Chapter 76: World's Greatest Husband Contest - Eve (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 76: World's Greatest Husband Contest - Eve (2)
Winter passed, and spring arrived once more.
The biting wind was beginning to thaw under the warm sunlight, but patches of un-melted snow still clung to the corners of the streets in the Imperial Capital, Berlina.
Having stepped out onto the streets for the first time in a while, I instinctively pulled my collar tight and muttered to myself.
Even with an immortal body, cold is still cold, and heat is still heat...
"Is it still a bit too early to call it spring...?"
No sooner had the words left my mouth than Valeria, who was walking beside me, linked her arm with mine.
"That’s why I told you we should’ve taken the carriage~"
"Haha."
Beyond the faint mist of my breath, I saw Helena and Natalia smiling.
The two of them were also bundled up more than usual, but their faces, flushed red from the chill, sparkled with anticipation and excitement.
Well... we aren't the only ones looking forward to this.
In fact, the entire capital—no, the entire Empire—was buzzing.
Today was the day Ardrin, the King of Erin, who had crossed the border not long ago, would make her grand entrance into the Imperial Capital.
It was also a day when the Emperor and Empress would step outside the Imperial Palace, a sight one might see only once in a lifetime.
Thanks to that, the central boulevard of Berlina was teeming with people who had gathered from all corners of the Empire.
—Mumble, murmur...
"Hey, stop pushing!"
"I can't see, what do you want me to do?!"
It was nice to be out for a stroll, but it was far too crowded.
Moreover, I could feel some bothersome gazes from the surroundings...
Perhaps sensing this, Helena approached me with a rather serious expression.
"Young Master."
"It seems we should move to a different spot, Teacher."
"Yes. You and the Young Master are fine, but for Ria and Lady Valeria..."
It wasn't that there was a specific problem... yet.
However, the number of people recognizing Valeria and Natalia was steadily increasing. Some were whispering, "Isn't that the Sword Princess...?" while looking at Natalia, or saying, "Isn't that the Chancellor's daughter? Her hair color really is strange," while staring at Valeria.
As a result, Valeria, whose temperament I had managed to fix quite a bit, was starting to regain that sharp, prickly look in her eyes.
Besides, Sitri can't materialize in a place like this...
I decided to enter a building that caught my eye. It was a noble-only restaurant equipped with a pleasant terrace, chairs, tables, and warm drinks.
Of course, the staff tried to block our way, saying they weren't finished with opening preparations.
"I don't care about that, so make sure no one else comes in until I leave."
Thanks to the Duke's daughter throwing a pouch full of gold coins along with a chilling remark, we easily secured a spot.
Taking advantage of the privacy, Sitri materialized without fear of being seen and asked with a puzzled face.
"Wouldn't it have been simpler to use Suggestion?"
"True, but if you can solve it with money, it's better to do so. It's cleaner that way."
"Hmm... I see."
Before long, Helena and Natalia, who had disappeared somewhere, returned. They were carrying bottles of liquor and glasses in both hands.
Since the weather was a bit cold, it seemed they intended to borrow some warmth from the alcohol...
"Young Master, would you like a drink?"
"Sure. Ah, no need for a glass."
"Eh? Then how..."
I immediately took a mouthful of the liquor and pressed my lips against Helena's.
"Gulp... Haa..."
"See?"
"Yes... May I ask for another 'glass'...?"
However, there was no way the others would let that slide.
"What are you saying! I must receive the next drink!"
"I'm next, Darling!"
"Then I shall be the last, Master."
"Hahaha, alright."
As we were passing the drink back and forth to ward off the late winter chill...
Finally, the largest gate of Berlina swung open, and the thunderous sound of horn trumpets and shouting erupted.
"The King of Erin is entering!"
"Waaaaaaah!!"
*
A premature rain of flower petals scattered over the streets of Berlina.
To the beat of foreign drums and marching songs announcing the advance of an Overlord, the Overlord of the Plains finally revealed herself in the capital of the thousand-year Empire.
—Boom, boom, boom...
The first to cross the gate were the Overlord's warriors.
With teeth and claws sharp as swords, horns more piercing than spearheads, and wings thicker than any shield, the beastkin warriors marched proudly.
The commoners on the street were so overwhelmed by their pressure that they couldn't utter a word, but Valeria tossed a casual comment my way.
"Are those the royal warrior band?"
"Yeah. That's the Fiona Warrior Band, Ardrin's personal guard. In Imperial terms, they're the equivalent of the Imperial Knight Order."
"Hmph... I see."
To Valeria, who wasn't a warrior, they were merely a fascinating spectacle, but I, along with Helena and Natalia, couldn't take our eyes off them.
Even without clashing blades, one could tell just by their steady gait and resolute breathing. Every single member of the Fiona Warrior Band was a powerhouse comparable to a veteran knight.
Consequently, Natalia and Helena found themselves clenching their fists.
"Haha, is everyone's blood pumping?"
"Oh, I did it without realizing..."
"It brings back old memories..."
