this. I sincerely respect you, Lady Natalia.”
“…Please stop with the empty words. How could you possibly… looking at me now…”
“That is why I respect you even more. How much you must have agonized and hesitated before coming here today. I sincerely respect your courage and the hope you showed by coming here of your own volition.”
“…”
“Lady Natalia, even now, you still look like the Sword Princess who was loved by the sword and who loved the sword in return.”
“…There was a time when I was called that. But… I have put down the sword. That person… no longer exists.”
The Sword Princess is dead.
Since the Sword Princess herself is saying so, it might seem like there’s no hope, but…
I felt a surge of certainty right now.
“Lady Natalia, have you ever heard the term 'Muscle Memory'?”
“Muscle…?”
“Haha, it’s a term from a foreign land, so it must sound unfamiliar. The meaning is simple. You may have let go of the sword, Lady Natalia, but the sword has not let go of you.”
“The sword hasn't let go of me…?”
“That’s right. If you don't believe me, shall I prove it?”
Only then did a spark of light return to Natalia’s eyes, which had looked like a rotten pond.
The 'me' of the past, who had long since been buried.
It was a faint glimmer of hope that she could reclaim the self who was more radiant than anyone else, that the self from those days had never truly left.
The moment I saw that fleeting spark, I slowly stood up.
“…?”
“I am no match for you, Lady Natalia, but I have also trained in my own way. Having held a sword since I was five, I’m fairly confident in my skills.”
“Is that so…?!”
Swish!
The moment Natalia was within my range, I swung the edge of my hand toward her neck.
With the genuine intent to rupture her windpipe.
To put it stylishly, it was a sincere strike filled with killing intent.
Of course, Natalia…
“What do you think you're doing?”
“As I thought, the sword hasn't let go of you, Lady Natalia.”
“…Huh? What do you…”
Natalia had perfectly blocked my palm strike as naturally as flowing water.
By lightly striking my elbow at the exact right moment, she completely diverted the trajectory of my attack.
Furthermore, she even had her fingertips pointed at my throat.
“This… is…”
“To say that person no longer exists—how could you say something so cruel? The Sword Princess is still alive and well right here.”
“Ah, ah…”
“Though it was unavoidable, I sincerely apologize for the rudeness I committed against you. I will graciously accept any interrogation or punishment you see fit.”
Finally, I knelt before Natalia and presented a single sword.
It was a sword I had hounded a nearby blacksmith to create, an exact replica of the sword Natalia used during her prime.
Of course, this was only possible thanks to Helena’s advice.
Thanks to that… Natalia held the sword I offered with trembling hands.
“How did you get this sword…”
“Do you remember Miss Helena Clausewitz?”
“…Yes.”
“Miss Helena is the instructor who has guided me for the past fifteen years. That instructor entrusted this sword to me. She asked me to take care of her sister.”
“…”
Before I knew it, Natalia was weeping silently.
Like a stagnant, rotten pond overflowing with rain, Natalia wept and wept without end.
‘…Sometimes, I find you frightening.’
‘Why?’
‘Isn't everything you've said so far just to make that woman yours?’
‘Hahaha, so you've grown to dislike me?’
‘Fufu, as if that were possible.’
As I shared this telepathy with Sitri, Natalia’s trembling shoulders gradually steadied.
A handkerchief is exactly what you need at a time like this.
“Thank… you…”
“Don't mention it. Have you calmed down a bit?”
“…Yes.”
While Natalia composed her messy face, I returned to the seat opposite her.
Soon, Natalia looked directly at me, having avoided my gaze the entire time.
Not with eyes like a rotten pond, but with the eyes of the Sword Queen from my memories.
“Lady Natalia, once again, I offer you my sincere respect. For the way you are trying to stand up again, even after being bent and broken.”
“Thank you. But… it’s a bit embarrassing. I’ve given encouragement and support before, but I’ve never received it…”
“If I’ve offended you, I apologize.”
“Oh, no. Offended? Not at all. I… also sincerely thank you.”
Now, the seasoning is done.
From here, I need to move on to the actual aging process… Let’s check her condition in more detail.
“As you know, Lady Natalia, my instructor truly wishes to see you again.”
“That is…”
“Hmm, is it still too difficult for you?”
“…Yes. Helena was always the younger sister who respected and loved me. In my current state… with this appearance, I cannot stand before Helena. Even if Helena says it’s fine, I am not.”
Natalia’s eyes trembled slightly as she looked at me.
Can someone like me really go back?
Can I stand before Helena again as someone who isn't an embarrassment?
I could clearly feel that fear and anxiety.
“Lady Natalia. I believe. I have no doubt in you.”
“…Yes.”
“So, won't you believe in me as well? If you cannot believe in yourself, then believe in me. I will surely make you someone who can stand before my instructor without shame.”
“…”
I felt Natalia’s anxiety and fear beginning to fade.
Believe in the me who believes in you—what a passionate and spirited thing to say.
At this rate, my drill might just pierce the heavens…
While I was having such thoughts, Natalia’s lips finally parted.
“…I understand. I will believe in you, Young Master.”
“Yes. If you trust me and follow my lead entirely, I will change everything. I will help you reclaim everything you have lost.”
“Yes… I will trust you completely, Young Master…”
Mm, Sitri’s suggestion is working well today too.
Just like with Miriam, I’ll have to place a suggestion on Natalia every day for a while.
One day, this suggestion won't work at all… but by then, it will be a situation where suggestions aren't needed.
Because that’s how I’ll make it.
“Well then, we shall begin your rehabilitation starting today. In a place where no one can see or hear us. That would be more convenient for you as well, wouldn't it?”
“Yes…”
“Good. Then let’s go right away.”