Natalia and Helena looked as if they wanted to jump down right now and challenge every single one of those warriors if they could.
At that moment.
A thunderous shout erupted from within the marching Fiona Warrior Band.
"Halt!"
—Clack.
"Warrior Band, align!"
—Clatter.
Under the command of a warrior who brought a saber-toothed tiger to mind, the beastkin warriors instantly split and lined both sides of the street.
That saber-toothed beastkin... his name was Sreng, I think. The head of the Fiona Warrior Band and Andrasta's most loyal subject. Well then, she's finally appearing...
In this world, she was the strongest warrior of the era and the Overlord who unified the vast plains.
In my past life, she was the ultimate enemy whom no one could ever conquer or break.
Finally, the Queen of War and Struggle was revealing herself.
—Step, step...
The Overlord was walking down the street on foot, accompanied by a black male lion.
However, the only sound heard on the street was the sound of the Overlord's footsteps.
Everyone else had forgotten to even breathe at the sight, but...
The black lion next to Andrasta is Panthera... as expected, he looks even cooler in person...
A small smile played on my lips.
Her neat ponytail fluttered like a lion's mane. The lion ears twitching atop her head were so incredibly cute that I instinctively wanted to reach out and pet them. Her refined features were beautiful enough to rival any of my women.
And those muscles...
As if carved by a legendary sculptor with all his soul, steel-like muscles were etched into every corner of Andrasta's body. Her naturally alluring physique was highlighted even more by her skin-tight, suit-style formal attire that doubled as combat gear.
"Hmm..."
Others might see her differently, but to me, Andrasta just looked like a woman. Even with titles like the strongest warrior of the era, the Overlord of the Plains, and the Ardrin of Erin.
No, rather, it was because of those titles that my heart raced. I felt a thrill at the thought of overcoming the enemy I couldn't surpass in my past life and finally taking the Queen into my arms.
By the way, Helena and Natalia are...
The two women who inherited the blood of the Sword Saint also couldn't take their eyes off Andrasta. Even Sitri, which was quite unexpected.
Sensing this, my hand instinctively pulled Sitri closer by her waist.
"What do you think, Sitri?"
"...I am surprised. I thought the age of myths had come to an end, yet such a person still remains."
"Heh, is she that good? How does she compare to Solomon?"
"Fufu, not quite to that level. However, that woman named Andrasta is certainly comparable to the heroes who graced that era."
In other words, in Sitri's eyes, Andrasta was on par with the heroes of myth.
Then what about Natalia and Helena?
Just as I was about to approach the sisters, who were staring wide-eyed by the railing...
"His Imperial Majesty is arriving! All subjects of the Empire, show your respect!"
From the opposite side of the Overlord, the grand sound of trumpets and the orderly rhythm of a march echoed out.
*
—Rustle...
All the commoners, who had forgotten to breathe, and the nobles, who had been wearing masks of leisure, hurried to drop to one knee.
Even the beastkin warriors seemed somewhat surprised by the movement, which was as disciplined as trained soldiers.
"Sigh, can't be helped."
Since I couldn't be an exception, I stepped down from my chair and knelt on one knee. Helena, Natalia, and Valeria did the same.
As a result, the only one standing... well, the only demon standing was Sitri.
"Fufu, it is my first time seeing you on your knees."
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do. And this just happens to be an Empire."
"Hmm, I thought you would eventually try to become the Emperor yourself."
"Hahaha. Sorry to disappoint, but I don't have a hobby of looking for trouble."
I can state this with certainty. The busiest person in this world right now is the current Emperor, Solomon VII.
Non-stop government affairs, daily grueling labor, zero leisure or rest.
Man, look at that rhyme. Even if I weren't the second son of a Count, I probably could've made a good living as a bard.
...While I was having such thoughts.
Finally, behind the sturdy knights in gleaming silver armor, the Emperor and Empress appeared in a magnificent and ornate carriage.
At that moment, all the commoners and nobles began to shout in unison.
"Long live His Imperial Majesty!"
"Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!"
Following that, an immense amount of confetti fluttered down from all the surrounding buildings.
Hmm... our Majesty might be good at other things, but he's lacking a bit of sense when it comes to directing a scene. Besides, if you took away the fact that he's the Emperor and removed the golden crown, he'd just look like any other middle-aged man exhausted by life...
Anyway, as for the Imperial Consort Alexandra... as expected.
"Now those are the Empire's tits."
Moreover, she had dazzling blonde hair more beautiful than sunlight, refined features that made one forget her age, and blue eyes more stunning than any jewel.
And an Empress-quality ass that didn't lose out to her Empire-class tits.
Though it was my first time seeing her in person, Empress Alexandra radiated a beauty that was not at all inferior to the Overlord Andrasta before her.
Finally, the Emperor stepped down from the carriage and faced the foreign King.
"I sincerely welcome you to the Empire, Ardrin of Erin."
When the Emperor, the master of the Empire, offered his greeting first, Andrasta looked him straight in the eye and replied.
"I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's hospitality. Furthermore, I once again offer my respect and praise for the generosity and insight you show in respecting the culture and traditions of a foreign land."
Her tone was polite, but Andrasta naturally exuded a kingly dignity that was not inferior to the Emperor's.
Nodding slightly at that sight, the Emperor extended his hand to the foreign King.
"I truly hope you find a wonderful partner and that this occasion serves to further strengthen the bond between our two nations."
Naturally taking that hand, Andrasta offered a light laugh along with a remark.
"Haha, there is a way to catch both of those birds with one stone. Would you like to hear it?"
"Hmm? What way is that?"
"How about Your Majesty weds me?"
At that moment, sounds of "Pfft!", "Gah!", and "Cough, cough!" erupted from all over.
Consequently, the women on the terrace with me also turned to look at me with wide eyes.
"Yo-Young Master... what on earth is that..."
"Ma... Master..."
"D-Darling, that, that woman..."
"Hahaha, ahahaha! As expected of a woman worthy of the name Overlord! Ahahahaha!"
I can't believe she actually said that line.
In my past life, the Andrasta who appeared in Milfgard said something similar as soon as she met the Emperor. Well... it's been softened quite a bit now, but the line I saw was like this:
"Does Your Majesty not wish to obtain the world! If so, then get me pregnant! If the Roycen Empire and the Kingdom of Erin become one, we can conquer even the sea of stars!"
The reason Andrasta, who wanted a strong partner, said such things to the Emperor was simple.
An Emperor is the world's strongest wielder of power. And power is also strength. Therefore, the Emperor is the strongest man in the world. In short, he is a male worthy of being her mate... that was her logic.
"...Hearing it like that, I think I understand."
Helena nodded as she said that.
"It might not be so bad...?"
Natalia also nodded, but...
"These muscle-brains."
Valeria, the precious daughter of a Duke, reacted as if it were absurd.
As for our Majesty, who had suddenly received a proposal from a woman much younger than him...
"Haha, I am sorry, but that cannot be. As you can see, I am already a married man."
He tried to smoothly brush off the Overlord's provocative proposal with a kind and relaxed laugh... but.
As if waiting for this moment, Andrasta took a slight half-step forward.
"In Erin, polygyny or polyandry is a common occurrence."
It was a statement truly befitting the King of a country where strength decided everything.
Of course, our Emperor rejected the Overlord's challenge flatly.
"It is not so in the Empire."
For a moment, a very brief moment, silence fell between the Emperor and the Overlord.
Just as the atmosphere was about to turn completely cold amidst the cold sweat of everyone watching...
Andrasta burst into a refreshing laugh and bowed her head slightly to the Emperor.
"Hahaha, I have committed an impoliteness, unable to overcome my greed."
To the Overlord, who still didn't apologize until the end, the Emperor showed a relaxed smile.
"Haha, I understand. One who is King must naturally be greedy for the national interest."
"Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. I have one other request; would you permit it?"
"Speak."
"I would like to take this opportunity to say a word to all the subjects of the Empire."
"Haha, I shall permit that much. A King's words are meant to be spoken to all people."
Andrasta immediately turned her back to the Emperor. Then, looking at all the subjects of the capital, she began to shout like a lion's roar.
"Listen, subjects of the Empire! I sincerely thank you for the passionate cheers and support you have sent to a guest from a foreign land!"
"Oooooh!"
The cheers of the Fiona Warrior Band that followed were like adding fuel to a fire. The cheers that hadn't erupted when they first entered finally burst forth now.
"Waaaaaaaah!"
Andrasta looked at the scene with satisfaction and shouted once more.
"As you know, I have traveled through many countries! But nowhere could I find one to be my partner, and finally, I have arrived at the capital of the Empire!"
"Waaaaaaaah!!"
"I have heard that the Roycen Empire is a country founded by the peerless hero, Holy Emperor Solomon, and that you are his descendants! Seeing you in person, those rumors were not exaggerated at all!"
Whether it was because of her booming voice or the fighting spirit that made one's whole body tingle...
Before long, the eyes of the Empire's subjects looking at Andrasta were sparkling with admiration.
Basking in that gaze of envy and longing, Andrasta spoke again.
"The Ardrin of Erin, the Overlord of the Plains, is right here! Challenge me! Conquer and claim me! The King of Erin shall be held in the arms of a true hero!"
The atmosphere became hotter than ever.
As the Fiona Warrior Band and the people of the capital roared as one, the Overlord gave one final shout.
"Thank you for listening! I shall pray that your lives are filled with the cries of struggle and the songs of victory!"
With those final words, Andrasta moved forward alongside the Emperor.
Accompanied by passionate cheers and the sound of heated drums.
Watching that scene, a voice tinged with laughter flowed from Sitri's mouth.
"Fufu, you aside... what happens if Helena and Natalia win?"
"...I wonder?"
"Shall we try becoming the Overlords of the Plains this time? Ria."
"That wouldn't be so bad, fufu."